Digestibility Coefficients Of DM Research Articles

Effect of Varying Feeding Formulas on The Growth Performance of Buffalo Heifers

The present experiment was conducted at dairy farm during the year 2020-21 at CSAUA&T Kanpur. The growth rate of buffalo heifers is a major problem at dairy farms. Twelve buffalo heifers were selected for digestibility that on a nutrition slide sample contains 86.50% DM, 20.10 %CP, 2.00 EE, 15.5% CF, 52.70% NFE and 9.50%Ash. The average dry matter intake per 100 kg body weight was (6.34, 5.44, 7.06 kg) the digestibility coefficient of DM was recorded (61.40, 59.95, 62.77) and digestibility coefficient of CP (63.55, 61.78, 65.77) and digestibility coefficient of CF (56.11, 54.75, 58.99) and digestibility coefficient of EE (64.89, 64.39, 67.52) and digestibility coefficient of NFE (64.06, 62.58, 65.75) and digestibility coefficient of Organic matter (64.45, 62.75, 66.99). The average live weight in buffalo heifers was increased (627.04, 610.44, 687.73) g per day in group I, II and III groups respectively. The growth parameters were statistically significant. Group III was shown better performance in respect of growth parameters in other groups I and II from the present study, it was apparent that the extra concentrate to be added in diet for proper development of growing heifers, III group was higher in growth. Digestibility coefficients of Dry matter, Crude Fiber, Ether extract, Nitrogen free extract and Organic matter were also higher in group III.

Modulation of feed digestibility, nitrogen metabolism, energy utilisation and serum biochemical indices by dietary Ligularia virgaurea supplementation in Tibetan sheep.

Ligularia virgaurea is the most widely functional native herbage in the alpine meadow pastures of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) and has multiple pharmacological and biological activities. The effect of L. virgaurea as a dietary component on the digestion and metabolism of sheep was evaluated by conducting feeding trials in metabolic cages. Thirty-two Tibetan yearling rams (29±1.56kg BW) were randomly allotted to four groups included in a completely randomised design with eight animals per treatment. Sheep were fed a basal diet (freshly native pasture) without the addition of L. virgaurea (control) or with the addition of L. virgaurea (100, 200, or 300mg/kg BW per day) for 45days. Addition of L. virgaurea to the diet of Tibetan sheep was found to influence the average daily gain (quadratic [Q], P<0.001), feed conversion ratio (Q, P=0.002), CH4 emissions (linear [L], P=0.029), DM (Q, P=0.012), neutral detergent fibre (Q, P=0.017), acid detergent fibre (ADF) (Q, P=0.027), and ether extract (EE) intake (Q, P=0.026). Apparently, different levels of L. virgaurea affected the digestibility coefficients of DM, ADF, and EE (L, P>0.05; Q, P<0.05). The nitrogen (N) intake (Q, P=0.001), retained nitrogen (Q, P<0.001), and N utilisation efficiency (L, P>0.05; Q, P≤0.001) were also affected by the dietary inclusion of L. virgaurea. Effects of L. virgaurea feeding were also witnessed on methane energy (CH4-E) (L, P=0.029), gross energy (GE) (Q, P=0.013), digestible energy (DE) (Q, P=0.015), and metabolisable energy (ME) intake (Q, P=0.015). Energy utilisation efficiency expressed as a proportion of GE intake (DE/GE intake, ME/GE intake, ME/DE intake, FE/GE intake, and CH4-E/GE intake) manifested quadratic changes (P<0.05) with the increase in the L. virgaurea supplementation level. The addition of L. virgaurea increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (Q, P=0.026) and glutathione peroxidase activity (Q, P=0.039) in the serum. Overall, the greatest improvement of feed digestibility, N retention, energy utilisation, and antioxidant capacity of Tibetan sheep was yielded by the inclusion of 200mg/kg BW per day of L. virgaurea. Therefore, the addition of an appropriate amount of L. virgaurea to the diet of Tibetan sheep is safe and natural, and may enhance the sustainability of small ruminant production systems in QTP areas.

Effect of different dietary inclusion levels of whole plant green tomato (Physalis philadelphica) silage on nutrient intake and digestibility, and in vitro rumen fermentation kinetics in sheep.

Mexico has many agricultural by-products that can be used for animal feed, and green tomatoes are produced throughout the country and can be an alternative to overcome the high prices of cereal-based feeds. This study determined in vitro fermentation kinetics, production performance, nutrient intake, digestibility, and nitrogen balance from sheep supplemented with whole plant green tomato (GT) on corn silage (CS) based diets. For 21 days, eighteen Suffolk lambs (38 ± 4 kg of live weight) were grouped into three dietary GT inclusion levels to replace CS: a control diet based on 100% CS (GT0, 570 g /kg dry matter, DM), while 100 g/kg DM (GT100) and 200 g/kg DM (GT200) of GT were included as a replacement for CS. A completely randomized design was used to measure in vitro gas production, in vitro rumen fermentation, chemical composition, and in vivo parameters. In vitro gas production, “A” (ml/g DM), fermentation rates “B,” (h−1), and “C” (h−½), were lower for GT200, while DM disappearance (mg/100mg) was lower for GT100 compared with GT0. Compared to GT0, GT100 and GT200 did not affect (P > 0.05) DM and organic matter (OM) intake (g/kgLW0.75). Ether extract intake was higher for GT0 and GT100 (P < 0.001) compared to GT200. Neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake was higher (P < 0.05) for GT200 compared with GT0. Intake of lignin was higher (P < 0.001) for GT200 than that of GT0 and GT100. Digestibility coefficients for DM, OM, NDF, and Acid detergent fiber (ADF) were lower (P < 0.05) in GT100 than in the rest of the treatments. Nitrogen intake and N excreted in feces and urine were lower (P < 0.001) for GT0. N balance was negative for all treatments, being higher for GT200 (P < 0.05). Overall, the addition of GT at 100 or 200 g/kg DM in sheep diets negatively affects nutrient digestibility and N balance, so their dietary inclusion is not recommended.

Growth performance, nutrient digestibility and production economics of fattener pigs supplemented with graded level of indigenously developed pig specific mineral mixture

Present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementation of pig specific mineral mixture on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and production economics. Fattening pigs (12) of 4 month-old, with an average body weight of 47.12±0.13 kg were subjected to 3 different isocaloric and isonitrogenous rations having pig specific mineral mixture at the rate of 0, 1.5 and 2.0%, respectively. Growth performance and digestibility coefficient of nutrients were assessed at 45 days and 90 days of experiment. Results showed that during the entire experimental periods pig specific mineral mixture supplementation @ 1.5% significantly improved body weight gain, FCR of pigs over control but further no significant improvement was observed with 2% supplementation rate. However, in comparison to control, only at 90th days of experiment digestibility coefficient of DM, CP and EE was significantly higher in pigs supplemented with 1.5% mineral mixture with no significant difference with 2% supplemented group. Moreover, calcium retention at both 45th and 90th day and phosphorus retention only at 90th days of experiment was significantly better in pigs supplemented with 1.5% mineral mixture with no further improvement with 2% supplementation. Margin of receipts per pig over feeding cost in 1.5% supplemented group was highest and was Rs. 833.60 higher than control. It was concluded that dietary inclusion of pig specific mineral mixture @ 1.5% is sufficient to improve the growth performance and nutrient digestibility with highest economic return from fattener pigs.

PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND PHYSOLIGICAL RESPONSE OF GROWING RABBITS AS AFFECTED BY USING SUGAR BEET PULP WITH OR WITHOUT ENZYMES MIXTURE SUPPLEMENT

This study evaluated the effect of using two dietary levels (20 or 40% of the diet) sugar beet pulp (SBP) with or without enzymes mixture supplement (Smizyme) at a level of 0.3g/kg diet on growth performance, nutrients digestibility, some blood parameters, immune response, antioxidant activity and economic profit of growing rabbits. Seventy five weaned New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits, six weeks old, with an average live body weight 729.52± 18.97g were randomly divided into five groups (fifteen rabbits, each). Rabbits were fed on 5 experimental diets as follows: diet 1: A control without SBP,2, 3fed diets 20 and 40%SBPwithout enzymes mixture and 4, 5 fed diets 20 and 40%S BP with enzymes mixture .The growth trail lasted about 8 weeks The results indicated that, inclusion of 40% SBP with enzymes mixture in rabbit diet significantly increased final body weight, daily body weight gain, improve feed conversion, relative growth rate and performance index, dressing% and also gave the highest economical efficiency than those fed control diet. Digestibility coefficients of DM, CP, EE, NFE significantly increased with replacement 20 or 40% SBP with enzymes mixture in rabbit diets. Feeding on40% SBP with enzymes mixture increased significantly digestibility coefficients of OM and CF as compared to rabbits fed control diet. Albumin/ Globulin ratio, AST and Catalase were significantly increased with replacement 20 or 40% SBP with enzymes mixture in rabbit diets compared to control. However, total cholesterol and Malondialdehyde significantly decreased with replacement 40% SBP with enzymes mixture in rabbit diet as compared with control diet. Feeding rabbits on 40% SBP with enzymes mixture achieved significantly higher IgG and IgM than those fed control diet. Conclusively, it could be recommended replacement sugar beet pulp SBP up 40% with enzymes mixture of the rabbit diets to improve the performance, antioxidant status, immunity functions and economic return of the growing rabbits.

PSIV-1 Effect of Corn Silage Inclusion Rate on Apparent Total Tract Digestibility of Dry Matter, Organic Matter, and Crude Protein in Finishing Steers

Abstract Maine-Anjou × Angus beef steers (n = 156; initial BW 366 ± 37.2 kg) were used in a finishing experiment at the Ruminant Nutrition Center in Brookings, SD. Steers were weighed on 2 consecutive days and assigned into 5 weight blocks. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial, 2 types of implants and 2 dietary treatments with 5 replicate pens for each simple effect. Dietary treatments consisted (DM basis) of 1) 15% (CS15) or 2) 30% corn silage (CS30). Other ingredients consisted of a 50:50 blend of DRC and HMC, liquid supplement and a dry supplement. Bunks were managed using a slick bunk approach and all diets contained (DM basis) 33 mg/kg monensin sodium. Feed collections occurred during the morning and afternoon feedings for two days prior to fecal collections. Each feed sample was composited in equal amounts to create a single sample for each pen. Two fecal collections from each steer occurred 7 hours apart on day 112 of the study. Feces from each steer were composited in equal amounts to create a pen sample. All samples were dried and ground through a 1-mm screen. Acid insoluble ash was used as an internal marker. Apparent total tract digestibility was calculated using the equation: 100-100 ˣ (feed marker/fecal marker) × (fecal variable/feed variable). No interaction between implant and diet was detected for any variables (P ≥ 0.08). One pen was removed from the statistical analysis due to all values being 3 standard deviations away from the mean. Intake did not differ between CS15 and CS30 (P = 0.41). Fecal output was increased 36.9% (P = 0.01) in CS30. Dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein digestion were decreased by feeding CS30 (11.47%, 10.83%, 16.35% respectively; P ≤ 0.03). As corn silage inclusion increases, digestibility coefficients for DM, OM, and CP are decreased.

THE EFFECTS OF DIETARY INCLUSION OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF FLAXSEED ON THE DIGESTIBILITY, GROWTH PERFORMANCE, BLOOD PARAMETERS AND FATTY ACID PROFILE IN GROWING NEW-ZEALAND WHITE (NZW) RABBITS

A total number of 60 male New-Zealand White (NZW) rabbits post-weaning was used to study the effect of the inclusion of three levels (4, 6 and 8%) of flaxseed (FS) in the rabbit diet on nutrients digestibility, growth performance, blood parameters and fatty acid profile. Rabbits were distributed among 4 equal groups (3 replicates, 5 rabbits each). The1st group received the basal diet without FS. The other three groups (2nd, 3rd and 4th) received the basal diet with FS at levels 4, 6 and 8%, respectively. Rabbits were fed experimental diets for 8 weeks. Feeding diet contains FS at 6% level significantly (P<0.05) decreased the digestion coefficients as DM and OM compared to the control group while, feeding FS at the 8% level significantly decreased the digestion coefficients of DM, OM, CF and NFE compared to the control group. Feeding FS at the 6 or 8% level in rabbits significantly decreased the daily feed intake compared to the control group. Feeding flaxseed at the three levels 4, 6 and 8% in rabbits significantly (P<0.05) decreased the long dorsal fat and pre-renal fat weight compared to the control group. Feeding the experimental diets contain flaxseed at different levels (4, 6 and 8 %) significantly (P<0.05) decreased triglycerides, total cholesterol and total alkaline phosphatase compared to those of the control group. Feeding diets contain flaxseed at the level 6 and 8% in rabbit rations significantly (P<0.05) increased the α-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and palmitic acid levels as well as reduced the arachidonic acid. Comparing these results to the literature, it was found that inclusion of dietary flaxseed at 6 and 8% of total ration considered high levels which significantly improved the blood parameters and profile fatty acids meanwhile a slightly decreased the growth performances and digestibility. Our suggestion under these circumstances is to use the lower level of 4% in rabbit feeding, flaxseeds are used to increase the diet content in omega-3 fatty acids, mostly alpha-linolenic acid.

Nutritional value of whole date waste and evaluating its application in ostrich diets

Although date waste products have been used as an alternative feed source in the diets of poultry for a long time, there is no quantitative information available regarding date waste used in ostrich diets. Therefore, two experiments were performed to evaluate the feeding value of whole date waste (WDW) as a feed ingredient in ostrich diets. In the first experiment, apparent metabolizable energy corrected to zero nitrogen balance (AMEn) of WDW was determined using 12 young ostriches (6 months old). The treatments included a reference diet and a test diet consisting of 60% of the reference diet and 40% of WDW. The AMEn of the WDW determined by total collection was 3216 kcal/kg. In the second study, four groups of eight growing ostriches (seven month old), with almost similar BW (60.4 ± 1.6 kg), were individually housed in outdoor paddocks of ≈24 m2 and were tested from 7 to 9 months of age. The groups were fed four isocaloric (2420 kcal of AMEn/kg) and isonitrogenous (16.4% CP) diets containing 0, 10, 20, and 30% WDW. The results demonstrated that there were no significant differences among treatments in average daily feed intake, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, and apparent total tract digestibility coefficients of DM, organic matter, energy, ether extract, ash, nitrogen-free extract, calcium, and phosphorus. In contrast, birds fed 0, 10, and 20% WDW diets had similar CP digestibility and this was significantly (P < 0.001) higher than that of birds on 30% WDW diet. The least crude fibre digestibility (P = 0.003) was also observed in birds fed 30% WDW diet. Blood RBC count, lymphocyte percentage, glucose concentration, and glutathione peroxidase activity increased linearly (P < 0.01), whereas heterophil percentage and heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio decreased linearly (P = 0.002), in response to dietary inclusion of WDW. It can be concluded that WDW can be incorporated into the diets of ostrich chicks at levels of up to 30% without compromising growth performance. These results also suggest that WDW could be used as a feed ingredient for growing ostriches to improve stress-related variables and antioxidant status.

Effect of feeding super napier (Pennisetum purpureum) silage with or without supplementation on nutrient digestibility, nutritive value and plane of nutrition in rams

The experiment evaluated the Super Napier silage (SNS) with supplementation of concentrate mixture (CM) varying in protein sources in a metabolism study, which was conducted with total of eighteen rams, randomly divided into three groups of six each and were fed with three dietary treatments i.e. T1-ad libitum feeding of SNS, T2-ad libitum feeding of SNS + supplementation of 150g CM containing groundnut cake, T3-ad libitum feeding of SNS + supplementation of 150g CM containing cottonseed cake. Significant (P<0.01) difference was found among the three groups for digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CP, EE, CF and NFE. Ramsfed on sole SNS silage had significantly lower DMI, DCP and TDN intake (P<0.01) than those fed on supplemental diets. Feeding SNS with CM varying in protein sources like groundnut cake and cottonseed cake at 150g improved the nutrient digestibility and met energy and protein requirements in rams.

Effect of diets containing graded levels of groundnut haulms on Dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility and Nitrogen balance of Friesian x Bunaji Bulls

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of feeding concentrate diets containing varying levels of groundnut haulms on dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility and nutrient balance in Friesian x Bunaji bulls. The feed consisted of four concentrate mixed diets formulated to contain on average 14.45- 14.65% crude protein. Groundnut haulms (GH) in the concentrate diets were on nitrogen basis at 0, 25, 50 and 75% levels with control diet having 0% inclusion of GH. Sixteen bulls aged 12-18months were divided into four each and were randomly allotted to the four treatment diets in a completely randomized design for metabolic trial. During trial, the bulls were housed in metabolic crates and fed Gamba hay adlib and the basal or particular test concentrate mixture at 40% of estimated DM intake. Chemical composition and energy contents of the diets were determined. Dry matter intake (D M ) and organic matter intake (OMI) were also determined. The CP value averaged 14.45±0.44 - 14.65±1.22% for the four experimental diets. The metabolizable energy content expressed in Kcal/kg of diets decreased with increase in GH level from 0-75% (3166-1752 kcal/kg). There was no significant (P&gt;0.05) difference on voluntary DMI and OMI. The digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CP, CF, EE, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose and ash were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher at 75% level of groundnut haulms. CF and ADF digestibility were significantly influenced (P&lt;0.05) when groundnut haulms level reached 25%. Conversely, the digestibility of NFE did not differ (P&gt;0.05) across treatments. Nitrogen balance were similar (P&gt;0.05) among animals fed concentrate mixtures. Nitrogen balance expressed in percent was slightly higher at 75% level of groundnut haulms. It is concluded that inclusion of GH in concentrate diets of crossed bulls up to 75% can improve nutrient digestibility and the percent Nitrogen balance.

Effect of Feeding Oak (quercus Aegilops) Acorns on Nutrient Digestibility, Nitrogen Balance, Ruminal Fluid Characteristics And Some Blood Metabolites in Sheep And Goats

This study aimed to examine the response of sheep and goats to dietary effects of feeding different levels of oak (Quercus aegilops) acorns in terms of nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, rumen function and some serum metabolites. The study was conducted over 4 periods each of 15 days; in each period, rams and bucks were allocated to one of the dietary treatments (control, 5, 10 and 15% oak acorns). Rams and bucks exhibited different responses to the effects of dietary levels of oak acorns. The digestibility coefficient of DM was reduced in both rams and bucks upon feeding acorns, but this decline was significant (P≤0.05) only in rams fed 10 and 15% acorns as compared to rams fed control. Also, the rams and bucks showed numerical decrease in digestibility coefficients of OM, CP, CF, and NPN. The experimental treatments had no effects on nitrogen balance parameters. Bucks exhibited significantly (P≤0.05) higher concentrations of rumen ammonia-nitrogen before, 4 hours and 6 hours after morning feeding. The rumen pH value was significantly (P≤0.05) by the animal species only at the time before morning feeding. The serum metabolites were not affected by the level of acorns in the diet. The results of this study indicate that goats are superior in digesting diets containing oak acorns up to 15%.

Levels and degradability of crude protein in digestive metabolism and performance of dairy cows

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of the level and degradability of crude protein (CP) on the digestive metabolism and productive performance of dairy cows. In both experiments, 15 Holstein cows with 585 ± 40 kg of body weight were distributed in a Latin square design with five contemporary squares, three periods of 21 days and three treatments. In experiment 1, treatments consisted of three CP levels (130, 160 or 180 g CP/kg DM), while in experiment 2, the treatments consisted of three levels of rumen degradable protein (RDP; 80, 100 or 120 g RDP/kg DM) in diets with average of 163 g CP/kg DM. Variables evaluated in both experiments were dry matter intake (DMI), total apparent digestibility, milk yield (MY) and composition, ruminal fermentation and N balance. In experiment 1, the increase of CP from 130 to 180 linearly increased the organic matter, CP, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) intake (kg) and the apparent total digestibility coefficient of DM and CP. In addition, a linear increase of MY, fat corrected milk (FCM) and daily production of fat, protein, lactose, casein and total solids was observed. A linear increase in ruminal ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration and nitrogen excretion in milk, feces and urine was also observed. However, there was no observed effect on SCFA concentration. In experiment 2, the increase of the RDP from 80 to 120 increased the DMI, MY, FCM, milk protein content and digestibility coefficient of the NDF, ADF and ethereal extract. Additionally, there was an increase in NH3-N concentration and milk nitrogen excretion. The studies indicated that the increase of CP content up to 100 g RDP/kg DM increased the DMI and the productive performance of the cows, but also increased urine N. Thus, it is desirable that the increase of the CP through the increase of the RDP is carried out up to 100 g of RDP/kg DM, since there is elimination of nitrogen, decrease of milk yield and decrease of propionic acid in values above that level.

Evaluation of Silages of Potato, Sweet Potato and Turnip with Rice Straw or Wheat Straw with or without Urea and Studies the Effect of Rations Containing Its Silages on Digestion Coefficients and Rumen Fermentation in Sheep

The objectives of this study were evaluation the silages containing of non-commercial potato tubers, sweet potato roots, and turnip roots. Silages were making manually in jars in the 1st experiment with mixing cutting tubers or roots with rice straw or wheat straw with urea additives at levels0, 0.5% and 1% for determining chemical composition and fermentation characteristics of silages. In the 2nd experiment, silages were making manually in bags with mixing cutting tubers or roots with rice straw + 2% molasses with 0 or 0.5% urea for evaluating seven rations by rams as follows: Ration A 100% of CP requirements according to NRC (1985) from concentrate feed mixture (CFM) + rice straw ad lib. Rations B, C and D were 60% of CP requirements from CFM + silages of potato, sweet potato and turnip, respectively. Rations E, F and G were 60% of CP requirements from CFM + silages of potato, sweet potato and turnip containing 0.5% urea, respectively. Silages were fed ad lib. Digestion coefficients and rumen fermentation were conducted to evaluate rations A, B, C, D, E, F and G using 21 local rams (3 in each) averaged weight 49 kg. Results explained that DM% of potato tubers, sweet potato and turnip roots were 18.18, 20.08 and 7.50%, respectively and CP% was 13.31, 10.46 and 13.46%, respectively. DM of potato silage ranged from 34.31 to 35.68%, sweet potato silage ranged from 34.39 to 35.73% and turnip silage ranged from 31.57 to 37.71%. CP in silage with urea was higher than silage without urea. Silage fermentation characteristics explained that pHranged from 3.80 to 4.20, Ammonia-N% of total N ranged from 9.61 to 16.22%, Acetic acid ranged from 2.36 to 3.52 g/100g DM, Butyric acid ranged from 0.28 to 1.34 g/100g DM and lactic acid ranged from 6.31 to 9.65 g/100g DM. Ammonia-N as g/100g DM was increased with increasing urea levels. The differences of DM intake as % of LBW among all rations containing silages were not significant. Digestion coefficients of DM, OM of ration A was significantly (P<0.05) higher than all rations and the differences among other rations containing silages were not significant. Digestion coefficients of DM of rations containing silages ranged from 52.88 to 56.94%, OM ranged from 54.69 to 59.03% and CP ranged from 58.61 to 64.8%. TDN of control was 60.49 and other rations containing silages ranged from 51.61 to 55.83%. DCP of control was 8.08 and other rations ranged from 7.79 to 9.58%. Digestion coefficients and nutritive values were not affected with urea additives. Ruminal parameters indicated that the differences of ruminal pH among all rations were not significant at 4h post feeding. The differences of NH3-N and Total VFA's among rations B, C and D were not significant and the differences among rations E, F and G were not significant at 2 and 4h post feeding. The NH3-N and VFA's of rations containing silages with urea was significantly (P<0.05) higher than control and rations containing silages without urea. The differences of Microbial protein among all rations were not significant except ration B was lower than other rations.

EFFECT OF GRAZING TIME ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF GOAT IN HALAIB – SHALATEEN REGION

EFFECT OF GRAZING TIME ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF GOAT IN HALAIB – SHALATEEN REGION

Influence of Customized Supplement on Voluntary Feed Intake and Nutrient Metabolism in Crossbred Calves

The present study was carried out to ascertain the effect of dietary inclusion of a customised supplement to farmers’ based diet on voluntary feed intake and nutrient metabolism in crossbred calves. In order to carry out the experiment, fifteen crossbred calves (18 months old; 166.53±4.93 kg mean BW) were randomly allocated to 3 groups (5 calves in each group) as CON, Treat and SBR, in a CRD for 30 days. The calves in CON (control) group were fed on cereal straw based diet with concentrate mixture as per the farmers’ practices, whereas, the calves in Treat were fed according to CON with additional customized supplement @ 0.25% of BW. The calves in SBR group were fed standard diet as per Kearl (1982). The intake (gd-1) of DM and OM was significantly Pandlt;0.01 higher in SBR than Treat and CON groups, while DM and OM intake as % of BW in Treat group has an intermediate position between SBR and CON groups. The concentrate intake (gd-1) was significantly Pandlt;0.001 higher in SBR followed by Treat and CON group, respectively. However, intake of wheat straw and green maize was found to be identical Pandlt;0.05 among all the groups. The digestibility coefficient of DM, OM, CP, NDF and ADF was significantly Pandlt;0.05)higher in Treat and SBR groups than CON. The N-retention as per cent of intake and absorbed-N was significantly Pandlt;0.001 higher in Treat and SBR groups than CON. The Ca and P retention gd-1 was significantly Pandlt;0.001 higher in SBR group followed by Treat and CON groups. The intake gd-1 and density % of DCP and TDN were significantly Pandlt;0.001 higher in SBR group followed by Treat and CON groups. Thus, it can be concluded that supplementation of the customised supplement (@ 0.25% of BW) to CON diet significantly improved the voluntary feed intake and nutrient metabolism in crossbred calves.

Relation between feeding behaviour and energy metabolism in pigs fed diets enriched in dietary fibre and wheat aleurone

Feed intake and its daily pattern are regulated both at a short and a long term by several control pathways, including energy balance regulation. This trial aimed to determine the effect of dietary fibre (DB) (mix of wheat, soy and sugar beet pulp fibres) and aleurone supplementation and their interaction on energy and nitrogen balances in growing pigs with ad libitum access to feed. Forty pigs (BW: 35 kg) were fed diets differing by fibre concentration (NDF concentration: 10% or 14% DM) and aleurone supplementation (0, 2 or 4 g/kg) during 3 weeks. Pigs were housed individually in a respiration chamber during the last week to record feeding behaviour and measure energy and nitrogen balances (n = 36). Glucose oxidation was studied on the 6th day with an injection of [U-13C] glucose and measurement of 13CO2 production. There was no significant interaction between DB inclusion and aleurone supplementation on any variables characterizing feeding behaviour. Pigs had less but longer meals with high level of DB, with an increased interval between two meals without effect on daily feed intake. The meal frequency significantly decreased when aleurone supplementation increased. Total tract apparent digestibility coefficient of DM, organic matter, ash, nitrogen and gross energy decreased when pigs received high DB level. Dietary fibre level increased significantly faecal excreted nitrogen. Aleurone supplementation decreased nitrogen retention. Free access to the feed induced a great individual variability not only in feed intake level (from 784 to 2290 g/day) but also in feeding behaviour (from 5.5 to 21.5 meals per day). This variability can be linked with the importance of underlying feed intake regulation pathways and difference in energy balance and metabolism efficiency. Several profiles of metabolism efficiency can be discriminate, thanks to a clustering based on feeding behaviour and pre-prandial concentrations of metabolites and hormones. In conclusion, DB inclusion decreased meal frequency, increased average meal size, decreased total tract apparent faecal digestibility coefficient of nitrogen and gross energy. Supplementation of aleurone decreased average daily feed intake with a reduction of the meal number per day, without modification of average meal size. Aleurone supplementation decreased nitrogen retention and nutrient deposition. Independently of experimental diets, the high individual variability permitted discriminating different profiles with different metabolic strategies. Efficient pigs with a high energy retention as protein and lipid seem to be able to adapt their metabolism according to energy sources.

The influence of dietary betaine supplementation to Ossimi rams on: (A) Growth performance, digestibility coefficients, some blood parameters and activity of thyroid gland

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary betaine supplementation on growth characteristics and some blood constituents of Ossimi rams. A total of 18 Ossimi rams were randomly divided into three equal groups, considering their body weight. Animals of the first group (Co) served as control, while animals of the second (BET1) and third (BET2) groups offered 2 and 4 g of betaine/head/day, respectively. At the last day of the experiment, blood samples were taken to estimate some blood metabolites. Three digestibility experiments were carried out to determine nutrients digestibility and nutritive values of the rations. Body weight was recorded while average daily gain, feed conversion and feed economic efficiency were calculated. The results show that betaine supplementation to rams either with 2 or 4 g/head/day increased (P≤0.05) plasma total protein, plasma globulin, plasma glucose and triiodothyronine hormone (T3), while it significantly (P≤0.05) decreased A/G ratio and plasma total cholesterol. Concentrations of plasma albumin and plasma urea N did not differ significantly due to betaine supplementation. Digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CP, EE and CF were significantly (P≤0.05) increased for BET2 group than for BET1 and Co groups. However, NFE digestibility was not influenced by betaine. The TDN value was increased (P≤0.05) for BET2 diet compared with other treated diets. While, the nutritive values as DCP did not significantly differ among treatments. Animals in BET1 and BET2 consumed more (P≤0.05) metabolizable energy (ME, Mcal/kg) compared with the control group. Live body weight did not differ (P>0.05) among groups while average daily gain and total weight gain were improved (P≤0.05) in treated groups. Feeding Ossimi rams on BET1 increased significantly (P≤0.05) daily dry mater intake (DMI), and total digestible nutrient intake (TDNI) when compared with BET2 and Co groups, while treated groups consumed (P≤0.05) metabolizable energy (ME) more than the control group. Daily digestible crude protein intake (DCPI) did not significantly differ among treatments. In conclusion, dietary betaine supplementation to Ossimi rams could modify some metabolic processes, and enhance feed consumption and energy mobilization which could be reflected on improving the productive performance.

Influence of dietary supplementation of irradiated or non-irradiated olive pulp on biochemical profile, antioxidant status and immune response of Japanese quails

ABSTRACT Olive pulp (OP) has been found to be a highly nutritious, low-cost feeding source and potential alternative feed ingredients in poultry nutrition. Gamma irradiation (GI) can be used to breakdown the lignocellulose and hemicellulose contents of OP in order to reduce its high fiber content. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of GI (20 kGy) on nutrient composition, digestibility, fatty acids (FA) and total phenols content (TPC) of OP as well as the impact of feeding OP (0, 50 and 100 g.Kg−1 diet), either irradiated or not, on quail growth performance, blood indices and immune response. To achieve these objectives, 720 one-day-old Japanese quail chicks were allotted randomly to six experimental groups (8 replications of 15 chicks each). Results reveal that GI increased TPC of OP and decreased crude fiber (CF) content, while, trivial increase in total saturated FA (ΣSFAs) and decrease in total unsaturated FA (ΣUFAs) and UFAs/SFAs ratio were observed in IOP. The incorporation of 5% of OP or IOP recorded the highest values of LBW and DBWG and the lowest values of DFI and FCR followed by 10% OP. None of the digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CP, EE, CF and NFE were affected by feeding OP or IOP except CF, which appears lower in birds fed both levels of OP and higher as influenced by GI. No alternations were observed in serum levels of total protein, albumin, liver enzymes, uric acid, creatinine and lipid constituents of birds fed diet containing OP or IOP except low-density lipoprotein which was lowered. Serum malondialdehyde was decreased in birds fed OP and IOP, while, serum glutathione reduced and glutathione reductase were insignificantly affected. A significant effect on the humoral immune response was found in treated quails where antibody titer against sheep erythrocytes was elevated. In conclusion, OP or IOP could be used in quail diets up to 10% to improve growth performance, antioxidant status and immune response without any deleterious effects on liver and renal function as well as nutrient digestibility.

Assessment of eco-sustainability vis-à-vis zoo-technical attributes of soybean meal (SBM) replacement with varying levels of coated urea in Nellore sheep (Ovis aries).

The contemporary environmental-stewardship programmes primarily aimed at curbing the global warming potential by adopting a multidisciplinary approach. Manipulating the feeding strategies has great potential in reducing the environmental footprints of livestock production. This study intends to assess the effect of soybean meal (SBM) replacement with varying levels of coated urea (SRU) on both zoo-technical (nutrient digestibility, heat increment, and physio-biochemical parameters) and environmental attributes. The coated urea was used to replace the SBM at 0, 25, 50, and 75 percent levels. Eight adult rams (43.02 ± 0.76) maintained in a conventional shed were used in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square design. Not all the physiological parameters viz. rectal temperature, pulse rate, and respiratory rate were affected (P>0.05)f by varying levels of SRU incorporation. The SRU fed animals had higher (P<0.05) crude protein digestibility compared to SBM fed animals; however, the replacements did not affect the nutrient digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, NFC, NDFap, ADF, and hemicellulose components. The SRU did not affect various biochemical parameters such as serum glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, urea, creatinine, ALT, AST, Ca, P and T3, and T4 levels; however, post-prandial serum urea N (SUN) values showed a diurnal quadratic pattern (P<0.05) with a dose-dependent relationship. Further, the SBM replacements had no effect on the calcium excretion, while the SRU incorporation decreased the faecal phosphorous content, thereby abating the eutrophication phenomenon. Although the SBM replacements did not affect in vivo water variables and faecal solid fractions, they managed to decrease the land and virtual water requirement along with global warming potential (GWP) of the entire trial. The GWP-perceptual map unveils the fact that replacement of conventional feed ingredients with NPN compounds aids in eco-friendly livestock production. Further, the conjectural analysis of the carbon footprint methodology revealed that agricultural by-products consideration could cause a huge increase in the GWP share of feed consumed, thus compelling the importance of research pertaining to feed production perspective as equal as ruminal methane amelioration.

EFFECT OF INCORPORATING PROCESSING DRIED WASTE OF GREEN BEAN (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS) IN GROWING RABBITS DIETS

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of incorporating processing waste of dried green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) (GBPW) in diets of growing NZW rabbits on nutrients digestibility, live body weight, body weight gain, carcass traits and some blood parameters. Fifty –six New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits were chosen after weaned at 6 weeks of age and randomly divided into four groups (14 rabbits/group) according the their initial live body weight (740±20 g). The experimental period extended from 6 to 14 weeks of age. Four pelleted experimental diets were formulated to be approximately isocaloric, isonitrogenous and isofibrous. Dried green bean processing waste (GBPW) was incorporated at levels of 0, 10, 20 and 30% for rabbit groups, G0 (as control), G1, G2 and G3, respectively. At the end of the feeding experimental (14 weeks of age), digestibility trials were conducted to determined the nutrients digestibility and feeding values of the experimental diets. Three rabbits were slaughtered from each group to test the carcass traits and some blood plasma parameters. Results revealed that the chemical composition of GBPW recorded 87.78, 80.43, 22.37, 29.00, 4.37, 19.57 and 24.69%, respectively for DM, OM, CP, CF, EE, Ash and NFE. Significant differences (P<0.05) between control diet (G0) and tested diet (G3) in digestion coefficients of OM, CP and CF as well as the feeding values (DCP and DE) which had highest values. Inversely the tested diets did not differ significantly with control one in digestion coefficients of DM, EE and NFE, as well as TDN value. No significant differences among dietary groups in live body weight at 6 and 10 weeks with the highest values 779.29 and 1477.5g, respectively in G3. On the other hand, the live body weight at 14 weeks was significantly affected (P<0.05) by the level of incorporating GBPW in diets with the highest value (2100g) in G3 compared with control group G0 and G1. The same trend was found for total body gain (6-14 weeks) and daily gain, where G3 recorded the highest values. Insignificant differences among the experimental diets respecting feed conversion, however, G1 had the better one in the period 6-14 weeks of age. The green bean processing wastes (GBPW) levels had no significant effect on most carcass traits, G1 had the higher of liver weight and edible giblet percentage. In respect to chemical composition of rabbit's meat on DM basis, the experimental diets did not significantly effect on DM, CP and ash, while, EE percentage was affected especially for G3 as it had the highest value. On the other hand, chemical composition of fresh meat showed that higher CP% was found for G0, the lower was for G3, while, the later had the higher EE content and G1 was lower one. No significant differences for DM and ash contents were found among the groups. No significant differences in blood plasma total protein and globulin were showed among the experimental diets. Plasma albumin, ALT, AST, urea and total cholesterol were significantly affected (P<0.05) by experimental diets. Less albumin, ALT and AST were shown by G0, while less urea and cholesterol was recorded for G3. On the other hand, higher urea and cholesterol was shown by G0. Increase the rate of incorporating the GBPW from 0 to 30% in experimental diets lead to improvement in economic efficiency and relative economic efficiency. In conclusion dried green bean processing wastes could be used in feeding of growing rabbits up to 30% with no adverse effect on productive performance, carcass traits, physiological function and economical efficiency.