Live Weight Gain Research Articles

Studying the efficiency of Gaprin application in sterlet farming

In the course of the experiment, the influence of new feed additives created on the basis of Gaprin and representing biomass of inactivated cell culture of non-pathogenic methane-oxidizing yeasts or bacteria on sturgeon fish productivity indicators was studied. The research was carried out in the Krasnodar Territory on sterlet fingerlings. The experiment lasted for 60 days. According to the scheme of the experiment, the 1st (control) group of fish received complete feeds without additives, i.e. containing 100.0% fish meal. In group 2 feeding, 50.0% fishmeal was replaced with 50.0% Gaprin. Group 3 diet contained 25.0% fishmeal and 75.0% Gaprin. In the feed for group 4, fish meal and Gaprin were in the ratio of 75/25%. In Group 5, fish meal was completely replaced by Gaprin, in this case the amount of additive was 10.5 kg. Sterlet fingerlings from Group 6 received feed with 10.0% Gaprin. The initial live weight in all groups was similar at 30 g. However, the inclusion of Gaprin in the diet by reducing the amount of fish meal contributed to an increase in the final live weight of sterlets in the experimental groups by 4.4–19.4% compared to the control. The exceptions were groups 5 and 6, which received 100.0 and 90.0% Gaprin instead of fishmeal. Final live weight in these groups was lower by 2.3 and 0.9%, respectively. Feed costs per 1 kg of live weight gain in the groups with partial or complete replacement of fish meal were lower relative to the 1st group (from 7.0 to 17.9%,).Inclusion of Gaprin in complete feeds contributed to the increase in profit from 553.00 to 1785.00 rubles.

Calf Management: Individual or Paired Housing Affects Dairy Calf Health and Welfare.

Previous research has indicated that preweaned dairy calves reared in pairs compared with individually have improved performance and indicators of animal welfare. One hundred and thirty Holstein female calves completed the trial, with eighty-five being allocated to paired housing and forty-five calves being allocated to individual housing. Daily live weight gain (DLWG), treatments and mortality were recorded throughout the preweaning period. Salivary cortisol, latency to feed and latency to approach a novel object were assessed at batching. There were no significant differences in DLWG, mortality and disease treatments between the average of the pair and the individually housed calves, although the pair-reared calves were quicker to approach the milk feed after batching and interacted more quickly with a novel object. The heaviest born calves within the pair had the highest DLWG from birth to weaning, with a higher percentage of calves approaching the novel object, compared with the lightest born calf within the pair. This study shows that calves within a pair may have significantly different performance and welfare during the preweaning period, with the heavier calf outperforming and displaying less fear and more exploratory behaviour than the lighter calf within a pair.

The Impact of Abrupt and Fenceline-Weaning Methods on Cattle Stress Response, Live Weight Gain, and Behaviour.

The impact of abrupt (AB) and fenceline (FL) weaning methods on cattle stress response, live weight gain, and behaviour were determined across 14 days. Thirty-two cow-calf pairs were fitted with ear tag sensors (to continuously record behaviour) and allocated to two weaning treatments. After separation, FL calves were maintained in a pen adjacent to the FL cow paddock. The AB calves were transported to a pen removing all contact with the cows. After 7 d, FL cows were transported away from all calf pens. Body weights and salivary samples were collected for all animals on experimental days 0, 7, and 14. Fenceline-weaned calves had a greater duration of rest and rumination with reduced high activity across the first 3 days after separation as compared to abruptly weaned calves in line with the greater occurrences of pacing observed for AB calves. Fenceline-separated cows had greater levels of rest across the first 7 days but similar levels of rumination compared to abruptly separated cows. Fenceline-separated cow activity levels tended to be greater and eating levels were similar across the first three days. Body weight (BW) and cortisol concentrations were similar for AB and FL cattle, but FL cows had lower overall weight gain than the abrupt cows likely due to reduced eating time on days four to seven. Together, these results suggest that calves be fenceline-weaned for three days followed by total separation.

The use of improved premix recipes in rations of cattle

Complete balanced feeding of farm animals cannot be organized without the use of various balancing additives, in particular premixes. It is important to note that the greatest eff ect from the use of premixes is observed when their recipes are developed taking into account specifi c feeding and housing conditions. The purpose of this work was to study the eff ectiveness of using improved premix recipes based on an analysis of the actual nutritional value of feed in the rations of lactating cows and calves. During the research, two experiments were carried out. The experiments were carried out at the Staraya Chigla livestock complex in the Anninsky district of the Voronezh region. In the experiment on cows, 20 animals were selected, which were divided into two groups (control and experimental) of 10 heads in each using the method of analogue pairs. In an experiment to study the eff ectiveness of the premix in feeding of young animals, two groups of calves of 12 heads in each were similarly formed. Animals of the control groups received farm rations with the premix developed without taking into account the analysis of the nutritional value of the rations. In the experimental groups, cows and calves received new and improved premixes developed based on these specific feeding conditions. The use of the premix with an improved recipe in the rations of cows made it possible to increase the average daily milk yield by 5,61 %, the fat content by 0,05 abs.% and the protein content in milk by 0,15 abs.%. At the same time, there was an increase in the level of digestibility of dry matter by 1,25 abs.%, organic matter by 1,07 abs.%, crude protein by 1,56 abs.%, crude fat by 1,63 abs.%, crude fi ber by 1,08 abs.%, nitrogen-free extractive substances by 1,87 abs.%. Calculation of feed intake for the synthesis of 1 kg of milk showed that they were lower in the experimental group by 0,31 MJ of net lactation energy and 2,97 g of digestible protein. Positive results were also obtained in experiments on calves. The use of the premix developed on the basis of the actual nutritional value of feed and rations, made it possible to increase the live weight of heifers at 12 months of age by 5,04 %, the average daily gain in live weight during the experimental period by 5,74 %, the relative gain by 1,91 abs.%.

Рост и развитие бычков лимузинской породы различных генотипов в постнатальном онтогенезе

The purpose of research is to study the growth and development of Limousin bulls of various genotypes in postnatal ontogenesis. Objectives: to study of weight growth, absolute, average daily gains in live weight and relative growth rate of young animals by age periods and for the entire period of growing and fattening; to study of the linear growth of bulls in postnatal ontogenesis based on the dynamics of body measurements and body composition indices. The objects of the study are bulls of the Limousin breed of various genotypes obtained from the mating of cows of French, Australian and local selection with bulls of local reproduction. The scientific and economic experiment was carried out in 2021–2022 at LLC Meat Union of Bashkir Producers, located in the Kuyurgazinsky District of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Indicators of live weight dynamics, live weight gain, relative growth rate, body measurements and body composition indices in the age aspect were studied. Research of the weight growth of young animals of various genotypes made it possible to identify significant differences in terms of absolute and average daily gain in live weight for the entire period of growing and fattening between bulls of the 1st and 2nd experimental groups, respectively, by 32.5 kg and 59.7 g (in both cases – by 6.2 %). The highest values of measurements, indicating the formation of meat qualities and body shape, were noted in bulls of the 1st group compared with peers of the 2nd and 3rd experimental groups. Breeding animals for a long period under different housing and feeding technologies influences the characteristics of the growth and development of the descendants of local reproduction of Limousin breed cattle.

Monitoring the live weight of Hereford breeding cattle under pasture conditions

Assessing the growth potential and sustainability of breeding stock productivity makes it possible to predict effective herd management, including the duration of use of cows, significantly affecting the potential economic efficiency of raising young animals. The object of the study was data on live weight and average daily gain of Hereford cows and heifers. An assessment was made of Hereford cows’ live weight and growth rate and replacement young cattle of different years of birth, bred under conditions of year-round keeping on pasture. Assessing the growth potential of animals forming a herd for more than 15 years allows us to evaluate the trends that have led to current productivity. Keeping animals on pasture all year round, on the one hand, allows for the formation of animal resistance to environmental conditions; on the other hand, there is a tendency for the year of birth to influence the productive performance of animals, especially at the stage of raising them as replacement young animals. Still, these differences are smoothed out in the future, which today allows us to have a herd equalized by live weight. A significant influence of cows ’ birth year on their growth rates has been established. The study aimed to assess the live weight and growth rate of Hereford cows and young animals from the breeding herd, born in different years. The study’s objectives included evaluating the final weight of animals in the herd and assessing their live weight and average daily gain at the selection stage at the age of 15 months.

The effect of increasing proportion mixed vegetable wastes in combination with corn stover as a basal diet on intake, digestion, liveweight gain and income over feed cost of Bali bulls supplemented with rice bran

The effect of increasing proportion mixed vegetable wastes in combination with corn stover as a basal diet on intake, digestion, liveweight gain and income over feed cost of Bali bulls supplemented with rice bran

Defining a Haplotype Encompassing the LCORL-NCAPG Locus Associated with Increased Lean Growth in Beef Cattle.

Numerous studies have shown genetic variation at the LCORL-NCAPG locus is strongly associated with growth traits in beef cattle. However, a causative molecular variant has yet to be identified. To define all possible candidate variants, 34 Charolais-sired calves were whole-genome sequenced, including 17 homozygous for a long-range haplotype associated with increased growth (QQ) and 17 homozygous for potential ancestral haplotypes for this region (qq). The Q haplotype was refined to an 814 kb region between chr6:37,199,897-38,014,080 and contained 218 variants not found in qq individuals. These variants include an insertion in an intron of NCAPG, a previously documented mutation in NCAPG (rs109570900), two coding sequence mutations in LCORL (rs109696064 and rs384548488), and 15 variants located within ATAC peaks that were predicted to affect transcription factor binding. Notably, rs384548488 is a frameshift variant likely resulting in loss of function for long isoforms of LCORL. To test the association of the coding sequence variants of LCORL with phenotype, 405 cattle from five populations were genotyped. The two variants were in complete linkage disequilibrium. Statistical analysis of the three populations that contained QQ animals revealed significant (p < 0.05) associations with genotype and birth weight, live weight, carcass weight, hip height, and average daily gain. These findings affirm the link between this locus and growth in beef cattle and describe DNA variants that define the haplotype. However, further studies will be required to define the true causative mutation.

Utilization of Ensiled Cassava Leaf and Taro Mixed with Waste of Soybean Meal as Protein Sources Fed Different Sources of Energy on Fattening Crossbred Pigs

The experiment was carried out at the station of Agricultural Research of Svay Rieng University, and was carried out from 15th April to 17th June 2023 with the title “Utilization of ensiled cassava leaf and taro mixed with waste of soybean meal as protein sources fed different sources of energy on fattening crossbred pigs”. This research has 3 objectives: 1. To compare DM feed intake of crossbred pigs, 2. To compare the growth rate of crossbred pigs, and 3. To compare the feed conversion of crossbred pigs. There were 12 pigs were arranged within 2*2 factorial design through Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 3 replications. The factor with the energy source: rice bran or broken rice and the factor with the protein source: Ensiled taro mixed with waste of soybean meal or Ensiled cassava leaf mixed with waste of soybean meal. The treatments of the study are: T1: Ensiled Taro 30% + Waste of Soybean Meal 20% + Rice Bran 49% + Premix 1%; T2: Ensiled Taro 30% + Waste of Soybean Meal 20% + Broken Rice 49% + Premix 1%; T3: Ensiled Cassava Leaf 25% + Waste of Soybean Meal 25% + Rice Bran 49% + Premix 1%; and T4: Ensiled Cassava Leaf 25% + Waste of Soybean Meal 25% + Broken Rice 49% + Premix 1%. The period of experiment were 60 days only. All data were collected daily such as feed offer and feed refusals. Those pigs were weighed at every 10 days from the starting of the experiment until the end of experiment. The experiments’ results were found that total intake on the energy sources were higher significant differently in broken rice compared with the rice bran (P&lt;0.01) as total intake on the protein sources were higher significant differently on the ensiled taro mixed with waste of soybean meal (P&lt;0.01). Growth rate on the energy sources were higher significant differently in broken rice as compared to the rice bran (P&lt;0.01) while growth rate for the ensiled taro plus waste of soybean meal was slightly high if compared with the ensile cassava plus waste of soybean meal (P&gt;0.05). Feed conversion ratio on the energy sources was better significant in broken rice compared to the rice bran (P&lt;0.01) while feed conversion for ensiled taro mixed with waste of soybean meal was slightly better as compared with the ensile cassava plus waste of soybean meal (P&gt;0.05). In conclusion, the use of the protein source from the ensiled taro mixed with waste of soybean meal plus the energy source of broken rice or rice bran, the pigs were increased on total intake, live weight gain and good improvement of feed conversion rather than the use of ensiled cassava leaf mixed with waste of soybean meal plus broken rice or rice bran. The research outcome indicated that efficiency of protein offering is asked to use the ensiled taro with waste of soybean meal combination with basal diet of broken rice or rice bran on reproduction of sows in the next trial.

The influence of a phytobiotic with &lt;i&gt;F. ulmaria&lt;/i&gt; extract and lactobacilli on the clinical and physiological status of calves

Purpose of the research: to study the effect of a phytobiotic additive on some clinical and physiological parameters of the body of calves during the dairy period (biochemical and morphological blood parameters, live weight gain and disease resistance). The subject of the study was a phytobiotic with the code name Fitostim, which is based on an extract of meadow-sweet (Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim.) and a lyophilized culture of lactic acid microorganisms. The experiment used Holstein calves, divided into experimental (Fitostim + traditional diet) and control (traditional diet) groups of 12 animals each. Starting from 4 days of age, calves in the experimental group were administered Fitostim daily, individually, orally for 30 days at a dose of 3 grams per head, after dilution in milk. Blood tests for morphological (erythrocytes, leukocytes, hemoglobin, leukoformula) and biochemical parameters (IgG, total protein, albumin, ALT, AST, creatinine) were carried out on the 10th and 30th days of the experiment. By the end of the experiment, in the experimental group of calves, compared with the control, there was an increase in ALT (8.0±0.01 units/l) by 19.4 %, total protein (51.4±0.07 g/l) by 14.7 %, albumin (44.0±0.01 g/l) by 15.4 %, creatinine (41.5±0.001 µmol/l) by 10.9 %, immunoglobulin G (5.9±0.01g /l) by 18 %, leukocytes (7.1±0.02×109/l) by 31 %. The studied morphological blood parameters (leukocytes, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, leukoformula) did not go beyond the reference values. Recovery from enteritis in calves in the experimental group occurred earlier by 1.8±0.3 days than in calves in the control group. Safety of calves is 100 %. The average daily increase in body weight in calves in the experimental group was 0.811±0.12 kg, which was 17.1 % higher than the result in the control.

Using &lt;i&gt;Origanum vulgare&lt;/i&gt; L. in the floor management of chickens as an element of organic poultry farming

The article provides the results of the use of dried Origanum vulgare mass as an additional component of bedding material in chickens of the Hubbard Redbro M meat-and-egg cross. Origanum vulgare dried mass was added at the rate of 0.5 kg per experimental group daily from the age of 45 days after the transfer of chickens to floor management. The number of heads for each group was 35. The live weight advantage at the age of 2 months of the experimental group of chickens over the control group is 102.5 g, at 75 days of age is 216.5 g, at 90 days of age is 326.0 g and at the age of 105 days is 403.0 g. The SBA increased at the background of the S. aureus test culture: there was a significant suppression of colonies in the first five hours of exposure, and at the background of the E. coli test culture there was a suppression throughout the entire study period. The intensification of metabolic processes was noted in chickens of the experimental group, due to increased protein metabolism, liver and kidney enzymes of blood serum, which was also associated with an increased concentration of thyroid hormones. All these factors made it possible to raise significantly the gain in live weight by an average of 0.11 kg, which increased the slaughter weight by 8.4 %. Almost all indicators of the development of internal organs in chickens of group II are within significant limits of the difference compared with the control group.

Infl uence of the antioxidant “Bisphenol-5” when fattening of steers on the productivity and quality of beef

The use of intensive technologies in beef production will make it possible to most fully reveal the biological potential of meat productivity of dairy and combined breeds of cattle. The purpose of the research was to study the eff ect of the antioxidant “Bisphenol-5” during fattening of steers on the productivity and quality of beef. In order to conduct the experiment, 4 groups (one control and three experimental) were formed from steers of Black-and-White breed undergoing fi nal fattening, which were selected taking into account age, breed, and live weight. The experiment lasted for 122 days. Each group contained 15 steers. The steers of the control and experimental groups were housed in the same premise under the same conditions. In general, during the experiment the average daily gain in live weight of steers of the 1st experimental group was 1200,8 g, which was 7,5 % higher than in the control group. The mintensity of growth was observed in the 2nd experimental group. In this group the average daily gain in live weight reached 1275,4 g during the experiment or, respectively, 14,2 % (p ≤ 0,001), 6,2 % (p ≤ 0,05) and 2,4 % more compared to similar indicators among herdmates in the control, 1st and 3rd experimental groups. In steers of the 3rd experimental group the average daily gain in live weight was 1245,1 g, which was by 11,4 and 3,7 % higher, respectively, compared to the indicators of herdmates in the control and 1st experimental groups. In order to increase the efficiency of rearing and fattening steers of Black-and-White breed, we recommend to use a premix enriched with 0,25 % fat-soluble antioxidant “Bisphenol-5” in an amount of 100 g/head.

The effect of adding cod liver oil to the diet on the productivity and blood parameters of broiler chickens

The experiment was performed to evaluate the production performance and blood parameters of broiler chicken fed on cod liver oil enriched feed. A cohort of 96 day-old chickens was allocated at random into four treatment groups, denoted as T0, T1, T2, and T3. Each treatment group consisted of three replicates. In contrast to each replication consisting of eight birds, each treatment group comprises 24 birds. Experimental birds in T1, T2, and T3 were fed rations enriched with cod liver oil at 0.5%, 1%, and 2% by weight, respectively, whereas T0 received only standard feed and was designated as the control group. The findings of this research demonstrated that the final live weight and live weight gain of the birds in group T3 which was provided with feed enriched with 2% cod liver oil was significantly greater (p

Effect of dietary methionine to crude protein ratio on performance of Ross 308 broiler chickens aged 22 to 42 days

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of dietary methionine to crude protein (CP) ratio on the performance of male Ross 308 broiler chickens aged 22 to 42 days. The diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous but with different methionine-to-CP ratios. The diets, based on methionine to crude protein ratios, were M0.020 (0.020), M0.025 (0.025) M0.030 (0.030), M0.040 (0.040), or M0.045 (0.045). A complete randomized design was used. A quadratic type of equation was used to determine dietary methionine to CP ratios for optimal performance of the chickens. Dietary methionine to CP ratio had no effect (P > 0.05) on feed intake, live weight gain, live weight, feed efficiency, metabolizable energy intake, nitrogen retention, abdominal fat pad weight, breast meat nitrogen and methionine contents, and meat flavour and shear force values of the chickens, but it affected (P < 0.05) CP digestibility, carcass and breast weights, and breast meat tenderness and juiciness. Methionine to CP ratios of 0.039, 0.038, 0.050, and 0.050 were calculated to result in optimal CP digestibility, carcass weight, breast meat tenderness, and juiciness, respectively. These results may imply that dietary methionine to CP ratio requirements for broiler chickens will depend on the production parameter of interest.

Effect of Pure Corn Oil on Growth Performance of Japanese Quail (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica)

In recent years, consecutive research has been conducted on the nutrient requirements of the quails to find an optimum and affordable legitimate growth promoter. Different types of vegetable oil have been tested so far. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of pure corn oil (PCO) on growth performance and live body weight gain in Japanese quails. A total of 80 four-day-old quail chicks were divided into two groups: control (20 checks) and experimental (60 checks). The experimental group was subdivided into three subgroups (G1, G2, and G3) of 20 chicks per group. All the control and experimental group chicks were fed a commercial grower quail diet in all three growth phases. Despite the commercial diet, the G1, G2, and G3 experimental groups were fed 1, 3, and 5% PCO, respectively. The values for live body weight did not significantly change after adding PCO to the quail’s diet. According to the study's findings, adding PCO to the commercial diet of Japanese quails in various amounts had no beneficial effects on feed consumption and growth rate. Additionally, it had an insignificant (p&gt;0.05) detrimental impact on the growth performance of the quails compared to control groups. In conclusion, we can say that adding PCO to quail's commercial diet in the hot months of the year under Afghanistan's climate has no positive impact on growth and further slows down the rate of body weight gain.

The effect of gender on growth performance, live weight gain, growth pattern modeling and, survival rate in Turkish native geese of the Kars region

Objective: This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the impact of gender on various aspects of growth performance in Turkish native geese, specifically in the Kars region.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: A total of 62 goslings, comprising 25 males and 37 females, were monitored over 12 weeks. The study focused on growth performance, live weight gain, survival rates, and growth pattern modeling.&#x0D; Results: The results from the two-way analysis of variance highlighted a statistically significant gender effect on growth performance (P &lt; 0.05), with males consistently exhibiting notably higher live weights during weigh-ins. Significant gender disparities were evident in growth performance both on the hatching day (P &lt; 0.01) and during weeks 6 to 12 (P &lt; 0.05). Remarkably, male geese displayed significantly higher daily live weight gains during weeks 5 to 6 (P &lt; 0.05). Linear regression analyses emphasized gender's influence on live weight gain, with female geese demonstrating an R² value of 0.9044 (P &lt; 0.001) and male geese showing an R² value of 0.8912 (P &lt; 0.001). Gompertz growth models unveiled distinctive growth patterns. In females, an R² value of 0.9300 highlighted their growth trajectory, while males exhibited an R² value of 0.9194. Survival rates after a 12-week period were 81.7% for females and 80.0% for males.&#x0D; Conclusion: In conclusion, this meticulous exploration of the impact of gender on growth trajectories underscores the significant role it plays.

Dose-response analysis for the effects of Coffea arabica L. on growth performance, health status, and economic efficiency of fattened rabbits raised under high ambient temperature

Abstract The dose-response analysis was used to investigate the effects of green coffee (GC) on growth performance, feed utilization, carcass traits, and health status of newly weaned rabbits. A total of 60 clinically healthy growing rabbits (5 weeks old) reared during summer season were divided randomly into three experimental groups, 20 rabbits each, and received 0, 2, and 4 g GC/kg diet, (GC0, GC2, and GC4), respectively. Growth performance (live body weight, LBW and average daily gain, ADG) and feed utilization (feed conversion ratio, FCR) as well as the dressing percentage and the relative weight of liver were improved significantly in the GC-treated groups compared to the control group. The dose-response regression analysis showed that the optimal doses were 2.75 and 3 g GC/kg diet for ADG and FCR, respectively. Moreover, GC treatments significantly decreased both rectum temperature and respiration rate compared to GC0, with an optimal dose being at 2.5 g GC/kg diet. Erythrocytes and leukocyte counts improved significantly in the GC-treated groups compared to the GC0 group. Blood protein and its fractions, liver and kidney functions, and lipid profile were quadratically improved by GC supplementation. The optimal dose was 3 g GC/kg diet for total protein and its fractions, ALT, and TG, while it was 2.5 and 2.75 g GC/kg diets for creatinine and TC, respectively. Total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione activities were significantly higher, while the levels of malondialdehyde were significantly lower in the GC-treated groups than the GC0 group. A level of 2.5 g GC/kg diet was the optimal dose required for improving immunoglobulin A and G, which improved in blood serum of GC treated groups compared to the control. Economically, dietary addition of GC enhanced the economic efficiency of the supplemented diets, thereby improving the profitability of the fattening process. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of GC at level of 2.5–3 g/kg diet could be effectively used to enhance the growth indices, redox status, immune function, and economic efficiency of rabbits fattened during the summer season.

Effects of Allium sativum on Growth Performance, Kidney and Liver Function Markers, Microbial Flora and Feed Digestibility in Broiler Chickens

Introduction: The global ban on antibiotics as a feed additive, prompted by concerns over microbial resistance and the accumulation of antibiotic residues in animal products, has urged researchers to explore natural alternatives. These alternatives modulate the gut microbiota and enhance animal production performance. This study aimed to assess the impact of Allium sativum on the production performance of broiler chickens. Materials and methods: A total of 280 day-old broiler chicks were examined for 42 days. After being sexed, they were randomly allocated into five groups, each consisting of 14 chicks, with four replications. The control group was fed on a ration without additives (R0-). The treatment groups consisted of a control diet supplemented with 1 g of antibiotic Doxycycline® per kg of basal diet and per liter of drinking water (R0+) and 5 g garlic per kg of basal feed and also per liter of drinking water (RAs), respectively. To facilitate the oral administration, the solution was absorbed by charcoal from the fruit stones of Canarium schweinfurthii at a rate of 100 g and 100 ml per kg of diet and per liter of drinking water, respectively. The investigated parameters included growth performance, microbial flora, markers of kidney, and liver function, and feed digestibility. Results: The results revealed Allium sativum significantly decreased feed intake, feed conversion ratio, serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and urea levels regardless of the administration mode in broiler chickens, compared to the negative control. When administered through both feed and drinking water, garlic significantly increased live weight, weight gain, and lactic acid bacteria count, compared to the negative control. Feeding garlic to broilers had insignificantly affected the digestibility of feed components irrespective of the administration mode. Conclusion: In conclusion, Allium sativum can effectively serve as a feed additive in broiler diets or drinking water, promoting growth performance without harming kidney and liver functions. The present findings help address concerns about antibiotic resistance and residues in poultry products.

Herbal leys increase forage macro- and micronutrient content, spring lamb nutrition, liveweight gain, and reduce gastrointestinal parasites compared to a grass-clover ley

Commercial herbal leys (multispecies swards) are rapidly gaining popularity due to their potential to deliver an enhanced suite of ecosystem services. However, little is known about their impact on lamb production. A 2-ha split-field experiment using an herbal and grass-clover ley (0.33 ha paddock−1, n = 3 per sward) aimed to evaluate the effect of sward-type on forage quality and lamb productivity. Lambs (n = 40 per sward) were rotationally grazed over two experimental seasons: autumn 2020 (males) and spring 2021 (females). Sward quality was measured at the start of each grazing season. Liveweight gain and faecal egg counts (FEC) were measured at week 0, 4 and 6 in autumn and week 0, 4, 9 and 11 in spring. Blood samples were analysed after 11-weeks in spring to assess mineral status. General sward nutritional quality (e.g., crude protein) did not improve under the herbal ley, however, higher sward macro- and micronutrient concentrations were observed in both seasons. Spring liveweight gain was significantly greater in lambs grazing the herbal (172 ± 7 g d−1) vs. grass-clover ley (144 ± 7 g d−1), while autumn liveweight gain showed no difference. Spring lambs grazing the herbal ley compared to the grass-clover ley had elevated plasma cobalt (2.0 ± 0.1 nmol l−1vs. 1.6 ± 0.1 nmol l−1) and selenium (0.7 ± 0.04 µmol l−1vs. 0.5 ± 0.01 µmol l−1), with lower blood urea (7.7 ± 0.3 nmol l−1vs. 10.4 ± 0.4 nmol l−1). Spring FEC scores were reduced by 78 % in herbal grazed lambs; there were no significant differences in autumn FEC from either sward. In conclusion, the herbal ley resulted in seasonal improvements in sward micronutrient content and lamb parasite burden, mineral status, and productivity.

Digestibility of feed nutrients when the NAA feed additive is included in the diet of geese

The purpose of the research was to study the digestibility of feed nutrients when different doses of the NAA feed additive were included in the diet of meat geese and to analyze the gain in live weight of the experimental poultry. The geese received the feed additive throughout the entire rearing cycle (from 1 to 60 days). A physiological experiment to study the digestibility of feed nutrients was carried out when the geese were 50 days old. On 6 geese from each group, the digestibility coefficients of dry matter, protein, fiber, fat, nitrogen-free extractive substances and ash were determined. During the experiment the amount of compound feed eaten, the amount of excreted litter and the live weight of the geese were taken into account. The results obtained indicate that of the three tested dosages (0,5 ml, 1,0 and 2,0 ml per 1 kg of compound feed), the dose of 1,0 ml per 1 kg of compound feed turned out to be optimal. Nutrient digestibility coefficients were higher in geese of the 3rd experimental group, whose diet was supplemented with 1,0 ml of feed additive per 1 kg of compound feed. The digestibility coefficients of dry matter, protein, fi ber and nitrogen-free extractive substances were higher in the 3rd experimental group compared to the values of herdmates in the 1st control group by 3,03 abs.%, 2,28 abs.%, 3,34 abs.% and 5,24 abs.%, respectively. In the 2nd and 4th experimental groups the coeffi cients of digestibility of dry matter of protein, fi ber, nitrogen-free extractive substances and ash were almost at the same level as the results of the 1st control group. The fat digestibility coeffi cient in the 1st control group was 84,49 %, and in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th experimental groups it was 82,44 %, 81,49 and 82,94 %, respectively. The feed additive at the dose of 1,0 ml per 1 kg of compound feed, which the geese of the 3rd experimental group received, had the significant impact on the dynamics of the live weight of the poultry. Already at 10 days of age geese from the 3rd experimental group were 10,2 g (p ≤ 0,05) heavier than their herdmates from the 1st control group; at 30 and 60 days of age, this difference was significantly higher than in 1st control group by 7,48 and 5,38 % (p ≤ 0,05), respectively.