Average Final Body Weight Research Articles

The Impact of Dietary Analyzed Calcium to Phosphorus Ratios and Standardized Total Tract Digestible Phosphorus to Net Energy Ratios on Growth Performance, Bone, and Carcass Characteristics of Pigs

A total of 2,184 pigs (PIC 337 × 1050; initially 27.3 lb) were used to evaluate the effects of feeding varying analyzed calcium to phosphorus (Ca:P) ratios at two levels of standardized total tract digestible (STTD) P:NE. Pens of pigs (26 pigs per pen) were assigned to 6 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design with 14 pens per treatment. Diets consisted of two levels of STTD P:NE, including the PIC recommendation (1.8, 1.62, 1.43, 1.25, 1.10, and 0.99 g STTD P/Mcal NE from 25 to 50, 50 to 90, 90 to 130, 130 to 180, 180 to 230, and 230 to 280 lb, respectively); or 75% of the PIC recommendation, and 3 analyzed Ca:P ratios: 0.90:1, 1.30:1, and 1.75:1. Diets were corn-soybean meal-based and contained phytase (Quantum Blue G, AB Vista, Marlborough, Wiltshire, UK); 500 to 210 FTU/kg with release values from 0.13 to 0.07% STTD P. There was a Ca:P × STTD P:NE interaction (P < 0.05) observed for average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (F/G), and final body weight (BW). For ADG and final BW, when feeding 75% of PIC STTD P recommendation, increasing the analyzed Ca:P ratio decreased ADG and final BW (linear, P < 0.001). However, when feeding the PIC STTD P recommendation, increasing the analyzed Ca:P ratio tended to improve ADG and final BW (linear, P < 0.10). For F/G, when feeding 75% of the PIC STTD P recommendation, increasing the analyzed Ca:P ratio tended to worsen F/G (linear, P < 0.10), whereas in pigs fed diets that met PIC STTD P recommendations, increasing the analyzed Ca:P ratio tended to improve F/G in a quadratic (P < 0.10) manner. Despite the interactions, pigs fed the PIC STTD P recommendations had increased ADG, final BW, and improved F/G compared to pigs fed 75% of PIC STTD P recommendations (P < 0.001). In summary, pigs fed at PIC STTD P recommendations had improved overall ADG and F/G compared to pigs fed diets at 75% of PIC STTD P recommendations. Additionally, increasing the analyzed Ca:P ratio worsened ADG and F/G when STTD P was below PIC recommendations but had marginal impacts when adequate STTD P was fed.

Effects of Different Dietary Protein Levels on the Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Parameters, Fecal Nitrogen, and Carcass Traits of Huanjiang Mini-Pigs.

The Huanjiang mini-pig is a Chinese local breed and, the optimal dietary crude protein (CP) level for this breed is still unknown. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate its optimum dietary CP level upon the growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, fecal nitrogen content, and carcass traits. Three independent trials with 360 pigs were included. A total of 220 pigs (5.32 ± 0.46 kg) were fed ad libitum, either a 14, 16, 18, 20, or 22% CP diet from about 5- to 10-kg (trial 1); 84 pigs (11.27 ± 1.43 kg) were fed either a 12, 14, 16, 18, or 20% CP diet from about 10- to 20-kg (trial 2); and 56 pigs (18.80 ± 2.21 kg) were fed either a 10, 12, 14, 16, or 18% CP diet from about 20- to 30-kg (trial 3). In trial 1, as dietary CP levels increased, the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) quadratically decreased (p < 0.05) and was minimal at the 18.42% CP level. The average daily feed intake (ADFI) and final body weight (BW) were not affected by dietary CP levels while the fat percentage decreased (p < 0.05). Besides, a linear decrease in slaughter rate (p = 0.06) and a linear increase in bone percentage (p < 0.05), serum urea nitrogen (UN) (P < 0.05), and fecal nitrogen content (p = 0.07) of pigs were observed. In trial 2, as dietary CP levels increased, the average daily gain quadratically increased (p < 0.05) and was maximum at the 16.70% CP level. The slaughter rate linearly decreased (p < 0.05) whereas the skin rate, serum UN, and NH3-N increased (p < 0.05) linearly, as well as fecal nitrogen content (p = 0.06). In trial 3, as dietary CP levels increased, the F/G increased (p < 0.05), while the ADFI and ADG quadratically decreased (p < 0.05) and was maximum at nearly 14.00% CP level. The bone percentage and serum UN increased (p < 0.05) linearly but the slaughter rate decreased (P < 0.05) linearly, and the fecal nitrogen content quadratically decreased (p = 0.07) whereas the albumin increased (p < 0.05) quadratically. Taken together, the optimal dietary CP levels for growth performance of Huanjiang mini-pigs from 5- to 10-kg, 10- to 20-kg, and 20- to 30-kg were 18.42, 16.70, and 14.00%, respectively.

The Efficiency of Probiotics Administrated via Different Routes and Doses in Enhancing Production Performance, Meat Quality, Gut Morphology, and Microbial Profile of Broiler Chickens.

Simple SummaryAntimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs) have been used in the animal production industry around the world for decades, with the consequence of a high potential of antibiotic-resistant bacteria transfer to humans. Efficiently raising broiler chickens in an antibiotic-free production system is a challenge, and identifying an effective nutritional alternative to support growth performance, gut health, and functionality without administrating AGPs is of essence. Several antimicrobial alternative options that are commercially available include herbal essential oils, exogenous enzymes, organic acids, plant secondary metabolites, probiotics, and prebiotics. Probiotics in animal feed is projected to attain a massive global growth, reaching USD 6.24 billion by 2026. This study tested the efficiency of probiotics when supplemented via different administration routes (feed or water) and doses, or in combination with prebiotics, on growth performance, meat quality, gut morphology, and microbial profile of broiler chickens. The outcomes revealed that probiotics enhance production performance, and compared to AGPs, do not reduce the beta-diversity of the gut microbial community. Water-soluble probiotics seemed to be more effective in improving growth performance.To study the efficiency of Bacillus spp. probiotics administered via different routes and doses, a 6-week grow-out trial was conducted using a total of 378 day-old mixed-sex ROSS308 broiler chickens in a completely randomized block design. Six experimental diets included probiotics added at two different inclusion rates into the feed (250 g/ton; PRO250, or 500 g/ton; PRO500), or in the drinking water (25 g/L; PRO-WS), or as a feed synbiotic (250 g probiotic + 250 g/ton prebiotic; SYN), compared to a negative (NC; without additives) and positive control (PC; with antibiotics) diets. The PRO-WS enhanced feed intake (p < 0.05) and tended to improve average daily gain and final body weight (p = 0.14). Broiler gut morphology in the duodenum including the villus height (p = 0.04), villus width (p = 0.05) and crypt depth (p = 0.02) were improved by PRO500. Firmicutes was the most abundant phylum, followed by Bacteroidetes. Streptococcaceae, Lachnoospiraceae, Peptostreptococcaceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Erysipe-lotrichaceae were the top five most abundant families. Antibiotic inclusion in PC reduced microbial beta-diversity and increased similarity compared to probiotic inclusion (p = 0.05). Probiotic inclusion reduced the relative abundance of Bacteroides fragilis, which is a commonly isolated pathogen and is considered as a marker for antimicrobial resistance. Overall, probiotic supplementation via feed or water may potentially improve the production performance of the broiler chickens, and water-soluble probiotics are potentially more effective. Probiotics, especially when added to water, suggest a promising feed additive to support gut microbial maturation and diversity, and may reduce resistant bacteria in broiler chickens. However, it is suggested that the best route for the administration of probiotics be further examined under commercial conditions to find the most effective and practical application method that yields the most consistent results.

Effects of Donkeys Rearing System on Performance Indices, Carcass, and Meat Quality.

This study compared growth rates, carcass, and meat quality obtained from 24 male crossbred donkey foals reared for meat production under an intensive (I) or extensive (E) feeding system. Donkeys were slaughtered at 16 months of age; the average final body weight, hot and cold carcass weight, and hot and cold dressing percentage were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the I group. Samples of Longissimus Thoracis et Lumborum (LTL) were taken from each foal for chemical and physical analysis. Group I showed significant (p < 0.05) higher intramuscular fat, while the E group showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher protein and unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) contents, including n-3 essential fatty acids. Saturated fatty acids (SFA) and glycogen were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the intensive system, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were significantly higher in the extensive system. The ratio PUFA/SFA was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in group E. The Thrombogenic Index (TI) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the I group. Meat tenderness was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in group I. The feeding system had no effect on cholesterol content and meat color characteristics. Donkeys average daily gain, carcass weight, and some meat quality parameters were significantly affected by the rearing system.

Response of two strains of growing Japanese quail (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica) to diet containing pomegranate peel powder.

Four hundred and eighty 1-day-old Japanese quail chicks from white and brown strains, 240 birds from each strain, were divided into 4 treatment groups with 6 replicates each (10 birds/replicate). Both strains of quail were fed diets containing 0%, 3%, 6%, and 9% pomegranate peel (PP) powder for a period of 42days. Results revealed that the final body weight (BW), total feed intake (TFI), body weight gain (BWG), gizzard percentage, and eviscerated carcass weight of white growing quails were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the brown strain. Quail group fed with 6% PP powder had the highest (P < 0.001) average final BW and BWG (P < 0.001). The dietary PP powder at different levels significantly (P = 0.032) decreased TFI, but had no significant effect on carcass traits except for the liver percentage. Quails fed diet 3% and 9% PP powder had significant (P < 0.001) increased count of immune cells, and improved antioxidant potency. White quails fed diet 3% and 6% PP powder had greater expression of hepatic GHR gene. The expression of hepatic IGF-1 gene was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for brown quails fed diet 6% and 9% PP powder. White quails recorded the highest value of total return (TR). Quails fed diet 6% and 9% PP powder significantly (P < 0.001) recorded higher net return (NR) values. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of PP powder at levels up to 9% for Japanese quail strains improved the growth performance, increased antioxidant properties, enhanced hepatic gene expression, and did not show any adverse influence on carcass quality and blood indices of Japanese quail. Moreover, it increased the NR.

Effect of Supplementing Two Levels of Resveratrol and Oleuropein to Diet in The Productive Traits of Broilers Chickens Reared Under Natural Conditions

The experiment was conducted in the poultry field of the Animal Production Department belonging to the college of Agriculture, Al-Qasim Green University for the period from 2/3/2020 to 3/16/2020. The 225 broiler chickens of Ross-308 were used in the experiment, aged one day, and provided with free feed and water, adlibitum, and the chicks were distributed into 5 groups and the groups were as follows, T1, without adding (control treatment). T2,T3 addition Resveratrol at a concentration of (250, 500 mg/kg feed) respectively. T4,T5 addition Oleuropein at a concentration of (250, 500 mg/kg feed) respectively. The results, Resveratrol and Oleuropein addition treatments were significantly excelled to the T1 control treatment in average final body weight and weight gain, and adding Resveratrol was better than Oleuropein, and the total gain, and the improvement of the feed conversion ratio for the addition treatments compared with the control treatmentT1.

Effects of a Combination of Lysolecithin, Synthetic Emulsifier, and Monoglycerides on Growth Performance, Intestinal Morphology, and Selected Carcass Traits in Broilers Fed Low-Energy Diets.

Simple SummaryLysolecithin is produced from the enzymatic conversion of lecithin, resulting in a smaller molecule better able to improve the process of digestion of fats and oils than its progenitor. In broiler production, lysolecithin can improve performance when added to nutritionally adequate diets, but also when diets are reformulated to provide lower levels of energy and amino acids. Low-energy diets may provide more ‘space’ for growth improvements, but there is a scarcity of data on the effect of lysolecithin when added to low-energy diets containing only intact fat from raw feed ingredients. Moreover, the ability of pure lysolecithin to improve energy digestion and absorption can be further improved by the addition of synthetic emulsifiers and monoglycerides. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of supplementing a combination of lysolecithin, synthetic emulsifier, and monoglycerides on growth performance, intestinal morphology, carcass traits, and meat characteristics in broilers fed commercially relevant low-energy diets without added oil. The results revealed that this combination could effectively improve growth performance, carcass characteristics, and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens.This study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementing a combination of lysolecithin, synthetic emulsifier, and monoglycerides (LEX) on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and selected carcass traits in broilers fed low-energy diets without added oil. Three hundred one-day-old Arbor Acres (AA) broilers (40.3 ± 3.3 g) were assigned to two dietary treatments with six replicates of 25 birds each and were fed a control low-energy diet without added oil supplemented with 0 and 250 g/t of LEX for 30 days. Growth performance was measured and recorded throughout the study. At slaughter, 60 birds per treatment were used to assess the effect of LEX on the carcass traits. Final average body weight and feed conversion ratio were improved (p < 0.05) in LEX treated birds compared to control. LEX supplementation was linked to higher (p < 0.05) carcass weight and yield and to lower (p < 0.05) abdominal fat and liver weight. Moisture content was higher (p < 0.05) in ground deboned broilers from LEX treatment. Villus height was increased (p < 0.05), and crypt depth reduced (p < 0.05) in the jejunum of birds treated with LEX. This study demonstrates that supplementation of LEX to a low-energy diet without added oil improved performance, carcass weight and yield, reduced abdominal fat deposition, and improved intestinal morphology in broiler chickens.

DUCKWEED (LEMNA MINOR) AS FEED INGREDIENT FOR FINGERLINGS OF COMMON CARP (CYPRINUS CARPIO)

Inclusion of quality protein in preparation of fish feed is essential for obtaining optimal fish growth. Duckweed a cheap protein source of plant origin was tested as ingredient for preparation of fish feed. To look into its protein quality, an experiment was carried out with incorporation of duckweed (Lemna minor) as an ingredient in fish feed (F1 : duckweed, 85% + rice bran, 15%) as compared to other two different fish feeds having costly ingredients (F2 : mustard oil cake, 78% + rice bran, 22% and F3 : ground nut oil cake, 88% + rice bran, 12%) so as to evaluate their efficacy. Three feeds (F1 , F2 and F3 ) were fed to fry of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) for a period of 90 days. Growth parameters such as weight gain, average daily weight gain (ADG) and final body weight of common carp fry feeding on F1 exhibited significantly (p< 0.05) higher values than that of fry feeding on F2 and F3 . Further, common carp feeding on F1 performed better growth in respect of FCR and SGR as compared to F2 and F3 feeds.This experiment suggests that duckweed (Lemna minor) may be incorporated as an ingredient of quality protein source for preparation of fish feed to be used for feeding of common carp fry during its rearing. The inclusion of duckweed will certainly reduce the feed cost and also improve the growth as well as health of fry. Key words: Common carp fry, duckweed, fish feed, growth, ingredients, protein

Inclusion of hybrid rye in diets for weanling pigs does not compromise daily gain, but may reduce diarrhea incidence despite pigs having preference for consuming corn over hybrid rye

Two experiments were conducted to test the hypotheses that feed preference and growth performance will not differ if hybrid rye replaces some of the corn in diets for nursery pigs. In experiment 1, 40 barrows (9.2 ± 1.0 kg) were housed in 20 pens for eight days. Each pen had two identical feeders containing a corn-based diet or a diet in which 500 g/kg of the corn was substituted with hybrid rye, and feeder positions were switched daily. In experiment 2, 160 pigs (6.0 ± 0.7 kg) were randomly allotted to 40 pens and five treatments. Phase 1 diets were fed from day 1–7 (0, 30, 60, 90, or 120 g/kg rye), whereas phase 2 (0, 50, 110, 160, or 210 g/kg rye) and phase 3 (0, 150, 300, 450, or 600 g/kg rye) diets were fed from day 7–21 and day 21–34, respectively. Body weights were recorded at the start and end of each phase, fecal scores were recorded every other day, and blood samples were obtained from one pig per pen on day 21 and 34. Results of experiment 1 indicated that preference was greater (P < 0.05) for the corn-based diet than for the corn-hybrid rye mixed diet on days 2, 3, 6, and 8, and for the overall period. Overall, pigs preferred the corn-based diet over the rye-based diet by a ratio of 5.7–4.3. In experiment 2, there were no differences among treatments for final body weight or average daily gain. During phase 3 and overall experiment, pigs fed diets with 600 g/kg hybrid rye and no corn consumed the most feed (quadratic, P < 0.05). Consequently, gain:feed in phase 3 and overall was reduced (quadratic, P < 0.05) as hybrid rye replaced corn in the diet. Diarrhea incidence decreased (quadratic, P < 0.05) with 60 or 90 g/kg hybrid rye in the phase 1 diet. Blood urea N was elevated (day 21, quadratic, P < 0.05; day 34, linear, P < 0.05) as dietary hybrid rye inclusion increased. In conclusion, castrated male weaned pigs had a preference for corn-based diets over diets containing a mix of corn and hybrid rye, but replacing up to 300, 400, or 1000 g per kg of corn in phase 1, 2, and 3 diets for weanling pigs did not result in differences in average daily gain or final body weight of pigs, but gain to feed ratio was reduced for pigs fed the diets with the greatest inclusion of hybrid rye because feed intake was increased. Hybrid rye may also modulate the immune response by influencing blood cell concentrations and reducing diarrhea incidence in pigs.

Effect of high and low energy based concentrate diet supplementation on nutrient intake and body weight changes of buffalo bull calves at Subornochar Upozila of Noakhali district in Bangladesh

This study was designed to investigate the effects of supplementation of high and low energy based concentrate diets (13.77 Vs 12.14 MJ/kg DM metabolizable energy) on the nutrient intake and body weight changes of indigenous growing buffalo bull calves in Bangladesh. The crude protein contents of both the supplemented diets were similar (about 12.50% on DM basis). In this study, a total of fifteen indigenous growing buffalo bull calves (av. Live weight 85.10±0.874 kg) were selected from different villages. It was found that the total dry matter intake was the highest (28.22±0.015 g/kg W0.75/d) in group supplemented with high energy concentrate diet along with farmer’s practices (D1), thereafter, in group supplemented with low energy concentrate diet along with farmer’s practices (D2) (27.79±0.015 g/kg W0.75/d) and the lowest (26.39±0.016 g/kg W0.75/d) in control group (D0) in which the animals were fed only farmers practices diet. Similarly, the crude protein intake was the highest in D1 group (2.86 ±0.029 g/kg W0.75/d), followed by D2 group (2.83±0.010 g/kg W0.75/d) and the lowest in farmer’s practices diet, D0 (2.08b±0.021 g/kg W0.75/d). However, the final body weight of buffalo bull calves was higher in both groups supplemented with concentrate diets (D1 and D2) compared with control (D0) and differed significantly (p&lt;0.01) while there were no significant differences (p&gt;0.05) found between D1 and D2 where high energy concentrate supplementation group buffalo bull claves, D1 tended to be higher than low energy concentrate supplementation group buffalo bull claves, D2. The highest final (254.6 kg) body weight was recorded in high energy concentrate supplemented diets and the lowest (144.0 kg) was found in control. Additionally, the average final body weight was increased by 153.40 kg (151.58%), 150.40 kg (152.22%) and 45.60 kg (46.34%) in D1, D2 and D0 group buffalo bull calves, respectively. On the other hand, the average final body weight of D1 and D2 was increased by 110.60 kg (76.80%) and 105.20 kg (73.05%), respectively, compared with D0. In addition, the highest (6.46) feed conversion efficiency (FCE) was recorded in D1 followed by D2 (6.64) and the lowest (12.17) was found in D0. The trends of cost benefit ratio was the same like other considering factors, the highest (1:3.60) found in D1 followed by D2 (1:3.51) and the lowest (1:1.97) in D0. Finally, considering all the parameters, it was clearly indicated that supplementation of concentrate diet along with farmers practice is essential for fast growing, higher body weight gain and more benefits by rearing buffalo bull calves at Subornochar Upozila of Noakhali district in Bangladesh.&#x0D; Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2021. 50 (1):50-56

Performance and greenhouse gas emission of Nellore and F1 Angus × Nellore yearling bulls in tropical production systems during backgrounding and finishing

This study investigated the performance, carcass traits, and greenhouse gas emission of Nellore and F1 Angus × Nellore yearling bulls raised under two [lenient (S1) and intensified (S2)] production systems during the backgrounding and finishing phases. S1 was practiced on a 18.6 ha palisade grass pasture, divided into eight paddocks, which was not fertilized and managed using continuous stocking at a constant rate of two animals per hectare during backgrounding. Then, 20 Nellore [initial body weight (BWi), 277±13 kg; initial age, 15.2±1.1 months] and 20 F1 Angus × Nellore (BWi, 304±21 kg; initial age, 15.8±0.44 months) yearling bulls were randomly allocated to four paddocks for each breed. During finishing, animals remained on the pasture and received high supplementation (at rate of 2.0 kg•100 kg−1 BW). S2 was practiced on a 11.4 ha palisade grass pasture, divided into six paddocks, which was fertilized (150 kg N•ha−1•year−1) and managed using continuous stocking at variables rates during backgrounding. Then, 24 Nellore (BWi, 288±16 kg; initial age, 15.6±0.65 months) and 24 F1 Angus × Nellore (BWi, 325±18 kg; initial age, 15.8±0.42 months) yearling bulls were randomly allocated to three paddocks for each breed. During finishing, the bulls were moved to feedlots. During backgrounding, F1 Angus × Nellore bulls in S2 achieved the highest average daily gain (ADG) and final shrunk body weight (SBWf), whereas Nellore bulls in S1 achieved the lowest ADG and SBWf. During finishing, ADG and SBWf were greater in S2 than in S1 as well as for F1 Angus × Nellore bulls than for Nellore bulls. From the beginning of backgrounding until the end of finishing, the ribeye area of F1 Angus × Nellore bulls in S2 was larger than that of other bulls. The greatest backfat deposition occurred during finishing, resulting in greater backfat thickness of bulls in S2 than that of bulls in S1. The carbon footprint of F1 Angus × Nellore bulls in S2 (10.8 kg•CO2e•kg−1 carcass) was similar to that of Nellore bulls in S1, but it was approximately 13% and 11.5% lower than that of Nellore bulls in S2 and F1 Angus × Nellore bulls in S1, respectively. This study demonstrated that the enhancement of productivity through improving genetic merit and pasture management is a suitable strategy to reduce environmental impact and achieve environmental sustainability.

Dietary supplementation of alpha-lipoic acid mitigates the negative effects of heat stress in broilers.

Heat stress accounts for substantial economic loss in the poultry industry by altering the health and performance of chickens. Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a water and fat-soluble antioxidant which is readily absorbed from the intestine resulting in maximum bioavailability. Moreover, ALA acts as a coenzyme in glucose metabolism and helps generate other antioxidants. Considering these benefits, we hypothesized that dietary supplementation of ALA would help mitigate heat stress in poultry. A total of 72 Day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned into three treatment groups: no heat stress (NHS), heat stress with basal diet (HS), and heat stress with alpha-lipoic acid (HS+ALA); each treatment group had 6 replicate pens with 4 birds in each pen (n = 24/group). The allocated birds were raised under standard husbandry practices for 3 weeks. After 21 d, birds in the HS and HS+ALA groups were exposed to heat stress (33°C for 8 hours during the day) for 3 weeks, while the NHS group was reared under normal conditions (22-24°C). The HS+ALA group received a basal finisher diet fortified with ALA (500 mg/kg) during the treatment period (22 to 42 d), while other birds were provided with the basal finisher diet. Weekly body weight and feed intake were recorded. The cecum digesta for volatile fatty acids (VFAs) analysis and 16S rRNA sequencing for the gut microbiota analysis; and the ileum tissue samples for histological and gene expression analyses were collected on d 42. Exposure to heat stress decreased (P<0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and final body weight (FBW) in the HS group compared to the NHS group, the supplementation of ALA improved (P<0.05) ADG and FBW in heat-stressed birds. Furthermore, birds in the HS+ALA group had increased (P<0.05) expression of HSP90, PRDX1, GPX3, SOD2, OCLN, and MUC2 genes and higher (P<0.05) concentrations of major VFAs (acetate, propionate, and butyrate). The dietary ALA supplementation also improved the villus height and villus height to crypt depth ratio in the HS+ALA group. The microbial diversity analysis revealed significant abundance (P<0.05) of beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus and Peptostreptococcaceae in the cecum of the ALA group. These results indicate that dietary ALA supplementation effectively mitigates the negative effects of heat stress in broilers by improving the expression of heat-shock, tight-junction, antioxidants, and immune-related genes in the intestine, improving villus structures, increasing concentration of major VFAs, and enriching the beneficial microbiota.

Judicious and non-judicious use of cephalexin antibiotic in indoor poultry experimentation and detection of cephalexin residues in edible poultry tissues

Antibiotics are the most widely injudiciously used drugs for therapeutic purposes throughout the world. This study aimed to detect cephalexin residue after discriminate and indiscriminate administration of cephalexin antibiotic in broiler. Eighteen broiler chicks, DOC (Cobb-500) were collected &amp; reared for up to 31 days. The chicks were randomly divided into three groups namely control group (Group-A), discriminate cephalexin group (Group-B) and indiscriminate cephalexin group (Group-C). Each group consists of 6 birds. In this investigation, only a detectable level of antibiotic residues was found in indiscriminate group of poultry. A total of 72 samples were investigated by the TLC method. The overall residue of cephalexin found in indiscriminate group as in liver (100%), kidney (83.33%), thigh muscle (25.00%), breast muscle (8.33%), fat and spleen (66.67%) respectively. The final average body weight were recorded highest in indiscriminate antibiotic group (1804.17 ± 73.92gm) followed by discriminate group (1741.33 ± 63.63gm) and control group (1453.33 ± 26.39gm). The body weight was found significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in the antibiotic treated groups. The hematological parameters such as Hb, PCV and TEC values of treatment groups showed significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower, while PCV did not show any significant difference compared to the control group. Overall, the present study documented the widespread abuse of cephalexin and failure to implement the recommended withdrawal period will undeniably lead to deposition of residues in broiler tissues.

Dietary effects of Garcinia kola seed meal on growth performance, hematology and serum biochemical parameters of weaned rabbits.

Background and Aim:Garcinia kola seed (GKS) is used to prevent and cure a number of gastric-related ailments. GKS contain a copious amount of polyphenols and can be utilized as a natural growth promoter in the nutrition of weaned rabbits. This study aimed to determine the dietary effects of GKS meal (GKSM) on the growth performance, hematology and serum biochemical parameters of weaned rabbits.Materials and Methods:GKS were dried and ground into powder. Thirty-two 8-week-old crossbred rabbits with an average weight of 614 g were randomly divided into four dietary groups. The diets were designated as follows: Control (corn-soybean based diet with 0% GKSM) and the GKSM-supplemented diets with 1.5% GKSM, 3% GKSM, and 4.5% GKSM. On the 56th day of the feeding trial, blood was collected from the marginal ear vein of all rabbits and transferred into two separate labeled tubes. The first set of blood was used to determine the hematological indices. The second set of blood was transferred into plain bottles and allowed to coagulate. The coagulated blood was subjected to standard methods of serum separation, and the sera were harvested and used to evaluate serum biochemical parameters.Results:Although the average final body weight was highest in rabbits fed with 1.5% GKSM; this value was similar to rabbits fed with 0% and 4.5% GKSM. The average daily weight gain was highest in rabbits fed with 1.5% GKSM, while the feed conversion ratio was improved in the 0% and 1.5% GKSM groups. The dietary treatments also had a significant effect on the red blood cell count (RBC) and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, while other blood parameters did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). Higher inclusion levels (3% and 4.5%) of GKSM led to a significant increase in RBC and Hb values (p < 0.05). The total protein increased at all levels of GKSM inclusion (p < 0.05). Bilirubin, sodium, and potassium levels significantly decreased at 4.5% GKSM inclusion (p < 0.05). Urea levels were lowered at 1.5% and 4.5% GKSM inclusion, while cholesterol levels were decreased at 3% and 4.5% dietary levels.Conclusion:From the results of the present study, the supplementation of up to 4.5% GKSM revealed no harmful effect on the hematological and serum biochemical parameters of weaned rabbits, while their growth performance improved at a 1.5% inclusion level of GKSM.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) peel powder meal supplementation in broilers: effect on growth performance, digestibility, carcase and organ weights, serum and some meat antioxidant enzyme biomarkers

This study determined the dietary effects of pomegranate peel powder meal (PPPM) supplementation on growth performance, digestibility, carcase and organ weights, serum, and some meat antioxidant enzyme indices of Cobb 500 birds. Birds (n = 432) were randomly assigned to six experimental groups of four replicates each and were fed either diets supplemented with 2, 4, 6 and 8 g/kg of PPPM (PPPM2, PPPM4, PPPM6 and PPPM8), 0% additives (Negative control; NEGCON), or with α-Tocopherol acetate at 200 g/tonne (Positive control; POSCON). The diet × week interaction effect on feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed that the POSCON diet promoted a better FI and FCR at week 3. However, the FCR of the POSCON birds was comparable to that of the NEGCON, PPPM4 and PPPM6 birds. The average final body weight and average daily weight gain was highest in the PPPM2 and PPPM4 birds, whereas, PPPM2 birds had improved FCR and protein efficiency ratio compared with the POSCON birds. Thigh weight was highest in the PPPM4 group, whereas PPPM8 birds had the highest breast weight compared with the POSCON. Birds fed the PPPM4 diet also had improved nutrient digestibility compared with the POSCON birds. Spleen and gizzard weights were highest in PPPM4 birds compared with the NEGCON group. The concentration of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was decreased in PPPM4 birds, whereas meat from PPPM8 group had the highest catalase enzyme activity. It can be concluded that birds fed 4 g/kg PPPM outperformed the birds that were fed α-tocopherol supplemented (POSCON) diets in terms of performance, digestibility, carcase and organ indices. The effect of pomegranate peel powder meal supplementation was also pronounced in decreasing the concentration of AST at 4 g/kg and increasing the activity of catalase enzyme at 8 g/kg compared with the POSCON and NEGCON diets. Highlights Dietary pomegranate peel powder can improve performance in broilers. Dietary pomegranate peel powder can enhance the enzyme activity of broiler meat.

The effects of oregano essential oil on production performance and intestinal barrier function in growing Hyla rabbits

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of oregano essential oil on the production performance and intestinal barrier in rabbits. One hundred and ninety-two weaned Hyla rabbits (35 days old) with similar body weight (1268.5 ± 25 g) were randomly divided into four groups (24 replicates per group, two rabbits per replicate): fed a basal diet (Control group), fed a basal diet containing 0.02% oregano essential oil (LO group, the purity of oregano essential oil was 5%), fed a basal diet containing 0.04% oregano essential oil (MO group), or fed a basal diet containing 0.08% oregano essential oil (HO group). The trial included 7 days of adaptation and 23 days of testing. Although dietary addition of oregano essential oil did not affect significantly the average daily body weight and final body weight (p > .05), dietary addition of 0.08% oregano essential oil decreased significantly feed intake and diarrhoea rate of the rabbits (p < .05). When the addition of oregano essential oil in the feed reached 0.08%, the Villus high/Crypt depth value in the ileum of meat rabbits increased significantly (p < .05). Dietary addition of 0.08% oregano essential oil increased significantly the gene expression of junctional adhesion molecule 2 (JAM2) and JAM3 in jejunum (p < .05). The content of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in jejunum and IL-10 and secretory immunoglobulin G (SIgG) in ileum were significantly increased after the addition of 0.08% oregano essential oil compared with the control (p < .05). In conclusion, a dietary supplement of oregano essential oil modulates immune responses and enhances the intestinal barrier. Besides, our experiment offers positive evidence in improving rabbit health of oregano essential oil instead of antibiotics. HIGHLIGHTS Oregano essential oil can improve the production performance of rabbits. Oregano essential oil improved intestinal barrier function in rabbits. Oregano essential oil can be used as a new additive in rabbit feed.

Impact of Biofloc technology on growth performance and biochemical parameters of Oreochromis niloticus.

In the present study, the experiments were conducted during the period from June to October 2019 (20-weeks) to evaluate the effect of Biofloc technology (BFT) on mono sex Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings. It was focused on water quality, growth parameters, hepatosomatic index (HIS), spleenosomatic index (SSI), Hematology, and biochemistry. Triplicated treatments were designed, two Biofloc treatments with two fish densities (12 &16 fish/200 L tank) vas two control groups. All treatments were fed with 3% of body weight in two equally divided meals. Rice brane and Molasse (1:1) were added as a carbon source to Biofloc treatments twice daily after one hour of main meals. Results indicated that total ammonia-N and Nitrite-N were significantly decreased at Biofloc treatments. Biofloc treatments showed significantly high average final body weight, better feed conversion ratio (FCR), and one-ninth water consumption. Biofloc addition had generally no significant difference of hematology, biochemistry, and hepatosomatic index (HSI), while spleenosomatic index (SSI) was significantly increased at high density only. It could be concluded that Biofloc treatments improve water parameters stability and fish growth performance while it decreased water consumption. High density (16 fish/200 L) is a more yield productive treatment.

Effect of dietary raw and autoclaved Ulva supplemented meal on the growth performance of Cirrhinus mrigala

To evaluate the effect of Ulva supplemented meal on the growth performance on mrigal (Cirrhinus mrigala) after 10 days acclimatization to the new conditions. The fish were stocked at density of 10 fish per aquarium (1×1×1 feet) designated as U0, U1, U2 and U3 respectively, U3 as control and were distributed randomly among 12 aquaria for 60 days and data were evaluated on fortnightly basis. Fish with initial body weight U0 (63.64gm.) U1 (63.87gm), U2 (64.16gm) and U3 (64.14gm). Final average body weight U0 (146.47gm), U1 (271.16gm), U2 (196.14gm) and U3 (186.14gm). Fish were fed with Ulva supplemented diets at 5%, 10% and 15% in U1, U2 and U3 tank respectively while U0 fish fed with a diet containing no Ulva. Feed pellets were given at 3% body weight per day. The water quality parameters were monitored on weekly basis interval and the ranges were temperature 27.03-28.80C, pH 7.13-7.69, dissolved oxygen 5.06-5.5mg/l, alkalinity 50.33-64.93mg/l and ammonia 001-0.11mg/l. The result of the present study showed that, among the 3 different dietary Ulva levels, mrigal fed with 5% Ulva supplemented feed showed the best growth performance. Growth performance of fish fed with Ulva were evaluated on the basis of net weight gain, percent weight gain, feed conversion ratio and specific growth rate. The proximate composition was done using soxtron apparatus for crude fat, kjeltron apparatus for crude protein and by estimating ash and moisture content.

Lizard meal as protein source enhanced broiler growth and reduced cost of production in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

The research work was carried out to ascertain the performance and cost benefits of broiler starter birds fed replacement levels of lizardmeal to fishmeal at starter phase.Atotal number of 90 day oldAnak 2000 broiler chickswere used for the experiment. The birdswere assigned to five treatment group of eighteen birds each been replicated thrice with six birds per replicate. Lizard meal was included to replace fish meal at levels of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% respectively. Feed and water were given ad-libitum. Birds fed 75% inclusion levels of lizard meal (treatment 4) to replace fish meal was superior to birds in other treatments in terms of average final body weight, average daily feed intake, average weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Cost benefit analysis also showed that birds in treatment 4 (75% lizard meal inclusion)was better than the rest of the treatment group.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND GONAD MATURATION OF AMUR CATFISH, Silurus asotus IN CAPTIVITY

This study was aimed to determine the growth performance and gonad maturation of Amur catfish, Silurus asotus reared in captivity. A total of 600 juvenile Amur catfish were reared in a 20-tonne aerated fibreglass tank for 3 months. The changes to body weight (mean ± SD) of Amur catfish at day 14 was 22.59 ± 3.59 g and attained a final average body weight of 110.95 ± 19.72 g. The average body weight gains (%) were 213.50% and gradually decreased to 109.95%. The specific growth rate recorded at 14-day intervals was 5.42%/day and fluctuated to 3.32%/day, 0.39%/day, 0.51%/day, with the corresponding measurements of 15.36 ± 1.07 cm and increments to 24.22 ± 1.34 cm. The final total length the fishes attained was an average of 25.58 ± 1.95 cm. The total length gain recorded was 124.61% and followed by 109.95%. The survival of Amur catfish within the three months was 29.17%. Length-weight relationship of the Amur catfish showed a strong correlation at log W = -2.6797 + 2.3102 log L and the value of the regression coefficient (b) equalled to 2.3102. Three stages of the oocyte (PO = primary oocyte, PVO = previtellogenic oocyte and VO = vitellogenic oocyte) determined histologically indicated that all-female gonad samples were in the developing stage. Matured gonad and spermatozoa were also observed in males. This study concludes that Amur catfish attained good growth performance and fast gonad maturation in captivity and can be a suitable species for aquaculture.