Higher Feed Intake Research Articles

Effect of green tea (Camellia sinensis L.) as antimicrobial agent on growth performance and ileal histomorphology of broiler chickens

ABSTRACT We investigated the impact of green tea powder (GTP) as an alternative to antibiotics on growth performance and gut health in broilers. A total of 340 one-day-old broilers were assigned to four dietary treatments as control (free of antibiotic), antibiotic, GTP 0.5 g/kg (GTP-1) and GTP 1 g/kg (GTP-2). Overall, the antibiotic group demonstrated significantly (P < 0.05) higher feed intake, weight gain, lower feed conversion ratio and better dressing percentage compared to the GTP groups, and the control group had the lowest values. GTP-1 showed the highest (P < 0.05) villus height (VH), followed by the antibiotic group and GTP-2, while the control group had the lowest villus height. The control group displayed a higher (P < 0.05) crypt depth, followed by GTP-2, while the antibiotic group and GTP-1 had significantly (P < 0.05) lower crypt depth. The villus height to crypt depth ratio was significantly higher in GTP-1, followed by similar values in the antibiotic group and GTP-2, while the control group had the lowest ratio (P < 0.05). From the results of the present study, we concluded that GTP at the level of 0.5 g/kg of feed is an excellent dose vis-à-vis antibiotic in broiler for optimum growth performance and gut health.

Effect of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol supplementation with different dietary available phosphorus levels for broilers

ABSTRACT 1. Based on the hypothesis that 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) inclusion would optimise dietary mineral digestibility and ameliorate growth performance and bone mineralisation in available phosphorus (AvP) deficient-fed broilers, a trial was conducted to evaluate its effect on diets with different levels of AvP. 2. Broilers aged 1–21 d were randomly assigned one of the eight treatments, consisting of four dietary levels of AvP (0.45%, 0.42%, 0.39%, and 0.36%) and with or without supplementation with 25-OH-D3 at 69 μg/kg of feed. All diets contained 100 µg/kg of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). 3. The addition of 25-OH-D3 resulted in higher feed intake and body weight gain, and lower FCR (P < 0.05) compared to non-supplemented diets, whereas AvP levels had a quadratic effect only on feed intake. There were no interactions between treatment factors. 4. Increasing AvP levels linearly reduced the ileal digestibility of Ca and P (P < 0.01) and supplementing 25-OH-D3 increased both Ca and P ileal digestibility (P < 0.05), without any interactions observed for ileal digestibility. 5. There was an interaction, whereby 25-OH-D3 inclusion increased serum metabolites in broilers fed 0.36% to 0.42% AvP compared to the non-supplemented diets (P < 0.001), whereas, at 0.45% AvP, diets with or without 25-OH-D3 had similar results. 6. The P content in bone linearly increased in line with AvP levels (P < 0.05) and supplementation of 25-OH-D3 increased ash bone content (P < 0.001). 7. Broilers can benefit from 25-OH-D3 supplementation combined with cholecalciferol with regard to Ca and P utilisation and vitamin D status, allowing for a reduction of dietary AvP levels down to 0.36% without impairing growth performance or bone status.

Methionine sources at different dietary levels alters the growth and expression of genes related to homocysteine remethylation in the jejunum of broilers.

Sulfur amino acids are essential for the proper development of broilers and are required throughout the bird's life to perform important physiological functions. Studies that seek to understand the actions of sulfur amino acids in the body of birds are essential. The present study evaluated the influence of sulfur amino acid supplementation using DL-Methionine (DL-Met) and DL-Methionine hydroxy analogue (DL-HMTBA), on the performance and expression of genes related to methionine metabolism, in the jejunum of broilers. Four hundred and fifty male broilers (Cobb-700 slow feathering) were distributed in a completely randomized design, in a factorial scheme (2x3), with two sources of methionine (DL-Met and DL-HMTBA) and three levels of methionine (deficiency, requirement and excess). The mRNA expression of the MAT1, MTR, BHMT, MTRR, CBG and GSS genes, and performance data such as feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion were evaluated. DL-HMTBA increased the expression of BHMT (p = 0.0072) and MTRR (p = 0.0003) in the jejunum of the birds. Methionine deficiency increased the expression of BHMT (p = 0.0805) and MTRR (p = 0.0018). Higher expression of GSS was observed in birds that were supplemented with DL-HMTBA (p = 0.0672). Analyzing our results, it is preferable to supplement sulfur amino acids with DL-Met at the requirement level. Birds fed with DL-HMTBA showed worse weight gain (p = 0.0117) and higher feed conversion (p = 0.0170); methionine deficiency resulted in higher feed intake (p = 0.0214), lower weight gain (p<0.0001) and consequently higher feed conversion (p<0.0001). Based on the information found in this work, it is recommended to supplement sulfur amino acids with DL-Met at the level of compliance with the requirement.

The optimal feeding regime for large yellow croaker Larimichthys crocea, with an emphasis on obviating raw fish diet in commercial farming

Commercial farming of large yellow croaker Larimichthys crocea still relies on raw fish diet. The present study assessed the possibility to replace raw fish diet with a formulated diet containing 490 g/kg crude protein by optimizing feed and feeding management. In experiment I, fish weighing 10.8 g were fed with the formulated diet at either five frequencies (FF13, 1/3 meal/d; FF12, 1/2 meal/d; FF11, 1 meal/d; FF21, 2 meal/d; FF31, 3 meal/d) or at 1 meal/d but different times (FF11, at 6:00; FF11A, at 18:00), respectively. In experiment II, fish were fed at 2 meal/d with the formulated diet (FF21) or a quality raw fish diet (RF21). The final body weight (FBW), weight gain, feed intake and body lipid content, fish in/out ratio (FIFO) and waste outputs (nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon) were higher, whereas the nutrient and energy retention efficiencies (NRE, nitrogen; PRE, phosphorus; CRE, carbon; ERE, energy) were lower, in FF21 and FF31 than in FF13, FF12 and FF11. No significant differences were detected in FBW and weight gain either between FF21 and FF31 or between FF13, FF12 and FF11. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) and feed cost were higher in FF31 than in FF13, FF12 and FF11. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in plasm, activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and CAT in liver, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in plasm and liver were higher in FF31 than in FF11. No significant differences were detected in FBW, weight gain, NRE, PRE, CRE, ERE, body composition, feed cost, FIFO-, waste outputs, activities of antioxidant enzymes and MDA content in plasm and liver between FF11 and FF11A despite FF11A had higher feed intake and FCR compared with FF11. The FBW, weight gain, feed intake, FCR, body lipid content, feed cost, FIFO, waste outputs, activities of SOD and GSH-PX in liver, plasm CAT activity, and MDA content in plasm and liver were higher, whereas the survival, NRE, PRE and ERE were lower, in RF21 than in FF21. Our study indicates that 2 meal/d is the optimal feeding frequency for large yellow croaker, and completely replacing raw fish diet with the formulated diet in commercial farming benefits to increase fish survival and yield and to reduce feed cost, FIFO, waste outputs and body lipid deposition.

Application of spray‐dried blood plasma as a feed additive for the replacement of antibiotics in growing‐finishing swine

AbstractBackgroundThis study evaluated the effect of spray‐dried blood plasma (SDP) as a feed additive for the replacement of antibiotics in swine production. The treatments were used as strategic pulses of either antibiotics or SDP in the feed of swine during the growth and termination phases. The experimental design was conducted by 4 dietary treatments with a total of 1456 swine selected just after leaving the nursery and evaluated for 122 days until slaughter.ResultsThe feed with the addition of the standard medication protocol (antibiotics) and without the inclusion of SDP had the highest feed intake (289.73 ± 3.04 kg) and reached a feed conversion of 2.57 ± 0.02 kg feed consumed per kg weight gained. Weight gain during the period of 0–122 days for the treatment with three pulses of SDP with (114.12 ± 0.64 kg) and without antibiotics (114.26 ± 1.01 kg) was higher than the control treatment (111.46 ± 1.10 kg, without antibiotics and SDP). Furthermore, the antibiotic‐based treatment associated with SDP showed a 7.76% increase in weight gain when compared with the control group. Furthermore, there was a nonsignificant difference in the mortality of animals and in the index for pneumonia and ulcer score.ConclusionThe application of SDP as a feed additive in swine at the growth and termination phases, combined with antibiotics, favored feed intake and weight gain and could be a promising alternative to upgrade zootechnical parameters in swine production.

Performance of broiler chickens fed compound feeds with various of cereal grains

Maize and wheat are the main cereal forage crops cultivated at a global scale. They are among preferred forage grains for poultry nutrition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the productive performance of broiler chickens, whose compound feeds contained either maize, or wheat alone and maize +wheat combination. The experiment was performed with 120 day-old male ROSS hybrid chicks reared on the floor for 49 days. The birds were divided into three groups, each one consisting of two subgroups, as follows: group Е1 – fed forage with maize and wheat; group Е2 – fed forage with wheat and group Е3 – forage with maize. The live weight, feed intake, feed conversion and slaughter traits were investigated. By the 49th day of age, the live weight of chickens from groups Е1 and Е2 fed diet with maize and wheat (35.99%+28%), and only wheat without maize (66%) were the heaviest, 3147.18 g and 3361.32 g, respectively. Chicks from group E3 fed the diet containing only maize (64.12%) without wheat had the lowest average live weight (2587.75 g at Р&lt;0.0001). Wheat, as a single cereal in broiler compound feeds, and its combination with maize had the most beneficial effect on weight gain and feed conversion over the entire fattening period (P&lt;0.001). The improved weight gain of birds fed these diets was accompanied with higher feed intake (P&lt;0.001) compared to birds fed forage with maize only. The slaughter yield and the breast with bone cut increased statistically significantly in the wheat-fed groups (P&lt;0.001).

Production performance, haematological parameters, serum biochemistry, and expression of HSP-70 in broiler chickens fed dietary ascorbic acid during heat stress.

An experiment was carried out to assess the efficacy of supplemental ascorbic acid (AA) on broiler chicken production performance, blood haematological profile, biochemical profile, and carcass traits under heat stress conditions. A total of 192-day-old broiler chicks were divided into four groups, each with six replicates of eight each (4 × 6 × 8). Four corn-based dietary treatments were formulated: T1 (control diet), T2 (T1 + AA at 200mg/kg), T3 (T1 + AA at 400mg/kg), and T4 (T1 + AA at 600mg/kg) for a period of 42days. Despite the high temperature and humidity, the 600mg AA supplemental groups (T4) gained significantly (P ≤ 0.05) more body weight and had a higher feed intake and better feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the control group (T1). After 28days of feeding the three AA-supplemented diets, antibody titres (humoral immune response) were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05). The response to intradermally injected phyto-haemagglutinin (PHA-P), an index of the in vivo cell-mediated immune response, was found to be increased (P ≤ 0.05) in the 400 and 600mg AA-supplemented groups after 35days. Higher levels of AA (T4) supplementation significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved haematological values such as haemoglobin (Hb), total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leukocyte count (TLC), and differential leukocyte count (DLC), heterophil:lymphocyte (H:L) in comparison to the control group (T1). The supplemented group improved the serum biochemical profile of the birds, with an increase (P ≤ 0.05) in total serum protein, albumin, and globulin and a decrease in serum cholesterol and corticosterone levels in the T4 group compared to the control group. Heat shock protein-70 (HSP-70) was gradually elevated after increasing the ascorbic acid concentration (P ≤ 0.05) at 14 and 21days. As a result, it can be concluded that supplementing ascorbic acid at 600mg/kg is beneficial for improving the performance, immunity, and blood haematological biochemical profile and upregulating the HSP-70 gene of broiler chickens under heat stress conditions.

PSVI-19 Impact of Sow Body Condition on Macro Reproductive Performance

Abstract Sow body condition is important for maximizing life-time productivity, milk production and progeny performance. Data from a total of 4,367 sows (76PIC, 4291Genesus) were used to investigate relationships between sow body condition at entry to farrowing house (body weight, back fat, body condition score) versus reproductive performance and milk production. Data were from a commercial farm from 2018-2020. Sow data were stratified by parity: Class 1 (parity 1), 2 (parity 2-4) and 3+ (parity 4 and above). Sow entry weight (with fetuses), backfat, and body condition score (scale 1-5) were measured at entry to farrowing house and at weaning. Milk production was calculated using the method of Hansen et al. (2012). Standard sow performance was collected via data software (Agriness). Data were plotted and assessed for commercially relevant relationships among dependent and independent variables. Single factor linear regression was used to calculate linear slope and slope standard error between variables of interest within parity. The farm represents typical north American performance with average piglets born alive13.9, total piglets born 15.6, number of piglets weaned 10.5. Regardless of parity, sow body weight at entry had the greatest positive linear relationship to reproductive productivity. Heavier weight at entry was positively related to number of total piglets born, born piglets alive, litter birth weight and milk production. Heavier primiparous sows at entry had greater piglet weight gain and weaning weight. A positive linear relationship (evidenced by non-zero linear slope) was observed between sow back fat loss and milk production in primiparous sows. Relationships among sow back fat, body condition score and productivity were weak (confidence interval of slope included zero). Sow backfat at entry did not impact lactation feed intake. This might be due to high average lactation feed intake (average 8 kg/d) in this farm. Slightly positive regression was observed between sow weight and lactation intake in primiparous sows but not in older sows. Most commercial farms do not have weighing equipment. Sow body condition score is often used as an economic method but highly variable depending on farm personnel. Our investigation suggests that sow body weight is important for sow reproductive performance. Gilt body weight at entry is positively related to litter birth weight and weaning weight. Future research is needed to better understand sow body composition (fat and lean percentage) on productivity and find economic ways to collect these parameters at commercial farms.

Analysis of liver miRNA in Hu sheep with different residual feed intake.

Feed efficiency (FE), an important economic trait in sheep production, is indirectly assessed by residual feed intake (RFI). However, RFI in sheep is varied, and the molecular processes that regulate RFI are unclear. It is thus vital to investigate the molecular mechanism of RFI to developing a feed-efficient sheep. The miRNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) was utilized to investigate miRNAs in liver tissue of 6 out of 137 sheep with extreme RFI phenotypic values. In these animals, as a typical metric of FE, RFI was used to distinguish differentially expressed miRNAs (DE_miRNAs) between animals with high (n = 3) and low (n = 3) phenotypic values. A total of 247 miRNAs were discovered in sheep, with four differentially expressed miRNAs (DE_miRNAs) detected. Among these DE_miRNAs, three were found to be upregulated and one was downregulated in animals with low residual feed intake (Low_RFI) compared to those with high residual feed intake (High_RFI). The target genes of DE_miRNAs were primarily associated with metabolic processes and biosynthetic process regulation. Furthermore, they were also considerably enriched in the FE related to glycolysis, protein synthesis and degradation, and amino acid biosynthesis pathways. Six genes were identified by co-expression analysis of DE_miRNAs target with DE_mRNAs. These results provide a theoretical basis for us to understand the sheep liver miRNAs in RFI molecular regulation.

Growth performance of goats (Capra hircus L.) on forage legumes mixed with guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus)

Proper feed optimization is vital for the health and growth of goats, with fodder quality being a central factor. This study evaluated the impact of feeding goats guinea grass mixed with various tree legumes on their growth and feed consumption. Nine upgraded goats were used for this research, divided equally among three treatment groups. Each treatment was repeated three times, with one goat per repetition. The experimental treatments included guinea grass paired with Gliricidia (T1), Indigofera (T2), or Ipil-ipil (T3). The results showed that the T2 (Guinea grass + Indigofera tinctoria) combination resulted in the highest feed intake at 29.94kg over five weeks, a finding significant with a p-value of 0.04. Nutrient analysis demonstrated a significant intake of crude protein for T2 with a p-value of 0.038. Moreover, T2 exhibited the most substantial total weight gain (3016.67g) and an average daily gain of 86.19g/day, with p-values of &lt;0.001 and 0.013 respectively. In conclusion, the mix of Guinea grass and Indigofera tinctoria offers the best results in terms of feed intake and goat growth performance. Keywords: Goat feed optimization, guinea grass, Indigofera, Gliricidia, Leucaena

Porcine digestible peptides as alternative protein source in weaner diets: effects on performance and systemic cytokine profile in pigs followed from weaning to slaughter

Porcine digestible peptides (PDP) are high-quality hydrolysed proteins obtained from porcine intestinal mucosa as a by-product of the heparin manufacturing process. PDP contain bioactive peptides and are used as alternative protein sources in several animal species, including pigs. We aimed to explore the (carry-over) effects of feeding PDP to weaned piglets on performance and systemic cytokine levels of pigs followed until slaughter. A total of 192 piglets were allocated to one of two dietary treatments: control (CON) or PDP weaner diets. PDP was included at 5.0% until day 13 post-weaning at the expense of skimmed milk powder and partial replacement of soybean meal, and at 2.5% between days 13 and 34 post-weaning at the expense of soy protein concentrate. Grower-finishers were fed commercial diets according to a 3-phase feeding scheme until slaughter, when carcass traits were determined. Six pigs were housed per weaner pen and eight per grower-finisher pen with 16 and 10 pens per treatment, respectively. Pigs were weighed at the start and at the end of each phase, and feed intake was recorded. Faecal consistency was recorded twice a week in the weaner facility. Ten pigs per treatment were sampled for blood at days 13, 34 and 69 post-weaning. We found that PDP-fed piglets had a higher feed intake in the first two weeks post-weaning compared to CON-fed piglets (+32 g/pig per day; P = 0.02). Moreover, piglets in the PDP group showed improved feed conversion between days 13 and 34 versus the CON group (1.36 vs 1.43; P = 0.03). Piglets that were fed with PDP in the weaner diets tended to grow faster in the grower-finisher period (+32 g/pig per day; P = 0.07), tended to reach slaughter age earlier (129.9 vs 131.5 days; P = 0.07) and had a lower dressing percentage at slaughter (76.3 vs 76.7%, P = 0.045) than piglets previously fed with CON. Additionally, PDP-fed piglets showed higher serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-12 (P = 0.02), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (P = 0.02), interferon-gamma (P = 0.03) and IL-8 (at day 34 post-weaning, P = 0.06) as well as anti-inflammatory cytokines transforming growth factor-beta (P = 0.02), IL-4 (P = 0.04) and IL-10 (at day 34 post-weaning, P = 0.02). No significant differences among dietary treatments were observed regarding faecal consistency of weaned piglets and carcass weight, lean meat percentage, muscle depth, and back fat thickness at slaughter. We conclude that feeding PDP, as an alternative to conventional milk and soy protein sources, showed positive effects on pig performance, not only during the provisioning period but also thereafter into the grower-finisher phase.

Growth Response and Cost-benefit of Red Sokoto Goats Feedlotted on Crop Residues during Dry Season

Fifteen Red Sokoto bucks were assigned to five treatment diets designated as T1, T2I, T3, T4 and T5 with cowpea husk inclusion levels at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% to replace cowpea haulms. The feeding trial lasted for 90 days. Daily feed intake was measured by subtracting the leftover feed from the amount offered within 24 hours. Also, weight changes were measured by taking the weight of each animal at the end of the week and the weekly initial weight subtracted from it. The running cost was measured by summing all costs incurred in the production. Parameters measured were daily feed consumption, daily weight changes, daily running costs in the form of man-hour labor charges, drugs, revenue, transportation and other charges. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and net farm income (NFI) to carry out the cost-benefit analysis. Results of the research showed no significant differences (p&gt;0.05) among the treatment means for initial body weight 5.53, 5.71, 5.87, 5.93 and 5.90 for T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. Feed intake varied among the treatments probably due to inclusion levels of cowpea husk. T5 had the highest feed intake (0.260kg) followed by T4 (0.25kg) and T3 (0.24kg) with significant differences (p&lt;0.05) across treatments. Similarly, bucks on T5 performed well in terms of body weight gains (4.60kg) followed by T4 (4.13kg) and T3 (3.47kg) with significant differences (p&lt;0.05) across treatments. The feed conversion ratio was highest in bucks on T3 (6.01) where cowpea husks and haulms inclusion were 50:50 because animals can utilize nutrient pool from both feedstuffs. Bucks on T3, T4 and T5 had the highest revenue (₦3,1600.00) followed by T1 and T2 (₦25,600.00). Profits per naira invested varied across treatment groups with T1 (₦6,850.00), T2 (₦6,700.00), T3 ₦12,800.00), T4 (₦12,650.00) and T5 (₦12,150.00). Costs per kilogram weight gain were ₦2,072.00, ₦1,881.00, ₦1,808.00, ₦1,528.00 and ₦1,409.00 for treatments T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. The economic analysis of the research showed an average gross farm income of ₦3,140.00 per head of animals which implies a profitable venture using these crop residues.

Performances, carcass characteristics, and economic benefit of yearling Hararghe highland rams fed diet containing concentrate mixtures and sugarcane bagasse or rice husk treated with Trichoderma viride and effective microorganisms.

The productivity of small ruminants in Ethiopia is low due to a shortage of feed supply throughout the year, both in terms of quality and quantity. This problem leads to the utilization of locally available lignocellulose by-products, which encompass high cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. It is known that the nutritive value of these lignocellulose by-products can be improved through biological, chemical, or a combination of both treatments This study was aimed at evaluating body weight change, carcass characteristics, and economic efficiency of rams fed a total mixed diet containing biologically treated rice husk (RH) or sugarcane bagasse (SCB). Thirty-six sheep, weighing an average initial body weight of 18 ± 1.8 kg were used. Two feeds (SCB and RH) and three biological treatments (Control, Trichoderma viride [Tv], and effective microbes [EM]) were used with a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in 2 × 3 factorial arrangements. Ram fed on RH containing diets had higher dry matter intake (DMI) (g/h/day), DMI (% of BW), DMI (g/kg BW0.75), average daily gain (ADG) (106 vs. 53 g/day), and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) (0.107 vs. 0.076) than SCB containing diets. Ram fed diets containing biologically treated roughages had significantly higher (p < .05) DMI (g/h/day), DMI (% of BW), DMI (g/kg BW0.75), ADG, and FCE. However, no significant differences were observed between sheep fed diets containing EM and Tv in DMI (g/h/day), DMI (% of BW), DMI (g/kg BW0.75), ADG, and FCE. This study also revealed that significantly (p < .05) higher carcass weight, dressing percentage (DP), rib eye muscle area, total non-carcass fat, and total edible offal components had been recorded for rams fed diets containing RH as roughage source related to rams fed diets containing SCB. While other parameters were unaffected by treatments, sheep fed diets containing biologically treated feed had a higher hot carcass weight plus DP. However, no significant (p > .05) difference was found between diets based on biologically treated roughage. Profitability analysis indicated that sheep fattening on a diet containing RH and by-products treated with Tv and EM showed greater profitability than untreated SCB. The authors had concluded that fattening sheep on diets containing RH results in higher feed intake, better body weight gain, more carcasses and higher profits, but optimum inclusion levels need further research, for either treated or untreated SCB.

Plant Extracts to Alleviating Heat Stress in Dairy Cows.

Heat stress (HS) in cows is a critical issue in the dairy industry. Dairy cows accumulate heat from body metabolism, along with that imposed by air temperature, humidity, air flow and solar radiation. HS in animals can occur during hot and humid summers when the ambient temperature is extremely high. Dairy cows have relatively high feed intakes and metabolic heat production and are thus susceptible to HS, leading to reductions in feed intake, lower milk yield, affected milk quality, reduced animal health and even shortening the productive lifespan of cows. Therefore, alleviating HS is a top priority for the dairy industry. Suitable plant extracts have advantages in safety, efficiency and few toxic side effects or residues for applications to alleviate HS in dairy cows. This paper reviews the effects of some plant extract products on alleviating HS in dairy cows and briefly discusses their possible mechanisms of action.

The effect of incorporating dietary green seaweed (Ulva sp.) on growth performance, blood parameters, and carcass and meat quality characteristics of Jumbo quail

Seaweeds are functional aquatic plants that can be used in Jumbo quail (Coturnix sp.) feeds as sources of phytochemicals and nutrients. However, no studies have investigated the feed value of green seaweed (Ulva sp.) meal (SM) for the Jumbo quail. Thus, the impact of different dietary inclusion levels of SM on productive traits, serum biochemistry, haematology, visceral organ sizes, carcass features, and meat quality attributes in Jumbo quail was investigated. In a completely randomised design, one-week-old quail (n = 385; 67.7 ± 3.44 g body weight) were allotted to five treatments, with seven replicate pens (experimental unit). The treatments were produced by including 0 (SM0), 20 (SM20), 40 (SM40), 60 (SM60) and 80 g/kg (SM80) of green SM in a commercial grower diet. Regression results showed no linear or quadratic effects (P > 0.05) to different levels of SM for average weekly feed intake, overall weight gain, haematological indices, internal organs, carcass features, and meat quality characteristics of the birds. However, incorporating SM up to 80 g/kg in the diet linearly reduced overall gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) [R2 = 0.282; P = 0.0001] and slaughter weights [R2 = 0.159; P = 0.026]. Treatment SM80 promoted (P < 0.05) higher feed intake than diet SM60 in weeks 3, 4 and 5, but were comparable to the control treatment in weeks 4 and 5. Birds fed with diets SM0 and SM20 had higher (P < 0.05) overall weight gain than birds fed with diet SM60. Diet SM80 resulted in lower (P < 0.05) overall G:F (0.250) than diet SM0 (0.277). Higher slaughter weights were observed on SM0 and SM20 groups than the SM60 group. We concluded that the use of dietary green SM up to 80 g/kg in Jumbo quail feeds compromises gain-to-feed ratio and slaughter weights but not physiological and meat quality attributes.

IMPACT OF CONCENTRATES WITH VARYING LEVEL OF METABOLIZEABLE ENERGY AND CRUDE PROTEIN ON GROWTH RATE AND NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITIY IN MALE BUFFALO GROWING CALVES

Twenty buffalo male calves of Nili Ravi breed with 10-12 months of age and 100+ 10 kg of weight were enrolled in this research to see the effect of different levels of crude protein (CP) and metabolizable energy (ME) on dry matter intake (DMI), growth rate and digestibility of nutrients in male buffalo calves. Four experimental rations A, B, C and D were prepared with two levels of CP i.e. 16.0 and 18.0% along with two varying levels of ME i.e. 2.82 &amp; 2.94 Mcal/kg. The animals were individually fed with ad libitum feeding. Buffalo calves who had consumed B&amp;D diets containing 2.94 Mcal/ had higher feed intake (DM basis) kilogram/day and weight gain but the difference was non significant statistically(P&gt;0.05) among all the treatment groups. However, feed conversion efficiency was significantly different (P&lt;0.05) among the treatments and was better in calves who had consumed diets A &amp;C comprising 2.82 Mcal/kg).DMI digestibility were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in the animals fed on diet having high levels of energy other than low energy level while digestibility of CP was significant (P&lt;0.05) among the different groups however and NDF digestibility was almost same in all groups showing non significant difference (P&lt;0.05).It was concluded that Nili Ravi male buffalo calves require more metabolizable energy than beef cattle as endorsed by NRC (2001).

Effect of postweaning feed intake on performance, intestinal morphology, and the probability of diarrhoea in piglets.

Changes in gastrointestinal architecture, high incidence of diarrhoea, and low feed intake (FI) are commonly observed around weaning of pigs, but the relationship between postweaning FI and diarrhoea is unclear. This study aimed to determine the effect of low or high FI during the first days after weaning on growth performance, diarrhoea probability, intestinal permeability, and morphology in pigs until postweaning day (PWD) 28. A total of 120 pigs (7.20±0.26kg) weaned at 28days of age (PWD 0) were randomly allocated to five diets and housed individually until PWD 28. Two diets differed in CP and three diets differed in threonine and tryptophan levels. At PWD 4, pigs with the 25% lowest accumulated FI (LOW; n=30) and 25% highest accumulated FI (HIGH; n=30) were selected for the study. Faecal consistency was evaluated daily using a 4-scale visual scoring system. Blood was collected at PWD 4, 14, 21 and 28, and small intestinal and colonic tissue was obtained at slaughter on PWD 28. Until PWD 4, LOW pigs consumed approximately 20% (35.7±5.9g/day) of the FI of HIGH pigs (181±5.75g/day; P<0.05) and their average daily gain (ADG) was -103±15.1g/day. At PWD 28, average daily feed intake, ADG, and feed conversion ratio were still negatively affected by the FI level (P<0.05) and pigs in the LOW group were on average 4.4kg lighter than HIGH pigs. Pigs in the HIGH group showed a 55% higher probability of diarrhoea compared with LOW pigs during PWD 0-28. The number of antibiotic treatment days against diarrhoea was 2.38days higher for HIGH compared with LOW pigs (P=0.04). The intestinal permeability markers diamine oxidase and D-lactate in plasma were unaffected by the level of FI (P>0.10). The systemic inflammatory markers haptoglobin and C-reactive protein were higher for HIGH pigs at PWD 4 (P=0.005), but not affected in the following periods (P>0.10). Pigs in the HIGH group had an increased area of acidic mucin-producing cells in the small intestine compared with LOW pigs (P<0.05), but other intestinal morphology measurements at PWD 28 were unaffected by the level of FI. In conclusion, high FI just after weaning was associated with higher growth performance but also higher probability of diarrhoea and more frequent use of antibiotics until PWD 28.

Evaluation of the Aqueous Extract of Artemisia absinthium L. on Growth Performance and White Blood Count in Broiler

In this research, the effects of an Artemisia absinthium L. aqueous extract on broiler growth were measured. A total of 384 old-day broilers were used in a completely randomized study with three replicate each (n=32 each replicate). The basal diet was supplied with groups N0 (control), N1, N2, and N3 representing (5, 10, and 15% Artemisia absinthium L.), and the birds were kept under observation for 35 days. The results showed that there was no significant for body weight (g) and weight gain (g) between the aqueous extract groups (5, 10, and 15%) and the control group at 21 days of age. On the other hand, the broiler traded with Artemisia absinthium had a higher feed intake and FRC compared to the others groups during age 21 days. During age 35 days the Artemisia absinthium has significant effects (p<0.05) on the broiler’s performance compared to the control. The number of white blood cells in broilers fed with 5% Artemisia absinthium aqueous extract significantly differed significantly from the other groups. There was a significant difference in Lymphocytes (%) between the aqueous extract of Artemisia absinthium and the control groups. There was no significant difference in Heterophils (%) or H/L (%). In conclusion, the aqueous extract of Artemisia absinthium can improve broiler performance and enhance the white blood cells.

Evaluating the effects of direct-fed microbial supplementation on the performance, milk quality and fatty acid of mid-lactating dairy cows.

The objective of the experiment was to investigate the effect of a mixture of direct-fed microbial (DFM) on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, milk yield and composition, milk fatty acid and blood parameter in crossbred mid-lactating cows. Twenty-four crossbred Holstein cows (body weight = 650±15kg; days in milk = 100±20; daily milk yield = 25±3kg) were used in a completely randomized design with three treatments: (1) CON, without DFM; (2) LS, inoculation with Lactobacillus fermentum (4.5 × 108 CFU/day) plus Saccharomyces cerevisiae (1.4×1010 CFU/day); and (3) LSM, inoculation with LS plus Megasphaera elsdenii (4.5 × 108 CFU/day). All animals received the same ration with 45.7% forage and 54.3% concentrate. Results showed that the highest feed intake was observed in treatments LS and LSM (p = 0.02). Compared with the CON, milk production, 4% fat-corrected milk, energy-corrected milk, fat (kg/day), protein (kg/day) and lactose (kg/day), FE and percent of fat were increased (p<0.05) by LSM, but unaffected by LS. Also, compared with the CON, both LS and LSM increased antioxidant activity (p<0.05). The concentration of C18:2c n-6 increased significantly in treatment LSM compared with the CON (p = 0.003). The concentration of C20:0 increased significantly in treatment LS compared with the CON (p = 0.004). The highest concentrations of insulin, glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol were observed by LSM (p<0.05). Compared with the CON, both LS and LSM increased blood monocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil and basophil (p<0.05), and blood lymphocyte was increased (p = 0.02) only by LSM. The results of the research showed that the use of DFMs had no effect on the digestibility, microbial load and the major part of fatty acids in milk. However, it improved feed intake, milk yield and antioxidant activity of milk and also increased the milk concentration of C18:2 n-6.

Influence of Culture Tank Colours on the Water Quality, Growth Performance and Feed Utilization of Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758) Juveniles

The study was conducted over a period of fifty-six (56) days to investigate the effects of different colours of culture tanks on the water quality, growth, and feed utilization of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) juveniles. O. niloticus of mean body weight of 8.5g were stocked and fed twice daily with a commercial diet containing 42% crude protein. The experiment had four treatments based on tank colours; white, green, black and blue coloured tanks. Some water quality indices were assessed once in a week while the fish were weighed at the end of the experiment to compute the performance indices. The data were presented using mean and standard error and comparative analysis was done using one way ANOVA at 95% confidence interval with Duncan multiple range test as the follow up test. The water quality parameters examined during the study were not significantly different among the treatments. All the selected water quality parameters were within the acceptable range for tropical fish culture. While there was no significant difference in final weight, weight gain, percentage weight gain, and specific growth rate among the treatments, black tanks showed slightly higher values with 10.89±0.89 g, 2.54±0.94g, 30.47±11.43%, and 0.47±0.16%/day, respectively. Higher feed intake and FCR were recorded in green tank (10.08±0.61 g and 7.92±2.70 respectively) and the least was observed in black tank (9.32±0.12g and 4.23±1.51). The percentage survival of the fish was different significantly among the treatments (P&lt;0.05). Fish reared in white background showed the highest survival (100%) which was different significantly from all other treatments. The blue and black tanks showed slightly higher values of viscerosomatic index and hepatosomatic index with 7.22±1.00% and 2.02±0.25%, respectively, while black and white tanks had the least values with 4.44±1.11% and 1.64±0.15%, respectively. The results showed that O. niloticus juveniles can be reared in all the tanks with no negative implication on their performances. However, black and white tanks showed better potential towards improved growth and feed utilization, while white tank led to better survival rate and tended towards better well-being as indicated by the skin pigmentation and hepatosmatic index. Therefore, rearing of O. niloticus juvenile in white tank is recommended over other colours.