Journal Of Animal Science Research Articles

PSV-14 Body Weight Development of Calves During the First Week of Life

Abstract Under practical conditions calves often do not gain body weight (BW) during their first week of life. However, early life development of calves has an important role in later life performance as dairy cow (Britney et al., 1984; Soberon and van Amburgh, 2013). Therefore, the goal of this study was to determine influencing factors on body weight gain of calves during this period when fed their dams colostrum and milk. Five Calves (4 Brown Swiss, 1 Friesean x Brown Swiss) were individually housed in calf hutches. All hutches were placed on continuously weight recording scales (recording interval 10 seconds). Calves were housed immediately after birth until day 7 of their life. During the first week, calves were fed colostrum and milk from their dam twice a day ad libitum until drinking was terminated for at least one minute. Not-consumed milk was weighed and milk consumption was calculated. Urine was collected and weighed twice daily. When fed colostrum and milk of their dams during the first week of life, BW (birthweight 42.2 to 52.6 kg) increased rapidly (daily BW gain 1.52 to 2.29 kg per day) up to the end of the observation period. Calves with greater birthweight reached heavier BW at d 7 (52.9 to 68.2 kg). All calves showed increased milk consumption when offered their dams milk (2 to 11.14% of BW per serving, mean = 7.7to 8.8% of BWt per serving). Due to the continuous weight monitoring, BW development could be visualized as a sawblade like line. With every feeding event the BW peaked, followed by a phase of continuous BW loss. Interestingly absence of BW gain occurred during the first 48h when calves did not yet understand how to drink from the nipple bucket where colostrum or milk was offered. BW gain and milk consumption were increased for all calves. Together, learning how to drink early in life and human support of this process can positively influence early life development. Britney et al. (1984) In: Preventive veterinary medicine 3 (1), S. 45–52. DOI: 10.1016/0167-5877(84)90023-0.Soberon, F.; van Amburgh, M. E. (2013) In: Journal of Animal Science 91 (2), S. 706–712. DOI: 10.2527/jas.2012-5834.

Performances of cattle and goats in some selected areas of Gaibandha district in Bangladesh

The survey was conducted to represent the livestock production scenario and to know the performances of cattle and goats in few selected rural areas of Gaibandha district. The data on productive and reproductive performances of cattle and goats were collected from 102 household within four selected village under Gobindaganj Upazila of Gaibandha district with a pretested survey questionnaire. The collected data were compiled, tabulated and analyzed by student t test. In the study area, about 59% were indigenous cattle and 41% were crossbred cattle. A total of 113 goats were found in the study area of which 82% belongs to Black Bengal goat and the remaining 18% belongs Jamunapari goat. All the livestock (100%) were managed intensively during the spring and rainy seasons. Similarly, almost all livestock (100%) are confined in shed at night, and 45.9% and 54.09% of the livestock population are confined in shed and paddock at day time, respectively. Artificial insemination (AI) is the preferred breeding method for cattle, whereas goats primarily rely on natural mating. Milk yield and lactation period of cow, and mature body weight of both male and female were significantly (P<0.05) higher in crossbred than indigenous cattle. Similarly, age at first kidding, lactation period and kidding interval of does, and mature body weight of buck and does were significantly higher in Jamunapari goats than Black Bengal goats. However, the conception rate and number of kids per kidding were higher in Black Bengal goats than Jamunapari goats. In conclusion, from our results, crossbred cattle and Jamunapari goats are performing better in rural conditions, whereas Black Bengal goats are efficient in producing more offspring at a given time. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (3): 78-84.

Effects of age on quality of slaughterhouse by-products in Black Bengal goat

This study was conducted with a view to investigate the yield percentage as well as nutritional composition of slaughterhouse by-products from Black Bengal goats of Bangladesh depending on different age groups. The experiment was conducted in different markets and slaughterhouses of Mymensingh district. Data and samples were collected from 50 (fifty) goats of different ages. Treatment group were executed according to the age, namely T0= 0 permanent incisor teeth (under 1 year), T1= 2 permanent incisor teeth (1 to 1.5 year), T2= 4 permanent incisor teeth (2 years), T3= 6 permanent incisor teeth (2 to 2.5 years), T4= 8 permanent incisor teeth (more than 2.5 years). Live weight, warm carcass weight, dressing percentage, percentage and nutritional composition of different slaughterhouse by-products were measured to identify the variation among the age group. The results showed a wide variation of yield percentage and nutritional composition of edible by-products for different ages of Black Bengal goats. A significant variation (P>0.01) of dressing percentage was found with the increase of age. Dressing percentage was 45.87 ± 3.23 in T0 group and 55.94 ± 2.08 in T4 group. Live weight and warm carcass weight were also increased significantly with the increase of age. No significant variation was found in the weight and percentage of different inedible by-products like skin, eye, teeth and hoof as well as edible by-products like liver, brain, kidney, lungs, heart, tongue, intestine with the increase of age. Higher percentage of dry matter and ether extract was found in the liver and heart. Crude protein was almost similar for liver, heart, kidney, lung but pH level was high at kidney. Findings of this investigation of basic properties of edible and inedible by-products of Black Bengal goat will be helpful in livestock researches. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (3): 61-68.

INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE MULTI-SERVICE MODELS TO BOOST LIVESTOCK FARMING SYSTEM

INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE MULTI-SERVICE MODELS TO BOOST LIVESTOCK FARMING SYSTEM

Production performance, breeding practices and challenges of Holstein-Local crossbred cattle in some selected areas of Bangladesh

The aim of this study was to investigate productive and reproductive performances, current cattle breeding practices and its associated problems in different Holstein-Local (HF×L) crossbred genotypes under existing management condition of Bangladesh. Data on HF×L crossbred dairy cows were collected from the selected farmers of Natore, Sirajganj, Kishoreganj, Tangail and Gazipur districts while breeding bulls’ information were collected from different cattle breeding service providers. Genotype had significant effects on weight at first heat (WFH), mature body weight (MBW), age at first heat (AFH), age at first calving (AFC), post-partum heat period (PPHP), daily milk yield (DMY) and peak milk yield (PMY) (P<0.05) except the traits birth weight (BW) and service per conception (SPC). The HF75%×L25% crossbreds had significantly better AFH and AFC (P<0.001) than the three genetic groups having 50%, 62.5% and >75% HF inheritance. The highest DMY was found in >HF75%×L<25% (12.80±0.72 liters) and was lowest in HF50%×L50% (5.34±0.65 liters) crossbreds. At present 11 different graded breeding bulls have been used in artificial insemination (AI) program of Bangladesh. Use of heterogeneous breeding bulls (72.9%), AI technicians depended bull’s genotype selection (63%), absence of breeding data recording (89%) system and local market-based cow purchasing (83%) with unknown pedigree information were the major challenges identified for crossbred cattle development. Among the investigated samples, 27% cows suffered from various reproductive disorders like dystocia, low conception rate, abortion and retention of placenta. In conclusion, this study provides baseline information on actual production and reproduction potentials of different graded HF×L cows at farmers’ level and the associated limiting factors for crossbred cattle development in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (3): 69-77.

Evaluation of degradability of Moringa, Pineapple waste and Plantain herbs by in situ and in vitro gas production technique

Nutritional evaluation of feed ingredients is important for potential use in feed rations. It is very important to determine not only the nutrient content and quality of feeds but also their digestibility prior to adding in the ration. This study was undertaken to assess the potential nutritive value of selected shade-dried herbs of moringa, pineapple waste, and plantain through in situ degradation and in vitro gas production techniques. The study compared 4 treatments, namely moringa (MH), pineapple waste (PwH), plantain (PH) herbs, and a combination of three of them with a ratio of 1:1:1 (MxH). The rumen dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) degradability kinetics were analyzed by using the nylon bags (in situ) procedure and the organic matter digestibility and fermentation characteristics were analyzed by in vitro gas production technique. The results of the in situ study revealed that the ruminal dry matter disappearance differed significantly (P<0.001) among herbs at all incubation periods whereas the PH had the greatest disappearance and PwH had the lowest among all herbs. Significantly (P<0.05) the highest potential and effective degradability of dry matter were found in PH and the lowest in PwH among herbs. The ruminal CP disappearance differed significantly (p<0.05) among herbs at all incubation periods. The MH had the greatest CP disappearance whereas PwH had the lowest. Significantly (P<0.05) the highest potential and effective degradability of CP were found in MH and MxH, respectively, and the lowest in PwH among herbs. The results of the in vitro study revealed that cumulative gas production was increased with increasing the periods of incubation for all herbs. Significantly (P<0.05) the highest gas production was found in PH and MH among all herbs at 48h of incubation. The organic matter digestibility and metabolizable energy were found significantly (P<0.05) higher in MH & PH and lower in PwH. Short-chain fatty acids were also significantly (P<0.05) higher in MH & PH and lower in PwH among herbs. It may be concluded that both plantain and moringa herbs showed better potential and effective degradability and also higher organic matter digestibility and metabolizable energy comparable to pineapple waste herbs. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (3): 88-98.

Reproductive performance of Jamunapari crossbred using frozen semen

Artificial insemination (AI) is modern techniques to introduce better and new genetic at the small holder farmer level by using frozen for livestock development. The aimed of the present study to popularization of goat’s artificial insemination to increase goat production with improved genetic merit by assessing the productive and reproductive traits using Jamunapari frozen semen. The study has been conducted in ten upazila namely Paba, Bagha, Nachal, Chapai sador under Rajshahi region and Birampur, Parbotipur, Fulbari, Kaliganj, Ulipur, Kawnia upazilas under the Rangpur regions. Artificial insemination has been performed in 260 numbers of does. The semen samples initially qualified for freezing was frozen as per the protocol standardized in BRAC bull station, stored in liquid nitrogen (LN2) having the post thaw motility of 50% and were later used for AI. The service per conception was 1.10 in the present study. Moreover, we found that overall conception rate was 67.1%. The average birth weight of male and female kids was 0.98 and 0.95 kg, respectively. In the present study kidding produced single, twins and triplets in 37.7, 50.65 and 11.69% of cases, respectively. The average post-partum heat period was 76.5 days. The results indicated frozen semen AI could successfully be used for preservation, conservation and propagation in Jamunapari goats. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (3): 85-87.

Performances of Red Chittagong cow under farming and rural conditions

This study aimed to assess the hematological parameters, productive and reproductive performances of Red Chittagong cows (RCC) under farming and rural production systems. Hence, three villages (Sailabari, Munsumi and Baniagati) of Khokshabari union under Sadar upazila of Sirajganj district were selected. The 40 Red Chittagong cows from each production system were taken under this study. Twenty (20) farmers were selected through direct interviewing process with a structured questionnaire. Farming condition and rural condition data were analyzed with unpaired t-test along with GLM procedure of SAS statistical package. Services per conception (times), postpartum heat period (days) and calving interval (days) had significant (p<0.01) differences between farming and rural condition, whereas, age at first calving (months) significantly differed (p<0.05). Average milk yield (kg/d) had significantly different at the values of p<0.05, whereas, lactation period was significantly differed at the values of p<0.01. Hemoglobin (g /100ml) and PCV% were significantly different (p<0.05) between farming and rural condition of RCC in the selected areas. From the study, it may be concluded that the productive and reproductive performances of RCC were better in farming condition than in rural conditions in selected areas. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science, 52 (2): 55-60.

Effects of feeding probiotic on daily gain, fecal characteristics and blood metabolites in calf

Feed substrate containing probiotic culture of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bacillus subtilis and Sacharomyces cerevicae were prepared for feeding calves. Twelve 2 weeks old calves were distributed equally in two groups (6 calves in each) and supplemented with (treated) or without probiotic feed (Control). Calves were reared in an individual pan and provided with ad libitum suckling, calf starter, and soft green grass. In 90 days trial period data were collected on growth performance, blood metabolic profile, immune status, fecal microbial load, morbidity etc. It was observed that milk intake, dry matter intake (DMI), daily gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not differed (P>0.05) between treatments. Claves under the probiotic fed group voided feces of better physical properties (color, odor and consistency) compared to the control. Weekly E. coli count (log10CFU/g) in feces was found lower (P<0.01) in the probiotic group compared to the control. The plasma IgG (ng/ml) concentration was found higher (P<0.05) in probiotic group than in the control, and total cholesterol level tended to be high (P=0.071) in the same group. It is concluded that, probiotic feed improved fecal characteristics, lesser E. coli load in feces, lowered diarrheal incidence and improved immunoglobulin status of calves from 15th to 105th days of age. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science, 52 (2): 45-54

Effects of egg yolk extender on fertility of cooled donkey semen

Artificial insemination (AI) with cooled semen is largely used worldwide in horses with acceptable fertility rates and low costs. However, fertility data for cooled donkey semen is scarce. For cooled sperm preservation, donkey semen needs an adequate environment to protect the sperm from cold shock. A variety of extenders have been proposed for cooling, storage and transport of donkey semen in the last years but there are not enough fertility data. Only two previous studies reported a 26 to 40% per cycle pregnancy rate in jennies using cooled donkey semen. Effective protocols are essential to increase fertility and reproductive efficiency in commercial programs. The aim of this study was to determine per cycle pregnancy rate in jennies inseminated with cooled donkey semen using chicken egg yolk-based extender. Semen samples from one native Argentinian donkey stallion of proven fertility were diluted in Equiplus extender (Minitube, Tiefenbach, Germany) at 50 × 106 sperm/ml. One sample was used for AI with diluted fresh semen (G1), and the other two samples were cooled diluted in Equiplus (G2) and Equiplus with the addition of 1% chicken egg yolk (G3) in accordance with a previous report (Alonso. et.al. Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Research and Animal Science. 2021; 58: 40). Samples were cooled in Equitainer (Hamilton Biovet, MA, USA) for 24h. A total of eight adult and fertile nativeArgentinian jennies were randomly assigned to three groups and inseminated using a cross-over design with fresh semen (G1), cooled semen (G2) or cooled semen with chicken egg yolk (G3). Ovulation was induced using 1500 IU EV of hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Ovusyn, Zoetis) and insemination 24h post-induction with 500 × 106 progressive motile sperm calculated after cooling. Before AI, semen parameters such as volume, concentration, progressive motility, HOS test, and sperm vitality were assessed and at 24 hours after cooling no significant difference between semen extended in Equiplus or semen extended in Equiplus with egg yolk was detected. AI was performed with the technique described by Bragulat. et.al. (Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 113 2022; 13, 40). The interval between AI and ovulation was 12 to 24h and pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasound 14 days post-ovulation. For statistical analysis, RStudio (RStudio, Inc., Boston, MA URL) (R Core Team, 2018) and the Q-Cochran test were used. The results show differences in pregnancy rates between G1 (75%; 6/8) and G2 (0%; 0/8) (p<0.05) but no differences were detected (p=0.5) between G1 (75%; 6/8) and G3 (50%; 4/8). In conclusion, based on our preliminary data, refrigerated donkey semen with egg yolk-based extender can be used for AI with similar pregnancy rates as fresh semen in jennies.

Detection of taste thresholds at different growth stages of broilers

The sense of taste has a key role in nutrient sensing and food intake in poultry. A standardized and simple method for the determination of tastant-detection thresholds is required for chemosensory research in poultry as well poultry feed formulation. The goal of the study was to evaluate the effect of aging on the behavioural taste sensitivities of broiler chickens in order to improve the efficiency of feeding through correct feed selection and ration preparation. It especially aimed to establish the threshold concentrations of five different taste components (sweet, sour, bitter, salt, and umami). Total of 15 feeding trials for broiler chicks of various ages were performed. For each taste quality, the powdered flavor active ingredients for sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami were selected. The actual drinking volume of water and taste solution was identified. Because the p values were less than 0.05, the concentrations of sucrose (100 mM), citric acid (50 mM), sodium chloride (20 mM), caffeine (10 mM), and mono-sodium glutamate (MSG) (100 mM) were significant. Taken together, it may be concluded that the taste active chemical sensitivity was very "concentration-dependent" manner for the aforementioned concentrations and that younger chickens have a greater sense of taste than older birds. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (1): 22-28, March 2023

Storage duration impacts on nutritional composition and quality of table eggs

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of the duration of storage of ISA brown eggs at room temperature on the nutritional composition and quality of eggs. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) freshly laid eggs by 36 weeks old ISA brown layers were randomly collected and stored at room temperature for 21 days. On each sampling day (at week 0, week 1, week 2, and week 3 of storage), 30 eggs were broken to determine internal and external egg quality traits, proximate composition, and mineral profile. Collected data were subjected to statistical analysis. Duration of storage had a significant effect (p&lt;0.05) on egg traits, proximate components, and mineral profile except for egg shape index and shell thickness. The overall egg weight, egg length, egg width, shape index, shell weight, shell ratio, and shell thickness were 56.82g, 5.69mm, 4.43mm, 78.02, 7.45g, 13.11, and 0.28mm respectively, while yolk height, albumen height, yolk weight, albumen weight, albumen ratio, yolk ratio, and Haugh unit were 13.55mm, 4.97mm, 16.32g, 33.06g, 58.11, 28.82 and 67.50% respectively. The overall means for moisture, crude protein, ash, fat, and carbohydrate were 76.27%, 12.06%, and 1.83%, 4.62%, and 4.37% respectively. Most of the minerals increased in value as the eggs increased in age. The duration of storage of eggs affected the egg quality, proximate components, and mineral profile as these parameters determine acceptability by consumers. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (1): 15-21, March 2023

Impact of black cumin and green tea on fertility, immunity and offspring morphology during reproductive aging in mice

With the advancement of age in mammalian females, the reproductive ability is severely compromised, and infertility occurs. Black cumin seeds and green tea are believed to have pro-oxidant effects against various age-related disorders. Using mice model, this study was conducted to elucidate the impact of black cumin and green tea on fertility and offspring morphology of mammalian females during reproductive aging. For this, twenty aged female mice (£180 days old) were served either with or without black cumin through feed, green tea through drinking water, or their combination. The mice were regularly checked for estrus cycle and mated with males. Similar reproductive patterns were observed in all the groups up to 285 days. After that, weak estrus or anestrus was observed in the control group; however, the active reproductive period was observed to extend up to 350, 375, and 432 days in mice treated with black cumin, green tea, and their combination, respectively. Accordingly, the treatment of black cumin and green tea significantly increased the average number of pups per litter, having comparatively higher birth weight and weaning weight. Moreover, the duration of hair development and eye-opening were significantly reduced in all treated mother. The serum immunoglobulin results revealed higher immunity in mice treated with black cumin and green tea treatment either separately or in combination. Similarly, healthy ovarian follicles with a compact layer of granulosa cells and expanded cumulus cell layer surrounded by oocytes in all the treated mice compared to those of untreated mice. These findings will be helpful for developing breeding strategies during the reproductive aging of mammalian females. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (1): 29-37, March 2023

Impact of climate change on livestock production in Bangladesh - A review

Livestock plays a crucial part in the global food chain; however, its production and supply could be jeopardized due to climate change-related risks. Therefore, this study gathered information regarding adverse climatic livestock production, adaptation, and mitigation strategies to the hazards' impact, finding research opportunities, and suggesting ideas for policymaking. The impact of increased temperature, altered rainfall, drought, flood, riverbank erosion, salinity, natural calamities like cyclones, etc. on livestock production was reviewed and reported in this article. They are responsible for reducing the availability and quality of fodder and water, declining livestock growth and reproduction, spreading diseases, and posing a threat to animal genetic resources. On the other hand, Bangladesh is anticipated to descend under water as a result of sea level rise resulting in a saline incursion into cropland and freshwater, drastically affecting crop and livestock production, especially in coastal regions. The impact of the hazards can be reduced through following some mitigation and adaptation strategies such as adopting and improving local breeds, practicing mixed farming systems, embracing climate smart livestock management systems, providing insurances for the losses to farmers, and so on. Feeding practices can be altered during flood by providing tree leaves, UMB, unconventional feeds. In conclusion, this review provided a compiled knowledge of climate change affecting livestock production, identifies the research gaps and suggests further research opportunities in this sector. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (1): 1-14, March 2023

Impact of industrial effluent on morphological characteristics of maize fodder

Industrial effluent (IE) is a serious threat to human, plant and aquatic lives. This study was carried out to assess the impact of IE on morphological characteristics of maize fodder at different stages of growth. The pot experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design using five treatments with eight replications at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur and IE was collected from the discharge points of the nearest garments located at BSMRAU. The treatments were T1, 100% FW (fresh water); T2, 75% FW + 25% IE; T3, 50% FW + 50% IE; T4, 25% FW + 75% IE; T5, 100% IE. The results indicated that IE decreased plant height and plant dry weight for all stages. Leaves number was reduced at the maturity stage in the IE treatments. No influence was observed on leaf length by IE. Higher concentrations of IE also influenced smaller leaf width at the vegetative stage. Root length was reduced for the application of IE at the maturity and vegetative stage. Root dry weight was higher for T1 and T3 at the flowering stage and T3 at the maturity stage. Hence, it may be concluded that IE had negative effect on the morphological characteristics of maize fodder. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (1): 38-44, March 2023

Effects of Heat Stress in Dairy Cows Raised in the Confined System: A Scientometric Review.

Due to climate change, heat stress is a growing problem for the dairy industry. Based on this, annual economic losses in the dairy sector are verified mainly on a large scale. Despite several publications on thermal stress in lactating dairy cows in confinement systems, there need to be published reviews addressing this issue systematically. Our objective was to scientometrically analyze the effects of heat stress in dairy cows managed in a confinement system. Based on PRISMA guidelines, research articles were identified, screened, and summarized based on inclusion criteria for heat stress in a confinement system. Data was obtained from the Web of Science. A total of 604 scientific articles published between 2000 and April 2022 were considered. Data was then analyzed using Microsoft Excel and CiteSpace. The results pointed to a significant increase in studies on heat stress in lactating cows housed in confinement systems. The main research areas were Agriculture, Dairy Animal Science and Veterinary Sciences. The USA showed the highest concentration of studies (31.12%), followed by China (14.90%). Emerging themes included heat stress and behavior. The most influential journals were the Journal of Dairy Science and the Journal of Animal Science. The top authors were L. H. Baumgard and R. J. Collier. The leading institutions were the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, followed by the State University System of Florida and the University of Florida. The study maps the significant research domains on heat stress of lactating cows in confinement systems, discusses implications and explanations and highlights emerging trends.

Reviewer Recognition

Journal Article Reviewer Recognition Get access Journal of Animal Science, Volume 101, 2023, skad026, https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skad026 Published: 20 February 2023 Article history Received: 10 January 2023 Accepted: 18 January 2023 Corrected and typeset: 20 February 2023 Published: 20 February 2023

Socio-economic importance and rearing system of goat in south-western part of Bangladesh

The experiment was carried out in the south-west region of Bangladesh to understand the general goat husbandry practices and the socioeconomic significance of goat farmers. Through a face-to-face interview with these rural farmers, information was collected from a total of 100 goat farmers at random in five Upazila in the Kustia district. The majority of the farmers were illiterate and middle-class, and their main source of income was agriculture. In this region, 14% of farmers involved in goat rearing mostly raised Black Bengal goats (84%) and crossbred goats (9%). Both buck and doe were reared by 67% of the farmers. Most of the farmers (92%) practiced a semi-intensive rearing system. Among the farmers, 88% did not use bamboo or wooden platform inside houses. The farmers fed their goats green grass, green grass with straw and green grass with concentrates at 70%, 11%, and 19%, respectively. Only Napier Pakchong (43%) and German (22%) fodders were cultivated whereas 92% of farmers practiced no methods. On rainy days, the goats were nourished mostly on tree leaves and 93% of farmers did not practice their goats a winter bath. Most of the goats in the study areas were affected by pneumonia (59%) and PPR (24%) with pneumonia having a high mortality rate (28%). A good portion (87.67%) of farmers practiced vaccination against PPR. The burial method for disposal of carcasses was followed by 96% of farmers. Most of the farmers (92%) gave the anthelmintic drug to deworm their goats. These results suggested that proper training is essential for better rearing and management of goats. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science, 51 (4): 138-144

Impact of cattle night corralling on soil properties and vegetation in the semiarid degraded rangeland of Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, rangeland degradation is a severe environmental problem. To improve rangeland vegetation cover and support the rangeland-based livelihoods, it is imperative to repair degraded rangeland using different rehabilitative measures. This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of night cattle corralling impact on soil chemical parameters, herbaceous species compositions and biomass yield of degraded rangeland. To conduct the experiment, severely degraded (SD) and moderately degraded (MD) rangelands with an area size of 30m x10m (300m2) each was identified. Then, each of the selected rangeland types was separated into two paddocks with an area size of 10m x 15m (150 m2). The treatment paddocks of the severely and moderately degraded rangeland were treated by cattle impact tools corralling cattle every night in the paddock for one month (SDT1 and MDT1). While the second paddock in both rangeland types was used as a control without cattle impact tools (SDT2 and MDT2). A randomized complete block design was used and each treatment was replicated three times. The results showed that soil chemical parameters and herbaceous species compositions in both degraded rangeland paddocks treated with cattle impact tools (SDT1 and MDT1) changed significantly (p&lt;0.05) than paddocks without cattle impact tools (SDT2 and MDT2). Likewise, there was an increased difference (p&lt;0.05) in biomass yields of 2.98 ton/ha and 5.35ton/ha from severely and moderately degraded rangeland, respectively for paddocks treated with cattle impact tools (SDT1 and MDT2), compared to paddocks of biomass yield of 0.98 ton/ha and 2.78 ton/ha without cattle impact tools treatments for SDT2 and MDT2 respectively. Thus the result from this study emphasized the advantage of night cattle corralling impact tools for improved soil parameters and herbaceous species compositions of degraded rangeland. Hence, we concluded that employing cattle impact tools to restore degraded rangeland significantly improved soil physico-chemical properties, with ultimate effect on vegetation cover, vegetation compositions and herbaceous biomass yield, attributed from soil seed bank growth. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 51 (4): 152-162

Biometrical and histological study of reproductive organs of indigenous cattle in Bangladesh

Reproductive anatomy is vital for successful reproductive management and has significance for application of assisted reproductive biotechnology. This study was carried out to characterize biometrically and histologically reproductive organs of 50 slaughtered female cattle (&lt;3 years; n=25, 3 to ≤5 years; n=25). The measurements (length, weight and width) of the right segment of the studied reproductive organs were greater compared to the left segment. No significant difference (p&gt;0.05) was observed between left and right ovary length, width and weight within and between age groups. The length of ovaries were 1.92±0.19 cm and 1.95±0.04 cm at &lt;3 years; 2.16±0.21 cm and 2.17±0.19 cm at 3 to ≤5 years; width were 1.09±0.14 cm and 1.17±0.10 cm at &lt;3 years and 1.31±0.10 cm and 1.46±0.11 cm at 3 to ≤5 years and the weight were 1.77±0.41 gm and 2.20±0.57 gm at &lt;3 years; 1.79±0.45 gm and 2.54±0.14 gm at 3 to ≤5 years in the left and right ovaries, respectively. Oviduct length, width and weight did not differ significantly (p&gt;0.05) between the left and right oviducts within and between the age groups. Oviduct length (16.36±0.78 and 17.58±0.97 cm), width (0.21±0.02 and 0.26±0.33 cm) and weight (0.72±0.03 and 0.81±0.11 gm) was found for the right oviduct at &lt;3 years and 3 to ≤5 years and for left oviduct length, width and weight were 16.20±0.65 and 16.64±0.86 cm; 0.19±0.02 and 0.23±0.03 cm; and 0.69±0.04 and 0.79±0.13 gm, at &lt;3 years and 3 to ≤5 years, respectively. However, uterine horn length differed significantly (p&lt;0.05) between age groups in the left (16.18±1.18 vs 27.45±2.98 cm) and the right horn of the uterus (17.45±1.40 cm vs 28.35±2.88 cm). On the other hand, uterine horn width and weight were not differed significantly between the left and right segments within and between the age groups. Uterus body length and weight were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher at 3 to ≤5 years compared to &lt;3 years old cow. The average weight, length and width of uterine body were 44.40±7.33 gm vs 21.49±5.91 gm; 7.89±0.61 cm vs 5.87±0.43 cm; 3.46±0.27 cm vs 2.76±0.34 cm at &lt;3 years and 3 to ≤5 years, respectively The whole uterus weight was also differed significantly (p&lt;0.05) at &lt;3 years (47.18±14.92 gm) and 3 to ≤5 years (86.07±11.98 gm). Histological studies showed ideal characteristics of cattle oviduct and uterus. In nutshell, the right ovary was larger in length, wider in diameter, and heavier in weight as compared to left one in indigenous cattle of Bangladesh. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 51 (4): 169-177