Average Daily Weight Gain Research Articles

Butyric acid glycerides as substitutes for antibiotics as growth enhancers in the diet of nursery piglets

This study aimed to determine whether the addition of butyric acid glycerides as substitutes to conventional growth promoters can provide adequate zootechnical performance and intestinal health in healthy piglets in the nursery phase. We used 90 male piglets (average weight of 6.5 kg) subdivided into five treatments with six replicates per treatment. The treatments had the same basal diet: NC—negative control (without growth promoter), PC—positive control (with gentamicin, oral), PSB—protected sodium butyrate, FSB—free sodium butyrate, and TRI—tributyrin. In these animals, zootechnical performance was evaluated on days 1, 10, 20 and 39, microbiological analysis on days 14 and 39, hematocrit, blood biochemistry and intestinal histology, intestinal oxidation and antioxidation on day 39. The average daily weight gain was higher in the TRI group on days 21 to 39 in the nursery (P = 0.03), with more significant weight gain from 1 to 39 days (P = 0.05). There were higher leukocyte counts in the PC group than in the TRI group and higher lymphocyte counts in the PC treatment than in the NC or TRI groups. Escherichia coli counts were lower in the PC, followed by the PSB and TRI groups on day 39 (P = 0.01). Lower crypt depths were found in the TRI and FSB groups, followed by PC, than in the NC group (P = 0.01). Higher values for crypt villosity ratio were found in the FSB and TRI groups than in the NC group (P = 0.05). Lower lipid peroxidation was found in analyzes of serum oxidative status (LPO: P = 0.01), associated with greater activities of superoxide dismutase – SOD (P = 0.08), glutathione S-transferase – GST (P = 0.09) in PSB and TRI groups than in the NC group. In conclusion, the use of butyric acid in the form of tributyrin can be used as growth enhancers in piglets in the nursery phase.

Use of macroalgae as a nutritional supplement for sustainable production of ruminants: A systematic review and an insight on the Colombian Caribbean region

Exploring alternative feed sources that reduce rumen methane production while improving livestock productivity is of importance because of rising global temperatures. Colombia is exposed to extreme climate changes and the consequences of these periods of climate change are drought, erosion, salinization, floods, sedimentation and alteration of ecosystems. As a result, the livestock industry experiences significant losses due to damaged feed and reduction in productivity and reproductivity of agricultural animals. The objective of this work is to determine the global bioprospective potential of macroalgae as nutritional supplements for ruminants and their potential application in the Colombian Caribbean area. For this, a quantitative and longitudinal documentary research design was used. An exploratory bibliographical review was carried out to explain the interactions between the variables applying the PRISMA protocol. The analysis of the changes in production variables of the ruminants supplemented with macroalgae was carried out by comparing the data of the treatment groups with their respective control groups in cattle, goats and sheep. For cattle, data by algal phylum showed that brown and red macroalgae increased average daily weight gain. Data by phylum and family of algae associated with milk production showed a positive impact of dietary supplementation with macroalgae on milk production, particularly with green and red algae. In the present study, it has been confirmed that red macroalgae is the best option to produce feed supplements for ruminants because they increase milk and meat production and show a statistically significant reduction in enteric methane production in cattle. For the Colombian Caribbean region, the red algae families Gigartinaceae and Gracilariaceae are recommended to produce feed supplements for ruminants because of their high prevalence in the marine habitats.

Genomic analysis of feed efficiency traits in beef cattle using random regression models.

Feed efficiency plays a major role in the overall profitability and sustainability of the beef cattle industry, as it is directly related to the reduction of the animal demand for input and methane emissions. Traditionally, the average daily feed intake and weight gain are used to calculate feed efficiency traits. However, feed efficiency traits can be analysed longitudinally using random regression models (RRMs), which allow fitting random genetic and environmental effects over time by considering the covariance pattern between the daily records. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to: (1) propose genomic evaluations for dry matter intake (DMI), body weight gain (BWG), residual feed intake (RFI) and residual weight gain (RWG) data collected during an 84-day feedlot test period via RRMs; (2) compare the goodness-of-fit of RRM using Legendre polynomials (LP) and B-spline functions; (3) evaluate the genetic parameters behaviour for feed efficiency traits and their implication for new selection strategies. The datasets were provided by the EMBRAPA-GENEPLUS beef cattle breeding program and included 2920 records for DMI, 2696 records for BWG and 4675 genotyped animals. Genetic parameters and genomic breeding values (GEBVs) were estimated by RRMs under ssGBLUP for Nellore cattle using orthogonal LPs and B-spline. Models were compared based on the deviance information criterion (DIC). The ranking of the average GEBV of each test week and the overall GEBV average were compared by the percentage of individuals in common and the Spearman correlation coefficient (top 1%, 5%, 10% and 100%). The highest goodness-of-fit was obtained with linear B-Spline function considering heterogeneous residual variance. The heritability estimates across the test period for DMI, BWG, RFI and RWG ranged from 0.06 to 0.21, 0.11 to 0.30, 0.03 to 0.26 and 0.07 to 0.27, respectively. DMI and RFI presented within-trait genetic correlations ranging from low to high magnitude across different performance test-day. In contrast, BWG and RWG presented negative genetic correlations between the first 3 weeks and the other days of performance tests. DMI and RFI presented a high-ranking similarity between the GEBV average of week eight and the overall GEBV average, with Spearman correlations and percentages of individuals selected in common ranging from 0.95 to 1.00 and 93 to 100, respectively. Week 11 presented the highest Spearman correlations (ranging from 0.94 to 0.98) and percentages of individuals selected in common (ranging from 85 to 94) of BWG and RWG with the average GEBV of the entire period of the test. In conclusion, the RRM using linear B-splines is a feasible alternative for the genomic evaluation of feed efficiency. Heritability estimates of DMI, RFI, BWG and RWG indicate enough additive genetic variance to achieve a moderate response to selection. A new selection strategy can be adopted by reducing the performance test to 56 days for DMI and RFI selection and 77 days for BWG and RWG selection.

Comparison of growth performance, meat quality, and blood biochemical indexes of Yangzhou goose under different feeding patterns

The East China region is the main market for the breeding and consumption of meat geese in China, in order to provide data reference for small and medium-sized farms and farmers to choose breeding methods and growth performance. This study selected 300 Yangzhou geese as materials and determined the number of geese in each group according to different modes. The meat quality, blood biochemical indicators, and economic benefits of 4 common feeding methods (Group I: full concentrate feeding; Group II: concentrate feeding in the first stage + 3% fat addition in the later stage; Group III: concentrate feeding + pasture supplementation; Group IV: grazing feeding + concentrate) in East China were analyzed. The results are as follows: The average daily weight gain of Yangzhou geese in Group IV at 5 to 8 wk old was the highest, with the highest feed utilization rate. The body weight at 8 wk old was significantly higher than that of the group III (P < 0.05). The total mortality rate of Group I and II remained at a relatively low level, while the mortality rates of Group III and IV exceeded 17%. The SR, FECR, and FECW of female geese in Groups II, III, and IV were significantly higher than those in Control group I (P < 0.05). Different feeding methods have little effect on the quality of goose breast muscles, while in terms of leg muscles, Group II has the highest binding force, significantly higher than Group I (P < 0.05). The rate of chest muscle loss in group III was significantly higher than that in groups I and II (P < 0.05). However, the pH of leg muscles in groups I, II and III was significantly higher than that in group IV (P < 0.05). Group II has the highest protein and collagen content, and Group I has the highest fat content. Except for the significantly higher histidine content in Groups I And II compared to those in Groups III and IV (P < 0.05), there was almost no significant difference in amino acid content among the groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in ALB/GLO content among the 3 groups of Groups II to IV, but they were all significantly higher than those of Group I (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in other indicators among the groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the content of Ca, Cu, Fe, P, Zn, and other elements in the muscles between the groups (P > 0.05). This study solved the problems of slow growth, poor meat performance, and low economic benefits in meat goose breeding, providing theoretical basis and data support for meat goose breeding enterprises and farmers to choose appropriate breeding modes.

Crude protein requirements of light-weight feedlot steersduring a 35-d receiving period

The influence of dietary crude protein (CP) levels on growth performance, morbidity, and estimated dietary net energy (NE) of light-weight crossbreed feedlot calves during a 35-d receiving period was evaluated. For the above, 108 crossbred steers (196±13 kg) were used in 35-d receiving trial. Steers were randomly allocated to 18 pens (6 steers/pen, 6 replicas/treatment). Treatments consisted of a steam flaked corn-based receiving diet (72:28 concentrate to forage ratio) containing 12.5, 13.5 and 14.5% CP. Crude protein level in diet was manipulated by replacing steam flaked corn by canola meal. Steers were allowed ad lib. access to their experimental diets. Morbidity averaged 32%, and was not affected by treatments. Increasing the level of dietary CP improved average daily weight gain, gain efficiency and tended to increase the ratio of observed-to expected dietary NE. Furthermore, in CP range from 12.5 to 13.5%, these effects were evident, but were not apparent at 13.5 to 14.5% CP. It can be concluded that high-energy receiving diet formulations containing 13.5 to 14.5% CP will optimise initial growth performance of light-weight (~200 kg BW) feedlot calves. However, present effect may be more a function of achieving metabolisable amino acid rather than metabolisable protein requirements.

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

The Effect of Different Levels of Wild Reeds (Saccharum spontaneum) with Concentrated Fodder on the Productive Performance of Local Iraqi Lambs

This experiment determined the best ratio of fortified and unsupported dried reed with urea in a concentrated feed mixture to maximize production and minimize cost. About 24 Iraqi lambs (17.27 ± 0.54) aged 3-4 months were used in this study, which lasted for 90 days in the farms of the Production Department of the College of Agriculture at the University of Tikrit from 9/19/2022 to 12/17/2022. Lambs were fed at 3% of body weight on diets of different content of wild reeds fortified and unfortified with urea mixed in the form of 8 mm pellets with concentrated fodder (black barley, wheat bran, yellow corn) and Which was divided into six treatments, the first three were without urea in the following ratios: 60 reeds:40 concentrate, 40 reeds: 60 concentrate and 50 reeds:50 concentrate. As for the second three treatments, they contained the same proportions as the first three treatments with 3% urea from the weight of roughage feed. There was a significant (p≤0.05) superiority in the average daily weight gain for the third and sixth treatments (147 and 143) gm/head/day, respectively. We conclude from the results of the experiment that providing a diet consisting of concentrated fodder and rough fodder from wild reeds in a ratio of 50:50 gives very good results in growth characteristics and feed conversion efficiency at a lower economic cost per kilogram produced.

Effects of Vitamin A on Growth Performance, Antioxidants, Gut Inflammation, and Microbes in Weaned Piglets.

Piglet weaning is an important stage in production where changes in the environment and diet can cause problems such as intestinal inflammation and diarrhea. Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for human and animal growth and has immunomodulatory and inflammatory effects. A large body of literature has previously reported on the use of vitamin A in piglet production, so our experiment added different concentrations of vitamin A (0, 1100, 2200, 4400, 8800, and 17,600 IU/kg) to weaned piglet diets to study the effects of different doses on growth performance, intestinal barrier, inflammation, and flora in weaned piglets. We selected 4400 IU/kg as the optimum concentration of vitamin A in relation to average daily weight gain, feed intake, feed-to-weight ratio, and diarrhea rate, and subsequently tested the inflammatory factors, immunoglobulin content, antioxidant levels, and intestinal flora of weaned piglets. Results: We observed that the diarrhea rate of weaned piglets was significantly lower after the addition of 4400 IU/kg of vitamin A to the diet (p < 0.05). A control group and a 4400 IU/kg VA group were selected for subsequent experiments. We found that after the addition of vitamin A, the serum CAT level of weaned piglets increased significantly, the expression of Claudin-1 in the jejunum and ileum increased significantly, the expression of Occludin gene in the jejunum increased significantly, the expression of IL-5 and IL-10 in the ileum increased significantly (p < 0.05), and the expression of IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10 in the ileum increased significantly (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, in the colonic flora of vitamin A-added weaned piglets, the relative abundance of Actinobacteria and Erysipelotrichales decreased significantly, while the relative abundance of Bacteroidales increased significantly (p < 0.05). The results of this study indicated that vitamin A at 4400 IU/kg reduces diarrhea in weaned piglets by increasing antioxidant levels, increasing intestinal tight junction protein gene expression, and regulating colonic gut microbiota.

Creation of nurseries and veterinary preventive measures for saigas of Betpakdala and Ural populations in Kazakhstan

Preservation and maintenance of biological diversity of Earth’s life is one of the key tasks of mankind. Therefore, the search and substantiation of methods that will be able to stabilise and increase the number of endangered species of animals and plants, a key direction of modern science, consisted in the development of organisational and veterinary preventive approaches in the breeding of saigas of the Betpakdala and Ural populations in the conditions of the nurseries “ASAR Live” and “Akboken” in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The nursery stock was formed by the internment of new-born saigas removed from the natural population. Control over the growth and development of saigas was carried out by periodic weighing and determining the average daily weight gain. Dimensional characteristics of young animals were determined by selecting the measurements of the sexes of the body. The state of health of the animals in the premises was monitored by determining biochemical and haematological indicators – the content of protein, glucose, cholesterol. Approbation of the developed scheme of feeding new-born saigas in nurseries turned out to be quite effective, which was confirmed by high average daily weight gains at the level of 167-180 g up to 4 months of age and a 6-fold increase in live weight during this period. At the same time, the preservation of the animal population in nurseries was at the level of 97.3%. Accounting for all the necessary parameters to create optimal conditions for saigas in the nursery allowed increasing the population of saigas from 150 to 230 units already in the first year, considering that at the time of the formation of the herd it consisted of new-born animals. A comprehensive approach to solving the problem of preserving the local population of saigas in Kazakhstan allowed developing an effective system of measures tested in nurseries for the preservation and breeding of animals of the Betpakdala and Ural populations. The developed methods of preserving the endangered Tatar saiga population in nurseries, in addition to the reputational image of Kazakhstan as a country that solved the problem with the autochthonous species of fauna, contain recommendations for the development of a population of wild animals with minimal stress and adaptation consequences

Dietary Soybean Oligosaccharides Addition Increases Growth Performance and Reduces Lipid Deposition by Altering Fecal Short-Chain Fatty Acids Composition in Growing Pigs

One hundred and twenty-eight boars and gilts of the Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire variety with an initial body weight (BW) of 52.49 ± 0.48 kg were used in a randomized complete block design for a 63-day experiment. The four treatment groups were: control diet (CON), CON + 0.2% soybean oligosaccharides (SBOS), CON + 0.4% SBOS, and CON + 0.8% SBOS. The results showed that the average daily weight gain (ADG) was significantly higher in the 0.8% SBOS group than in the CON group on days 0–63 (p &lt; 0.05). Compared with the CON group, adding 0.8% SBOS to the diet significantly increased the carcass weight, dressing percentage, and carcass lean percentage, but decreased the average backfat depth of growing–finishing pigs (p &lt; 0.05). Adding different concentrations (0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.8%) of SBOS to the diet can significantly increase the concentrations of acetate, propionate, and butyrate in feces (p &lt; 0.05). The activities of malic enzyme and fatty acid synthase in the 0.8% group were significantly lower than those in the 0.2% and CON groups (p &lt; 0.05). In summary, 0.8% SBOS supplementation to growing–finishing pigs’ diets can reduce lipid deposition and increase ADG.

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.

Sow nest-building behavior in communal farrowing relates to productivity and litter size

Sows have an innate need for prepartal nest-building (NB), which promotes parturition and nursing. However, the interpretation of NB in relation to different environments or sow physiology is unclear. We aimed to observe sow NB and reproductive performance in communal farrowing with 7.9–11.9 m2 total space per sow, individual unconfined farrowing pens and abundant straw. We observed 33 farrowings (Norwegian Landrace and Finnish Landrace x Yorkshire, mean parity 3.6 ± 1.8) with continuous video recording for NB during the last 24 h pre-partum, and followed the subsequent parturition and reproductive performance. Serum samples taken at the start of farrowing were analyzed for progesterone and prolactin, and a colostrum sample was analyzed for Ig-composition. Piglet weight at birth, 24 h later and at 3 weeks of age provided data for colostrum intake and piglet average daily weight gain (ADG). Average NB activity increased from 24 to 12 h to 12–0 h before farrowing (P < 0.001) but NB bout duration remained similar between the two different time phases. The peak of NB activity occurred 8–4 h before farrowing, but in sows with ≥17 piglets, compared to sows with ≤16 piglets, the activity peak was delayed (4–2 h vs. 8–6 h before farrowing), and NB activity 4–2 h and 2–0 h before farrowing was higher (P = 0.02, and P = 0.022, respectively). The average NB bout duration during 12–0 h before farrowing was positively related to serum prolactin concentration (P = 0.012) and negatively correlated with piglet ADG at 3 weeks (P = 0.024). Furthermore, during the same time phase, the frequency of NB bouts was positively correlated with colostrum BRIX and IgG-levels (P < 0.001 and P = 0.029, respectively) and negatively correlated with piglet mortality at lactation days 2–3 (P = 0.037). Earlier start of NB was negatively correlated with colostrum IgA levels (P < 0.001). Sows with higher progesterone levels at the start of farrowing had a higher piglet stillbirth incidence (P = 0.02). Current results from the novel communal farrowing environment suggest that higher intensity of NB 12–0 h before farrowing is related to an improved sow hormonal balance and colostrum quality, in addition to decreased piglet mortality. However, higher litter size delays the peak of nest-building activity, while it remains unclear whether this reflects a negative physiological response or a beneficial compensatory effect. Further research should aim at defining different elements of NB in different environments and reproductive outcomes.

Effects of replacing hybrid giant napier with sugarcane bagasse and fermented sugarcane bagasse on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation characteristics, and rumen microorganisms of Simmental crossbred cattle.

This study investigated the effects of replacing hybrid giant napiers with sugarcane bagasse and fermented sugarcane bagasse on the growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation characteristics, and rumen microorganisms of Simmental crossbred cattle. Twenty-one Simmental crossbred cattle with similar initial body weight (363.42 ± 8.67 kg) were randomly divided into three groups: Group CON (20% hybrid giant napier +45% distillers grains +35% concentrate mixture), Group SB (20% sugarcane bagasse +45% distillers grains +35% concentrate mixture), and Group FSB (20% fermented sugarcane bagasse +45% distillers grains +35% concentrate mixture). The average daily weight gain in the SB group was lower than in the CON group, no significant difference was found between the CON and FSB groups. The feed conversion ratio of the CON and FSB groups was lower compared to the SB group. The apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber in the SB group was lower than in the CON group, no significant difference was found between the CON and FSB groups. The levels of NH3-N, microbial protein, acetate, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, and total volatile fatty acids were higher in the CON and FSB groups than in the SB group, no significant difference was found between the CON and FSB groups. The relative abundances of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Prevotellaceae_UCG-003, Saccharofermentans, and Eubacteriumcoprostanoligenes_group were lower in the CON and FSB groups compared to the SB group. The relative abundance of Succiniclasticum was highest in the FSB group, followed by the CON group and then the SB group. Correlation analysis showed that the relative abundance of Succiniclasticum was positively correlated with propionate and NH3-N content, while the relative abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group was inversely correlated with NH3-N content. Gene function prediction indicated that fermented sugarcane bagasse promoted rumen microbial amino acid metabolism. In conclusion, replacing hybrid giant napiers with 20% sugarcane bagasse negatively affected the growth performance of Simmental crossbred cattle, while the addition of 20% fermented sugarcane bagasse had no adverse effects on growth performance and rumen fermentation characteristics, and did not alter the abundance of the rumen core flora in Simmental crossbred cattle.

Determination of the feed additive “Activo” effect on the productivity of lactating sows and young piglets under paratypic factors

The research was carried out at the pig farm of LLC Barkom, village Dublyany of Sambirsky district, Lviv region, and PE “Chernyuk” from Hrushvytsia Persha, Rivne district, Rivne region. According to the principle of analogs, two groups of farrowing sows of the PIC genetic company of the large white breed (2–3 farrowing) of 5 animals each were formed – control and trial. The animals were kept in the same house under the same conditions. The trial group received a standard diet similar to the control group, but the feed additive “Activo” was added to the diet in 0.1 kg/t of finished feed. From the fifth day after birth until weaning, newborn piglets of the trial group were fed pre-starter feed, to which 0.2 kg of the feed additive “Active” was added. The environmental parameters in the houses where the animals were kept differed according to the following leading indicators: the air temperature (°C) in the box with manual control of the supply-exhaust ventilation system in 5-, 14-, and 28-day-old piglets were, respectively, by 3; 2 and 4 °C higher compared to the temperature regime provided by the Big Duchman microclimate system; air movement speed (m/s) lower by 21.4; 33.3 and 8.3 %, respectively; carbon dioxide concentration (ppm) higher in 1.9; 1.8 and 2.1 times, respectively; ammonia concentration (mg/m3) higher in 4.5; 6.1 and 6.1 times, respectively; hydrogen sulfide concentration (mg/m3) higher in 1.8; 4 and 5.4 times, respectively. During the trial period, a probable tendency to decrease feed consumption by sows of the control group by 3.4 % (Р &lt; 0.01) was noted at LLC “Barkom”, and at PE “Chernyuk”, it amounted to 6.22 % (Р &lt; 0.001). At the same time, the loss of live weight in sows of the control group amounted to 10 % at the end of the period at LLC Barcom in the control group; namely, the sows of the group (K) lost an average of 23 kg during the trial period. The sows of the group (E) lost 17 kg. At the PE “Chernyuk” pig farm, the loss of live weight in sows at the end of the period in the control group was 25.8 kg, and in the trial group 19.4 kg, (Р &lt; 0.001), that is 24.8% less compared to the control group. At the pig complex of LLC "Barkom," when applying the feed additive “Activo” to lactating sows, an increase in the live weight of piglets in the trial group from birth to the fifth day after birth was noted by 18.3 %, compared to the control group. A significant increase in the live weight of piglets in the trial group was 17.16 % on the 14th day and 13.76 % (Р &lt; 0.001) on the 28th day of life, respectively. When calculating the average daily growth from birth to weaning (28 days of piglets' life), the difference was 18.54 % (Р &lt; 0.001). Piglets born from sows of the control group at the PE “Chernyuk” pig complex that did not consume the trial feed additive had a slightly lower live weight at birth by 9.4 % compared to the trial group. On the fifth day of life, the live weight of the piglets in the trial group was significantly greater than 30.2 % (Р &lt; 0.001). The tendency to increase the piglet's live weight on the 14th and 28th day of life was observed in the trial group by 20.1 % (Р &lt; 0.01) and 14.1 % (Р &lt; 0.001), respectively, in the control group. When calculating the average daily weight gain from birth to weaning (28 days of piglets' life), the difference was 15.15 % (Р &lt; 0.001).

DOUM PALM (Hyphaene thebaica) SEED MEAL AS A NOVEL FEEDSTUFF FOR BROILER CHICKENS: EFFECT ON GROWTH RESPONSE

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background. &lt;/strong&gt;High cost of feed ingredients and increased demand for broiler chicken in many African countries has necessitated the search for alternative feed sources. &lt;strong&gt;Objective.&lt;/strong&gt; To evaluate the effects of &lt;em&gt;H&lt;/em&gt;&lt;em&gt;yphaene thebaica&lt;/em&gt; seed meal (HTSM) as substitute for maize on growth and blood parameters of broiler chickens. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;. &lt;/strong&gt;Five experimental diets were formulated for the trial. Diet 1 (0% HTSM) served as the control while diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 contained 5, 10, 15 and 20% HTSM respectively replacing dietary maize in the diets of birds. A total of 225 day-old broiler chicks were randomly allotted into five treatment groups with three replicates of fifteen birds each. Each group was assigned to the five experimental diets in completely randomized design (CRD). Feed and water were supplied &lt;em&gt;ad libitum &lt;/em&gt;for all treatment groups during the trial. &lt;strong&gt;Result.&lt;/strong&gt; Differences (P&amp;lt;0.05) were observed in the growth parameters measured except average daily feed intake (P&amp;gt;0.05). Feed conversion ratio and average daily weight gain of birds fed 0, 5 and 10% HTSM diets were better (P&amp;lt;0.05) compared to those fed 15 and 20 % HTSM diets. Differences (P&amp;lt;0.05) were also observed in the blood parameters measured except the packed cell volume (29.08- 31.89%) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (14.69-15.67pg). The white blood cell (11.45-18.14 x 10&lt;sup&gt;9&lt;/sup&gt;/l), red blood cell (4.71-6.99 x 10&lt;sup&gt;12&lt;/sup&gt;/l), haemoglobin (6.92-10.05g/dl) and aspartate transaminase (72.95-90.16 IU/l), alanine aminotransaminase (62.84-79.50 IUu/l) and alkaline phosphatase (100.26-108.77 IU/l) increased (P&amp;lt;0.05) as the dietary levels of HTSM increased across the treatments. Carcass and organ weights of birds fed 0, 5 and 10% HTSM diets were better (P&amp;lt;0.05) than those fed 15 and 20% HTSM diets. &lt;strong&gt;Implication. &lt;/strong&gt;Adequate processing of the HTSM is needed to reduce the anti-nutritional factors to a tolerable level before being used in broiler diet.&lt;strong&gt; C&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;onclusion.&lt;/strong&gt; Broiler chickens can tolerate up to 10% raw HTSM in their diets without adverse effect on growth performance. &lt;/p&gt;

Performance, carcass characteristics and non-carcass components of Santa Ines and crossbred (Santa Ines x Dorper) lambs finished in different confinement strategies.

Genetic group, age at entry into confinement and at slaughter, are characteristics that have an important influence on lamb performance and carcass. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance, carcass characteristics and non-carcass components from different genetic groups (Santa Inês and ½ Dorper x ½ Santa Inês) sheep, submitted to different feedlot entry and exit strategies. Were used 72 lambs males and castrated; 36 Santa Inês (SI) and 36 crossbred (Dorper x Santa Inês-DSI), with 6 months of average initial age. The groups were established in a completely randomized experimental design, in a 2x3x4 factorial arrangement, from the combination of genetic groups (GG), body weight at the beginning of confinement (WBC) and length of stay in confinement (LSC). The body weight classes at the beginning of confinement were: light (25 kg), intermediate (28 kg) and heavy (31 kg), for Santa Inês and crossbreeds, respectively. Slaughters were carried out every 28 days of confinement, in four LSC: 0, 28, 56 and 84 days. The GG did not influence performance, carcass and non-carcass component traits of lambs (p > 0.05). There was an effect of the WBC on the weights: final (FW), metabolic (MW), body at slaughter (BWS), empty body (EBW), hot carcass (HCY) and cold (CCW), loin, shoulder, leg musculature; loin eye area (LEA) and loin fat (p < 0.05). There was also an effect on LSC, for FW, average daily weight gain (ADG), MW, weight and yield of body components, weight of cuts and tissue ratio components of cuts (p < 0.05). In non-carcass components, effect on full and empty weight of: omasum, rumen-reticulum, small intestine; empty large intestine, liver and kidneys, paws and skin, and perirenal, pelvic and inguinal fat (p < 0.05). Interaction double effect on the tissue muscle/fat:bone ratio (MF:B) and for the full omasal component (p < 0.05). And triple interaction effect for ADG, full omasum and perirenal fat (p < 0.05). Weight at the beginning of confinement and confinement time are the characteristics that most influence performance, quantitative characteristics of carcass and non-carcass components. Regardless of the genetic group and age class, the animals reach the same weight after 84 days of confinement. Thus, the confinement of heavier lambs (31 kg) can be a profitable alternative, as they presented the highest weights for the most commercially valued cuts (shank and loin). The confinement strategy must adapt to market situations.

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.

PSII-15 Effects of Tillage Method and Fertilization Rate on Fall Performance of Stocker Cattle Grazing Wheat Pasture and Stand Performance

Abstract The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of fertilization rate and wheat pasture establishment method on fall stocker and wheat stand performance. Twenty-four, 1.62-ha pastures were utilized, with 8 pastures per fertilizer (N) treatment. Fertilization consisted of urea applied at 50.44, 67.25, or 84.06 kg N/ha. To measure responses associated with tillage method, 2 fields from each N treatment were prepared using clean-till (CT, n = 6), and the remaining fields were prepared with a no-till (NT) method. Beef steers (278.51 ± 29.42 kg) were randomly allocated at a fixed rate of 2.47 steers/ha (4 steers/pasture), with a combined total of 240 steers used in fall of 2021 and 2022. Steers were weighed upon arrival, at turnout, every 28 days, and when pulled off pasture. Steers were pulled off pasture when forage mass (FM) became insufficient, or temperatures became too cold to support forage regrowth. Forage mass sampling was recorded with a 0.25 m2 plate meter. Sampling dates coincided with weigh dates. Twenty plate meter readings were taken in every field (600 readings in total per sampling date) and 0.25 m2 grass clippings were obtained from 15 fields every sampling date to form a regression curve to estimate FM. An analysis of co-variance using the Mixed Model procedure in JMP was used to analyze this data. Tillage method and N rate were fixed categorical and continuous covariates, respectively. Year was modeled as a random effect. Tillage × N interaction was used to examine differences in slope estimates for N rate between CT and NT. Non-significant interactions were removed from the model. Total weight gain per hectare and final weight were both greater in CT compared with NT (P = 0.01), More grazing days was observed with CT (P &amp;lt; 0.01), as well as a trend toward greater mean FM (P = 0.06). Ending FM was also greater for CT pastures (P &amp;lt; 0.05). No significant effects from tillage were found for initial weight, average daily weight gain, initial FM, or FM slope change. No differences (P &amp;gt; 0.1) among responses were associated with a linear response to N rate. In conclusion, CT demonstrated greater performance than NT, with CT having greater FM response, more grazing days, and greater body weight gain per hectare, and N rates greater than 50.4 kg/ha did not appear beneficial for the studied stocking rate and climate conditions.

264 Effects of L-Glutamate and L-Aspartate Supplementation on Growth Performance, Severity of Diarrhea, and Systemic Immunity of Weaned Piglets Challenged with F18 Enterotoxigenic Escherichia Coli

Abstract L-glutamate (Glu) and L-aspartate (Asp) exhibit multifaceted roles in cellular processes and immunological regulation in pigs. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Glu and Asp on growth performance, diarrhea, and systemic immunity of weaned piglets challenged with an enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) F18. A total of forty-nine weaned pigs (8.18 ± 1.54 kg BW) were randomly assigned to one of seven treatments, with seven piglets per treatment. The treatments included negative control (NC) and positive control (PC) that were fed with control diet without or with ETEC challenge, respectively. The other five dietary treatments were supplemented with either 1% or 2% Glu or Asp, or 50 mg/kg of Carbadox, and were challenged with ETEC. All pigs except for NC were challenged with F18 ETEC orally for three consecutive days at the dose of 1010 CFU/dose/day. The study period lasted for three weeks, with a 7-day adaptation period and 14 days post-inoculation (PI). Pig body weights, feed consumption, and fecal score were recorded throughout the experiment. Fecal samples were collected on d 2, 5, 10, and 14 PI to confirm the presence and dynamics of β-hemolytic coliforms. Blood samples were collected on d 0 before ETEC inoculation, and on d 2, 5, and 14 PI to analyze white blood cell profile. All data were analyzed with ANOVA using the PROC MIXED of SAS with pig as the experimental unit. Frequency of diarrhea was analyzed by Chi-Square analysis. Compared with PC, pigs supplemented with 1% Glu, 2% Asp, or Carbadox had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) average daily weight gain and gain:feed ratio from d -7 to 5 PI and d 0 to 5 PI. Pigs fed with 1% Glu had reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) percentage of β-hemolytic coliforms in feces on d 14 PI than PC. Compared with PC, pigs fed with NC, 1% Asp, 2% Asp, or Carbadox had decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) severity of diarrhea (32.47% vs. 16.23 to 24.68%). The counts of white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes were increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) on d 2 PI and peaked (P &amp;lt; 0.05) on d 5 PI, and were reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) on d 14 PI. Pigs fed with 1% Glu had least (P &amp;lt; 0.05) neutrophils:lymphocytes ratio on d 2 PI, while pigs fed with 2% Glu had greatest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) neutrophils:lymphocytes ratio on d 5 PI among all treatments. In conclusion, results of the present study indicate that dietary supplementation of 1% Glu or 2% Asp enhanced growth performance of ETEC challenged weaned pigs at early stage. Supplementation of 1% or 2% Asp also mitigated severity of diarrhea. Both amino acids modulated the systemic immunity of weaned pigs, which needs to be further investigated.

Species Selection for Profitable Commercial Fish Culture Through Biofloc Technology

Biofloc technology is a recent concept in Bangladesh, it has numerous advantages for enhancing aquaculture production in several countries, thereby contributing to achieve sustainable development goals. To identify the most suitable fish species for profitable commercial fish culture through Biofloc, a 100-day experiment was conducted at Pran Fisheries Project in Razapur Village, situated in Sreemangal Upazilla of Moulvibazar district, commencing in March 2021. The experiment comprised three treatments: Oreochromis niloticus, Anabus testudineus, and Labeo rohita with two replicates for each treatment. Water quality parameters were meticulously monitored to ensure optimal conditions. All treatments were conducted at a temperature of 26°C, with pH levels of 7.6-7.8, dissolved oxygen concentrations of 5-6 ppm. During the study, O. niloticus exhibited the highest body weight (66.23 ± 0.94) compared to A. testudineus (50.82 ± 0.94) and L. rohita (53.92 ± 0.17). Furthermore, L. rohita displayed a higher average daily weight gain (1.8 ± 0.003) and specific growth rate (3.29 ± 0.29). The best feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed both for O. niloticus (0.98 ± 0.33) and A. testudineus (0.98 ± 0.03). In terms of survival rate, O. niloticus outperformed the other species, with a rate of 98%. However, O. niloticus demonstrated better aquaculture performance compared to the other species using biofloc technology. This research provides valuable insights in effective cultural techniques that can enhance fish production through biofloc technology, contributing to economic growth in aquaculture sector and national development. J. Bio-Sci. 31(1): 71-85, 2023