Higher Average Daily Weight Gain Research Articles

Comparative study of mash vs pellet feed on growth performance and feed utilization by goat

This study was conducted in Bharatpur-11, Chitwan, Nepal, to evaluate the effects of two feed forms (mash and pellet) on the growth performance and feed utilization in goats. Twenty Boer cross female goats, averaging five months in age, were assigned to either mash or pellet feed treatments, with 10 goats in each group, for a 90-day period, with two weeks of adaptation. The experimental animals were given concentrate feed at 1% of their body weight daily, along with ad libitum access to Napier grass and clean drinking water. Both feed types had a dry matter content of 90% and a crude protein level of 17%. Key parameters assessed included feed and forage intake, body weight changes, and feed wastage. Goats on pelleted feed showed a significantly higher average daily weight gain of 62.00 g/day compared to 26.11 g/day for those on mash feed. Final body weights were also greater in the pellet-fed group (28.88 kg) compared to the mash-fed group (25.04 kg). Additionally, pelleted feed led to higher intake of concentrate and forages and significantly reduced feed wastage, with pellet feed waste being 1.22 g/day versus 27.65 g/day for mash feed. These findings indicate that pelleted feed enhances growth performance, feed intake, and feed efficiency in goats. Therefore, this study indicated that pelleted feed is a more effective option for enhancing goat productivity and reducing feed wastage.

ТРАВОСМЕСИ ДЛЯ СОЗДАНИЯ ВЫСОКОКАЧЕСТВЕННЫХ ИНТЕНСИВНЫХ СЕНОКОСОВ В ПОЛУПУСТЫННОЙ ЗОНЕ РОССИИ

The purpose of the study is to improve the species composition of grass mixtures under irrigated conditions to increase their productivity, longevity and provide livestock with high-quality feed. The experiments were performed in 2019-2022 on old plowed lands located in the right-bank steppe of the north of Astrakhan region under irrigation. Irrigation method: sprinkling, 10 vegetation irrigations per season. The soil is light chestnut, medium loamy with a humus content of 0.90...1.00%. mobile phosphorus and potassium (according to Machigin) – 69 and 361.5 mg/kg, respectively. We studied 6 variants of grass mixtures: control (creeping wheatgrass, angustifolia bluegrass, awnless brome, coastal sedge, swamp grass, California cocklebur); grass mixture 1 – 25:25:25:25% (blue hybrid alfalfa, meadow clover, meadow timothy, meadow fescue; grass mixture 2 – 30:40:30% (meadow clover, multi-cut ryegrass, meadow fescue; grass mixture 3 – 50:50% ; (meadow clover and reed grass); grass mixture 4 – 25:25:25:25% (eastern goat’s rue, meadow clover, multi-cut ryegrass, meadow fescue; grass mixture 5 – 25:25:25:25% (meadow clover, meadow timothy) , multi-cut ryegrass, common beckmania); grass mixture 6 – 50:25:25% (meadow clover, festulolium, intermediate wheatgrass. The most productive were grass mixtures No. 1 and No. 2 – 147.6 and 156.3 t/ha of green mass, which higher than the control by 134.3 and 143.0 t/ha, respectively. All studied options were distinguished by high nutritional value - the content of feed units per 1 kg of dry biomass varied from 0.75 kg per 1 kg of feed for grass mixture No. 2 to 0.85. kg per 1 kg of feed for grass mixture No. 5. When feeding all grass mixtures with hay, the animals had a higher average daily weight gain (1.2...1.7 higher) in terms of nutritional value, compared to feeding with hay from natural grass. The high productivity and price of hay of legume-grass grass mixtures determine the high profitability (177%) of its production, which is 3.3 times higher than natural haymaking.

Effectiveness of the use of enzyme preparation Hemicell® HT for growing young goslings

Agricultural waterfowl have certain biological characteristics: intensive metabolism and rapid growth, early maturity and signifcant reproduction potential, high body temperature, and resistance to many infectious diseases. The article presents the results of an experimental study of the effect of the exogenous enzyme preparation Hemicell® HT (1 kg contains the active ingredient β-mannase - 160x106 units) on the productive qualities of young goslings of Shadryna and Italian breeds. To achieve this goal, four experimental groups of goslings were formed: Group 1 - control, 2, 3, 4 - experimental, which were fed the enzyme preparation Hemicell® HT as part of a complete feed mixture - 150 g for the second experimental group, 250 g for the third and 310 g for the fourth experimental group per 1 tonne of fodder. It was found that the introduction of the exogenous enzyme preparation Hemicell® in the above doses into the diet of young geese signifcantly affects the growth rate of young geese and metabolic processes in their bodies. If at the end of the frst decade the most positive effect on the body was found in low and high dos- age of the enzyme preparation (birds of the 2nd and 4th groups), as a result of which, compared to the analogues of the 1st control group, the difference in the average daily gain was 3.4 and 2.8 g (p<0.001), then the average dosage of the enzyme preparation in the analogues of the 3rd experimental group provided a difference of only 1.1 g (p<0.01). However, by the end of the frst rearing period (up to 21 days), the highest average daily weight gain was observed in geese of the 3rd experimental group compared to the analogues of the control, 2nd and 4th experimental groups. Thus, while the average daily weight gain in geese of the 1st control group was 43.1 g, this fgure was 2.6 g higher in the 2nd group (p<0.01), 5.1 g in the 3rd group and 3.6 g in the 4th group (p<0.001). This pattern was maintained until the end of the experiment, with signifcant differences in goslings of the 3rd experimental group compared to the control: at the age of 31 days - by 9.7 g (p<0.01), 41 days - by 10.1 g (p<0.05), 66 days - by 9.2 g (p<0.05). In geese of the 2nd and 4th groups, the average daily weight gain was higher than in the control group, but did not have significant differences during the same age period. As a result, in general, the average daily weight gain of goslings of the 1st control group was 59.9 g, in the 2nd experimental group it was 3.1 g (p<0.01), or 5.2%, in the 3rd - 6.6 g (p<0.001), or 11%, and in the 4th group - 4.2 g (p<0.001), or 7.0%, compared to the same indicator of the control. The use of the enzyme preparation had a positive effect on the goslings' organism, which made it possible to realise the genetic potential of goslings' productivity at a higher level in all experimental groups, but the highest growth rate was observed in the 3rd experimental group of geese. Key words: geese, Shadryna breed, Italian breed, enzyme preparation, Hemicell® HT, weight gain, live weight.

Effects of different dietary energy levels on growth performance, meat quality and nutritional composition, rumen fermentation parameters, and rumen microbiota of fattening Angus steers.

This study investigates the effects of varying energy levels in diets on Black Angus steers, focusing on growth performance, muscle composition, rumen microbial community, and their interrelationships. Twenty-seven Black Angus steers, aged approximately 22 months and weighing 520 ± 40 kilograms, were randomly divided into three groups: low-energy (LE), medium-energy (ME), and high-energy (HE). Each group consisted of nine individuals. The steers were fed diets with energy levels of 6.657 MJ/kg (LE), 7.323 MJ/kg (ME), and 7.990 MJ/kg (HE) following a 14-day pre-feeding period, with a subsequent 90-day main experimental phase. After the 90-day feeding period, both the HE and ME groups exhibited significantly higher average daily weight gain (ADG) compared to the LE group (p < 0.05). The feed-to-weight ratios were lower in the HE and ME groups compared to the LE group (p < 0.05). The HE group showed significantly higher crude fat content in the longissimus dorsi muscle compared to the LE group (p < 0.05), with total fatty acid content in the muscle surpassing that in the ME and LE groups (p < 0.05). As dietary energy levels increased, the diversity of the rumen microbial community decreased (p < 0.05), and significant differences in bacterial community structure were observed between the LE and HE groups (p < 0.05). The results suggest that higher dietary energy levels enhance growth performance and alter muscle composition in Black Angus steers, while also influencing the rumen microbial community. This study contributes to understanding optimal dietary strategies for finishing Angus cattle to improve beef quality, economic returns, and the development of standardized production procedures.

Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Powder Additive on Growth Performance, Flock Uniformity and Blood Profile of Japanese Quails (Coturnix japonica)

Turmeric has been reported to possess various bioactive compounds. This study examined the effects of turmeric powder as a natural feed additive on the growth performance, flock uniformity, and blood profile of Japanese quail. Two hundred and fifty-six (256) male Japanese quail of average weight of 115.00 ± 5g were used for this study. The birds were randomly allotted to four dietary groups with four replicates of sixteen birds each in a Completely Randomized Design. Turmeric powder was added in the diet at 0.00%, 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75% to form diet D1, D2, D3, and D4. All the data collected for growth performance were significantly influenced (P&lt;0.05). Birds fed D2 had the highest average daily weight gain (1.33 g/bird) followed by those fed D3 (1.25 g/bird), D1 (1.17 g/bird), and D4 (1.09 g/bird). Birds fed D2 had the highest total feed intake (829.59 g/bird) and D1 had the lowest (786.34 g/bird). Birds fed D4 had the highest flock uniformity and feed conversion ratio (59.40% and 18.17 respectively). All the haematological parameters were significant (P&lt;0.05) except pack cell volume, haematocrit, haemoglobin, red blood cell, and platelet. Birds fed D2 had the highest mean corpuscular volume (163.00 fL). Birds fed D3 had the highest white blood cell count (189.50 103/μL), heterophils (55.00 cells/μL), and eosinophils (1.50 cells/μL). Lymphocyte and platelet count were highest in the birds fed D4. All the serum biochemical parameters were significant (P&lt;0.05) except asparate aminotransferase, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein. Except for total protein, alanine aminotransferase, and globulin, all the significant parameters were highest in birds fed D1. 0.25% of turmeric powder can be included in quail’s diet without adverse effect on the growth performance and health.

Species Selection for Profitable Commercial Fish Culture Through Biofloc Technology

Biofloc technology is a recent concept in Bangladesh, it has numerous advantages for enhancing aquaculture production in several countries, thereby contributing to achieve sustainable development goals. To identify the most suitable fish species for profitable commercial fish culture through Biofloc, a 100-day experiment was conducted at Pran Fisheries Project in Razapur Village, situated in Sreemangal Upazilla of Moulvibazar district, commencing in March 2021. The experiment comprised three treatments: Oreochromis niloticus, Anabus testudineus, and Labeo rohita with two replicates for each treatment. Water quality parameters were meticulously monitored to ensure optimal conditions. All treatments were conducted at a temperature of 26°C, with pH levels of 7.6-7.8, dissolved oxygen concentrations of 5-6 ppm. During the study, O. niloticus exhibited the highest body weight (66.23 ± 0.94) compared to A. testudineus (50.82 ± 0.94) and L. rohita (53.92 ± 0.17). Furthermore, L. rohita displayed a higher average daily weight gain (1.8 ± 0.003) and specific growth rate (3.29 ± 0.29). The best feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed both for O. niloticus (0.98 ± 0.33) and A. testudineus (0.98 ± 0.03). In terms of survival rate, O. niloticus outperformed the other species, with a rate of 98%. However, O. niloticus demonstrated better aquaculture performance compared to the other species using biofloc technology. This research provides valuable insights in effective cultural techniques that can enhance fish production through biofloc technology, contributing to economic growth in aquaculture sector and national development. J. Bio-Sci. 31(1): 71-85, 2023

EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF VARYING CONCENTRATE RATION LEVELS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF SAHIWAL HEIFERS DURING THE PRE-PUBERTAL PERIOD

This study aimed to investigate the effects of varying levels of concentrate ration on the performance of Sahiwal heifers during the pre-pubertal period. The study examined several key parameters, including dry matter intake (DMI), daily weight gain (DWG), feed efficiency (FE), onset of puberty, body measurements (BM), and nutrient digestibility. The findings demonstrated significant differences among the different treatments and provided valuable insights into the impact of concentrate supplementation. Regarding DMI, the results indicated a variation ranging from 3.66±0.08 to 5.59±0.03 kg/heifer, which could be attributed to factors such as age, size, and weight of the heifers. In terms of DWG, heifers fed on a diet consisting of green fodder and 1% concentrate exhibited a higher average daily weight gain of 0.49±0.01 kg/calf compared to other treatments. FE was also influenced by the level of concentrate supplementation, with higher concentrations leading to improved efficiency. The provision of additional dietary protein was found to enhance feed efficiency by converting feed into available protein. The onset of puberty was significantly affected by the supplementation of green fodder with varying levels of concentrate. Delayed puberty was observed in Sahiwal heifers fed solely on ad-libitum fodder, indicating the importance of sufficient nutrient intake to meet the heifers' nutritional requirements. Body measurements (BM), including body length (BL), wither height (WL), and heart girth (HG), showed improvement in heifers fed on varying levels of concentrate. The digestibility of nutrients, including dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), and ash, varied significantly among the different treatments. Overall, this study provides important insights into the effects of concentrate ration levels on the performance of Sahiwal heifers during the pre-pubertal period. These findings contribute to existing knowledge and can serve as a valuable resource for researchers, farmers, and stakeholders interested in optimizing the growth and development of Sahiwal heifers.

Performance of Pantaneira breed cows in precision grazing system.

Use of a grazing system that takes into account the ingestive behavior of animals and the physiological characteristics of plants maximizes land use and promotes positive effects on the environment. In this sense, the objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of Pantaneira breed cows, kept in rotated grazing in Mombasa grass (Megathyrsus maximum), with different grazing times. Fifty animals were divided into two treatments: Continuous T1: 24h and T2-Inverted: 12h. The experiment lasted 98days, being determined the production and nutritional quality of the forage, digestibility, intake, and performance of the animals. The design was randomized blocks at 5% probability, with the means compared by the F test. The design used was completely randomized at 5% probability by the T test. There was no significant difference for biomass production (P > 0.05). However, after grazing the Inverted group, the forage showed a lower percentage of leaves and an increase in neutral detergent fiber and acid contents and total carbohydrates, and a reduction in crude protein and ether extract values, as well as a higher digestibility (P < 0.05). The animals of the Continuous group intaked more forage (P < 0.05). The Inverted group had a higher average daily weight gain, in addition to a lower feed conversion (P < 0.001). The animals in the Control group spent more time eating (P < 0.0001) and sleeping (P < 0.0001), while the animals of the Inverted group spent more time in idleness (P < 0.0001) and interacting (P < 0.05). There was no difference in rumination time between treatments (P > 0.05). It was concluded that Inverted grazing improved the quality of Mombasa grass and the performance of cows.

Effects of selected herbal diets on performance of Trypanosome-challenged West African Dwarf Sheep

Herbal remedies play a major role in animal production with many of these herbs serving as treatment for some ailments and also allowing animals become more resistant to deleterious effects of disease. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of herbal based diet on physiological parameters (temperature and pulse rate), feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio respectively in West African Dwarf sheep infected with trypanosomes. Fifteen (15) West African Dwarf sheep separated into 5 groups fed various herbal diets in sole or mixed formulations thentemperature and pulse rate, feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio were measured on a daily basis.Animals placed on Diet E (Occimum gratissimum + Vernonia amygdalina) had a significantly higher average daily weight gain (24.32g, p&lt;0.05) when compared across all treatments whileanimals placed on Diet D (Vernonia amygdalina+ Citrus aurantifolia) had a significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) average daily feed conversion ratio (35.02). A combination of Occimum gratissimum + Vernonia amygdalina and Vernonia amygdalina + Citrus aurantifolia aided in ameliorating the deleterious effects of trypanosomosis on production in sheep.

Effects of a Blend of Live Yeast and Organic Minerals as an Alternative to Monensin on Intake, Digestibility, Performance and Beef Quality of Nellore Bulls Finished on Pasture with High Concentrate Supplementation

Effects of a blend of live yeast and organic minerals as an alternative to monensin and inorganic trace minerals for beef cattle finished on pasture with high concentrate supplementation, on growth performance, intake, digestibility, liver trace mineral and carcass characteristics were evaluated. Forty-eight Nellore bulls were blocked by initial body weight and randomly assigned to one of the two experimental diets. The animals were raised in an experimental pasture divided into 12 paddocks equipped with an electronic system for monitoring individual feeding behavior and feed intake. Treatments were: (1) Monensin (MON), 30 mg/kg supplement dry matter of sodium monensin and trace minerals supplementation from inorganic sources; (2) AdvantageTM (ADV), 1.6 g/kg supplement DM of a blend of live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains) and organic trace minerals. The use of ADV instead of MON led to greater supplement intake and greater intake of dietary components. Bulls fed ADV also had higher digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and non-fiber carbohydrates. Bulls fed MON had a greater number of visits to the feeder, however with a shorter time spent feeding per visit. The use of ADV resulted in higher average daily weight gain, and feed efficiency was similar between treatments. In the carcass, ADV tended toward greater Longissimus muscle area. Liver Zn concentration tended to be lower in the ADV treatment. The use of ADV generated higher meat lightness and redness. In summary, the blend of live yeast and organic minerals can be an alternative to monensin and inorganic sources of trace minerals for beef cattle finished on pasture with high concentrate supplementation, without negative effects on supplement feed efficiency and with benefits to animal growth.

Intake, digestibility, growth performance and blood profile of rams fed sugarcane bagasse or rice husk treated with Trichoderma viride and effective microorganisms

Sugarcane bagasse and rice husk are lignocellulose rich agricultural by-products designated as an alternative feed for ruminant. However, their nutritive value is relatively low due to low digestibility, high fiber content, low protein content and low palatability. Therefore, the nutritional value of these by-products can be improved with biological treatments. The objective of this study to evaluate the feed intake, digestibility, growth performance and blood profile of Hararghe highland sheep fed biologically treated rice husk (RH) or sugarcane bagasse (SCB) in concentrate mixtures. Thirty six rams with an average age of 10 months and an average initial weight of 18 ± 1.8kg were assigned in randomized complete block design (RCBD) in 2 × 3 factorial arrangements, with two feeds (SCB and RH) and three treatment groups (Control, Trichoderma viride and effective microorganism (EM)). 5% EM1 was used to prepare the activated EM solution and 5% Trichoderma viride (Tv) solution was used to prepare inaculant. Sheep were fed ad libitum for 90 days at 20% refusal rate followed by10 days of digestibility trial. Nutrient intake and digestibility of sheep were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the interaction. Sheep fed either treated or untreated rice husk based diets had significantly higher dry matter (DM g/d), organic matter (OM g/d), crude protein (CP g/d) and metabolizable energy (ME MJ/d) intake than a diet based on untreated sugarcane bagasse or treated with Trichoderma viride. Sheep fed diets containing either treated or untreated rice husks had a higher average daily weight gain (ADG) and feed conversion efficiency than sugarcane bagasse containing diets. Sheep fed diets containing biologically treated roughages had significantly higher (p < 0.05) average daily weight gain and feed conversion efficiency. Conversely, no significant differences were observed between rams fed diets containing EM and Trichoderma viride (Tv) treated rice husk or sugarcane bagasse in average daily weight gain (ADG) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE). Values of some blood hematology (red blood cell, haemoglobin and packed cell volume) and total protein, urea, glucose and cholesterol of serum metabolites were significantly (p < 0.05) higher for rams fed diet containing rice husk. In conclusion, the results show that the biological treatment of feed with the effective microorganism or Trichoderma viride improved nutrient utilization and average daily gain in the sheep fattening diet.

Effect of unconventional feeds on production cost, growth performance and expression of quantitative genes in growing pigs

This study examined the effects of unconventional feed on performance characteristics and candi-date gene expression in growing pigs of 3-5months of age. A Total of forty-five (45) growing pigs were randomly allotted into five treatments consisting of whole maize (T1), brewer’s dried grain (T2), cassava peel meal (T3), plantain peel meal (T4), and corn husk meal (T5), at 35% inclusion rate. Per-formance data were collected for 12weeks, while duodenum and liver samples were collected after the experiment for gene expression analysis. Data were analyzed in a completely randomized design. Diets significantly (p&lt; 0.05) affected growth performance with treatment 2 recording the highest average daily weight gain of 0.21±0.02 whilecorn husk meal (T5)had the least 0.11±0.01. Feed efficiency was highest for whole maize (T1) and brewer’s dried grain (T2) (0.10±0.02) and lowest for t5 (0.07±0.17). Cost-benefit analysis were significantly different (p&lt;0.05) with t4 recording the highest gross margin. Insulin-like growth factor1 and leptin gene were differentially expressed in tissues, while no significant differences (p&gt;0.05) existed for growth hormone gene and ryanodine receptor1 gene. The results showed commendable gross margin, however, cognizance should be taken in the quantity of brewer’s dried grain fed to pigs since it increased the expression of ryanodine receptor 1 gene that leads to por-cine malignant hypertermia and pale soft exudates pork.

Potentials of Exogenous Melatonin Administration on Growth and Performance of West African Dwarf bucks

The effect of exogenous melatonin (EM) on growth, physiological and haematological parameters of West African dwarf (WAD) bucks was evaluated in the experiment. Intact selected sixteen WAD bucks were distributed into 4 treatment groups of 0, 3, 6 and 9 mg EM. Bucks were orally dozed with EM 3 times per week for 16 weeks. Blood samples were collected at 0th week, 8th week and 16th week of experiment for evaluation of haematological parameters. Analysis of Variance was carried out and significant means were separated using SAS. Results showed bucks given 6 mg EM had higher average daily weight gain of 31.3 g compared with others. Feed and water intake were similar across treatments, but feed conversion ratio was significantly lower in bucks given 6 mg EM. Values recorded in the morning of data collection days showed pulse and respiratory rates to be significantly different, with bucks given 6 mg of EM having lowest values. 6 mg group was also different for packed cell volume (32.57%), haemoglobin (10.72g/dl), red blood cell (11.38 1012 /L), neutrophil (35.50%) and lymphocyte (64.30%). Therefore, dose of 6 mg/animal EM influences growth performance, physiological and haematological parameters of WAD bucks positively and is therefore recommended for WAD bucks for optimal performance.

EFFECTS OF FEEDING UREA ENSILED MILLET STOVER BASED DIETS WITH CONCENTRATES ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMY OF SUPPLEMENTATION IN GROWING YANKASA RAMS

Effects of feeding urea ensiled millet stover based diets with concentrates on growth performance and economy of supplementation in growing Yankasa Rams were evaluated. Four kg urea was dissolved in 100 litres of water sprinkled on 100kg of millet stover kept in an airtight, anaerobic condition for 21 days (ensiled) as basal diet, fed ad libitum to thirty Yankasa rams with average initial weights of 16.35 - 18.21 kg replicated 5 times using completely randomized design were allocated to 6 diets; 300g cottonseed cake diet 1, Faidherbia albida diet 2, CSC &amp; maize offal diet 3, FA &amp; maize offal diet 4, CSC &amp; wheat offal diet 5 and FA &amp; wheat offal diet 6, fed twice for 70 days. Findings revealed highest (p&lt;0.05) DM intake (756.09g/d) in diet 6. Rams on diet 2 recorded highest average daily weight gain and FCR (75.81g/d &amp; 7.91) than diet 4 (35.02g/day &amp; 17.94) with least. cost of concentrate diets was lower in diet 6 (₦ 35.82) than diet 1 (₦ 109.83), 2 (₦ 46.79), 3 (₦ 66.71), 4 (₦ 68.77) and 5 (₦ 58.50). Supplementation of urea ensiled millet stover based diet improved growth performance and FCR. However, supplementing Faidherbia albida pod meal at 30% with 4kg urea ensiled millet stover gave the highest ADG and FCR with a concomittant reduction in cost of feed, therefore is recommended for growing Yankasa rams.

Feedlot rearing versus pasture grazing enhances plasma leptin and insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations but does not anticipate puberty in dairy buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) heifers

Plasma Leptin (LEP) and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), related to growth and puberty onset, were assayed in growing buffalo heifers from 8 up to 21 months of age, reared in feedlot (FR, n = 13; initial body weight 132 ± 11 Kg) or grazing at pasture (PG, n = 13; 137 ± 12 Kg). The mean age at puberty was not different between the two groups (599.5 and 610.5 days, in FR and PG, respectively). At puberty, FR heifers showed higher BCS, and higher average daily weight gain (DWG) than PG ones (0.87 vs. 0.62 Kg/day), and were heavier (462 vs. 375 Kg). A negative correlation between DWG and age at puberty was significant for the PG group. Plasma Inhibin-A increased in both groups one month before puberty. Plasma LEP and IGF-1 sharply increased 2 months before puberty (about 18 months old) in FR heifers only, which showed higher concentrations of both hormones than PG heifers. Plasma LEP levels correlated positively with body weight and IGF-1. Despite hormone levels being affected by rearing systems, and being lower in heifers grazing at pasture, these latter experienced adequate growth and reproductive maturation. In fact, grazing heifers reached puberty at the same age as the feedlot reared ones, with shorter puberty–conception interval (51.3 vs. 67.2 days, for PG and FR groups, respectively) and no difference in conception rates (83.3 and 84.6%, for PG and FR groups respectively). The higher BW and DWG of FR heifers were due to body fat deposition, which did not anticipate the puberty onset. Highlights Metabolic hormones Leptin and IGF-1, linked to puberty attainment, are good indicators of the animal energetic state. Buffalo heifers reared in intensive system vs. the ones at pasture had higher hormone levels and growth, but reproductive performance was not better. Post-weaned heifers can be reared at pasture during growth and breeding, without compromising reproductive performance.

Live weight as an indicator of morphobiochemical blood composition of heifers under intensive breeding technology

Purpose: The growth processes of Holsteinized black-motley breed heifers during rearing as well as correlation relations of live weight with morphobiochemical blood parameters have been evaluated.Materials and methods. The studies are performed on healthy chicks of the golstinized black and qualifier of the breed (blood blood is more than 90 %). When forming an experimental group (n = 10) from clinically healthy animals at 1 month age, the principle of close analogues was used. To assess the morpho-bio-chemical status, with individual weighing of the heifers, blood samples were taken 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 13 months of age, which were used to determine morphological indicators (erythrogram, leukogram) and biochemical STGs, IPR1, general protein, albumin, albumin, albumin. Urea, activity Alat and Asat. Additionally calculated: the number of globulins (GL), the alb/GL ratio, il, alb/urea, GL/urea, STG/IFR-1, the lady of the de Ritis coefficient (Asat/Alat). To assess the intensity of the growth of the heifers, they were monthly weighed in individual machines, which made it possible to determine the average body weight (kg) and the average daily body weight (G). For statistical analysis, the Versia program was used. The values of p &lt;0.05 were used to indicate the significance of the differences between the signs. The relationship between the sub-signs was revealed by calculating the values of the correlation coefficients on the Spearman.Results. The blood samples of the heifers chosen for the experimental group (n=10) were taken at the ages of 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 13 months and body weight was determined every month. It was found that the body weight increases to 353,55±1,68 kg by the age of 13 months, and the highest average daily weight gain corresponds to the vegetative period of feeding. The morphophysiological composition of the blood of heifers is determined by age. Changes in the erythrogram are associated with an increase in the number of erythrocytes, hemoglobin and hematocrit by 29,28; 30,58; 27,87 % (p≤0,05), determining the morphological features of red cells. In the blood of heifers, the number of leukocytes would increase by 28.06 % (p≤0.05) by increasing the percentage of eosinophils, segmented neutrophils and monocytes by 45.31; 5.70 and 50.00 % (p≤0.05) and reducing lymphocytes and stab neutrophils by 5.69 and 43.39 % (p≤0.05). Protein metabolism has an anabolic orientation, as evidenced by an increase in the concentration of total protein, albumin and globulin by 13.11; 39.44 and 4.07 % (p≤0.05),ALAT and AsAT activity by 4.00 and 2.54 times (p≤0.05) against a decrease in urea levels by 26.57 % (p≤0.05). Protein anabolism is associated with regulatory effects of growth hormones, the concentration of which changes reciprocally: STH decreases by 54.32 % and IGF-1 increases by 32.07 times (p≤0.05). Body weight correlated statistically significantly with serum albumin (r=0.70±0.25 to 0.87±0.17), urea (r=-0.72±0.23 to -0.93±0.13), AsAT activity (r=0.53±0.30 to 0.65±0.27) and IGF-1 concentration (r=0.55±32 to 0.79±0.22).

Effects of Selected Herbal Diets on performance of Trypanosome challenged West African Dwarf Sheep

Herbal remedies play a major role in animal production with many of these herbs serving as a treatment for some ailments and also allowing animals to become more resistant to deleterious effects of disease. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of herbal-based diet on physiological parameters (temperature and pulse rate), feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio respectively in West African Dwarf sheep infected with trypanosomes. Fifteen (15) West African Dwarf sheep separated into 5 groups fed various herbal diets in sole or mixed formulations then temperature and pulse rate, feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio were measured on a daily basis.Animals placed on Diet E (Occimum gratissimum + Vernonia amygdalina) had a significantly higher average daily weight gain (24.32g, p&lt;0.05) when compared across all treatments whileanimals placed on Diet D (Vernonia amygdalina+ Citrus aurantifolia) had a significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) average daily feed conversion ratio (35.02). A combination of Occimum gratissimum + Vernonia amygdalina and Vernonia amygdalina + Citrus aurantifolia aided in ameliorating the deleterious effects of trypanosomosis on production in sheep

Differences in the protection elicited by a recombinant Teladorsagia circumcincta vaccine in weaned lambs of two Canarian sheep breeds

Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections are a serious drawback on small ruminant production. Since anthelmintic resistance has extended, optimisation of alternative non-chemical control strategies has attracted interest. Recently, a prototype recombinant vaccine protected immunologically mature sheep from Texel-cross and Canaria Sheep breeds against Teladorsagia circumcincta. The level of protective immunity stimulated by the vaccine varied between individuals and with age. Previous studies suggest that Canaria Hair Breed (CHB) sheep is naturally resistant to GIN infection, with some evidence suggesting that this protection is present in young lambs. Here, we sought to enhance this resistance by immunising three-month-old CHB lambs with a T. circumcincta prototype recombinant vaccine. Following vaccination and a larval challenge period, levels of protection against T. circumcincta infection were compared in CHB lambs with Canaria Sheep (CS) lambs (a breed considered less resistant to GIN). Lambs from the resistant CHB breed appeared to respond more favourably to vaccination, shedding 63% fewer eggs over the sampling period than unvaccinated CHB lambs. No protection was evident in CS vaccinated lambs. At post-mortem, CHB vaccine recipients had a 68% reduction in mean total worm burden, and female worms were significantly shorter and contained fewer eggs in utero compared to unvaccinated CHB lambs. A higher anti-parasite IgG2 level was detected in immunised CHB lambs compared to unvaccinated control CHB animals, with data suggesting that IgA, globular leucocytes, CD45RA+, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are implicated in this protective response. The development of effective immunity in vaccinated CHB lambs did not reduce lamb growth rate as immunised CHB lambs had a significantly higher average daily weight gain after challenge than their unvaccinated counterparts. Therefore, the protection of CHB lambs was enhanced by immunisation at weaning, suggesting a synergistic effect when combining vaccination with presumed genetic resistance.

Fermented Wheat Bran Polysaccharides Intervention Alters Rumen Bacterial Community and Promotes Rumen Development and Growth Performance in Lambs.

There is growing interest in the utilization of plant polysaccharides for the modulation of the rumen bacterial community and enhancement of growth performance in ruminants. Fermented wheat bran polysaccharides (FWBPs), plant polysaccharides, have been shown to improve the growth performance of lambs, but little is known about their effect on rumen bacteria. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of FWBPs supplementation to milk replacer (MR) on the growth performance, blood metabolites, weight and morphology of rumen, rumen fermentation, and rumen bacterial community which were investigated in lambs. Twelve 1.5-month-old crossbred lambs (Dorper × Small-tailed Han Sheep) with an initial body weight (BW) of 11.38 ± 0.19 kg were randomly divided into two groups, namely, the control group and FWBPs group. Compared with the control group, the FWBPs group had a higher average daily weight gain and serum total protein concentrations, and a lower feed: gain ratio. A tendency of increase in final BW and carcass BW was also observed. Administration of FWBPs increased the ruminal papillae width and ruminal butyrate proportion and decreased the concentration of ammonia nitrogen and the proportion of isobutyrate and isovalerate. In addition, the epithelial cell thickness had an increased trend in the FWBPs group. High-throughput sequencing data showed that the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group and Solobacterium was enhanced by FWBP treatment; meanwhile, the relative abundance of NK4A214_group, Megasphaera, and Treponema showed a tendency to be higher than that of the control group. Furthermore, Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that the relative abundances of NK4A214_group, Treponema, and Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group were positively correlated with butyrate proportion. Collectively, FWBPs supplementation to MR on lambs altered the rumen bacterial community, promoted rumen development, and improved growth performance.

Effect of salinity on embryonic development eggs hatching rate and of larvael survival of Common Carb

This study focus upon the beneficial capability of brackish water embryonic development hatching fish eggs embryo genes of common carp, Cyprinus carpio ( L.). different concentrations were used. (2-16‰). The aeration hatching technique was used in the hatching of eggs, and the hatched larvae were incubated in the same salt concentrations. The nursing was done in plastic containers for eight weeks in the same salt concentrationsThe results showed that the higher ratio of development of the embryos which was 94% at salt concentration of 6‰ after the first six hours of the eggs incubation, and decreased to85.5% in the concentration of 6‰ after 48 hours of incubation. The period of hatching of eggs ranged between 52-72 hours in the concentrations 2-12‰ . The high survival ratio for larvae was 95 % at the salinity of 2 ‰, while the embryo died directly after hatching at the salinity 12‰.The duration of yolk sac absorption for common carp larvae were ranged between 2-3 days at the salinity of 2‰ and 5-7 days at the salinity of 8‰.The gas bladder of the common carp appeared within 3-4 days at the 2 and 4‰ .average weight 1.9 g in the salinity of 4‰ and the lowest weight was 0.72g of salinity of 8‰The highest average daily weight gain increased for common carp and it was 0.0344 g at salinity of 4‰.