Live Weight Research Articles

The starter growth performance of Indonesian local ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) fed the ration containing different levels of tofu waste product flour

The high price of feed ingredients for rations are one of the factors considered in raising ducks. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of adding cheap tofu waste product (TWP) flour to reduce expensive corn and concentrate ingredients on feed consumption, live weight and feed conversion of starter phase ducks aged 1-8 weeks. The 64 female day-old ducks (DOD) were involved using completely randomized design, allocated into 4 treatments with 8 replications where each replication consisted of 2 birds in a cage. The treatments were feeds of R0 (without TWP, 0%), R1 (with 15% TWP), R2 (with 30% TWP), and R3 (with 45% TWP) in ration. Results showed that the use of large amounts of TWP in R3 caused a decrease in feed consumption of around 4.20 percent, likely caused by the bulky nature of TWP due to their high fiber content. In addition, the percentage of TWP flour addition of 45% showed a lower live weight compared to other treatments. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) of starter growth phase ducks consuming feed ration with composition started from a FCR of 2.3522 - 2.4484 in week-1 tending to decrease until in week-3 reaching a value of 1.8574 - 1.9711 indicating increase efficiency in the use of rations by each duck. However, this tendency began to increase until it reached a value of 3.0955 - 3.0862 in week-8. These values ​​indicated the increase in the cumulative amount of feed consumption of starter phase of ducks at the ages of 2 weeks up to 4 weeks tending faster than the increase in cumulative body weight (lower FCR) compared with FCR from the ages of 5 weeks up to 8 weeks, resulting in a higher FCR.

Sexual dimorphism between live body weight and morphological traits at various age categories of African giant rats (Cricetomys gambianus) in Ghana

Sexual dimorphism between live body weight and morphological traits at various age categories of African giant rats (Cricetomys gambianus) in Ghana

Effect of Dietary Concentrate-to-Forage Ratios During the Cold Season on Slaughter Performance, Meat Quality, Rumen Fermentation and Gut Microbiota of Tibetan Sheep

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different dietary concentrate-to-forage ratios on slaughter performance, meat quality, rumen fermentation, rumen microbiota and fecal microbiota in Tibetan sheep. A total of sixty male Tibetan sheep were equally allocated into three dietary groups based on concentrate-to-forage ratios, i.e., 30:70 (C30), 50:50 (C50), and 70:30 (C70). Compared with the C30 group, sheep fed the C70 diet resulted in a higher (p < 0.05) slaughter live weight (SLW), hot carcass weight (HCW), dressing percentage (DP), eye muscle area, average daily gain (ADG), and ruminal total volatile fatty acids concentration and propionate molar proportion and lower (p < 0.05) shear force and cooking loss of meat, and ruminal acetate molar proportion and acetate:propionate ratio. Sheep in the C50 group exhibited a higher (p < 0.05) SLW, HCW, ADG, and ruminal propionate molar proportion and lower (p < 0.05) shear force and cooking loss of meat, and ruminal acetate molar proportion and acetate: propionate ratio compared with the C30 group. In rumen fluid, the relative abundance of Butyrivibrio was lower (p = 0.031) in the C30 group, and that of Ruminococcus was higher (p = 0.003) in the C70 group compared with the C50 group. In feces, genus Monoglobus and UCG_002 were the most abundant in the C30 group (p < 0.05), and the relative abundance of Prevotella was significantly higher in the C70 group than in other groups (p = 0.013). Correlation analysis revealed possible links between slaughter performance and meat quality and altered microbiota composition in the rumen and feces of Tibetan sheep. Overall, feeding a C70 diet resulted in superior carcass characteristics and meat quality in Tibetan sheep, thus laying a theoretical basis for the application of short-term remote feeding during the cold season.

Multi-Omics and Physiological Analysis Reveal Crosstalk Between Aphid Resistance and Nitrogen Fertilization in Wheat.

The availability of nitrogen (N) can dramatically influence crops resistance to herbivorous insects. However, the interaction between N fertilization and crop resistance to insects is not well understood. In this study, the effects of N fertilization on the grain aphid (Sitobion miscanthi) were investigated using three wheat (Triticum aestivum) cultivars with different aphid resistances. We measured aphid life cycle parameters, fecundity, survival rate, weight and feeding behavior, in conjunction with wheat metabolomics, transcriptomics and alien introgression analysis. Our results demonstrated that higher N application benefits aphid feeding across all three wheat cultivars. We also reveal that the highly resistant cultivar (ZM9) can only exert its resistance-advantage under low N fertilization, losing its advantage compared to moderately resistant cultivar YN19 and susceptible cultivar YN23 under higher N fertilization. The effects of N fertilization on wheat-aphid interactions were due to changes in the regulation of carbon and nitrogen metabolism. Integration of multi-omics highlighted specific aphid-induced differentially expressed genes (DEGs, e.g., TUB6, Tubulin 6; ENODL20, Early nodulin-like protein 20; ACT7 Actin 7; Prx47, Peroxidase 47) and significantly different metabolites (SDMs, e.g., crotonoside, guanine, 2'-O-methyladenosine, ferulic acid) in ZM9. Additionally, we report the unique SDMs-DEGs interactions, associated with introgression during wheat domestication, may help infer aphid resistance. In summary, this study provides new insights into the relationships between N fertilization practices, defense responses and integrated pest management for sustainable wheat production.

Liver knockout of MCU leads to greater dysregulation of lipid metabolism in MAFLD.

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a common chronic condition that poses a significant threat to human health. Mitochondrial dysfunction, particularly involving the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU), plays a key role in its pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the MCU gene on hepatic lipid metabolism in mice fed a high-fat diet. Using MCU knockout and wild-type mice, subjected to either a high-fat or normal diet for 14weeks, we observed notable Steatosis and liver weight gain in MCU-deficient mice. Liver function markers, serum triglycerides, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels, and ApoB protein expression were all significantly elevated. Mechanistic studies revealed that MCU deletion led to mitochondrial dysfunction, increased oxidative stress. These findings highlight the critical role of the MCU gene in maintaining hepatic lipid balance and suggest its potential as a therapeutic target for managing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Ethanol extract of cassia seed alleviates metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease by acting on multiple lipid metabolism-related pathways

Abstract Background and objective In northern China’s cold regions, the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) exceeds 50%, significantly higher than the national and global rates. MASLD is an important risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease, stroke, and tumors, with no specific therapeutic drugs currently available. The ethanol extract of cassia seed (CSEE) has shown promise in lowering blood lipids and improving hepatic steatosis, but its mechanism in treating MASLD remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of CSEE. Methods MASLD models were established in male Wistar rats and golden hamsters using a high fat diet (HFD). CSEE (10, 50, 250 mg/kg) was administered via gavage for six weeks. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), as well as liver TC and TG, were measured using biochemical kits. Histopathological changes in the liver were evaluated using Oil Red O staining, Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). HepG2 cell viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) and Calcein-AM/PI staining. Network pharmacology was used to analyze drug-disease targets, and western blotting was used to confirm these predictions. Results CSEE treatment significantly reduced serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, ALT, and AST, and improved liver weight, liver index, and hepatic lipid deposition in rats and golden hamsters. In addition, CSEE alleviated free fatty acid (FFA)-induced lipid deposition in HepG2 cells. Molecular biology experiments demonstrated that CSEE increased the protein levels of p-AMPK, p-ACC, PPARα, CPT1A, PI3K P110 and p-AKT, while decreasing the protein levels of SREBP1, FASN, C/EBPα, and PPARγ, thus improving hepatic lipid metabolism and reducing lipid deposition. The beneficial effects of CSEE were reversed by small molecule inhibitors of the signaling pathways in vitro. Conclusion CSEE improves liver lipid metabolism and reduces lipid droplet deposition in Wistar rats and golden hamsters with MASLD by activating hepatic AMPK, PPARα, and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.

Inducible global knockout of surfeit locus protein 4 in adult mice results in hypolipidemia, intestinal lipid accumulation, liver injury, and increased mortality.

Surfeit locus protein 4 (SURF4) acts as a cargo receptor to mediate endoplasmic reticulum export of various cargos. We have shown that SURF4 is essential for secretion of hepatic very low-density lipoprotein and intestinal chylomicron. Knockdown of hepatic Surf4 also significantly reduces the development of atherosclerosis and liver fibrosis without causing overt liver damage. However, constitutive global Surf4 knockout results in embryonic lethality. To further understand the physiological role of Surf4, we generated tamoxifen-inducible global Surf4 knockout mice. We found that conditional knockout of Surf4 in adult mice (Surf4ig-ko) significantly reduced mouse body weight. Male and female Surf4ig-ko mice died approximately 30 and 50 days after tamoxifen administration, respectively. Triglyceride secretion and serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids, apolipoprotein B-100, and apolipoprotein-48 were significantly reduced in Surf4ig-ko mice compared with Surf4flox mice. Proteomics analysis of mouse serum samples revealed 308 proteins with significantly altered expression in Surf4ig-ko mice that have unique functions and are involved in various biological processes. In addition, Surf4ig-ko mice exhibited lipid accumulation in the intestine but not in the liver. However, in Surf4ig-ko mice, liver weight was significantly reduced, and serum transaminase activity was significantly increased, indicating liver damage. Therefore, SURF4 is essential for survival in adult mice, suggesting that the therapeutic use of SURF4 requires precise tissue/cell type-specific targeting.

Predicting the body weight of crossbred Holstein × Zebu dairy cows using multivariate adaptive regression splines algorithm.

This study aimed to estimate live body weight from body measurements for Holstein × Zebu dairy cows (n = 156) reared under conditions of humid tropics in Mexico using multivariate adaptive regression splines algorithm (MARS) with several train-test proportions. The body measurements included withers height, rump height, hip width, heart girth, body length and diagonal body length. The data were divided into 65:35, 70:30 and 80:20 split data for training and testing sets, respectively. The MARS algorithm was used to construct a prediction model, which predicted the body weight from the body measurements of the test dataset. The results emphasized that the MARS algorithm had an explanation rate for 80:20 train and test set of 0.836 and 0.711, respectively, with minimum Akaike information criterion values. This indicates that it is a reliable way of predicting body weight from body measurements. The results suggest that body weight prediction can be performed with the MARS algorithm in a reliable way, therefore, this algorithm may be a useful tool for animal breeders and researchers in the development of feeding and selection-aimed approaches.

Sequential fermentation of Ginkgo biloba seeds by Bacillus subtilis natto and Lactobacillus plantarum enhanced nutrition, flavor and lipid-lowering activity.

Ginkgo biloba seeds (GBS) are rich in flavonoids, proteins and reducing sugar, and have been consumed as food and medicinal nuts for thousands of years. However, the presence of ginkgotoxins and their poor palatability limit people's consumption of them. This study used solid-state fermentation with Bacillus subtilis natto and Lactobacillus plantarum to enhance the safety and benefits of GBS. Optimized fermentation conditions increased the content of beneficial components like total flavonoids, soluble protein and reducing sugar while eliminating unpleasant odors (isoamyl aldehyde and hexanal) and reducing the toxin 4'-O-methylpyridoxine by 91.17%. Fermentation of GBS powder can significantly enhance its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in vitro (P < 0.001). Furthermore, it exhibits a dose-dependent effect within a certain concentration range. Mixed fermentation (FBnLp) was evaluated for its effects on obesity and metabolic syndrome in mice fed a high-fat diet. FBnLp significantly reduced body and liver weight gain, prevented dyslipidemia and decreased inflammatory and oxidative stress compared to unfermented GBS. Histological analysis showed that FBnLp improved liver health by reducing fat accumulation and preventing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Meanwhile, it was found that feeding FBnLp increased the expression of CPT-1α, which regulates energy expenditure and fat breakdown, and downregulated the expression of SREBP-1c, FAS and ACC, which regulate fat synthesis. This research provides new insights and technological support for the application and development of FBnLp as a functional product, addressing key issues in its use and industry growth. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

In Vitro Plant Regeneration of Sulla coronaria from Floral Explants as a Biotechnological Tool for Plant Breeding

Sulla coronaria L. Medik., a biennial forage legume typical of the Mediterranean basin, plays a significant role in foraging systems due to its high nutritional value, ability to increase ruminant live weight, and potential to reduce methane emissions. However, its allogamous nature complicates genetic improvement and the development of new varieties with desired traits. Given these challenges, this study aims to develop, for the first time, a successful protocol for the in vitro meristematic shoot regeneration of S. coronaria. The experiment utilizes four different flower explants (anther with filament, ovary, petals, and whole immature flower) collected from twenty distinct S. coronaria biotypes with three plant growth regulator (PGR) combinations and under both light and dark conditions. In terms of the regeneration response, the key factors appear to be the combinations of PGRs and the type of explant used. The interactions between all the factors do not seem to be significant.

Factors influencing the variability in performance of cattle grazing tropical pasture

Context Whereas it is known that there is variation in liveweight gain (described as performance in this paper) within a group of grazing cattle, the causes of this variation are not well understood. Aim A 2-year grazing study in northern Queensland was conducted to understand the relative influence of diet selection, grazing behaviour and rumen fermentation on variation in performance of growing cattle. Methods Eighty-nine Bos taurus × B. indicus (~6 months old) growing steers were grazed as a group on mixed tropical pasture for 23 months. Pasture was characterised for biomass, species and nutrient composition. Cattle were ranked according to overall liveweight (LW) gain and the top (high performance, HP) 20 and bottom (low performance, LP) 20 head were compared for diet composition, rumen fermentation and grazing behaviours. Results Pasture biomass, and nutritive value of pasture and diet varied between seasons and years of study. The HP cattle achieved overall LW gains 20% greater than those of the LP cattle mainly due to higher rates of gain in the wet season. However, the nutritive value and rumen fermentation characteristics were similar for both LP and HP cattle, although there was evidence that crude protein and digestibility were modestly higher in diets of HP cattle, especially in the first wet season. Activity, measured as distance travelled, declined as pasture biomass declined, and cattle appeared to favour pasture with higher legume content. Conclusion It is concluded that divergence in performance of cattle on tropical pasture could not be fully explained by measurements taken in this study. Diet selection for plant components with improved nutritive value probably played a small role. Differences in initial LW between the LP and HP groups may have been a contributory factor. Implications Despite comprehensive measurements of factors that influence efficiency and performance on pasture, we were unable to identify definitive causes. Genetic variation in feed intake or efficiency of digestion needs to be investigated.

A Preliminary Study on the Modifying Effect of Strawberry Seed Oil and Sex on Rabbit Meat Quality

The aim of this research was to determine the effect of strawberry seed oil addition to rabbit feed on slaughter performance traits, meat quality traits and plasma cholesterol and triglycerides of purebred Termond White rabbits (n = 24). The experiment used young rabbits born to 6 does. From each litter, two rabbits were randomly assigned into one of the two groups. In each group (2 × n = 12; 6♂, 6♀), the animals were fed a complete pelleted feed. Rabbits from the experimental group received feed enriched with a 1% addition of strawberry seed oil. Animals were slaughtered on day 84. Rabbits fed with pellets with the addition of strawberry oil were characterized by a higher hind part and head and liver weight compared to the rabbits from the control group (p ≤ 0.05). The addition of strawberry seed oil significantly increased the pH of matured meat and affected the colour coordinates of the meat by increasing their values (p ≤ 0.05). The tested oil reduced the values of meat texture parameters such as springiness, cohesiveness and chewiness (p ≤ 0.05). The tested oil impacted the level of HDL, which was higher in the experimental group, as well as lowered the triglyceride level. The addition of strawberry seed oil was proven to significantly increase the linoleic acid content in rabbit meat (p ≤ 0.05).

Noninvasive Monitoring of Steatotic Liver Disease in Western Diet-Fed Obese Mice Using Automated Ultrasound and Shear Wave Elastography.

Ultrasound imaging and shear wave elastography (SWE) can be used to noninvasively stage hepatopathologies and are widespread in clinical practice. These techniques have recently been adapted for small animal use in a novel 3D invivo imaging system capable of high-throughput automated scanning. Our goal was to evaluate the feasibility of using this imaging tool in the murine Western diet (WD) model, a highly translatable preclinical model of obesity, metabolic disease and liver fibrosis. Female C57BL/6 mice (N = 48) were placed on WD or chow diet and imaged longitudinally for a period of 48 weeks. Imaging consisted of 3D B-mode and targeted SWE captures. Liver volume, liver echogenicity and liver stiffness were quantified from invivo imaging data. A subset of mice was sacrificed at various timepoints (0, 12, 24 and 48 weeks) for histological workup. Correlation analysis was performed between invivo imaging and histological measurements to determine level of agreement. Noninvasive imaging showed statistically significant increases in liver volume and echogenicity, but non-significant increase in liver stiffness in the WD-fed cohort, suggesting development of hepatomegaly and steatosis, but negligible fibrosis. Exvivo analysis confirmed significant increases in liver weight, liver triglycerides and ALT, but limited increases in fibrosis corroborating noninvasive imaging results. Correlation analysis between imaging and histology demonstrated good agreement between liver volume/liver weight (R2 = 0.85) and echogenicity/triglycerides (R2 = 0.76). This study demonstrated that noninvasive ultrasound liver assessments are feasible in the WD mouse model and closely reflect the underlying pathological state of the animal. Automated ultrasound can serve as a high-throughput noninvasive screening method for preclinical liver disease research and drug development.

Genome-wide scan for selection signatures in Mexican Sardo Negro Zebu cattle.

The Sardo Negro cattle (SN) is the only zebu cattle breed developed in Mexico. Since its development, the selection could have led to an increase in the homozygosity level in some regions of the genome and made differentiation with other cattle populations. We aimed to identify and characterize selection signatures in SN using medium-density SNP data using four approaches: 1) Runs of homozygosity (ROH) 2) Nucleotide Diversity 3) Tajima's D and 4) the Wright's fixation index (FST). A sample of 555 SN animals genotyped for 65k SNPs was used to obtain ROH segments considered regions under selection. The FST values were estimated by comparing the sample of genotyped SN animals with samples of genotyped animals from the Gir, Brahman, and Ongole breeds. Only one region mapped to 35.78-42.51 Mb on BTA6 was considered a selection signature by the ROH method. This selection signature overlapped with the lowest diversity, negative values of Tajima's D and a diversification region between SN and the other Zebu breeds by FST. We found several candidate genes (LCORL, NCAPG, and SLIT2) related to growth and other economically important productive traits in this common region. Using the FST method, different regions, such as regions on BTA8 (8:93.4-93.9 Mb), BTA11 (11:99.2-99.7), and BTA14 (14: 26.1-26.8) related to growth and milk traits also were defined as candidate selection signatures. The selective signals identified in this study reflected the direction of the selection pressure that primarily involves the increase of live weight traits in the Sardo Negro cattle breeding program.

Effect of Supplementation of Spirulina (Spirulina platensis) on Growth Performance of Broiler in Konkan Region, India

The experimental trial of six weeks was conducted on 200 broiler chicks. They were randomly distributed into five experimental treatment groups. Each treatment group was replicated into four with 10 birds per replication. The control (T1) group was fed standard ration and T2, T3, T4 and T5 group were provided same standard ration supplemented with 1.00 g, 2.00 g, 3.00 g and 4.00 g spirulina powder, respectively. The result of experimental trial showed that supplementation of spirulina powder was significantly highest live body weight in treatment T5 (1944.50 g/bird) as well as average live body weight gain (277.79 g/bird). It is concluded that, 4.00 g of spirulina powder significantly improved growth performance of broiler chicks than other treatments groups.

An investigative study to utilise the Fusarium-damaged wheat as a feedstock for the black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens)

Abstract This study investigated Fusarium-damaged wheat kernels (FDK) as a potential feeding substrate for black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens; BSFL). Fusarium-damaged kernels are considered unsuitable for food and feed due to the presence of mycotoxins. Mycotoxins, like deoxynivalenol (DON), pose health risks when consumed by animals at concentrations exceeding the limits established by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. However, BSFL have shown higher tolerance to mycotoxins, suggesting that FDK may be used as a feeding substrate for BSFL intended for animal consumption. To assess this, three FDK-based diets with varying concentrations of DON (4.49 ± 0.08 ppm, 6.04 ± 0.02 ppm, and 6.83 ± 0.04 ppm) and a healthy wheat-based diet (0 ppm DON; control diet) were formulated to grow the larvae. The diets were fed to larvae to assess their preference based on DON concentration. Concurrently, the accumulation of DON in BSFL biomass and its effects on growth parameters were evaluated. The larvae showed no preference for any DON concentration. The DON levels accumulated in the BSFL biomass were minimal, regardless of the DON concentration in the feed (), with the highest recorded at 0.87 ± 0.04 ppm compared to 6.83 ± 0.06 ppm in the diet. Despite the potential harm of FDK to animals, the growth parameters of BSFL improved, with larvae on FDK-based diets reaching a live body weight of 185.0 ± 3.2 mg compared to 177.6 ± 4.2 mg for the control on Day 15. The nutritional profile remained nearly identical across all DON concentrations (∼41% crude lipid and ∼39% crude protein in dried biomass). These findings suggest that BSFL raised on FDK-based diets can be used effectively for feed purposes.

Comparison of suckling and artificial rearing on calf growth and milk requirements in pastoral dairy systems

Context Dairy calf-rearing practises have the potential to influence profitability through milk requirements at rearing, and affect lifetime productivity and market access from an animal-welfare perspective. Aims The aim of this research was to compare calf growth and milk requirements by using conventional artificial rearing (AR) and restricted milk allocation with AR and high milk allocation or suckled calves. Methods Forty-five Friesian × Jersey calves were allocated to be either AR on 6 L/calf.day, (ARC) or 12 L/calf.day, (ARH), or suckled with dams in a cow–calf contact system using partial contact (15 h/day, CCC). AR calves were fed, and intake measured, using an automatic feeder, whereas CCC calves had access to their dams between 1500 hours and 0600 hours. Calves were transitioned off milk, once they reached at least 75 kg liveweight (LW), by gradually reducing their milk allocation (AR) or reducing access to their dam (CCC). Key results Milk consumption for ARH was greater than for ARC calves (382 vs 450 L/calf, P &lt; 0.05), whereas for CCC calves milk-yield difference between dams for the control and suckling groups during the suckling period and over the full season was 706 and 1048 L/cow respectively. There was no difference in weaning weight of calves (87 ± 1.7 kg LW), but, owing to differences in pre-weaning growth rate, age to weaning was youngest (P &lt; 0.05) for CCC (55 days), followed by ARH (62 days) and ARC (73 days). Respective growth rates between birth and weaning (P &lt; 0.001) for CCC, ARH and ARC calves were 0.955, 0.873 and 0.755 ± 0.028 kg/day. Although there was a growth check among CCC calves during the weaning period, there were no post-weaning differences in growth rate among the groups. Conclusions Increasing milk allowance had the benefit of improving calf pre-weaning growth rate, giving the option of weaning calves either earlier or when heavier. However, milk yield losses under suckling systems may be too high to warrant the elevated pre-weaning growth of calves. Implications The costs–benefits of high milk allocation or suckling systems need to be ascertained over the lifetime of the animals to assess long-term survival and productivity outcomes.

Effect of terracotta drinker and/or water addition of ASPRO‐C plus on behavior, growth, and physiological response of broiler chickens exposed to high temperature

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of a terracotta drinker and/or water supplementation with ASPRO‐C Plus on the zootechnical performance of broiler chickens reared in a hot environment. A total of 160 Cobb 500 broiler chicks of 15 days old (240.2 ± 39.82 g) were divided into four treatment groups in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of drinker type (plastic or terracotta) and water with or without ASPRO‐C Plus (1 g/L) supplementation, each consisting of 4 replicate pens. Respiratory rate, water intake, feed intake, and live body weight were recorded weekly. At 49 days old, 12 birds per group were randomly selected, fasted for 12 h, weighed, and slaughtered for carcass evaluation and blood collection. The respiration rate of broilers decreased significantly (p &lt; 0.01) with the terracotta drinker as compared to the plastic drinker. The water intake, the feed intake and the body weight gain increased significantly (p &lt; 0.01) with the terracotta drinker as compared to the plastic drinker. The water addition of ASPRO‐C Plus significantly increased (p &lt; 0.01) the relative weight of abdominal fat and spleen in broilers. The alpha‐amylase activity was significantly decreased (p &lt; 0.01) with the water addition of ASPRO‐C Plus. The serum content of total cholesterol was significantly increased (p &lt; 0.01) with the terracotta drinker. It can be concluded that ASPRO‐C Plus can slightly improve liveability, but using the terracotta drinker can be more efficient in reducing the behavioral response to heat stress and can improve the growth performance.

Zootechnical characteristics of the emerging lines of stallions of the Yakut breed in the Oymyakonsky ulus of Yakutia

Purpose: zootechnical characteristics of the developing lines of Yakut breed stallions in the breeding farm "Agricultural production cooperative "Tonor" of the Oymyakon ulus of Yakutia.Materials and methods. The study of the exterior indicators of the stallions was carried out by taking body measurements according to the instructions of the All-Russian Research Institute of Horse Breeding. The use of genotypic assessment methods for animals along with classical zootechnical assessment methods for pedigree, productive traits (live weight and meat productivity of offspring, milk production, fertility of daughters) was supplemented by the use of the method of selecting offspring based on their adaptability to herd conditions.Results. Long-term selection work in the breeding farm of the Oymyakon ulus is completed by the formation of six lines of outstanding Yakut breed stallions. In terms of live weight, both stallions and mares of the Oymyakon horse surpass stallions and mares of the Yana, Kolyma and indigenous types. Oymyakon stallions (n=20) weighed on average 483,7±3,55 kg, while stallions of the indigenous types weighed 446,3±4,75 kg (n=34), Kolyma types 449,1±3,42 kg (n=87) and Yana types 469,4±3,27 kg (n=128). Oymyakon horse mares (n=165) also surpassed mares of the indigenous type (401,6±2,00 kg (n=341)), Kolyma type (432,2±1,13 kg (n=1063) and Yang type (431,0±1,16 kg (n=881)) in average live weight of 453,8±2,19 kg. According to measurements of head, neck, chest, croup, occiput and withers, chest and croup width and their indices, Oymyakon horse stallions and mares are practically no different from indigenous type horses. The founder of the line with the most numerous followers is the outstanding stallion Kyurzhet, born in 1946. He came from local Yakut horses of the former Bolshevik collective farm. His line continues on the Tonor farm through his two descendants: his grandson Chalay, born in 1981, live weight 515 kg, and his great-grandson Tenkelekh, born in 1992, live weight 490 kg. The farm produced Kyurzhet's great-great-great-grandson Chalay and 6 great-great-great-great-grandchildren, and now produces 11 continuers of the line (3 great-great-great-great-grandchildren and 8 great-great-great-great-great-grandchildren), a total of 18 continuers of his line have been and are being produced.

Productive and morphological features of females and calves of domestic deer of the Evenk and Nenets breeds during the calving period

Purpose: to conduct a comparative description of the productive and morphological characteristics of domestic reindeer of the Nenets and Evenki breeds.Materials and methods. Study of the morphological, behavioral and reproductive characteristics of domestic reindeer of the Nenets and Evenki breeds, kept in various natural and climatic conditions of the tundra and northern taiga, during the calving and dairy periods. Experimental data were collected from clinically healthy animals. The research was carried out in accordance with the basic methods of zootechnical research (observation, examination). Their gender (visually) and age were determined (using ear tags and animal registration data, and, if necessary, based on the degree of tooth wear); An assessment of the exterior of the reindeer herd was carried out before the rut to select males and females for mating. Methods of visual assessment, linear measurements of animals, and field chronometry of calving were used.Results. The Evenki breed of deer is distinguished by its large size, height, high load-carrying capacity and endurance when transporting goods and people. It has been established that the dynamics of calving of domestic reindeer of the Evenki breed is identical to the dynamics of calving of Nenets reindeer, but there are some peculiarities. In the tundra zone, calving takes 3—5 days longer, and the initial phase begins (on average) 7-10 days earlier than in the taiga zone. The live weight of Evenki breed calves at birth is 0.8 kg higher than that of Nenets breed calves. The intensity of growth up to 3 months of age is higher in the early, mass and late periods of calving. It has been established that calves of the early calving period exceed in live weight at birth and its growth the calves of the mass period, and those, in turn, exceed the calves of the late calving period. This pattern can be traced up to 6 months of age. Calves of early and mass calving periods, having the potential for rapid growth, find themselves in more favorable nutritional conditions in the first months of life than late calves. This is expressed in the ability to receive green pasture food 15-25 days earlier and be stronger by the time the blood-sucking dipterous insects appear. Early calving Nenets calves are more active at night, since there is still a lot of snow in the tundra zone during this period and the temperature sometimes drops below 0ºC.