Average Daily Body Weight Gain Research Articles

74 Feeding style and its influence on growth, circulating insulin, and spatial preference of young pigs

Abstract In this study, we investigated the influence of feeding style on growth performance, circulating insulin concentrations, and spatial preference within the home-cages (HC) of young pigs. Pigs (n = 43 boars) were weaned on postnatal day (PND) 2, allotted to treatment based on litter of origin and body weight (BW), and reared artificially over a 15-d period. Pigs were provided a nutritionally adequate milk replacer 20 h per day using one of two feeding styles: 1) ad libitum (i.e., continual access to milk replacer), and 2) prescribed [330 mL/kg of BW from PND 3-7 (wk 1), and 357.5 mL/kg of BW from PND 8-18 (wk 2)]. In addition to water in the reconstituted milk replacer, free choice access to fresh water was provided throughout the study. Milk intake (i.e., disappearance) and BW were recorded daily, with pigs undergoing continuous top-down video surveillance throughout the study. On PND 17, blood was collected from a subset of pigs (n = 24) for quantification of insulin concentrations. Video analysis of pigs (n = 43) was performed to establish time spent in each HC quadrant. All data were analyzed via a 1-way ANOVA using the MIXED procedure of SAS. During wk 1, ad libitum pigs exhibited increased (P < 0.05) average daily BW gain (152 g/d) and average daily milk intake (728 g/d) compared with the prescribed treatment (127 g/d and 570 g/d, respectively). This same effect continued in wk 2 for average daily BW gain and average daily milk intake, with ad libitum-fed pigs consuming more (P < 0.05) milk replacer (256 g/d and 1,356 g/d, respectively) compared with prescribed-fed pigs (192 g/d and 974 g/d, respectively). Over the entire 15-d feeding study, average daily BW gain (234 g/d), average daily feed intake (1,140 g/d) and milk intake-to-BW ratio (4.60) were greater (P < 0.05) in the ad libitum treatment compared with prescribed feeding (180 g/d, 830 g/d, and 3.81 respectively). Insulin concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in the ad libitum treatment (348 µIU/mL) 30 min after feed provision compared with the prescribed treatment (190 µIU/mL). Video analysis of spatial preference within HC suggested pigs in the prescribed treatment spent more (P < 0.05) time in quadrant 4 during wk 1 (5.43% of time recorded) compared with the ad libitum treatment (3.82% of time recorded), likely due to quadrant 4 housing the feed bowl. However, all other time points had no effect on spatial preference. Overall, the type of feeding style altered growth performance and insulin concentrations within young pigs and may impact the spatial preference of pigs within their home-cage environment.

Combined Effects of Cadmium and Lead on Growth Performance and Kidney Function in Broiler Chicken.

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are heavy metals prevalent in the environment and feed, and they reduce production performance of domestic animals, as well as they result in residue in animal tissues. The kidney is the target tissue for Cd and Pb. And the kidney is crucial for the reabsorption of calcium (Ca), which consequently influences bone strength. However, there are relatively few studies related to the effects of Cd and Pb exposure on performance, bone strength and kidney damage in livestock. The purpose of this experiment was to explore the combined effect of Cd and Pb on growth performance and renal impairment and the possible underlying mechanism. For this, 168 1-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into four groups of six birds each, with seven replicates in each group: control group, 50mg Cd/kg body weight group, 200mg Pb/kg body weight group and 50mg Cd/kg body weight + 200mg Pb/kg body weight group. Feed intake was recorded daily and body weight was recorded weekly. The results show that at the end of the 3rd and 6th week, one broiler from each replicate was randomly selected for sampling. Boilers co-exposed to Cd and Pb for 3weeks and 6weeks had significantly decreased average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily body weight gain (ADG) than the control group, and the ratio of feed-to-weight gain (F/G) significantly increased after 6weeks of co-exposure to Cd and Pb. Microscopic picture and ultrastructure analyses of the kidneys showed that Cd and Pb caused kidney damage to broiler chickens, and the damage was more serious in the Cd + Pb group, which was manifested by increased renal tubular epithelial degeneration and increased interstitial stasis points. Dietary exposure to Cd and Pb impaired production performance and induced renal oxidative damage in broilers. The combined effects of Cd and Pb on the kidneys are greater than their effects alone. The PERK-ATF4 pathway mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress participates the renal oxidative damage during chronic Cd and Pb exposure.

Effect of feeding Bengal gram residual forage-based pelleted total mixed ration on growth performance, nutrient availability, carcass traits and composition in finisher Barbari kids.

The study aimed to assess the impact of feeding Bengal gram residual forage-based pelleted Total Mixed Ration (TMR) with varying concentrate (C) to roughage (R) ratios on feed intake, nutrient utilization, growth, and carcass characteristics in Barbari kids. Sixteen weaned male Barbari kids (av. age, 233 ± 11 days; weight, 13.86 ± 0.76kg) were divided into two groups (T1 and T2), each receiving different pelleted diets (TMR) with distinct concentrate to roughage ratios (T1 with 60:40; T2 with 40:60). The kids were fed for 133 days, and a digestion trial was conducted at the end of the study. After completion, all kids were slaughtered. Although, kids under T1 consumed higher (P < 0.001) amount of dry matter, and crude protein compared to T2, which was due to a higher concentrate to roughage ratio in T1. But, the average daily body weight gain (ADG) of finisher kids was 88.53, and 79.83g/d/kid in T1 and T2, respectively; however, the difference was non-significant. Digestibility of organic matter, crude protein, and total carbohydrate was also greater in T1 compared to T2. Total digestible nutrients intake was higher (P < 0.001) in T1; similarly intake of digestible energy, and metabolizable energy were significantly increased (P < 0.01) in T1 compared to T2. Concentrations of volatile fatty acids and NH3-nitrogen were also enhanced (P < 0.05) in T1 compared to T2. We observed similar carcass weight, and dressing percentage in both groups, and carcass composition remained unaffected. The pelleted diet containing greater ratio of concentrate: roughage (60:40) had no additional benefits in terms of ADG, and carcass traits in finisher kids. Therefore, it may be concluded that the Bengal gram residual forage-based pelleted TMR diet containing C40: R60 (TDN 57.13%, DCP 7.64%, ME 9.11MJ/kg feed) is suitable for optimizing growth performance with desirable carcass traits, and meat composition in finisher Barbari kids reared under the intensive system.

Effect of Addition of a Mixture of Ethyl Esters of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid of Linseed Oil to Liquid Feed on Performance and Health of Dairy Calves.

This study aimed to determine the effect of supplementing liquid feeds with a mixture of ethyl esters of polyunsaturated fatty acid of linseed oil (EEPUFA; α-linolenic acid-64.5%, linoleic acid-16.1%, and oleic acid-19.4%) on feed intake, body weight gain, feed efficiency, and health of dairy calves. Thirty-six healthy female Holstein-Friesian calves (7 d of age, 41.2 ± 4.0 kg) were assigned to one of two treatment groups (18 calves per group), i.e., control or EEPUFA, and fed liquid feed (whole milk (WM) or milk replacer (MR)) either without or with 10 mL/d of EEPUFA supplementation, respectively, for 56 days (till 63 d of age). Average daily intake of WM and MR was similar between treatments (p = 0.94). Average daily total DM intake and average daily starter feed DM intake were higher for the EEPUFA group (p = 0.05 and p = 0.01, respectively). The average daily body weight gain was also higher for the EEPUFA group (55 g/d; p = 0.03), although final body weight turned out not to be significantly different between groups (75.6 kg vs. 79.0 kg, control vs. EEPUFA, respectively; p = 0.20). Supplementation of liquid feeds with EEPUFA did not affect feed efficiency (p = 0.37) and most of investigated health parameters. However, the percentage of days with diarrhea relative to the number of days receiving treatment was higher in the control group than the EEPUFA group (76 vs. 42, respectively; p = 0.04). Although the results of this preliminary study are promising, further research is needed to establish the dose effect of EEPUFA on the performance and health of calves.

Effectiveness of probiotics in growing broiler chicken

Antibacterial preparations are used to prevent bacterial diseases in poultry when raising broilers but given the negative factor of their residual accumulation in meat and the acquisition of resistance by pathogens, it became necessary to find alternative means. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of various concentrations of Bacillus coagulans on the growth and development of broiler chickens. Methods employed: microbiological; physiological to determine the state of health and safety of chickens; zootechnical; pathological; statistical. The chickens in the experiment had a higher live weight at Day 35: in Group 1 – by 11%, in Group 2 – by 15.4%, and in Group 3 – by 18.4%, as opposed to the control. The average daily body weight gain of chickens in groups with B. coagulans was higher, in Group 1–by 10.8%, in Group 2–by 15%, and in Group 3–by 18.3%. The preservation rate in all experimental groups, regardless of the probiotic concentration, was 100%, while in the control group – 80%. There was an increase in live weight in the following groups: Group 1–by 11%, Group 2 – by 15.5%, Group 3 – by 19%. Feed conversion was lower in Group 1 by 5.3%, in Group 2 – by 3.4%, and in Group 3 – by 2%, compared to the control. At the end of the study, the level of Lactobacillus sp. in the intestines of chickens in Group 1 was 33.78% higher, in Group 2 – by 50%, in Group 3 – by 78.37%; a decrease in the content of Enterobacteriaceae sp. in Group 1–by 51.48%, in Group 2 – by 65.11%, in Group 3–by 90.67%; Staphylococcus sp. in Group 1–by 15.04%, in Group 2–by 35.44%, in Group 3–by 51.47% (p≤0.05), in contrast to the control. The average bursal weight in Group 1 was 4.82% higher, in Group 2–30% higher, in Group 3–37.53% higher, and the bursal index was 15%, 25%, and 30% higher, respectively, compared to the control

Efficiency of the use of extruded fir flour in feeding broiler chickens

Relevance. Needles are a source of various biologically active substances for animals, including vitamins. The needles also contain phytoncides, which contribute to the suppression of pathogenic microflora in the digestive tract. A number of studies have been devoted to the development of technologies for the production of feed additives based on needlesMethodology. The research work was carried out in the experimental poultry house of «Kuzbass Broiler» LLC on broiler chickens of the Ross 308 cross. 820 heads of chickens in four groups were selected for the experiment. The poultry of the control group received complete compound feed (PC), the 1st–3rd experimental groups received extradited fir flour as part of the PC (1.0%, 2.5%, 5.0% of the weight of the compound feed). When selecting broiler chickens in experimental groups and conducting research, the methods of VNIVIP were used.Results. When feeding extruded fir flour in an amount of 2.5% of the feed volume at the stages of growing broiler chickens the highest indicators of their growth were obtained compared to the control: the absolute and average daily body weight gain is more by 5.3%. Safety increased by 1.8%, the European productivity index (EPI) increased by 35.9 units. Chickens spent 6.1% (0.11 kg) less compound feed per 1 kg of gain compared to analogues from the control group.

Role of mucin 2 gene for growth in Anas platyrhynchos: a novel report.

The mucin gene is expressed in the mucous membrane of the inner layer of the internal organs. Intestinalmucin 2 (MUC2), amajor gel-formingmucin, represents a primary barrier component of mucus layers. This is the first report on the role of mucin genes in growth traits in animals. In this study, we randomly studied Bengal ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) reared from day old to 10 weeks of age under an organized farm and studied the growth parameters as well as body weight and average daily body weight gain. We characterized the mucin gene for Bengal ducks and observed glycosylation and EGF1 (EGF-like domain signature) as important domains for growth traits in ducks. We observed a better expression profile for the mucin gene in high-growing ducks in comparison to that of low-growing ducks with real-time PCR. Hence, the mucin gene may be employed as a marker for growth traits.

PSX-18 Determining the Optimal Macroenvironment Temperature to Improve Lactating Sow and Piglet Productivity

Abstract Pre-weaned piglets prefer higher temperatures than lactating sows. To address this, swine producers use heating lamps or pads in combination with maintaining farrowing room macroenvironment temperatures at the upper end of the thermoneutral zone (24-25℃) of the lactating sow. This may inadvertently cause thermal stress for lactating sows resulting in decreased feed consumption, and ultimately, reduced milk production and litter growth. Therefore, the objective was to determine the sow level macroenvironment temperature that would improve both sow and litter productivity. In two repetitions, 37 lactating sows (parity = 3.1 ± 1.7) and their litters (d 1 litter size = 12.0 ± 1.0) were housed within 1 of 3 farrowing rooms set to different macroenvironment temperatures: LOW (n = 12 sows and litters; 15.0 ± 0.4℃), MID (n = 13 sows and litters; 19.3 ± 0.2℃), and HIGH (n = 12 sows and litters; 24.6 ± 0.8℃). Lactating sows and their litters were on trial from the onset of farrowing until weaning (19.8 ± 0.9 d of age). Individual farrowing crate temperatures were recorded throughout the trial in 0.14 s intervals using thermocouples mounted at sow head height. Piglets were provided a 0.34 x 1.52 m heating pad with a verified steady state of 35.0℃. Sow body weight (BW) was recorded at 24 h post-farrowing and at weaning, and piglet weights were measured on d 1, 7, 14 and at weaning to determine average daily BW gain (ADG). Liveborn piglet mortality was recorded throughout the trial. Sow feed intake (FI) was recorded daily from d 1 post-farrowing until weaning. The sow was considered the experimental unit for sow level measures and the litter was considered the experimental unit for piglet measures. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS 9.4 and using GLM in JMP 15. Regression models were used to determine the optimal macroenvironment temperature to improve sow FI and piglet ADG. Sow FI was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for LOW (7.91 ± 0.38 kg) and MID (7.32 ± 0.37 kg) versus HIGH (6.37 ± 0.39 kg) sows, but similar for LOW and MID sows. Piglet ADG was greater from d 1 to weaning (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for LOW (0.25 ± 0.01 kg) and MID (0.26 ± 0.01 kg) versus HIGH (0.21 ± 0.01 kg) piglets, but similar for LOW and MID piglets. Pre-weaning mortality was similar (P = 0.32; 15.6%) among all treatments. A quadratic effect was observed (P &amp;lt; 0.01) where sow FI was maximized at a macroenvironment temperature of 17.2℃. A cubic effect was observed (P &amp;lt; 0.01) where piglet ADG was greatest at 17.0℃. In summary, these data have implications towards housing lactating sows and their litters at lower macroenvironment temperatures to improve growth performance.

Effect of Feeding Milk Replacer on Growth Performance and Stress Physiology of Ghoongroo Piglets in Tropical Climate

Background: The pig is the most efficient feed-converting animal among all livestock and plays a crucial role in improving the socioeconomic status of rural masses. of India. The present study was to develop a best-suited milk replacer for piglets and its effect on growth performance and stress physiology of Ghoongroo piglets. Methods: The experiment was conducted on 20 Ghoongroo piglets divided into four groups, each containing 5 piglets, i.e., 3 treatment groups and 1 control group maintained at Livestock Farm ERS-IVRI, Kalyani. Control group (T0) piglets kept with sows and looked after under standard management practices. Whereas, three treatment groups (T1, T2 and T3) piglets were fortified with 3 different kinds of milk replacers and piglets were fed through bottle feeding for 28 days, thereafter, creep feed was started and gradually, milk replacer was stopped. Result: Significant difference (P less than 0.05) was observed in average body weight (kg) and daily body weight gain (g/day) on 56 days of age between the treatment and control groups. It was also found that feeding milk replacers had no stress on piglets. So, it can be concluded that feeding milk replacers showed improved economic return along with a higher growth rate till weaning without any stress on the piglets.

THE IMPACT OF THE FREQUENCY OF DIFFERENT FORAGE MIXED WITH GINGER POWDER ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF KAUR CATTLE

Kaur cattle, Bengkulu's local livestock genetic resources (SDG-T), must be preserved and utilized to increase livestock production. The purpose of this study was to determine the productivity of Kaur cattle through observing the results of feed consumption, daily body weight gain, and feed conversion. For the purpose of this study, twelve Kaur bulls aged 1.5 to two years, weighing between 160 and 180 kilograms were used. Green feed is given by adding ginger flour 1% of body weight and is regulated in the number of times it is given. Cattle feed consists of dry matter as much as 3% of body weight. For this study, the main feed was concentrate and elephant grass (70%: 30%). There were three treatment groups, each with four repetitions. P1 is given once every day at 08.00 am; P2 is administered twice daily at 08.00 am and 12.00 pm; and P3 is given three times every day at 08.00 am, 12.00 noon, and 16.00 pm. Data is evaluated by ANOVA and unidirectional pattern. The results showed that the average daily feed consumption from highest to lowest was P3=9.44±9.50; P2=9.33±9.39; P1=8.87±8.90 kg/head/day. The average daily body weight gain from highest to lowest was P3=1.45±1.49; P2=1.32±1.36; P1=1.12±1.17 kg/head/day. The results show that there is no significant difference between the two. P3=9.19±9.23; P2=9.05±9.10; and P1=8.71±8.79. There was no significant difference in feed conversion from highest to lowest. Consumption of forage and ginger flour at different times did not affect the productivity of Kaur cattle.

Feed digestibility, Nitrogen balance and productivity of broiler chickens with different sources of Copper in their compound feed

Studying the influence of various sources of Copper, namely its inorganic and organic form, on the digestibility and assimilation of nutrients in the organism of broiler chickens is actual. The purpose of the work: in a physiological (exchange) research conducted against the background of a scientific and economic experiment in the conditions of the vivarium of the Bila Tserkva National Agricultural University on 3 groups (50 heads each) of broiler chickens of the “Cobb-500” cross, to investigate the influence of inorganic and organic forms of Cuprum on the digestibility of nutrients, Nitrogen balance and poultry productivity. The first control group received cuprum sulfate, on average during the growing period 16.5 g/t of compound feed, the second and the third - experimental groups, which received 16.5 g/t and 12.5 g/t of cuprum proteinate compound feed, accordingly. According to the digestibility of raw protein, the broilers of the research groups exceeded the control analogues by 4.5–6.2 % (Р ≤ 0.05), crude fat – 3.1–4.3 % (Р ≤ 0.05), crude fiber – 3.5–4.4 % (Р ≤ 0.01) and BER nitrogen-free extractive substances by 2.2–6.4 % (Р ≤ 0.05). Nitrogen balance was positive in all experimental groups, but in broiler chickens of groups 2 and 3, compared to the control, its daily deposits were higher by 3.5–6.4 % (Р ≤ 0.05). Improvement of digestibility of nutrients and Nitrogen balance due to the use of cuprum proteinate caused an increase in the preservation of poultry stock in the experimental groups by 5.6–7.2 %. The replacement of copper sulfate with its proteinate, at the same concentration of the trace element in compound feed, had a positive influence on the average daily increments of broiler chickens and, accordingly, on their live weight. The advantage of the chickens of the 2nd experimental group over the control analogues was 7.5 % in terms of average daily gains and 9.4 % in terms of body weight at the end of the experiment. A decrease of 25 % compared to the control in the concentration of Copper in the compound feed of the chickens of the third experimental group also had a positive influence on the productivity of the poultry. Their advantage over control analogues in average daily body weight gain was 3.8 %, and in live weight – 5.8 %. A linear dependence of the productivity of broiler chickens on the amount of feed consumed was noted. Compared to the control analogues, the broilers of the 2nd experimental group consumed 3.3 % more feed, and the chickens of the 3rd experimental group exceeded the poultry of the control group by 1.5 %. Thus, compared to cuprum sulfate, cuprum proteinate is a more effective source of trace elements in compound feed for broiler chickens. At the same time, the concentration of Copper in poultry compound feed should be: at the age of 5–21 days – 18.2 g/t, 22–35 days – 16.8 g/t, 36–42 days – 12 g/t, or 16.5 g/t on average over the period of the experiment.

Powder and agglomerated free-choice minerals for grazing cattle: animal responses and chemical and physical alterations of the mineral mixture

ABSTRACTThe aim was to evaluate the animal response and the chemical and physical changes of free-choice mineral mixtures fed to grazing cattle. Growing beef cattle were fed either powder (POW) or agglomerated (AGL) mineral mixtures in three different experiments (Exp.), carried out in pastures of Brachiaria grass. In Exp. 1 and 2, the mineral mixtures were disposed in unsheltered troughs (POWun vs. AGLun), being delivered once (D0, Exp.1) or twice (D0 and D8, Exp. 2), throughout 14-day periods. In Exp. 3, POWun and AGLun were additionally compared to POW in sheltered troughs (POWshe), and the mineral mixtures were disposed in D0, throughout 21-day periods. Non-consumed supplement was removed and sampled on D14 (Exp. 1 and 2) or D21 (Exp. 3). Evaluations included average daily body weight gain (ADG), daily disappearance of the supplement (DSD), penetration force of the supplement mass, faecal chemical composition and serum levels of Ca, P and Mg. In Exp. 1, no effects were observed on ADG and faecal mineral concentrations, however, changes in mineral concentrations and a 40% reduction in Na concentration in the supplement were observed, compared to the initial concentration. AGLun had a lower penetration force. In Exp. 2, there were no effects on DSD and faecal mineral concentrations. POWun showed a smaller reduction in Na content compared to AGLun, and AGLun showed lower penetration force. In Exp. 3, the treatments did not affect ADG, but there was a trend towards higher DSD and serum phosphorus (P) concentration for AGLun (p = 0.08). Higher faecal Na concentration was observed for AGLun and higher Na concentration occurred in non-consumed mixture of POWshe. Mineral supplements offered in uncovered troughs showed altered chemical and physical characteristics, with possible effects on supplement intake. However, the general changes are unlikely to alter animal performance.

Benefits of tributyrin on growth performance, gastrointestinal tract development, ruminal bacteria and volatile fatty acid formation of weaned Small-Tailed Han lambs

This study aimed to determine the effects of tributyrin on growth performance, gastrointestinal tract development, ruminal bacteria and volatile fatty acid (VFA) formation. Thirty healthy weaned Small-Tailed Han female lambs at 3 months old with BW 27.5 ± 4.1 kg (mean ± SD) were randomly assigned to five groups of six lambs each, and each group received tributyrin at 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 g/kg in feed. Weights were measured before the start and end of the study. After 15 d adaptation, DMI, feed, faeces and urine were recorded every week. Lambs were sacrificed at d 75. Compared to lambs fed no tributyrin, lambs fed 4.0 g/kg tributyrin had higher average daily BW gain (P = 0.04) and DMI (P < 0.01). Tributyrin reduced nitrogen (P < 0.01), Ca (P < 0.01) and P (P < 0.01) losses derived from faeces and urine. The mostly important, tributyrin increased dorsal sac thickness (P < 0.01), papillae length (P = 0.04) and width (P < 0.01), ventral sac papillae length (P < 0.01) and width (P < 0.01), caudodorsal blind sac thickness (P = 0.02), papillae length (P < 0.01) and width (P < 0.01). Furthermore, tributyrin increased thicknesses of both the duodenum (P < 0.01) and ileum (P = 0.01), and villus heights of the duodenum (P = 0.01), ileum (P < 0.01), jejunum (P < 0.01) and caecum (P = 0.02), but tributyrin decreased duodenal (P < 0.01) and caecal crypt depths (P < 0.01). Tributyrin reduced rumen pH (P < 0.01) while promoting total VFA concentration (P < 0.01). Tributyrin improved the structure of rumen bacteria by enhancing Clostridium (P = 0.04), Butyrivibrio (P < 0.01), Streptococcus (P = 0.04), Prevotella (P = 0.04), Ruminobacter (P = 0.02) and Fibrobacter (P = 0.03). In conclusion, tributyrin could stimulate gastrointestinal tract development by enhancing colonization of rumen VFA-producing bacteria, and dietary supplementation of tributyrin at 4.0 g/kg of DM was recommended for the weaned lambs.

Comparing weaning methods in dairy calves with different dam contact levels

Allowing the dam to rear her calf is an alternative practice in the dairy industry where cow and calf may gain welfare benefits from performing natural and highly motivated behaviors. However, this system has been linked to an increased separation and weaning response. Reducing the daily dam-calf-contact time may be a way to prepare the calf for weaning and separation. The first aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of half-day dam-calf-contact on calves' response to weaning and separation, compared with calves reared with whole-day dam-calf-contact and an artificially reared, group-housed control with unrestricted access to milk for 20 min twice daily. Weaning off milk and separation from the dam can be viewed as 2 independent stressors. By introducing each stressor separately, it may be possible to reduce the overall behavioral response. The second aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of one-week fence-line weaning before permanent separation. The study was conducted with a 3x2 factorial design with dam-contact treatments: "Whole-day," "Half-day" and "Control" and weaning treatments "Simultaneous" and "Stepwise." Whole-day calves were separated twice daily from their dams during milking while Half-day calves were separated daily from the afternoon milking and until next morning milking. Simultaneous weaning and separation were done in wk 9, while Stepwise weaning and separation started in wk 8 with calves being fence-line weaned before permanent separation in wk 9. Data were collected on 69 dairy calves in wk 8 and wk 9, and data were summarized over the 2 weeks for analysis. Stepwise weaning and separation reduced the number of high-pitched vocalizations and activity of dam-reared dairy calves, while having little impact on control calves. There was no difference between Whole-day and Half-day calves in their response to separation, but as expected, dam-reared calves reacted more strongly than the control group. This was also reflected in the average daily BW gain the week after weaning, with Control calves having a higher average daily gains than Whole-day, while Half-day calves were intermediate. However, the behavioral response did not fully wane within the observation period (0-48 h of interventions). In conclusion, one-week fence-line weaning reduced the summed weaning and separation response in dam-reared calves. However, no difference between half-day dam-calf contact and whole-day dam-contact was detected as regards the behavioral response to weaning and separation.

Effect of dietary supplementation of duckweed on growth performance, carcass and non-carcass traits of horro rams fed on a commercial-based diet

The study was aimed at evaluating growth performance, carcass, and non-carcass traits of Horro rams fed on commercial feed (CO) supplemented with different proportions of duckweed (DW). For the study, twenty-four yearling Horro rams initially weighing on average 17.73 ± 0.30 kg were used with a 15-day adaptation period (none-study period) and a 90-day study period. Each animal was randomly assigned to three treatments; T1 (100% CO), T2 (25% DW + 75% CO), and T3 (50% DW + 50% CO) with two replications each containing four animals. All diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous and formulated according to the nutrient requirements of sheep. The data were analyzed using SAS. Results indicated that dry matter intake in T3 (914.37 g. d-1) was higher (P < 0.001) than in T1 (849.12 g. d-1) and T2 (870.50 g. d-1). Average daily body weight gain in T3 (77 g. d-1) was higher (P < 0.001) than in T1 (48.60 g. d-1) and T2 (58.50 g. d-1). Feed conversion efficiency was higher (P < 0.001) for T3 (0.08) followed by T2 (0.07) and T1 (0.05). Final body weight (24.56 kg), empty body weight (20.40 kg), hot carcass weight (10.27 kg), dressing percentage (42.01) and rib-eye muscle area (9.11 cm2) were higher (P < 0.001) for T3 than for others. Therefore, increasing the inclusion level of supplementary duckweed up to 50% improves growth performance, carcass quality, and yield of Horro ram.

A Study on the Chemical and Phytochemical Composition of Gongronema Latifolia (Utasi) Leaf Meal, Using Performance and Organ Histopathology of Grower Rabbits as Indices of Its Nutritional Significance

Studies were carried out to determine the chemical composition of the leaf meal of Gongronema latifolia (Utasi), using organ histopathology of mixed breed grower rabbits as an in-vivo confirmatory reflector of its nutritional significance after a feeding trial. The proximate analysis of the leaf meal yielded 8.04%; 14.25%, 60.39%, 6.26%, 2.84% and 2.84% of moisture; crude protein, NFE, ash, ether extract and crude fibre respectively on dry matter bases and 2903.41Kcal/kg. In the mineral analysis, minerals detected were: Calcium (10.80mg/ 100g), Magnesium (45.00mg/ 100g), Potassium (486.00mg/ 100g), Sodium (3.86mg/ 100g), and Phosphorus (395.30mg/ 100g). The phytochemical screening of the leaf meal yielded 1.03, 0.37, 0.47, and 0.55g/100g of Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Saponins and Tannin, respectively. Other phytochemicals found were Phenols (0.17mg/100g), Phytates (0.12mg/100g), and cyanogenic glycosides (7.07mg/100g). Analysis of the leaf meal protein detected 17 (seventeen) amino acids, comprising of both essential and non-essential amino acids, almost in the ratio of 1:1. In the feeding trial with rabbits, 4 experimental diets were formulated such that diet 1 (control) contained 0% Gongronema latifolia leaf meal (GLLM) while diets 2, 3 and 4 contained 10%, 20% and 30% GLLM, respectively. Each diet was fed to a group of 9 grower rabbits for 49 days. All performance parameters (average initial body weight, average final body weight, average body weight gain, average daily feed intake, average daily body weight gain, and feed-to-gain ratio), were not significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected by dietary treatments. There were no lesions of pathologic significance in the tissues (liver, kidney and pancreas) examined. The results of the in-vivo and in vivo investigations suggest that GLLM is not toxic, and is sufficiently nutritious to support rabbit production.&#x0D;

Growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and blood variables of small-sized meat ducks with different feed efficiency phenotypes

The study investigated the effects of feed efficiency (residual feed intake, RFI and residual intake and gain, RIG) on the production performance of small-sized meat ducks. Ninety ducks with intermediate and extreme (high and low) RFI values were selected from 1,083 male ducks of similar body weight, and the 3 groups were then redivided according to RIG. For both efficiency measures, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of efficient ducks were significantly lower than those of inefficient ducks (P < 0.05), while the residual body weight gain (RG) was significantly higher in efficient ducks (P < 0.05). Inefficient-RFI animals showed greater skin fat yield (P < 0.05), but no other differences in carcass traits were observed (P > 0.05). RIG had positive effects on the pH1 value of the breast muscle (P < 0.05), but feed efficiency did not affect the other meat quality traits (P > 0.05). With regard to blood biochemical parameters, efficient ducks had significantly lower triglycerides (TG) (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis demonstrated that RFI was positively correlated with average daily feed intake and feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05), while RIG exhibited a strong negative correlation with both (P < 0.05). The average daily body weight gain was positively correlated with RIG (P < 0.05). RIG had a positive effect on the pH1 value of the breast muscle (P < 0.05). Furthermore, triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels correlated with both efficiency classifications (P < 0.05). Overall, the efficiency measures did not affect the carcass and meat quality of small-sized meat ducks but could identify ducks with lower feed consumption and fast growth.

Blidingia sp. extracts improve intestinal health and reduce diarrhoea in weanling piglets.

Blidingia sp. is a prominent fouling green macroalga and we previously found that extracts from Blidingia sp. alleviated intestinal inflammation in mice challenged with lipopolysaccharides. However, whether these extracts are effective in weanling piglets remains unknown. In the present study, Blidingia sp. extracts were supplemented in the diet and their effects on growth performance, incidence of diarrhoea and intestinal function in weanling piglets were explored. The results showed that diets supplemented with 0.1% or 0.5% Blidingia sp. extract significantly increased average daily body weight gain and feed intake in weanling piglets. Meanwhile, piglets supplemented with 0.5% Blidingia sp. extract showed decreased incidence of diarrhoea as well as reduced fecal water and Na+ content. Furthermore, the diet supplemented with 0.5% Blidingia sp. extracts improved intestinal morphology, as indicated by the results of hematoxylin and eosin staining. Diet supplemented with 0.5% Blidingia sp. extracts also improved tight junction function, as indicated by increased expression of Occludin, Claudin-1 and Zonula occludens-1, and alleviated the inflammatory response, as indicated by decreased tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 (IL6) contents and increased IL10 levels. Taken together, our results showed that Blidingia sp. extracts had beneficial effects in weanling piglets and we suggest that Blidingia sp. extracts could be potentially used as an additive for piglets.

Dietary supplementation of Ficus hookeri leaves as herbal feed additive affects nutrient utilization and growth performances in growing crossbred calves

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of Da qing shu (Ficus hookeri) leaf meal as herbal feed additive on nutrients utilization and growth performance of growing crossbred calves. Ten Jersey male cross-bred calves (~ 4 months of age) were divided equally into two groups (G1 and G2) and were fed ad lib. under stall feeding on a paddy straw based mixed ration consisting of 50% paddy straw and 50% concentrate mixture for a duration of 140 days. Two types (C1 and C2) of iso-nitrogenous concentrate mixtures were prepared. Four per cent (w/w) wheat bran in concentrate mixture (C2) of test group (G2) was replaced by sun dried ground Ficus hookeri leaf meal. Experimental calves of test group (G2) were fed Ficus hookeri leaf meal @ 2% of the diet. Daily dry matter intake (g/d) was similar among the calves of two experimental groups. Apparent digestibility of DM, OM, NDF, ADF and cellulose improved in the Ficus hookeri leaf meal fed calves (G2). DCP value of the ration was similar while, TDN value of the ration was higher in the calves of Ficus hookeri leaf meal supplemented group (G2). However, plane of nutrition among the calves of both experimental groups was similar. Average finishing body weight, daily body weight gain, feed conversion efficiency and blood glucose level were higher in Ficus hookeri leaf fed calves (G2). Therefore, it may be concluded from the results of the study that dietary supplementation of Da qing shu (Ficus hookeri) leaf meal as herbal feed additive @ 2% of total mixed diet significantly improved the fibre digestibility, average daily body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency in growing Jersey male crossbred calves.

Dietary Dried Jujube Fruit Powder (DJFP) Supplementation Improves Growth Performance, Antioxidant Stability, and Meat Composition in Broilers.

Nowadays, broiler production is faced with great challenges due to intensive culture modes, and chickens are more susceptible to oxidative stress. Consequently, synthetic antioxidants have been used to reduce this process, but their use has shown potential health risks. Thus, the use of natural ingredients has been suggested as a strategy to prevent oxidative stress. This study investigated how dietary dried jujube fruit powder (DJFP) supplementation influences the growth performance, antioxidant stability, meat composition, and nutritional quality of Cobb broilers. A total of 360 unsexed broilers (1-day-old) were randomly assigned to treatments that varied in DJFP levels: a basal diet without DJFP (control) and diets supplemented with 50 g/kg DJFP (P1), 100 g/kg DJFP (P2), and 150 g/kg DJFP (P3), with 9 replicates per treatment (90 broilers/treatment or 10 broilers/replicate). The results demonstrated improvement in the growth performance of broilers in terms of body weight (BW), body weight gain (WG), average daily body weight gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) following dietary DJFP supplementation. In addition, the antioxidant stabilities in the DJFP-treated broilers were improved and inhibited the production of lipid oxidation products compared with the control, with those in the P2 group showing the most marked effect. Moreover, dietary DJFP supplementation significantly increased (p < 0.05) the activity of antioxidant enzymes in broilers. Furthermore, the breast meat of the broilers displayed an increased protein content with a simultaneous reduction in the fat content after DJFP treatment (p < 0.05). Essential amino acid levels were higher in the DJFP-supplemented groups (p < 0.05). The sum of saturated fatty acids was lower, and that of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and the polyunsaturated fatty acid/saturated fatty acid ratio (PUFA/SFA) were higher in the DJFP-supplemented groups (p < 0.05). Together, these results indicate that up to 100 g/kg of dietary DJFP supplementation can enhance the growth performance and antioxidant capacity, meat composition, and amino acid and fatty acid composition in broiler breast meat. In conclusion, dietary DJFP supplementation is a healthy alternative to the use of synthetic antioxidants in broiler production, especially in regions rich in jujube resources.