Percentage Of Ether Extract Research Articles

Effects of age on quality of slaughterhouse by-products in Black Bengal goat

This study was conducted with a view to investigate the yield percentage as well as nutritional composition of slaughterhouse by-products from Black Bengal goats of Bangladesh depending on different age groups. The experiment was conducted in different markets and slaughterhouses of Mymensingh district. Data and samples were collected from 50 (fifty) goats of different ages. Treatment group were executed according to the age, namely T0= 0 permanent incisor teeth (under 1 year), T1= 2 permanent incisor teeth (1 to 1.5 year), T2= 4 permanent incisor teeth (2 years), T3= 6 permanent incisor teeth (2 to 2.5 years), T4= 8 permanent incisor teeth (more than 2.5 years). Live weight, warm carcass weight, dressing percentage, percentage and nutritional composition of different slaughterhouse by-products were measured to identify the variation among the age group. The results showed a wide variation of yield percentage and nutritional composition of edible by-products for different ages of Black Bengal goats. A significant variation (P>0.01) of dressing percentage was found with the increase of age. Dressing percentage was 45.87 ± 3.23 in T0 group and 55.94 ± 2.08 in T4 group. Live weight and warm carcass weight were also increased significantly with the increase of age. No significant variation was found in the weight and percentage of different inedible by-products like skin, eye, teeth and hoof as well as edible by-products like liver, brain, kidney, lungs, heart, tongue, intestine with the increase of age. Higher percentage of dry matter and ether extract was found in the liver and heart. Crude protein was almost similar for liver, heart, kidney, lung but pH level was high at kidney. Findings of this investigation of basic properties of edible and inedible by-products of Black Bengal goat will be helpful in livestock researches. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (3): 61-68.

Effect of replacing wheat with broken rice on nutrients metabolisability, egg production and quality in White Pekin ducks

A study was conducted in the tropical coastal region of Odisha in 2019 to find out the effect of replacing wheat with broken rice (BR) on nutrients metabolisability, egg production and quality in White Pekin ducks. White Pekin ducks (45, 165 days) were divided into three groups with three replicates in each group and each replicate had five ducks. Three experimental diets without (BR-0) and with BR, replacing 50 (BR-50) and 100 (BR-100), per cent wheat were prepared. The above diets were offered randomly to the groups till 40 weeks followed by conduction of a metabolic trial. The dry matter intake (g/d) was similar among the groups. The metabolisability percentage of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract and crude fibre in BR-0 and BR-50 were similar and higher than BR-100. There was no significant difference in N balance (g/d) among the groups. The total egg production, duck day egg production percentage and feed conversion ratio were similar among the groups. The external and internal egg quality parameters were similar among the groups as well. It was concluded that wheat can be replaced with broken rice at 50% level in the diets of White Pekin ducks during first phase of laying under intensive rearing system with increase in the metabolisability of the nutrients of the feed without affecting the performance.

Long-Lasting Effects of Incubation Temperature During Fetal Development on Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue of Broilers.

Increasing evidence indicates that fetal programming may cause permanent effects on offspring adipose tissue and body composition. Previous study showed reduction in newly-hatched broiler chick adiposity by manipulating incubation temperature during fetal development. The present study examined whether incubation temperature during fetal development has long-term effects on post-hatching fat deposition in broilers. Broiler breeder eggs (Cobb-500®) were incubated under constant low (36°C, LT), control (37.5°C, CT) or high (39°C, HT) temperature from day 13 onward, giving to eggshell temperature of 37.3 ± 0.08°C, 37.8 ± 0.2°C, and 38.8 ± 0.3°C, respectively. Male chicks were reared under recommended temperatures until 42 days old. LT 21 days old broilers exhibited higher blood cholesterol than CT broilers, and higher triglycerids, VLDL, and LDL, and lower HDL than CT and HT broilers. LT broilers presented higher liver cholesterol than CT broilers and lower ether extract percentage than CT broilers. Adipocyte count was lower in the abdomen than in the thigh. Until day 21 of age, feed intake was higher in LT than in HT broilers. At day 42 of age, blood cholesterol and LDL were higher in HT broilers than in CT and LT broilers. Liver cholesterol was higher in LT than in HT broilers. LT treatment reduced neck and increased thigh adipocyte size compared to CT treatment, while the HT treatment reduced abdomen and neck adipocyte size compared to other two treatments and in the thigh compared to LT treatment. In CT broilers, thigh adipocytes were smaller than abdomen and neck adipocytes. HT treatment increased adipocyte number per area in the neck compared to LT and CT treatment, and LT and HT treatments reduced adipocyte count in the thigh compared to CT treatment. CT broilers presented higher adipocyte count in the thigh than the abdomen and neck, while HT broilers presented higher adipocyte count in the neck than the abdomen and thigh. Cell proliferation was lower in the abdomen than in the thigh. The results show incubation temperature manipulation during fetal development has long-term and distinct effects on regional adiposity, and can be used to modulate broiler fat deposition.

Evaluation of dried tomato pomace as a non‐conventional feed: Its effect on growth, nutrients digestibility, digestive enzyme, blood chemistry and intestinal microbiota of growing quails

AbstractThis work evaluated the effect of sun‐dried tomato waste (SDTP) on growth, carcasses, digestibility of nutrients, digestive enzymes, blood chemistry and intestinal microbiota of 250 one‐week‐old growing Japanese quail. The birds were randomly distributed into 5 equal groups. Group 1 was fed on the basal diet (BD) (control), Groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 were fed on the BD containing 3, 6, 9 and 12% SDTP respectively. SDTP significantly improved the body weights and gains at 3 weeks of age compared with control, and the 6% SDTP level seems to be the optimal level used throughout the first 3–5 weeks of age. With 6, 9 or 12% SDTP, the percentages of liver and giblets and the meat percentages of moisture and crude protein were improved significantly relative to control or 3%. In quail diets, the percentage of ether extract was reduced with increasing the SDTP. The studied levels of SDTP did not significantly change the digestibility of DM, OM, CP or NFE. The highest levels of amylase and lipase enzymes were recorded in the 6% SDTP, opposite to control. SDTP at 9 and 12% significantly decreased the total cholesterol than all other treatments. The highest and the lowest HDL levels were shown in 12 and 9% SDTP respectively. The 12% SDTP showed the highest SOD, TAC, IgM, IgG and Complement 3 values among all groups. The different levels of SDTP significantly reduced the MDA content than control. The highest caecal E. coli and Salmonella spp counts were found in control and 6% inclusion level followed by 9% and finally 3 and 12% SDTP. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of SDTP can enhance the growth and health status of growing quails via improving the nutrient digestibility, digestive enzymes, and blood chemistry and reducing the intestinal pathogens.

Influence of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae feeding on carcass characteristics of Gramasree hens

The study on the evaluation of carcass characteristics of Gramasree hens by feeding fresh black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) as soya bean meal replacer at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 per cent levels was carried out at University Poultry and Duck Farm, Mannuthy, Thrissur, Kerala, for a period of 8 weeks. Eighty numbers of 40 week old Gramasree hens were allotted to five treatment groups with four replicates each and with four birds in each replicate. Slaughter parameters like pre-slaughter body weight, dressing percentage and eviscerated percentage were not affected by the inclusion of fresh BSFL. Abdominal fat was significantly (p<0.05) lower in BSFL fed groups compared to control. Breast yield was significantly (p<0.05) lower in 75 and 100 per cent groups compared to control. No significant difference was noticed in thighs yield. Drumsticks yield was significantly (p<0.05) lower in 50 per cent group and wing yield was significantly (p<0.05) lower in 50 and 100 per cent replacement groups compared to control. The heart, liver and gizzard yield were not affected by BSFL feeding. This study concludes that although fresh BSFL contains higher percentage of ether extract, the presence of chitin and chitosan prevents the abdominal fat deposition and also influences certain carcass characteristics negatively.

Effects of replacing Tifton-85 hay by cactus pear (Opuntia stricta Haw) on the carcass traits and meat quality of crossbred Santa Inês lambs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the carcass traits of crossbred Santa Inês lambs fed with increasing levels (0, 300, 600, and 900 g kg-1 on a dry matter basis) of cactus pear cv Mexican elephant ear (Opuntia stricta Haw) as a replacement for Tifton-85 hay. Forty-eight male lambs (noncastrated), averaging 21.0 ± 2.93 kg body weight (BW) at the beginning of the study, were used in this trial. Replacement levels of Tifton hay by cactus pear affected the hot carcass and cold carcass weights and the carcass compactness index linearly (P < 0.05), but did not influence the yield of hot carcass and cold carcass, the loin eye area, conformation, finishing, and subcutaneous fat thickness, the yield of commercial cuts and tissue composition of the leg (P > 0.05). The averages of tissue components yields were: muscle 64.94%, bone 16.92%, fat 14.92%, and other tissues 2.71%. There was also no effect (P>0.05) of treatments on other measurements in Longissimus dorsi. However, there was an increasing linear effect on ether extract content (P<0.05). It can be concluded that the Mexican Elephant Ear cactus pear can be used to feed finishing lambs, replacing up to 900 g kg-1 of the dry matter of the roughage, with a consequent increase in carcass weight, loin, shoulder, and leg, as well as, in the percentage of ether extract of the meat. However, it does not alter the other carcass traits and physical-chemical characteristics of the meat.

Meat quality of cattle subjected to period of aging process: a cross-heifer study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aging on meat quality of crossbred heifers. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations of carcasses and meat of 148 crossbred heifers with an average age of 13 months and 407.5 ± 29.22 kg body weight at slaughter were performed. After cooling for 24 h, the carcasses were evaluated for hot carcass weight, pH, conformation, physiological maturity, finishing, fat distribution, and length. Characteristics, such as pH, color, marbling, exudation, as well as cooking losses, percentage of ether extract, and shear force were evaluated in meat at time zero and after seven days of aging. The carcasses displayed satisfactory results for parameters such as pH at 24 h of cooling (pH24), finishing, distribution of fat, and subcutaneous fat thickness (5.58, 3.27, 2.40, and 6.62 mm, respectively). The meat had a low marbling score (5.08) and percentage of ether extract (1.71), indicating that the meat was relatively lean. Exudation and cooking losses showed similar results at zero and seven days of aging. The meat subjected to seven days of aging showed higher lightness and hue (40.98 and 0.77, respectively) and tenderness of 5.25 kg. These results indicated that aging affected meat color and shear force parameters; the meat of cross-heifers was softer but less red after maturation.

Variação temporal na dieta, valor nutricional e produção do pólen coletado por Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) em área de caatinga

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a origem botânica, o efeito temporal na concentração de nutrientes, o potencial de produção e o valor nutricional do pólen apícola produzido na cidade de Serra Talhada-PE. O trabalho de campo foi realizado no período de abril de 2014 a março de 2015. A coleta do pólen apícola foi realizada quinzenalmente em quatro colmeias. Foram realizadas as análises de origem botânica e as análises nutricionais do pólen relativas à porcentagem de proteína bruta e extrato etéreo. Modelos lineares generalizados e correlação de Spearman entre as variáveis foram utilizadas. Foram encontrados 63 tipos polínicos, distribuídos em 21 famílias, 39 gêneros, 34 espécies e 11 tipos indeterminados. As famílias mais representadas em números de espécies foram Leguminosae e Malvaceae. A produção de pólen apícola foi maior no período chuvoso do que no período seco, estando negativamente relacionada com a temperatura e de maneira positiva com a umidade. O valor nutritivo do pólen coletado mudou ao longo dos meses amostrados. Não houve relação entre os teores de proteína bruta e extrato etéreo com o número de tipos polínicos e com a precipitação. Com base na análise polínica, pode-se inferir que a área de Caatinga estudada mantém uma grande diversidade de fontes de recursos para as abelhas, sendo Leguminosae, a família responsável pela maior oferta de alimento para a mesma. Este estudo mostra que a vegetação localizada em Serra Talhada-PE apresenta espécies de plantas com elevado teor nutritivo e grande potencial para a produção de pólen apícola.

411 Relationships between dietary composition and reproductive outcomes in cattle

Abstract Individual experiments and recent literature summaries suggest links between reproductive outcomes in cattle and dietary composition. The objective of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of dietary composition on reproductive efficiency of cows and heifers. A literature search returned 42 previously published papers containing 164 treatment means that were eligible for use in the meta-analysis. Diet composition information of interest included neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), lignin, ether extract (EE), non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) and starch percentages. For papers to be included, they needed to report reproductive outcomes, dry matter intake (DMI), experimental design details (treatments, design, number of experimental units, measurement SE or SD values, and P-values), and diets with all ingredients and inclusion percentages. Details on diet composition, intake, and reproductive outcomes were extracted from these papers and analyzed using linear mixed effects models with a random intercept for each study. When diet composition information was not reported, it was estimated from commercial feed library data and reported dietary feed inclusion rates. Days to service, days to ovulation, pregnancy at first artificial insemination, and overall pregnancy rate were the primary reproductive outcomes of interest. Significant variables were identified through a backward elimination approach. Overall pregnancy rate tended to be affected by the percentage of lignin in the diet (P = 0.078). Days to service was affected by dietary NDF (P = 0.013), ADF (P = 0.022), and starch (P = 0.027) percentages, and tended to be affected by lignin (P = 0.0768) percentage. Days to ovulation and pregnancy at first artificial insemination were not affected by the nutritional factors tested here. Additional assessment is needed to assess how dietary factors interact with other experimental and environmental variables to influence reproductive outcomes.

EFFECT OF ASPECTS AND ELEVATIONS IN THE QUALITATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE VEGETATION COVER GROWING IN THE ASPECTS ON ASHAWA RESORT AT NORTHERN IRAQ

This study was conducted during spring of 2010 at Ashawa resort of Duhok governorate to identify the value of the vegetation cover according to the qualitative characters(ash, organic matter, ether extract, crude protein, crude fibers, soluble carbohydrate, calcium, potassium and phosphorus) percentages of understory vegetation and canopy cover common between aspects surrounding Ashawa resort with two elevations, The study found that there are significant differences between species, aspects and elevations for Grasses and herbs. Lathyrus sativa was significantly superior compared with other species,the east aspect was significantly superior in (potassium, crud protein and ash) percentage, the north aspect was significantly superior in (phosphorus , calcium and carbohydrate) percentage,the first level was significantly superior in (phosphorus, potassium, crud protein and ether extract) percentage, compared with the second level. As for trees and shrubs Cotoneaster racemiflorous shrubswere significantly superiorover other species for ash, carbohydrate, potassium and phosphorus percentage while it did not recorded any significancy with Quercus aegilops for ether extract. Percentage, but Q. infectoria was significantly superiorover cotoneaster racemiflorous shrubsin crude protein percentage, There were no significantly differences between both elevations levels in ether extract., crude protein, potassium and calcium percentage, while there were significantly differences between those elevations in ash, organic matter, crude fibers, soluble carbohydrate and phosphorus percentages.

STUDY ON THE DUCKS FATTY LIVER PRODUCTION UNDER THE EGYPTIAN CONDITIONS

A total number of one hundred and eight of both Mulard and Muscovy drakes at 12 weeks of age were individually weighed, wing banded and divided randomly into three groups of three replicates, each of six birds. Average of initial body weight of drakes was similar among all groups (x). Drakes of the first group were fed ad-lib the same ration of the force feeding . The second group fed the force feeding ration without any added enzyme, while the third group was fed the force feeding rations plus Avizyme 1502 enzyme 0.05%. The results showed that Mulard ducks were highly significant in all carcass traits studied (final live body weight, and percentages of carcass, liver, total giblets and edible parts) than Muscovy ducks. The ether extract percentage was insignificant in meat of the Mulard ducks compared with Muscovy ducks, while, the moisture, crude protein and ash percentage were significantly higher in Mulard ducks when compared to Muscovy ducks. Liver of Mulard ducks contained highly significant moisture, crude protein and ash percentages compared to liver of Muscovy ducks. however, liver of Muscovy ducks contain highly significant ether extract percentage compared to liver of Mulard ducks. Liver of Muscovy ducks was highly significant in LDL (mg/dl) and cholesterol (mg/dl) and insignificant in total lipids weight (mg/dl), triglycerides (mg/dl) and HDL (mg/dl) compared to Mulard duck. Blood plasma for Mulard ducks was highly significant in total protein (g/dl), albumin (g/dl), globulin (g/dl), A/G ratio and insignificant in LDL (mg/dl) and AST (U/L) compared to the Muscovy ducks. On contrary, blood plasma of Muscovy ducks was highly significant in total lipids (mg/dl), cholesterol (mg/dl), triglycerides (mg/dl), HDL (mg/dl), glucose (mg/dI) and insignificant in ALT(U/L), compared to Mulard duck. Conclusively, Mulard ducks are suitable for force feeding than Muscovy ones to achieve a fast increase in body weight in a short time. Also, to have a high quality of fatty liver which have a high marketing value indoors and outdoors

STUDIES ON THE PRODUCTION OF DUCKS FATTY LIVER IN RELATION TO THE PHYSIOLOGY OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM UNDER THE EGYPTIAN CONDITIONS

A total number of one hundred and eight of both Mulard and Muscovy drakes at 12 weeks of age were divided randomly into three groups. Drakes of the first group were fed ad-lib the same ration of the force feeding. The second group fed the force feeding ration without any added enzyme, while the third group was fed the force feeding rations plus Avizyme enzyme 0.05%, respectively. The results showed that Mulard ducks were highly significant in all carcass traits studied (live body weight and percentages of carcass, total giblets and edible parts) than Muscovy ducks. Liver of Mulard ducks contained highly significant moisture, crude protein and ash percentages compared to liver of Muscovy ducks. On the contrary, liver of Muscovy ducks contain highly significant ether extract percentage compared to liver of Mulard ducks. Liver of Muscovy ducks was highly significant in LDL (mg/dl) and cholesterol (mg/dl) and insignificant in total lipids weight (mg/dl), triglycerides (mg/dl) and HDL (mg/dl) compared to Mulard duck. Conclusively, Mulard ducks are suitable for force feeding than Muscovy ducks and have a high quality of fatty liver which have a high marketing value indoors and outdoors

IMPACTS OF COMMERCIAL PROBIOTICS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, DISEASE RESISTANCE AND PROFITABILITY OF NILE TILAPIA (Oreochromis niloticus) UNDER STOCKING DENSITY STRESS

The current research aimed to reduce the effects of increasing Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fish stocking density (SD) as stress factor by using dietary commercial probiotic supplementation (biogen® or Bactocell®). The experimental Nile tilapia (mean weight of 4.00 g) were distributed by random into 18 hapa (1.5 X 2 X 2 m), representing to 6 treatments (3 replicates per treatment). In a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, fish were divided into two main groups. The first group was stocked at 100 fish/m3 and the second was stocked at 150 fish/m3. Each group was divided into 3 sub-groups; the 1st sub-group was fed on a diet without supplementation with commercial probiotics, the 2nd and 3rd sub-groups were fed on diet supplemented with 2 g Biogen and 0.5 g Bactocell/kg diet, respectively. The obtained results showed that all tested water quality measurements were suitable for rearing Nile tilapia fingerlings. With increasing fish stocking density, final body weight (FBW), daily weight gain (DWG), specific growth rate (SGR) and daily feed intake (DFI) of fish significantly (P<0.001) decreased and feed conversion ratio (FCR) significantly (P<0.001) impaired while, survival rate significantly (P<0.001) increased. The highest value for each of (P<0.001) FBW, DWG, SGR and DFI were achieved in fish groups fed diets supplemented with probiotic, while FCR significantly (P<0.001) improved. The interaction between fish SD and dietary probiotic supplementation significantly (P<0.01) affected FBW, DWG and DFI, while SGR and FCR were insignificantly affected. All blood components studied were insignificantly affected with fish SD. Hemoglobin, RBCs, WBCs, total protein, albumin and globulin of Nile tilapia fish significantly (P<0.001) affected with probiotic treatments. The interaction between fish SD and dietary probiotic supplementation significantly (P<0.01) affected WBCs only. Approximate analysis of body composition of Nile tilapia fish showed that, ash percentage only significantly (P<0.05) affected with SD, while crude protein, ether extract and ash percentages were significantly (P<0.001) affected with probiotic treatments. Within low SD the percents relative level of protection (RLP) after the challenge infection test using A. hydrophila in fish groups fed diet supplemented with biogen or bactocell were 100 and 60%, respectively. While, with high SD the RLP was 100 and 75% in fish groups fed diet supplemented with biogen and bactocell, respectively as compared with control fish group in the two levels of SD which recorded 0% of RLP. Final profit margin increased by 30.37 and 10.37%, in fish group stocked at high density and fed diet supplemented with biogen or bactocell, respectively when compared with fish group stocked at low density and fed diet without probiotic. The obtained results recommended that dietary probiotic (biogen or bactocell) supplementation to Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) diets reduce the effects of increasing stocking density as stress factor and achieve better growth performance, high disease resistance and high margin.

Effect of different smoking methods on the quality of pork sausages.

Aim:An experiment was conducted to evaluate the nutritional, physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory attributes of pork sausages treated with conventional smoking (CS) and liquid smoke (LS).Materials and Methods:Pork sausages were prepared by employing CS (T1) and by addition of LS at 3% (T2A), 5% (T2B), and 7% (T2C) while smoking was not done in control (C) sausages. The ready-to-eat pork sausages were evaluated in terms of proximate composition, emulsion stability (ES), cooking loss (CL), pH, water activity (aw), texture profile analysis (TPA), and shear force on the day of preparation and the shelf life of the sausages was evaluated on the basis of thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) value, organoleptic qualities, total viable plate count, total psychrophilic count, and yeast and mold counts at 5-day interval up to 15 days under refrigerated storage (6±1°C).Results:The mean percentage moisture and percentage ether extract contents of the conventionally smoked sausages (T1) exhibited significant difference (p≤0.01) with the rest of the formulations. However, in terms of mean percentage crude protein and percentage total solids, no significant difference (p≥0.05) was recorded between the treatment groups. The mean ES (ml of oil/100 g emulsion) of the different sausage emulsions ranged from 1.88 to 3.20, while the mean aw values among the sausage formulations were found to be non-significant. In terms of mean percentage, CL and pH values, significantly lowest (p≤0.01) values were recorded by the T1 sausages. The mean TBARS values recorded at different periods of time in respect of all the treatment groups ranged from 0.10 to 0.33 mg malanoldehyde [MDA]/kg of sausages which are well within the permissible limit. The highest shear force values (KgF) were recorded by the sausages of T1 formulation (p≤0.01), while TPA of the sausages did not record any significant difference (p≥0.05) among the treatments. Organoleptic studies revealed acceptability of the sausages up to 10 days of refrigerated storage irrespective of treatments employed; however, the sausages of T1 formulation scored significantly (p≤0.01) higher panel ratings. Microbiologically, sausages with different formulations were found to be within the acceptable limit up to the 15th day of refrigerated storage.Conclusion:The study revealed that traditional hot smoking has slightly higher edges over the LS-treated sausages in terms of lipid oxidation, microbiological safety, and sensory panel ratings. However, if not superior, the same was found to be well within the acceptable limit in case of LS-treated sausages proving the potentiality of the use of LS as a suitable replacement for the traditional hazardous hot smoking process.

Variation in animal performance explained by the rumen microbiome or by diet composition.

The central aim of this meta-analysis was to determine whether the rumen microbiome can serve as an accurate predictor of performance in beef and dairy cattle compared with predictions based on diet composition. To support this comparison, a set of models was derived and compared. Models predicted milk yield (MY), average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), dairy feed efficiency (FE), and beef FE using different sets of independent variables: diet (D), microbial (M), and experimental (E). Diet variables included dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, crude protein, ether extract, nonfiber carbohydrate, starch, and forage percentages. Microbiome variables included relative abundance of 3 major rumen bacterial phyla, species richness, and species diversity. Experimental variables included publication year, breed type (dairy, beef, or Bos indicus), and rumen sampling fraction (fluid or solid). A second set of models used D and E variables as predictors for the microbiome. For both the production and microbiome model sets, predictor variable sets were used individually and in combination. Linear mixed-effects regression, weighted by 1/standard error of the mean, was used to derive models using data from 51 peer-reviewed publications. Models for the same response variable were compared on the basis of concordance correlation coefficient with study effects removed (uCCC), root-estimated variance associated with study and error, and corrected Akaike information criterion values, wherever appropriate. The MY model using D + M + E predictors outperformed all other MY models (uCCC = 0.71). ADG was most accurately predicted by D alone (uCCC = 0.92). Interestingly, M + E was more successful at predicting DMI than any model using D variables. Similarly, dairy FE was more accurately predicted by M + E than D, albeit only slightly (uCCC = 0.69 vs. 0.65). Beef FE could only be modeled using D variables. Overall, breed type proved a better predictor of relative abundances of most rumen bacterial phyla than D. Conversely, species richness and diversity indicators were unaffected by breed type, but could be predicted by D with moderate precision and accuracy (uCCC = 0.63 to 0.69). This analysis suggests that diet and the microbiome may exert independent effects on various aspects of performance. Further research is necessary to determine the reasons for these independent influences.

&lt;b&gt;Integration of Nile tilapia (&lt;i&gt;Oreochromis niloticus &lt;/i&gt; L.) production &lt;i&gt;Origanum majorana&lt;/i&gt; L. and &lt;i&gt;Ocimum basilicum &lt;/i&gt; L. using aquaponics technology

This study aims to evaluate the effect of different initial densities of Nile tilapia fingerlings on water quality, fish growth, and production of marjoram ( Origanum majorana L.) and sweet basil ( Ocimum basilicum L.) in a recirculating aquaponic set up. The experiment was carried out on randomized block design and comprised four fish densities (0, 150, 250 and 500 fish m -3 ) and two crops, in which each treatment was continued for 45 days and replicated three times. Except for pH and total alkalinity, all water physicochemical parameters were increased significantly at high fish densities. In contrast, most of the biological parameters for fish were unaffected by culture density, although at the highest density crude protein percentage was significantly increased and ether extract percentage was significantly reduced. Plant productivities were highest when fish were cultured at density of 500 fish m -3 , a density that was found to be appropriate for maintaining water quality and promoting fish growth while preventing toxicity and mortality. The present study has demonstrated the technical viability of coupling Nile tilapia culture coup with aquaponic production of marjoram and sweet basil.

Heterosis for ether extract production and its components in seed of Cucurbita argyrosperma

Twenty-one genotypes (six parental lines and 15 direct crosses) of butternut squash (Curcurbita argyrosperma subsp. sororia) were evaluated at the Experimental Center of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia in Candelaria (Valle del Cauca, Colombia) during the second semesters of 2012 (2012B) and the first semester of 2013 (2013A). Heterotic effects (average, variety, and specific) were determined for ether extract production per plant (EEPP) and the following components: percentage ether extract (EE) in seed, seed weight per fruit (SWF), 100-seed weight (100- SW), and number of fruits per plant (NFP). The methodology of Gardner and Eberhart (1966) was used in a randomized complete block experiment design with four replicates (five plants per replicate). Variety heterosis accounted for 48% of the variation of total heterosis for EEPP. Variety heterosis was better expressed in 2013 first semester, with significant differences for EEPP, SWF, and 100-SW; average heterosis was significant for EEPP and EE. In 2012 second semester, heterosis was significant for SWF, indicating genetic divergence between hybrids and parents. Introductions 256 and 132 expressed the greatest effects of variety heterosis for EEPP and superior segregants should be selected from these two parental lines. No significant differences were observed on specific heterosis; however, the best hybrid in terms of EEPP at 2013 first semester came from crosses 256×132 and 140×260.

Identifying the Primary Limiting Factors of Pig Manure for Biogas Production

The present study was undertaken to analyze the primary limiting factors of pig manure for biogas production. Eight numbers of fresh pig manure samples were collected for primary compositions and the data were analyzed and reasons for poor biogas production probability were ascertained after comparing pig manure with cattle dung composition. The moisture, total solid and volatile solid percentage of fresh pig manure was 79.27%, 19.73% and 82.04% respectively. The ash, crude fiber and ether extract percentage were 17.96, 13.96 and 4.45 respectively. The C:N ratio in pig manure was 14:1. The ammonical nitrogen was 2.58% in fresh pig manure and it was 25 % of total nitrogen estimated on total dry mater basis, which was quite higher side for biogas production. The pH of fresh pig manure was slight acidic (6.73) which is in the range of desirable range pH for optimum biogas production, i.e. 6.5 to 7.5. The microbial consortia in fresh manure were detectable in terms of TBC and E. coli, where as no salmonella and salmonella like organism was found in fresh pig manure. Comparing the compositional values in between cow dung and pig manure major shortfall was found in terms of C: N ratio, ammonical nitrogen and pH in pig manure for efficient biogas production, which are the major primary limiting factors in pig manure, which needs to be conditioned with suitable techniques of carbonization, dilution and acidification respectively for efficient biogas production.

Technical note: Mammary gland ultrasonography to evaluate mammary parenchymal composition in prepubertal heifers

Bovine mammary gland development studies are often terminal or involve invasive biopsy procedures. Therefore, noninvasive means of assessing mammary development should be considered as alternative methods in live animals. The objective was to test if mammary ultrasonography can be used as a noninvasive way to estimate mammary parenchyma (PAR) composition in prepubertal dairy heifers with different average daily body weight gains. In the 84 d preceding, the ultrasound exam heifers were maintained in 1 of 3 treatment groups. Individual heifers were fed a high gain (1 kg/d; n = 6), low gain (0.5 kg/d, n = 6), or maintenance (n = 6) treatment diet. To achieve desired body weight gains, heifers were fed differing amounts of the same silage-based diet. Mammary glands of 18 crossbred heifers Holstein:Gyr underwent a single mammary ultrasound exam immediately before heifer slaughter, which took place when heifers weighed 142.0 ± 8.0 kg and were 200 d old. The 4 mammary glands of each heifer were evaluated using a real-time B-mode ultrasound machine equipped with a 6.5-MHz micro-convex transducer. Digital images (8-bit) of glands were obtained and PAR was identified within gland. Average pixel values per unit of PAR area were determined for each gland and analyzed at the level of heifer. Pixel results were interpreted on the basis that lower average pixel values reflect PAR with relatively high amounts of protein as opposed to fat. To help validate that the pixel value within PAR is associated with composition of PAR, pixel findings were compared with histological [number of adipocytes in PAR (Nad) and epithelial area in PAR (Ep)] and biochemical [percent crude protein in PAR (%CP), percent ether extract in PAR (%EE), PAR weight (WPAR), and mammary fat pad weight (WFAT)] composition of PAR in these same heifers. Within PAR, %EE and WFAT were positively correlated with pixel values, whereas %CP, Ep, and Nad were negatively correlated. Parenchyma weight did not correlate with pixel values. Regression analyses (fixed effect log-pixel value; random effect treatment) were used to estimate Nad, Ep, %CP, %EE, WPAR, and WFAT. Sensitivity analysis of regression equations revealed that accuracy of tested equations ranged from 0.77 to 0.93 and precision ranged from 0.56 to 0.82. Concordance correlation coefficients of the equations ranged from 0.41 to 0.76. In conclusion, ultrasonography of PAR can accurately measure and predict PAR composition in prepubertal dairy heifers growing at various rates of gain.

Studies on the quality of duck meat sausages during refrigeration.

Duck farming is on the raise in the current scenario, but processed products from duck meat are still uncommon to find. Investigating the duck meat qualities during storage will provide information to enhance duck meat utilization. Development of ready-to-eat and ready-to-cook duck meat products is expected to increase and improve non-chicken meat-based protein. The Study was aimed to evaluate the changes in quality characteristics of duck meat sausages preserved by refrigeration (7 ± 1 °C). Duck meat sausages were prepared by utilizing raw and partially cooked duck meat with addition of soy flour at 10% level as a binder. Different quality characteristics like physical and chemical characteristics, proximate composition, and organoleptic characteristics were evaluated. Cooking loss of partially cooked meat sausages was lower than raw duck meat sausages, whereas emulsion stability and 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values of raw duck meat sausages were lesser than partially cooked meat sausages. Cooking loss and emulsion stability decreased in both types of meat sausages, while, 2-TBA values increased as refrigerated storage progressed for 14 days. Percent moisture content of raw duck meat sausages was higher than partially cooked meat sausages, which decreased in both types of meat sausages as refrigerated storage progressed for 14 days. Percent crude protein (CP) and percent ether extract (EE) content of partially cooked duck meat sausages were higher than raw duck meat sausages. Regardless of type of meat used, refrigerated storage of sausages increased CP and EE up to 10th day but decreased upon further storage up to 14th day. Organoleptic scores for raw duck meat sausages were higher than partially cooked duck meat sausages and all the scores decreased with an increase in the storage period. However the scores were within the acceptable limits. The findings prove that, duck meat can be effectively acclaimed as an alternative avenue to meet the escalating protein demand in the form of ready-to-eat product. The quality of sausages is also retained during refrigerated storage.