Effect Of Feeding Different Levels Research Articles

Effect of feeding different dietary levels of energy and protein on growth performance and immune status of Vanaraja chicken in the tropic.

Aim:The present study was conducted to observe the effect of feeding dietary level of energy and protein on growth performance and immune status of Vanaraja chicken in the tropic.Materials and Methods:The experiment was conducted for 56 days on 540 1-day-old chicks, which were individually weighed and distributed into nine groups having 60 birds in each. Each group was further subdivided into triplicates having 20 birds in each. Nine different experimental rations were formulated with three levels of protein, viz., 17%, 19%, and 21%; each with three levels of energy (2600, 2800, and 3000 kcal metabolizable energy [ME]/kg), respectively. Group T8 serves as control fed with 21% protein and 2800 kcal energy as per Project Directorate of Poultry, Hyderabad given requirement. Feed consumption, live weight gain, body weight change, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated based on the amount of feed consumed every week. All the birds were vaccinated following standard protocol. The hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test have been performed to assess the immunity potential of birds due to dietary effect, and serum samples were subjected to HI test at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days of age. Finally, economics of broiler production was calculated on the cost of feed per kg live weight gain.Results:This study revealed that the effect of feeding different levels of energy and protein on growth parameters such as body weight gain and FCR was found to be significantly higher (p<0.05) containing 19% and 21% crude protein with 3000 kcal ME/kg in Vanaraja birds. There was a gradual increase in antibody titer against New castle disease virus as the level of protein and energy increase. It is speculated that the better body weight gain corroborate health and antibody titer. Moreover, the better immune response recorded in the study might be due to better nutrient utilization and its extension toward the better immune response. Higher energy with medium protein diet positively reflects to obtain desirable performance economically.Conclusion:It was positive inclination toward ration containing high protein and energy which influence the immune response of Vanaraja birds to obtained desirable performance economically also.

Effect of feeding different levels of palm kernel cake fermented by Paenibacillus polymyxa ATCC 842 on broiler growth performance, blood biochemistry, carcass characteristics, and meat quality

A feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of palm kernel cake fermented by Paenibacillus polymyxa ATCC 842 (FPKC) on broiler performance. A total of 245 1-day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were raised in the conventional open-sided house. The birds were fed diets containing 0 (Control), 5%, 10% and 15% palm kernel cake (PKC) and 5%, 10%, 15% FPKC. The bodyweight and the feed intake were recorded. The bodyweight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated. Carcass characteristics and meat quality were measured at the end of the experiment, whereas blood was collected at 21 (starter) and 42 days (finisher) to determine blood biochemistry. The results showed that the addition of 10% or 15% PKC in broiler diets led to a significant (P &lt; 0.05) decrease in BWG and increase in FCR during the finisher phase or overall performance. However, BWG and FCR were improved (P &lt; 0.05) in chickens fed with 10% or 15% FPKC compared with those fed with 10% or 15% PKC or the Control group. The relative weight of the gizzard was higher (P &lt; 0.05) for the broiler group fed with 15% PKC compared with those birds fed the Control diet or FPKC at 3 weeks of age. No significant differences were observed among the dietary treatments in blood biochemistry, breast meat colour, drip loss, cooking loss and tenderness. In conclusion, the present experiment showed that palm kernel cake fermented by P. polymyxa ATCC 842 could be fed to broiler chickens up to 15% in their rations without any adverse effect on the growth performance and meat quality.

Effect of feeding different levels of palm kernel cake fermented by Paenibacillus polymyxa ATCC 842 on nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, and gut microflora in broiler chickens

A feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of palm kernel cake fermented (FPKC) by Paenibacillus polymyxa ATCC 842 on nutrient digestibility, villi height, and gut microflora. A total of 245 one-day-old broiler chicks (Cobb500) were purchased from a local hatchery and raised in an open house system in the research unit at Universiti Putra Malaysia. The chicks were individually wing-banded, weighed and randomly distributed into seven groups with five replicates (pens) and seven birds per pen. The birds were fed diets containing 0, 5, 10 and 15% palm kernel cake (PKC) and 5, 10, 15% FPKC. All the birds were fed ad libitum during the feeding trial, which lasted 42 days. One bird and two birds per replicate in each dietary treatment were randomly selected at 3 and 6 weeks, respectively. Ileal digesta and small intestinal tissues were collected. The findings showed that feeding of 10% or 15% PKC led to a significant decrease (P<0.05) in nutrient digestibility compared with the control group, whereas feeding of 10% or 15% FPKC led to a significant improvement (P<0.05) in nutrient digestibility (except in nitrogen free extract at 3 weeks of age) compared with those groups of birds fed with PKC. No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed between the dietary treatments in terms of intestinal morphology. However, gut microflora were improved (P<0.05) in a group of birds fed with 15% FPKC compared to the other dietary treatments. In conclusion, the current experiment showed that FPKC by P. polymyxa ATCC 842 could be fed to broiler chickens up to 15% in their rations without any adverse effect on nutrient digestibility.

Effect of feeding different levels of Azolla pinnata on blood biochemicals, hematology and immunocompetence traits of Chabro chicken.

Aim:The present study was conducted to see the effect of feeding different levels of Azolla meal on blood biochemicals, hematology and immunocompetence traits of Chabro chicken.Materials and Methods:The study was conducted on 160 Chabro chicks, which were randomly divided into four treatment groups each with four replicates of 10 birds. The first treatment (T1) served as a control in which basal diets was offered without Azolla supplementation while in T2, T3, and T4 groups, basal diet was replaced with Azolla meal at 5%, 7.5%, and 10% levels, respectively. A feeding trial was conducted upto 8 weeks. At the last week of trial, blood samples were collected randomly from one bird of each replicate and plasma was separated to estimate certain biochemical parameters, some blood metabolites, minerals and enzymes like alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Hematological parameters such as hemoglobin, packed cell volume, total leukocytes count and differential leukocytes count were estimated in fresh blood just after collection. The humoral immune response was measured against sheep red blood cells,and cell-mediated immune response was measured against phyto hemagglutinin lectin from Phaseolus vulgaris (PHA-P).Results:The study showed that hematological profile of the Chabro bird was not affected by any treatment except heterophil and lymphocyte which was found higher in T2 and T3 groups and eosinophil was found higher in a T3 group than control. Blood glucose, creatinine, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, uric acid, and triglycerides were found similar in all the groups and within the normal values for broiler chicken. Liver enzymes and macro mineral content in blood were found similar in all the treatment groups and within normal physiological range. Although AST was found higher in 10% replacement group than control, the value was within normal range for broiler chicken. Although antibody titer was found similar in all the experimental groups in the present study, cell-mediate immune response (response to PHA-P) was found higher in 5%, 7.5%, and 10% replacement groups than control(p<0.05).Conclusion:Similar blood biochemical parameters and higher cell-mediated immune response in Azolla replacement group indicated immune-modulatory effect of Azolla meal without any toxicity.

Effect of feeding different levels of Azolla pinnata on blood biochemicals, hematology and immunocompetence traits of Chabro chicken

Effect of feeding different levels of Azolla pinnata on blood biochemicals, hematology and immunocompetence traits of Chabro chicken

Effect of feeding different levels of proteins on growth, blood biochemical and immunological parameters in laying Khaki Campbell ducks

A feeding experiment was carried out to study the effect of feeding different levels of protein during laying (20-40 weeks) on growth, feed consumption and mortality in Khaki Campbell ducks. 180 ducks were distributed randomly into three treatment groups viz. T1, T2 and T3 with three replicates of 20 ducks (15 females and 5 males) in each replicate. Birds were allotted to different groups in such a manner that there was no significant difference between the average 20th week body weight among the treatment groups. Between 20-40 weeks, ducks were provided with isocaloric diets with 16, 18 and 20 per cent crude protein in to groups T1, T2 and T3 respectively with ad lib provision of feed and water. Results indicated that supplementation of crude protein of about 18% in the ration during laying period might be sufficient with respect to growth trait in Khaki Campbell layer ducks. Further, the mortality ranged from 2 to 3.2% during laying stage, which was within normal range indicating that the different levels of protein supplementation in diet could not influence the health condition of ducks. The effect of different levels of protein supplementation in the diet during active stage of laying (30th week) was found to be non-significant, with respect to blood biochemicals like total protein, albumin, abumin:gobulin ratio, glucose, urea and creatinine concentration. The level of primary antibody in T1, T2 and T3 of female ducks were 6.00 ± 0.00, 5.33 ± 0.33 and 6.33 ± 0.33 and for combined sex they were 5.00 ± 0.52, 5.33 ± 0.33 and 5.67 ± 0.42, respectively.

Supplemental Zinc Sulfate Affects Growth Performance of Finishing Heifers

Zinc is an essential mineral required for normal function of more than 300 enzymes in microorganisms, plants, and animals. Zinc-requiring enzymes participate in metabolism of nucleic acids, proteins, and carbohydrates, all of which are essential for growth of cattle. In addition, zinc is necessary for normal development and function of the immune system. The requirement for zinc in finishing cattle diets has been established at 30 ppm (NRC, Nutrient Requirements of Beef Cattle, 2000), though concentrations recommended by consulting nutritionists and feed manufacturers span a far broader range. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding different levels of zinc on feedlot performance and carcass traits of finishing heifers.

EFFECT OF FEEDINGWATER HYACINTH ON CARCASS TRAITS AND SOME BLOOD COMPONENTS OF RABBITS

This experiment was carried out at a private rabbit farm under supervision of Benha University Animal Feed Professors, duration time from May to July 2014 on 48 New Zealand White young male rabbits at 6 weeks of age and 696 grams average live body weight. Rabbits were divided into four groups (each group contains 12 NZW rabbits,with three replicates) for the 8 weeks feeding period to investigate the effect of feeding different levels (0, 25, 50 and 75% from Egyptian clover) of sun dried water hyacinth on carcass traits and some blood components. The results showed no significant differences between means of live condition scores, carcass weight and dressing percentage due to the feeding groups effect, carcass cuts and offals weight were not significant except for the fur and legs weight (P<0.05). Chemical analysis of meat showed no significant differences between feeding rabbits groupsexcept for the ash% (P<0.001). Blood components of feeding rabbits exhibited significant differences (P<0.001) for plasma albumin, globulin and total lipids.Present results conclude that, dried water hyacinth leaves and stems may be used as a feed for rabbits to replace 50% of clover hay in concentrate feed mixture without negative effects on carcass and blood components of growing rabbits

EFFECT OF FEEDING DIFFERENT LEVELS OF WATER HYACINTH ON PERFORMANCE OF GROWING RABBITS

This experiment was carried out at a private rabbit farm under supervision of Banha University Animal Feed Professors duration time from May to July 2014 on 48New Zealand white young male rabbits at 6 weeks of age and about 675 to 717 grams live body weight were divided into four groups (each group contains 12 male rabbits and three replicates) to investigate the effect of feeding different levels of dried water hyacinth leaves and stems (0, 25, 50, 75% of Egyptian clover Hay) on rabbits growth and digestibility during 8 weeks of experiment. The results showed non-significant effects on rabbits live body weight and feed intake during 8 weeks of experiment for different levels of water hyacinth. Best final body weight in control group followed by second group, third group and first group of rabbits were 2045, 2008, 1938 and 1896 grams, respectively. Rabbits average daily weight gain, feed conversion and economical feed efficiency during all experiment duration showed a significant (P‹0.05) different between feeding groups. Highly daily gain in control group followed by second group, third group and first group of rabbits were 24.62, 23.08, 22.13 and 20.56 grams, respectively. Rabbits of the second feeding group (feeding 25% water hyacinth) gave the significant worst average feed conversion (3.56 feed/gain), while control group recorded the best one (3.06 feed/gain). Present results conclude that, dried water hyacinth leaves and stems may be used as a feed for rabbits to replace 50% water hyacinth of clover hay in concentrate feed mixture without negative effect on rabbits growth, feed conversion, economic efficiency and digestibility.

Effect of Peganum harmala seeds on productive performance, immune responses and liver function in broiler chickens

This experiment was designed to study the effects of feeding different levels of Peganum harmala seeds (PHS) and antibiotic on the performance, immune responses and liver function of Ross broiler chickens. A total of 240 one-d-old unsexed broiler chickens were randomly allocated to each of the 4 treatment groups, each with 4 replicate pens of 15 chicks. The dietary treatments included of control (C) - without PHS and antibiotic - the diet contains 300 mg/Kg Lincomycin 0.88% (A) and the diets contain 20g/kg (H1) and 40g/kg (H2) PHS. The performance parameters were measured during the experimental period. The chicks were raised on floor pens and received diets and water ad libitum for 6 weeks. Blood samplings were performed for determine of antibody titer against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) on 14 and 21 days and for liver function test on 42 days of age. The using of PHS at rate of 20g/kg feed improved some traits such as live body weight and FCR, but the consumption of 40g/kg had undesirable effect on these traits. Antibody titer against NDV was not affected by experimental treatments, but the relative weight of bursa and spleen increased by dietary treatments of antibiotic and H2. Broilers receiving 40g/kg PHS had a significantly higher activity of SGOT, SGPT and SALP in serum compared to control group. It can be concluded that Peganum harmala seeds cannot be applied as alternatives to in-feed antibiotics, but 20 g/kg inclusion of it in diet can improve production efficiency of broiler chickens.

Effect of feeding chayote (Sechium edule) meal on growth performance and nutrient utilization in indigenous pig (Zovawk) of Mizoram.

Aim:This study was planned to investigate the effect of feeding different levels of chayote (Sechium edule) meal by replacing standard concentrate mixture (CM) on the growth parameters such as feed intake, body weight gain, average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR), and nutrient utilization in indigenous pig of Mizoram.Materials and Methods:Twenty-four growing indigenous pigs (Zovawk) were used to study the effect of feeding chayote (Sechium edule) meal (fruits and leaves at the ratio 4:1) on growth performance and nutrient utilization. They were allocated randomly into 4 treatment groups (G1, G2, G3, and G4). Chayote meal was used to replace standard CM (pig grower ration) at 0% (G1), 20% (G2), 30% (G3), and 40% (G4).Results:During the feeding trial of 90 days, it was found that the dry matter (DM) intake decreased as the level of chayote meal increased. For G1, G2, G3, and G4, the ADG (kg) was 0.24±0.04, 0.23±0.03, 0.18±0.02, and 0.18±0.02, respectively, and the feed conversion efficiency was 5.42±0.44, 4.93±0.17, 5.38±0.05, and 5.74±0.53, respectively. However, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) among the different treatment groups in respect to ADG and FCR. At the end of the feeding trial, digestibility trial was conducted to study the effect of feeding chayote meal in the digestibility of the different nutrients by the experimental animals. From the digestibility trial, it was revealed that the digestibility coefficient of DM, crude protein, and crude fiber were also similar (p>0.05), although the ether extract digestibility in G1 was significantly low (p<0.01) as compared to G2, G3, and G4.Conclusion:Chayote meal could safely replace the standard grower ration up to 40% in the diet of growing local pigs without causing any adverse effects on growth and nutrient utilization.

Effects of feeding different levels of corn steep liquor on the performance of fattening lambs.

This study was conducted to assess the effect of feeding corn steep liquor (CSL) on in vivo digestibility, ruminal pH, ammonia and hydrolytic enzyme activities, blood metabolites, feed intake (FI) and growth performance in fattening lambs. The CSL is a by-product of wet milling process of maize starch industry. The crude protein (CP), rumen-degradable protein (RDP), lactic acid and metabolisable energy contents of this by-product were 420, 324, 200 g/kg dry matter (DM) and 12.6 MJ/kg DM respectively. Twenty-seven male Moghani lambs were assigned randomly into three groups of nine lambs each in a completely randomised design. Three iso-energetic and iso-nitrogenous diets containing different levels (0, 50 or 100 g/kg dry matter) of CSL were offered ad libitum three times a day. Forage to concentrate ratio of the diets was 30:70. With inclusion of CSL in diet, the contents of canola meal, fish meal, wheat bran, corn grain and sugar beet pulp were decreased. The contents of DM, ash-free neutral detergent fibre (NDFom), ether extract, starch, Ca and S were numerically lower, but soluble protein, RDP and non-fibre carbohydrates were greater in the diets containing CSL in comparison with the control diet. The lambs fed with the diets containing CSL had lower [linear (L), p < 0.06] digestibility coefficients of DM and NDFom as compared to those fed with the diet free of CSL. Ruminal ammonia-N concentration increased (L, p < 0.05), but pH decreased (L, p < 0.05) with raising CSL level in diet. Carboxymethyl cellulase and filter paper-degrading activities decreased (L, p < 0.05), while proteases activity increased (L, p < 0.05) as dietary rates of CSL increased. Microcrystalline cellulase and ɑ-amylase activities were similar among the treatments. Within blood metabolites, only urea-N concentration increased (L, p < 0.05) in the lambs receiving CSL as compared to those fed with diet without CSL. Dietary inclusion of CSL resulted in linear decreases (L, p < 0.05) in the intakes of DM, organic matter, CP, NDFom and ash-free acid detergent fibre, and average daily gain. However, the feed conversion ratio was similar among the experimental animals. Overall, feeding CSL up to 100 g/kg diet DM in lamb resulted in reductions of rumen fibrolytic microbial enzyme activities, in vivo digestibility, FI and growth performance, but rumen proteases activity increased.

Nutrient digestibility and growth of five breeds of sheep under different levels of undegradable protein

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding different levels of rumen undegradable protein (UDP) in concentrate on performance of five breeds of sheep. Namely: Compass Agrinak (CA); Garut Composite breed (KG); Barbados Cross breed (BC); St Croix breed (SC); and Local Garut (GL) breed. Ten heads of sheep were used from each breed, in which each breed was grouped into 5 groups according to their body weight, and each sheep in each group was assigned to one of two treatments diet. The diet treatment consisted of concentrate containing different levels of undegradable protein (UDP). The levels of undegradable protein were 4.5% and 7.5%. Concentrate were formulated in iso nitrogen (CP content 16.7%) and iso energy (ME content 2.5 Mcal/kg). During feeding trial the sheep were kept in individual pen for three months. Study was conducted in randomized complete block design in factorial 5 x 2 arrangement, 5 levels of breeds sheep and 2 levels of UDP content. Results shows that there was no interaction effect of breed and levels UDP on feed consumption, average daily gain and feed conversion. These variables were significantly (P 0.05) by interaction between breed of sheep and UDP levels in the diet except for OM digestibility. While breed of sheep did not affect nutrient digestibility and UDP levels only affected NDF digestibility. From this study, it is concluded that increasing UDP in the diet did not improve growth performance of sheep. At similar quality of feed the growth performance was affected by breed of sheep in which KG and GL sheep had similar average daily gain (86.01 vs 82.38 g/day).

Effects of feeding different levels of proteins on the performance in Khaki Campbell ducks during starter stage

The present study was conducted on the 225 unsexed day-old Khaki Campbell ducklings in the Regional Centre, CARI, Bhubaneswar during the period between March to June, 2013. The ducklings were randomly distributed into three treatment groups viz. T1, T2 and T3 supplemented with 18, 20 and 22 per cent crude protein respectively and three replicates in each group to study the effect of feeding different levels of proteins on the performance of the ducks during starter stage. It was found that the live weight of ducklings in different treatments group increased steadily up to 8 weeks of age attaining the lowest body weight of 1243.45±23.01 g in T1 and highest body weight of 1292.97±0.71 g in T3. Significantly (p£0.05) lower daily feed intake was observed in T3 during 3rd week of age than T1 and T2 and the intake was significantly (p£0.05) lower in T3 than T1 but not from T2 at 8th week of age. The apparent metabolisibility of dry matter in T1, T2 and T3 were 75.46±0.90, 77.70±0.30 and 79.38±0.89 per cent, respectively and there was a significant difference in the metabolisability of dry matter (per cent) among different treatments. The nitrogen intake was significantly (p£0.05) higher in T3 (3.63 g/day) than T1 (3.16 g/day), but the difference between T3 and T2 was found to be non-significant. The impact of different levels of protein supplementation in the diet of ducks was found to be non-significant with respect to blood glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin and globulin ratio, total cholesterol and creatinine concentration after 8 weeks of age. It can be concluded that with increase in the supplementation of protein in the Khaki Campbell ducks during the starter period significantly better impact the health and productive traits of the birds and thereby the overall economic status of the farm.

BIOCHEMICAL AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL STUDIES ON HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIC RATS FED ON DIET SUPPLEMENTED WITH FRESH BROCCOLI

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of feeding different levels (10 & 20 & 30%) of fresh broccoli on liver and kidney functions, serum lipid profiles, blood sugar, serum total protein and albumin. In addition to determined of bioactive compounds (flavonoid and saponine). Thirty adult Sprague-Dawley strain male healthy albino rats weighting (80±5g) were used as experimental animals and divided into 5 groups (6 rats each). The experimental animals (30 rats) were fed on basal diet for one week to adapt with the basal diet. After that, rats (30) were divided into two main groups. The first group (6 rats) was fed on basal diet for 7 weeks to be as a negative control group. The second group (24 rats) was divided into 4 sub-groups (6 rats each). The first sub-group (B1) was fed on hypercholesterolemic diet (diet containing 10% animal fat+1% cholesterol) for 7 weeks and was left as a positive control group (untreated group). The other sub-groups were fed on hypercholestrolemic diet for 3 weeks to be as hypercholesterolemic rats. After that, animals were fed on diet supplement with different levels (10&20 &30 %) of fresh broccoli for 4 weeks. At the end of the experimental period animals were killed, blood samples were collected to determine the following parameters, blood sugar, lipid profiles, liver functions, serum total protein, albumin, kidney functions (urea, uric acid and createnine). Liver, kidney were taken for histopathological examination. The obtained results concluded that, 30% levels of fresh broccoli improve of all biochemical parameters. Key words: Broccoli, Hypercholesterolemic rats, liver functions, kidney functions, lipid profiles, blood sugar.

Dietary protein level and performance of growing Baladi kids.

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding different levels of protein to black Baladi breed kids. Weanling Baladi kids (n=18; 75 to 90 days old) were selected and individually housed at our experimental farm. Kids were divided randomly to one of the three treatments for 12 weeks. The three dietary treatments were: T1: control ration, formulated according to NRC to cover the protein (level 1) and other nutrients requirements. T2: ration formulated to cover only 75% of protein (level 2) recommended by NRC. T3: control diet + 2.4 g undegradable methionine (Smartamine®)/day/kid (level 3). Feed intake, initial and monthly body weights were recorded. Blood samples were collected monthly and analyzed for metabolites and Co, Zn and Cu levels. Decreasing the dietary level of protein (T2) negatively affected (P<0.05) the total live weight gain, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio when compared with the control and T3 groups. Moreover, treatment, time and time × treatment caused a significant change on Co concentration in blood serum with higher value at the end of the experiment. Treatments had a significant effect (P<0.05) on blood serum cholesterol and protein levels. Undegradable methionine supplementation (T3) significantly increased longissimus dorsi weight, fat thickness and omental fat%. In conclusion, feeding Baladi kids below the NRC requirements of protein negatively affect the growth performance and feed efficiency. The recommended protein level by NRC for growing kids cover the requirements of growing black Baladi kids for maximum growth and productivity.

EFFECT OF FEED SUPPLEMENTED WITH DIFFERENT LEVELS OF SODIUM BENTONITE ON JAPANESE QUAIL PERFORMANCE

The effect of feeding different levels of sodium bentonite on Japanese quail chicks performance was studied. An experiment of 42 days was conducted with a flock of 240 unsexed one- day old chicks, distributed at random into 4 groups each in 3 replicates. Treatments were control no additive, T1containing 2% sodium bentonite, T2 containing 4% sodium bentonit and T3 containing 6% sodium bentonit). All chicks had free access to feed and water ad libitum during the 6-wk experiment. Average daily gain, feed intake and feed conversion efficiency were determined. The results indicated that, chicks fed 4% and 6 % bentonite had higher body weight gain at 42 days; performance index lower feed intake; and better feed conversion ratio compared to the control diet. Feeding diet containing 6% had the highest total serum protein, globulin, Glucose and AST concentrations; moreover lower in LDL and HDL than the control diet. No significant effect of different levels of sodium bentonite on the averages values of carcass characteristics. Evidently, it is concluded that the dietary supplementation of Japanese quail chicks with 6% sodium bentonit resulted in considerable improvement in the growth and economic efficiency without adverse effects on carcass characteristics and constituents of blood serum.

Comparative efficacy of garlic (Allium sativum) and black cumin (Nigella sativa) as growth promoters in broilers

A study was conducted to determine the comparative effect of feeding different levels of garlic and black cumin on growth, feed consumption, feed efficiency and carcass characteristics of Hubbard broiler. Two hundred fifty two Hubbard chicks having uniform body weight were randomly allocated into seven dietary treatments with three replications .The isoproteinous and isocaloric formulated standard starter, grower, and finisher diets were supplemented for 6 weeks with different levels of freshly ground dry garlic and black cumin seeds in order of T1-control, T2- 0.25% garlic, T3- 0.5% garlic, T4- 0.75% garlic, T5- 0.25% black cumin, T6- 0.5% black cumin, and T7- 0.75% black cumin, respectively. The results showed significantly higher cumulative weekly live body weight, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio for broiler fed diet supplemented with 0.5% garlic, followed by diet supplemented with 0.5% black cumin. There was no significant effect of different levels of garlic and black cumin supplementation in diet on carcass characteristics. Furthermore, there was minimum gross expenditure in broiler diet supplemented with 0.25% garlic and maximum in broiler diet supplemented with 0.75% black cumin. However, there was highest gross income and net profit in broiler diet supplemented with 0.5% garlic, followed by broiler diet supplemented with 0.5% black cumin. It is therefore, concluded that inclusion of garlic or black cumin in the broiler rations may be used for economical and efficient production of broilers.

Effect of feeding different levels of wheat roti on nutrient utilization and blood metabolite profile in semi-captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus).

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of different levels of wheat roti (WR) on nutrient utilization and blood metabolites in Asian elephants fed roughages ad libitum. Nine (3M, 6F) Asian elephants (14-52years of age, 1909-3968kg BW) were used in an experiment based on replicated Latin square design. Animals in each group (n=3) were assigned to one of the three dietary treatments in a manner that animals in all the three groups were exposed to all the three treatments in three different periods. Each feeding trial comprised 30days (25days of adaptation and 5days collection period). The amount of WR fed to the elephants was 0.18, 0.12 and 0.06% of BW in groups I, II and III, respectively. They were allowed to forage in the nearby forests for 6h/day and to bathe for 2h/day. The animals had ad libitum access to cut Rohini (Mallotus philippensis) trees in their night shelter. Intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), gross energy (GE), Ca, P, Fe, Cu and Zn were measured. Feed consumption was not significantly different among the groups. Significant (p<0.01) decrease in digestibility of DM and GE and blood glucose concentration was observed with decreased level of WR in the diet. Feeding of WR at 0.06% of BW supplied adequate amount of DE, CP, Ca, P, Fe, Cu and Zn to meet requirement for adult maintenance. Feeding of WR in excess of 0.06% of BW supplied DE in excess of requirement, increased blood glucose concentration which may cause obesity and other associated health problems. It was concluded that the amount of WR should be restricted to 0.06% of BW in the diet of captive Asian elephants.

Assessment of different levels of enset (Ensete ventricosum) corm as an energy supplement in sheep fed a basal diet of Rhodes grass hay

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of feeding different levels of enset corm as a supplement to sheep fed Rhodes grass hay. Thirty local yearling rams with a mean (±SD) body weight of 16.97 (±1.13) kg were used. Six sheep were allocated to each of the five treatments in a completely randomized design. The treatments were hay ad libitum and 129 g dry matter (DM) corm (T1), 188 g DM corm (T2), 248 g DM corm (T3), 100 g DM noug (T4) cake, and hay alone (T5). One hundred grams of noug seedcake was supplemented for all treatments except T5. Total DM and organic matter (OM) intakes of sheep in T1, T2, and T3 were the highest (P < 0.05) compared with sheep in other treatments, while sheep in T5 consumed the lowest DM and OM. The total crude protein (CP) intakes of sheep in T3 and T2 were greater (P < 0.05) than the other treatments, while sheep in T5 consumed the lowest CP. The apparent DM and OM digestibility coefficients of T1, T2, and T3 diets were higher (P < 0.05) compared with T5. The lowest (P < 0.05) CP digestibility was in T5, whereas the digestibility among the supplemented groups was similar (P > 0.05). The daily body weight gain for T1, T2, and T3 diets was greater (P < 0.05) than that of T5. The feed conversion efficiency for T1 and T2 was higher (P < 0.05) than T5, while T4 had an intermediate value. The highest (P < 0.05) nitrogen retention was in sheep fed T3 diet, while the lowest was in those fed T5. It is concluded that farmers can supplement enset corm at 129 g DM/day as an alternative energy source to improve the productivity of sheep for small-scale farmers under enset-livestock production systems.