Semi-intensive Management Research Articles

Effect of Season on Reproductive Performance of Bhagnari Cattle Managed Under Semi Intensive Management Condition

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of season on some of productive and reproductive performance of Bhagnari cattle maintained under semi intensive management condition at Usta Mohammad Cattle Farm, Baluchistan.

Gastrointestinal parasitic infections in Indian Gaddi (goat) breed bucks: clinical, hemato-biochemical, parasitological and chemotherapeutic studies.

The present study was envisaged with an aim to evaluate gastrointestinal parasitic infections in a herd of conserved Gaddi (goat) breed bucks (6-9months of age) kept on semi-intensive feeding management. The individuals (n=20) representing the herd were selected and divided into two groups; group I (n=10), clinically ill and group II (n=10), sub clinically infected individuals. The clinical examination revealed anemia, emaciation and rise in body temperature of the individuals of group I as compared to group II. The detailed copro-parasitological examination and copro-culture revealed the presence of eggs of Moniezia expansa and larvae of Haemonchus species, respectively in the fecal samples of both clinically and sub clinically infected individuals. The hemato-biochemical parameters proved vital indicators of the health of group I individuals and exhibited decline in the values of hemoglobin, packed cell volume and total erythrocyte count as compared to group II. Significant (P<0.05) hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypoglycemia and increased levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase were observed in infected individuals as compared to treated ones. The detailed parasitological, hemato-biochemical observations and clinical findings elucidated and supported the presence of concurrent gastrointestinal parasitism in the herd. The significant improvement was observed in the health status of the herd after 1month of the therapeutic management, which was carried out using a combination of fenbendazole and praziquantel in both clinically and sub clinically infected individuals.

Effect of season and age on scrotal circumference, testicular parameters and endocrinological profiles in mithun bulls

Mithun is a domesticated free-range bovine species primarily used as a meat animal and is a pride of North Eastern Hilly regions of India. The present study was conducted to measure the effect of seasons on scrotal & testicular biometrics and endocrinological profiles for different age groups at different seasons in mithun bulls. A total of 30 mithun males were selected from the mithun breeding farm, ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Medziphema, Nagaland, India and were equally distributed into five groups based on their age. Each group consisted of six animals and the groups were Gr A (0.1–1.0 year), Gr B (1.1–2.0 years), Gr C (2.1–3.0 years), Gr D (3.1–5.0 years) and Gr E (5.1–6.0 years). The seasons were grouped into winter, spring, summer and autumn based on the meteorological data such as temperature humidity index (THI) and sunshine hours. Scrotal circumference (SC) & testicular biometrics and endocrinological profiles such as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone/interstitial cell stimulating hormone (LH/ICSH), testosterone, thyroxine (T4), cortisol and insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF 1) were estimated during different seasons for different age groups. Statistical results revealed that the SC & testicular biometrics and endocrinological profiles differed significantly (p < 0.05) among the different age groups for the same season whereas SC and endocrinological profiles significantly (p < 0.05) differed among the seasons for same age group. Significantly (p < 0.05) greater SC and testicular weight were observed in Gr E and D, lower in Gr A and B and intermediate in Gr C and increased as age advances. Significantly (p < 0.05) greater SC was observed in winter and spring and lowest was in summer season. The hormone profiles such as FSH, LH/ICSH, testosterone & thyroxine were significantly (p < 0.05) greater and IGF-1 & cortisol were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in spring & winter than in summer season. The hormones, FSH, LH/ICSH and thyroxine increased significantly in Gr A followed by reduced in Gr B and then increased to Gr D and E, whereas concentration of testosterone, cortisol and IGF-1 increased according to age advanced. It was concluded that the spring and winter seasons has significantly greater beneficial effects than summer season on reproduction and artificial breeding programme in semi-intensive management of mithun in the present location.

Prevalence of &lt;i&gt;Eimeria&lt;/i&gt; species in local breed chickens in Gombe metropolis, Gombe State, Nigeria

Eimeria species are protozoan parasites causing coccidiosis in exotic and local breeds of chickens. Coccidiosis is the most important protozoan disease to the world poultry industry and domestic chickens are considered susceptible to seven species of Eimeria. A survey was carried out between March and May 2010 in order to determine the species of Eimeria causing coccidiosis in local breed chickens in Gombe metropolis, Gombe State, Nigeria. The Wisconsin’s faecal flotation technique was employed to analyze faecal samples obtained from 150 local breed chickens within the metropolis. The samples were examined for the presence of Emeria oocysts and 64 (42.7%) of the samples examined were positive for Eimeria oocyts. Four species of Eimeria were identified and the prevalence of infection were E. tenella 25 (39.1%), E. acervulina 18 (28.1%), E. necatrix, 12 (18.8%) and E. maxima 9 (14.1%). Higher prevalence were observed in males 29 (46.2%), young birds 34 (56.7%) and birds from the free range management system 44 (57.8%), than in females 35 (40.2%), adults 30 (32.3%) and birds from the semi intensive management system 20 (30.8%) respectively. Chi square test revealed no statistically significant differences in infections with sex, age and between the free range and semi intensive management systems. Recommendations were made based on the results obtained as to the effective control of coccidiosis in local breed chickens in Gombe metropolis.© 2016 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Survey, Coccidia, Coccidiosis, poultry, production

Effect of membrane stabilizer on the freezability of buck semen

Chlorpromazine hydrochloride (CPH) acts as a membrane stabilizer during semen freezing. The ejaculates from Jamunapari bucks (2–4 years old) maintained at this institute under semi intensive management system were utilized to find out the freezability of buck semen at different levels of CPH by conventional method of freezing. The ejaculates were collected twice a week using artificial vagina and were extended to maintain sperm concentration approximately 100 million per dose (0.25 ml) with Tris- Citric acid- Fructose (TCF) diluent. The post thaw motility, live sperm count, abnormalities, acrosomal integrity and hypo-osmotic swelling positive spermatozoa did not differ significantly at different levels of CPH. There was no significant effect of CPH inclusion in goat semen dilutor on post thaw qualities. None of the levels of CPH tested improved sperm survival, and the highest level of drug (400 µM) was found to be spermicidal.

Oxidative stress biomarkers in West African Dwarf goats reared under intensive and semi-intensive production systems

This study explored the variation in physiological oxidative status of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats as the rainy season progressed in a humid climate in south-west Nigeria. A total of 24 growing WAD bucks, averaging 10.5 kg + 0.78 liveweight, were reared under intensive and semi-intensive management systems during the rainy season. Twelve (12) bucks were used for each management system. Animals raised intensively were fed Megathyrsus maximus hay ad libitum , while those reared semi-intensively were allowed to graze freely in a fenced paddock. Their diets were supplemented with a maize grain-based concentrate. Blood samples were collected at the onset of the experiment and fortnightly throughout the 16-week experimental period. Oxidative stress biomarkers in blood were measured and analysed separately for each rearing system using repeated measures analysis. Means of oxidative stress biomarkers measured at the beginning and end of the rainy season were compared using a T-test. Results showed that intensively managed goats had significantly higher levels of bilirubin and uric acid in the early season than in the late rainy season. In semi-intensively managed goats, bilirubin, uric acid, and glutathione (GSH) levels were significantly higher at the start compared with the end of the rainy season. It could be concluded that the antioxidant capacity of WAD goats was greater early in the rainy season compared with the late rainy season under both management systems. Thus, during the early raining season WAD goats tend to have higher antioxidant capacity and, consequently, better immune responses, while the opposite is true during the late rainy season. Keywords: bucks, immune response, season

Histopathological evaluation of &lt;i&gt;Oreochromis mossambicus&lt;/i&gt; gills and liver as biomarkers of earthen pond water pollution

Oreochromis mossambicus were sampled from a semi-intensively managed polyculture earthen pond in Bagauda, Nigeria for histopathological changes in the gills and liver as early warning signs of pond water pollution. Pond water was sourced from nearby Bagauda dam through a single 28 inches water pipe. The physicochemical parameters of the earthen pond water were within acceptable limits for the growth and survival of O. mossambicus . Although observed histopathological lesions were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the liver than in the gills of sampled fish, lesions were within the normal functioning of respective organs based on the degree of tissue change protocol. The observed lesions indicated low level pollution of the earthen pond water. The result of this preliminary work notwithstanding, there is a need for constant monitoring of the earthen pond water and its water source (Bagauda dam) for pollutants. This is to ensure the continuous well-being and increased productivity of stocked fish within the earthen pond because of the large catchment area being drained by the dam relative to increasing human anthropogenic activities within the area. Keywords: Earthen pond, Histopathology, Oreochromis mossambicus , Polyculture, Semi-intensive management

First molecular identification of Cryptosporidium by 18S rRNA in goats and association with farm management in Terengganu

ObjectiveTo identify the prevalence of Cryptosporidium from goats in three types of farm management systems in Terengganu, Malaysia and to determine the Cryptosporidium species infecting goats by using 18S rRNA. MethodsA total of 478 fecal samples were randomly collected from goats in three farms; 199 samples were collected from intensive farm, 179 samples from semi-intensive farm and 100 samples from extensive farm. The samples were processed by using formol-ether concentration technique and stained by using modified Ziehl–Neelsen. Positive samples were performed by using nested PCR analysis by using 18S rRNA. ResultsOut of 478 goats, 207 (43.3%) were found to be infected with Cryptosporidium. Goats reared under the intensive farm management system reported the highest prevalence of infection (49.7%), followed by intensive farm management system (41%) and the lowest prevalence was reported in the goats reared under semi-intensive management system (37.4%). ConclusionsThe identified species found in goat was Cryptosporidium parvum. Future study on the zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium parvum in goats needs to be done in order to find the source of transmission of this parasite.

Analysis of Growth and Carcass Traits of Dumbi Sheep Breed Male Lambs Different Management Systems

Present research was performed on twelve male lambs of Dumbi sheep breed kept in 2 management systems at Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences, | department of Livestock Management, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam. Animals were divided into two different groups. A groups animal were kept in semi intensive with provision of open grazing and concentrates while, Bgroup animals were kept in intensive management system with provision of green fodder and concentrate. Study was performed till 8 weeks and lambs were observed weekly foraverage body weight and carcass characteristics of both groups were recorded. The results of current study showed that average body weight of group A was (8.33 kg)found significantly high (P&gt;0.05) as compared to the group B (6.86 kg). Moreover carcass characteristics of Dumbi lamb was also observed higher in group A as compared group B. While during comparison of the economical values of both groups, it was observed that group A was found more economical than group B. It is concluded that semi-intensive management system was found better as compared to intensive management system.

Sero-prevalence of Bovine Brucellosis in and Around Kombolcha, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was carried out on bovine brucellosis in and around kombolcha form November 2006 to April 2007, in the Amhara Regional State. A total of 240 blood samples were collected from semi-intensively and extensively managed cattle. The Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) was used as a screening test. Those serum samples reacting positively to (RBPT) detected 9 of 240 (3.75%) of the samples as brucellosis positive. The positive sera when further retested using CFT 5 out of 9 RBPT positive sera were confirmed to be positive. The prevalence of brucellosis based on CFT in and around kombolcha was 2.08%, and all positive sera were from old aged female cattle. An attempt was also made to investigate the prevalence rate of abortion and fetal membrane retention in both extensive and semi-intensively management systems. A higher prevalence rate of abortion was recorded in extensively managed cows (10.8) than semi-intensively managed cows (2.08%). The difference in prevalence rate was statistically significant (P<0.05). A relatively higher prevalence rate of retained fetal membrane was found in extensive managed cattle (13.8%) than semi-intensively managed cattle (4.1%). The difference in prevalence rate was statistically significant (p<0.05). In conclusion, the prevalence rate of brucellosis is low in and around kombolcha. However, this low infection of bovine brucellosis may be spreaded in the study area and may cause economic loss and human infection unless control strategy should be conducted.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Small Ruminant’s LungwormInfection in and around Mekelle Town, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November, 2016 to April, 2017 to estimate the prevalence of lungworm infection and its associated risk factors, and to identify predominant species of lungworms in small ruminants in and around Mekelle town, Tigray, northern Ethiopia. In this study both coproscopic examination and Berman techniques were employed on a total of 384 fecal samples of small ruminants (218 sheep and 166 goats) of different age groups and both sexes. The overall prevalence of lungworm infection in small ruminant was found to be 23.4%, where goats (25.9%) were more susceptible than sheep (21.6%). In the present study the highest prevalence was observed in goats (25.9%) than in sheep (21.6%). Regarding age, the highest prevalence was observed in animals 3 years (18.2%). Animals with poor body condition have higher prevalence than (27.5%), medium (26%) and good (18.1%) ones. Furthermore, animals kept under extensive management system have highest prevalence (25.8%) than those kept under semi-intensive management system (17.7%). The study revealed that there was no statistical significant difference (p>0.05) between prevalence of lungworm infection and risk factors such as species, age, sex, body condition and management system. In the present study Dictyocaulus filarial was found to be the highest in prevalence (11.4%) followed by Muellerius capillaris (6.25%); while Protostrongylus rufescens was found the least prevalent (4.16%) and mixed infection (1.04%) and the difference was statistical significant (p<0.05). Hence, it was concluded that lungworm infection is quite prevalent in the present study and warrants implementation of economically acceptable control measures both on the hosts and the intermediate host.

Study on the Prevalence of Bovine Demodecosis and its Associated Risk Factors in and Around Bahir Dar, Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2014 to April 2015 in Bahir Dar, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia to determine prevalence of bovine demodicosis. A total of 384 cattle of different groups of age, sex and breed were examined by taking deep skin scrapings. There was no statistically significant difference observed between two categories of breeds (p=0.938), though prevalence was lower in cross breeds (4.8%) than local breeds (5%). There was no statistically significant difference among three categories of age (P=0.430), with prevalence rate of 3.0%, 2.9% and 6.0% in less than one year, one to three year and greater than three years, respectively. The prevalence of demodicosis in female and male was, 5.9% and 3.9%, respectively, with statistically insignificant difference between them (P=0.369).Statically insignificant difference was also found between the two management systems (P=0.096), higher prevalence was observed on cattle managed under semi-intensive management system 7.5% than extensive ones 3.6% management systems. There was statistical significant variation detected among different site of infestation (P=0.027), the highest prevalence was found on shoulder 3.4% followed by neck, (0.8%), dew lap, fore limb and generalized (0.3%). In conclusion the overall prevalence (4.9%) of Demodex bovis infestation was recorded.

Productive and reproductive performances of Brown Bengal goat (Hilly goat) at research farm level

A nucleus-breeding flock of selected Brown Bengal goat was established in the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI), Regional Station, Naikhongchari, Bandarban, with the objective of characterization, conservation and improvement of the breed. A total of 69 does of different generations (Foundation = 07, Generation one = 32, Generation two = 23 and Generation three = 07.) and 07 bucks (All were first generation) were used to study the genetic parameters of Brown Bengal goat on productive and reproductive traits. The studied Animals were bred naturally. Goats were reared under semi-intensive management system in which goats were browsing in nature and allowed to graze in field as well as mounting in hills. All goats were housed in a plastic made floor house and allowed to graze 6-8 hours in a day and concentrate was offered twice daily during morning and evening at the rate of 1% of their body weight per day. The adult body weight of hilly goat was 20.95 kg. The phenotypic characteristics like the face, horn, ear and udder length were 15.56, 7.18, 12.19 and 12.67 cm respectively. On the other hand the hearth girth, front leg, hind leg and body length were 61.51, 46.8, 49.48 and 55.24 cm respectively. The gestation length, kidding to first heat, kidding to conception and kidding interval were 148.52 ± 1.06, 33.48 ± 2.85, 33.40 ± 1.98 and 176.86 ± 1.98 days, respectively. According to parity the GL, AFH, KC and KI were not followed trends up to 3rd parity but kid birth weight was increasing trends with increasing parity up to fifth. The birth weight of male kid (1.25 ± 0.25 kg) was higher than that of female kid (1.13± 0.27 kg). The highest birth weight (1.24±0.02 kg) was found in single birth. According to litter size the birth weight of single kid (1.24 ± 0.01 kg) stood first followed by twine (1.20 ± 0.01), triplet (1.1±0.03 kg) and quadruplet kids (0.93±0.08 kg). . The productive and reproductive performances of brown Bengal goat were not affected by parity. Birth weights of kids were significantly varied with birth type.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. September 2016, 2(3): 477-482

Reproductive performance of Bhagnari cattle breed managed under semi-intensive management condition

The study was conducted on reproductive performance of Bhagnari cattle maintained under semiintensive management condition at Usta Mohammad Cattle Farm, Baluchistan. The data was collected on eighty four adult Bhagnari cows, selected on the performance record and utilized for this study. The results revealed that the mean age at puberty was recorded as1154.179±53.48 days and age at first calving was 1462.024±59.38 days. The calving interval was recorded as 437.59±16.91 days, service period 158.71±17.01 days and postpartum estrus period 135.94±11.87 days. The mean milk yield was recorded 785.78±14.53 liters per cow, which was increased from first to 4 th lactation. The calving intervals, service period and post-partum estrus was found decreased from 1 st to 5 th parity. The difference between the parity was non-significant (P>0.005) for calving interval, postpartum period, service period and milk yield. The reproductive performance and milk yield was found very low, which needs to be improved by improving management practices and out-crossing or cross breeding program on scientific line.

Energy efficiency of cacao agroforestry under traditional and organic management

The industrialization of agriculture has led to lower efficiency and greater dependence on non-renewable energy. Organic agriculture and traditional agriculture are thus potential alternatives. Cacao is a major crop in Ecuador. However, information on the energy efficiency and economic performance of Ecuadorian cacao in relation to the production management system is rare and basically inexistent in the case of organic management. Therefore, we studied here the energy and economic performance of the cacao production in the province of Guayas, Ecuador. Four types of management were identified in the province: traditional, semi-intensive, technified, and organic. On the basis of primary data, input-output and energy efficiency were estimated, with special attention given to the use of non-renewable energy and the monetary profitability of each management system. The total energy inputs of the different forms of management have been estimated at 3.04 for traditional, 12.47 for semi-intensive, 24.53 for technified, and 9.77 GJ ha−1 for organic. Irrigation, fertilization, and crop protection are the most important inputs for all four types of management, ranging between 85.7 and 97.7 %. The non-renewable external energy return on the investment (EROI) has been estimated at 1:2.93 for traditional, 1:1.85 for semi-intensive, 1:1.47 for technified, and 1:3.07 for organic. The different forms of management earned a net margin of 484 for traditional, 1051 for semi-intensive, 2323 for technified, and $1565 ha−1 for organic. Our findings show that the intensification of cacao production increases the net margin per hectare in relation to traditional cacao production, while it significantly reduces its non-renewable external EROI. Well-managed organic farms allow improving non-renewable external EROI by comparison with technified or semi-intensive management strategies, and it also improves the economic performance in relation to semi-intensive systems.

Major reproductive disorders on Jersey breed dairy cattle at Adea Berga dairy farm, West Shewa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Reproductive efficiency of dairy cows is influenced by different factors including gene, season, age, production system, nutrition, management, environment and disease. This study was conducted with the objectives of determining the prevalence of reproductive disorders and evaluates reproductive performances of Jersey dairy cattle maintained at Adea berga dairy farm. The retrospective and longitudinal studies were employed through document revision; clinical and laboratory examination from 1996 to 2010 and from 2010 to 2014, respectively. All 97 cows from first to 10th parity which were kept under semi intensive management system in the farm were included in this study. The overall prevalence of reproductive health problems was 54.6% (n=53) and the major ones were found to be prolonged anoestrus, abortion, still birth and retained fetal membrane accounting for 48.5%, 28.9%, 14.4% and 5.2% prevalence, respectively. Of the considered risk factors, age, parity and body condition didn’t show significant (P>0.05) effect on abortion and prolonged anestrous while found to significantly (P 0.05) showed higher prevalence of abortion (29%), still birth (15.1%) and retained fetal membrane (5.4%) than uniparus ones which represented 25%, o%, o% prevalence for abortion, still birth and retained fetal membrane respectively. In contrast uniparus animals showed higher prevalence (50%) of prolonged anoestrus as compared to the pluriparus ones (48.4%) and no statistical significant difference was observed (P>0.05) among them. The parasitological, serological and bacteriological test results in this study showed a negative result, where all animals tested were found to be free from brucellosis, trichomonoiasis and other bacterial infections. In this study a mean value for AFS (age at first service), AFCA (age at first calving), ALS (age at last service), ALCA (age at last calving) and CI (calving interval) were found to be (25.8 + 0.76), (35.5 + 0.71), (66.6 + 3.2), (77.1 + 2.6) and (17.7 + 0.4) months respectively. While the mean value for parity, LN (lactation number), NSPC (number of service per conception) and days open were (4.16 + 0.19), (3.09 + 0.2), (2.25 + 0.14) and (270.47 + 14.17), respectively. From this study, it was concluded that the major reproductive disorders responsible for the altered reproductive performance of jersey dairy cows were prolonged anoestrus, abortion, still birth and retained fetal membrane. Routine and periodical examination of cows during postpartum period, awareness creation to farm attendants and employing improved dairy herd management should be implemented. Moreover associated economic losses in this dairy farm and cause of abortion should be exclusively investigated with other test methodologies for other entities. Keywords : Adea berga, Jersey breed, Oromia region, Reproductive disorder, West Shewa,

Effect of Farming System on Camels Calving Interval in Western Sudan

Eighteen (18) lactating she-camels and two mature male for mating were used to determine the effect of Management System on camel calving interval, The camels were maintained under semi-intensive (N = 9) and Traditional management system (N = 9) in North Kordofan State, western Sudan. The experimental females in each group kept together with the bull during 18 months. Blood samples were collected from jugular vein since 4-months post-partum and continue 14 successive months at monthly interval. The serum samples were separated and stored at -20°C and were analysed for progesterone concentration using progesterone specific radio immuno assay (RIA) kits. The results indicated that under semi-intensive system 77.8% of females had been pregnant in 5th - 8th month post-partum and the calving interval varying between 17 to 20 months. Under traditional system and during the experimental period 44.5% of females were pregnant in the 11th – 16th month and the calving interval varying between 23 to 28 months. The ratios of pregnant vs non-pregnant during experimental period in semi-intensive and traditional were 88.9% vs 11.1% and 44.5% vs 55.5%, respectively. Beside the behavioural signs progesterone level consider a good indicator for pregnancy in camels. In pregnant females Progesterone concentration increased significantly during early months. The range of Progesterone concentration varied between 1.10 – 5.76 ng/ml and 0.67 – 2.53 ng/ml in semi-intensive and traditional system, respectively. Our results allow quantifying this impact. With a supplemented diet including 2 Kg of concentrates and 5 kg of roughages per day, the fertility rate will be improved of 67%. It would be possible to expect more than two fold young camels in a year by supplemented 5 kg of concentrates. We conclude that under semi-intensive management dietary supplement during post-partum and early lactation period improves reproductive parameters for instance shortened calving interval.

Uptake of nitrogen from natural food into fish in differently managed polyculture ponds using 15N as tracer

Food security in Asia depends significantly on small-scale pond aquaculture in which fish feed on external feeds and natural food resources. Little is known about the assimilation of natural food resources into fish. In order to elucidate the food web and nitrogen flows in a traditionally and a semi-intensively managed pond in Vietnam, δ13C and δ15N in pond inputs and fish were measured before and after the application of inorganic 15N at 1.1 and 0.4 % of total nitrogen. The applied 15N was traced through the biomass of stocked fish over 30 days. Under traditional management, grass carp was the dominant species in number and biomass. After 30 days, grass carp assimilated 1.2 % of the applied tracer through natural food resources. Filter feeders assimilated only 0.1–0.3 % of the tracer after 30 days because of the limited productivity in the traditionally managed pond. Nile tilapia showed the highest uptake rates over the 30 days, which demonstrated their ability to feed on a variety of natural food resources. In total, 2.6 % of the applied 15N was assimilated into fish biomass after 30 days. Under semi-intensive management, common carp was the main species numerically and assimilated 1.8 % of the tracer after 30 days. Grass carp was stocked at lower density, but had the highest biomass by the time of the experiment. Grass carp assimilated 0.2 % of the applied tracer suggesting a low contribution of natural food resources to its nutrition. Silver carp benefited most from the higher natural food resources. In total, 4.1 % of applied 15N was assimilated into fish biomass after 30 days. Traditional small-scale aquaculture of a grass carp-dominated polyculture has a lower assimilation efficiency of applied fertilizers into fish biomass than a common carp-dominated polyculture under semi-intensive management.

Environmental loading of Italian semi-intensive snail farming system evaluated by means of life cycle assessment

In the recent years, heliciculture has rapidly developed in Italy both in terms of number of companies (about 8000) and average extension of snail farms (5000–10,000 m2). Studies aimed to evaluate the whole environmental performance of heliciculture are still not available in literature. This paper presents a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) performed for Helix aspersa maxima snail production in the South of Italy. The system boundary (cradle to farm gate) of the production chain considered the following stages: indoor breeding, outdoor fattening, cleaning out and packaging. The outdoor fattening displayed the largest part of total burdens (about 90%) for all impact categories due to the relevant contribution of its processes (enclosures set-up, fodder cultivation, supplementary feeding and irrigation). The process that highly affected all impact categories was the supplementary feeding used in fattening pens which reached the highest value for Terrestrial acidification (84%) and the lowest one for Ozone depletion (41%). Nevertheless, the impact of enclosures set-up and fodder cultivation appeared marked in particular for Ozone depletion (46%) and Marine Eutrophication (30%), respectively.Results showed the key factors (supplementary feeding, HDPE mesh) to be considered and discussed to proper design a semi-intensive snail management in order to enhance benefits and constrain limitations.Moreover, the snail farming highlighted a lower environmental load, for almost all impact categories, compared to literature data on conventional meat (beef, pig and chicken).

Reproductive Performance of Begayt Sheep under Different Management Systems in Western Zone of Tigray

The study was conducted in North- Western zone of Tigray region, in Humera District Northern part of Ethiopia; with the objective of to measure reproductive performances of “Begayt” sheep under farmers and ranch management conditions. The data on reproductive performance of Begayt sheep (n=150) kept at three different sheep farms in Western Zone of Tigray, Quafta Humera district, Government Ranch (GovR) (n=50), Privet Ranch (PrivR) (n=50) and Privet Farm (PrivF) (n=50), under semi-intensive management system, were analyzed. General linear model was used for analyzing the data. The fixed effects in the model included location of flock, age, type of birth, sex of lamb and their interactions. The overall findings of reproductive traits such as fertility, prolificacy, single lambing, twinning rate, lambs born alive and sex ratio (male: female) were 92.67, 101.33, 89.86, 10.14, 96.33% and 50.33:49.67, respectively. The highest value for twinning rate was recorded in GovR (13.04%) and the lowest in PrivF (6.52%). All traits were significantly different (P 0.05) between flocks. The overall results revealed that age of dam, age at first service (AFS), service period (SP), age at first lambing (AFL) and lambing interval (LI) were 1078±2.2, 579.61±0.6, 206.25±0.2, and 731.67±0.3 and 256.60±0.3 days, respectively. The results of ANOVA showed that locations had significant effect (P<0.05) on AFS and SP; however lambing interval and age at first lambing were not affected. Age of ewe, type of birth, sex of lamb(s) born and interaction between these factors did not influence the traits significantly. It was concluded that reproductive performance of Begayt sheep was modest so it is vital to improve management, nutritional and breeding practices at the farm.