Differences In Live Weight Research Articles

Efectiveness of growing simmental breed cares with diferent maintenance technologies.

The purpose of the work was to establish the features of meat productivity of Simmental breed bulls depending on the rearing technology: 1 - traditional technology used on farms (indoors); 2 - using feeding and final fattening. The rearing technology had a significant impact on the live weight of bull calves and the amount of gain at different age periods. The difference in live weight between groups I and II was: at 6 months – 11.2 kg (P > 0.99); at 14 months – 20.3 kg (P > 0.999); at 18 months – 43.9 kg (P > 0.999) in favor of bulls of the second experimental group. On average, by the age of one and a half years, bulls of group II were 43.9 kg heavier than their peers of group I. At 18 months of age, the digestibility coefficients in both groups were high, but in young animals of group II, the coefficients of fiber digestibility were 18.2 % and fat 17.9 % higher than in group I bulls. The best slaughter qualities were in bulls reared using fattening and final fattening. The bulls of group II compared to group I had heavier carcasses: at the age of 6 months by 7.4 kg, at 14 months by 14.5 kg, and at 18 months by 37.0 kg. The deposition of internal fat was relatively small and somewhat greater in bulls of group II. At the age of 14 months, the carcass weight of group II bulls was greater than group I by 6.74 %, and the pulp by 1.34 %. This difference persisted at 18 months. The type of feeding had a significant impact on bone strength. The load that caused bone fractures in volume-fed bulls averaged 1,477 kg, and with concentrated feeding, an average of 1,209 kg, or 18 % less.

Phytochemicals and Toxicity of the Extract from Cosmos caudatus Leaves

The efficacy of traditional medicines is related to the complexity of the chemical properties of the drugs. Cosmos caudatus Kunth is a traditional medicinal plant with therapeutic properties. This study aimed to determine the chemical compounds contained in C. caudatus Kunth leaves and their toxicity. Toxicity tests were conducted on 24 male mice (Mus musculus) divided into one control group consisting of aguadest and five treatment groups consisting of C. caudatus Kunth ethanol extract at doses of 125mg/kg bw, 250mg/kg bw, 500mg/kg bw, 1g/kg bw, and 2g/kg bw. Phytochemical analysis showed that the ethanol extract of C. caudatus Kunth leaves contained alkaloids, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, and saponins. The highest levels of alkaloids, tannins, phenols, and flavonoids were found in the ethanol extract of C. caudatus Kunth leaves fractionated with aqua, while the highest level of saponins was found in the aqua fractionation extract. The highest test dose of 2g/kg bw did not cause poisoning or death in mice. There were no significant differences in liver weight (p=0.14), kidney weight (p=0.44), or creatinine (p=0.21) between the control and treatment groups. Histopathological examination of the liver showed severe hydropic degeneration that was not significantly different between the control and treatment groups. Renal histopathology showed significant differences between the control and treatment groups. Conclusion: ethanol extract of C. caudatus Kunth leaves contains alkaloids, tannins, phenols, flavonoids and saponins. A dose of 2 g/kg bw of ethanol extract of C. caudatus Kunth leaves was not toxic to mice, but most of the mice's livers experienced severe damage.

Weight and linear growth of steers of Aubrac breed when using the feed additive Hendrix C for cattle

One of the main factors, which influence on the intensity of growth and fattening of steers are adequate feeding. In this regard, the study of the effect of the feed additive Hendrix C for cattle on the steers of Aubrac breed has scientific and practical interest. In order to carry out a scientific and economic experiment on steers of Aubrac breed aged from 7 to 18 months, two groups were formed. The control group received a commercial feeding ration, the experimental group received the ration with a reduced content of digestible protein due to a decrease in the rapeseed presscake in the ration. The steers received the missing amount of digestible protein due to the feed additive Hendrix C for cattle. This made it possible to obtain steers with a higher live weight for rearing and fattening. Thus, the significunt difference in live weight by the end of the experiment between the experimental and control groups was 51.5 kg or 9.6 % (P > 0.999). The average daily live weight gain for the age period from 9 to 18 months in the experimental group of steers was 1033 g, which exceeded the same indicator for the control group steers by 150 g or 17.0 % (P > 0.999). In terms of height measurements, the experimental group of steers showed an advantage in all age periods. It should be noted that the steers that received the feed additive were characterized by better development of the rear part of the body, which was shown by the hip width and half-girth measurements. Thus, the feed additive Hendrix C for cattle can be recommended for fattening of steers of Aubrac breed.

ВЛИЯНИЕ КОРМОВОЙ ДОБАВКИ "ЦЕЛЛОБАКТЕРИН" НА РОСТ И РАЗВИТИЕ БЫЧКОВ

One of the promising areas for the development of livestock farming is the use of supplements for the enzymatic breakdown of feed, which promotes more efficient digestion. Research to study the growth and development of Simmental breed bulls with the addition of a feed additive in the form of the enzyme preparation «Cellobacterin» to their diets was carried out in the conditions of OJSC Sterlibashevsky district of the Republic of Bashkortostan. In the diets of bull calves, in addition to the main feed, the enzyme preparation «Cellobacterin» was included in different quantities. Bulls of the first experimental group in the amount of 15 g/animal per day, 2nd experimental group - 20 g/animal per day and 3rd experimental group - 25 g/animal per day. The drug has a positive effect by accelerating and increasing the growth of animals. At 18 months age, the following indicators were established for the difference in live weight between the control group and the experimental ones in favor of the experimental ones: 11 kg (2.5 %) in the first experimental group, 18.7 kg (4.2 %; P 0.05) - in the second and 26.7 kg (6.0 %; P 0.01) in the third experimental group. Experimental bulls consuming the drug at a dose of 25 g/head per day in general during the experimental period had a significant superiority over their peers of both the base variant and other experimental groups in all growth indicators by 18 months of age. Metabolic disorders were not observed in the experimental animals, as evidenced by blood composition indicators.

Formic acid as an antibiotic alternative in broiler diets: effects on growth, carcass characteristics, blood chemistry, and intestinal microbial load

This study explored the ability of formic acid (FA) to replace antibiotics in broiler chicken diets. It examined how FA affected the chickens' growth, carcass characteristics, blood chemistry, and gut bacteria. The experiment randomly assigned 300 one-day-old (Ross 308) broiler chicks to 5 groups, each divided into 6 replicates with 10 unsexed chicks. The following were the treatments: 1st group, negative control (NC): only received a basal diet; 2nd group, positive control (PC): received a basal diet supplemented with 0.5 grams of Colistin antibiotic per kilogram of diet; 3rd, 4th, and 5th groups (FA2, FA4, and FA6) these groups received a basal diet along with formic acid added at increasing levels: 2, 4, and 6 Cm3 per kilogram of diet, respectively. Results found no significant differences in live body weight (LBW) or body weight gain (BWG) between treatment groups, except for LBW at one week and BWG at 0 to 1 and 4 to 5 wk of age. No significant variations were found in feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) among the treatment groups, excluding FI and FCR at 1 to 2 wk of age. The treatments significantly impacted carcass traits, dressing percentage, breast meat, thigh meat, spleen, giblets, blood levels of urea, creatinine, total protein, globulin, and albumin, as well as the activity of enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in chicks fed different diets compared to control groups. The addition of FA to the diet significantly impacted antioxidant levels. Also, the FA2 group had the highest total bacterial count (TBC). However, the FA6 group was the opposite; it had the lowest levels of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and Coliform. Supplementing broiler diets with formic acid improves blood parameters, antioxidant activity, and gut bacteria counts, with 4.0 cm³ formic acid/kg diet supplementation promoting optimal broiler health and product quality.

Effect of using different levels of egg shell as calcium sources in broiler diet on growth performance, blood parameters, and bone characteristics

The study was conducted at Grdarasha field in Salahaddin University –Erbil during the period from 23 November 2021 to 5 January 2022, to determine the effect of using different calcium sources in a broiler diet on growth performance, blood parameters, bone characteristics, and immunity organs. Three hundred (300) chicks have randomly distributed into three (3) treatments following a completely randomized design (CRD). Five replications for each treatment, each replicate contains 20 birds. The dietary treatments include T1: control (0% eggshell), T2 and T3 increasing levels of eggshell powder as a replacement to limestone at 50% and 100%, respectively. The results showed no significant (P> 0.05) differences in broiler live body weight, body weight gain (BWQ), feed intake, feed conversation ratio, and mortality % among different weeks of experiments and different treatments used. The results of blood parameters did not note any significant variations among different treatment groups (P > 0.05) in TG, HDL, LDL and P, however, the significant differences (P < 0.01)was found in the Cholesterol, VLDL, and Calcium . Bone ash mainly consists of calcium and phosphorous, and their level of them differ significantly (P < 0.01) among the different treatments. Also, the results of the effect of dietary treatments on the broilers' bone properties indicated that no significant differences in bone length (cm), diaphysis diameter (mm), Lateral wall thickness (mm), Medial wall thickness (mm), Medullary canal diameter (mm), Tibiotarsal index. However, the significance was found in bone weight and bone-breaking strength which is considered to affect bone fractures in poultry. Nevertheless, the results showed no significant differences in immunity organs, including spleen % and bursa %.

Performance of broiler chickens fed diets containing high-quality cassava peel

Performance, carcass characteristics and cost benefit of broiler chickens fed diets containing high-quality cassava peel (HQCP) were investigated. A total of one hundred and fifty (150) Abor Acre strain of broiler chicks were purchased and raised at the Teaching and Research Farm of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State. Feeding trial were conducted to evaluate the effect of diets containing varying levels of high-quality cassava peel (HQCP) fine mash on broilers’ performance, carcass characteristics, and cost benefit. The birds were acclimatized for three weeks using commercial diets after which they were randomly assigned to four treatment groups; (Diet 1- 0 kg of HQCP, Diet 2- 10 kg of HQCP, Diet 3- 15 kg of HQCP and Diet 4- 20 kg of HQCP per ton of feed for 21 days. Each treatment was replicated into 3 with 10 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. Data on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and feeding costs were collected and analyzed. The results showed significant (P<0.05) differences in final live weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR), dressing percentage, total feed cost, and feed cost per weight gain across the treatments. Diet 3 and Diet 4 produced birds with the highest live weights of 1.53 and 1.46 kg, respectively. The dressing percentage ranged from 60.53% (Diet 3) - 69.51% (Diet 2). Diet 3 had the lowest total feed cost (N764.67 /kg) while Diet 4 had the lowest feed cost per body weight gain (N1017.79) with a saving cost of N378.35. It was concluded that the replacement of maize with 20 kg high-quality cassava peel (HQCP) in broiler finisher diets improved production performance and saved cost.

Biochemical and hematological characteristics of blood indicators, productivi-ty of piglets under the influence of additional feed “Activo”

The article discusses the issue of the condition of the piglets' bodies before and after weaning after feeding the additional feed “Activo.” The object of the study was piglets born from sows of the large white breed of ADN genetics. Piglets were divided into control (n = 111) and experimental (n = 110). From the 5th to the 43rd day of life, the piglets were given pre-starter compound feed in loose form. In the research group's pre-starter compound feed, “Activo,” was introduced in the amount of 0.2 kg/t of finished compound feed. Blood was collected from the cranial vena cava of the piglets of the control and experimental groups for biochemical and hematological parameters on the 28th and 43rd days of the piglets' life. Productivity control was carried out by weighing animals on the day of birth, at weaning, and on the 43rd day of life. Feed consumption was monitored, and average daily gains and feed conversion were determined. According to the results of the research on piglets before weaning, we can see an increase in the total protein level in the experimental group's blood by 2.85 % compared to the control group. The albumin concentration in the control group's piglets was 47.33 %, and the experimental group was 48.00 %, which is 1.42 % more than the control group. There was also an increase in α-, β-, and γ-globulins in the experimental group. After piglets were weaned, a probable increase in total protein and albumin was noted in the experimental group by 3.96 % and 1.85 %, respectively, in the control group. At the beginning of the experiment, the piglets of the control and experimental groups had a slight difference in live weight, which was 3.35 % in favor of the control group. Already on the 28th day of life, the piglets of the research group had a live weight statistically higher by 6.58 % (P < 0.001) concerning the control. Thus, for 14 days of the experiment after weaning, the increase in live weight of piglets of the experimental group probably increased by 11.9 % (Р < 0.01), and the difference in the weight of piglets between the control and experimental groups was 0.88 kg, or 8.15 % (P < 0.001). The average daily growth rate of piglets in the experimental group also increased by 11.8 % (Р < 0.01). The difference in feed conversion between the control and experimental groups is 0.19 kg or 10.8 %.

Effects of dietary substitution of Soybean meal by dried Azolla on blood and serum parameters, productive and reproductive traits, and economic efficiency of rabbit does as well as semen quality of bucks

An experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of dietary substitution of dried Azolla (Azolla pinnata) in different ratios by soybean meal on productive and reproductive performances, hematological and serum traits, and economic efficiency of rabbit does as well as semen quality of males. Forty mature does and eight males of Black Balady rabbits aged seven and eight months were assigned to 1 of 4 dietary groups: 0 (control), 20, 30, and 40% of soybean protein substituted with dried Azolla protein. Data were analyzed using repeated measures of statistical software computer program package. There were no significant differences among groups in number of services per conception as well as parturition intervals (days) with a superiority of 30% group over the control and other two groups. Average litter weight was significantly (P<0.05) superior in the 30% replacement group. There were no significant differences in live body weight either at birth or at weaning among the four tested groups and the 30% replacement groups recorded the highest significant daily weight gain of bunnies during the whole experimental period. All Azolla groups recorded better results in the studied traits of bucks' semen compared to the control. Azolla diets did not show any adverse effects on the studied blood parameters. The 30% replacement of the soybean protein group showed the best economic return compared to the other two replacement groups and the control. In conclusion, Azolla can safely and economically replace soybean protein at the rate of 30% in adult female rabbits' diets. Keywords: Azolla, Body weight, Rabbit, Reproduction, Semen.

The effectiveness of using ultrafine copper as part of an enzyme-containing diet for broiler chickens

The purpose of the study was to study the effectiveness of using ultrafine copper particles as part of an enzyme-containing diet for broiler chickens. The research results indicate that each of the components of the proposed strategy influenced a certain functional system of the body with a subsequent range of adaptive changes, which ultimately led to a change in the efficiency of broiler rearing. In particular, it was found that the proposed substances have a growth-stimulating effect to varying degrees. Feeding the enzyme was accompanied by a maximum increase in the live weight of the experimental birds (13.75%), but in this case the maximum palatability of the feed was noted (a difference with the control of 6.7%). The strategy of complex introduction of enzyme and ultrafine copper was more effective and was accompanied by a decrease in feed costs in comparison with the group of introduction of only enzyme, with a difference in live weight with the control of 13.68%.

Influence of chronic immobilization stress on vitamin status in rats fed different diets

The influence of a stress factor, widespread in modern conditions, on the vitamin status has not been studied enough. At the same time, the negative stress impact can be aggravated against the background of unhealthy nutrition, which in turn affects the vitamin status of the organism. In this regard, the goal of the research was to evaluate the effect of chronic restrict stress on the vitamin supply in rats fed a diet with adequate and increased content of fat, sugar and cholesterol. Material and methods. The experiment was carried out on 37 growing male Wistar rats (initial body weight of 45±5 g) divided into 4 groups. Animals of the 1st (control) and the 2nd groups received a complete semi-synthetic diet (CSSD) (20% protein, 10% fat, 58% carbohydrates in the form of starch, 384 kcal/100 g) for 92 days. The levels of all vitamins and mineral elements in the rats' diets were adequate for growing rats. Rats of the 3rd and the 4th groups were fed a high-calorie, high-fat high-carbohydrate diet (HFHCD) (20% protein, 28% fat, 2% cholesterol, 18% carbohydrates in the form of starch, 20% sucrose, 511 kcal/100 g). Animals of groups 2 and 4 were subjected to daily 90-minute immobilization. The concentration of vitamins A (retinol and retinol palmitate) and E (α-tocopherol) in the blood serum and liver were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography, vitamins B1 and B2 in the liver and urine, as well as riboflavin in the blood serum and 4-pyridoxic acid (4-PA) in urine were determined by fluorimetric methods. Biochemical parameters of blood serum were determined on a biochemical analyzer; the total content of fat, triglycerides (TG) and cholesterol (CH) was determined in the liver. Results. Replacing CSSD with HFHCD, both under restraint stress and without, was accompanied by an increase in liver weight by 1.8-2.0 fold, in its fat content by 2.6-3.3 fold, cholesterol by 32.6-35.3 fold and TG - by 33.0-57.6 fold (p=<0.001). An increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity by 1.7-2.0 fold (p=<0.01), in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level by 5.4 fold (p=<0.05) and the atherogenic coefficient by 2.5 fold (p<0.01) as well as a decrease in creatinine and urea level (p=<0.05) in blood serum were revealed. Immobilization was accompanied by a decrease in body weight, liver and liver fat in rats fed both CSSD and HFHCD (p<0.05), but didn't affect the blood serum biochemical parameters, with the exception of an increase in ALT activity. If the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) did not change during immobilization of rats fed the CSSD, then in animals fed the high-calorie diet it decreased by 37.5% (p=<0.05 from the control) under its increase against the background of restrict stress by 78.7% (p=<0.01) compared to the indicator of rats of the 3rd group. Immobilization of rats treated with CSSD was accompanied by an increase in both absolute serum α-tocopherol level and concentration correlated with the level of cholesterol and triglycerides by 26.0-57.5% (p<0.05), with a simultaneous decrease in its content in the liver per 1 g of wet tissue by 22.1% (p=0.041) relative to the indicators of intact animals. Immobilization reduced the level of retinol palmitate in the liver by 2.3 times (p<0.01), but did not affect retinol level in the blood serum. At the same time, indicators of B vitamin status (the content of vitamins B1 and B2 in the liver per 1 g of wet tissue and per organ, blood serum riboflavin level, urinary excretion of riboflavin and 4-PA) did not change, with the exception of thiamine urinary excretion, which reduced compared to the control by 38.8%. In rats fed HFHCD, immobilization had no additional effect on the supply with vitamins A and E. The content of vitamins B1 and B2 in the liver in terms of the whole organ was reduced by 14.0-26.7% relative to the indicator in animals of the 3rd group, not subjected to chronic stress, only due to differences in liver weight in animals of these groups. Conclusion. The data obtained indicate that chronic stress has a negative effect on the vitamin status of the body, worsening the supply with vitamins A, E and B1, and substantiate the feasibility of studying the mechanisms of this effect in order to develop effective vitamin complexes for the treatment and prevention of diseases caused by long-term stress.

Associations of Grazing and Rumination Behaviours with Performance Parameters in Spring-Calving Dairy Cows in a Pasture-Based Grazing System.

This study investigated the relationship of the length of time spent grazing and ruminating with the performance parameters of spring-calved grazing dairy cows (n = 162) over the lactation period for three lactation seasons (n = 54 per season). The cows were Holstein Friesian (HFR), Jersey (JE), and a crossbreed of Holstein Friesian/Jersey (KiwiCross), with 18 cows from each breed. The cows were either in their 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th lactation year, and had different breeding worth (BW) index values (103 < BW > 151). The cows were managed through a rotational grazing scheme with once-a-day milking in the morning at 05:00 h. The cows were mainly fed on grazed pastures consisting of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne), red clover (Trifolium pretense), and white clover (Trifolium repens), and received additional feeds on various days in the summer and autumn seasons. This study used an automated AfiCollar device to continuously record the grazing time and rumination time (min/h) of the individual cows throughout the lactation period (~270 days) for three consecutive years (Year-1, Year-2, and Year-3). The milk yield, milk fat, milk protein, milk solids, liveweight, and body condition score data of the individual animals for the study years were provided by the farm. PROC CORR was used in SAS to determine the correlation coefficients (r) between the behaviour and production parameters. A general linear model fitted with breed × lactation year, individual cows, seasons, feed within the season, grazing time, rumination time, as well as their interactions, was assessed to test the differences in milk yield, milk fat, milk protein, milk solids, liveweight, and body condition score. The type I sum of squares values were used to quantify the magnitude of variance explained by each of the study factors and their interactions in the study variables. Grazing time exhibited positive associations with MY (r = 0.34), MF (r = 0.43), MP (r = 0.22), MS (r = 0.39), LW (r = -0.47), and BCS (r = -0.24) throughout the study years. Rumination time was associated with MY (r = 0.64), MF (r = 0.57), MP (r = 0.52), and MS (r = 0.57) in all study years, while there were no effects of rumination time on LW (r = 0.26) and BCS (r = -0.26). Grazing time explained up to 0.32%, 0.49%, 0.17%, 0.31%, 0.2%, and 0.02%, and rumination time explained up to 0.39%, 6.73%, 4.63%, 6.53%, 0.44%, and 0.17% of the variance in MY, MF, MP, MS, LW, and BCS, respectively.

Heart girth best predicts live weights of market-age pigs in Tanzania.

The aim of this study was to use linear body measurements to develop and validate a regression-based model for prediction of live weights (LW) of pigs reared under smallholder settings in rural areas in the southern highlands of Tanzania. LW of 400 pigs (range 7 to 91 kg) was measured, along with their heart girths (HG) and body lengths (BL). BL was measured from the midpoint between the ears to the tail base. HG was measured as chest circumference just behind the front legs. LW was determined using a portable hanging scale. An analysis of covariance was performed to test for differences in LW between male and female pigs, including age, HG and BL as covariates. LW was regressed on HG and BL using simple and multiple linear regressions. Models were developed for all pig ages, and separately for market/breeding-age pigs and those below market/breeding age. Model validation was done using a split-samples approach, followed by PRESS-related statistics. Model efficiency and accuracy were assessed using the coefficient of determination, R2, and standard deviation of the random error, respectively. Model stability was determined by assessing 'shrinkage' of R2 value. Results showed that HG was the best predictor of LW in market/breeding-age pigs (model equation: LW = 1.22HG-52.384; R2 = 0.94, error = 3.7). BL, age and sex of pigs did not influence LW estimates. It is expected that LW estimation tools will be developed to enable more accurate estimation of LW in the pig value chain in the area.

The influence of the mass of incubation eggs on the growth indicators of a live weight of the bred young chickens and the quality of their eggs

Purpose: to determine the influence of the mass of hatching eggs on the growth and development of hatched chickens and on the quality of the eggs obtained from them in hens of the Pushkin breed.Materials and methods. The material for the study was chickens of the Pushkin breed, in the amount of 70 heads. 52 weeks of age and their descendants, used later in reproduction (85 ♀ and 28 ♂). The birds were kept in individual cages. Conditions of keeping and feeding are in accordance with the standards adopted in the bioresource collection of the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Growing Animals “Genetic collection of rare and endangered breeds of chickens”. Immediately before incubation, 340 eggs were estimated by mass. hatching eggs. The hatched chickens were weighed at the ages of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 weeks. Depending on the weight of the incubation egg of the mothers and the sex of the chick, the data obtained were divided into three groups: Group I (light) ⩽M-0.5σ (⩽63.7 g-♀ and ⩽65.14 g-♂), Group III ( heavy) ⩾M+0.5σ (⩾68.2 g-♀and ⩾70.07 g-♂), eggs with intermediate weight are classified as “medium” - group II. At the age of 35 weeks, eggs obtained from daughters of the experimental groups were assessed.Results. It was noted that there are high correlation coefficients between weight incubation eggs the weight day-old of chickens: for hens r = 0.85 for roosters 0.95 (Р&lt;0,001). The average live weight at one day of age by group differed significantly from each other. Significant differences were observed in both hens and roosters between groups I and III at 2 (P&lt;0.05), 6, 8, 10, and 12 months of age (P&lt;0.01). There were no significant differences in live weight between groups I-II and II-III. In terms of the quality of daughters' eggs, significant differences were observed in the weight of laid eggs between groups I and II, I and III (P &lt; 0.01). In terms of the mass of protein, yolk, shell and the energy value of eggs, the highest indicators were noted in group III.Conclusion. Studies have shown that the weight of eggs affects not only the live weight of chickens at the daily age, but also the live weight at a later period of growth. The coefficient of heritability of eggs mass (h2) for mothers was 0.701 (P&lt;0.001) and for fathers 0.389 (P&lt;0.01). Thus, it is possible to increase meat productivity without reducing the quality of eggs in meat-egg breeds of chickens by selecting incubation eggs of a larger mass.

Growth performance, digestive function, thyroid activity, and immunity of growing rabbits fed olive cake with or without Saccharomyces cerevisiae or citric acid

The present study investigated the impact of dietary inclusion of olive cakes (OC) with or without Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) and citric acid (CA) on growth, digestive function, thyroid activity, antioxidant status, immunity, and intestinal architecture of growing rabbits. One hundred forty 35-day-old male New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned into seven experimental groups with five replicates each, as follows: control (CN), fed the basal diet; OC20 and OC25, fed diets with 20 and 25% OC; OS20 and OS25, fed diets containing 20 and 25% OC with S. cerevisiae at 5 g/kg diet; OA20 and OA25, fed diets supplemented with 20 and 25% OC with 1.0% citric acid. No differences in live body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and carcass traits were noticed among experimental groups, while body weight gain and carcass (%) were increased (P < 0.05) in OS20 compared to the control. Digestibility coefficients of all nutrients and activities of amylase, cellulose, and trypsin did not differ in treated groups compared to the control except for OS20, which recorded enhancement in nutrient digestibility. Plasma triiodothyronine and thyroxine were elevated (P < 0.05), while triglycerides and cholesterol were reduced (P < 0.05) in OS20 compared to CN. Plasma concentrations of immunoglobulin M and G and superoxide dismutase were increased in treated groups compared to the control. Dietary inclusion of SC and CA improved rabbits’ intestinal health, as the cecal Lactobacillus count was increased, E. coli count was decreased, and villus height was elevated in SC- and CA-treated groups. In conclusion, dietary incorporation of SC or CA enhanced the nutritional value of OC and improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility, thyroid activity, antioxidative status, and gut health of growing rabbits.

Effect of Diet Supplementation with Oat Hay and Whole Carrot on Rabbit Growth and Productive Efficiency.

Is it possible to reduce feeding costs in rabbit meat production without compromising rabbit health and productive yield? The study tested four feeding strategies: Control group (CC) fed exclusively with concentrate feed; group CT supplemented with whole carrot; group OH supplemented with oat hay; and Group CO supplemented with oat hay and whole carrot. Each feeding strategy was tested in 20 rabbits, randomly allocated in five cages with four rabbits each. The average daily weight gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and the amount of concentrated feed consumed daily were estimated in all experimental groups. Group CC displayed the best ADG (37.1 g/rabbit/day), carrot had no significant influence on ADG (34.2 g/rabbit/day), but oat hay had a negative impact (p < 0.05), either used alone or in combination with carrot (33.0 and 32.6 g/rabbit/day, respectively). Supplementation with carrot, oat hay, or both increased the FCR (p < 0.001). Nevertheless, there were no significant differences in final live weight or carcass weight between the rabbits in the different experimental groups. In conclusion, supplementation with oat hay, carrot, or both can be a valid approach to reducing production costs by decreasing concentrate feed without affecting rabbit's health and meat yield. The combined supplementation with oat hay and carrot proved to be the best option in reducing the amount of concentrate feed ingested by rabbits (less than 1107 g/animal), but at current market values, supplementation exclusively with oat hay was the less expensive feeding strategy (less 14% than fed exclusively with concentrate feeding).

The novel candidate genes related to live weight trait in southern meat sheep breed revealed by genome-wide genotyping

The study of the local sheep breeds’ genetic architecture is an important step on the way to preserve their gene pool. The aim of our work was to identify candidate genes associated with the live weight trait in adult southern meat breed sheep. This breed has high productivity, but is under threat of a critical decrease in genetic diversity due to a small number. The live weight of farm animals is one of the key breeding indicators. This quantitative trait is polygenic and breed specific as it has been shown by a number of authors. Animals were genotyped on the Illumina Ovine SNP50 Genotyping Bead Chip assay using standard procedures. Results in quality control, statistics and visualization were carried out in Rstudio 2023.03.0 and plink1.9. Genotyped animals were divided into two groups according to the case/control principle with differences in live weight between representatives of groups of 25–30 kg. Significant genetic variants were determined by the fixation indices method. Further analysis of significant variants (in intron positions) was performed in Ensembl genomic browser and revealed candidate genes localized in chromosomes 5, 6, 12, 20. The statistical analysis of live mass showed significant differences of the studied trait in different genotypes on four genes. The candidate genes identified can be recommended for using as genetic markers, their study could improve the productivity of southern meat sheep breed and help to preserve its gene pool.

Characterizing Ethiopian cattle production systems for disease burden analysis.

This paper addresses knowledge gaps in the biomass, productivity and value of livestock for the pastoral, mixed crop-livestock and specialized dairy systems in Ethiopia. Population size, reproductive performance, mortality, offtake and productivity of cattle were calculated from official statistics and a meta-analysis of data available in the published literature. This information was then used to estimate biomass and output value for 2020 using a herd dynamics model. The mixed-crop livestock system dominates the Ethiopian cattle sector, with 55 million cattle (78% total population) and contributing 8.52 billion USD to the economy through the provision of meat, milk, hides and draft power in 2021. By comparison, the pastoral (13.4 million head) and specialized dairy (1.8 million head) systems are much smaller. Productivity varied between different production systems, with differences in live body weight, productivity and prices from different sources. The estimated total cattle biomass was 14.8 billion kg in 2021, i.e., 11.3 billion kg in the mixed crop-livestock system, 2.60 billion kg in the pastoral system and 0.87 billion kg in the specialized dairy system. The total economic asset values of cattle in the mixed crop-livestock, pastoral and specialized dairy systems were estimated as 24.8, 5.28 and 1.37 billion USD, respectively. The total combined output value (e.g., beef, milk and draft power) of cattle production was 11.9 billion USD, which was 11.2% of the GDP in Ethiopia in 2021. This work quantifies the importance of cattle in the Ethiopian economy. These estimates of herd structure, reproductive performance, productivity, biomass, and economic value for cattle production systems in Ethiopia can be used to inform high-level policy, revealing under-performance and areas to prioritize and provide a basis for further technical analysis, such as disease burden.

Impact of thyroid-stimulating hormone levels after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation on in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes in women with fresh embryo transfer: a prospective cohort study.

Maternal hypothyroidism before and during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes; many studies have evidenced that controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) triggers a significant increase in the levels of TSH; however, no large-scale prospective studies have evaluated the impact of TSH levels after COH on assisted reproductive technology outcomes. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate whether in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) outcomes are affected by TSH levels after COH in women with fresh embryo transfer (ET). A total of 664 patients who underwent IVF/ICSI treatment and received fresh ET at the Peking University Third Hospital were included in this study. The rates of clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, live birth, and preterm delivery were analyzed. The patients were categorized into two groups based on serum TSH levels after COH (0.55 mIU/L < TSH < 2.5 mIU/L: n= 449, 2.5 mIU/L ≤ TSH ≤ 4.78 mIU/L: n= 215). There were no significant differences in the rates of clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and live birth between the two groups, even after adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), thyroid antibody positivity, and COH protocols. However, the preterm delivery rate was significantly higher in women with TSH < 2.5 mIU/L than in those with TSH ≥ 2.5 mIU/L, even after adjusting for relevant confounding factors. There was no significant difference in live birth weight between the two groups. Mildly elevated TSH levels (TSH ≥ 2.5 mIU/L) after COH did not affect IVF/ICSI outcomes, and strict control of TSH levels within 2.5 mIU/L after COH might not be necessary. Additionally, strictly controlled TSH levels (TSH < 2.5 mIU/L) may increase preterm delivery risk.

Mesobiliverdin IXα-enriched microalgae feed additive eliminates reliance on antibiotic tylosin to promote intestinal health of weaning piglets.

Weaning is a critical period in raising pigs. Novel animal feed additives that promote gut health and regulate immune function of piglets without antibiotics are needed. In this study, we aimed to test the ability of mesobiliverdin IXα-enriched microalgae (MBV IXα-enriched microalgae) to eliminate reliance on antibiotics to promote intestinal health in piglets. Eighty 28-day-old weaned piglets were randomly allocated to four groups each with fourreplicate pens and fivepiglets per pen. The dietary treatments were a basal diet as control (NC), basal diet plus 0.05% tylosin (PC), basal diet plus 0.1% or 0.5% MBV IXα-enriched microalgae as low (MBV-SP1) or high (MBV-SP2) dose respectively. All treated animals showed no significant differences in live weight, average daily gain and feed efficiency compared to control animals. Histological examination showed that MBV-SP1 and particularly MBV-SP2 increased the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the jejunum and ileum compared to NC (p < 0.05). Similarly, tylosin treatment also increased villi lengths and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth in the jejunum and ileum compared to the NC (p < 0.05). MBV-SP1 and particularly MBV-SP2 reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha in the small intestine. MBV-SP2 and tylosin similarly reduced the lipid peroxidation marker (TBARS value) in the duodenum and ileum. In conclusion, feed supplementation with MBV IXα-enriched microalgae improved gut health by villus height and production of immunomodulators that correlated with down-regulated secretion of inflammatory cytokines.