Malpura Lambs Research Articles

Effect of supplementation of roasted oilseeds and phytochemical-rich herbages on nutrient utilization, methane emission, and growth performance in finisher lambs.

Ruminal methanogenesis is a major contributor to global environmental pollution in the agriculture sector. Dietary intervention modestly abates enteric methane emissions in ruminants. Therefore, the present experiment was conducted to evaluate the combined effect of dietary oilseeds and phytochemical-rich herbages on enteric methane emission, growth performance, and nutrient utilization in lambs. Forty-eight finisher Malpura lambs were divided into 4 groups (RSZ, RSP, RSLZ, and RSLP) of 12 each in a factorial design. Lambs were fed ad libitum concentrate formulated with roasted soybean (RS) or roasted soybean plus linseed (RSL) along with Ziziphus nummularia (Z) or Prosopis cineraria (P) leaves as roughage sources. Variation in the source of roughage significantly affected feed intake, and it was higher (P < 0.05) in lambs fed Prosopis cineraria leaves (RSP and RSLP). The average daily gain was improved (P < 0.05) by 28.6 and 25.0% in lambs fed Prosopis cineraria, i.e., RSP and RSLP respectively, than those fed Ziziphus nummularia leaves irrespective of concentrate diets. Overall, microbial nitrogen synthesis (MNS) was higher (P < 0.05) in lambs fed roasted soybean (RS) than roasted soybean plus linseed (RSL); however, combination of Prosopis cineraria with both the concentrate diets increased MNS, than the combination of roasted oilseeds and Ziziphus nummularia. No significant interaction was observed in the concentration and proportion of volatile fatty acids by feeding combination of roasted oilseed and tree leaves; however, the proportion of acetic and propionic acid was higher (P < 0.05) in the RSL group compared to RS. Methane emission per kg dry matter intake was reduced (P < 0.05) by feeding Prosopis cineraria leaves regardless of concentrate mixture. As a result, the loss of metabolizable energy through methane emission was lowered by 0.7 and 4.6% when Prosopis cineraria leaves were combined with roasted soybean (RSP) and roasted soybean plus linseed (RSLP), respectively. From the present findings, it can be concluded that combination of Prosopis cineraria leaves either with roasted soybean or roasted soybean plus linseed reduced enteric methane emissionsmore effectively than Ziziphus nummularia leaves, and the energy saved was transformed into higher body weight gain and improved feed conversion ratio.

Effect of partial replacement of concentrate with Prosopis cineraria leaves on nutrient utilization, growth and carcass characteristics of Malpura lambs

A study was aimed to evaluate nutrient utilization, growth, carcass characteristics and meat quality of Malpura lambs fed concentrate mixture containing 10% Prosopis cineraria (Khejri) leaves. Malpura lambs (n=24, ∼3 months old) were distributed into two groups viz., T1 and T2 and fed concentrate mixture with P. cineraria leaves @ 0 and 10% of concentrate, respectively along with basal diet for 90 days. Metabolizable energy (ME) intake was lower (P=0.05) in T2 (1799 Kcal/d) which resulted in lower (P=0.05) average daily gain (131 g) and higher (P=0.03) feed conversion ratio (6.46). Digestibility of dry matter (60.6%), organic matter (63.2%), crude protein (65.4%), ether extract (72.8%), acid digestible fibre (18.1%) and cellulose (19.9%) was decreased and excretion of nitrogen through faeces was increased (P<0.05 resulting in nitrogen per cent of intake. Cooking loss was less (P<0.05), and TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) value of meat in T2 (0.46 mg/malonaldehyde/kg meat) was lower (P<0.05) indicating improved oxidative stability. Further, proportion of C18:3 (α-linolenic acid) and total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in longissimus thoracis muscle were also higher (P<0.05) in T2 as compared to T1. Hence, it can be concluded that replacement of concentrate mixture with 10% P. cineraria leaves lowered nutrient utilization and increased feed conversion ratio; but it showed positive effects on fatty acid profile and oxidative stability of meat.

Comparing the efficacy of forage combinations with different hydrolysable and condensed tannin levels to improve production and lower methane emission in finisher lambs

For determining the efficiency of forage combinations with varying tannin levels in small ruminants, an experiment was conducted on 36 finisher Malpura lambs. Animals were divided into 3 groups (T1, T2 and T3) of 12 each and fed ad libitum complete feed blocks consisting 65, 30 and 5 parts concentrate, roughage and molasses, respectively.The roughages added were 15 parts Vigna sinensis hay and 15 parts Ziziphus nummularia leaves in T1, 15 parts Vigna sinensis hay and 15 parts Acacia nilotica leaves in T2, 15 parts Ziziphus nummularia leaves and 15 parts Acacia nilotica leaves in T3 feed blocks. The content of total tannin was 0.78, 2.37 and 2.9 (g/100 g dry matter) in feed blocks of T1, T2 and T3 group, respectively. Dry matter intake was reduced (P < 0.05) with increasing level of tannins in the diet. Nutrient digestibility and balance of nitrogen were higher in lambs of T2 group as compared to T3. However, total volatile fatty acid production and population of methanogens and protozoa were reduced in T2 and T3 groups than T1. Loss of metabolizable energy through methane was 3.1 and 1.8% lower in T2 and T3, respectively than T1 which subsequently resulted in higher (P < 0.05) microbial nitrogen synthesis in T2 and T3 groups. The average daily gain and feed conversion ratio was significantly improved in T2 and T3 groups as compared to T1. In Longissimus thoracis muscle, higher (P < 0.05) content of n-3 fatty acids was observed in T2 and T3 groups, whereas in adipose tissue lower (P < 0.05) content of saturated fatty acids and higher (P < 0.05) mono unsaturated fatty acids were found in T2 group. From the present findings it can be concluded that feeds blocks consisting Vigna sinensis hay and Acacia nilotica leaves with tannin level of 2.37% is most promising in terms of methane mitigation, higher microbial nitrogen synthesis and weight gain, improved feed conversion and enhanced functional carcass attributes in finisher lambs.

Growth performance, rumen fermentation and economic analysis of Malpura lambs raised on milk replacer at different weaning age under semiarid conditions.

Pre-weaning nutrition has significant influence on post-weaning performance of lambs. Strategic weaning management on milk replacer allowance at this phase can be a promising approach for harvesting desired carcass trait in finisher phase. Therefore, present experiment aimed economizing pre-weaning weight gain in lambs by feeding milk replacer and subsequently minimizing weaning age. A study of 90days duration was conducted to determine the production performance, nutrient utilization and rumen fermentation of lambs on milk replacer allowance at different weaning age. Sixty-six Malpura lambs (10days of age) were randomly divided into 3 equal groups. Lambs in control group were allowed conventional free suckling of dam up to 90day of age, whereas lambs in the two treatment groups, that is W60 and W90 were offered milk replacer and weaned at 60 and 90days, respectively. Lambs in all groups were offered ad-libitum creep mixture, Ziziphus nummularia leaves, Vigna unguiculata hay and fresh Ailanthus excelsa leaves. Overall weight gain was 12.7 per cent higher (p<0.05) in W90 than control whereas in W60 group it was statistically comparable with both control and W90 groups. Overall average daily gain was 12.1 per cent higher (p<0.05) in W90 group as compared to control. In case of nutrient digestibility, there was significant depression of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) by 16.9, 17.2, 9.3 and 32.0 per cent in W60 than control; however, in W90, CP digestibility was higher (p<0.05) than control and W60. Considering economic analysis, the net return obtained from W90 (90days weaning plus milk replacer allowance) was more 20.0 per cent higher than control. Therefore, it can be concluded that lamb rearing on milk replacer and weaning at 90days have a sustained positive effect on lambs' production performance and is more profitable than the practice of milk replacer allowance and early weaning in semiarid conditions.

Dietary inclusion of mature lemon grass and curry leaves affects nutrient utilization, methane reduction and meat quality in finisher lambs

Meat production from ruminants is allied with huge environmental cost that needs to be addressed for sustainable animal agriculture. Nutritional interventions based on use of plant bioactive rich human inedible biomass in animal diets may be a potential strategy for eco-friendly and quality meat production. Therefore, the present experiment is aimed for methane mitigation and functional meat production by incorporating mature lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) and curry leaves (Murraya koenigii) in the diet of finisher lambs. Thirty six male Malpura lambs (∼ 4 months age) were divided equally into three groups (C0, T1 and T2) and fed ad lib complete feed block consisting of concentrate, molasses and roughage in the ratio of 55:5:40 for a duration of 3 months. Roughage in the control diet was black gram (Vigna mungo) straw whereas, in the treatment diets 10 percent black gram straw was replaced by dry chaffed mature lemon grass and curry leaves in T1 and T2, respectively. Digestibility of dry matter and hemicellulose was improved (P < 0.05) in T2 along with higher (P < 0.05) N balance. Rumen fermentation parameters showed higher (P < 0.05) propionic and lower (P < 0.05) acetic acid in lambs of T2 group. In case of rumen metagenomic analysis, higher population (P < 0.05) of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens and lower population (P < 0.05) of methanogenic archaea and total protozoa was observed in lambs fed mature curry leaves. Consequently, enteric methane emission was lower (P < 0.05) by 12.6 percent per kg organic matter intake and microbial N synthesis was improved (P < 0.05) by 15 percent in lambs fed blocks consisting of matured curry leaves than control. Daily gain was higher by 9.9 percent and feed conversion ratio was improved by 6.5 percent in lambs fed T2 blocks compared to control however, results in mature lemon grass fed lambs were at par to that of control. Analysis of Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle showed higher (P < 0.05) C18:1n9c, C18:2c9t11 CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) and lower C18:0 contentinT1 and T2 groups than C0. Likewise, adipose tissue showed similar trend like LT muscle except CLA content along with lower thrombogenic index (TI) in lambs of T1 and T2 groups than C0. Hence, from the present findings it can be concluded that among both the unconventional feed ingredients, dietary inclusion of 10 percent mature curry leaves has a dual impact on environmental sustainability and meat quality attributes in ruminant production.

Dietary supplementation of extruded linseed and calcium soap for augmenting meat attributes and fatty acid profile of longissimus thoracis muscle and adipose tissue in finisher Malpura lambs

Abstract Present study aimed meat production augmented with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), essential fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) by supplementation of linseed and Ca-soap in weaner lamb diets. Thirty-six, 3 month old Malpura lambs were randomly divided into three dietary treatments comprising of Control, linseed (10 % crushed linseed) and Ca-soap (5 % Ca-soap), fed for 90 days and slaughtered at 6 months of age to determine chemical composition and fatty acid profile of carcass. All the lambs received a basal diet of ad lib. pala (Ziziphus numularia) leaves and respective concentrate mixtures formulated as per the dietary treatments. Hot carcass weight (kg), total fat (%), cooking loss (%) and water holding capacity (%) remained similar (P > 0.05) among the treatment groups. Feeding of Ca-soap reduced (P

Risk factor analysis for neonatal lamb mortality in Malpura sheep

The magnitude of risk for neonatal mortality (NM) due to non-genetic factors was assessed using data on 5,722 Malpura lambs born during 1991–2016 at ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan. The association of non-genetic factors influencing lamb mortality was obtained by odds ratio (OR). The overall annual NM was 4.07% with around 3 times higher in hebdomadal (3.15%) than post-hebdomadal (0.93%) phase. In comparison to lambs with &gt;3.50 kg birth weight, the OR varied from 2.03 (birth weight 3.01–3.50 kg) to 19.29 (birth weight &lt;2.00 kg). Neonatal mortality was significantly higher (6.51%) in lambs born to younger ewes (up to 2 yr). The parity of dam had significant effect on NM with maximum mortality in lambs born to ewes in 1st (5.59%) parity. Dam’s weight at lambing revealed significantly maximum (32.35%) mortality in lambs born to ewes with &lt;20.0 kg body weight. In comparison to ewes with 30–35 kg body weight at lambing, the OR for NM was maximum (17.28) in lambs born to ewes with &lt;20.0 kg body weight at lambing. The causes of neonatal lamb mortality exhibited predominance of septicaemia/ toxaemia with 25.75% contribution in total deaths followed by neonatal inanition (21.89%), pneumonia (12.02) and enteritis (8.58%). The study revealed that NM during early phase of life was primarily influenced by both lamb and ewe factors. Strategies should be adopted for proper nutritional care of primiparous and weak ewes during gestation, intensive monitoring of lamb and ewes during the neonatal period with ensured colostrum or milk replacer feeding and suitable housing facility to minimize the neonatal losses.

Growth performance and economics of pre-weaner lambs fed gelatinized and non-gelatinized milk replacer

Influence of milk replacer feeding to lambs was assessed on pre-weaning growth and nutrient utilization. Seven day old Malpura lambs (45) were divided into three groups of fifteen lambs in each group and were fed ad lib. creep mixture and roughage (C-0; Control) along with free suckling of dam. Unlike control (C-0), the lambs in two treatment groups were additionally fed with gelatinized (MR-G) and non-gelatinized (MR-Ng) milk replacer with limited suckling from their dam, which were manually milked once in the afternoon (4.00 PM). The MR was fed at 100 ml/lamb/day for first fifteen days and thereafter at 250 ml/lamb/day. The experimental feeding including a digestibility trial was continued until weaning at 3 months of age. Weaning weight, total gain and ADG was higher in MR-G compared to MR-Ng and control and there was 15.25% improvement in MR-G than the control. A lower value of FCR indicated 10.5% improvement in MR-G than the control. The plane of nutrition and digestibility of DM, OM, CP, NDF, hemicellulose was similar in all the three groups. The total milk collected/ewe in MR-G and MR-Ng group was 9.0 kg each that fetched rs. 360 and it reduced the production cost to rs. 51.0 in MR-G, 53.1 in MRNg compared to rs. 68.1 in C-0. One time milking of ewes and replenishment with additional milk replacer to lambs promises higher gain and introduction of the gelatinization procedure ensures further improvement in FCR and ease in delivery to lambs.

Biological rhythmicity of the plasma antioxidant defence in lambs following supplementation of micronutrients or providing shelter in temperature-controlled microenvironment in summer

Antioxidant defence is one of the important biological adaptations to thermal stress in animals. Micronutrients play crucial roles in the bioactivity of several antioxidant systems. Shelter management by providing a thermo-comfort micro-environment to animals may also combat the heat stress during summer. Hence, the aim of the present study was to assess the biological ability of Malpura lambs to counter thermal stress following supplementation of micronutrients and providing shelter in a temperature-controlled climatic chamber during the hot day-hours in summer. Twenty-one lambs of 3 - 5 months age were equally divided in to three group viz. Group1: control, Group2: micronutrient- supplemented and Group3: housing in thermo-neutral climatic chamber. Lambs in group1 and 2 were maintained in a shed having free access to hot wind while the lambs in group 3 were kept inside a climatic chamber (temperature and relative humidity about 30 °C and 40%, respectively) between 10 am to 4:30 pm. All the lambs were provided identical diet consisting of 2.5 kg concentrate and ad libitum quantities of Cenchrus ciliaris hay and clean water. Group3 lambs were additionally supplemented with 0.150 g micronutrient pellet per animal per day for a period of 30 days. Blood samples were collected at 0, 15, 30 days and plasma antioxidants activity were estimated. The catalase activity in the micronutrient-pellet supplemented group was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the control both at day15 and day30. The superoxide dismutase activity was increased significantly (p < 0.05) at day30 than the day0 in both the micronutrient-supplemented and climatic chamber groups. In conclusion, both the micronutrient supplementation and housing in a thermo-comfort environment enhance the antioxidant defence and biological adaptation in lambs during thermal stress in summer.

Production performance of lambs on milk replacer during pre-weaning followed by post-weaning linseed and calcium soap supplementation

Thirty-six male Malpura lambs (14 d old) were taken to assess the effect of milk replacer (MR) during preweaning followed by linseed and calcium soap (Ca-soap) supplementation post weaning on lamb performance. The lambs in control group were allowed free suckling of dam and were offered ad lib concentrate, dry cowpea hay and fresh Ardu (Ailanthus excelsa) leaves during pre-weaning period. The lambs in other two experimental groups, viz. MRg-Linseed and MRng-Ca-soap were offered additional gelatinized and non-gelatinized MR, respectively. Prior to blending, the MR was boiled for five minutes to make the carbohydrate moiety gelatinized. The lambs were individually bottle fed with liquid MR after blending with warm water (42 °C). During post weaning, lambs in control group were offered ad libitum control ration whereas the test groups were fed crushed linseed (MRg-Linseed) and Ca-soap (MRng-Ca-soap) supplemented ration. Plane of nutrition revealed higher (P < 0.05) DM, DCP and ME intake in test groups during pre- and post-weaning periods. Digestibility of nutrients was similar during pre-weaning whereas during post-weaning, digestibility of CP was higher (P < 0.05) and that of NDF and ADF was lower (P < 0.05) in MRg-Linseed compared to control. Proportion of propionic and butyric acids was higher (P < 0.05) and population of protozoa was lower (P < 0.05) in MRg-Linseed and MRng-Ca-soap group as compared to control. Average daily gain and feed conversion ratio was higher (P < 0.05) in MRg-Linseed and MRng-Ca-soap as compared to control during both pre- and post-weaning periods with an overall 16.3 and 12.2% improvement in weight gain and 7.5% higher efficiency in FCR, respectively. Carcass attributes revealed low (P < 0.05) intermuscular fat and shear force value in MRg-Linseed and MRng-Ca-soap. Wool production and staple length was higher (P < 0.05) in MRg-Linseed and MRng-Ca-soap groups compared to control. It may thus be concluded that milk replacer during pre-weaning and energy supplements in the form of crushed linseed and Ca-soap during post-weaning would be considered as a useful strategy for achieving higher body weight with better carcass and wool quality.

Effect of altered ambient temperature through shelter modifications on physiological indicators of Malpura lambs reared in semi-arid region during winter

Microclimatic factors are of crucial aspect for the welfare of animals. Therefore, a study was conducted to assess the effect of altered ambient temperature through shelter modifications on physiological indicators of Malpura lambs reared in the semi-arid region during winter. Twenty-one Malpura lambs of 3–5 week age and average body weight 9.97 ± 0.51 kg were used in the present study. The lambs were divided into three groups (eg. G1, G2, and G3) and were kept in the different microenvironment by manipulation of shelter design. The G1 lambs were maintained at lower minimum temperature (8.59 ± 0.71 °C) in asbestos roofed shed, while G2 lambs were maintained at higher minimum temperature (14.59 ± 0.54 °C) in local handmade bamboo dome structure, and G3 lambs were kept at a medium minimum temperature (11.84 ± 0.64 °C) in thermocol insulated roofed shed from evening 18:30 h to morning 07:00 h. The study was carried out for one month between January and February. The parameters studied were physiological response (respiration rate, pulse rate, rectal temperature), skin temperature, blood metabolites and endocrine profile. The data were analyzed by general linear models. Higher average daily weight gain was recorded in the lambs kept in higher minimum temperature groups (20.54% higher in G2 and 24.68% higher in G3) as compared to G1 lambs. Microenvironment manipulation had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on most of the physiological response and skin temperature except morning respiration rate within low-temperature range. The present study reveals that Hb, PCV, T3, and cortisol level were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by microenvironment manipulation. The results of the study indicated that altered ambient temperature through altered shelter design of housing for raising of lambs in the semi-arid tropical region may support animal welfare during chilling nights of the winter.

Effect of Feeding Milk Replacer Alone or in Combination with Probiotic on Pre-weaning Performance, Nutrient Utilization and Rumen Fermentation in Malpura Lambs

To assess influence of feeding milk replacer alone and with probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophillus) supplementation on pre-weaning growth performance and nutrient utilization, 48 Malpura lambs of 7d of age were distributed randomly into three equal groups. Lambs were maintained individually under feeding regimens of ad libitum creep mixture along with green and dry roughage (C-0; Control), and the same supplemented with milk replacer alone (C-MR), or milk replacer in combination with live probiotic culture (C-MRP). Lambs were allowed to suckle their respective dams in the morning and evening till 91d of age, and fed ad libitum green leaves of Prosopis cinereria and dry cowpea hay. Pre-weaning performance of lambs in terms of weaning weight (20.7 kg, P=0.009), average daily gain (ADG; 183.1g, P=0.003) and feed conversion ratio was higher (P=0.019) in C-MRP lambs as compared to control (C0). The DM intake was significantly (P=0.026) higher in C-MR and C-MRP lambs due to higher plane of nutrition. Rumen pH was lowest (P=0.023) in C-MR lambs. Ammonia concentration decreased and total VFAs increased with milk replacer feeding in both C-MR and C-MRP groups. Level of propionic acid increased and acetic acid decreased in C-MR and C-MRP lambs. Rumen ciliate protozoa population (x104/ml) decreased (P=0.022) in C-MR (91.3) and C-MRP (95.4) group lambs than in C-0 lambs (122.8). Milk replacer feeding in C-MR and C-MRP lamb improved (P<0.05) the nutrient digestibility. Thus, milk replacer feeding during pre-weaning has significant influence on weight gain, feed efficiency and nutrient utilization; however, the influence of probiotic feeding on lamb growth needs further studies.

Effect of slaughter age on carcass traits of malpura lambs

Effect of slaughter age on carcass traits of malpura lambs

Effect of protection against hot climate on growth performance, physiological response and endocrine profile of growing lambs under semi-arid tropical environment.

In the hot semi-arid tropical region, extreme summer is a major constraint in sheep production. The growth performance of growing lambs is impaired during the summer. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the effect of protection against hot climate on growth performance, physiological response, and endocrine profile of growing lambs under semi-arid tropical environment. All the data in the experiment were presented as mean±SE. Thirty Malpura lambs with the age of 122.7±6.05days and body weight of 19.52±0.42kg were allotted into three groups, viz. G1 (control, lambs kept in open area under tree shade), G2 (lambs kept in conventional asbestos-roofed shed), and G3 (lambs kept in designed shed). The allotment was based on their initial body weight so that the mean body weight of each group was similar. In all three types of protection, lambs were provided with sufficient space to move and social interaction. In asbestos-roofed shed (G2), all the four sides from ground to the roof were fenced with strong galvanized iron chain link. But in G3, all the four sides were constructed in a manner that there was 0.13m air space between inner and outer solid brick columns of the wall up to 1.37m height, and rest up to the roof was fenced with bamboo splint net. The air space between the two columns of the wall was filled with sand, and it was kept in moist condition by continuous water drips which provide extra evaporative cooling. The designed shed was basically constructed with bamboo. Tree shade was assured under the natural shades of large trees. The shaded area was protected by wire fences. The experiment was conducted for 45days during very high temperature (May-June). The lambs were provided with ad libitum green fodder, dry roughage, 300g concentrate, and ad libitum drinking water. The respiration rate at morning and afternoon, pulse rate at morning and afternoon and rectal temperature at afternoon was significantly (P<0.05) lower in lambs of G3 as compared to other groups. The final body weight did not differ significantly between the groups, but average daily gain (g/day) was higher in G3 (150.06±11.13) as compared to the G1 (109.69±18.10). The feed conversion rate (FCR) was significantly (P<0.05) better in G3 (5.49±0.08) as compared to G1 (7.65±0.08) and G2 (6.60±0.08). The hemoglobin level was significantly (P<0.05) higher in G1. The endocrine profile did not vary significantly (P>0.05) among the groups, but insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) was higher in G3. It can be concluded from this study the lambs provided with better protection during summer remained in more comfortable condition, showed better FCR, and although not statistically significant showed better growth performance.

Genetic appraisal of serological response post vaccination against enterotoxaemia (ET) in Malpura and Avikalin sheep.

Enterotoxaemia (ET) is a fatal enteric disease of small ruminants attributable to a toxigenic type of Clostridium perfringens. The key strategy for prevention of ET is the management and vaccination. Present study aimed at identifying the sources of variation for ET vaccine response especially against epsilon toxin in 173 sheep that included 83 Avikalin and 90 Malpura lambs raised at the institute flock in the semi-arid region of India. The mean age at vaccination was 90days. Sera were tested by blocking ELISA. Study showed significant variability for response to ET vaccine. 5.2% animals had + positivity, 20.8% animals had ++ positivity, 51.4% animals had +++ positivity and 22.5% animals had ++++ positivity. Amongst environmental determinants, breed, season, sex and age at vaccination proved to be non-significant sources of variation (P>0.05). MHC genotypes with DRB1 gene and DQA2 genes also revealed non-significant association with ET vaccine response; however, a trend of decreasing PI values with increasing ranks was observed. Study revealed strong response of epsilon toxin along with complexity of the ET vaccine response as phenotype to be explained by genetic and non-genetic factors. The importance of better management practices and vaccination is suggested for preventive measures.

Response to challenge infection in sheep selected for resistance and susceptibility to haemonchus contortus

A study was undertaken to compare the host response on single and trickle infections of H. contortus in Malpura lambs selected for either resistance or susceptibility to H. contortus. Twelve Malpura male lambs (6 each from resistant - R and susceptible - S lines; 9–12 months old) were used during two periods of 10 weeks: single and trickle infections with an interval of three weeks. The host response was measured in terms of body weight, faecal egg count, haematological and biochemical characters for 10 weeks post challenge. Over the period of 10 weeks, a gain of 0.3 kg was recorded in lambs of R-line compared to a loss of 4.1 kg in S-line on single challenge. However, on trickle infection both the groups exhibited gain (5.7 kg in R-line and 5.2 kg in S-line) in body weight. On majority of occasions intensity of infection was lower in R-line compared to Sline. Non-significant variation was observed in haemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) among both the lines on single challenge. However, significant (P<0.05/0.001) variations among divergent lines (lower Hb value in S-line compared to R-line) were observed on trickle challenge. In both the forms of challenge, plasma pepsinogen level revealed non-significant variation. On slaughter, the mean number of adult H. contortus in abomasum varied non-significantly between 498.7±40.1 (R-line) and 576.7±270.1 (S-line). The worm length remained more or less similar in both the lines. Correlation between log FEC and body weight was significant (P<0.05) only in Sline. Log FEC showed significantly (P<0.001) negative correlation with Hb and PCV in both the lines on single challenge. The correlation between log FEC and plasma pepsinogen level was significantly (P<0.05) negative in both the lines on trickle challenge. It was concluded that the animals selected for resistance can tolerate parasite challenge effectively with reduced intensity of infection, higher body weight gain and reduced pathogenic effect.

Evaluation of variability in antibody response induced by vaccination against Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) in Malpura and Avikalin sheep

Amongst several trans-boundary diseases of small ruminants in India, Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a devastating disease due to its spread and economic importance. The main strategy for prevention of this disease is the vaccination with attenuated whole virus vaccine. Present study was carried out to identify the sources of variation and also to unravel the genetic variance in the PPR virus (PPR) vaccine elicited immune response in 231 Avikalin and 398 Malpura sheep lambs maintained at organized institute flocks in the semi-arid region of India. Average age at vaccination was 108.5 days. Sera were tested by competitive ELISA (C-ELISA), an attenuated PPR (Sungri) was used as the coating antigen. Results revealed significant variability for response to vaccination. Per cent inhibition (PI) values at 0day of vaccination (0DPrV) was 33.9% and 29.8% in Avikalin and Malpura lambs, respectively. At 28days post vaccination (28DPV) PI was 62.7% in Avikalin and 58.7% in Malpura lambs. On 28DPV, the protective titre (PI>50%) was shown by 82.4% Avikalin lambs and 76.2% Malpura lambs. Among environmental determinants, breed, cohort, season and age at vaccination proved to be significant sources of variation (P<0.05). Factors determining the better odds of protection need to be exploited properly to assure protection. The estimate of heritability (h2±SE) at 28DPV was 0.02±0.12 in Malpura sheep, however it was 0.54±0.28 in Avikalin sheep.

Genetic Trends For Traits Under Selection in Malpura Sheep

Genetic trends for traits under selection in Malpura sheep for live weight at six months (6WT) and first greasy fleece weight (GFW) were studied on 3944 Malpura lambs born over a 19 year period (1996–2014). The genetic trends were calculated by regression of average predicted breeding values for both the traits (6WT and GFW) on the animal's year of birth. Genetic trends were positive for these traits. Estimates for the gain for 6WT and GFW were 70.3 g and 2.43 g, per year respectively. Environmental trends masked the production potential of lambs, thus limiting the phenotypic expression for production traits in Malpura sheep. Selection was found effective for bringing desired genetic improvement in the flock.

Effects of calcium soap of rice bran oil fatty acids supplementation alone and with DL-α-tocopherol acetate in lamb diets on performance, digestibility, ruminal parameters and meat quality.

Thirty-six Malpura lambs (28day old and 6.7±0.25kg BW) were distributed equally in three groups having six males and six female. They were adlibitum fed individually three different experimental diets containing calcium soap of fatty acids (CA-FA) at 0 (T1 ) and 40 (T2 and T3 ) g/kg concentrate up to six months of age. Animals in T3 were supplemented additionally with 40mg DL-α-tocopherol acetate/kg of concentrate. The roughage moiety included adlibitum dry Prosopis cineraria and fresh Azadirachata indica leaves. All the lambs were allowed to suckle from their dam up to weaning (90day of age). Supplementation of Ca-FA improved weight gain and feed conversion ratio during both pre- (28-90days) and post-weaning (91-180days) phases; however, no effect of DL-α-tocopherol was observed. Metabolic parameters during post-weaning phase revealed non-significant effect on digestibility but improved nitrogen balance in the test groups. The effect on biochemical attributes did not show any significant alteration in ruminal parameters, blood biochemicals and urinary purine derivatives. Carcass traits revealed higher (p<0.05) dressing yield and loin eye area with Ca-FA supplementation. The value of thiobarbituric reactive substances for nuggets prepared from frozen carcasses revealed significant (p<0.05) reduction in T3 compared to the other dietary groups. Fatty acid profile of adipose tissue revealed higher (p<0.001) 9-octadecanoic, 9-12-octadecadienoic, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), higher ratio of PUFA/saturated fatty acids (SFA), ω-6/ω-3 and lower SFA in Ca-FA-supplemented groups. It is concluded that supplementation of 40g/kg calcium soap prepared from industrial grade rice bran oil in lamb ration provided additional energy intake, improved N utilization, gain and feed conversion ratio besides improving dressing yield and meat quality with CLA enriched fatty acid profile. DL-α-tocopherol acetate when supplemented at 40mg/kg feed reduced lipid oxidation of meat products thus improving its keeping quality.

Effect of different types of housing on behavior of Malpura lambs during winter in semi-arid tropical environment

Abstract During winter, different types of sheds were constructed to reduce lamb mortality. A study was conducted to assess the effect of different types of housing on the behavior of Malpura lambs during the winter in semiarid tropical condition in terms of suckling, feeding, lying, standing, social interaction, and oral stereotype. Sheds are constructed to reduce winter mortality. This study was carried out for a period of 1 month during winter (January-February). Twenty-one lambs of aged 3-5 weeks were divided into 3 groups of 7 animals each such as G-I (control, n = 7), G-II (bamboo dome, n = 7) and G-III (thermocol-insulated cold-protected shed, n = 7). The G-I lambs were maintained in normal asbestos roofed shed (side wall wire net, curtains at night time), whereas G-II lambs were maintained in a local hand-made bamboo dome structures. G-III lambs were kept in thermocol-insulated (roof and doors were made up of asbestos, thermocol, and polyvinyl chloride sheet, brick side wall) roofed shed from 6:30 pm to 7 am. The lambs were exposed to their mother in the morning (7 am to 7:30 am) and evening (5:30 pm to 6 pm) for suckling. Lambs were provided with ad libitum green fodder, dry roughage, and concentrate in an open area from 8 am to 5:30 pm. Behavioral recording was carried out for 1 animal from each group daily (once weekly for each animal) by 3 people (1 person for 1 lamb). G-III lambs showed higher weekly body weight gain and higher milk intake. Total feeding time was 22.44% higher in G-III compared to G-I lambs. Drinking time was higher in G-I lambs compared with those in the other groups. Standing time was significantly higher ( P