Differences In Live Weight Research Articles

RESEARCH OF LIVE MASS OF CALF–EMBRYOTRANSLANTANTS

The efficiency of breeding and production processes in dairy cattle breeding are closely linked and limited by the genetic value of animals, their reproduction ratio, and the rate of change of generations. The use transplantation of embryo in the practice of dairy cattle breeding ensures the effective implementation of modern reproductive biotechnology, which will promote the expanded reproduction of the most valuable, tested animal complexes.
 Goal. To study the dynamics of live weight of calves-embryo-transplants and compare them with analogues obtained after artificial insemination, in conditions of farms of different climatic regions of Ukraine.
 Methods. Zotechnical, statistical, analytical. Analytical part of the work was carried out on the retrospective data of zootechnical records in three farms, in the warehouse of which were introduced repair heifers-embryotransplantants. Biotechnological procedures (in vivo) for embryocollection, transplantation of fresh and frozen-thawed embryos were carried out in accordance with well-known techniques. Materials for system analysis were collected during the period of practical activity of the Laboratory of embryo transplantation at PJSC "Poltavapleservis" and in the period after its reorganization. To study the dynamics of the live weight of repair calves-embryo-transplants in three different climatic and technological conditions farms were selected analogue groups of calves of the corresponding age and breed (in the ALLC "Petrodolynske", the comparison was made with Ukrainian red dairy breeds) born after fertilization artificial insemination of heifers.
 Results. It was established that the live weight of newborn calves-embryo-transplants of dairy breeds was lower compared to analogues by 6.8% (with fluctuations of 0.86–5.46 kg). Heifers-embryo-transplants yielded to live weight analogues for the entire period of the survey, but had a higher rate of growth. At 9 months of age, the difference in live weight was 4.7%, but the difference in farms of different climatic regions increased significantly: from 0.96 to 8.72%.
 Conclusions. The tendency of the dependence of the dynamics of the live weight of heifers on the methods of reproduction biotechnology, as well as on the effects of the conditions of retention, is established. Some elements of this trend require further study, in order to optimize the technology of growing a repair stock with high genetic potential.

Productive response of crossbred cows grazing Brachiaria decumbens pasture to supplementation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The objective of study was to evaluate the productive response of crossbred cows grazing on Brachiaria decumbens pasture to supplementation with an experimental concentrates (CEXP) with or without addition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC). Four milking Brown Swiss × Zebu cows were utilized 4×4 Latin square design. Treatments were T1= 3 kg of CEXP; T2= 2 kg of CEXP; T3= 2 kg of CEXP + 10 g of SC; and T4= 3 kg of commercial concentrate as control treatment. CEXP was 63% ground maize, 25% canola meal, 10% molasses and 2% urea. All cows received 3 kg of maize silage plus free access to grazing Brachiaria decumbens. Experimental periods consisted of 21 days each. Chemical analysis was performed on Brachiaria decumbens grass, maize silage and the concentrate supplements. Variables evaluated were milk yield, protein and fat content in milk, live weight and body condition score (BCS). Mean milk yield was 6.6 kg/cow/day, with no differences among treatments, nor there were differences in live weight or BCS. However, significant differences were found in protein and fat in milk, with lower values for these components in T2 and T3 than in T1 and T4. The addition of different levels of inclusion had no effect on milk yield, live weight and body condition, as well as fat and protein in milk.

Performance of broiler chickens fed graded levels of Ripe Plantain Peel Meal (RPPM) as replacement for maize

This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of broiler chickens fed graded levels of ripe plantain peels meal (RPPM) as replacement for maize. One hundred and fifty day old Anak strain broiler chickens were allotted to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. Each treatment was replicated three times with 10 birds per replicate. The test ingredient (RPPM) was replaced at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels representing T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. The diets were Isonitrogenous (23 and 20% CP) for starter and finisher respectively. Feed and water were provided ad-libitum throughout the study period of 56 days and routine management practices were strictly adhered to. Parameters measured were feed intake and weight gain. Feed conversion ratio, feed cost/kg and feed cost/kg gain were calculated. Results showed that there were significant (P<0.05) differences in the final live weight, feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio and feed cost/kg. Based on this study, RPPM could replace maize up to 75% which is the inclusion level that gave the best feed conversion ratio and cost efficiency

The effect of calf jacket usage on performance, behaviour and physiological responses of group-housed dairy calves

Poor performance and ill-health of calves in the pre-wean period can affect future productivity. Increasing numbers of producers are opting to use calf jackets as a means of mitigating the potential negative effects of low ambient temperatures, wind speed and precipitation on growth and health. This study aimed to use a range of noninvasive monitoring technologies to investigate the effects of using calf jackets in the first 3 weeks of life on calf performance and behavioural and physiological parameters. Ninety Holstein-Friesian calves were allocated to one of the two treatments: (i) Jacketed until 21 days of age and (J; n = 44) ii. Nonjacketed (NJ; n = 46). Calves were group housed and fed milk replacer (MR) and concentrate solid feed via automatic feeders. Calves were weaned at day 56, and the experiment was completed at day 63. Health assessments were conducted on a daily basis throughout the experiment using predefined faecal and respiratory scoring protocols. A range of novel, noninvasive monitoring technologies were used to examine the activity, heart rate and thermal profiles of calves on an individual basis throughout the experimental period. There were no differences in calf live weight (LWT), average daily gain (ADG) or feed conversion efficiency (FCE) in J and NJ calves between days 5 to 20. However, NJ calves consumed more MR and had more unrewarded visits to the milk feeder than J calves during this period. Although calf LWT was comparable across treatments in the week following jacket removal (days 21 to 28), both ADG and FCE tended to be greater in NJ calves. There were no treatment differences in calf LWT at the end of the study (d63). When measured over a period of 24 h and at a mean ambient temperature of 7.7°C, skin surface temperature was 6.37°C higher in J calves. Core body temperature was higher in J calves between days 5 to 20; however, there were no differences in IR eye or IR rectal temperature. No differences in lying behaviour occurred, with calves spending 18 and 17 h/day lying between days 5 to 20 and days 21 to 28, respectively. Under the climatic and management conditions described, no significant benefits to calf performance were found as a result of the provision of calf jackets to group-housed calves in the first 3 weeks of life. The higher frequency of unrewarded visits to the milk feeder in NJ calves during the first 3 weeks of life could be suggestive of a lack of satiety in these calves.

A novel approach to estimate age and sex from mri measurement of liver dimensions in an Indian (Bengali) Population – A pilot study

Radiological methods have been used to assess the ossification stages of bones to estimate age and sex, but studies using the growth stages of organs such as the liver for identification purposes have not yet been performed. Liver weight increases with age, reaching a maximum between 41 and 50 years in men and between 51 and 60 years in women. Thereafter, above the age of 50 years, the liver weight decreases again, and the differences in liver weight between men and women are lost. For this reason, we have conducted this study in a population aged between 10 and 40 years. In this study, we attempted to find correlations between liver dimensions (from magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] images) and age and sex in an eastern Indian (Bengali) population. MRI images showing the liver were acquired from people aged between 10 and 40 years visiting the MRI Centre of Calcutta National Medical College. Liver MRI was acquired from 104 people. Chi-square tests showed a significant correlation between age and the mid hepatic point anteroposterior (MHP AP) dimension. However, there was no such significant correlation between age and maximum craniocaudal (Max CC) dimension or between age and maximum transverse dimension. The following discriminant function equation was derived (Df) = 0.04 MHP AP + 0.006 Max CC + 0.031 Max transverse −11.873 (Constant). Using this formula, 60.6% of the original grouped cases from the Eastern Indian Bengali population would be correctly classified. From the forensic point of view, the dimensions of the liver may be of the value of corroborating age and sex in doubtful cases in living individuals, aged between 10 and 40 years.

Effect of Electrolyte Administration on Carcass Weight and pH Decline of Australian Feedlot Lambs

ObjectivesThis study was conducted to determine how the administration of electrolytes to Australian feedlot lambs would affect the carcass weight and pH decline.Materials and MethodsAustralian feedlot lambs (n = 200) were weighed (LW = 59.0 ± 2.7 kg) prior to the first administration of electrolyte and assigned randomly to 1 of 4 treatment groups (n = 50/group). Treatment groups consisted of no electrolyte (CON), a commercially available electrolyte (E1; Generade, Mount Barker, SA, 5251), an electrolyte formulated by a consulting nutritionist (E2), and experimental electrolyte formulation (E3). Electrolyte formulation was proprietary but contained the following ingredients: sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, potassium compounds, magnesium compounds, glucose and lysine. Electrolytes were delivered through the feed at specified dosage rates per treatment of 100ml/d (E1), 50 g/d (E2), and 17 g/d (E3) for 4 d. The administration of E2 and E3 began after weighing and sorting on d 1; E3 was started on d 3 and was only fed for 2 d prior to slaughter. Half of each treatment group was assigned to 1 of 2 consecutive harvest days with equal representation among treatments. Individual live weights were recorded after 4 d and prior to transportation to the abattoir. Individual live weights were recorded on arrival at the abattoir and again immediately before slaughter to determine transportation shrink and shrink during holding at the abattoir. Hot carcass weights were recorded. Longissimus pH was recorded when carcasses first entered the chiller following slaughter and were recorded again at 60 min and 120 min to monitor pH decline over the course of 2 h. On the following day after chilling, cold carcass weights were recorded, and cooler shrink was calculated.ResultsTreatment influenced all live weights (P < 0.01). The use of electrolytes in comparison to the control had a significant impact on the 4-d gain, as E3 lambs had greater gain than E1 or CON prior to transportation. All lambs administered an electrolyte maintained the live weight advantage over CON through pre-slaughter live weight collection; however, E2 and E3 were similar for transport shrink percentage, but were both greater (P < 0.05) when compared to E1 and CON, which were also similar. HCW, CCW, and cooler shrink percentage were not influenced by electrolyte treatment (P ≥ 0.25).No interaction between treatment and time was detected for pH (P = 0.07), suggesting pH declined at similar rates; however, CON had greater (P < 0.05) pH values (6.00) than any of the electrolyte-treated lamb carcasses (5.79–5.89), regardless of time postmortem.ConclusionResults suggest the administration of the various electrolytes does create live weight differences between the treatments and especially apart from CON, as evidenced by the improved 4-d gain and transportation shrink. Electrolytes, however, did not affect carcass weights. The intended usage for electrolytes should reduce stress, therefore resulting in a positive influence on meat quality by reducing the incidence of high pH and dark cutting. Although the administration of electrolytes did not affect the decline of pH, it did influence the ultimate pH value. The CON had greater final pH, indicating that the use of electrolytes on Australian feedlot lambs can benefit meat quality.

Growth performance of white, black and bronze color heritage turkeys under semi-intensive system

The present study was conducted to compare the growth performance of White, Black and Bronze color type of turkeys, which have been currently introduced in Bangladesh. The birds were reared under semi-intensive system at BAU Poultry Farm with supplementation of commercial broiler grower and layer feeds. Key objectives were to investigate the growth performance of locally found turkeys (known as heritage turkeys) under semi-intensive rearing system and to recommend turkey as a supplementary part of existing poultry business in the country. A total of 46 poults of White, Black and Bronze color type unsexed birds of 5 weeks age were housed. Birds were reared under similar management conditions and feeds were purchased from local market. No significant difference (p&gt;0.05) in live weight for three color types were found. At the end of 21 weeks rearing, Bronze type turkeys attained highest live body weight (3720.71g/bird) while White type turkeys attained lowest (3282.29g/bird). The Black type turkeys however, attained 3552.86g/bird body weight. The live weight gain was increased gradually but decreased again after 18 weeks of age. Weekly weight gains were highest in all color types at 18 weeks of age where white type male turkey attained the highest (440.71g/bird) and black type showed the lowest weight gain (345.00g/bird). No significant difference (p&gt;0.05) in FCR among the three color types were found. Survivability under semi intensive system of three different color types, White, Black and Bronze were 100%, 88.46% and 91.67% respectively. Taken together, the growth performance of Bronze type turkey was superior to other color types used in this experiment. Therefore, it can be concluded that turkey farming will viable in Bangladesh with available local varieties under semi-intensive system through feeding of commercial broiler and layer feeds.&#x0D; J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 16(3): 471–477, December 2018

Effect of canola oil on meat quality and fatty acid profile of Araucano creole lambs during fattening period

This study investigated the effect of canola oil on meat quality of Araucano creole lambs. Twenty-four Araucano creole lambs (5 months of age) were used for this study. The lambs were randomly divided into two groups and fed ad libitum amount of diet consisting of concentrate (40%) and pea straw (60%) without added fat for the control group and with the addition of 50 mL of canola oil (three times per week; 150 mL a week) for the treatment group for a period of 90 days. The liveweight, physicochemical parameters (pH, intramuscular fat (IMF), colour, water holding capacity (WHC) and tenderness) and fatty acid profile of twenty-four Araucano creole lambs were assessed. Administering canola oil to Araucano creole lambs during the finishing diet did not show significant differences in liveweight between groups, although lamb from Canola group presented slightly higher liveweights compared to control group (32.20 vs. 33.89 kg, for control and Canola groups, respectively). Statistical analysis showed that lamb meat from the control group had lower (P < 0.001) WHC (lost: 14.57 ± 0.44%) than those from the canola group (lost: 11.42 ± 0.43%). Regarding tenderness, samples from Canola group presented slight lower values (5.90 vs. 6.15 kg/cm2, for Canola and control groups, respectively). The colour of the meat was also affected by canola oil, showing higher (P < 0.001) redness (17.90) and lower (P < 0.05) hue angle (34.90) in lambs from Canola group compared to the control one.Canola oil significantly modified the amount of IMF (4.65 vs. 5.65%, P < 0.05, for control and Canola groups, respectively). Regarding fatty acids, the effect canola oil in the diet increased the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) (1665.08 vs. 2446.3 mg/100 g of meat, P < 0.001, for control and Canola groups, respectively) and the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (422.9 vs. 530.9 mg/100 g of meat, P < 0.01, for control and Canola groups, respectively). In addition, canola oil improved the n6/n3 ratio (5.42 vs. 4.64, P < 0.05, for control and Canola groups, respectively). Moreover, canola oil reduced thrombogenic index (TI) values (1.37 vs. 0.99, P < 0.001, for control and Canola groups, respectively). It was concluded that administering canola oil to lambs during fattening period could be an important strategy to improve the meat quality and may increase the amount of intramuscular fat with a healthier fatty acid profile (oleic acid, CLA and eicosapentaenoic acid).

Contextualized re-calculation of enteric methane emission factors for small ruminants in sub-humid Western Africa is far lower than previous estimates.

Given the projected growth of methane emission by ruminants in developing countries, there is a clear need for reliable estimates of their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Existing studies have rarely considered sheep and goats. The objective of this study was to predict enteric fermentation methane emission factors (EFs) for Djallonké sheep and West African Dwarf goats, following the 2006 IPCC Tier 2 methodology. Estimated enteric methane emission factors, expressed per head of animal per year, were 2.3kg CH4 and 2.0kg CH4 for sheep and goats species, respectively. Compared with the generic Tier 1 emission factor of 5kg CH4 head proposed by the IPCC for small ruminants in the sub-Saharan Africa region, our suggested values are 56% and 60% lower for sheep and goat, respectively. These lower values took account of the particular flock structure of both sheep and goats. These estimates also accounted for differences in live weight according to age and corresponding estimated feed intake. This work is a step forward in the revision of small ruminant emission factors and can further support assessment of mitigation strategies in Senegalese livestock farming systems.

Evaluation of the Use of Phosphatidic Acid in the Diet on Growth Performance and Breast Meat Yield in Broilers.

Simple SummaryImproving feed conversion while increasing growth is a goal of any broiler nutrition program. The use of feed additives to obtain this goal has increased in recent years. However, increased growth in broilers has resulted in meat quality issues such as woody breast and white striping. In humans, utilizing phosphatidic acid (PA) in the diet has demonstrated increased lean muscle formation. If PA could be used in poultry, it may allow for increased growth without the pitfalls of poor meat quality.The use of feed additives to improve feed conversion while increasing growth is the goal of any broiler nutrition program. Therefore, it is important to evaluate potential feed additives not only for increased performance, but also for any negative attributes. A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding phosphatidic acid (PA) to broiler chickens. Two experiments were conducted using exercise in conjunction with PA (Experiment 1(E1)) and administering PA at different inclusion rates in the diet (Experiment 2 (E2)); LowPA (5 mg/bird/day), MidPA (10 mg/bird/day), HighPA (15 mg/bird/day), and control (CON). All birds were weighed bi-weekly during the experiments to obtain average pen weights and feed conversion ratios (FCRs). At the end of the experiments, eight birds per pen were processed to evaluate carcass traits and breast yield. In E1, exercise did not affect growth, feed conversion or processing traits (p > 0.05). However, PA supplementation did increase growth, carcass and breast weight, and carcass and breast yields (p < 0.05). In E2, differences (p < 0.05) in live bird weights between the control birds (1.65 kg) and all PA treatments (pooled mean: 1.73 kg) began at 28 days; however, only the LowPA carried that effect (p = 0.05) through to the conclusion of the trial (3.55 vs. 3.81 kg). Overall, LowPA (1.64) and MidPA (1.69) had lower (p < 0.05) FCRs than the CON treatment (1.74). Increased growth observed in live bird weights in the LowPA translated to increased (p < 0.05) overall carcass weights (2.78 vs. 2.99 kg) and specifically breast filet weights (0.69 vs. 0.76 kg). Yields did not differ (p > 0.05), but with the increased weight feeding LowPA resulted in more total breast meat. Phosphatidic acid did not affect (p > 0.05) woody breast or white striping. In conclusion, dietary PA improved FCR, increased live bird weights, and increased breast fillet weight without increased incidence of white striping. These results indicate that feeding PA may increase production efficiency in broilers.

The results of selection and breeding activities for white goats of Zalaajinst-Edren breed

The population of white goats created by continues research and sound selection under the Gobi ecological and climatic conditions was recognized as a distinct cashmere breed of Zalaajinst-Edren white goats in 2015 by a decree # A/59, of the Minister of Food and Agriculture of Mongolia [7]. Studies carried out in Shinejinst and Bayan-Undur soums of Bayankhongor aimag in 2011-2016 were to review the results of the work undertaken for crossing of native goats and crossbreds from the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan breed and native goats with bucks of Zalaajinst white strain. The objective of this work was to evaluate the outputs of previously conducted studies on inheritance of body color and achievements of introduced selective breeding schemes and to investigate options for further consolidation of key productive and phenotypic performances such as body color, cashmere yield and fiber quality. The size of herds of Zalaajinst-Edren breed raised in Shinejinst and Bayan-Undur soums, home to the nucleus herds has reached 217.5 thousand heads including 47.8 thousand heads of desirable type - representing the breed. Thus, the number of goats satisfies the limits allowing entering into straight breeding and kick-off line breeding exercises using existing genealogical lines: “Zalaa” – fine cashmere fiber, “Suvdan” - large body size, “Myandsan” with long cashmere fiber and “Edren” producing the most fine cashmere [6].The distinctive features of goats of Zalaajinst-Edren white breed is that they give pure white cashmere with unique quality yielding at 406.3 grams of fine down of 15.1 microns in fiber diameter and 68.6 mm in length. The pure cashmere yield is measured at 47.0-57.05 percent. No major differences in liveweight and milk and meat productivity have been recorded between Zalaajinst-Edren white breed and other cashmere flocks in Mongolia [7].

EFFECT OF FEEDING GRADED LEVELS OF DRIED ACACIA SALIGNA LEAVES DURING LATE PREGNANCY ON EWES PERFORMANCE AND LAMBS BIRTH WEIGHT

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding graded levels of dried Acacia saligna leaves (ALH) on the performance and some blood parameters of pregnant Barki ewes during late pregnancy. Forty ewes aged 3-5 years old at the last third of pregnancy (ten in each group, 38.0±1.2 kg body weight) were fed 0, 20, 40 and 60% of ALH as replacement of berseem hay in a completely randomize design for 75 days. The results showed non-significant differences in daily DM intake and digestibility coefficients of DM, EE, NFE and cellulose. Diets of 40% and 60% ALH showed higher (P<0.05) OM, CF digestibility comparing to 20% ALH and control diets. Diets of 20%, 40% and 60% ALH showed higher (P<0.05) of CP digestibility comparing to control diet. The highest (P<0.05) nitrogen balance was recorded for ewes fed 60% followed by 40% ALH. The incorporation of ALH at levels 20, 40 and 60% resulted in non-significant differences in live body weight at all periods of the late pregnancy. Pregnant ewes fed 60% ALH diet recorded the highest (P<0.05) total body weight gain (Kg) and daily gain (g/day) and the lowest (P<0.05) weight loss at lambing. Birth weight of lambs were not significantly affected. Blood urea concentrations were decreased (P<0.05) with the graded percentage of ALH inclusion. The results of this study revealed that inclusion of dried Acacia saligna leaves up to 60% replacement of dietary berseem hay was better for improving nutrient utilization and ewe’s performance during late pregnancy stage.

Crude corn oil with high acidity in broiler feed

This study aimed to evaluate crude corn oil with high acidity (CCOHA) as a surrogate for degummed soybean oil (DSO) in broiler diets. The design was completely randomized, with four treatments and ten replicates. Each box contained 40 birds (male), totaling 1600 Cobb Slow birds. Treatments consisted of two sorghum-based diets, one with DSO (SSO) another with CCOHA (SCO), and two corn-based diets, one with DSO (CSO) another with CCOHA (CCO). At 30 days of age, a digestibility test was performed using total excreta collection to determine apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and nitrogen-corrected AME (AMEn) from test rations. At 42 days of age, we evaluated live weight (LW), feed intake (FI), feed conversion (FC), carcass yield (CY), and the yields of breast with bone and skin (BWBS), skinless boneless breast (SBB), thigh (T), drumstick (D), and wing (W), as well as breast centesimal composition. Neither corn nor sorghum-based diets with CCOHA showed differences between AME and AMEn. Both DSO and CCOHA diets showed no differences in LW, FI, FC, carcass and cuts yields when using CCOHA. Regarding breast composition, no differences in dry matter and in the levels of crude protein, fat, and mineral matter were observed. We may conclude that CCOHA had no effect on the performance variables, carcass and cuts yields, and broiler meat quality.

Variability of birth weight and growth of piglets in highly prolific sows

The aim of this study was to determine the variability of birth weight and growth of piglets in hyper prolific sow line. Data collected from 25 litters from Pen Ar Lan Naima sow line were used to evaluate the variability of piglets' birth weight and its consequences on subsequent growth performances. All piglets were individually weighted five times from the birth until the end of nursery period. Pre- weaning mortality was the highest in piglets with birth weight less than 1, 000 g. The difference in the final live weight at the end of nursery period between the lightest and heaviest piglets was more than 10 kg. Birth weight of piglets had a significant influence on pre-weaning mortality and subsequent growth performances. In large litters produced by highly prolific sows, the variability of birth weight of piglets together with an increased number of lighter piglets become a new challenge for pig producers.

Http://www.jirb.dormaj.com/issues/Volume%205,%20Issue%204/Anti-Coagulant%20Therapy%20in%20Unexplained%20Recurrent%20Pregnancy%20Loss.pdf

Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a heterogeneous reproductive problem with multiple aetiologies and contributing factors. It becomes quite challenging to form a work-up to detect the cause of RPL in the early months as a continuation of pregnancy involves many factors. In more than half of all recurrent miscarriage the cause still remains uncertain. Thrombophilia has been identified in about 50% of women with recurrent miscarriage and thromboprophylaxis has been suggested as an option of treatment.. In obstetric APLA Syndrome (Antiphospholipid antibody) the combination of aspirin and heparin has improved outcomes. The use of low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has become a common practise in women with inherited thrombophilia and also those with unexplained miscarriage to help safeguard the ongoing pregnancy. To evaluate if there is any effectiveness of low molecular weight heparin (enoxaparin) in women with a history of at least two miscarriages without any apparent aetiology for recurrent pregnancy loss. A prospective randomised controlled study held at Vivekananda Institute of Medical Sciences, Kolkata from August 2015- July 2018. The study assessed the effect of anticoagulant treatment on the live-birth rate (primary outcome) in 80 antenatal women with a history of at least two miscarriages without any apparent causes. Interventions included low molecular weight heparin administration in one group and the other one was not given any anti-coagulant therapy. Similar live birth rates were observed with enoxaparin and the patients who did not receive any anti-coagulant, respectively 84% and 82% (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.16). There were no significant differences in live birth weight and other pregnancy outcomes between the two groups. Therefore, there is no evidence to support any incremental benefit of adding LMWH to the treatment as a routine in unexplained cases of recurrent pregnancy loss.

Residue of brewery on broiler nutrition

Objective to evaluate the performance and carcass yield of chickens fed with residue of Brewery. For this, we used 240 one-day chicks, Naked Neck line for 75 days. The animals were housed in 16 pits in the measures 1.75 m X 2.5 m each, divided into seven chicks by box, and subjected to four treatments with rations include levels of residue of Brewery; being the inclusion levels of residue of brewery: 0; 1.75; 5.25% and 3.5, and complemented by commercial core to the species. Considering the complete cycle of creation, 1 to 75 days was not observed difference in the final live weight of chicken. However, the chickens fed with 5.25% inclusion of residue of brewery presented a higher feed intake and feed conversion. In relation to the slaughter yield parameters analyzed, casting yield, percentage of edible viscera and carcass values more edible viscera no differences were found. The brewery residue can be used as a replacement for soybean meal with the same efficiency, but if the feed is developed according to the stage where the birds are, adding 3.5% beer residue had resulted in animals with the same weight, total feed consumption and feed conversion ratio equal to those fed with soybean meal, but the cost of the feed will be smaller.

Germination of faba beans (Vicia faba L.) for organic weaning piglets

Faba beans (Vicia faba L.) contain anti-nutritive compounds that can reduce digestibility and palatability. Germination has been reported to reduce some of those components. The effect of including germinated faba beans in their feed was tested on 160 weaner pigs that were assigned to one of four diets containing either 19% peas (RP19), 16% raw faba beans (RFB16), 16% germinated faba beans (GFB16) or 24% germinated faba beans (GFB24). Crude protein was slightly higher in germinated as compared to raw beans. Most of the essential amino acids decreased due to germination, their contents relative to lysine remained the same. There were no significant differences in live weight on days 8, 15 and 22. At the end of the trial (day 29), live weight of GFB24 was significantly reduced when compared to RP19 and RFB16, but not to GFB16. In week 4, daily weight gain of GFB24 was significantly lower than of all other treatments. There were no significant differences in feed intake between the treatments. It was possible to feed germinated faba bean in amounts up to 240 g kg FM−1 without a reduction in feed intake or a higher incidence of diarrhoea, although live weight and daily weight gain were reduced. Under the circumstances of this study and considering the effort related to the process, germination cannot be recommended as a method to improve the nutritive value and acceptance of faba beans for feeding of weaner pigs.

Divergent breeding values for fatness or residual feed intake in Angus cattle. 6. Dam-line impacts on steer carcass compliance

The present study determined the impact of maternal genetics for estimated breeding values for rib fat (High-Fat, Low-Fat) or residual feed intake (RFI; High-RFI, Low-RFI) on the carcass compliance of Angus steer progeny when reared pre-weaning under High or Low-Nutrition and post-weaning under various finishing system (grazing versus short-term feedlot). The dams were joined to sires of similar genetic background (close to average estimated breeding values) and sires were rotated among all dam genotypes, with herds located at either Struan Research Centre, near Naracoorte in the south-east of South Australia, or Vasse Research Station, in the south-west of Western Australia. The breeding herd was part of the Beef CRC maternal productivity project and cows were managed under either High or Low-Nutrition, achieved by adjustments to stocking rate in rotational grazing systems and supplementary feeding, so as to maintain ~20% difference in cow liveweight. The steer progeny were weaned at ~7 months of age, with individuals from both pre-weaning nutritional treatments being treated the same from then on at each site. Steers from Struan Research Centre in South Australia born in 2008 and 2009 were sold and grown out on pasture on a local commercial property. Steer calves born in 2010 at Vasse remained on the station where they were backgrounded on hay, followed by a short period (111 days) total mixed ration containing 40% grain. In the first year, steers from Struan (n = 58) were slaughtered together at ~2 years of age, and in the second year (n = 85), consigned to six slaughter groups as their ultrasound-scanned subcutaneous P8 (rump) fat reached 7 mm and their liveweight exceeded 550 kg. Steers from Vasse (n = 101) were slaughtered at ~12 months of age, all on the same day. High-Fat-line dams produced steers with carcasses with greater P8 fat than did Low-Fat-line dams at both sites. At Struan, when the 2008-born steers were slaughtered together, more steers from Low-Fat dams failed to meet minimum fat specifications, than steers from High-Fat dams (28% vs 9% respectively). The steers born in 2009 at Struan all met processor fat specifications but steers from the Low-Fat dams took longer to reach the fat threshold, and so had greater carcass weight, but attracted more price penalties because of increased dentition. All steers from Vasse met minimum requirements for fat, with none penalised for dentition. Vasse steers from High- or Low-RFI dams performed in a manner similar to that from High- and Low-Fat dams, respectively, in that the High-RFI group produced fatter carcasses than did the Low-RFI group. Steers reared under low pre-weaning nutrition weighed less at weaning than did those on High-Nutrition, but had higher weight gains after weaning, although insufficient to result in the same carcass weight. The results showed that commercial cattle producers need to be aware of the balance and trade-off among fat breeding value, effect of pre-weaning nutrition and post-weaning growth required to ensure their cattle meet market specifications and to avoid price penalties.

STUDIES ON MIXING TANNINIFEROUS PLANTS WITH AMMONIATED WHEAT STRAW IN BARKI SHEEP RATIONS ON DIGESTIBILITY, PERFORMANCE AND SOME BLOOD BIOCHEMICAL

Five dietary treatments in three trails were conducted with Barki sheep as follows: 60% Concentrate feed mixture (CFM) and 20% Ammoniated wheat straw ( AWS) as basic diet with 20% Cassava (C) in T1, 20% Prosopis juliflora (P) in T2, 20% Acacia Saligna (A) in T3, 10% C + 10% A in T4 and 10% C + 10% P in T5. In Trial 1, Fifteen Barki rams (43± 1.85 kg) divided into equally five treatment groups to evaluate the effect of condensed tannin sources on apparent nutrients digestibility. The results indicated that the rams fed with T3 (20 % A. Saligna) at a maximum level of tannin (8.33 g /Kg DM) had a lower DMI (9.72 %) than the comparable group (T1) (P 0.05) of DM, OM, CP, EE and CF than that on T1 diet by 3.90, 3.57, 1.87, 3.16 and 1.04%, respectively. Rumen ammonia concentrations were decreased with increasing of CT content in experimental diets (T3, T4, T1, T5 and T2, respectively).In Trial 2, Twenty five healthy Barki ewes at late pregnancy, weighing 41±2.29 kg at 3-5 years of age were randomly allocated into five dietary treatments to determine the milk yield and composition and some blood components changes due to tannin sources and productive performance of their offesprings. There was a significant increase (P<0.05) in milk yield with decreasing level of CT (6.42%) for ewes fed T2 ration when compared with the T1 group and there is no considerable variability in milk composition traits among all groups. And no significantly differences in average live body weight (ALBW) of offesprings among the all groups. The experimental diet T2 and T5 had significant increased (P<0.05) total protein and globulin (G) compared with the other experimental diets. No significant differences among different treatments regarding albumin was observed. Groups T3 and T4 have higher levels (P<0.05) of Urea-N and Creatinine when compared with the other groups. Values of AST and ALP were significantly higher (P<0.05) for the ewes in group T3 as compared to all groups, and the highest values of ALT were recorded (P<0.05) with T3.In Trial 3, Twenty-five healthy male Barki lambs after weaning, weighing 12±0.64 kg, aged 3- 4 month divided into five groups to evaluate the effect of tannin sources on growth performance and some blood components. The lambs fed diets T2 and T5 produced totally (P<0.05) higher final live body weight (29.03 Kg and 28.16 Kg, respectively) at the end of the experimental period (90 days) compared to the other groups. The results indicate that the experimental tanniniferous plants can be incorporated up to 20 % with ammoniated wheat straw without compromising the body health of the animals and the best impact of tanniniferous plants on the performance of Barki sheep was Prosopis juliflora (leaves & twigs), Cassava and Acacia Saligna, respectively.

Randomised controlled field study to evaluate the efficacy and clinical safety of a single 8\xa0mg/kg injectable dose of marbofloxacin compared with one or two doses of 7.5\xa0mg/kg injectable enrofloxacin for the treatment of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infections in growing-fattening pigs in Europe

BackgroundAcute outbreaks of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) require rapid, effective, parenteral antimicrobial treatment. The efficacy and safety of a single, short-acting, high dose of marbofloxacin (Forcyl® swine 160 mg/mL) compared with 1 or 2 doses of 7.5 mg/kg enrofloxacin in APP outbreaks in European farms was studied.MethodsA controlled, randomised block, blinded, multicentre, field study was conducted on four farms with acute respiratory disease associated with APP. Animals with clinical signs of respiratory disease were allocated similarly to intramuscular treatments of either a single dose 8 mg/kg marbofloxacin on day 0 or, 7.5 mg/kg enrofloxacin (Baytril 1nject®) on day 0 and again on day 2, if clinical signs had not improved.ResultsThe results were similar for intention to treat (242 pigs) and per protocol populations (239 pigs). On day 0, all pigs had pyrexia (means, 40.6 °C), moderate to severe clinical signs (depression, cough, dyspnoea). Following treatment, animals improved rapidly and on day 7, clinical signs were absent or mild in all pigs and mean temperatures for each treatment were <39.5 °C (P > 0.05). The primary efficacy criterion, animals cured, for marbofloxacin and enrofloxacin was 81.8 and 81.4% on day 7, and 84.2 and 82.2% on day 21, respectively. Results for cure, respiratory disease removals and mortalities, and relapses were compared using confidence intervals and confirmed that marbofloxacin was non-inferior to enrofloxacin (P > 0.05). There were no significant treatment differences in live weight gains, adverse events and injection site reactions (<2.5% animals) (P > 0.05). Significantly more animals developed concurrent disorders in the enrofloxacin (7.5%) than marbofloxacin (0.0%) group (P < 0.01). On day 0, the MIC90 values of APP for marbofloxacin and enrofloxacin were 0.06 μg/mL for APP, less than the clinical breakpoints.ConclusionsMarbofloxacin (single dose of 8 mg/kg) and enrofloxacin (1 or 2 doses of 7.5 mg/kg) were clinically safe and effective in the treatment of clinical respiratory disease associated predominantly with APP in four European commercial, fattening pig herds.