Feeding Level Research Articles

Effect of apple cider vinegar on the urine pH of lambs

Urolithiasis is a common disease in growing lambs. Acidifica­tion of the urine is both a treatment and prevention for struvite urolithiasis. Ammonium chloride has been shown to produce acidic urine within 24-72 hours, depending on dose. The chal­lenges with increasing ammonium chloride level in feed is the unpalatability of the salt and daily individual dosing has issues with client compliance. Apple cider vinegar has been used by producers as both a treatment and prevention of urolithiasis by both addition to water and by direct drenching. There is cur­rently a lack of evidence to support use of apple cider vinegar in the peer-reviewed literature. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of apple cider vinegar on the urine pH of sheep when drenched by mouth and compare the effects on urine pH to ammonium chloride.

Effect of temperature on the energy utilization efficiencies of digested protein, fat, and carbohydrates in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Most effective feed formulations for fish have historically relied mainly on digestible energy (DE) but recently also on net energy (NE) approaches, which indicate how energy or macronutrients are utilized for growth or energy retention (RE). This study aimed to determine the effect of temperature on 1) DE-based feed formulations that explored the relationship between DE intake and RE, and 2) NE-based feed formulations that examined the energy utilization efficiency of macronutrients, specifically digested protein (dCP), fat (dFat), and carbohydrate (dCarb) for growth in Nile tilapia. The study involved two separate experiments, one at 24 °C and one at 32 °C for Nile tilapia (initial weight ∼ 38 g). Four diets having contrasting levels of protein, fat, and carbohydrates were used; and two feeding levels (FL; 10 vs. 18 g.kg−0.8.d−1) were applied. Digestibility of protein differed more between FLs at 32 °C. In contrast, fat and carbohydrate digestibility differed more between FLs at 24 °C. The slope of the relationship of RE to DE intake differed between 24 and 32 °C at one of the four diets (P < 0.05), which implies that the DE value of diets/ingredient is dependent on temperature. RE was related to dCP, dFat, and dCarb intake at 24 °C as RE = −27.6 (SE 2.86) + 13.3 (SE 0.53) dCP + 32.0 (SE 0.81) dFat +10.9 (SE 0.43) dCarb, R2 = 0.99 and at 32 °C as RE = −54.4 (SE 5.43) + 14.7 (SE 0.96) dCP + 32.7 (SE 1.46) dFat +10.6 (SE 0.77) dCarb, R2 = 0.98. Fasting heat production increased with temperature (27.6 vs. 54.4 kJ.kg−0.8.d−1; P < 0.05). The energy utilization efficiencies of dCP, dFat, and dCarb were similar at 24 and 32 °C (P > 0.05); being 56, 81, and 63% at 24 °C and 62, 83, and 62% at 32 °C. The practical implication of this is that the NE approach of feed evaluation for Nile tilapia is independent of water temperature.

Comparison of Protein and Carbohydrate Consumption and Processing in Emerging Workers, Gynes and Males of the Wasp Polistes metricus.

There is growing evidence that paper wasps' (Polistes') fate as workers or reproductive females (gynes) is affected by cues that exist at the larval stage and during eclosion. The nutritional requirements for workers and gynes are different early in their adult lives. Males are short-lived and have different nutritional needs than females. To determine the relative importance of larval and adult cues, we reared Polistes metricus individuals from prepupae to adults isolated from known environmental cues shown to affect caste differentiation. Individuals were given access to two foods with different ratios of protein and carbohydrates. Levels of protein, amino acids, carbohydrates and lipids were measured after the feeding trials. If larval experience drove feeding behavior in adults, we expected to see differences in protein and carbohydrate intake as well as differences in nutrient levels. Females showed no differences in feeding or nutrient levels. Males had lower levels of protein and amino acids than females but had similar feeding results to females.

Nutritional effect of substituting microalgal concentrates with microencapsulated diets in Mytilus galloprovincialis spat

The expansion of mussel aquaculture is limited by the availability of spat and production on land is dependent on costly cultures of microalgae as feed. Substitution of algae with microencapsulated feeds can reduce feed contaminations, ease the storage and extend the shelf life, ensuring stable production of consistent quality at sustainable costs. This study investigated the effects of the substitution of commercial preserved microalgal concentrates (A) with different inclusion levels of Schizochytrium-microencapsulated feed (BioBullets, B) for Mytilus galloprovincialis spat: no substitution, A (100%A; 0%B); low substitution, ABL (40%A; 60%B); medium substitution, ABM (20%A; 80%B); complete substitution, B (0%A; 100 %B). For 8 weeks, spat of <1 cm were cultured under dietary treatments and survival, growth, condition index, digestive gland atrophy and adipogranular cell index were compared, using spat unsupplemented with any feeds as negative control (NC). Diet had a significant effect on spat growth and tissue biochemical and fatty acid composition, demonstrating the assimilation of microencapsulated diets. Spat growth was positively correlated with dietary and spat tissue protein, monounsaturated fatty acids and eicosapentaenoic acid content and was highest in spat fed A and ABL. <10% dietary proteins equally sustained M. galloprovincialis spat growth through dietary replacement with higher proportions of lipids (x3) and carbohydrates (x2). With manufacturing improvements, 60% substitution of preserved microalgal concentrates by microencapsulated Schizochytrium can be considered in attempting to enhance economic feasibility in spat production.

Multispecies probiotic supplementation in diet with reduced crude protein levels altered the composition and function of gut microbiome and restored microbiome-derived metabolites in growing pigs.

Both crude protein (CP) and probiotics can modulate the gut microbiome of the host, thus conferring beneficial effects. However, the benefits of low CP diet supplemented with multispecies probiotics on gut microbiome and its metabolites have not been investigated in pigs. Thus, we investigated the combinatory effects of low CP diet supplemented with multispecies probiotics on gut microbiome composition, function, and microbial metabolites in growing pigs. In total, 140 6 week-old piglets (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc) were used in this study. The pigs were divided into four groups with a 2 × 2 factorial design based on their diets: normal-level protein diet (16% CP; NP), low-level protein diet (14% CP; LP), NP with multispecies probiotics (NP-P), and LP with multispecies probiotics (LP-P). After the feeding trial, the fecal samples of the pigs were analyzed. The fecal scores were improved by the probiotic supplementation, especially in LP-P group. We also observed a probiotic-mediated alteration in the gut microbiome of pigs. In addition, LP-P group showed higher species richness and diversity compared with other groups. The addition of multispecies probiotics in low CP diet also enhanced gut microbiota metabolites production, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and polyamines. Correlation analysis revealed that Oscillospiraceae UCG-002, Eubacterium coprostanoligenes, Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group, and Muribaculaceae were positively associated with SCFAs; and Prevotella, Eubacterium ruminantium, Catenibacterium, Alloprevotella, Prevotellaceae NK3B31 group, Roseburia, Butyrivibrio, and Dialister were positively correlated with polyamines. Supplementation with multispecies probiotics modulated the function of the gut microbiome by upregulating the pathways for protein digestion and utilization, potentially contributing to enriched metabolite production in the gut. The results of this study demonstrate that supplementation with multispecies probiotics may complement the beneficial effects of low CP levels in pig feed. These findings may help formulate sustainable feeding strategies for swine production.

Elevated sea temperature combined with dietary methionine levels affect feed intake and appetite-related neuropeptide expression in the brains of juvenile cobia (Rachycentron canadum)

This study aimed to determine the impact of elevated temperature combined with different levels of dietary methionine concentrations on feed intake (FI) and brain expression of selected neuropeptides and one receptor involved in appetite control in juvenile cobia (approximately 3.7 g body weight). The genes studies were neuropeptide y, npy; agouti-related protein, agrp; cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript, cart; cholecystokinin, cck and melanocortin 4 receptor; mc4r. The cobia were reared at typical sea water temperature in Vietnam (30 °C) and elevated temperature (34°C; selected as one of the predicted scenarios of climate change). The fish were fed diets with different levels of methionine: deficient (M9; 9.1 g/kg), sufficient (M12; 12.8 g/kg) and surplus (M16, 16.8 g/kg) for 6 weeks (triplicate tanks per treatment). Both dietary methionine concentration and temperature affected FI in cobia. Dietary methionine deficiency (i.e., M9) and elevated temperature reduced FI in cobia. Temperature significantly influenced the mRNA expression of agrp, cart, cck and mc4r. Expression of the orexigenic neuropeptide npy was consistently higher before the meal than after the meal for all diets and at both temperatures. At 30°C, prefeeding levels of npy correlated with both increased methionine levels and FI. The interaction between dietary methionine and temperature on the levels of brain npy expression was significant (P&amp;lt;0.05). There was higher brain expression of agrp, cart and cck in cobia at 34°C than in fish at 30°C, which was correlated with a lower FI. In conclusion, both feeding, temperature and/or dietary methionine levels affected the brain expression of npy and agrp, cart, cck and mc4r. This suggests that these neuropeptides as well as the mc4r receptor are actively involved in adjusting feed intake to compensate for changing energetic demands, as well as metabolic adjustments due to the variable availability of methionine at elevated temperature.

GENETIC REGULARITY OF THE FARMING USEFUL SIGNS IN ANIMALS OF THE UKRAINIAN RED-and-WHITE DAIRY BREED BY ABSORPTIVE CROSSING. CONDITION AND OUTLOOK

The aim of the research was too investigate the peculiarity of the phenotypic manifestation of economically useful traits of cows of the Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breed during the period of its genesis and different genotypes under the conditions of using absorptive crossing methods.&#x0D; Material and methods of research. The research was on 116.4 thousand of cows of the Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breed in 199 farms and on 1142 cows of Holstein breed in 5 farms carried out. The dynamic of the main productive and reproductive traits of cows of the Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breed for the period of its genesis and comparative assessment of the phenotypic manifestation of economically useful traits of cows of different genotypes of the Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breed under the conditions of using different crossbreeding methods was carried out.&#x0D; The results of research. In process of the implement of the first selection program of the Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breed (2003–2013), the negative influence of yield of milk on the reproduction ability and fat content in milk of cows has been established. Too decide this problem, new methods of selection and artificial insemination of cows by semen of proven bulls for the complex of traits native selection was introduced. The liquidation of the state value of bulls in the Ukraine make the selection of the Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breed bulls, what has absorptive crossing of the Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breed by Holstein bulls (genotype - 96.87% and higher for the Holstein breed) promouted.&#x0D; Statistically not significant relationships between the increase the conditional part of Holstein blood in cows over 93.75% and the level of milk productivity were established. Cows with an increased conditional part of Holstein blood of 96.87% and above, obtained by absorption crossbreeding and assigned to the Holstein "native selection", in terms of 305 days of the last completed lactation, lagged behind their analogues of the Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breed on average by 26.0 kg of milk and outweighed them by 2.0 kg of milk fat. The level of milk productivity of cows of both breeds, in three breeding farms was practically the same. According to the indicators of the reproductive ability of the Holstein breed cows of "domestic" selection (genotype - 96.87% and higher for the Holstein breed), they were significantly inferior to the analogues of the Ukrainian Red- and-White dairy breed. The duration of the service period for the group of cows of the Holstein breed of "domestic" selection was 140.4 ± 15.30 days, which is 16.4 days longer compared to this indicator for cows of the Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breed. The yield of calves per 100 cows of the Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breed was 85.2 ± 1.98% and exceeded this indicator of Holstein cows of "domestic" selection by 4.6 calves. The direction of further improvement of animals of the Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breed was determined.&#x0D; Conclusions.&#x0D; &#x0D; The genetic potential of dairy productivity of cows of the Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breed (genotype 62.5–93.75% of Holstein blood) is 10.0–11.0 thousand kg of milk, high reproductive ability (116 days off and 88–90 calf per 100 cows).&#x0D; The absorptive crossing the cows of the Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breed by Holstein bulls, on the level of feeding, which is in most dairy plants of the Ukraine, das not ensure of the increasing of economically useful traits of cows.&#x0D;

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil derived from the aerial parts of Cymbopogon flexuosus (Nees ex Steud.) Will. Watson (lemongrass oil) for use in all animal species (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of lemongrass oil obtained from the aerial parts of Cymbopogon flexuosus (Nees ex Steud.) Will. Watson when used as a sensory additive for all animal species. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that lemongrass oil is safe up to the maximum proposed use levels in complete feed of 125 mg/kg for salmonids; 100 mg/kg for sows and horses; 75 mg/kg for veal calves (milk replacer), cattle for fattening, dairy cows, sheep and goats; and 50 mg/kg for dogs and ornamental fish. For the other species, the calculated safe concentrations in complete feed were 41 mg/kg for chickens for fattening, 61 mg/kg for laying hens, 55 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening, 74 mg/kg for piglets, 88 mg/kg for pigs for fattening, 65 mg/kg for rabbits and 33 mg/kg for cats. These conclusions were extrapolated to other physiologically related species. For any other species, the additive is safe at 33 mg/kg complete feed. The use of lemongrass oil in water for drinking for poultry, pigs, calves and rabbit is safe provided that the total daily intake does not exceed the daily amount considered safe when consumed via feed. No concerns for consumers and the environment were identified following the use of the additive up to the highest safe use level in feed. The essential oil under assessment should be considered as an irritant to skin and eyes and as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. Since the aerial parts of C. flexuosus and its preparations were recognised to flavour food and its function in feed would be essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.

Safety and efficacy of feed additives consisting of essential oils derived from the flower buds or the leaves of Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry (clove bud oil and clove leaf oils) for all animal species (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of essential oils from the flower buds or the leaves of Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M. Perry: clove bud oil, clove leaf oil and a β-caryophyllene-rich fraction of clove leaf oil (CCL oil), when used as sensory additives in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. Clove oils contain methyleugenol (up to 0.13%). The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the use of clove oils was of low concern for long-living and reproductive animals and of no concern for target species for fattening at the following concentrations in complete feed: 25-50 mg/kg for clove bud oil, 28-100 mg/kg for clove leaf oil and 20 mg/kg for CCL oil. The FEEDAP Panel considered that the use in water for drinking alone or in conjunction with use in feed should not exceed the daily amount that is considered of low or no concern when consumed via feed alone. No concerns for consumers were identified following the use of clove oils up to the highest safe level in feed. The additives under assessment should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes and the respiratory tract and as skin sensitisers. When handling the essential oils, exposure of unprotected users to methyleugenol may occur. Therefore, to reduce the risk, the exposure of the users should be minimised. The use of clove oils at the proposed use level in feed was not expected to pose a risk for the environment. Since clove bud oil and clove leaf oil are recognised to flavour food and their function in feed would be essentially the same, no demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil from the herbaceous parts of Pelargonium graveolens L'Hér. (geranium rose oil) for all animal species (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of an essential oil obtained from the herbaceous parts of Pelargonium graveolens L'Hér. (geranium rose oil), when used as a sensory additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the use of geranium rose oil is safe up to the maximum proposed use levels of 5 mg/kg complete feed for all animal species. The FEEDAP Panel considered that the use in water for drinking is safe provided that the total daily intake of the additive does not exceed the daily amount that is considered safe when consumed via feed. No concerns for consumers were identified following the use of geranium rose oil up to the maximum proposed use level in feed. The additive under assessment should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes, and as a skin and respiratory sensitiser. The use of geranium rose oil at the proposed use level in feed was not expected to pose a risk to the environment. Since P. graveolens and its preparations were recognised to flavour food and its function in feed would be essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of a tincture derived from the buds of Pinus sylvestris L. (pine tincture) for use in all animal species (FEFANA abl).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a tincture from the buds of Pinus sylvestris L. (pine tincture) when used as a sensory additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The product under assessment is a ■■■■■ solution, with a dry matter content of ~ 2.2%. The product contains on average 0.0882% polyphenols, of which 0.0222% are phenolic acids. The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that pine tincture is safe at the maximum proposed use level of 50 mg/kg complete feed for all animal species. The FEEDAP Panel considers that the use in water for drinking alone or in combination with use in feed should not exceed the daily amount that is considered safe when consumed via feed alone. No safety concern would arise for the consumer from the use of pine tincture up to the maximum proposed use level in feed. Pine tincture should be considered as irritant to skin and eyes, and as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. The use of pine tincture in animal feed was not expected to pose a risk for the environment. Since twigs of P. sylvestris, which are considered similar in composition to the source material for the production of pine tincture, are described to flavour food, no further demonstration of efficacy is deemed necessary.

DIETARY PROTEIN REQUIREMENT OF DAPHNIA MAGNA FOR THE IMPROVEMENT POPULATION AND NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF DAPHNIA

Daphnia magna is one of the live feeds used in aquaculture, but its availability is still limited. The population and nutritional quality of D. magna culture depend on the nutritional quality of feed where the feed source is commonly used from agricultural by-products. In contrast, pelleted feed as a source of nutrition in D. magna culture is still limited. Evaluation of commercial pelleted feeds with different protein levels and dietary protein requirements of D. magna is the focus of this research. Three treatments with different protein levels of feed with protein levels of 17.83% (P20), 32.35% (P30) and 41.98% (P40) and rice bran as control at a protein level of 8.2% (P10) with five replications for 28 days of rearing with using a completely randomized design. The average weekly population and the highest total biomass of D. magna were obtained from D. magna fed the P30 (Protein 32.35%) of 7,575 ind. tank-1. week-1 and total biomass of 290.26 g.m-3 with the feed conversion ratio of 3.85 ± 0.75 and protein efficiency ratio of 0.83 ± 0.14. The highest protein value of D. magna was obtained from D. magna fed the P30 of 3.02% ± 0.20 wet weight. The results showed that feed with a protein content of 32.35% (P30) showed the best results for cultivating D. magna. The estimated dietary protein requirement of feed for D. magna cultivation using the second polynomial regression analysis of feed protein - population and biomass is 38.8%.

Effect of different levels of probiotics on rumen environment and microbial condition in local goat kids

The present study aims to find out the effects of adding different levels of probiotics and concentrate diet on the rumen environment, volatile fatty acid production and bacteria counts of local Iraqi goat kids. This study was conducted in the field of a goat breeder in the area of Karmashi Karma Bani Saeed district, Souk Al-Shuyoukh district, Thi-Qar Governorate, Iraq. This study was conducted for 105 days, including 15 days preliminary period on 18 male kids of local goats at the age of 3 months and with an average weight of 16.17 ± 1.10 kg. The kids were randomly distributed to six treatments with two levels of concentrated feed (40, 60%) and three (3) levels of probiotics (0, 2.5, 5) g/head/d. The probiotics included Lactobacillus acidophilus 108, Bacillus subtilis 109, Bifidobacterium 108, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae 109. The group of kids fed 2.5 gm probiotic/ head/ day and 40 or 60% concentrate feed were significantly superior to the kids that were fed only 40% concentrate diets without the addition (52.49, 53.61, 43.77 mmol/L), respectively. The % of acetic and butyric acids, were not affected by the addition of the probiotic at different levels of the concentrate diet. The group fed (60%) concentrate diet and the probiotic (2.5 or 5 g/ head/ day) had the highest percentages of propionic% (22.67, 22.33%), respectively, compared to the lowest percentages 17.71%, recorded by the kids fed 40% concentrate diet without probiotics. The pH of the rumen fluid was not affected fed different percentages of concentrate supplemented with two levels of the probiotic 2.5 or 5 g/head/day. While the level of NH3-N was affected by the concentrated diet, kids ate (60% concentrate) recorded significantly higher levels compared to that fed (40% concentrate). Addition of probiotics with different levels of concentrate diets produced highest total bacteria counts &gt;10.50× 109 CFU/ml before feeding and &gt;18.50 × 109 CFU/ml at the third hour after feeding.

Alfalfa: directions and results of breeding

Purpose. Generalization of the results of breeding work with alfalfa (Medisago L.) based on many years of foreign and domestic research. Methods. Monitoring, system analysis, economic-mathematical approach, statistical and monographic. Results. The main areas of breeding alfalfa are presented, including increasing seed productivity, nitrogen fixation, and resistance to adverse abiotic (wintering conditions, drought, increased soil acidity) and biotic (pathogens, diseases and pests) factors, improving feed quality, and creating transgenic plants. The results of the multi-year selection work carried out by the Institute of Feed Research and Agriculture of Podillia of NAAS on the creation of alfalfa seed varieties tolerant to increased soil acidity, have been concretized. The research results on the population variability of self-incompatibility of alfalfa plants evaluation are given, which made it possible to develop a plan for creating synthetic varieties with increased and stable level of heterosis of feed and seed productivity traits. Conclusions. Alfalfa is a valuable feed crop that occupies a leading position among perennial legumes. There are a number of challenges for this culture that need to be solved through breeding. Laboratory and field methods of evaluating alfalfa resistance to aluminum and increased soil acidity were developed due to which the Sinyuha and Radoslav alfalfa varieties were created and introduced into production. This technique contributes to: achieving a relatively high level of feed and seed productivity in combination with plant tolerance to increased soil acidity and other negative environmental factors; the expansion of the zone of optimal cultivation of alfalfa seeds in Ukraine significantly north of the previously defined limits; minimization or complete exclusion of specific negative factors, taking into account the biological and morphological features of the available starting material when creating alfalfa varieties and hybrids.

Energy Allocation of the Wolf Spider Pardosa pseudoannulata under Dietary Restriction.

The phenomenon of food shortage is widespread in spider populations, which has a great impact on their growth, development, and survival. Pardosa pseudoannulata is a dominant spider species in rice fields and has an important controlling effect on rice pests. In this study, three feeding levels were tested at the juvenile stage (H, high feeding; M, medium dietary restriction; L, severe dietary restriction) and two at the adult stage (H and L). A total of six feeding levels were tested to explore the effects of dietary restriction on the development, longevity, nutrient content, and predation by P. pseudoannulata [HH (control group), HL, MH, ML, LH, LL]. The results showed that continuous dietary restriction (ML and LL groups) had negative impacts on the growth of P. pseudoannulata and positive impacts on longevity. Spiderlings suffered from dietary restrictions during the juvenile period, and when the restrictions were removed upon reaching adulthood (MH and LH groups), their lifespan started decreasing whilst their weight began returning to normal. This suggested that there might be a trade-off between the growth and longevity of the spider under dietary restrictions. The study also found that when food was severely restricted in the juvenile stage (LH and LL groups), the nutrient contents of the adult spider could return to the same level as the control group, but the predatory ability decreased. When food was moderately restricted in the juvenile stage (MH and ML groups), the predatory ability of the adult spiders improved, while nutrients of the adult spiders declined. Our results will provide an empirical basis for the protection and effective use of dominant spider species in agricultural fields.

Determination of Lead and Cadmium level in cattle offals, water and feed in Omdurman locality –Sudan

This study was carried out to determine the level of Cadmiuum (Cd) and Lead (Pb) in cattle meat, offals, water and feed samples. The samples were obtained from Al Muwalih area (Omdurman locality- Sudan). Laboratory analysis was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Usually, animals are transported from theWestern region of Sudan to the capital city Khartoum, were after few months will be slaughtered for consumption. The highest concentration of Cd and Pb was observed in kidney and liver with a mean of 0.0302 ±0.003mg/g and 0.259± 0.008mg/g respectively. High levels of Cd and Pb were also detected in water and feed samples. It is thus important to supply safe feed for animals to safeguard animal health and reduce the risk of exposure of consumers to heavy metals.

How can we tackle interruptions to human–wildlife feeding management? Adding media campaigns to the wildlife manager's toolbox

AbstractIn recent years, wildlife managers have been seeking ways to reduce the occurrence of independent, recreational human–wildlife feeding interactions, which continue to gain global popularity and may have negative effects for the humans and wildlife involved. Current popular methods, such as signage and posters, have yielded mixed results and their application is often interrupted, although the effects of these interruptions on feeding levels are currently unknown. This has led to calls to both identify a management option that can be applied successfully from a distance and to determine whether this action may assist in recovering long‐term programmes from the potential effects of interruptions. Marketing and media tools have been shown to successfully change human behaviours in conservation campaigns, flagging them as a potential tool that could be applied to human–wildlife feeding management.Here, we performed a 4‐year study using a wild fallow deer population in a popular urban green space as our model system. We tracked changes in human feeding behaviours across four different management stages. These included premanagement (stage 1), during traditional management (i.e. ‘don't feed the deer’ signage, stage 2), mid‐interruption (i.e. COVID‐19 pandemic, stage 3) and during the application of a structured media campaign (stage 4).We found that feeding by visitors decreased during traditional management (stage 2), but rapidly returned to premanagement levels during the interruption (stage 3) despite traditional controls still being in place. However, we discovered that feeding dropped significantly after the release of a media campaign (stage 4), despite the audience and conditions being unchanged. We also identified which imagery and educational messages resonated with viewers; information that can be applied to future campaigns in other locations.We, therefore, recommend that wildlife managers both investigate and be prepared for the negative effects that interruptions of any type (e.g. the recent COVID‐19 pandemic, other interruptions to funding) may have on ongoing management campaigns of this ilk. We recommend that media campaigns be explored as a potential tool to reduce the occurrence of the unregulated feeding of wildlife by humans in these sites, thereby promoting better human–wildlife coexistence.Read the freePlain Language Summaryfor this article on the Journal blog.

Effects of soil moisture on tunneling, survivorship, and food consumption of the Formosan and eastern subterranean termites (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae).

Soil moisture is a critical environmental factor for the survival and behavior of subterranean termites (family Rhinotermitidae). The invasive Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, and the native eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), co-occur in the southeastern United States, while R. flavipes is distributed in a wider geoclimatic range. Previous studies showed that subterranean termites preferred higher soil moisture levels for tunneling and feeding; however, the impacts of constant moisture remained to be characterized to understand their moisture tolerance. In this study, we hypothesized that different soil moisture regimes can alter termite foraging and survival, and that the effects differ between the two species. The tunneling activity, survivorship, and food consumption of termites were documented for 28 days with different sand moisture conditions ranging from no moisture to full saturation (0%, 1%, 5%, 15%, 25%, and 30%). We found that there were no significant differences in the responses between C. formosanus and R. flavipes. In both species, termites did not survive or tunnel with 0% moisture. Termites performed tunneling with only 1% sand moisture, although they did not survive for 28 days. A minimal of 5% sand moisture was required for survival, and there were no significant differences in survivorship, tunneling activity, or food consumption among moisture contents of 5-30%. The results suggest that subterranean termites are resilient to moisture extremes. Colonies can tolerate low moisture conditions in their foraging environment for extended times, which may allow them to tunnel and find new moisture sources for colony survival.

Baseline Studies on Biochemical Profile of Nellore Sheep in the Hot and Humid Areas of Andhra Pradesh

Nellore breed is the most commonly reared sheep in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The present study was conducted to report the effect of age and physiological status on few blood biochemical parameters of Nellore sheep breed from the hot and humid areas of Andhra Pradesh. The present study was conducted to estimate the blood biochemical parameters and its effect on physiological parameters in Nellore sheep. The results evidenced significantly higher RBC, Hb in pregnant group compared to others. Significantly higher PCV values were recorded in the 0-1 age group of animals. The total protein, creatinine were significantly higher in the lactating group compared to the other two. The albumin levels were found to be significantly higher in pregnant group. The cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus levels were found to be significantly higher in 0-1 year group and decreased in periparturient period. The study established baseline values of Nellore sheep in the hot and humid areas of Andhra Pradesh and therefore can be used as reference values for further studies on these species. Biochemical parameters are important indicators of the health condition and metabolic activity irrespective of the physiological status of the animals. lactating animals. The variations in hematological parameters is multifactorial some of which are altitude, feeding level, age, sex, breed, diurnal and seasonal variation, temperature and physiological status of animals. The baseline values obtained from this study across different physiological status and age groups could be used as a reference for further experimentation on sheep located in these areas..

Efficacy of a feed additive consisting of endo‐1,4‐beta‐xylanase produced by Komagataella phaffii ATCC PTA‐127053 (Xygest™ HT) for all poultry species (Kemin Europa N.V.)

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the efficacy of endo-1,4-beta-xylanase produced by Komagataella phaffii ATCC PTA-127053 (Xygest™ HT) as a zootechnical feed additive (functional group: digestibility enhancers) for all poultry. In a previous opinion, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that Xygest™ HT is safe for all poultry, consumers, and the environment. The additive is not considered to be irritant to eyes and skin but a dermal and a respiratory sensitiser, although exposure by inhalation is unlikely. The Panel also concluded that the additive has the potential to be efficacious in laying hens at 45,000 U/kg complete feed and this conclusion was extrapolated to all laying poultry. However, the Panel could not conclude on the efficacy of the product in growing poultry at the proposed conditions of use. In the current application, the applicant provided an additional efficacy trial in chickens for fattening. The results showed a higher apparent metabolisable energy (nitrogen corrected) in chickens fed the additive at the minimum proposed level of 30,000 U/kg complete feed when compared to the control group. Considering the previously submitted studies in laying hens and chickens for fattening, and the newly submitted study in chickens for fattening, the Panel concluded that Xygest™ HT has the potential to be efficacious to enhance digestibility in all poultry at the corresponding proposed minimum levels in feed.