SUPPLEMENTATION OF SHATAVARI (Asparagus racemosus) ROOT POWDER AUGMENTS GROWTH AND REDUCES THE AGE AT PUBERTY IN MURRAH BUFFALO HEIFERS

Growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) induced growth hormone advances puberty in female buffaloes

Helper T cells 17 (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Treg), as CD4+T lymphocyte subsets, play an important role in the process of atherosclerosis. However, there are few studies on the regulation and efficacy of atorvastatin combined with amlodipine on Th17/Treg balance in hypertension combined with carotid atherosclerosis. Therefore, this study aims to verify the efficacy and immunomodulatory effects of atorvastatin combined with amlodipine in the treatment of hypertension combined with carotid atherosclerosis. A total of 260 patients with hypertension and carotid atherosclerosis were randomly divided into atorvastatin or combined treatment group. Inflammatory factors and Th17 and Treg levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry. The messenger ribonucleic acid expression of retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor gamma and forkhead spiral transcription factor were detected by real-time quantitative polymerse chain reaction. We found that the total effective rate in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group. The levels of whole blood high shear viscosity, whole blood low shear viscosity, plasma specific viscosity and fibrin content in the 2 groups were significantly decreased after treatment, and the combined group was significantly lower than the control group (all P < .05). The improvement of endothelial function in the treatment group was also significantly higher than that in the control group (all P < .05). In addition, we found that there were statistically significant differences in Th17 percentage, Treg percentage and Treg/Th17 between the treatment group and the control group (P < .05). The messenger ribonucleic acid levels of retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor gamma and forkhead spiral transcription factor showed the same trend. Further detection of Th17-related inflammatory factors showed that the expression of interleukin (IL)-17, IL-6, IL-23 and tumor necrosis factor-α in the treatment group was significantly decreased, which was better than that in the control group (all P < .05). These data indicate that amlodipine combined with atorvastatin can improve Th17/Treg imbalance, vascular endothelial function and efficacy in patients with hypertension and atherosclerosis.

Forty Zaraibi goats having 3 years old and 41 kg live body weight (LBW) were used. Goats were placed into similar five groups based on their age, body weight, (8 does / group) which the control group were fed on basal diet containing 0.17 mg Se/kg DM. The treated goats fed on the same basal diet plus the treatment with Se as follows: First group (G1): as a control group without any treatment. Second group (G2): goats were injected with 0.1 mg of selenium (sodium selenite) per kg LBW. Third group (G3): goats were injected with 0.2 mg of selenium (sodium selenite) per kg LBW. Fourth group (G4): goats were given oral dose of Nano-selenium (Na-Se, 0.1 mg/kg LBW). Fifth group (G5): goats were given oral dose of Na-Se (0.2 mg/kg LBW). Values of the percentage of does that came in estrus following treatment were significantly higher (P<0.05) in G3, G4, and G5 (100%) than G2 treatment group (87.5%), however, relatively low estrous activity for does has occurred on control group G1 (75%). In does treated with Na-Se kidding rate of the highest value in September experiment (2.25) for G4 and G5 while gradually decreased reaching 1.71 and 1.66 for G2 and G3 and the lowest value in kidding rate 1.16 for G1 (control). Does in all treatment groups (G2, G3, G4 and G5) has single birth (16.7, 14.3, 12.5 and 12.5%) compared with those in G1 significantly (P<0.05) produced more single birth (60%). However, does which have the highest value of twins birth was G2 (66.7%) with significantly differences (P<0.05), while G3, G4 and G5 have 57.1%, 50% and 50% compared with the lowest value of twins (40%) on controls (G1). Its worth to note that does which produce triples was 16.6, 28.6, 37.5 and 37.5% for G2, G3, G4 and G5. Does in all treatment groups, except those in G5 significantly (P<0.05) produced more female kids (61.1%) and less male kids (38.9%) than the other treatment or control group. The values were 42.9, 58.3, 40 and 55.5% male for G1, G2, G3 and G4, respectively. On overview, the obtained results indicated that the supplementation positively improved reproduction performance. It was concluded that Na-Se can be used as a alternatively available source in Zaraibi goats

2 Abstract: A total of 300 one day old Ross 308 broiler chicks were used in this study to determine the effect of supplementing ration with different levels of arginine on productive performance of broiler chickens. The chicks were allocated for 4 treatment groups (75 chicks for each group) and each treatment was consisted of five replicates with 15 chicks each. Treatment groups were: C: control group (without any addition of arginine); T1, T2 and T3: adding arginine to the diet of broiler chickens at levels of 0.02, 0.04 and 0.06%, respectively. Two types of diets were used over the period of experiment, starter diet was used from one to 20 days of chick s' age and then grower diet was used till the end of the experiment (46 days of age) . Productive traits included in this study were live body weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, production index, economic figure and livability. Results revealed that feeding diets containing arginine (T1, T2 and T3) resulted in significant increase (p<0.05) in live body weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio during the most period of experiment and with relation to accumulative weight gain, accumulative feed intake and accumulative feed conversion ratio as compared with control group (C). However, adding arginine to the diet of broiler chickens resulted in significant increase (p<0.05) in production index, economic figure and livability in comparison with control group. In conclusion, dietary arginine supplementation resulted in significant improvement in productive traits included in this study. So arginine can be used as effective feed additive for improve productive performance of broiler chickens.

Aim:The study was conducted at a smallholder goat farm located in Labu, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of proper feeding program on growth performances of replacement breeder goats.Materials and Methods:A total of 30 healthy female boer cross goats at the age of 4 months old with average initial live body weight (BW) of 20.05±0.5 kg were used for on-farm feeding trial to evaluate the growth performance as preparation for breeding purposes. The experimental goats were divided into two groups of 15 animals each labeled as control and treatment groups, which were kept under intensive farming system. Goats in control group were fed with normal routine feeding protocol practiced by the farmer, while goats in the treatment group were fed with new feed formulation. Throughout the experimental period, on-farm monitoring and data collection were carried out. Initial BW and body condition score (BCS) were recorded before the start of the experiment while final BW and BCS were gained after 7 months of the experimental period. Average daily gain (ADG) was calculated after the experiment end. Data on BW, ADG, and BCS were recorded from both groups for every 2 weeks and reported monthly. The feed intake for the control group was 2.8 kg/animal/day which practiced by the farmer and 3.2 kg/animal/day as new feed formulation for the treatment group.Results:After 7 months of the experimental period, final BW shows an improvement in treatment group (39.1±1.53 kg) compared with control group (32.3±1.23 kg). The ADG in treatment group also gives promising result when comparing with control group. Goats in treatment group significantly attained better ADG than control group which were 126.7 g/day and 83.3 g/day, respectively. For the BCS, goats in the treatment group had shown an improvement where 86.67% (13 out of 15) of the group had BCS ≥3 (1-5 scoring scale) and only 66.67% (10 out of 15) of the control group had BCS ≥3.Conclusion:Therefore, it was concluded that implementation of proper feeding program as shown in treatment group give promising result to improve the growth performance of replacement breeder goats which can be adopted by the farmers to improve farm productivity.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of phytogenic feed additive and prebiotic on vegetable protein base diet in broiler performance. A total of 90 chicks (Cobb-500) were weighted and randomly assigned to the three treatment groups (To, T1 and T2) and supplemented with either phytogenic feed additives or prebiotic and reared for 28 days. Data on live body weight, body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion (FC) were taken at weekly interval. Results revealed that significant (P&lt;0.05) increase in live body weight of broilers was evident in both phytogenic feed additive and prebiotic supplemented groups comparing to the control group at 4th weeks of age. No significant (P&gt;0.05) differences were found in live weight gain among the treatment groups on weekly intervals along the whole experimental period. However, significant differences (P&lt;0.05) were evident on cumulative weight gain at 3rd and 4th weeks of age. In case of feed intake at the age of 3rd and 4th weeks, significant (P&lt;0.05) differences were obtained with decreased feed intake in both phytogenic feed additive and prebiotic supplemented groups comparing to the control group. In case of feed conversion (FC), there were significant (P&lt;0.05) differences among the groups on 1st week and 4th week of age. Best FC was accounted for prebiotic supplemented group along the whole experimental period. The survivability rates were 96.67%, 100% and 100% in control group, phytogenic feed additive and prebiotic supplemented group respectively. Results finally showed that vegetable protein when supplemented with phytogenic prebiotic feed additives and prebiotic c an additive beneficial effect on performance of when compared to non-supplemented control diet. So, ration using vegetable protein mixed with phytogenic feed additives or prebiotic can be recommended for broiler.Progressive Agriculture 28 (4): 323-330, 2017

The aim of the present study was to find out the effect of heat stress amelioration on body weight changes, dry matter intake, milk yield and economics in lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes during hot-dry (HD; April to Mid June) and hot-humid (HH; Mid June to August) seasons under tropical climate. Forty two Nili-Ravi lactating buffaloes were uniformly divided into two groups of twenty one in each considering their lactation number, stage of lactation, body weight, dam’s milk yield and milk yield in current lactation. The control (T0) group buffaloes were kept in separate shed without any nutrient supplementation and modification in microclimate and management. The treatment (T1) group was supplemented with niacin, yeast, edible oil in feed and provided curtains and mist fans in the shed, and altered feeding time, frequency and type of ration. The overall mean body weights in control and treatment group buffaloes were noted to be 517.4 kg and 523.4 kg, respectively. Under HD and HH seasons, mean body weights at different fortnights in treatment group buffaloes were 515.6 kg and 531.1 kg, respectively. In control group, the respective values were 512 kg and 522.7 kg. Although the body weights were higher in treatment than control group, there were no statistically significant differences between two experimental groups. The overall mean daily total dry matter intake (TDMI), dry matter intake through concentrate (CDMI), dry matter intake through dry fodder (DFDMI) and dry matter intake through green fodder (GFDMI) were noted to be 13.04, 4.21, 1.02, 7.92, 14.13, 4.24, 1.17 and 8.65 kg in control and treatment group buffaloes, respectively. Under both seasons, treatment group buffaloes consumed more dry matter than control group throughout the experimental period. The values were also differed significantly (ranged from P&lt;0.05 to P&lt;0.0001) between two groups. The overall mean values of fortnightly total milk production were 103.2 kg in control group and 121.5 kg in treatment group. Throughout the period, treatment group buffaloes produced more milk than control. Milk production was also significantly (P&lt;0.0001) differed between control and treatment groups under two seasons. The daily average additional input cost per buffalo was maximum 22/- and additional income per buffalo was minimum 35/-. Therefore, the net profit was around 13/- per buffalo per day. The input: output ratio was calculated to be 1:1.59. It can be concluded that the use of such types of housing, nutritional and management interventions in the form of one package not only helps to maintain body weight but also increases dry matter intake and favours economic milk production in lactating buffaloes through reducing heat stress during hot-dry and hot-humid seasons in tropical climate.

Multiple-Family Group Treatment for English- and Vietnamese-Speaking Families Living With Schizophrenia

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of Moringa oleifera aqueous seed extract on live body weight, gonadal and extragonadal dimensions and sperm reserves of Yankasa rams. Twenty five apparently healthy Yankasa rams aged 1-2 years and weighing 19.0 ± 2.1 Kg were used for the study. The rams were randomly selected into five groups: A, B, C, D and E with five rams in each group as treatment and control groups respectively. Groups A - D were given oral dose of Moringa oleifera aqueous seed extract at a dose rate of 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 (mg/kg), respectively while group E was given 10 ml/kg water orally, daily for five months. Live body weight, gonadal and extragonadal reserves were determined according to standard techniques. The results showed a significant increase in live body weight in the months of April to June among rams treated with different doses of Moringa oleifera aqueous seed extract compared with the control group. The control group showed no significant differences in the body weight, gonadal and extragonadal dimensions and sperm reserves. In conclusion, the treatment of Yankasa rams with Moringa oleifera aqueous seed extract increased live body weight, but had no significant effects on gonadal and extragonadal dimensions and sperm reserves in Yankasa rams. Therefore, it is recommended that M. oleifera aqueous seed extract can be used at doses of 2000mg/kg to 3000mg/kg in Yankasa rams for optimum gain in live body weight.

Effects of wet soya waste supplementation on the intake, growth and reproduction of goats fed Napier grass

The study was conducted to evaluate effect of dietary supplementation of locally available herbs dandelion leaves and fenugreek seeds with or without enzyme treatment in broiler chicken. Day-old commercial broiler chicks (273) were reared together until 7 days of age and on 7th day, and individually weighed, and distributed randomly into 7 groups of 3 replicates with 13 chicks each. Birds in the control group were fed diets without additives (T1). The other 6 treatment groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.5% dandelion leaves (T2), 1% fenugreek seeds (T3), combination of 0.5% dandelion leaves and 1% fenugreek seeds (T4), enzyme treated dandelion leaves 0.5% (T5), enzyme treated fenugreek seeds 1% (T6), and combination of enzyme treated dandelion leaves (0.5%) and (1%) fenugreek seeds (T7). The results revealed a significant improvement in the live body weight of broiler chicken fed diets supplemented with dandelion leaves and fenugreek seeds with or without enzyme treatment (T5, T6 and T7) when compared with the control group. A significant improvement in the live body weight and body weight gain was obtained in the said groups from 3 to 6 weeks of age. Highest live body weight was observed in the group fed combination of enzyme treated dandelion leaves and fenugreek seeds (T7) followed by 1892.62g±5.11 in enzyme treated dandelion group (T6). Among the groups fed dandelion leaves and fenugreek seeds without enzyme, highest body weight was achieved in the group fed 1% combination of dandelion leaves and fenugreek seeds in the diet (T4), followed by the group fed fenugreek alone (T3). Fenugreek seeds showed better results in terms of growth of birds than dandelion leaves. Highest cumulative feed consumption was recorded in all the groups in which 1% fenugreek seeds were supplemented when compared with the control group. However, a nonsignificant effect was observed in the dandelion groups compared to control in terms of cumulative feed consumption. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly improved in the birds fed diets containing either raw or enzyme treated dandelion leaves and fenugreek seeds, alone or in combination, when compared with the control group. Among the different treatment groups, best FCR was observed in the group fed combination of enzyme treated dandelion leaves and fenugreek seeds (T7), followed by enzyme treated dandelion group. The mean values of serum glucose and cholesterol significantly reduced among different treatment groups compared to control, the highest reduction being observed in the groups fed combination of dandelion leaves and fenugreek seeds with or without enzyme addition. Further, the in vitro study revealed that both the dandelion leaves and fenugreek seeds have antibacterial properties with zone of inhibition as 2 mm from dandelion leaves and 2.1 mm from fenugreek seeds for the concentration of 0.5 mg/ml and 0.05 mg/ml of extract against Escherichia coli on the Mueller Hinton Agar, respectively.

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of dietary supplementation of rocket (Eruca Sativa) seeds, carrot (Daucus Carota L) seeds or bay laurel (Bay laurel Nobilis L)., leavesand their mixed between them on some reproductive and productive traits, antioxidant status of doe rabbits and their offspring's, during the pregnancy and lactation periods, under the same conditions.Forty eight New Zealand White (NZW) doe rabbits about 6-7 months old (2.890-3.070 kg) were randomly allotted to eight dietary groups (6 rabbits in each treatment group). The first group was fed a basal diet as control group,(T1); while the experimental second to eighth groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 1.0% rocket seed (T2); 1.0% carrot seed (T3); 1.0% bay laurel leaf (T4); 0.5% rocket seed+0.5% carrot seed (T5); 0.5% carrot seed+0.5% bay laurel leaf (T6); 0.5% rocket seed+0.50% bay laurel leaf (T7) and 0.33% rocket seed+0.33% carrot seed+0.33% bay laurel leaf (T8), respectively. The experimental period lasted for 16 weeks. Live body weights of does before and after parturition days and at first day of lactation were significantly higher (P=0.05, 0.002 and 0.01) in all treated rabbits as compared to control group respectively, while the response of does live body weights at weaning day was not significant. All treated groups had significantly higher total feed intake during pregnancy and lactation when compared to the control group. During pregnancy constantly plasma, antioxidant capacity and endogenous antioxidant enzymes in terms of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were higher in treated groups compared to the control group, however the effect was significant in some treated groups. Hence, lipid peroxidation in terms of TBARs was significantly reduced in all treated groups compared to control. Metabolic and sex hormones (T3 and E2) were significantly leveled up in all treated groups, while the effect on progesterone (P4) hormone was significantly higher for some treatments. During lactation period weekly and total milk yield were higher in treated groups. The improvement of milk yield was significant increased in T3, T4, T7 and T8 compared to the control group. During lactation period data on plasma antioxidant, constituents and hormones followed the same trends as in these concerning pregnancy periods, where treated groups surpassed the control group and favored the parameters evaluated. Litter size and weight at weaning significantly (P=0.01 and 0.004) increased for all feed additives compared to control, respectively. The same trends were observed in litters weight gain fed diets supplemented with different feed additives. Means of pre- weaning survival rate (%) from birth to weaning age in the treatments groups were better significantly than control group. Conclusively, the findings of this study demonstrated that dietary supplementation of feed additives rocket seeds and carrot seeds or Bayleavesindividually or in combinationsimproved reproductive or productive performance of does, antioxidant status hormone function during pregnancy and lactation period of doe rabbits. Moreover, offspring of rabbits the best results were obtained supplementing 0.33% rocket seed+0.33% carrot seed+0.33% bay laurel leaf/ diet of litter weight at weaning.

To determine the effects of diets supplemented with protected fat (PF) on milk production and reproductive performance, fifteen lactating Holstein cows weighing 490-540 Kg and having 1-4 parities were divided in a completely randomized block design into three similar groups. Cows in the 1st group were individually fed the control diet, while those in the 2nd and 3rd groups were fed control diet supplemented with 3% and 5% of Ca salt of fatty acids (Magnapac) on dry matter basis of concentrate feed mixture (CFM), respectively. The experimental feeding period lasted from 2-3 weeks pre-partum up to the 120 day-post-partum or conception. At calving, duration of placental drop (PD) and uterine involution (UI) were determined. Live body weight (LBW), body condition score (BCS), feed intake (FI) and average daily milk yield (ADMY) were biweekly recorded at the 15 , 30, 45 and 60 lactation days. During the post-partum period, interval from calving to conception (DO), and then number of services per conception (NSC) were recorded. Results showed insignificant differences in LBW, however, cows in 5% PF group showed slight increase in LBW (1.4%) versus reduction in LBW of 3% PF (-2.9%) and control (-5.1%) groups. There were insignificant group differences in BCS, although BCS of 5% PF group was the best as compared to 3% PF or control groups.FI fro CFM of 5% PF group was lower than those of 3% and control groups (10.59 vs. 10.99 and 11.15 kg), but the difference was not significant. ADMY was higher (P<0.05) in 5% than in 3% and control groups (25.19 vs. 24.33 and 24.25 kg/60 d lactation). The duration of PD markedly reduced (P<0.05) by about 3.6 and 3.1 days and UI reduced (P≥0.05) by 3.2 and 3.0 days in 3 and 5% PF groups as compared to the control group, respectively. Also, NSC reduced (P<0.05) to 1.6 and 1.2 services in 3 and 5% PF groups as compared to 3 services in control group. Number of DO was shorter (P<0.05) in 3 and 5% PF groups (40.2 and 46.2 d) than in control one (88.6 d). Feeding PF diets at a level of 5% increased milk yield, feed efficiency and reproductive performance, but showed economic feed efficiency lower than feeding lactating Holstein cows on the control diet.

total number of 45 V-line rabbit males at 5 weeks of age and averaged about 846.25 to 861.25g body weight were used in this study.Animals were distributed randomly into five experimental groups of 9 rabbits per each with three replicates (3 rabbits each).The 1 st rabbits group was served as a control group without any supplementation in diet or drinking water.The second and third groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 1.0 and 1.5% pomegranate peel powder in the diet, respectively.Whereas, the fourth and fifth groups were fed the basal diet supplemented with 1.0 and 1.5% pomegranate peel extract in the drinking water, respectively.The experiment lasted for 8 weeks.The results obtained could be summarized as follows: rabbit males drinking pomegranate peel extract at different levels or fed pomegranate peel powder at different levels had significantly (P≤0.05)best values for live body weight and live body weight gain compared with the control rabbits.Rabbits fed 1% pomegranate peel powder consumed significantly (P≤0.05)feed more than other treatment groups or control group.Rabbit drinking 1.5% pomegranate peel extract significantly (P≤0.05)improved feed conversion ratio followed by fed 1% pomegranate peel powder compared to other treatment groups or control group during whole experimental period.A significant (P≤0.05)increase in the digestion coefficient of organic matter with the addition of pomegranate peel extract or powder.Feeding basal diet plus pomegranate peel extract at high level causing lower (P≤0.05)significant the digestion coefficient of ether extract compared to other test diets.Either adding pomegranate peel in the form of powder or control diet led to an increase digest NFE coefficient compared to the addition of pomegranate peel extract.The results also showed the superiority of pomegranate peel extract compared to the addition of pomegranate peel powder to improve the utilization of energy in the form of TDN.Adding pomegranate peel extract was improved DCP significantly (P≤0.05)compared to the addition of PP powder and control diet.Adding pomegranate peel in powder form or in extract form of rabbits significantly (P≤0.05)increased concentration of total protein, globulin and total lipids comparing with control one.The best value of Economic Efficiency (EE) was recorded by group drinking 1.5% pomegranate peel extract.From the present study, it could be concluded that pomegranate peel in powder form by diet or in extract form by drinking water of rabbits improved the growth performance, digestibility coefficients, nutritive values, carcass characteristic and some blood constituents of V-line growing rabbit males.

A combination of olanzapine and the opioid receptor antagonist samidorphan is under development for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. The single-tablet combination treatment is intended to provide the efficacy of olanzapine while mitigating olanzapine-associated weight gain. In this phase 3 double-blind trial, the authors evaluated the weight profile of combined olanzapine/samidorphan compared with olanzapine in patients with schizophrenia. Adults (ages 18‒55 years) with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to receive either combination treatment with olanzapine and samidorphan or olanzapine treatment for 24 weeks. Primary endpoints were percent change from baseline in body weight and proportion of patients with ≥10% weight gain at week 24. The key secondary endpoint was the proportion of patients with ≥7% weight gain. Waist circumference and fasting metabolic laboratory parameters were also measured. Of 561 patients who underwent randomization (olanzapine/samidorphan combination, N=280; olanzapine, N=281), 538 had at least one postbaseline weight assessment. At week 24, the least squares mean percent weight change from baseline was 4.21% (SE=0.68) in the olanzapine/samidorphan group and 6.59% (SE=0.67) in the olanzapine group (the difference of -2.38% [SE=0.76] was significant). Significantly fewer patients in the olanzapine/samidorphan combination group compared with the olanzapine group had weight gain ≥10% (17.8% and 29.8%, respectively; number needed to treat [NNT]=7.29; odds ratio=0.50) and weight gain ≥7% (27.5% and 42.7%, respectively; NNT=6.29; odds ratio=0.50). Increases in waist circumference were smaller in the olanzapine/samidorphan combination group compared with the olanzapine group. Schizophrenia symptom improvement was similar between treatment groups. Adverse events (in ≥10% of the groups) in the olanzapine/samidorphan and olanzapine groups included weight gain (24.8% and 36.2%), somnolence (21.2% and 18.1%), dry mouth (12.8% and 8.0%), and increased appetite (10.9% and 12.3%). Metabolic changes were small and similar between treatments. Olanzapine/samidorphan combination treatment was associated with significantly less weight gain and smaller increases in waist circumference than olanzapine and was well tolerated. The antipsychotic efficacy of the combination treatment was similar to that of olanzapine monotherapy.