Higher Average Weight Gain Research Articles

Effect of different rearing systems on the growth and survival of Gold fish (Carassius auratus)

The study was conducted to compare the effect of three different fry rearing systems such as: hapa, cistern and pond on the growth and survival of goldfish (Carassius auratus ) fry. A total of 645 fry (mean initial weight: 0.0071 mg) were randomly distributed in the three treatments (systems) each having three replications. The stocking density was same in all the treatments with respect to the water volume of the systems which was 10 fry/hapa, 125 fry/cistern and 80 fry/pond. The trial lasted for 40 days. The water quality parameters were favorable in all the treatments during the period of the study. The growth and survival of goldfish fry varied among the systems. Highest average weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) were observed in pond followed by hapa and cistern. On the other hand, survival rate was highest in cistern followed by hapa and pond. It can be concluded from the study that the pond was the best system in terms of growth rate and cistern was the best system for survival of gold fish fry.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.2(2): 301-306, August 2015

Lactation estrus induction in multi- and primiparous sows in an Australian commercial pork production system1

This study evaluated the effect of full physical boar exposure and split weaning on the incidence of lactation estrus within a large commercial piggery. A total of 299 multiparous (MP; parity 2.5 ± 0.03) and 303 primiparous (PP) sows of Large White × Duroc × Landrace genetics were individually housed in conventional farrowing crates from 1 wk before expected farrowing until weaning on Day 30.7 ± 0.05 postparturition. Before shed entry, sows were allocated randomly within parity to receive either boar exposure (BE; n = 454) or no BE (No BE; n = 149). Sows assigned to receive BE were then allocated to 1 of 2 litter size treatments: litter size unchanged (BE; n = 302) or BE and the litter permanently reduced (split weaned) to 7 piglets (BESPW7; n = 152) on Day 18 of lactation. From Day 18 of lactation until weaning, sows in both BE treatments were taken daily to a detection mating area where they received 15 min of full physical BE and were artificially inseminated at the first observed estrus. Providing sows with BE increased the incidence of lactation estrus, with a further increase observed when litter size was reduced to 7 piglets (16% No BE vs. 62% BE and 75% BESPW7; P < 0.05). Multiparous sows exhibited a greater incidence of lactation estrus than PP sows irrespective of treatment (81 compared to 52%, respectively; P < 0.05). Both MP and PP sows exhibited an increased incidence of lactation estrus when a portion of the litter was removed (MP: 76 vs. 89% and PP: 47 vs. 61%; P < 0.05). Farrowing rates were higher in BE MP sows mated postweaning and all BESPW7 sows mated postweaning when compared to their counterparts mated in lactation (P < 0.05). Percentage live weight loss over the course of lactation was greatest for sows in the No BE compared to the BE and BESPW7 treatments (7.7% ± 0.5 vs. 5.4% ± 0.3 and 4.5% ± 0.4, respectively; P < 0.05). Between Day 17 and weaning, piglets suckling sows in the BESPW7 treatment had a higher average weight gain than piglets suckling sows with a full litter (3.5 ± 0.06 vs. 3.1 ± 0.05 kg; P < 0.05). In conclusion these data suggest that providing MP sows with BE is effective at stimulating a synchronous lactation estrus while PP sows require, in addition to BE, a reduction in suckled litter size to 7 piglets.

Weight gain-based targeted selective treatments (TST) of gastrointestinal nematodes in first-season grazing cattle

A three-year trial was performed in south-western Sweden to compare animal performance and levels of parasite control in three grazing groups, each with 18–24 first-season grazing (FSG) calves in similar set-stocked pasture enclosures. These groups were subjected to: (1) no parasite control (NT), (2) monthly repeated doramectin (Dectomax®) injections (SP), or (3) targeted selective weight gain-based anthelmintic treatments (TST) but only when individual calf performance was inferior to the average of the poorer 50% of those calves in group SP. In each year, weight and parasitological variables were measured at turn-out and then at predetermined intervals for 22–24 weeks during the grazing season. The dewormed calves in group SP had a higher average weight gain at housing (range 0.39–0.61kg/day) than those in TST (0.36–0.50kg/day), which in turn always exceeded the NT group (0.23–0.42kg/day). This indicates that the parasite challenge in the NT group was sufficiently high to result in production loss. However, the average cumulative faecal egg counts (FEC) at housing in NT were in the range 1271–1953 eggs per gram faeces (epg) and in TST 1221–1968epg. In contrast, parasite eggs were rarely recorded in group SP and then only during the first two years (on average 12 and 38epg). There were also no significant differences in FEC or serum pepsinogen levels between FSG in groups NT and TST. The animals in SP received 7 doses of doramectin each year, whereas those in TST received an average of 0.5 doses. Thus, the TST approach represented a 92% reduction in anthelmintic use. The average weight gain in animals subjected to TST was always significantly lower than in animals dewormed regularly. In addition, there were no signs of short-term selection for anthelmintic resistance in the group SP animals, despite the fairly intensive use of injectable doramectin.

Postnatal Growth Patterns in a Chilean Cohort: The Role of SES and Family Environment.

Objective. This study examined how family environmental characteristics served as mediators in the relationship between socioeconomic conditions and infant growth in a cohort of Chilean infants. Methods. We studied 999 infants, born between 1991 and 1996, from a longitudinal cohort which began as an iron deficiency anemia preventive trial. SES (Graffar Index), the Life Experiences Survey, and the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (HOME) were assessed in infancy. Using path analysis, we assessed the relationships between the social factors, home environment, and infant growth. Results. During the first year, weight and length gain averaged 540 grams/month and 6.5 cm/month, respectively. In the path analysis model for weight gain, higher SES and a better physical environment were positively related to higher maternal warmth, which in turn was associated with higher average weight gain. Higher SES was directly related to higher average length gain. Conclusions. In our cohort, a direct relationship between SES and length gain developed during infancy. Higher SES was indirectly related to infant weight gain through the home environment and maternal warmth. As the fastest growing infants are at risk for later obesity, new strategies are needed to encourage optimal rather than maximal growth.

Retrospective longitudinal study on the relationship between 8-year weight change and current eating speed

Most of the studies that have examined the relationship between the speed of eating and obesity have been cross-sectional. We investigated 529 male workers who received health check-ups provided by the employer in 2000 and 2008. We obtained information on the subjects’ alcohol consumption, smoking status, self-reported speed of eating, and exercise in 2008, and height and weight in both 2000 and 2008. We compared weight change from 2000 to 2008 between 2 groups classified according to the speed of eating: a group of fast eaters, and a combined group of medium and slow eaters. The fast-eating group had a higher average weight gain (1.9 kg) than the medium and slow eating group (0.7 kg). Although statistically significant only for the 20–29-year age group, weight gain was greater in the fast-eating group for all age groups and was statistically significant when the age groups were combined. The relationship between eating fast and weight change was statistically significant even after adjusting for age and body mass index in 2000, drinking, smoking, and exercise. Our results suggested that the speed of eating is related to the rate of weight gain.

Suplementação alimentar de novilhas no pós-desmame: efeitos no crescimento e desempenho reprodutivo

Foram avaliados nesta pesquisa o desenvolvimento a partir da desmama e o desempenho reprodutivo aos 13/15 meses de idade de 56 bezerras de corte Hereford e 52 Braford, com médias de peso corporal de 126 kg, de escore de condição corporal de 2,5 pontos e seis meses de idade. Os animais foram mantidos em pastagem nativa por 45 dias e, após este período, distribuídos em três sistemas alimentares (SA) por um período de 80 dias (1/6/2001 a 20/8/2001): CN+FA - suplementação em pastagem nativa (CN) com farelo de arroz desengordurado (FA); SB+FA - confinamento a céu aberto com silagem de sorgo de baixa qualidade (SB) e FA; SS+RC - confinamento a céu aberto com silagem de sorgo de qualidade superior e ração comercial (RC). Após o término dos SA, os animais permaneceram, em lote único, em pastagem de azevém (Lolium multiflorum Lam) até final de novembro e em pastagem nativa durante o período de acasalamento. Foram avaliados peso corporal (PC), escore de condição corporal (ECC), ganho de peso médio diário (GMD) e taxa de prenhez (TP). Durante os SA, o GMD das novilhas SS+RC (0,480 kg) foi superior aos demais e das SB+FA (0,252 kg), superior às CN+FA (0,174 kg). Na pastagem de azevém, os ganhos foram semelhantes (0,436 kg/dia), assim como no período de acasalamento (0,519 kg/dia). No período de acasalamento, as novilhas SS+RC foram mais pesadas e tiveram maior ECC em relação à do CN+FA. A TP média foi de 17%, sem diferenças entre os SA. As novilhas Braford apresentaram maior PV e CC ao acasalamento e maior TP que as Hereford. As novilhas prenhes foram as mais pesadas e de maior ECC à desmama, ao início e fim dos SA e do acasalamento, as mais velhas e com maiores GMD no período avaliado.

Biochemical, nutritional and haematological implications of Telfairia occidentalis leaf meal as protein supplement in broiler starter diets

Freshly harvested Telfairia occidentalis matured leaves were processed by shredding, sun drying and milling. This product thereafter referred to as T. occidentalis leaf meal (TOLM) on analyses revealed (on dry matter basis) 35.14 ± 0.44% crude protein, 9.61 ± 0.01% crude fat, 12.68 ± 0.02% crude fibre, 10.87 ± 0.02% ash, 3.21 ± 0.07 kcal/g gross energy and 31.72 ± 0.57% nitrogen free extracts. Methionine and to a lesser extent, alanine, arginine, leucine, valine and aspartate were remarkably present. Traces of some anti-nutritional factors notably phytates and oxalates were detected. Dietary introduction of TOLM was at graduated levels of 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30%. Birds kept on 15% TOLM dietary inclusion level had the highest average weight gain (WG) of 290.5 ± 12.3 g/chick. The feed conversion (FCR) and protein efficiency (PER) value of birds on 15% TOLM inclusion were similar (P > 0.05) to values obtained for the reference diet. The nitrogen utilization indices were similar (P > 0.05) for all diets. Organs weights, carcass characteristics, hematological parameters, serum and liver metabolites had similar values (P > 0.05). Results of the study suggest that inclusion levels of about 15% TOLM in broiler starter diets may be nutritionally beneficial in poultry feeding and subsequently reduce the use of the expensive animal protein sources in practical feed formulation.

Effect of Spectinomycin on Escherichia coli Infection in 1-Day-Old Ducklings

Two challenge trials and one confirmation trial were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of spectinomycin in the treatment of 1-day-old ducklings infected with Escherichia coli. In the challenge trials, ducklings were injected in the right posterior thoracic air sac with 0.2 cm3 of broth containing 10(8) colony-forming units E. coli (strain O78, E38)/ml. Spectinomycin at dosage levels of 2.5 mg, 5.0 mg, and 10.0 mg of activity was injected subcutaneously 6 hours following infection. The confirmation trial was conducted to confirm the challenge trials; procedures were similar to those used in the challenge trials, except that only the 5.0 mg of activity dosage of spectinomycin was used. In both types of trials, spectinomycin-treated ducklings had significantly lower mortality and higher average weight gain, average daily gain, and feed consumption than infected unmedicated controls. These results indicate that spectinomycin is effective in treating ducks for experimentally induced colibacillosis caused by E. coli (strain O78, E38).

Effects of Dietary Protein Concentration on Growth, Feed Efficiency, and Body Composition of Age-0 Striped Bass

Abstract Age-0 striped bass Morone saxatilis were fed one of three formulated diets containing 34%, 44%, or 55% crude protein or a blueback herring Alosa aestivalis reference diet. Striped bass fed the 55% crude-protein formula diet had the highest average weight gain and feed efficiency. Protein efficiency ratio and protein retained were highest in striped bass fed the 34% crude protein diet. Whole-body protein concentration was unaffected by dietary protein concentration. Whole-body moisture increased, and whole-body lipid decreased, with increasing dietary protein concentration. Striped bass whole-body lipid concentration was negatively correlated with whole-body moisture concentration within each dietary treatment.