Mean Live Weight Research Articles

Methane emission factors and carbon fluxes from enteric fermentation in cattle of Nepal Himalaya

This study presents a first estimate of the country-specific enteric methane (CH4) emission factors (EFs) and the net CH4 fluxes for the local and improved cattle breeds (LCB and ICB) in Nepal using the IPCC Tier 2 methodology. The country-specific herd structure, morphological and feed characteristics data of cattle were collected from the field survey. In LCB, adult males had the highest mean live body weights (BWs) ranging from 222 ± 42 kg in the Hill to 237 ± 36 kg in the Plain region, while for improved cattle, adult females had the highest BW of 334 ± 45 kg in the Hill to 308 ± 38 kg in the Plain regions. Weight gains of ICB were higher than the LCB. Local calves gained BWs of 97 ± 20 g day−1, while improved calves gained a weight of 202 ± 41 g day−1. The CH4 EFs ranged from 13 ± 3 to 46 ± 9 kg CH4 head−1 yr−1 for different age-groups of the LCB, while for the ICB, the EFs ranged from 14 ± 3 to 75 ± 15 kg CH4 head−1 yr−1. Overall, the EFs were 33 ± 7 and 46 ± 9 kg CH4 head−1 yr−1 for LCB and ICB, respectively. The estimated enteric EFs of cattle in the Hill and Plain regions were not statistically different (p > 0.05), but a significant difference existed between the breeds (LCB and ICB; p < 0.05). The net CH4 flux was 254 ± 51 Gg yr−1 from enteric fermentation in cattle of Nepal using the country-specific EFs, about 15% higher than using the default EFs (221 ± 66 Gg yr−1). We underline that the emission estimation, deploying the country-specific EFs, will be more accurate, contributing to reduce the uncertainties in the national GHG inventories and supporting the mitigation actions.

The effect of sodium bentonite on growth performance and some blood parameters in post-weaning Tuj breed lambs

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of sodium bentonite supplementation on fattening performance and some blood parameters in Tuj lambs. In the study, 18 male lambs were divided into 3 groups. While the control group was fed with basal ration, the experimental groups were fed with sodium bentonite supplementation 1% and 2% dose in addition to the basal ration. On the 0th, 15th, and 30th days of the study, there was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of mean live weights, live weight gain, daily live weight gain, daily feed consumption and feed conversion ratio (P&amp;gt;0.05). On the 45th day of the study, the difference between the groups in terms of live weight gain, daily live weight gain and feed conversion ratio were statistically found significant (P&amp;lt;0.05). The difference between glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), ceruloplasmin, albumin, total protein and globulin values of Tuj breed lambs were not statistically significant (P&amp;gt;0.05).The use of sodium bentonite in Tuj breed lambs was statistically found significant in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase enzyme activities (CAT) (P &amp;lt;0.05). In conclusion, the use of sodium bentonite in Tuj lambs positively affected fattening performance. When the blood antioxidant parameters were examined, increase in SOD and CAT values was protective against oxidative damage in lambs used sodium bentonite. However, the increase in MDA value has doubted the safety sodium bentonite use in lambs.

Shell Growth Pattern and Percentage Flesh Yield of the West African Clam, Galatea paradoxa (Born, 1778) from Itu Creek, Niger Delta Nigeria

Shell Morphometry is a fundamental tool for the evaluation of phenotypic stocks. The shell growth pattern and percentage flesh yield of Galatea paradoxa from Itu Creek in Niger Delta were investigated using standard morphometric methods. The mean in centimeter (cm) of 9.71±0.09, 35.02±0.22, 23.21±0.12, 37.11±0.25, 29.31±0.16 and 7.32±0.04 were recorded for shell length, maximum width, maximum height, nacre length, nacre width and hinge length respectively. Mean live weight of 115.70±1.09 g, mean flesh weight of 37.91 ± 0.23g and mean shell weight of 66.82±0.97 g were recorded for this species. Galatea paradoxa showed negative allometric growth (b &lt; 3) while the correlation coefficients (r) in all the shell variables were far below „1‟, indicating a week correlation between the parameters. About 19% of the live weight of the clam is made up of flesh by weight.&#x0D; Keywords: Bivalve, Clam, Shell dimension, Niger Delta.

Reproductive performance and kid growth until weaning in Hair goat reared on-farm conditions in Turkey

This study was conducted to determine the growth traits, survival rates, and some reproductive traits of Hair kids reared onfarm in Antalya province of Turkey. The data concerning the birth weights of totally 22,817 kids and the 90th day live weights of totally 21643 kids were taken for a 5-year period within the scope of this study. In 37 flocks, the mean birth weights of the kids born in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 were determined as 3.38, 3.41, 3.26, 3.32, and 3.26 kg, and also the mean live weights of 90th day weaning were found as 16.96 kg, 18.33 kg, 17.43 kg, 17.47 kg, and 17.53 by the years, respectively. The differences between the birth year, sex, type of birth, and the dam?s age groups were statistically significant in terms of birth weight and 90th day live weight P < 0.05 . The survival rates of the kids on the 90th day were 96.44%, 92.70%, 94.06%, 94.31%, and 97.02% by the years P < 0.05 . In the study, the twin birth rate was 5.1% in general. It was revealed based on five-year data that Hair goats had adaptation to the region and breeding system with their survival rate exceeding 90%.

Morphological Diversity of Muscovy Duck in Humid Zone of Nigeria

The study is aimed to assess live weight and some morphometric traits to serve as the basis for documentation and utilization in improvement programme of the locally-adapted ducks. This study observed five phenotypic characteristics and assessed live weight, and seven morphometric traits in 200 adult domestic ducks (105 drakes and 95 ducks) in the humid zone of Nigeria between February and August 2012. The observed characteristics were plumage colour, shank colour, eye colour, incidence and colour of caruncle. The seven morphometric traits included; body length, breast circumference, bill length, neck length, wing length, shank length, and foot length. Data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation and regression coefficients. Plumage colour was predominantly pied (black/white) with a relative prevalence of 69.0%. Shank colour was mainly yellow with a relative proportion of 62.5%. About 62% of the study ducks were yellow-eyed; the remaining ones had black eyes (38%). One-half (50%) of the study sample had caruncle; the remaining half had no caruncle. Red caruncle was predominant with the relative prevalence of 58.5%. The mean live weights of drakes and ducks were 3.16±0.814 kg and 2.05±0.449 kg, respectively. Coefficients of the phenotypic correlation between live weight and morphometric traits both in ducks and drakes ranged from 0.914 to 0.987 (P&lt;0.01). The correlation coefficients showed that body length had the strongest relationship with live weight followed by wing length (r = 0.987 and 0.984). Regression analysis showed that body length and wing length had the highest coefficients of determination (R2 = 0.974 and 0.969), indicating that they were the best predictors of live weight. Also, the sampled Muscovy ducks showed a substantial level of variation in live weight and some morphometric traits, thereby pointing to probable gainful selection efforts. The regression equations in this study could serve as useful practical tools by livestock farmers, researchers and rural development workers for weight estimation in the field and for selection purposes.

Effect of herbal supplementation on growth, immunity, rumen histology, serum antioxidants and meat quality of sheep

There is a wide range of feed additives deliberately designed to be used in sheep diets that can improve production performance. Whereas herbal supplementation is gaining popularity not only for improving sheep productivity and mutton quality but also for safe application without any harmful residual effects. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) and/or garlic leaf (Allium sativum) dietary supplementation on growth performance, immunity, rumen histology, serum antioxidants and meat quality of sheep. The experiment consisted of a completely randomized design with 32 one-year-old sheep (initial mean live weight 9 ± 0.2 kg) allocated to four groups (8 sheep per group). Rice straw and concentrates-based total mixed ration pellets (2390 kcal/kg DM, CP = 15.1%) were offered as a control diet (CL diet). Herbal treatment diets included (i) CL diet + 10 g DM of plantain herb (PL diet), (ii) CL diet + 10 g DM of garlic leaf (GL diet) and (iii) CL diet + 5 g DM of PL and 5 g DM of GL (PG diet). Compared with the CL diet group, the live weight gain and feed conversion ratio were 18% to 26% and 13% to 20% higher in herbal-supplemented groups, respectively. Moreover, the herbal-supplemented groups, especially the PL diet group had higher serum immunoglobulin concentration, antioxidant capacity and rumen papillae size compared to the control. Besides, the lowest caul fat and pelvic fat levels were observed in the PL diet group followed by PG, GL and CL diet groups. In addition, lower mutton ether extract and saturated fatty acid along with higher polyunsaturated fatty acid levels were found in all herbal-supplemented groups. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with PL and/or GL might be used as an alternative in sheep to promote growth, health status and lean mutton production.

167 Evaluation of an out-of-season breeding system for organic lamb production in missouri

Abstract Organic production is one of the fastest growing food and agriculture industry. The seasonality of lamb production affects lamb markets and prices, whereas, an out-of-season breeding and organic fall lamb production scheme may enhance product availability and competiveness. Six rams and 100 Katahdin ewes were selected for an out-of-season breeding during April and May of 2017 and 2018, for two production years. Ewes were synchronized for estrus using CIDR® device (EaziBreed™) (12 d) before breeding and fed ‘flushing’ feed for four weeks. Ewes were bred in mixed sire groups for two estrus cycles (35 d). Animals were rotationally grazed and maintained good body condition score (3.0) throughout the seasons at certified organic farm in Missouri. Mean live weight measured monthly from breeding to lambing were 57.8, 60.1, 62.1, 64.7, and 59.3 kg. Eighty nine ewes lambed in fall 2017 giving birth to 121 lambs (136% lambing rate) and eighty eight ewes lambed in 2018 giving birth to 126 lambs (143% lambing rate). Ninety seven percent of weaned lambs were maintained as an organic production status for marketing. Lamb birth weight, average daily gain weight, weaning weight, and 30 d post weaning weight, post weaning average daily gain weight were recorded for 2017 born lambs as 3.74±0.03 kg, 21.00±0.24 kg, 24.78±0.28 kg, 176±2 g/d respectively. Organic weaner lambs were sold for 5 to 15% higher price values (P &amp;lt; 0.05) per unit than non-organic peer groups at a local livestock auction sale.

Effect of growth path on carcass and meat-quality traits of Hereford steers finished on pasture or in feedlot

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of nutritional management during rearing and finishing phases on beef fatty acid composition, and carcass and beef quality traits of Hereford cattle. The study used 240 castrated male calves weaned at 8 months of age, and with an average weight of 170 ± 17 kg. After weaning, the experiment was divided in to three phases in a 4 × 2 factorial design: a 93-day winter period with four treatment groups (on pasture or in feedlot and at high or low feeding levels); a 196-day compensatory-growth phase on pasture; and a finishing phase either on pasture or in feedlot. Animals were slaughtered when each group attained a mean liveweight of 500 kg. The winter growth × finishing management interaction significantly affected hot carcass weight (P = 0.0029). There was no differences observed for feedlot-finished steers, but for pasture-finished steers, those pasture-reared had higher hot carcass weight (kg) than those feedlot-reared (low pasture 256.30 ± 1.60, high pasture 253.72 ± 1.60, low feedlot 249.85 ± 1.66, high feedlot 247.60 ± 1.62). Feedlot-finished steers showed higher (P &amp;lt; 0.05) mean values than pasture-finished steers for ribeye area (55.61 ± 0.69 cm2 vs 53.18 cm2), backfat thickness (8.62 ± 0.32 mm vs 6.21 mm), marbling score (237.97 ± 13.06 vs 171.70) and final pH (5.53 ± 0.02 vs 5.48). Additionally, feedlot-finished steers raised in feedlot during the winter-growth period displayed the heaviest hindquarter cuts. Meat from pasture-finished steers had lower (P &amp;lt; 0.05) shear-force values than from feedlot-finished cattle (2.95 ± 0.18 vs 3.66 ± 0.17 kg), and when reared on either high or low pasture during winter-growth, they showed the highest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) conjugated linoleic acid (cis-9, trans-11) and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations. In conclusion, growing and finishing cattle on pasture improved the carcass yield of retail cuts because of low fat concentration, and improved the nutritional and health value of the beef fatty acid profile.

Body weight and ultrasound measurements over the finishing period in Iberian and F1 Large White × Landrace pigs raised intensively or in free-range conditions

Iberian (IB) pigs are often finished on grass and acorns, and they are known for their ability to deposit high amounts of fat. Live weight, body dimensions and backfat depth measured by ultrasounds in various layers and backfat depots, were collected in an experimental group (n = 117) of IB and crossbred Large White × Landrace pigs (F1), finished either intensively or in oak-tree forests in a factorial experiment. Weight and ultrasounds data were collected at the beginning, midpoint and end of the finishing period, which occurred at a mean live weight of approximately 85, 125 and 160 kg, respectively. Changes in live weight and fat depth over the finishing period were assessed and body dimensions and backfat depth measured by ultrasounds were used to predict carcass traits. Genetic groups differed considerably in growth rate (P < 0.01), with higher ADG in IB than in F1 pigs by about 200 and 80 g/d in the first and second stages of finishing, respectively. Finishing system also affected growth rate (P < 0.01), with faster growth in intensively finished pigs, by about 380 g/d in stage 1 and 220 g/d in stage 2 of finishing. The mean ADG was always higher in the first than in the second stage of finishing, particularly in IB pigs and those finished intensively. In all fat depots considered, the internal fat layer was thicker than the external layer. The major differences in backfat thickness were observed between genetic groups while differences between finishing systems were smaller and often not significant (P > 0.05). At the end of the finishing period, total backfat was about twice thicker in IB than in F1 pigs in the dorsal and P2 depots (P < 0.05), and nearly 50% thicker in rump backfat (P < 0.05). The correlations between dorsal and P2 backfat measurements obtained in carcasses at 24 h post mortem and the same measurement obtained by ultrasounds right before slaughter were near 0.85 for total and internal backfat layers (P < 0.05), but dropped to about 0.3 to 0.6 when estimated within genetic group. Stepwise regression equations estimated to predict various carcass and meat traits indicate that morphometric characteristics had a modest contribution for most carcass traits while the depth of the internal layer of P2 backfat was of major importance in many cases. The ability to predict dressing percentage and abdominal fat had modest accuracy, while ham tissue composition and intramuscular fat percentage could be accurately predicted based on in vivo indicators.

Backgrounding strategy effects on farm productivity, profitability and greenhouse gas emissions of cow-calf systems in the Flooding Pampas of Argentina

Beef grazing systems need to improve their environmental sustainability while increasing productivity to meet future demand. In a context of climate and prices variability, the main aim of our study was to explore the current trend in cow-calf operations of including backgrounding strategies on productivity, profitability and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in a representative beef cattle system from the Laprida Basin (Flooding Pampas, Argentina), applying an integrated assessment with modelling tools. The mean liveweight gain (LWG) of pure cow-calf systems was lower than systems that included backgrounding, it decreased as stocking rates (SR) increased, and it was increased when the stocker contribution (0.2 to 0.4 steer/cow rate), sales weights (steers 390 kg LW and heifers 320 kg LW) and supplementation level (>1% LW) were higher. Liveweight production and operating profits showed a curvilinear response to SR, reaching a plateau close to 0.5 cows ha−1. As expected, GHG emissions intensity (EI; kg CO2e kg−1 LW produced) was higher in pure cow-calf scenarios. If a grazing intensity (i.e. ratio between biomass removed by grazing and biomass available for grazing) beyond 0.6 was to be avoided to prevent long-term overgrazing and trade-offs among the variables assessed, the best option was to decrease SR to 0.45 cows ha−1. On such stocking rate, LWG was improved by 8% (±SD; ±3%), but LW production, operating profits, and GHG emissions intensity were reduced by 1% (±2%), 9% (±4%) and 10% (±1%), respectively, compared with 0.50 cows ha−1. The best risk-efficient combinations were depicted by backgrounding options and the variation of profit was mainly explained by prices variability (CV = 40 ± 3%) and, to a lesser extent by climate variability (CV = 11 ± 3%). Therefore, backgrounding strategies provide opportunities to farmers to increase farm productivity and profitability at the lowest risk for a given level of expected return, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions per unit of product.

Use of indigestible markers to estimate the apparent dry matter digestibility of diets containing a cocoa by-product

Fecal production and apparent dry matter digestibility (ADMD) were evaluated using external markers (chromium oxide; titanium dioxide; isolated, purified, and enriched lignin (LIPE®); and isolated, purified, and enriched lignin nanoparticles (NANOLIPE®) and internal markers (indigestible DM (IDM), indigestible neutral detergent fiber (INDF), and indigestible acid detergent fiber (IADF) in diets based on Tifton 85 bermuda grass (Cynodon sp.) hay containing different concentrations of a cocoa by-product. Sixteen crossbred (Holstein × Zebu) dairy heifers with a mean live weight of 363.00 ± 27.70 kg were evaluated and distributed in a completely randomized block design with a split-plot arrangement. The plots corresponded to the diets, which differed in the substitution of bermuda grass hay with different concentrations (0, 8, 16, and 24% of DM) of the cocoa by-product, whereas the splitplots represented the indigestible markers. Chromic oxide, LIPE®, NANOLIPE®, and INDF accurately estimated ADMD and fecal production whereas titanium dioxide, IDM, and IADF did not accurately estimate these parameters.

IMPACT OF ADDING CITRIC, LACTIC ACIDS AND PROPYLENE GLYCOL ON : 2- REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF BUCKS AND DOE RABBITS

Two experiments were designed on buck and doe rabbits. In the 1st experiment, a total of 25 New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits bucks (9 months of age with a mean live body weight of 3400±173 g) were allotted into 5 treatments to study the effect of additive citric, lactic acids and propylene glycol on nutrients digestibility coefficients, blood picture, sexual urge, physical semen and spermatozoa characteristics, feed intake and live body weight changes. In the 2nd experiment, a total of 40 nulliparous does (8 months of age with an average live body weight of 3100±188 g) were allotted into 5 treatments. Does were inseminated with semen from untreated bucks. Does performance including:- blood picture, litter size and weight at birth and at weaning, milk yield, feed intake and body gain were studied. First group in both experiments received plain water and severed as a control group, while water for the 2nd ,3rd ,4th and 5th groups for the two experiments supplemented with citric, lactic acids (Concentration of citric and lactic acid 98%) or propylene glycol (2% propylene glycol, as an energy source) at 0.5 ml/liter drinking water and mixture of them with 0.75 ml/liter at 0.25 ml, each, respectively. Results showed in first experiments significant improvement in buck’s nutrients digestibility of OM, CP and NFE were significantly increased with mixture of (citric , lactic acid and propylene glycol ) group than in other groups. There was also a significant increase in CP and NFE in the group that received citric acid in the drinking water. There was no significant effect on CF and EE digestibility coefficient. Hematocrit, red blood cells counts and white blood cells counts increased significantly in all treated groups compared to control while hemoglobin values, increased significantly in all treated group (except lactic acid group) than control. Total protein, globulin, triiodothyronine and testosterone, were significantly increased due to supplemented of citric, lactic acids, propylene glycol individual or a mixture of them compared to the control group. Significantly improvements in each of sexual urge (libido) and all the semen and sperm characteristics in treated group compared to control group. In second experiments Does performance with using individual citric, lactic acids or propylene glycol or mixture of them to drinking water was improvements. Hematocrit, red blood cells counts, white blood cells counts and triiodothyronine increased significantly in all treated groups compared to control while hemoglobin values, increased significantly in all treated group (except lactic acid group) than control. Total protein, albumin, globulin and A/G ratio significantly affected by supplemented citric, lactic acids or propylene glycol and mixture of them and tended to increase by group received propylene glycol or group received mixture of them. The changes in weight gain of does in the four groups across the experimental period were significant in citric acids or propylene glycol group. organic acids or propylene glycol supplemented achieved improvement in litter weight at birth. At weaning day, all treated groups had heavier kits' weight than those in control. Litter size increased obviously due to supplemented water by citric, lactic acids or propylene glycol and mixture of them than that in control group during the all experimental days. Mortality rate reduced by supplemented water by citric, lactic acids or propylene glycol and mixture of them. Milk yield in 3rd week of lactation was increased significantly in all treated group compared to control. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the effectiveness of citric acid, lactic acid and propylene glycol and its ability to improve the performance of rabbits, by improving reproductive performance as a result role for additives in improved blood metabolites and improving available energy, improving nutrition digestion as well as improving milk quality, and thus affecting reproduction in farm animals

Replacing oat hay with coffee husk in the feed of finishing lambs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of replacing oat hay with coffee husk for the feeding of confined lambs. In this study, 24 male Texel lambs of approximately 60 days of age and with a mean ± standard error weight of 21.95 ± 5.81 kg were examined. Their diet was composed of 30% oat hay and 70% concentrated feed per kilogram of dry matter. The experimental design was randomized and included four treatments (0, 7.5, 15, and 22.5% of coffee husk in the total dry matter), with six replicates of each treatment. The animals were slaughtered when they reached a mean live weight of 32 kg. There was no significant difference in dry matter intake and mean daily weight gain (which were 197 g day-1) among treatments. The mean daily weight gain (DWG) was not significantly affected (P &gt; 0.05) by the replacement of oat hay with coffee husk in the diet, with the overall mean DWG being 215.05 g day-1. There were no significant differences (P &gt; 0.05) among treatments in any of the studied carcass variables, and the mean true carcass yield was 53.9%. The lambs presented a mean finishing score of 2.96 (on a scale of 1 to 5) and a conformation of 4.21 (on a scale of 1 to 6), characterizing them as good carcasses. In terms of economic viability, the 7.5% diet stood out as the one that had the highest profitability, generating a profit of $ 3.25 USD per kg of carcass produced. Coffee husk can therefore replace oat hay in the feed of finishing lambs in concentrations of 0.075 to 0.225 kg kg-¹ of total dry matter with biological and economical efficacy and generating good commercial carcasses.

Effects of fertiliser nitrogen rate to spring grass on apparent digestibility, nitrogen balance, ruminal fermentation and microbial nitrogen production in beef cattle and in vitro rumen fermentation and methane output

The effects of two fertiliser nitrogen (N) application rates - 15 (LN) or 80 (HN) kg N/ha - to Lolium perenne dominant swards in spring, on grass dry matter (DM) intake, digestion, rumen fermentation, microbial N production and N-balance in beef cattle, and in vitro fermentation and methane production were studied. Sixteen Charolais steers with a mean live weight (s.d.) of 475 (18.4) kg, were used in a completely randomised block design experiment and offered zero-grazed grass harvested 21-d post N application. The same grass was incubated in an eight-vessel RUSITEC in a completely randomised block design experiment. The HN treatment had a 540 kg/ha higher grass DM yield, and a 20 g/kg DM higher crude protein (CP) concentration compared to LN. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in DM intake, or in vivo DM, organic matter (OM) and N digestibility between treatments. Rumen fermentation variables pH, lactic acid, ammonia (NH3) and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration were similar (P > 0.05) for both treatments. Nitrogen intake was 19 g/d higher (P < 0.05) for HN compared to LN. Total and urine N loss was 16 and 14 g/d greater (P < 0.05), respectively, for HN compared to LN, but faecal N loss did not differ (P > 0.05) between treatments. The quantity of N retained and N-use efficiency did not differ (P > 0.05) between LN and HN. Plasma urea concentration was 1 mmol/L greater (P < 0.05) for HN compared to LN. Estimated microbial N production was greater (P < 0.05) for HN compared to LN. In vitro NH3 concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) for HN compared to LN, whereas in vitro rumen pH, lactic acid and VFA concentrations and molar proportions did not differ (P > 0.05) between HN and LN. In vitro methane and total gas output were not different (P > 0.05) between treatments. Reducing fertiliser N application rate to grass in spring reduced total and urinary N excretion, which has environmental benefits, with no effects on in vitro methane output.

Estimation of Live Weight by Body Measurements in the Miranda Donkey Breed

The use of the measurement of heart girth (HG), in locations where a scale is not available, with the application of weight estimation formulas or special weight tapes, is well established as a practical and accurate way to estimate the live weight (LW). Although several studies were performed to correlate donkey body measurements and LW, none of these was done in the large frame European donkey breeds. When using smaller frame breeds formulas, the tendency was to underestimate the live weight of larger frame breeds. The sample used in this study consisted of 65 Miranda breed donkeys, with ages ranging from 4 days to 15.4 years (6.6 ± 4.4 years). The studied population mean LW was 280.8 ± 106.1 kg (32.5–475.5 kg); the mean height was 127.4 ± 14.7 cm (69–157.5 cm); the mean body length (BL) was 131.4 ± 25.3 cm (59–184 cm); and the mean HG was 143.8 ± 23.1 cm (71–175 cm). All the correlations between LW and the body measurements taken were statistically significant (P < .001), but the degree of accuracy was higher in the HG (r = 0.937) than in the BL (r = 0.915) or height (r = 0.894). The formula that best estimates the LW was performed by Quadratic model and was based on the HG measurement: LW = 98.138–3.0386 × HG + 0.0293 × HG2 (LW in kilogram; HG in centimeter). The formula found can be used to create a weighing tape, adapted to large frame European donkey breeds, to be used to estimate weight and better adapt medication dosages and carried load for each animal.

The Use of Vagina–Cervix Length Measurement in Evaluation of Future Reproductive Performance of Sows: A Preliminary Study under Commercial Conditions

Simple SummaryAnimal production is focused on maximizing profits with simultaneous animal welfare protection. Thus, discovery of a simple, stress-free method for gilt selection would be an indispensable element for production improvement and would give necessary knowledge for producers. Our data showed that vagina–cervix length measurements could be a good, additional tool to predict a sow’s likely future reproduction efficiency. The advantages for this method are simplicity, speed, and no cost; the measurement is made as an element of the standard insemination procedure without additional stress and in a relatively early stage of life. Consequently, immediately obtained information gives high reliability and effectiveness in gilt selection. The length of the distal part of the internal reproductive tract seems to be related to the length and capacity of uterine horns, which is the most important anatomical property influencing litter size in sows. The aim of this study was to evaluate variation in vagina–cervix length (VCL) in gilts and differences in reproductive performance of sows according to VCL. The study was performed in a commercial farm using 221 gilts introduced into the breeding herd. Females were divided into three groups: (S) short (26.0 ± 2.0 cm, n = 36), (M) medium (31.3 ± 1.46 cm; n = 121), and (L) long VCL (36.0 ± 1.4 cm; n = 42) (p < 0.01). Mean live weight of gilts did not differ significantly among groups. Mean first litter size significantly varied between groups S (10.47 ± 3.01) and L (11.98 ± 2.32) (p = 0.0075) and M (10.67 ± 2.98) and L (p = 0.0054), while there was no significant difference between group S and M. Significant advantage (p = 0.023) was noted in the number of litters obtained from sows in groups L (4.69 ± 3.14), M (3.67 ± 2.71), and S (3.36 ± 2.40), and thus in total life production of sows (p = 0.0054), i.e., the number of piglets born alive. To conclude, the differences in vagina–cervix length in gilts during the first service was associated with significant variability in litter size during the first reproductive cycle, giving an advantage to females with longer VCL. Gilts with longer VCL were culled later and gave significantly more litters. Consequently, their lifetime piglet production was greater than gilts with shorter VCL.

Effect of selenium supplementation of the diet on wool production during pregnancy in Ossimi ewes

A trial was carried out on thirty pregnant Ossimi ewes aged 3-4 years, belonging to the Animal Production Research Station at Sids, with live weight ranging between 45 to 50 kg. The animals were divided at randomly into 3 groups of 10 ewes each with almost equal mean live body weight. Animals were given maintenance and production diets according to their average body weight (NRC 1988). Concentrate feed mixture composed of 22% decorated cotton seed cake, 20% molasses, 44% wheat bran, 10% yellow maize, 2.5% ground limestone and 1.5% common salt. Water was provided ad-libitum during the whole experimental period with clover hay and rice straw. The trial started 1st January and ended 1st June 2018 (5 mo. /wool growth) and included 3 groups; Control group; received the basal diet only without any supplements, the first group; was given the basal diet plus 0.23 gm selenoprotein / kg dry matter/ head/day (0.5mg available selenium), the second group; was given the basal diet plus 0.33 gm selenoprotein / kg DM /head /day (0.7mg available selenium). The trial included two periods, the first three months of pregnancy and the last two months of pregnancy. The aim of this study was to study the effect of adding selenium to the diet of pregnant Ossimi ewes on wool growth. Physical and mechanical wool properties were assessed besides estimation of Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) enzyme activity. Results showed that during the first 3 months of pregnancy, there was significant difference (P≤0.05) among groups in FD, SST, ELO % and GPX enzyme activity, while there was no significant difference in STL. But in the last two months of pregnancy there was significant difference (P≤0.05) among groups in STL, FD, SST, ELO % and GPX enzyme activity.

Phenotypic Characterization of Local Chicken Ecotypes of Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Western Ethiopia

This study was conducted in four districts (Bambassi, Kamashi, Mao-komo and Homosha) of Benishangulgumuz regional state to describe physical and morphological chrematistics of local chicken population in the study area. A total of 847 matured local chickens (619 females and 228 males) were randomly sampled from the study area. Mean live body weight and other linear body measurements of males was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than females. The overall mean values of measured traits males of indigenous chicken for body length, wingspan, and height and body weight were 37.0±4.26cm, 22.9±2.72, and 41.9±5.47cm and 1.5±0.413 kg respectively. While the respective values for mature females were 34.0±3.19cm, 21.4±2.72cm, 36.6±2.98cm and1.3±0.32kg. Almost all chickens (91%) in the study area were feathered neck. Regarding the head shape, 81% of the chicken in the study area had plain head shape and the remaining (19%) were crest. Single comb was the most common (82 %) comb type and was predominant in all of the districts. The study revealed that most of the parameters measured revealed distinctive variations, providing the basis for further characterization of local chicken breeds; therefore future study can be concentrated on selection for qualitative traits of interest. Keywords : Benishangulgumuz: Local chicken; Phenotypic characterization; Qualitative variation; Quantitative variation; DOI : 10.7176/JBAH/9-7-03 Publication date : April 30 th 2019

Productive performance of Nellore steers in pasture with association of flavomycin and monensin

The objective of this work was to evaluate the efficiency of nutrient absorption with the use of additives such as monensin and flavomycin in steers performance. Performance parameters were studied in 111 (one hundred and eleven) uncastrated steers with aged 20 to 22 months and mean live weight of 469.8 kg, divided into two experimental groups: 54 steers Nellore flavomycin (NF) and 57 steers Nellore with flavomycin and monensin (NFM). NFM animals had total weight gain, mean daily gain and percentage gain (p<0.05) higher than NF animals. Therefore, the use of monensin associated with flavomycin in Nellore sows in semi confinement provided a better performance of total and daily weight gain in relation to the use of monensin alone.

Effect of replacement of soybean meal with protected or common urea on the carcass and meat characteristics of confined steers

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of crude protein substitution of soybean meal with urea (slow-release or otherwise) on the carcass and the meat characteristics of finished steers in confinement. Twenty-seven castrated, purebred and Charolais-Nelore crossbred steers with a mean age of 20 ± 1,5 months and initial mean live weight of 293 ± 31 kg, were distributed in three treatments: Protected Urea (concentrate containing slow degradation urea ); Soybean meal (concentrate containing soybean meal) and Urea Common (concentrate containing common urea). A randomized block experimental design (racial predominance) was used, with three treatments and nine replications, with the animal as the experimental unit. Feeding treatments did not influence the hot and cold carcass weight and yield. The fat thickness that covered the carcass was not altered, according to the diets studied, being on average 3.97 ± 0.94 mm. The measurements and the carcass compactness were not altered by the diets, presenting average values of 127.55; 74.86; 39.86; 38.84 and 25.72 cm for carcass length, leg and arm, arm perimeter and cushion thickness, respectively. A significant difference was observed in marbling, and the meat of the animals treated with soybean meal were higher than those treated with protected urea (3.72 vs 2.28 points).