Feeding Management Research Articles

Automation System of Water Circulation and Fish Feeding in Tilapia Fish Pond with Solar Panel Source

Tilapia cultivation requires good management of water quality and proper feeding to ensure optimal fish growth. One of the main challenges in this process is maintaining the water pH level within ideal limits and providing feed according to the needs of the fish based on their size. In addition, limited access to electricity in some locations makes fish pond management less efficient. This study aims to design an automated water circulation system that is regulated based on the water pH level and automatic feeding according to the needs of the fish, by utilizing solar panels as a power source. This system uses a pH sensor to monitor water conditions in real time and regulate water circulation to maintain ideal pH levels. Feeding is regulated based on the size and number of fish to ensure optimal feed efficiency and fish growth. This system is powered by solar panel energy, so it can operate independently without relying on conventional electricity networks. Test results show that the system is able to maintain water pH stability and automate feeding with high accuracy, while utilizing renewable energy effectively. The use of solar panels not only reduces dependence on electricity, but also reduces operational costs and supports environmental sustainability. This system is expected to increase the efficiency and productivity of tilapia cultivation, especially in areas with limited access to electricity.

GPS-Based Hidden Markov Models to Document Pastoral Mobility in the Sahel

In agrarian systems where animal mobility is crucial for feed management, nutrient cycles and household economy, there is a notable lack of precise data on livestock mobility and herding practices. We introduce a methodology leveraging GPS-based behavioural models to analyse and document pastoral mobility in the Sahel. Over 2.5 years, we conducted a continuous collection of GPS data from transhumant and resident cattle herds in the Senegalese agropastoral semiarid rangelands. We developed a Hidden Markov Model robustly fitted to these data to classify recordings into three states of activity: resting (47% overall), foraging (37%) and travelling (16%). We detail our process for selecting the states and testing data subsets to guide future similar endeavours. The model describes state changes and how temperature affects them. By combining the resulting dataset with satellite-based land-use data, we show the distribution of activities across landscapes and seasons and within a day. We accurately reproduced key aspects of cattle mobility and characterised rarely documented features of Sahel agropastoral practices, such as transhumance phases, nocturnal grazing and in-field rainy season paddocking. These results suggest that our methodology, which we make available, could be valuable in addressing issues related to the future of Sahelian pastoralism.

Mediterranean Aquaponics: Fasting and Refeeding in a Polyculture Aquaponic System

The use of Mediterranean euryhaline fish and halophytes in aquaponics presents a sustainable and alternative approach to food production. The present study investigates the effect of compensatory growth on sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and Baltic prawn (Palaemon adspersus) co-cultivated with the halophytic glasswort (Salicornia europaea). Three autonomous systems were established, each containing forty-five sea bass, nine Baltic prawns, and eight glasswort plants, with different feeding regimes for each treatment: (i) daily feeding (treatment A), (ii) three days of feeding per week followed by four days of fasting (treatment B), and (iii) feeding for seven days followed by seven days of fasting (treatment C). The growth performance of the fish was significantly higher in treatment B. Conversely, the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was notably higher in treatment A. As for the prawns, their final body weight and length were similar across all treatments. The glasswort plants also demonstrated significantly improved growth in treatment B. These results indicate that the incorporation of feeding and fasting cycles can be an effective feed management strategy for polyculture aquaponic systems. Additionally, food deprivation had a positive impact on the growth performance of both glasswort and prawns.

Effects of Different Dietary Combinations on Blood Biochemical Indicators and Rumen Microbial Ecology in Wenshan Cattle

With the continuous optimization of feed ingredients in livestock production, barley has garnered significant attention as a potential substitute for corn in feed. This study aims to investigate the effects of replacing part of the corn and soybean meal with barley, wheat bran, and rapeseed meal on Wenshan cattle, focusing on the rumen microbial community, blood physiological and biochemical indicators, and growth traits. Through an intensive feeding experiment with two different dietary ratios, we found that adding barley to the diet significantly reduced the host’s blood lipid concentration and significantly increased the height, body length, heart girth, and average daily weight gain of Wenshan cattle. Analysis of the rumen microbial community structure showed that the addition of barley significantly affected the relative abundance of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes, with the relative abundance of Spirochaetes being significantly lower than that of the control group (p < 0.05). The dominant bacterial groups mainly included Acinetobacter, Solibacillus, and Lysinibacillus. In summary, this study reveals the potential of different feed ingredient ratios involving barley, wheat bran, and rapeseed meal in the production performance of Wenshan cattle. By regulating blood physiology and improving the rumen micro-ecological structure, it provides new scientific evidence for optimizing livestock and poultry feeding management strategies. Future research will further explore the optimal application ratio of barley under different feeding conditions and its long-term impact on animal health and production performance.

Particle size distribution of total mixed rations fed to Italian Mediterranean buffaloes measured by the PSPS: impact on milk quality and digestibility

Buffalo breeding in Italy is becoming increasingly economically attractive, with milk production in the Lazio region growing by 15% since 2004. However, the optimal physical characteristics of total mixed rations (TMR) have not been thoroughly investigated. This lack of research suggests the need for greater attention to the physical characteristics of diet, which, combined with its chemical properties, may negatively impact milk yield (MY) and milk quality (MQ), as seen in dairy cows. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the effect of diet composition, with a particular focus on the physical component, on MY and MQ, and apparent digestibility (AD) of dairy buffaloes. The study was conducted on 10 dairy buffalo farms in Amaseno valley (Italy). Monthly samples of TMR, faeces, and bulk milk were collected over a 12-month period, alongside interviews with farmers to gather information on MY and diet composition. The results revealed a high variability in the physical-chemical composition of diets across farms, attributable to differences in feeding management practices. Both chemical and physical component were found to be associated with MY, MQ and AD changes. A ration poor in roughage and rich in concentrate negatively affected MQ showing lower milk fat, and higher somatic cells count and milk urea, while a greater presence of coarse particles and high fibre were associated with lower MY. Nevertheless, coarse particles and aNDF were positively associated with milk clotting parameters and aNDF digestibility. Our study emphasised the high importance of fibre for improving MQ of dairy buffaloes.

Risk factors for enteral nutrition feeding intolerance in stroke patients: A scoping review.

Feeding intolerance is a common issue in stroke patients who are receiving enteral nutrition, and it has a substantial effect on their recovery and rehabilitation. Understanding the various factors of feeding intolerance in this patient population is vital for improving care and outcomes. This review aims to map the existing literature on enteral nutrition in stroke patients, identifying key themes, gaps and areas for future research. This review was conducted as a scoping review following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist to ensure comprehensive coverage and methodological rigour. We conducted a scoping review by searching databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, CNKI and WangFang from 1 January 2000 to 31 January 2024. We aimed to locate research about issues with enteral nutrition feeding in stroke patients. We collected data on the patient's characteristics, medical status, therapies, feeding protocols and nursing care. A total of 25 articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Twenty-two influencing factors were identified and categorized into patient factors (5), disease factors (8), treatment factors (2), feeding management factors (5) and nursing factors (2). Notably, age, intra-abdominal pressure, serum albumin levels, APACHE-II scores and central venous pressure (CVP) were among the most commonly reported. This scoping introduction uniquely focuses on stroke patients receiving enteral nutrition, explaining specific influencing factors for feeding intolerance. Health care professionals must identify and manage risk factors for enteral nutrition feeding intolerance. Ongoing professional development and specialized training on the significance of enteral feeding in stroke rehabilitation can improve patient care and outcomes.

Vitamin A source variability: a mini review on stability and bioavailability in poultry

Vitamin A is essential for poultry health, influencing vision, growth, antioxidant defense, reproduction, and immune function. However, it is highly sensitive to degradation when exposed to light, moisture, heat, and oxygen. To address this, vitamin A is typically formulated as retinyl acetate in small beadlets. These beadlets are commonly included in premixes for industrial poultry diets. However, variations in beadlet formulations among different producers can lead to differences in stability and bioavailability, potentially impacting their effectiveness and biological value for poultry. Understanding the stability and bioavailability of various vitamin A sources is crucial for optimizing poultry feeding strategies and ensuring adequate vitamin A supply. The stability of vitamin A can be evaluated through several methods, including premix stability, stability during pelleting, storage stability in feed, and the stability of pure vitamin A products. Bioavailability, which reflects how effectively vitamin A is absorbed and utilized by the animal, is typically assessed through in vivo studies, with liver retinol levels serving as a key indicator. To enhance poultry production, it is important to select vitamin A sources that offer both high stability and bioavailability. Effective feed management, including the use of stable and readily absorbed forms of vitamin A, can improve poultry health, growth rates, and overall production efficiency.

Recent Advances and Applications of Passive Acoustic Monitoring in Assessing Shrimp Feeding Behaviour Under Laboratory and Farm Conditions

ABSTRACTThe use of passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) has recently been integrated with other noninvasive ethological methodologies to enhance the understanding of shrimp feeding behaviour, as their mandibles emit click sounds during food intake. This review aims to compile recent advances and various applications of PAM in assessing shrimp feeding behaviour under controlled laboratory and farm conditions. It includes a description of key concepts, terms and general methodologies in the field of bioacoustics to facilitate understanding of acoustic characterisation, specific methodologies and the main uses of PAM in shrimp research. Among the primary contributions of PAM in laboratory studies are acoustic characterisation of clicks and mandibular structures associated with their emission for different species; variations in acoustic click parameters related to animal size, feed texture and pellet size; and effects on feeding behaviour caused by shrimp size, stocking density and specific characteristics of artificial diets (texture, formulations, additives and pellet sizes). Finally, future perspectives and recommendations for laboratory studies using PAM are provided. The review highlights the contribution of PAM, which, allied with other ethological methodologies, emerges as a novel tool for researching shrimp behaviour and optimising feed management in aquaculture.

Enhanced recovery after bariatric surgery: a comprehensive survey-based analysis of ERABS actual clinical implementation in Italian bariatric centers.

The escalating global prevalence of bariatric procedures necessitates an enhanced focus on optimizing perioperative care for improved patient outcomes. This study focuses on the implementation of Enhanced Recovery After Bariatric Surgery (ERABS) protocols in Italian bariatric centers to optimize perioperative care. An online survey comprising 19 items was conducted in October 2023, targeting managing surgeons in 139 registered bariatric centers. This survey explored geographic and center-type variations, knowledge, and application of ERABS protocols, along with perioperative, intraoperative, and postoperative practices. Statistical analysis employed included one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests. Responses from 72 centers (51.8%) revealed a strong awareness of ERABS protocols among managing surgeons. Adherence rates varied geographically (46.3-63%) and among center types (60.8-56.3%). Perioperative practices, including the abandonment of antibiotics for perioperative prophylaxis by 77.5% of surgeons and the adoption of the TAP block technique in 69% of centers, aligned well with ERABS recommendations. However, inconsistencies were noted in abdominal drain usage (61.5% after SG; 70.5% after RYGB/OAGB), with a substantial percentage not adhering to ERABS guidelines. Intraoperative habits generally adhered to ERABS protocols, yet preferences for certain tests, particularly the methylene blue test (70.4%), deviated. Postoperative practices displayed positive trends, with early reintroduction of oral feeding (71.8%) and opioid-free pain management (71.8%). Variations existed in discharge timing and patient monitoring, indicating areas for further improvement. This study offers a comprehensive snapshot of ERABS protocol adherence in Italy, emphasizing the positive trend toward optimizing recovery and reducing patient stress. Despite variations, a majority of centers demonstrated commitment to ERABS principles. Ongoing education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and nationwide dialogue are essential for standardizing ERABS protocols and advancing bariatric-metabolic surgery outcomes in Italy.

Integrated metagenomics and metabolomics analyses revealed biomarkers in β-casein A2A2-type cows.

In Holstein cows, β-casein, one of the most critical proteins in milk, exists in two main genotypes, A1 and A2. Herein, 45 Holstein cows [categorized into three groups based on β-casein A1A1, A1A2, and A2A2 genotypes (N = 15)] with the same feeding management and litter size were enrolled to explore differences in rumen microflora and metabolites across various β-casein genotypes. Rumen fluids were collected for metagenomics and metabolomics analyses. Metabolomics and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed that arachidonic acid (AA), adrenic acid (AdA), glycocholic acid (GCA), and taurocholic acid (TCA) were significantly and positively correlated with milk fat % in dairy cows (p < 0.05). Furthermore, macro-genomics and Spearman's correlation analysis revealed significant positive correlations (p < 0.05) between the characteristic flora (g_Acetobacter, g_Pseudoxanthomonas, g_Streptococcus, and g_Pediococcus) and the five characteristic metabolites in the rumen of A2A2 dairy cows. Moreover, functional enrichment analysis revealed more genes enriched to the TRP channel's inflammatory mediator-regulated pathway and the mTOR signaling pathway in A2A2 genotyped cows. Additionally, the regulatory effects of AA on bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) were examined using CCK-8, EdU, and qRT-PCR assays, revealing that AA promoted triglyceride (TG) synthesis and upregulated the milk fat marker genes including SREBF1, ACSS2, AGPAT6, and FASN. Overall, we identified characteristic microorganisms and metabolites in A2A2 Holstein cows and established that AA could be a biomarker for higher milk fat %.

Socioeconomic Impact of Livestock Farming: A Case Study of Baitadi and Darchula Districts, Nepal

Dairy is the oldest staple food, along with fruits and vegetables, for humans. This study investigated the socioeconomic factors influencing milk and dairy production in Baitadi and Darchula districts, Shailyashikhar municipality, and Dilasaini rural municipality, Nepal. Among the 5384 livestock farmers, 100 livestock farmers were randomly selected for the investigation. The findings demonstrated the existence of a subsistence agricultural system for livestock farming with small landholdings. There is a dominance of males over females in decision-making, and workload is common for females. There is a unique practice of management for milk produced during the first three weeks of lactation: 99% of people do not consume milk for 19.81±4.597 mean days; 96% of people do not sell milk; 53% do not sell ghee; 73% of parents refuse to give their kids cow's milk during the first three weeks of breastfeeding; and 16% do not consume ghee because of their tradition. There are various problems in livestock farming, i.e., feed management, low land holding, disease, cost of production, less government support, and lack credit. Feed management was ranked first, whereas lowland holding was ranked second. Worms are the most common disease causing organism seen in livestock in the study area because of the lack of access to improved and well-sanitized barns. Herbal plants are commonly used in disease management. Sociocultural factors directly affect livestock production. Different traditional beliefs, a lack of improved breeds, disease, and feed management have direct impacts on milk production. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 12(3): 166-179.

Oral feeding practices in medically complex infants receiving prolonged high-flow nasal cannula support: A retrospective cohort study.

To characterise the feeding profile and care pathway for infants receiving prolonged high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) respiratory support for management of a chronic condition at one facility from January to December 2021. Data regarding medical history, HFNC admission details (reason for HFNC, HFNC duration, flow rate), feeding outcomes and speech pathology care were collected from electronic records of HFNC-dependent infants (requiring HFNC ≥2-3 L/kg for ≥5 consecutive days). Infants with acute respiratory conditions (e.g. bronchiolitis) were excluded. This study included 24 participants (median corrected age at admission 5.3 weeks, range -6 to 18.6). Of these, 15 (60%) had a condition/s that affected more than one body system (e.g. congenital diaphragmatic hernia), requiring the care of multiple specialities. Median length of HFNC use was 37.5 days (range 11-188). Twenty (83.3%) infants were referred for speech pathology (SLP) input while on HFNC support. For those referred, frequency of SLP input was variable (0-3 sessions/week), and HFNC support requirements were the most common barrier to SLP intervention (n = 9, 45%). Twelve (54.5%) infants demonstrated improvement in their primary feeding method by discharge; however, only two (9.1%) infants were discharged on full oral feeds. This study demonstrates variability in oral feeding management in infants with prolonged HFNC-dependence at our centre. Respiratory support with HFNC was identified as a barrier to progressing oral feeding. Further research is required to determine if oral feeding can be safely undertaken in this cohort. This is imperative to ensure that long-term feeding outcomes are not negatively impacted by current practice.

Reproductive and Productive Performances of Small Ruminants in East Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

The purpose of the study was to examine the reproductive and productive performances of small ruminants in the study area at Dodota Woreda in Ethiopia&amp;apos;s Arsi Zone. The results are based on focus group discussion and a survey of 180 sample houses. Based on flock distribution, the Woreda was divided into three groups: mixed flock sites, goat dominating sites, and sheep dominating sites. In the research area, households typically kept 4.15 cattle, 6.91 sheep, 7.61 goats, 1.88 equines, and 5.85 chickens as livestock. From August to December and March to May, there was a lot of intensive lambing and kidding, with November and December appearing to be the peak months. The average litter size, age at first parturition, parturition interval and age of male at first service (months) for sheep had 1.21±0.03, 12.67±0.20, 7.55±0.15, and 6.91±0.14 respectively. For goats, the analogous values were respectively 1.52±0.04, 12.89±0.23, 7.70±0.17, and 7.55±0.21. Sheep were typically slaughtered or sold on average age of 7.43±0.23 months for males and 7.63±0.24 months for females, respectively. Goat comparable values were 8.09±0.25 and 8.30±0.26, respectively. In this study the reproductive and productive performances of small ruminants are extremely low due to different reasons. Credentials of alternative feed sources and strategic feeding management, water development, credentials of disease causes and their control strategies through appropriate policy, and information dissemination are areas of interference that can help farmers build up their flocks and increase productivity.

Effects of Carica Papaya Leaves and Fermented Fish Waste on the Production Performance of Broiler Chickens

Introduction: Poultry feed management requires novel dietary additives to enhance chicken performance and manage feed availability. The present study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of Carica papaya leaf meal (CPL) and fermented fish waste (FFW) in water on different growth indicators, such as body weight, carcass yield, feed intake, and conversion rate of Bovans brown male broiler chickens. Materials and methods: A randomized complete block design with a 2x4 factorial arrangement was used to study the effect of the combination supplementation of the 10% CPL with FW at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%. Both additives combination treatment was replicated four times with five broiler chicks per replication, a total of 160-day-old male Bovans brown broilers with 39-40g body weight were used in the current study. The duration of the study was 20 days (from the 16th to 35th days of age). Results: Studies have revealed that CPL negatively impacted the final body weight, whereas FFW positively influenced feed intake, final weight, and weight gain. Moreover, 15% of FFW supplementation resulted in noteworthy increases in drumstick and thigh weights compared to the control group, with significant interactions identified between CPL and FFW for breast, wing, and back weights. However, neither CPL nor FFW had an impact on the weights of edible visceral organs. The palatability of meat quality assessment showed no significant difference among the treatments. Adding CPL and FFW increased weights and profits, with the best rate of intake observed in broilers given the standard diet plus 15% of FFW supplementation. Conclusion: These results indicated that using CPL and FFW at 10% and 15%, respectively was a financially feasible approach to improve broiler development, carcass quality, and profitability while capitalizing on nutritional advantages and reducing environmental waste.

Summary of the Best Evidence for Tube Feeding Intolerance in Critically Ill Children

Objective: To summarize the evidence of tube feeding intolerance in critically ill children, aiming to provide evidence-based information for clinical nursing staff. Methods: Evidence search was done in Chinese and English databases to guide network and professional associations at home and abroad. The search time limit was from January 2014 to January 2024, nearly 10 years of relevant literature, mainly including guidelines, consensus, expert advice, best practice, evidence summary, system evaluation, and meta-analysis. Literature quality evaluation and evidence extraction were independently performed by two researchers. Results: This paper included 13 articles, including three guidelines, three systematic evaluations, three expert opinions, and four expert consensus. Twenty-six pieces of evidence were summarized from 10 aspects of feeding intolerance definition, team building, nutritional assessment, nutritional preparation, feeding protocol, feeding route, feeding management, pipeline management, gastric residual volume, and drug application. Conclusion: This paper summarized the evidence of tube feeding intolerance in critically ill children, which can provide evidence-based information for clinical practice. The abdominal signs should be closely observed when evaluating feeding intolerance, focusing on the prevention and reduction of feeding interruption.

A framework for cost-effectiveness analysis of greenhouse gas mitigation measures in dairy industry with an application to dairy farms in China

The dairy industry is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions (GHG). Although much effort has been directed to explore the cost-effective measures for many sectors such as electricity, building infrastructure, transportation, research on mitigation measures within dairy industry remains limited. A notable obstacle is the absence of a cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) framework to guide decision-makers and practitioners in this sector. In response, we propose a comprehensive CEA framework tailored to mitigate GHG emissions in the dairy industry. Our conceptual framework consists of six steps: defining the system boundary to determine the activities generating GHG emissions; identifying GHG emission sources within the system boundary; identifying potential mitigation measures; determining methods to quantify GHG emissions; collecting data to estimate both GHG emissions and mitigation costs; and applying general econometric methodologies to analyze the cost-effectiveness of mitigation measures. We further conducted a case study focusing on dairy farms in China, analyzing three categories of mitigation measures: feed, energy, and manure management. The results indicate that implementing effective feed and energy measures is a cost-saving strategy, reducing the cost per unit of milk production. Conversely, adopting effective manure management measures may lead to increased costs for dairy farms. The findings offer strategic recommendations for reducing GHG emissions from dairy production in China and provide analytical insights and strategic references applicable to other developing countries.

Socioeconomic impact of livestock production in Gokuleshowor, Baitadi, Nepal

The study was carried out at the Baitadi district's Dilashaini rural municipality. The study area was primarily based on agriculture. Farmers in the studied area adopted a complex type of farming system that includes livestock, crops, fruits, forestry, and vegetable farming. This study was mainly conducted to identify key problems faced by farmers and the socioeconomic importance of livestock farming. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to randomly choose respondents for a key informant interview. 61 households were randomly selected without the replacement method. The results showed that most of the households were headed by men (52 households). The primary occupation was agriculture (72%), followed by business (22%). A benefit-to-cost ratio of 1.65 was discovered. Milk was priced at 48.08 rupees per liter. We found feeding management to be the main problem. Farmers invest a huge amount of their income in managing feed for livestock. Natural breeding was largely prevalent in the study area (96%); artificial insemination was still rare. In the studied area, the dairy sector was profitable, so it emphasized improved breeding programs, improved feeding management, and the establishment of well-managed dairy cooperatives, which helped in the development of the rural economy and the lifestyle of farmers.

Estimating net energy requirements of male Djallonke sheep

Context Energy requirements in sheep can vary significantly due to various factors, including age, breed, sex and environmental conditions. Genetic selection and crossbreeding further contribute to this variability. Although guidelines from the US and UK national research councils are commonly used for formulating sheep diets, they may not adequately account for the unique characteristics of sheep in Africa. Aims The study aimed to estimate the net maintenance energy requirement of male Djallonke sheep. This estimation will provide a basis for comparing the energy requirements of Djallonke sheep with national recommendations and recent estimates for other sheep breeds. Methods Sixteen entire male Djallonke sheep were selected and grouped by weight. They were then randomly allocated to four treatment groups in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The sheep were fed to achieve intake levels ranging from 1 to 1.75 multiples of their maintenance energy requirement. Gas exchange data were collected using the GreenFeed system over a 3-day period at the conclusion of each treatment period. Heat production was calculated using the established Brouwer’s equation. A linear regression equation was developed to relate heat production to metabolisable energy intake scaled by metabolic bodyweight to calculate the net energy for maintenance. Key results The estimated net energy for maintenance for male Djallonke sheep was determined to be 0.354 MJ/kg BW0.75. This estimation indicated that the energy requirements of male Djallonke sheep exceeded the recommendations provided by the US National Research Council and the UK Agricultural and Food Research Council. However, it closely aligned with an updated estimate of 0.358 MJ/kg BW0.75. Conclusions Based on the study’s findings, male Djallonke sheep have higher energy requirements for maintenance than what is commonly recommended by existing guidelines. Therefore, it is advisable to update ration formulation software for male Djallonke sheep to better reflect their actual energy requirements for maintenance. Implications These results have practical implications for the formulation of diets and feeding management practices for male Djallonke sheep. Adhering to updated energy requirement estimates can help improve the efficiency and productivity of sheep production in the context of Djallonke sheep farming.

The importance of application of medicinal plants and natural products in poultry health management

Application of herbs and natural medicines have shown to have no negative side effects, with high effectiveness to improve productivity. Usage of medicinal plants can increase gut function, improve hepatic function, inhibition of prooxidant enzymes, enhance antioxidant content, improve shelf life, enhance sensorial value, better nutritive value, improve both health and consumers preference, enhance calcium and other minerals, increase vitamin B and folate, and enhance immunity. The most important medicinal plants with antiparasitic activities are green tea, guar bean, pine bark, grape seed, barberry root bark, Rangoon creeper, olive tree, and wormwood. Some other important medicinal plants in poultry industry are black pepper, nettle, shrubby sophora, Aleppo oak, garlic, red cedar, ginger, mint, tobacco, turmeric, aloe vera, etc. The application of herbal medicines can be considered as an important alternative to treating parasitic infections. In organic broiler production with application of medicinal plants, decreasing hormones, growth promoters and antibiotics should be considered as well as paying more attention to selection of appropriate organic feed management with considering higher production. This article aims to survey on the importance of application of natural products and medicinal plants in poultry industry by considering secondary metabolites such as triterpenoids, coumarins, alkaloids, tannins, and flavonoids due to their anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and astringent properties.

Transforming Indian cattle industry for building sustainable future

India is one of the 17 global mega-biodiversity hotspots and harbours a rich diversity of flora and fauna with more than 212 breeds of various livestock species registered at the national level. Livestock sector contributes immensely to the national GDP of India with appreciable annual growth in dairying sector. The cattle population in India is mainly concentrated in its northern and western regions. Raising cattle is deeply ingrained into the social, cultural, and traditional fabric of many communities in India. It forms an important source of livelihood for rural masses. India faces a twin challenge of sustainable management of its huge cattle inventory while improving the productivity of animals and profitability of farmers within the minimum possible time. It is coupled with other challenges in terms of the limited resource base and changing agro-climatic trends along with the ever-looming threat of climate change. The profitability of rearing cattle has increased gradually since independence mainly due to staunch efforts made during the White Revolution and subsequently its carry-over effect. The adult female cattle population of India has increased 1.67 times from 54.4 million in 1951 to 145.12 million in 2019. There is an utmost need for improvement of productivity of cows using modern genetic approaches coupled with improvement in different facets of breeding, feeding and healthcare management. Streamlining the marketing channels, expanding the market network, and establishing a suitable farmers’ co-operative system across the country for dairy products offer opportunities for improved income of the dairy farmers besides providing nutritional security to rural masses. The present policy paper attempts to traverse through the important milestones and programmes in the cattle sector that led India to the stage of self-sustenance, besides analyzing the current threats and challenges faced by the industry along with possible solutions