Commercial Ration Research Articles

1578 Total amino acid content variation for a commercial total mixed ration and relationship to crude protein

1578 Total amino acid content variation for a commercial total mixed ration and relationship to crude protein

Using Micro Algea As Food Additive For Reducing Viral Infection In Poultry

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris separately and a mixture of both on reduction of viral infection in poultry. In two farms in Monofia Gavernrate where chicks were infected with avain influenza virus (H5N1) . The infected chicks lossed ability of having feed and drink in the two farms also affect the quality and quantity of eggs (eggs not normal in size ,have bad quality , egg shells was very fragile and cracked ) this was in the second farm . The experiment started by adding 1ml/L from a mixture of Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris (50:50) in the drinking water dially for one week .At the end of the experiment the performance of the infected chicks flock was improved at the first day of application of treatment and all over the treatment course, where the mortality rate was sharply , the feed and water consumption were increased and the vitality of the chickens was also increased . Also ,the boiler chicks in the second farm started laying eggs with a good quality and quantity . In the laboratory an experiment was done to investigate the effect of Spirulina platensis extract on 200 one day old Cubb broiler infected chicks (obtained from El-Ahram Poultry Company) . Chicks were fed on commercial ration. The boiler chicks were divided into 4 groups 50 chicks each in a separate battery. Feed and water are available ad libitum. First group has Spirulina platensis extract and vaccinated with Egy Flu vaccine at 14 day old .Second group has vaccination only ,third group has Spirulina platensis extract only. Fourth group neither having treatment with Spirulina platensis extractnor vaccinated with Egy Flu vaccine (at 14 day old).All the chicks were vaccinated gainst broiler viral diseases using IB Primer,clone vaccine (against ND),Inactivated vaccine against Newcastle disease (HIPRAVIAR-BPL2) and Gumboro 228 E strain .All groups Challenge by inoculating each chicken via intra nasal rout with 0.1 ml of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1) virus containing 106 EID50. The first group of broiler chicks that received Spirulina extract (3 times per week )and vaccination with (Egy Flu vaccine) were significantly higher immune response (haemagglutination inhibition) (HI antibody titer ) against Egy Flu vaccine than the second group that received Egy Flu vaccine only. Both G1 and G2 showed significantly higher HI antibody titer than G3 and G4 . Also, the results revealed that the treated boiler chicks with Spirulina extract and vaccinated with S/C at 14 day old with Egy Flu vaccine chicks ( all over 10 days post challenge with HPAI H5N1 virus) gave high resistance to Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1) virus and became as normal in having feed and drinking water and their was one dead chicken only during the period of the experiment .The broiler chicks that neither treated with Spirulina extract nor vaccinated with Egy Flu vaccine were unable to be feed but they have to drink water only and the number of dead chicks increased day by day during the period of the experiment .

Effect of enzyme, multivitamin and growth promoter on growth performance and hemato-biochemical parameters in broiler chicken

To investigate the effect of exogenous enzymes, multivitamin and growth promoter on growth performance and different hemato-biochemical parameters of broilers, ten days old “Cobb 500” chicks were used and randomly divided into five equal groups (n=10). Group A was considered as control, fed only with commercial ration. Group B, C, D and E were supplemented with enzymes, multivitamin and enzymes plus multivitamin and growth promoter, respectively for the period of 21 days. Results revealed that body weight was increased significantly (p <0.05) in all four treated groups and highest body weight was recorded in group D. Weights of different organs except viscera (liver, spleen, skin, legs, breast meat, leg meat and viscera) were also varied significantly (p <0.05) among the treated groups. TEC increased significantly (p<0.05) in birds of all treated groups except group E whereas Hb concentration increased significantly (p<0.05) in all treated groups (B, C, D and E) as compared to control group A. Highest PCV was also recorded in group C but all the values were more or less similar and statistically insignificant (p>0.05). Biochemical parameters like AST were decreased significantly (p<0.05) in treated groups except group B and C. But, ALT values decreased significantly (p<0.05) in all treated groups in comparison to control group. It is concluded that combined supplementation of enzyme and multivitamin improved better in body weight and different organs weight gain and improves hemato-biochemical profile in broilers.International Journal of Natural Sciences (2014), 4(1) 1-4

Growth Performance of Philippine Native Chicken Fed Diet Supplemented with Varying Levels of Madre de Agua (Trichanthera gigantea Nees) Leaf Meal

This study aimed to assess the effects of different levels of Trichanthera gigantea leaf meal (TGLM) supplementation on the growth performance of Philippine Native chickens fed commercial chicken grower ration. A total of 96 three-month old native chickens of two sexes were randomly distributed to the four treatments with 3 replicates and 4 chickens per replicate in a 2 x 4 factorial in Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Under semi-confinement system, the dietary treatments consisted of 0, 5, 10, and 15% levels of TGLM supplementation for 13 weeks. Results revealed that cumulative voluntary feed intake (VFI) increased as TGLM supplementation increased, and was significantly highest with 15% level at weeks 10, 11 and 12. Although differences were not significant except at weeks 4 and 7, there was a decreasing trend in cumulative weight gain (CWG) with increasing TGLM level. Average daily gain (ADG) was not significantly affected by varying levels of TGLM supplementation, and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) showed a decreasing trend as TGLM level increased and was only significantly low (p<0.01) with 15% level at week 7. Comparing between sexes, the males were significantly higher than females in all production performance parameters. Therefore, TGLM is palatable but not adequate enough to supply the nutrients needed for a comparable weight gain with that of 0% supplementation, and a 5 10% inclusion in the diet is recommended.

Rumen microbial protein flow and plasma amino acid concentrations in early lactation multiparity Holstein cows fed commercial rations, and some relationships with dietary nutrients

Common contemporary diet formulation methods involve factorial or empirical models which simulate ruminal fermentation and post ruminal absorption to predict nutrient supply and needs. However, due to their inability to encompass all animal factors that affect digestion and absorption, metabolic models inadequately predict microbial protein (MCP) synthesis in the rumen and passage of nutrients such as protein and amino acids (AA) to the small intestine. Practical and simple on-farm methods to obtain “real time” values directly from cows are required to establish normal ranges of MCP flow from the rumen and plasma AA concentrations on commercial dairy farms. Urine purine derivative (PD) output, an index of MCP supply to the intestine when analyzed in spot urine samples, can accurately predict MCP flow from the rumen under farm conditions. Blood sampling from the tail vein is easily performed on commercial dairy farms and concentrations of free AA in these plasma samples, representative of intestinally absorbed AA, can be used as an index to predict limiting AA. A group of 20 commercial dairy farms, milking 2677±372 cows either 2 or 3 times a day were selected and one of their early lactation pens holding 255±20 cows were used to represent the range of nutritional strategies and rations fed to California dairy cows. On the day of sampling, one load of early lactation total mixed ration (TMR) was sampled and 20 pre-selected cows were body condition scored (BCS). Directly after scoring, the 4 cows with the highest, and the 4 cows with the lowest BCS values were removed to collect 12 tail vein blood samples from the group with average BCS scores. Spot urine samples were collected from all voluntarily urinating cows (retaining 6–12 samples/pen to match the characteristics of the cows pre-selected for BCS scoring and blood sampling). Most rations contained alfalfa hay, corn silage, almond hulls, corn dried distillers grains, corn grain, cottonseed, canola meal (solvent) and a mineral premix. Selected cow groups produced 45±1.2kg milk/day at 73±0.5 days in milk with a BCS of 2.6±0.04 at 2.8 lactations. There were no correlations between MCP and milk production, but MCP flow from the rumen was correlated to organic matter and neutral detergent fiber content of the TMR (P<0.01 and P=0.03 respectively). Plasma AA concentrations were correlated with rumen undegradable crude protein (CP) and starch content of the TMR, with many inter-correlations among AA, but no plasma AA concentration was correlated to milk production. Results show that 8 urine samples and 6 blood samples/group provided accurate representation of the group. This study documents ranges of MCP flowing from the rumen (1703±54.6g CP/day), and plasma AA levels (with low variation within AA), in early lactation multiparity Holstein cows fed a range of contemporary dairy rations with multiple ingredient profile combinations. Since farms selected were well managed operations with cow groups selected to represent averages in early lactation, this data can be used as a benchmark for high, low and mean levels of MCP flow, and plasma AA concentrations, as well as provide real time evaluation of rations to identify possible rumen microbial growth and/or absorbable AA issues in commercial dairy cows.

Kajian Produksi Karkas Dan Non Karkas Ayam Kampung Dengan Pemberian Ransum Komersial Tersubstitusi Tepung Kulit Biji Kedelai

ABSTRACTThe study was conducted to find out the effect of fed commercial ration substituted soybean shell meal (SSM) on native chickens carcass and non carcass weight and percentage. Sixteen native chicken aged 7 weeks and was treatmented T0 (0% SSM), T1 (10% SSM), T2 (20% SSM) and T3 (30% SSM) each. 4 chickens. The study used a completely randomized design (CRD). Data obtained were analyzed using a analysis of variance (ANOVA) and then was continued with Duncans multiple range test (DMRT). Results of the study showed that slaughter weights (SW, g/chicken) are highest 529.0 (T2) followed with 484.0 (T3), 452 (T1) and lowest 402.0 (T0). Carcass Weights (CW, g/chicken) are highers 421.50 (T2), followed with 370.75 (T3), 331.50 (T1) and lowest 285.50 (T0). Carcass percentages (CP, %) are highest 76.69 (T2), 76.64 (T3) followed with 73.39 (T1), 71.42 (T0). Non carcass weights (NCW, g/chicken) 116.50-113.25 (T0-T3) and non carcass percentage (NCP, %) are highest 26.68 (T1), 25.58 (T0), 23.36 (T3) and lowest 20.31 (T2). Gizzard weights (GW, g/chicken) are 14.00 (T0), 18.00 (T1), 17.50 (T2) and 14.50 (T3). Gizzard percentages (GP, %) are 3.71 (T0), 3.99 (T1), 3.31 (T2) and 3.00 (T3). Liver weights (LW, g/chicken) are 12.00 (T0), 13.50 (T1), 15.00 (T2) and 12.00 (T3). Liver percentages (LP, %) are 2,98 (T0), 2,97 (T1), 2.85 (T2) and 2.48 (T3). Heart weights (HW, g/chicken) was 2.00 (T0), 2.00 (T1), 2.50 (T2) and 2.00 (T3). Heart percentages (HP,%) are 0.50 (T0), 0.45 (T1), 0,47 (T2) and 0.42 (T3). The conclusion of the study that fed commercial ration substituted soybean shell meal improved carcass performa but non significantly influence non carcass (viscera) performance native chicken. Key words: soybean, shell meal, carcass, non-carcass, viscera, native chicken

Effects of lignite application on ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions from cattle pens

Beef cattle feedlots are a major source of ammonia (NH3) emissions from livestock industries. We investigated the effects of lignite surface applications on NH3 and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from beef cattle feedlot pens. Two rates of lignite, 3 and 6kgm−2, were tested in the treatment pen. No lignite was applied in the control pen. Twenty-four Black Angus steers were fed identical commercial rations in each pen. We measured NH3 and N2O concentrations continuously from 4th Sep to 13th Nov 2014 using Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) NH3 analysers and a closed-path Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analyser (CP-FTIR) in conjunction with the integrated horizontal flux method to calculate NH3 and N2O fluxes. During the feeding period, 16 and 26% of the excreted nitrogen (N) (240gNhead−1day−1) was lost via NH3 volatilization from the control pen, while lignite application decreased NH3 volatilization to 12 and 18% of the excreted N, for Phase 1 and Phase 2, respectively. Compared to the control pen, lignite application decreased NH3 emissions by approximately 30%. Nitrous oxide emissions from the cattle pens were small, 0.10 and 0.14gN2O-Nhead−1day−1 (<0.1% of excreted N) for the control pen, for Phase 1 and Phase 2, respectively. Lignite application increased direct N2O emissions by 40 and 57%, to 0.14 and 0.22gN2O-Nhead−1day−1, for Phase 1 and Phase 2, respectively. The increase in N2O emissions resulting from lignite application was counteracted by the lower indirect N2O emission due to decreased NH3 volatilization. Using 1% as a default emission factor of deposited NH3 for indirect N2O emissions, the application of lignite decreased total N2O emissions.

Response of wild Trumpeter Swan (&lt;em&gt;Cygnus buccinator&lt;/em&gt;) broods to wetland drawdown and changes in food abundance

A brief period of drawdown can stimulate wetland productivity and enhance the attractiveness of a site for breeding Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinator) by providing a nutrient pulse. Drawdown of a pond in Aurora, Ontario, lasting about 8 weeks in late summer and fall 2009 followed by re-flooding increased the abundance of invertebrates, especially snails, in the following year. This response was ephemeral, lasting 1 year. Wild Trumpeter Swans and their cygnets responded by selective feeding the year after drawdown, despite the risk of predation by Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina). There was a strong correlation between the feeding activity of two cygnets and the local abundance of snails in the pond in 2010. The nutritional content, especially protein, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, of a variety of abundant foods satisfied the requirements for skeletal growth and development and was higher than that of available commercial duck grower rations. The responsive feeding behaviours of the cygnets are typical of specific appetitive behaviour and suggest that swans rapidly exploit unpredictable nutrient fluxes in their local environment.

Performance of Broiler Chickens Fed Low Protein, Limiting Amino Acid Supplemented Diets Formulated Either on Total or Standardized Ileal Digestible Amino Acid Basis.

The aim of present experiment was to investigate the effect of protein reduction in commercial broiler chicken rations with incorporation of de-oiled rice bran (DORB) and supplementation of limiting amino acids (valine, isoleucine, and/or tryptophan) with ration formulation either on total amino acid (TAA) or standardized ileal digestible amino acids (SIDAA). The experimental design consisted of T1, TAA control; T2 and T3, 0.75% and 1.5% protein reduction by 3% and 6% DORB incorporation, respectively by replacing soybean meal with supplemental limiting amino acids to meet TAA requirement; T4, SIDAA control, T5 and T6, 0.75% and 1.5% protein reduction by DORB incorporation (3% and 6%) with supplemental limiting amino acids on SIDAA basis. A total of 360 d-old fast growing broiler chicks (Vencobb-400) were divided into 36 homogenous groups of ten chicks each, and six dietary treatments described were allocated randomly with six replications. During 42 days trial, the feed intake was significantly (p<0.05) reduced by TAA factor compared to SIDAA factor and protein factor significantly (p<0.05) reduced the feed intake at 1.5% reduction compared to normal protein group. This was observed only during pre-starter phase but not thereafter. The cumulative body weight gain (BWG) was significantly (p<0.05) reduced in TAA formulations with protein step-down of 1.5% (T3, 1,993 g) compared to control (T1, 2,067 g), while under SIDAA formulations, BWG was not affected with protein reduction of 1.5% (T6, 2,076 g) compared to T4 (2,129 g). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly (p<0.05) reduced in both TAA and SIDAA formulations with 1.5% protein step-down (T3, 1.741; T6, 1.704) compared to respective controls (T1, 1.696; T4, 1.663). The SIDAA formulation revealed significantly (p<0.05) higher BWG (2,095 g) and better FCR (1.684) compared to TAA formulation (2,028 g; 1.721). Intake of crude protein and all limiting amino acids (SID basis) was higher in SIDAA group than TAA group with resultant higher nitrogen retention (4.438 vs 4.027 g/bird/d). The nitrogen excretion was minimized with 1.5% protein reduction (1.608 g/bird) compared to normal protein group (1.794 g/bird). The serum uric acid concentration was significantly reduced in T3 (9.45 mg/dL) as compared to T4 (10.75 mg/dL). All carcass parameters were significantly (p<0.05) higher in SIDAA formulation over TAA formulation and 1.5% protein reduction significantly reduced carcass, breast and thigh yields. In conclusion, the dietary protein can be reduced by 0.75% with TAA formulation and 1.5% with SIDAA formulation through DORB incorporation and supplementation of limiting amino acids and among formulations, SIDAA formulation was better than TAA formulation.

Effects of supplementation with protected polyunsaturated fatty acids on productive and hormonal parameters of embryo recipient heifers

Supplementation with protected polyunsaturated fatty acids (PPUFA) has positive effects on cow reproduction. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding a source of PPUFA to energy supplements for embryo recipient heifers on productive performance and plasma concentrations of progesterone, cholesterol and insulin. For this purpose, 44 Angus x Hereford embryo recipient heifers (average body weight = 385 kg) raised on pasture were studied in a completely randomized design. The effects of PPUFA added to isocaloric energy supplements for 60 days on production parameters and serum concentrations of cholesterol, progesterone and insulin were evaluated. The treatments consisted of individual supplementation with: 1) control (no supplement); 2) corn (corn, 70%; soybean meal, 30%); 3) PPUFA supplement (Megalac-E®, 30%; soybean meal, 20%; commercial ration, 50%). The treatments did not affect (P&gt;0.05) dry matter intake, pregnancy rates, or serum insulin concentration. However, PPUFA supplement increased (P&lt;0.05) serum cholesterol and progesterone concentrations when compared to the other treatments. Despite the lack of a difference (P&gt;0.05) in dry matter intake between treatments, PPUFA supplement increased (P&lt;0.05) average daily gain compared to the control and corn treatments. The inclusion of PPUFA in energy supplements offered to heifers used in an embryo transfer program increased average daily gain and serum concentrations of cholesterol and progesterone, but did not affect pregnancy rates.

Interaction of vitamin A supplementation level with ADH1C genotype on intramuscular fat in beef steers

Previously, the single nucleotide polymorphism in alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH1C c.-64T>C) was shown to have an association with intramuscular fat (IMF) in the longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle when vitamin A was limited in finishing rations of beef steers. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimum vitamin A supplementation level, in combination with ADH1C genotype, to increase IMF of the LT muscle. In total, 45 TT genotype, 45 CT and 27 CC Black Angus crossbred steers were backgrounded on a commercial ration containing 3360 IU vitamin A/kg dry matter (DM). During finishing, the steers were randomly assigned to one of three vitamin A treatments at 25%, 50% and 75% of the National Research Council recommendation of 2200 IU/kg DM. Treatments were administered via an oral bolus. Carcass quality was evaluated and a sample from the LT muscle was collected for analysis of IMF. A treatment×genotype interaction (P=0.04) was observed for IMF; TT steers on the 75% treatment had higher IMF relative to CT and CC steers on the same treatment. Western blot analysis showed that TT steers had higher (P=0.02) ADH1C protein expression in hepatic tissue. Previously, TT steers exhibited increased IMF when fed limited vitamin A. In the current study, the lack of variation in IMF between treatments and genotypes at the lower vitamin A treatment levels was likely due to the majority of the steers grading Canada AAA (USDA Choice). However, the western blot data supports that TT steers are expected to have higher IMF deposition, due to an increased production of ADH1C. The interaction between ADH1C genotype and vitamin A supplementation level has the potential for use in marker-assisted management programs to target niche markets based on increased marbling.

Behaviour of cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) at two temperatures in captivity

Behavioural studies with cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) in captivity are scarce. Due to the need for appropriate management of these animals, this study was performed to examine the behaviour of cockatiels kept in captivity at two temperatures. Sixteen cockatiels were individually housed in cages (62cm high x 43cm long x 27cm wide) and fed with a commercial ration and seed mixture for psittacids. Water was provided ad libitum. The eight-day experiment was divided into two stages of four days each. In the first stage, the birds were kept at room temperature (25°C) with 70% relative humidity during 24 hours. In the next stage, they were kept at 35°C from 06:00 to 18:00h and 25°C from 18:00 to 06:00h, also at 70% relative humidity. The behaviour of the birds was assessed by the analysis of video recordings taken from 6:00 to 18:00h. Lateral displacement on the perch, walking on the wire net, resting on the abdomen, stopping on the wire net, standing on the drinker or feeder, seed intake, cleaning the wings and shaking the plumage were not influenced (P&gt;0.08) by temperature. Undesirable activities such as gnawing the perch or the wire net also showed no influence of temperature (P&gt;0.15). At 35°C, the birds remained on the cage floor less often (P&lt;0.02) and more often on the perch. Flapping or gnawing the feeder increased as did the consumption of ration (P&lt;0.01). Increase in temperature from 25 to 35°C changed the behaviour of the cockatiels, although these behaviours were not characterised as responses to temperature stress.

A new cost-effective method to mitigate ammonia loss from intensive cattle feedlots: application of lignite.

In open beef feedlot systems, more than 50% of dietary nitrogen (N) is lost as ammonia (NH3). Here we report an effective and economically-viable method to mitigate NH3 emissions by the application of lignite. We constructed two cattle pens (20 × 20 m) to determine the effectiveness of lignite in reducing NH3 emissions. Twenty-four steers were fed identical commercial rations in each pen. The treatment pen surface was dressed with 4.5 kg m−2 lignite dry mass while no lignite was applied in the control pen. We measured volatilised NH3 concentrations using Ecotech EC9842 NH3 analysers in conjunction with a mass balance method to calculate NH3 fluxes. Application of lignite decreased NH3 loss from the pen by approximately 66%. The cumulative NH3 losses were 6.26 and 2.13 kg N head−1 in the control and lignite treatment, respectively. In addition to the environmental benefits of reduced NH3 losses, the value of retained N nutrient in the lignite treated manure is more than $37 AUD head−1 yr−1, based on the current fertiliser cost and estimated cost of lignite application. We show that lignite application is a cost-effective method to reduce NH3 loss from cattle feedlots.

A vibrating feeder tray improves bullfrog production

Studies have developed techniques for bullfrog feeding in which movement of the food stimulates food intake in the absence of housefly larvae. We analyze a completely randomized design with two treatments (vibrating tray and linear feeder) in triplicate. A total of 1800 bullfrog froglets (Lithobates catesbeianus) (7.60±0.59g) were divided in six pens of 12m2 and density 25/m2. Three fattening pens contained linear cement feeders (3.0×0.50m) with a V-shaped bottom that crossed the pen longitudinally at each side of the pool containing commercial diet (40% crude protein) with added 5% housefly larvae. In the other three pens, six vibrating feeders trays (80×34cm) per pen were arranged linearly, three at each side of the pool with commercial ration without housefly larvae. The productive performance of frogs was assessed by weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, specific growth rate and survival by 90 days. We observed that bullfrog froglets receiving food in a vibrating feeder tray present better productive performance (weight gain, feed conversion and specific growth rate) than animals fed ration and housefly larvae in a linear feeder. This response can be related to the greater visual stimulus of the food by frogs fed in vibrating feeder trays, in which food had greater movement.

Indonesia

Febrianto AD, Puspitasari R, Sudibya, Hanifa A. 2015. Effect of fish oil supplementation lemuru and L-carnitine in commercial rasum the quail egg production (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Bioteknologi 12: 1-7. This study aims to determine the effect supplementation of lemuru fish oil of L-carnitine and the production and quality of quail eggs. Animals used in this study were 240 female quails aged 45 weeks. Rations used in the form of commercial rations, lemuru fish oil and L-carnitine. The experimental study was conducted using completely randomized design (CRD). The treatments provided include commercial ration without lemuru fish oil and L-carnitine (P0), whereas commercial ration and supplemented with lemuru fish oil level of 1%, 2 %, 3 %, and 4 % containing 0.002 % L-carnitine is referred to as P1, P2, P3, and P4. The results showed that supplementation lemuru fish oil up to 4 % of L-carnitine containing 0.002 % can improve quail egg yolk color but can not fix the variable production and other egg quality. Supplementation lemuru fish oil 1 % and 2 % on commercial ration containing L-carnitine same of 0.002 % can fix quail feed conversion.

Study on toxigenic fungi in ruminant feeds under desert conditions with special references to its biological control

A total of 435 samples from feedstuff (130 samples of commercial ration feed storage from 1–30 days, 77 samples of commercial ration stored higher than 30 days, 57 samples from each of, derris, grind mixture, Tibn and wheat bran) were collected from the feed store houses of private farms located at the desert regions of Ras Sudr at South Sinai and Elameria area at Alexandria Governorate, from December 2012 to May 2014. The collected samples were analyzed for fungal growth. The results revealed that, the main moulds observed in the ruminant feeds were Penicillium spp., Aspergillus (A) flavus, Cladosporium spp., Mucor spp., Trichoderma spp., A. niger, Alternaria spp., Rhizopus spp., Fusarium spp., A. fumigates and A. terreus. In addition, the winter season was of higher incidence for moulds isolation than summer season. The most toxigenic aflatoxins secreted by Aspergillus flavus include Aflatoxin B1, Aflatoxin B2, Aflatoxin G1 and Aflatoxin G2. The results of biological treatment of Aflatoxins using Saccharomyces (S) cerevisiae, showed that, the addition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at a level of (1 × 106) cfu.ml−1 and (1 × 109) cfu.ml−1 decreased the level of concentration of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2 and the level of (1 × 109) cfu.ml−1 was more efficient in reducing aflatoxins than the lower concentration.

Economic Potential of Raising Philippine Native Pigs on Trichanthera (Trichanthera Gigantea) Diets

The Philippine Native Pig maintains its niche in the demand for a Filipino delicacy called "Lechon" because of taste and crunchiness. However, commercializing native pigs is constrained by the high cost of feeds. So, these studies were conducted to determine the economic potential of raising native pigs on Trichanthera diets. Results showed that native pigs can be grown with better feed efficiency and lower the feed cost per kilogram weight gain using Trichanthera to replace up to 30% of the commercial rations (Study1). With formulated rations in gabi diets, Trichanthera can be used up to 45% of the diets for economical weight gains (Study 2). Feeding Trichanthera in gabi-corn diets (Study 3) did not significantly affect weight gains up to 45% level in the diets. The feed efficiency was improved and reduced the feed cost per kilogram weight gain up to 30% Trichanthera in the diets. The potential profit based on weight gains less feed cost is consistently increasing (15%, 30%, and 49%) with the increasing level of Trichanthera in the diets. Therefore, raising native pigs on Trichanthera diets is potentially viable both bio-physically and economically. Keywords - Animal Nutrition, Philippine native pigs, Trichanthera gigantea, forage, local feedstuffs, non-conventional feedstuffs, economic viability, feeding trial, experimental design, Tanay, Rizal, Philippines

The viability of dietary Probiotics (BACTOSAC®) influencing Bacterial colonization of broiler chickens

The efficacies of probiotic with regard to clearing bacterial infections and regulating the gut flora have been clearly demonstrated in this study. One hundred day old broiler chicks were randomly divided into four groups as group A (Vaccinated probiotics fed group), B (Non-vaccinated probiotics fed group), C (Vaccinated conventional fed group) and D (Non-vaccinated conventional fed group). Groups A and B were taken as experimental birds fed with commercially available feed with the addition of probiotics as per schedule whereas groups C and D were taken as control birds fed with commercial ration. The ratio of total viable count (TVC) and total lactobacillus count (TLC) obtained from the bacteriological examination of cecum samples of probiotics fed group (vaccinated and non-vaccinated) at the 2nd, 4th, and 6th week of age were 1:0.96 and 1:0.94; 1:0.97 and 1:0.98; 1:0.99 and 1:0.99 respectively and 1:0.39 and 1:0.41; 1:0.43 and 1:0.43; 1:0.44 and 1:0.41 for conventional fed group (vaccinated and nonvaccinated) respectively. The recovery of TLC obtained from the cecum samples of probiotics and conventional fed broilers were found always on the increase in probiotics fed broilers as compared to conventional fed broilers at the 2nd, 4th and 6th week of age. The present research suggests that vaccination of broilers has no influence on the propagation of intestinal microflora. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ralf.v1i1.22362 Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.1(1): 81-86, Dec 2014

Like Needles in a Haystack

In a culture that is increasingly colonized by commercial dynamics, it is important to observe how pervasive commercialization has become, particularly with respect to institutions intended to eschew such effects. This study is a longitudinal content analysis of National Public Radio (NPR) news stories over the last decade that examines the content of the stories on its flagship programs Morning Edition and All Things Considered to assess whether the network has changed, presenting a more commercial rationality. Research has demonstrated that a more market-driven quest for revenue has impacted programming, rendering it more formatted and homogeneous. Amid a decline in government funding, NPR has further embraced a programming model reflecting a more commercial tone in its news content. The data from the content analysis reveal mixed and tempered results, indicating some movement toward more commercially driven content in certain areas, particularly with a decrease in the amount of stories featuring diversity content and an increase in the frequency of promotional content on All Things Considered in 2010. The implications of these findings speak to the larger issue advanced by Critical Theory concerning the preservation of the marketplace of ideas in the United States.

Production performance of quails given chromium organic in ration

Egg production of quails depends on quality of ration. Nutrient manipulation by chromiun inclusion in ration is a possible way to improve production. It is known that chromium mineral in form of GTF in blood has a role not only in enhancement of glucose entering cells through improvement of insulin activity but also in metabolism of lipid and synthesis of protein and elimination of heat stress to improve egg production. This study aimed at assessing egg production of quails fed ration containing chromium-yeast. Sixty-four quails aged 40 days were used. A completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 4 replication was applied in this study. Treatment consisted of commercial ration + Cr 0 ppm (R1), commercial ration + Cr 0.5 ppm (R2), commercial ration + Cr 1 ppm (R3), and commercial ration+ Cr 1.5 ppm (R4). Measurements were taken on feed intake, egg weight, egg mass production, hen day, feed conversion rate, egg index, and egg shell thickness. Results showed that A ration containing organic chromium as much as 1,5 ppm did not affect feed intake , egg production, egg weight , and eggshell thickness, however lowered feed conversion rate by up to 32.25% from that of control. Supplementation of 0,5 ppm chromium in the ration lowered the value of eggs index in the fourth week.