Effect Of Feeding Different Levels Research Articles

Feed Intake and Growth Performance of Indigenous Chicks Fed Diets with Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal as a Protein Supplement During Early Brooding Stage

The high cost of conventional feed ingredients in poultry diets has necessitated the investigation into unconventional readily available feedstuffs. The study was designed to investigate the effects of feeding different levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on feed intake and growth performance of indigenous chicks. Eighty four unsexed indigenous chicks were assigned to four treatment diets, with each treatment being replicated three times. The dietary treatments were as follows; control diet (T1) without MOLM and diets containing MOLM were at the rate of 5% (T2), 10% (T3) and 15% (T4) to supplement the CP of the control diet. Chicks fed on 0% MOLM had a higher average weekly feed intake than the other three treatments (T2, T3 and T4). The highest weight gain was experienced between weeks 4 to 6 except for treatment 3 that had its peak weight gain on week 5. FCR was similar for all dietary treatments. Weekly live bird weight (WLBW) advantage of chicks fed 0% MOLM diet was maintained followed by those fed diet containing 5% MOLM. The chicks on 10 and 15% MOLM diet recorded similar, but significantly (p<0.05) lower WLBW from the 5 to 8th week than chicks on 0-5% MOLM. The study recommended MOLM inclusion levels of 5% in chicken diets during early brooding stage.

English

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding different levels of Brewer&rsquo;s Dried Grain Yeast mixture (BDGY) on the performance of white leghorn chicks. A total of three hundred and twenty four day-old white leghorn chicks were grouped into 18 pens of 18 chicks each, and randomly assigned to six treatments (control, 6% BDGY, 12% BDGY, 18% BDGY, 24% BDGY, 30% BDGY) according to a completely randomized design (RCD). Brewer&rsquo;s dried grain yeast mixture was composed of 80% brewer&rsquo;s dried grain (BDG) and 20% brewer&rsquo;s dried yeast (BDY). The mean dry matter intake and cost of feed per kg live weight gain did not vary (P &gt; 0.05) among the dietary treatments. However, significantly (P &lt; 0.01) lower daily gain and dry matter conversion ratio (P &lt; 0.05) were obtained in chicks fed 24% BDGY and 30% BDGY than the rest of dietary treatments. Similarity in growth performance between chicks fed the control and 18% BDGY was observed. Based on this, it could be concluded that Brewer&rsquo;s dried grain yeast mixture could be incorporated in chick&rsquo;s rations at the level of 18% without any adverse effect on growth performance so as to increase the economic efficiency. Key words: Brewer&rsquo;s dried grain yeast, dry matter conversion ratio, dry matter intake, weight gain, economic efficiency.

Changes in fatty acid composition and distribution of N-3 fatty acids in goat tissues fed different levels of whole linseed.

The effects of feeding different levels of whole linseed on fatty acid (FA) composition of muscles and adipose tissues of goat were investigated. Twenty-four Crossed Boer bucks were assigned randomly into three treatment diets: L0, L10, or L20, containing 0%, 10%, or 20% whole linseed, respectively. The goats were slaughtered after 110 days of feeding. Samples from the longissimus dorsi, supraspinatus, semitendinosus, and subcutaneous fat (SF) and perirenal fat (PF) were taken for FA analyses. In muscles, the average increments in α-linolenic (ALA) and total n-3 PUFA were 6.48 and 3.4, and 11.48 and 4.78 for L10 and L20, respectively. In the adipose tissues, the increments in ALA and total n-3 PUFA were 3.07- and 6.92-fold and 3.00- and 7.54-fold in SF and PF for L10 and L20, respectively. The n-6 : n-3 ratio of the muscles was decreased from up to 8.86 in L0 to 2 or less in L10 and L20. The PUFA : SFA ratio was increased in all the tissues of L20 compared to L0. It is concluded that both inclusion levels (10% and 20%) of whole linseed in goat diets resulted in producing meat highly enriched with n-3 PUFA with desirable n-6 : n-3 ratio.

Effects of feeding different levels of chromium-enriched live yeast in hairy lambs fed a corn-based diet: effects on growth performance, dietary energetics, carcass traits and visceral organ mass

Forty Pelibuey × Kathdin lambs (35.5 ± 0.4 kg) were used in a 56-day feeding experiment to assess the effects of feeding different levels of chromium-enriched live yeast (Cr-YC) on growth performance, dietary energetics, carcass traits and visceral organ mass. The Cr-YC source contained 5.5 × 109 colony forming units (CFU) and 0.40 mg of Cr per gram. Treatments consisted of a dry rolled corn-based finishing diet supplemented with 0, 1, 2 or 3 g Cr-YC/lamb.day. Total daily dosages were: 5.5 × 109 CFU and 0.4 mg; 1.1 × 1010 CFU and 0.8 mg Cr, and 1.65 × 1010 CFU and 1.2 mg Cr for supplementation levels of 1, 2 or 3 g Cr-YC/lamb.day, respectively. There were no treatments effects on dry matter intake. As the level of Cr-YC supplementation increased, average daily gain, gain to feed and dietary net energy were linearly increased, and observed/expected dry matter intake was linearly decreased. Chromium-enriched live yeast supplementation increased empty bodyweight (EBW), gastrointestinal fill and full viscera weight, but did not influence organ weights as a proportion of EBW (g/kg EBW). Cr-YC level did not affect carcass length, backfat thickness, kidney, pelvic and heart fat or body wall thickness, but increased hot carcass weight and longissimus muscle area. In general, treatment effects on percentage yield of wholesale cuts (tissue weight as a percentage of cold carcass weight) were small. However, Cr-YC decreased percentage flank. Chromium-enriched yeast supplementation enhances growth rate, longissimus muscle area, and dietary energetic efficiency in finishing feedlot lambs.

Impact of diets with different levels of leguminous roughages on nutrient intake, draught performance, blood biochemical and physiological parameters in dromedary camels

The experiment was conducted using nine dromedary camels of Bikaneri breed averaging 8–9 years age and 583–692kg body weight at National Research Centre on Camels, Bikaner, India. The effect of feeding different levels of leguminous roughages on nutrient intake, draught performance, blood biochemical and physiological parameters in dromedary camels was evaluated using completely randomized design over a period of 60 days. Among the leguminous roughages, groundnut haulms (Arachis hypogaea) and cluster bean straw (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) were fed in one of three ratios, 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75 in treatments T1, T2 and T3, respectively and concentrate mixture as per requirement of the camels. The dry matter intake (DMI) on percent and metabolic body weight basis did not differ significantly among the treatments. However, digestible crude protein intake (DCPI) was significantly higher in T1 followed by T2 and T3. Likewise, total digestible nutrients intake (TDNI) was higher in T1 as compared to T2 and T3. The nutritive value was significantly higher in camels fed on T1 as compared to other treatments. The feeding of different levels of groundnut haulms and cluster bean straw influenced the speed of travel and power developed by the camels which was significantly better in T1 followed by T2 and T3. There was significant change in blood biochemical parameters with response to treatments and work. The treatment groups did not show any significant effect on lactate, triglycerides, phosphorus and calcium content of blood in camels before work. There was increase in lactate content in all the treatments manifold times after work. There was significant increase in glucose content when the camels were exposed to work which also differed significantly among the treatment groups. The increase in physiological responses was noted in all the treatments before and after work but the difference was statistically significant for pulse and respiration rates. It has been concluded from the results that feeding of groundnut haulms (Arachis hypogaea) and cluster bean straw (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) in proportion of 75:25 had beneficial effect as compared to other treatment groups and is recommended for better performance of dromedary camels. However, the cluster bean straw in higher proportions can be used in the ration of dromedary camels with certain roughage improvement practices.

The Hummoral Immune Response of Heat Stressed Broiler Chicks Fed Different Levels of Energy and Methionine

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding different levels of energy and methionine on the total antibody, IgG, IgM immunoglobulin titer of broiler chicks. Thirty chicks were reared in an open sided house with temperature range from 29-42°C. The birds were divided into six groups of five replicate with individual bird. Six experimental diets were used with two levels of energy 3050, 2850 kcal/kg and three levels of methionine: control (0%, 0.2% and 0.4%) above the recommended level. At 14 day of age the birds were immunized with 0.2% Sheep Red Blood Cell (SRBC) suspension. The total antibody titer against SRBC was evaluated at 5 and 10 days post immunization using haemagglutination test. 0.1M 2- meracaptoethanol was used to determine IgG, IgM immunoglobulin. The total antibody titer response to SRBC was significantly (p 0.05) effect on total antibody titer. At 5 and 10 days post immunization IgG increased significantly (p<0.05) with 0.2 and 0.4% methionine above the recommended level. However, no change was observed in the titer of lgM. The different levels of energy had no effect on IgG and IgM titer.

Effect of feeding different levels of foliage from Erythrina variegata on the performance of growing goats

The effect of feeding different levels of foliage from Erythrina variegata on the performance of growing goats was studied using a local breed (Ma T'ou) with an average initial body weight of 11.2 kg (SD = 0.9). Twenty-four animals were allocated to a randomized design, with six animals (three males and three females) per treatment. The treatments were four different levels of replacement of the diet crude protein (CP) with CP from Erythrina foliage (EF) at 0 % (E-0), 20 % (E-20), 40 % (E-40), and 60 % (E-60). There were no significant differences in the dry matter (DM) intake between treatments, but total CP intake was significantly higher in the goats fed the diet E-60 compared to E-20 (61.1 and 51.4 g/day, respectively). The average daily liveweight gain of the goats did not differ between treatments and ranged from 51 to 63 g/day. Sixteen animals were kept in metabolism cages for a digestibility study and given with the same four diets as in the main experiment. The digestibility of DM, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber was significantly higher for diet E-60 than for E-0. Neither the apparent digestibility of CP and N retention nor carcass characteristics (16 animals) differed with an increase in the level of CP from EF in the diets. In conclusion, CP from EF can replace up to 60 % of CP from a mixed diet with soybean meal without any negative effect on the growth in goats.

Effect of feeding different levels of energy and protein on performance of Aseel breed of chicken during juvenile phase

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding different metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) levels on performance of Aseel chicken during 0 to 8 weeks of age (Juvenile phase). At 1 day old, 432 chicks were randomly distributed into nine groups. Each group had 48 chicks distributed into eight replicates with six birds in each. Maize-soybean meal-based diets with three ME levels (2,400, 2,600 and 2,800 kcal/kg) and three CP levels (16%, 18% and 20%) were fed to birds in a 3 × 3 factorial design. Different ME levels had significant effect on body weight gain (BWG), feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Birds fed diet with 2,400 kcal/kg ME had significantly lower BWG (P < 0.004), lower shank length (P < 0.0007), higher feed intake (P < 0.0001) and poor FCR (P < 0.0001) than those fed diet with either 2,600 or 2,800 kcal/kg ME. Energy efficiency ratio was not influenced by ME, CP or their interaction. However, protein efficiency ratio was significantly higher at higher ME levels and lower at higher CP levels. There was significant effect of ME, CP and their interaction on serum protein and cholesterol levels. However, they made no significant effect on antibody titre against New Castle disease vaccine. The study concluded that provision of 2,600 kcal/kg ME and 16% CP would be ideal for optimum growth of Aseel birds during juvenile phase. However, to obtain better FCR, feeding Aseel birds with diet having 2,800 kcal/kg ME and 16% CP would be ideal.

Effects of different levels of roasted soybeans in high forage-based rations on conjugated linoleic acid of longissimus dorsi muscle, subcutaneous fat and liver of beef cattle

Twelve 24-month-old crossbred beef cattle with initial live weight of 532.6±20.9 kg were used to study the effect of feeding different levels of roasted soybeans on conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and other fatty acids of longissimus dorsi muscle, subcutaneous fat and liver. The cattle were randomly divided into three groups with 4 cattle in each group and were fed rations containing 3.6, 10.1 and 15.7% of roasted soybeans as Treatments I, II and III, respectively. The cattle were slaughtered after feeding for 28 days and the samples of longissimus dorsi muscle, subcutaneous fat and liver were obtained. The fatty acid composition of the samples was analysed and statistically compared. In longissimus dorsi muscle, it was found that c9t11-CLA content was significantly increased with soybean level (P 0.05). In subcutaneous fat, both c9t11-CLA (P=0.056) and total CLA (P = 0.067) tended to increase with soybean level while all other fatty acids were unchanged (P > 0.05). In liver, content of C18:1 was significantly decreased while contents of C18:2n-6 and C18:3 were significantly increased with soybean level (P < 0.01). Significant correlations were found between intake and contents of fatty acids C18:0, C18:1, C18:2n-6 and C18:3 in liver. This study concludes that feeding beef cattle with soybeans up to 15.7% in high forage-based ration is not an effective way to increase total CLA content of tissues. Key words: Soybeans, conjugated linoleic acid, longissimus dorsi muscle, subcutaneous fat, liver, beef cattle.

Haematological and serum biochemical parameters of West African Dwarf goats fed dried cassava leaves-based concentrate diets

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding different levels of dried cassava leaves at 0%, 20%, 40% and 60%, respectively, using guinea grass as basal feed, on the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. The study lasted for 116days during which haematological and serum biochemical parameters were monitored in 40 male goats before and after, using a completely randomized design. At the start of the experiment, packed cell volume (PCV) ranged from 21.5% to 25.5% while haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and RBC significantly (P < 0.01) ranged from 7.3 to 8.6g/dl and 10.4 to 13.2 × 10(12)/l, respectively. White blood cells reduced significantly (P < 0.05)) from 16.4 to 11.7 × 10(9)/l) as dried cassava leaves increased in the diets. At the end of the trial, there was a slight increase in the values of PCV and Hb in the diets (P > 0.05). Lymphocyte reduced significantly (P < 0.05) from 50.0% to 63.5% in the diets. Neutrophils, however, increased (P > 0.05) at the 0% to 40% levels and reduced at the 60% level of dried cassava leaves inclusion. At the start of the experiment, values for glucose significantly (P < 0.05) ranged from 40.1 to 56.0mg/dl. Total protein and albumin values ranged significantly (P < 0.05) from 56.0 to 68.5g/dl and 30.6 to 38.4g/dl, respectively. At the end of the experiment, serum creatinine increased significantly (P < 0.05) as the level of dried cassava leaves increased from 0% to 60% in the diets. The study revealed that inclusion of dried cassava leaves in the diets of West African Dwarf goats had no deleterious effects on the haematological and serum biochemical parameters of WAD goats and could therefore be included in ruminant diets up to 60%.

‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌Effect of feeding different levels of concentrate on the yield and chemical composition of milk in Damascus goats in Iraq

The trial was carried out on four groups of Damascus does, each group consists of four does which were isoproductive and their in the third lactation to study the effect of feeding four levels of concentrate (namely 0.75, 1.0, 1.25 or 1.5 kg per 3kg of milk production) on milk yield and composition. The concentrate mixture consisted of 67% ground barley, 20% wheat bran, 10% soybean meal, 2% limestone and 1% salt. A good alfalfa hay as a roughage was fed ad libitum to all does. The group feeding for each group regime was followed. The experimental period was divided to two stages, the first is preliminary 3 weeks and the last two weeks as experimental stage. Roughage and concentrate intake and daily milk yield were recorded daily and milk samples for each does were taken 7 times throughout the experiment period for chemical analyses. The results indicated that there is a significant increase in milk production when concentrate levels was increased in the ration to 1.5 kg/3kg milk, but differences were not significant among the other treatments. The differences of milk fat percentage were not significant between the three first treatments but the differences are significant between the 4th and the other three treatments. The percentages of (SNF) were increased insignificant with increasing of the concentrate levels in the diet. The percentages of milk protein were increased levels between the treatments.

Effects of feeding different levels of dietary fiber through the addition of corn stover on nutrient utilization of dairy heifers precision-fed high and low concentrate diets

The objective of this experiment was to assess the effects of manipulating dietary fiber by replacing corn silage (CS) with lower quality forage as corn stover (CST) when used in high concentrate (HC) and low concentrate (LC) diets for precision-fed dairy heifers. Eight Holstein heifers (335.6±7.41kg of body weight) were randomly assigned to 2 levels of concentrate: HC (20% forage) and LC (80% forage), and to a forage type sequence [0% of forage as corn stover (CST), 100% corn silage (CS); 20% CST, 80% CS; 40% CST, 60% CS; and 60% CST, 40% CS] within concentrate level administered according to a split-plot, 4×4 Latin square design (21-d periods). Heifers fed HC had higher apparent total-tract dry matter digestibility (DMD). Increasing the fiber level by increasing the amount of CST in the diet resulted in a linear decrease of DMD and organic matter digestibility. Heifers fed LC diets had higher neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility and tended to have lower acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility than those fed HC diets. Substituting CS with 20% CST resulted in the highest NDF and ADF digestibilities. Digestibility of N was not different, but N retention increased for HC and decreased quadratically for LC diets. Heifers fed HC diets decreased fecal output, and CST linearly increased these parameters. Urine volume tended to be higher for HC-fed heifers, and increasing dietary fiber through CST inclusion tended to decrease urine output. This shift in water excretion resulted in similar total manure output. Total purine derivative excretion did not differ between treatments, but interacted with CST addition, resulting in a linear increase in microbial protein flow to the duodenum in HC-fed heifers and in a linear decrease in LC diets as CST increased. In conclusion, increasing dietary fiber through CST decreased DMD and organic matter digestibility linearly, whereas NDF and ADF digestibility were maximized when 20% CST was added to HC and LC diets. Microbial protein synthesis increased and decreased linearly with CST addition in HC and LC diets, respectively. Retention of N increased and decreased quadratically with CST addition in HC and LC diets, respectively. Total manure excretion was not different between HC or LC diets.

Effect of feeding different levels of corn snack waste on broiler performance

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of using corn snack waste on growth performance, carcass traits and economical efficiency of broiler chicks. Five hundred Ross 308 day-old broiler chicks were divided randomly into 20 pens. There were 25 chicks in each pen which consists of 4 treatments (4 levels of waste corn snack) with five replicates. Corn snack waste had been considered in grower and finisher periods in level 170, 300 and 500 g/Kg of diet. Usage of corn snack waste had reduced (P<0.05) feed intake and weight gain of broiler chicks. However usage of corn snack waste in broiler chick's diet in levels 170 and 350 g/Kg increased feed conversion ratio and in level 500 g/Kg, feed conversion ratio were improved (p<0.05). The usage of corn snack waste was induced by the negative effect on performance of carcass and weight thigh, but reduced breast meat weight also reduces abdominal fat, and had no effect on liver, heart, gastrointestinal tract (p<0.05). Keyword: Corn snack waste, corn by-product, broiler performance, broiler diet.

Effect of rumen-protected choline and methionine on physiological and metabolic disorders and reproductive indices of dairy cows

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of feeding different levels of ruminally protected methionine and choline on the incidence of physiological and metabolic disorders, production, and some of the reproductive indices of Holstein dairy cows. Forty Holstein dairy cows in their first and second lactation were used from 4-week pre-partum through 20-week post-partum and randomly assigned to receive one of the following treatments: 18 g/day of rumen-protected methionine (RPM), 60 g/day of rumen-protected choline (RPC), 18 g/day of RPM + 60 g/day of RPC, and neither supplement (control). The treatments significantly affected services per conception and open days of lactating dairy cows (p < 0.05), but did not affect significantly on days to first oestrus and number of pregnant cows. RPM + RPC-fed cows had the lowest open days, days to first oestrus and services per conception compared with other groups. The effect of treatments was significant on the incidence of metabolic and physiological problems except for foot/leg problems. Cows fed RPM+RPC had the lowest health problems compared with other groups (p < 0.05). Results indicate that the supplementation of RPM and RPC can improve reproductive performance and health status of dairy cows.

The Effect of Feeding Different Levels of Sardine Fish Silage on Broiler Performance, Meat Quality and Sensory Characteristics under Closed and Open-sided Housing Systems

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the use of fish silage prepared from Indian oil sardines, Sardinella longiceps, as partial replacement of soybean meal as a sole source of protein for growing broiler chickens. The main objective of Experiment 1, an ileal digestibility assay, was to assess the nutritional value of fish silage compared with soybean meal for feeding broiler chickens. The two test ingredients, soybean meal and dried fish silage, were incorporated into semi-synthetic diets, as the only component containing protein. The ileal digestibility coefficients of amino acids of fish silage were considerably higher than those of soybean meal (p<0.001). The lower digestibility of amino acids from soybean meal was related to the presence of anti-nutritional factors such as trypsin inhibitors. Fish silage had higher levels of sulphur-containing amino acids than soybean meal. The objective of Experiment 2, a growth study, was to evaluate the effect of feeding fish silage on performance and meat quality characteristics of broiler chickens raised under closed and open-sided housing systems. Four diets containing various levels of fish silage (0, 10, 20 and 30%) were evaluated. Daily feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were measured. At the end of Experiment 2, 96 birds were randomly selected and slaughtered to evaluate meat quality characteristics. Housing type had significant effects on feed intake and body weight gain (p<0.01). Birds in the open-sided house consumed 4.7% less amount of feed and gained 10.6% less than their counterparts in a closed house. Birds in both houses fed diets containing 10 and 20% fish silage gained more than birds fed 30% fish silage. The current study produced evidence that fish silage can replace up to 20% of soybean meal in broiler diets without affecting either growth performance or the sensory quality of broiler meat.

Milk yield persistency and its relationship with health problems in Holstein dairy cows supplemented with different levels of ruminally protected methionine and choline

Abstract. Forty Holstein dairy cows in their first and second lactation were used in a lactation study from 4-week prepartum through 14-week postpartum to investigate the potential effect of feeding different levels of ruminally protected methionine and choline on milk yield persistency of Holstein dairy cows. Cows were randomly assigned to receive one of the following treatments: 18 g/d of rumen-protected methionine (RPM), 60 g/d of rumenprotected choline (RPC), 18 g/d of RPM + 60 g/d of RPC, or neither supplement (control). The use of polynomial equations revealed that the polynomial coefficients of regression were closer (P&lt;0.05) to zero for RPM+RPC-fed cows than for other cows. Therefore, RPM+RPC-fed cows had a more persistent (P&lt;0.05) early-lactation milk yield than did other cows. Cows fed RPM+RPC had the lowest health problems compared with other groups. The treatments significantly affected actual milk yield (P&lt;0.05), 4 % fat-corrected milk (FCM) (P&lt;0.01) and energy-corrected milk (ECM) (P&lt;0.01) across lactation weeks. The treatments significantly affected average dry matter intake (DMI) for the first 14 week postpartum (P&lt;0.05). Also, treatments significantly affected lactose percentage of milk across lactation weeks (P&lt;0.01). In general, it was expected that RPM+RPC-fed cows with greater persistency of lactation would be healthier because the incidence of metabolic and reproductive disorders and negative energy balance that originate from the physiological stress of high milk yield would be lower.

Effect of different levels of monensin in diets containing whole cottonseed on milk production and composition of lactating dairy cows

Summary The objective of this study was to determine the effects of feeding different levels of monensin on feed intake, milk production and composition, and milk fatty acid profile in lactating Holstein cows. Four multiparous cows averaging 517 ± 47 (SD) kg in body weight and 101 ± 19.8 (SD) days in milk were housed individually in tie-stalls. The study was conducted as a 4 × 4 Latin square design for four periods (14-d for adaptation and 7-d for sampling). Cows were offered four dietary treatments (0, 10, 20, or 30 mg of monensin/kg of DM) as total mixed ration, twice daily. Dry matter (DM) intake was similar among treatments. Monensin supplementation significantly increased (P<0.05) milk yield and 4% fat corrected milk (FCM). Milk fat and protein percentages were not affected by monensin supplementation, but fat yield was increased. Monensin reduced the percentage of the short-chain and saturated fatty acids in milk fat, but had no effect on the percentages of medium- and long-chain fatty acids. Monensin supplementation increased (P<0.05) unsaturated fatty acids concentrations in milk fat. Based on the results of this study, feeding monensin was effective in inhibiting the biohydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acids in the rumen, and consequently increased the percentage of unsaturated fatty acids in milk fat, which improves the health characteristics of milk for human consumption.

Effect of Inclusion of Lacquer (Rhus verniciflua Stokes) Meal on Carcass Traits and Meat Quality in Growing-finishing Pigs

In this study, pigs [n=117; (Landrace <TEX>${\times}$</TEX> Yorkshire) <TEX>${\times}$</TEX> Duroc; <TEX>$64{\pm}0.5$</TEX> Kg initial body weight] were used to investigate the effect of feeding different levels of lacquer (Rhus verniciflua Stokes) meal on performance, carcass traits and quality of meat kept under refrigeration at <TEX>$3{\pm}1^{\circ}C$</TEX>. The pigs were randomly allotted to 3 treatments on the basis of body weight and sex and each treatment was replicated 3 times (13 pigs in each replicate). Lacquer meal in sawdust form obtained from the stem bark and heartwood of sun-dried lacquer trees was added to the grower and finisher diets at 0, 20 and 40 g/kg diet. The experimental diets were fed for 8 wk. Inclusion of lacquer meal had no influence (p>0.05) on growth performance of pigs. Improvement in carcass traits and decreased back fat thickness were noticed in pigs fed diets added with 20 and 40 g/kg lacquer meal. Longissimus muscle obtained from pigs fed lacquer meal had higher moisture and lower fat content, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and water holding capacity. Meat from lacquer fed pigs was also darker and redder. The data indicates that lacquer meal can be incorporated up to 40 g/kg in the diet of fattening pigs without affecting growth performance. Also, lacquer meal increases carcass lean content and improves the oxidative stability of the meat.

Effect of Feeding Different Levels of Nigella Sativa L. (Black Cumin) on some physiological Traits and Enzymes of Broiler chicks (Hubbard Type)

The effect of feeding different level of Nigella sativa L. on blood constituents on Hubbard broiler chicks were studied. An experiment with 150 days old chicks was conducted from one to 56 days of age, there were five dietary treatment groups, (control group) and 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8% of Nigella sativa L. represented by (T1, T2, T3, T4) respectively, Results showed that increasing of Nigella sativa reduced plasma cholesterol and Triglycerides and the adding of Nigella sativa L. caused increased in total plasma protein and improved in blood picture (RBC, Pcv and Hb), the inclusion of different levels of Nigella sativa L. failer to effect on GOT and GPT enzymes in blood.

Effects of feeding different levels of dried cassava leaves ( Manihot esculenta, Crantz) based concentrates with Panicum maximum basal on the performance of growing West African Dwarf goats

The feeding value of dried cassava leaves as supplement in the diet was investigated in an experiment with West African Dwarf goats at different inclusion levels of 0, 20, 40 and 60% of DM respectively, using guinea grass as a basal feed. The study lasted for 112 days during which feed intake, performance characteristics, digestibility and nitrogen utilization were monitored in 40 male goats using a completely randomized design. Dry matter (DM) intake from guinea grass was significantly ( P < 0.05; 0.01) increased from 0% to 60% inclusion of dried cassava leaves in the diet. The total DM intakes were 482, 526, 537 and 528 g/d for the 0, 20, 40 and 60% of dried cassava leaves in the diet, respectively. The body weight gain of the animals were significantly ( P < 0.05) higher than in the control group. The highest gain was recorded in goats with 60% of dried cassava leaves in the diet (52.9 g/d) and lowest for the control (33.8 g/d). The inclusion of dried cassava leaves significantly ( P < 0.05) decreased the apparent digestibility of DM, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF), while it increased the apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE), resulting in higher nitrogen balance (3.75 g/d) at 60% of the supplement. In conclusion, supplementing a basal diet of guinea grass ( Panicum maximum) with dried cassava leaves improved DM intake, weight gain, apparent digestibility and N-retention in WAD goats. The inclusion level of dried cassava in the diet can be up to 60% level in a compounded ration for ruminant animals on DM basis.