Major Feed Research Articles

Genome-Wide Identification of COMT Gene Family in Maize and its Function in Response to Light.

Maize is a major crop, feed, and industrial material. Caffeic acid-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is a methylase closely associated with lignin biosynthesis and plant growth and resistance. In this study, we identified the COMT gene (ZmCOMT) family in maize and further analyzed its phylogenetic evolution, subcellular localization, and its function in response to light. Thirty-one ZmCOMT genes were identified in the maize genome, which were distributed across eight chromosomes and mainly clustered on chromosome 4. Most ZmCOMT proteins were predicted to localize in the cytoplasm. Ten different conserved motifs were present in most ZmCOMT proteins, and motif1, motif6, and motif7 were highly conserved and present in all ZmCOMT proteins. The photoresponsivity elements were conserved among all members, and ZmCOMT22 and ZmCOMT10 genes responsive to light. This result suggests a potential function for these two genes in lignin biosynthesis which a previous study had linked to light regulation. Jasmonic acid responsive and abscisic acid cis-acting elements were present in the promoter regions of family members, thus the family may be regulated by hormone signaling pathways of maize. In summary, ZmCOMT genes are ancient, and the highly conserved motifs may be significant in survival and evolution of maize. Furthermore, light may influence lignin biosynthesis and photosynthesis through ZmCOMT genes. This research provided theoretical basis for lignin biosynthesis of maize and the potential value of ZmCOMT22 and ZmCOMT10 genes to enhance plant photosynthesis for facing global warming.

The effect of agro-ecological zone on the chemical composition of feed resources in the Gera district, southwest Ethiopia

The poor quality of available feed resources is the major limiting factor for livestock production in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the chemical composition of major feed resources in three agro-ecological zones (AEZs) of the Gera District, southwest Ethiopia. Three representative samples of natural pasture (Cynodon dactylon, Pavonia schimperiana Hochst and Rhynchosia ferruginea), three indigenous fodder trees and shrubs (IFTSs) (Erythrina abyssinica, Vernonia amygdalina and Maytenus undat), two cultivated forages (Pennisetum purpureum and Pennisetum pedicellatum) and five crop residues (Hordeum vulgare (barley), Zea mays (maize), Sorghum bicolor (sorghum), Triticum aestivum (wheat) and Eragrostis tef (Teff)) were randomly and separately collected from the Highland (HL), midland (ML) and lowland (LL) AEZs. The samples were analyzed for ash, dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ether extract (EE), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) content using standard analytical methods. The results showed that AEZ significant (P < 0.05) affected the chemical composition parameters of most of the feed samples. Regardless of the feed sample and AEZs, the mean DM, CP, ash, EE, NDF, ADF, ADL and CF content varied from 89.17% in Pennisetum purpureum to 92.22 ± 0.51 in Erythrina abyssinica, 2.90 ± 0.22% in Triticum aestivum to 10.70 ± 0.52 in Vernonia amygdalina, 7.24 ± 0.19% in Sorghum bicolor to 13.25 ± 0.51% in Pavonia Schimperiana Hochst, 1.33 ± 0.04% in Triticum aestivum to 2.39 ± 0.15% in Maytenus undata, 57.65 ± 1.19% in Erythrina Abyssinica to 79.16 ± 1.04% in Triticum aestivum, 34.57% in Pennisetum purpureum to 59.41 ± 0.98% in Sorghum bicolor, 8.15 ± 0.62% in Rhynchosia ferruginea to 12.65 ± 0.57% in Triticum aestivum and 37.51% in Pennisetum pedicelatum to 69.93 ± 0.65% DM in Triticum aestivum, respectively. It was observed that IFTSs had the highest CP and the lowest NDF, implying their potential for protein supplement, whereas crop residues had the lowest CP and the highest NDF, indicating the need for their treatment using urea or supplementing animals with protein source feeds, especially during the dry season. In conclusion, AEZ has an influence on the chemical composition traits of feed resources attributed to its effects on the microclimate conditions that affect plant growth and maturation in the study sites.

Understanding the chemical language mediating maize immunity and environmental adaptation.

Diverse networks of specialized metabolites promote plant fitness by mediating beneficial and antagonistic environmental interactions. In maize (Zea mays), constitutive and dynamically formed cocktails of terpenoids, benzoxazinoids, oxylipins, and phenylpropanoids contribute to plant defense and ecological adaptation. Recent research has highlighted the multifunctional nature of many specialized metabolites, serving not only as elaborate chemical defenses that safeguard against biotic and abiotic stress but also as regulators in adaptive developmental processes and microbiome interactions. Great strides have also been made in identifying the modular pathway networks that drive maize chemical diversity. Translating this knowledge into strategies for enhancing stress resilience traits has the potential to address climate-driven yield losses in one of the world's major food, feed, and bioenergy crops.

Effect of Seed Rate on Forage Yield, and Nutritional Value of Sudan Grass and Vetch Mixtures in Ethiopia: A Review

The livestock feed resources in Ethiopia are classified as natural pasture, crop residues, improved pasture and forage, agro-industrial by-products, and also hay production of which the first two feed resources are the major feed contributors for the livestock production in Ethiopia but they are lacking in protein and minerals. Natural pastures contribute about 80-85 of animal feed in Ethiopia, including naturally occurring grasses, legumes, shrubs, hurbs, and tree foliages. Crop residue is one of the feed resources used for animal production in Ethiopia and is available in those areas in which livestock and crop production are practiced. Around 30 million tonnes of DM of agricultural crop residues are produced annually on the national scale, of which 70% are used as animal feed. The major agro-industrial by products commonly used in Ethiopia are obtained from different agro-industries. The nutritional values of agro-industrial by products are excellent but their productivity is small, limited, and limited to few farms in urban and peri-urban areas and they contribute much less to livestock feed. Furthermore, traditional livestock feed supply mainly depends upon natural pasture and crop residues, which have low crude protein and other chemical composition. However, there is tremendous potential to alleviate feed shortages using improved forage production. To fulfill this gap, producing a stable improved forage in the livestock sector is mandatory. For that reason, the legume and grass intercropping system are important to increase biomass production and forage yield. Hence, Sudan grass (Aden gode) known with its plant height than other cultivars and vetch (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Vicia dasycarpa&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) have greater plant height and creeping growth habit that enable compatible to larger grass species and they are selectable forages to enhance the forage yield and quality under similar times.

Characterization of smallholder irob cattle production system: contributions to develop a breeding program.

An exploratory survey (i) to investigate livestock production system, reproductive and production performance of Irob cattle and (ii) to recognize constraints to cattle production was conducted in eastern Tigray zone, northern Ethiopia. Six tabias (the smallest administrative unit consisting of several villages) were chosen using purposive sampling method and households from each tabia were randomly selected. Mixed crop-livestock farming system dominates the study area. Overall herd size was 5.3 ± 2.7, with each herd comprising of 1.7 ± 1.2 cows, 1.4 ± 0.9 oxen, 0.5 ± 0.7 heifers, 0.5 ± 0.7 bulls and 1.2 ± 0.9 calves. Cattle are kept for draught power (index = 0.43), milk (index = 0.32), income (index = 0.15), manure (index = 0.06) and crop threshing (index = 0.04). Major feed resources in the study area were natural pasture, crop residue and cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica). Overall mean (± SD) for age at first services (AFS), age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI), days open (DO), daily milk yield (DMY) and lactation length (LL) was 28.3 ± 3.9 months, 37.4 ± 5.5 months, 15.5 ± 4.1 months, 6.5 ± 1.8 months, 1.7 ± 0.4L and 7.4 ± 2.0 months, respectively. There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in performance traits between districts. Well-known cattle production constraints in order of significance were feed, disease and parasites, AI, water and veterinary service. In conclusion, the study shown importance of taking into account the production environment in developing breed improvement program and recommends fit management system.

Production system analysis and breeding practices of indigenous goats in North Wollo zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT This study describes the goat production system and breeding practices in selected districts of North Wollo zone, Ethiopia. Data were collected from 180 respondents through a semi-structured questionnaire and group discussions. Descriptive and GLM procedures were employed for data analysis. A mixed crop-livestock production system was the main production system in the area. The mean number of goats per household is 9.66 and they are mainly kept for cash income and meat consumption. The flock structure of indigenous goats consisted of a large number of female goats. Natural pasture and crop residue were the major feed resources in the dry and wet seasons, with an overall mean of 37.53% and 54.26%, respectively. Feed shortage, diseases, and drought were the major constraints for goat production. Most goat owners (97.1%) practiced an uncontrolled mating system. Most farmers (88.93%) reported selecting breeding goats to be a parent for the next generation. Body conformation and coat colour were the preferred traits for the selection of goats. The current level of goat management and breeding methods would not significantly enhance goats’ productivity and profitability. Therefore, designing management and genetic improvement programmes would be vital to improving the productivity of indigenous goats.

Comparison of the chemical composition of major feed resources between the midland and lowland agro-ecological zones in the Majang zone of southwest Ethiopia

Evaluation of feed chemical composition is essential for predicting nutrient deficiencies and improving feed for optimal livestock productivity. However, variation in agro-ecological zones (AEZs) might affect the chemical composition of feeds. The main objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the chemical composition of major feed resources in the midland and lowland AEZs of the Majang zone in southwest Ethiopia. A total of eight representative samples of feed resources were collected from lowland (Godere district) AEZ (500–1500 m above sea level) and midland (Mangashi district) AEZ (1501–2300 m above sea level). The samples were analysed for dry matter (DM), ash, crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL). The result revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the chemical composition traits between the two AEZs in the study area. For example, the DM, ash and NDF contents of C. dactylon were higher (P < 0.05) in the lowland AEZ, while the ADF and ADL contents were higher in the midland; D. abyssinica had higher (P < 0.05) ADF content in the lowland, while Z. mays stover had higher (P < 0.05) DM, ash and ADF contents in the lowland. S. bicolor stover showed higher (P < 0.05) DM, ash, ADF and ADL contents in the lowland, while C. gayana had higher (P < 0.05) ash and CP contents in the lowland and higher (P < 0.05) ADF and ADL contents in the midland AEZ; Atella (a traditional alcohol byproduct) had greater (P < 0.05) ash and ADF contents in the lowland. Regardless of the AEZs, the DM, ash, NDF, ADF, EE, CP and ADL contents of the feed samples varied from 89.97 ± 0.33 % in P. purpureum to 92.50 ± 0.01 in Sorghum bicolor stover, 4.27 ± 0.19 in Atella to 12.37 ± 0.42 in elephant grass, 51.66 ± 0.38 in Atella to 66.10 ± 0.25 in D. abyssinica, 32.21 ± 0.29 in D. abyssinica to 42.58 ± 0.44 in D. abyssinica, 0.63 ± 0.15 in Atella to 2.55 ± 0.03 in C. dactylon, 4.77 ± 0.01 in Zea mays stover to 11.83 ± 0.02 in V. unguiculata and 10.31 ± 0.07 in Z. mays stover to 19.41 ± 0.07 % DM in C. dactylon, respectively. From this study it was concluded that variation in AEZ has a significant effect on chemical composition traits of the feeds in the study area. The results of the study revealed that V. unguiculata stands out as a valuable protein source, while crop residues may require additional protein supplementation to meet livestock requirements in the study area.

Socio-Economic Characterization, Identification and Prioritization of Major Constraints and Potentials in Gara Ebanu Community Watershed in Sululta District, Ethiopia

Baseline characterization builds necessary foundation for the plan and obtains proper information for elective planning, implementation and monitoring of the research and development endeavors. The objective of the study was to document baseline information on socio-economic for planning and impact monitoring and to identify and document major socio-economic constraints and potential in the watershed. A total of 62 sample households were selected randomly from all farmers engaged in farming activities in the watershed. The average inorganic fertilizer (NPS and Urea) used in the watershed were 75 kg/ha and 75 kg/ha respectively. The response of the respondents showed that the average yield obtained in the watershed was about 10 qt/ha for barley, 12 qt/ha for wheat, 5 qt/ha for faba bean and field pea 6 qt/ha. The major livestock feed type in the watershed were crop residue (93.5%) followed by hay making (91.9%), grazing in the field (80.6%), local beverage by-products (72.6%), concentrates of different type (67.7%), green feed (50%), stubble grazing (41.9%) and improved forage (14.5%). The result of survey shows that the major income sources of the farmers living in the watershed were livestock production (77.4%) followed by crop production (45.2%) and off-farm activities (25.8%). About 71% of the households have encountered high cost and shortage of agricultural inputs followed by low crop productivity (19.4%), crop disease (8.1%) and existence storage pests (1.6%) were the common in the watershed. In the watershed, high cost of agricultural inputs, low crop productivity, crop disease, shortage of animal feed and fodder, inflation, lack of employment opportunity and other income source were addressed as the highest priority issues by the community that are contributing to the crop productivity reductions and low level of their livelihood in the watershed. By considering the addressed problem related to crop production, livestock production and socio-economic, the interventions on introduction and demonstration of improved and high yielding crop varieties that are resistant or tolerant to the already existing and emerging pests to increase production and productivity of crops should be done. In general, immediate short-term actions should be taken particularly participatory integrated watershed management were recommended.

TRI14 Is Critical for Fusarium graminearum Infection and Spread in Wheat

Trichothecenes are sesquiterpenoid toxins produced by diverse ascomycetes, including Fusarium. The trichothecene analog deoxynivalenol (DON) produced by the Fusarium head blight (FHB) pathogen Fusarium graminearum is a virulence factor on wheat and a major food and feed safety concern. In Fusarium, the trichothecene biosynthetic gene (TRI) cluster consists of 7–14 genes. Most TRI cluster genes are conserved and their specific roles in trichothecene biosynthesis have been determined. An exception is TRI14, which is not required for DON synthesis in vitro but is required for spread of F. graminearum in wheat heads. In the current study, gene expression analyses revealed that TRI14 was highly induced in infected wheat heads. We demonstrated that TRI14 was not only required for F. graminearum spread but also important for initial infection in wheat. Although a prior study did not detect DON in infected seeds, our analyses showed significantly less DON and fungal biomass in TRI14-mutant (designated ∆tri14)-inoculated heads than wild-type-inoculated heads. Gene expression comparison showed that the level of expression of TRI genes was similar in the wheat tissues infected with ∆tri14 or the wild type, indicating the reduced toxin levels caused by ∆tri14 may be due to less fungal growth. ∆tri14 also caused less lesion and grew less in wheat coleoptiles than the wild type. The growth of ∆tri14 in carboxymethylcellulose medium was more sensitive to hydrogen peroxide than the wild type. The data suggest that TRI14 plays a critical role in F. graminearum growth, and potentially protects the fungus from plant defense compounds.

Assessment of the supply and quality of broiler chicken diets from selected feed mills in Tanzania

A study was conducted to evaluate the supply and nutrient composition of broiler feeds from selected feed millers in the Morogoro, Pwani, and Dar es Salaam regions of Tanzania. Nineteen feed mills were assessed, and a representative from each region was interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Feed samples from each feed mill representing starter, grower, and finisher diets were collected for proximate analysis. The study showed that the average broiler feed production (tonnes/year) per feed mill was approximately 12,000 for Morogoro, 15,400 for Pwani, and 35,000 for Dar es Salaam. Feed production was mainly constrained by inadequate supply and low quality of ingredients, high costs of production equipment, restricted market access, and limited capital investment. The major feed ingredients listed were maize, maize bran, cottonseed cake, sunflower seed meal, soybean meal, and fish meal, while the micro ingredients included blood meal, salt, limestone, dicalcium phosphate, and premixes. Ingredients were mostly sourced from contract suppliers and local markets. The majority of feeds were processed in mash form, while a few were pelleted. There was considerable variation in the nutrient composition of the feeds of different producers. In most of the feeds examined, crude protein (CP), metabolizable energy (ME), and amino acids were below the recommended levels for broiler chickens; fat, Mg, and Na were at the recommended levels; and P, Ca, Mn, Fe, and Zn exceeded the recommended levels. Starter feeds were more costly than grower and finisher feeds, and pelleted feeds were more costly than mash feeds. The feed ingredient prices were high between October and March and lower during the June to July crop harvesting season. In general, commercially processed feeds from different companies showed large variations in nutrient composition; the majority had values below the recommended standards for broiler chickens, while some exceeded and few attained these standards.

Valuation of livestock population and national feed security to enhance livestock productivity in Ethiopia.

Feed is a major input in the livestock industry and covers about 60%-70% of the total cost of producing meat, milk and eggs. Inadequate feed supply in terms of quality and quantity leads to lower production performance in livestock. However, the development of an appropriate livestock production strategy through efficient utilization of existing feed resources could raise the production and per capita consumption of livestock products. Efficiency of feed resource utilization can be measured as the ratio between input to production activities and output (e.g. kg of protein used per unit of meat, milk and eggs produced or hectare of land used per unit of milk produced). This study was designed with the objective of evaluating the livestock population and national feed security to enhance livestock productivity in Ethiopia. To achieve this objective, data were collected from the websites of the Ethiopian Central Statistical Agency from 2007 to 2021, FAO publications and websites, books and journals. The data obtained on different feed resources, livestock population and livestock feed requirement and balance were entered into an MS Excel spread sheet (Excel, 2010) and analysed using the general linear model (PRO GLM) procedure of SAS (2014) and multivariate analysis of covariance. The study results revealed that the livestock population had increased from 58.31 million tropical livestock units (TLU) to 81.10 million tropical livestock units (TLU), and the emission of entericCH4 had increased from 2511.08 Gg/year to 3661.74 Gg/year from 2008 to 2021. The study results also showed that the major available feed resources for ruminants are natural pasture and crop residues, which account for 56.83% (87.56×106 ) and 37.37% (57.57×106 ) of total feed production in the country, respectively. The contribution of concentrate and improved cultivated pasture and feed from permanent crops used as feed sources is very insignificant (3.05% and 1.96%, respectively). The estimated quantity of these feed resources was sufficient to meet the livestock feed requirement in the country in terms of dry matter (DM), digestible crude protein (DCP) and MEJ, which estimated about 153.31×106 t, 4.56×106 t and 1203.97×109 MJ DM, DCP and MEJ, respectively. The estimated livestock feed requirements were 134.62×106 , 4.52×106 , and 918.83×109 in DM, DCP and MEJ, respectively. The supply covered about 114.33, 100.04 and 131.33% of the DM, DCP and MEJ total annual feed requirements of livestock in the country. Hence, the current feed surplus obtained on feed requirements of ruminants and equines can support the nutrient requirements of 500×106 broilers, about 5×106 bulls, about 50×106 small ruminants or 3×106 crossbred lactating dairy cows, yielding 10L of milk per day. The findings of study indicated that natural pasture and crop residues cover a major proportion of the annual feed supply in the country. Therefore, proper grazing management, feed conservation practices, improving grazing land vegetation through clearing invasive species, replacing the grazing land with an improved grass and legume mixture, effective collection, conservation and proper utilization of crop residues, and other alternative options such as the use of chemical, physical and biological treatments to improve the nutritive value of fibrous feed should be practiced. More effective extension services and farmer training are also required to increase feed productivity and, hence, human development.

The physical quality of elephant grass silage with tannin extract from coffee husk

Forage is a major feed that determines the success of livestock farming, especially ruminants. The silage is one technique to preserve forage to maintain the availability of forage all year. Microbes have an important role in the silage process, microbes can break down nutrient components of silage, including protein. Protein is one of the primary nutrients for animals, tannin compound of coffee husk can be used to maintain protein compounds in the silage. Tannin is a bioactive compound from the extract of coffee husk that is non-toxic, organic, and classified as polyphenols. This research purpose was to know the effect of adding an additive of tannin coffee husk on the physical quality of elephant grass silage. The research was analyzed using a T-Test design with 2 treatments and 5 replications (T0: elephant grass + 2% molasses; T1: elephant grass + 2% molasses + coffee husk tannin). The results indicated that no significant difference in the added tannin extract on the final and initial pH value and organoleptic characteristics of elephant grass silage. The conclusion of the research was the tannin extract of coffee husk can maintain the protein content of elephant grass silage in the ensilage process.

Measurement of Dynamic Electric Consumption Trend in a Broiler House in Arkansas

Highlights We quantified the diurnal and seasonal electric load pattern during four consecutive growouts of heavy broilers over an 11-month period on a commercial farm. Consumption was measured separately for ventilation fans, lights, feed motors, well pump motors and radiant tube heater blowers. Ventilation fans were the largest consumer of energy and the largest contributor to peak demand on the farm. Average monthly electric demand ranged from 31% to 77% of the corresponding monthly peak demand, calculated from the largest 15-min period. The electricity cost of raising heavier-weight broiler chickens is higher in the summer ($22 per 1,000 kg live weight) than in the winter ($5 per 1,000 kg live weight). Abstract. Characterizing electric energy use in a commercial broiler house—partitioned by bird age, season, and electric load type—can provide engineers with insight for designing energy conservation practices, as well as help to analyze and design on-site renewable energy production sub-systems. This study monitored electric energy consumption in a commercial broiler house in Arkansas, raising heavy broilers (with a capacity of 17,000 birds) during an 11-month period that included four, 8-week flocks. Average electricity use (RMS voltage and current) was measured at a sampling interval of 5 min for all of the major load types, including ventilation, lighting, feed motors, and well-water pump motor. Results indicated that electric consumption for ventilation fans was the greatest load, accounting for over 88% of the total. The endwall fans (for tunnel ventilation) contributed to the peak electric demand (VA) in nine of the 11 months. Over the 11-month monitoring period, broiler chicken production had an average electric energy consumption (per unit live-weight mass produced) of 43 kWh per metric ton of live weight (in a winter flock) to 184 kWh per metric ton (in a summer flock). The corresponding electric costs were $5 per metric ton and $22 per metric ton in winter and summer flocks, respectively (based upon an electricity unit cost of $0.12/kWh). Keywords: Electricity demand, Energy efficiency, Poultry housing.

Hesperetin protects hippocampal neurons from the neurotoxicity of Aflatoxin B1 in mice

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a major food and feed pollutant that endangers public health. Previous studies have shown that exposure to AFB1 causes neurotoxicity in the body. However, the mechanism of neurotoxicity caused by AFB1 is not well understood, and finding a workable and practical method to safeguard animals from AFB1 toxicity is essential. This study confirmed that AFB1 caused endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) and apoptosis in hippocampal neurons using C57BL/6 J mice and HT22 cells as models. In vitro experiments showed that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) plays a significant role in the cytotoxicity of AFB1. Finally, we assessed how hesperetin protecting against the neurotoxicity caused by AFB1. Our findings demonstrated that AFB1 increased the levels of BAX and Cleaved-Caspase3 proteins, while decreasing the levels of BCL2 protein in the CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus. The AFB1 increased the expression of AHR and activated nuclear translocation. It also elevated the expression levels of Chop, GRP78, p-IRE1/ Xbp1s, and p-PERK/p-EIF2a. Importantly, we also discovered for the first time that blocking AHR in HT22 cells dramatically reduced the level of ER stress and apoptosis caused by AFB1. In vivo and in vitro studies, supplementation of hesperetin effectively reversed AFB1-induced cytotoxicity. We have demonstrated that hesperetin effectively restored the imbalance in the GSH/GST system in HT22 cells treated with AFB1. Furthermore, we observed that elevated GSH levels facilitated the formation of AFB1-GSH complexes, which enhanced the excretion of AFB1. Therefore, hesperetin improves ER stress-induced apoptosis by reducing AFB1 activation of AHR.

Livestock nutrition and feed balance on smallholder farms in Tanqua-Abergelle district, northern Ethiopia

The present study examined the livestock feed balance of smallholder farmers in Tanqua-Abergelle district of central Tigray, northern Ethiopia. Sixty livestock households were randomly selected from two farmer associations chosen systematically based on their livestock production potential. Data were collected on household characteristics, land holding, livestock ownership, feed inventory, feed supply and feed demand using household interviews (N = 60). Field feed samples were collected and representative samples analysed for dry matter content (DM), metabolizable energy (ME) and digestible crude protein (DCP). Annual DM, ME and DCP supply and demand were estimated using proper scientific procedures. Feed balance was quantified by comparing the feed demand with the supply. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics of SPSS statistical software. Crop residues, grazing lands, crop stubble and mixed hay were investigated as the major feed resources for livestock. On average, annual feed production was 3.96 tonnes DM, 30,138 MJ ME and 171 kg DCP at household level for 4.85 TLU. Crop residues contributed to 52 % of the total annual feed supply and grazing lands to 29 %. The feed requirement for maintenance of the livestock holding was estimated at 11.06 tonnes DM, 45,580 MJ ME and 253 kg DCP. The feed balance analysis estimated a 64 % deficiency of dry matter, 34 % of ME and 32 % of protein. Based on the present findings, it is clear that either the quantitative and qualitative feed supply of the livestock must be improved or the number of livestock kept in Tanqua-Abergelle district must be reduced in order to close the feed gap.

Assessment of Major Sheep Forage Types, Feeding System, and Nutritional Quality Assessment, Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

The aim of this study was to assess the major sheep feed types, feeding system and its nutritional quality evaluation in Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. A total of 100 households (hh) were taken from each district. For laboratory work, feed samples were collected from ten randomly selected farmers from each peasant association and nutrition composition like Dry matte, crude protein, Ash, Neutral detergent fiber, Acid detergent fiber, Acid detergent lignin, In vitro dry matter digestibility, Digestibility of organic dry mater were tested and Metabolizable Energy was calculated. The field survey data were analyzed using SPSS and SAS software used for nutritional composition test. The Pearson Chi-Square and Tukey HSD test was used to determine mean differences at (p &lt; .05). The results of the field survey revealed that, the major feed resources available in both districts comprised of natural pasture (82%) followed by crop residue (25%) and Free grazing is the common feeding system in both districts. The overall mean of, Dry matter, Ash, crude protein, Neutral detergent fiber, Acid detergent fiber, Acid detergent lignin, In vitro dry matter digestibility, Digestibility of organic dry mater and Metabolizable Energy content of natural grasses were 89.5%, 5.9%, 68.5%, 68.5%, 37.1%, 4.9%, 55.5%, 43.8% and 7.4 KJ/kgDM, respectively. The corresponding values for barley straw were also 90.9%, 5.4%, 5.4%, 70.7%, 54.8%, 9.6% and 8.2 KJ/kgDM for Dry matter, Ash, Crude protein, Neutral detergent fiber, Acid detergent fiber, Acid detergent lignin and Metabolizable energy respectively. Significant (p &lt; .05).) difference was seen on Ash and Digestibility of organic dry mater content in natural pasture between two districts and there was no significant difference on other composition It was concluded that, natural pasture and barley straw are the main sheep feed in area. Further studies are needed to see other feed resource and test nutritional composition.

Assessment of Major Livestock Feed Resources and Constraints in Guji Zone, Southern Oromia

Assessment of Major Livestock Feed Resources and Constraints in Guji Zone, Southern Oromia

GmTOC1b negatively regulates resistance to Soybean mosaic virus

Soybean (Glycine max) is a major oil and feed crop worldwide. Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) is a globally occurring disease that severely reduces the yield and quality of soybean. Here, we characterized the role of the clock gene TIMING OF CAB EXPRESSION 1b (GmTOC1b) in the resistance of soybean to SMV. Homozygous Gmtoc1b mutants exhibited increased tolerance to SMV strain SC3 due to the activation of programmed cell death triggered by a hypersensitive response. Transcriptome deep sequencing and RT-qPCR analysis suggested that GmTOC1b likely regulates the expression of target genes involved in the salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathway. GmTOC1b binds to the promoter of GmWRKY40, which encodes a protein that activates the expression of SA-mediated defense-related genes. Moreover, we revealed that the GmTOC1bH1 haplotype, which confers increased tolerance to SMV, was artificially selected in improved cultivars from the Northern and Huang-Huai regions of China. Our results therefore identify a previously unknown SMV resistance component that could be deployed in the molecular breeding of soybean to enhance SMV resistance.

Characterization of Goat Husbandry Practices in Dollo Zone, Somali Regional State Ethiopia

The aim of this study was to characterize goat husbandry practices in Dollo zone, Somali Regional state, Ethiopia. Three districts namely Warder, Danod and Daratole were purposively selected based on the goat production potential. Three kebeles were also purposively selected from each district based on the goat production potential. The relevant data for this study were collected through semi-structured questionnaire applied on 156 sample households, key informants interviews, focus group discussions and personal observations the study revealed that the major available water sources in wet season were dams/ponds (92.9%) and pipe water (7.1%), whereas, rig water (65.4%), water wells (17.8%) and dams/ponds (16.7%) were major water sources in dry season and watering frequency of goats varied according to the season, with the dry season having a higher watering frequency due to the inaccessibility of watering points within short distances. The major feed sources for goats during wet season were natural pasture and fodder trees with 63.5% &amp; 36.5%, respectively. On the other side, the major sources of feed in the dry season were natural pasture (42.3%) followed by fodder trees (30.8%) and crop residues (26.9%), respectively. Goats were housed in an open kraal enclosed with branches of acacia tree which don’t protect them from extreme weather conditions. The majority (75.6%) of the goat owners practiced an uncontrolled breeding system. Ethno-veterinary practices through use of herbal and non-herbal ways were practiced in the study area. Drought, feed shortage, water shortage, diseases, predators, and market problems were the major constraints that hindered goat production in the study area. Therefore, the study suggests the need for improving the overall management practices of goats to enhance productivity through awareness creation and extension service. The study also suggests further studies on the implications of suboptimal husbandry practices on goat production and productivity.

Price-quality relationships for the main livestock feed types in the Ethiopian feed market

This study assessed the price-quality relationships for the major feed products in Ethiopia with a view to informing policy makers on possible avenues to develop the livestock feed sector in the country. A survey of livestock feed markets was conducted from April to May 2019 in five regions (Amhara, Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR), Oromia, Tigray and Addis Ababa). A total of 1700 feed samples with their respective price information were collected from 202 marketplaces. The collected samples were analyzed for their crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and metabolisable energy (ME) content. Results showed considerable variability in quality within the same feed type. Pearson correlation and regression analyses showed that price-quality relationships for the feed samples were either very weak or non-existent. Wheat bran showed a weak price to quality correlation for CP (r= 0.200 at P&amp;lt;0.01), ME (r= 0.202 at P&amp;lt;0.01) and IVOMD (r= 0.221 at P&amp;lt;0.01). Among the roughages, grass hay showed slight positive price to ME correlation (r= 0.382 at P&amp;lt;0.001) and a slight negative relationship with ADF (r=-0.336 at p&amp;lt;0.005). The results of this study indicated that quality attributes have no, or a limited role in setting market prices for most feed types in the Ethiopian feed market. The fact that both good and poor-quality feeds are sold under the same label and market value affects both traders and livestock producers. Therefore, it is important to build national feed analytical capabilities to allow quality of feeds to be checked against national feed standards, particularly for concentrate feeds.