T2 Group Research Articles

Relationship between the Ratio of Red Cell Distribution Width to Albumin and 28-Day Mortality among Chinese Patients over 80 Years with Atrial Fibrillation

Introduction: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a prevalent heart arrhythmia in elderly adults aged 80 years or older. The red cell distribution width (RDW) to albumin ratio has been acknowledged as a reliable prognostic marker for poor outcomes in a variety of disorders. However, there exists limited scientific evidence on the association of RDW to albumin (RAR) with mortality in geriatric individuals with AF. Methods: From January 2015 to June 2020, a retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary academic institution that diagnosed 1,141 elderly adults with AF. The RAR value was calculated as the ratio of RDW (%) to albumin (g/dL). The potential association between RAR and cardiovascular mortality and the risk of all-cause mortality within 28 days was evaluated by means of multivariable Cox regression analysis. Results: The 28-day all-cause and cardiovascular mortality rates were 8.7% and 3.3%, respectively. Increased RAR tertiles were found to be significantly associated with greater all-cause mortality (T1: 1.6%; T2: 6.2%; T3: 18.1%, p < 0.001) and cardiovascular mortality (T1: 0.8%; T2: 2.9%; T3: 6.3%, p < 0.001) using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Continuous RAR had a positive association with all-cause mortality (hazard ratios [HR] = 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.23–1.65) and cardiovascular mortality (HR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.05–1.64), even after accounting for numerous confounding variables. In comparison to the T1 group, individuals with the highest RAR levels displayed a greater risk of all-cause mortality (HR = 2.73, 95% CI: 1.11–6.74) and cardiovascular mortality (HR = 2.59, 95% CI: 0.69–9.78). Increased RAR levels were related to higher rates of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality across almost all subgroups. Conclusion: RAR is independently correlated with 28-day all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in AF-affected individuals aged ≥80.

Effects of Alternative Cassava and Taro Feed on the Carcass and Meat Quality of Fattening Pigs Reared under Ecuadorian Backyard Systems.

Ecuadorian small producers use crossbred animals with a low level of genetic improvement, which are fed with alternative feeds to decrease production costs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of geographical location and three diets according to the amount of cassava and taro incorporated into the feed (T1 conventional feed; T2 and T3 with 32% and 42% of cassava and taro, respectively) in pigs reared under the backyard system. The results did not show many differences between the treatments for morphological traits; however, between geographical locations, significant differences were evidenced. The fat content from the first rib was higher in the T1 group. The intramuscular fat percentage was higher in the T1 group, contrary to the protein levels, which were higher in the T3 group in Esmeraldas and the T2 group in Ro Chico. In the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and its attached organs, differences were found in the empty stomach weight, full and empty small intestine weight, liver weight, and total GIT weight, with the T2 and T3 groups having the largest and heaviest. Cassava and taro did not affect the morphometric behavior and quality of the carcass but increased the amount of protein in the meat and the weight of the GIT. Geographical location was also observed to have a significant effect.

Effect of Different Litter Materials on Behavior, Stress and incidence of Mortality and Morbidity rate on Broiler Chickens

The goal of the current study was to find out effect of different litter materials on behavior, stress and incidence of mortality and morbidity rate on broiler chickens. The Poultry Unit of Livestock Farm Complex of the College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, ANDUAT Kumarganj, Ayodhya, UP, served as the study’s location. For a total of 42 days (6 weeks), the experiment was conducted on 240-day-old Vencobb400 straight run commercial broiler chicks. After being weighed, the chicks were divided at random into three treatment groups: Group 1 (Control – Rice husk) is denoted by (Tc), Group 2 (50 % Rice husk + 50 % Paddy straw) is denoted by (T1), and Group 3 (Wood saving) is denoted by (T2). Each treatment group consisted of two replicates, each with 40 chicks. The experiment’s findings indicate that T1, or the treatment groups that received both paddy straw and rice hulls, had lower feeding rates and duration. However, throughout the course of the weeks, there were no significant differences in the frequency or percentage of time spent engaging in certain behaviors across the three groups. At age 6, the H/L ratio was higher in the Tc group (0.37a ± 0.008) than in the T1 group (0.33b ± 0.456) or T2 group (0.35a ± 0.120). According to this study, birds in the T1 group experienced the least amount of stress compared to other treatment groups. The broiler chick mortality rate was 6.25% in the wood-saving litter (T2) and 3.75% in the T1 group, followed by 5% in the Tc group.

Determining the Effect of Fe3O4 Conjugated with Chitosan Nanoparticles on Labneh Product Characteristics and its Effect on Blood Picture Parameters in Anemic Rats Induced by Phenylhydrazine

The research aims to investigate the effect of Fe3O4-NPs and it's conjugated with chitosan nanoparticles on the immunological indicators, such as IgA, IgG, and interleukin-6, and the iron indicators, of Ferritin, Transferrin, TIBC, and Iron in the serum of male albino rats induced with anemia by phenyl-hydrazine. The rats were separated into six groups in five replicates, each of which included (T1) the control group, (T2) anemia induced group, T3 group animals given Labneh enrichment with 2.5 mg of Fe3O4-NPs ml/day, T4 group animals given Labneh enrichment with 2.5 mg of Ch-NPs ml/day, T5 group animals given Labneh enrichment with 2.5 mg of each Fe3O4-NPs conjugated with Ch-NPs ml/day, T6 group animals given Labneh enrichment with 2.5 mg of Hamvir ml/day, and were fed for 30 days. The results showed a change and increase in the values of free fatty acids, as they reached their highest value after 20 days of preservation, where the treatment (T1) recorded a noticeable increase, reaching (2.31). Likewise, in the treatment (T5), we notice a significant increase in it, as it reached (0.75), in contrast to the rest. All coefficients that were (T2), (T3) and (T4) recorded (0.53), (0.58) and (0.63), respectively. the values of RBCs and Hb, which gave a significant decrease and it was at 2.84 (1×106/ ml) and 6.4 (g/dl), respectively, compared to the control treatment (T1).

Relationship between steaming up with colostrum production at different milking times in Holstein-Friesian cows

Aims of study was to determine the relationship between steaming up with colostrum production at different milking times. The animals used in this research were 36 pregnant Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows. The method used in this research was a case study. Samples were determined with purposive sampling. The selected animal was divided into two groups, T1 (control) and T2 (steaming up). The steaming up was done two weeks prior to calving. The total average of colostrum production from HF cows that were in T2 group was 11.96±2.40 liter/cow/day, while the mean value of colostrum production from HF cows that were in T1 group was 8.05±1.80 liter/cow/day. The average colostrum production that was collected at morning milking from cows in T2 group was 6.38±1.36 liter/cow/day and at afternoon milking was 5.58±1.11 liter/cow/day, significantly higher than T1 group which was 4.22±0.92 liter/cow/day at morning milking and 3.83±0.90 liter/cow/day. The result of the regression equation on morning milking is Y = 2.059 + 2.159x. This means that steaming up treatment can increase colostrum production by as much as 2.159 liters at morning milking. While the result of the regression equation on afternoon milking is Y = 1.753 + 2.078x. This means steaming up treatment can escalate the colostrum production as much as 2.078 at afternoon milking. That equation is used as the basis for estimating the relationship between steaming up with colostrum production at both milking times, with a correlation coefficient (r) between steaming up and colostrum quantity at morning milking is 0.692, which means the relationship is in the strong category. Meanwhile, the relationship between steaming up and colostrum yield at afternoon milking is 0.666, which means the relationship is also in the strong category. It was concluded that steaming up had a very significant effect at both milking times in Holstein-Friesian cows.

Effect of Bee Bread on Corticosterone Level in Rat Dams Exposed to Gestational Heat Stress.

Environmental temperature rises are powerful stimuli that can alter both the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis (HPA). Heat stress has been shown to harm pregnancy outcomes such as causing spontaneous abortion, low birth weight, growth retardation and stillbirth. Supplementation of bee bread in pregnant rats under heat stress exposure has been shown to improve the pregnancy outcomes. However, whether supplementation of bee bread during heat stress exposure may also reduce the level of the stress hormone, corticosterone has yet been reported. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effect of bee bread on corticosterone level, progesterone level, oestradiol level and zonation of the adrenal cortex of pregnant rats under heat stress exposure. Pregnant rats were randomly categorised into four groups (n = 6): Control (C: standard feeding), Treatment 1 (T1: 0.5 g bee bread/kg body weight/day), Treatment 2 (T2: standard feeding with heat exposure), and Treatment 3 (T3: 0.5 g bee bread/kg body weight/day with heat exposure). Bee bread (0.5 g/kg body weight/day) was force-fed to pregnant rats through oral gavage beginning on day 0 of pregnancy and continuing until delivery. Heat stress was generated experimentally by putting both T2 and T3 rats in an egg incubator for 45 min daily at a temperature of 43°C till delivery. On a postnatal Day 21, dams were euthanised to assess serum corticosterone, progesterone, oestradiol levels and adrenal gland histology. Rats in the T2 group had a significantly (P < 0.05) increase in the zona fasciculata thickness (94.95 ± 1.55 μm) and higher corticosterone levels (49.57 ± 1.57 ng/mL) compared with control. However, supplementation of bee bread during heat stress was able to show an improvement in adrenal zona fasciculata thickness by decreasing to 79.89 ± 3.08 μm and corticosterone level reduced to 35.31 ± 1.73 ng/mL significantly (P < 0.05). Therefore, these findings may imply that bee bread is effective as a neutralizer in lowering the production of stress hormone.

Etçi Piliçlerde Pirinç Kabuğu Altlık Derinliğinin Besi Performansı, Ayak Taban Yangısı ve Et Kalite Özellikleri Üzerine Etkisi

This study was carried out to determine the effect of rice hulls used as litter in two different thicknesses (5 and 10 cm) on fattening performance, mortality rate, foot pad lesions, meat quality and meat color characteristics of Ross 308 chickens. Rice hulls of 5 cm (T5) and 10 cm (T10) thickness were laid on the coops that were similar in size and design. Fattening performance, FCR (feed conversion ratio), mortality rate, foot pad lesions, meat quality, and meat color characteristics were determined in three consecutive fattening periods. It was determined that the feed conversion ratios were 1.748 and 1.577 in the T5 and T10 groups, respectively, and the difference was significant (P0.05). On the other hand, it was determined that the difference between foot pad lesion scores within the litter thickness groups was significant (P

Effects of age on quality of slaughterhouse by-products in Black Bengal goat

This study was conducted with a view to investigate the yield percentage as well as nutritional composition of slaughterhouse by-products from Black Bengal goats of Bangladesh depending on different age groups. The experiment was conducted in different markets and slaughterhouses of Mymensingh district. Data and samples were collected from 50 (fifty) goats of different ages. Treatment group were executed according to the age, namely T0= 0 permanent incisor teeth (under 1 year), T1= 2 permanent incisor teeth (1 to 1.5 year), T2= 4 permanent incisor teeth (2 years), T3= 6 permanent incisor teeth (2 to 2.5 years), T4= 8 permanent incisor teeth (more than 2.5 years). Live weight, warm carcass weight, dressing percentage, percentage and nutritional composition of different slaughterhouse by-products were measured to identify the variation among the age group. The results showed a wide variation of yield percentage and nutritional composition of edible by-products for different ages of Black Bengal goats. A significant variation (P&gt;0.01) of dressing percentage was found with the increase of age. Dressing percentage was 45.87 ± 3.23 in T0 group and 55.94 ± 2.08 in T4 group. Live weight and warm carcass weight were also increased significantly with the increase of age. No significant variation was found in the weight and percentage of different inedible by-products like skin, eye, teeth and hoof as well as edible by-products like liver, brain, kidney, lungs, heart, tongue, intestine with the increase of age. Higher percentage of dry matter and ether extract was found in the liver and heart. Crude protein was almost similar for liver, heart, kidney, lung but pH level was high at kidney. Findings of this investigation of basic properties of edible and inedible by-products of Black Bengal goat will be helpful in livestock researches. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (3): 61-68.

Effect of Pashu chocolate supplementation on production and reproductive performance of milch buffalo under field conditions of semi arid region

Pashu chocolate is the brand name of the urea molasses mineral block formulated by KVK, Panchmahal by using of urea, molasses, wheat bran, area specific mineral mixture, black salt, etc. for augment milk production and reproductive performance of dairy animals. A study was conducted to find out the efficacy of Pashu chocolate supplementation on productive and reproductive performance of milking buffalo and feed economics at farmers field in semi-arid zone, during the year 2018 to 2019. Twenty, lactating Mehsana breed of buffalo were randomly selected and distributed equally in to two groups ten each in a completely randomized design i.e., T1 (Control) and T2 (Pashu chocolate supplementations). In the feeding schedule of the present study T1 animals were given 5 to 6 kg dry roughage (sorghum/pearl millet) with green fodder (20 kg Napier-lucerne) added to 2.5 kg concentrate feed/ day, whereas an ad lib lick of UMMB (Pashu chocolate) was offered in the T2 Group in addition to the feeding schedule of T1 Group. An increase of 24.56% in milk i.e., from 6.23±0.40 to 7.76±0.54 L per day was recorded after comparing the outcomes of the two treatments. This significant (P˂0.05) increase in milk production indicates a positive impact of Pashu chocolate on the performance of milch buffaloes. Supplementation of Pashu chocolate as an ad lib lick reduced the postpartum estrus period and service period from 79.7±7.43 and 132.00±13.34 days to 54.3±4.41 and 81.60±7.54 days, respectively. Hence, the findings in the present study indicate beneficial effects of Pashu chocolate on productive and reproductive traits of buffaloes in semi-arid climatic conditions.

Effects of chronic saline-alkaline stress on gill, liver and intestinal histology, biochemical, and immune indexes in Amur minnow (Phoxinus lagowskii)

The need to maximize the efficiency with which saline-alkaline waters are used for aquaculture is continually increasing due to unabated increases in the global demand for aquaculture products. Here, the effects of chronic saline-alkaline stress on the growth performance, energy consumption, digestion parameters, antioxidant capacity, ion regulation, and non-specific immunity of Phoxinus lagowskii were studied. Fish were exposed to saline environments (10 parts per thousand) varying in the concentration of sodium bicarbonate [5 (T1), 7 (T2), 9 (T3), and 11 mmol L−1 (T4)]. We observed no significant differences in the weight gain and specific growth rate of fish in environments varying in alkalinity concentrations. Exposure to saline-alkaline stress resulted in a decrease in gills LH (lamellar height) and an increase in LT (lamellar thickness) and intestines VH (villous height) in P. lagowskii. The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration; mean corpuscular volume; serum albumin and total protein content; the activity of liver acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine transaminase; and the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of liver TNF-α, which encodes tumor necrosis factor-α, were significantly higher in the T4 group than in the control and other groups. Exposure to saline-alkaline stress also induced a strong antioxidant response that enhanced cellular defenses. Levels of serum glucose and triglycerides, lipase activity, and the expression of Glut-1 in the intestine significantly increased following exposure to saline-alkaline stress. The activity of Na+/K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase and mRNA expression levels of Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 3 in the gills were significantly higher in the saline-alkaline treatments than in the control group. These findings, coupled with the fact that no mortality was observed, suggest that P. lagowskii could be cultured in saline-alkaline waters, and the optimal alkalinity concentration was <11 mmol L−1. Our study is the first to characterize the effects of exposure to saline-alkaline stress on the histological, biochemical, and immunological parameters of P. lagowskii. Our data indicate that P. lagowskii can adapt rapidly to saline-alkaline environmental stress, suggesting that P. lagowskii could be cultivated at commercial scales in saline-alkaline waters.

Effect of Implant Macro-Design and Magnetodynamic Surgical Preparation on Primary Implant Stability: An In Vitro Investigation.

Macro-geometry and surgical implant site preparation are two of the main factors influencing implant stability and potentially determining loading protocol. The purpose of this study was to assess the initial stability of various implant macro-designs using both magnetodynamic and traditional osteotomy techniques in low-density bone. The parameters examined included peak insertion torque (PIT), implant stability quotient (ISQ), and peak removal torque (PRT). Four groups of 34 implants each were identified in accordance with the surgery and implant shape: T5 group (Five implant and osteotomy using drills); M5 group (Five implant and magnetodynamic osteotomy using Magnetic Mallet); TT group (TiSmart implant and osteotomy with drills); and MT group (TiSmart implant and magnetodynamic osteotomy). Every implant was placed into a low-density bone animal model and scanned using CBCT. The PIT and PRT were digitally measured in Newton-centimeters (Ncm) using a torque gauge device. The ISQ was analyzed by conducting resonance frequency analysis. The PIT values were 25.04 ± 4.4 Ncm for T5, 30.62 ± 3.81 Ncm for M5, 30 ± 3.74 Ncm for TT, and 32.05 ± 3.55 Ncm for MT. The average ISQ values were 68.11 ± 3.86 for T5, 71.41 ± 3.69 for M5, 70.88 ± 3.08 for TT, and 73 ± 3.5 for MT. The PRT values were 16.47 ± 4.56 Ncm for T5, 26.02 ± 4.03 Ncm for M5, 23.91 ± 3.28 Ncm for TT, and 26.93 ± 3.96 Ncm for MT. Based on our data analysis using a t-test with α = 0.05, significant differences in PIT were observed between TT and T5 (p < 0.0001), M5 and T5 (p < 0.0001), and MT and TT (p = 0.02). Significant differences in the ISQ were found between TT and T5 (p = 0.001), M5 and T5 (p < 0.001), and MT and TT (p = 0.01). The PRT also exhibited significant differences between TT and T5, M5 and T5, and MT and TT (p < 0.0001). Our data showed favorable primary implant stability (PS) values for both implant macro-geometries. Furthermore, the magnetodynamic preparation technique appears to be more effective in achieving higher PS values in low-density bone.

Impact of red blood cell distribution width–albumin ratio on prognosis of patients with CKD

The red blood cell distribution width–albumin ratio (RAR) is a prognostic factor for adverse outcomes in various populations. However, whether RAR is associated with renal outcomes remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of RAR on the prognosis in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We conducted a retrospective cohort study using 997 CKD patients who were enrolled in the Fukushima Cohort Study. Patients were categorized into tertiles (T1-3) according to the baseline RAR. The associations of RAR with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) were assessed using Kaplan–Meier curves and multivariable cox regression analyses. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed to test whether significant differences were present between red cell distribution width (RDW) and RAR. The median age was 66, 57% were men, the median eGFR was 47.8 ml/min/1.73 m2, and the median value of RAR was 3.5. The higher RAR group showed an increased risk for ESKD in the Kaplan–Meier curve analysis. Compared to the lowest RAR group, higher RAR groups had a higher risk of ESKD (hazard ratio [HR] 1.37, 95% CI 0.68–2.78 and 2.92, 95% CI 1.44–5.94) for T2 and T3 groups, respectively. ROC curve analysis proved that the discriminating ability of RAR for ESKD was superior to RDW. A higher RAR value was associated with worse renal outcomes in patients with CKD. RAR could be a convenient and useful prognostic marker for renal prognosis.

Evaluation of umami taste in Hanwoo with different feed sources by chemical analysis, electronic tongue analysis, and sensory evaluation

This study aimed to evaluate umami taste in Hanwoo with different feed by chemical analysis, sensory evaluation and an electronic tongue system. Hanwoo cattle were divided into three groups: control group (fed only total mixed ration [TMR]), T1 (fed soybean meal + TMR), and T2 (fed soybean meal + corn-dried distiller’s grain with solubles [Corn DDGS] + TMR). The three most abundant fatty acids (C18:1n-9, C16:0, and C18:0) in the T1, T2, and control groups accounted for 83.63%, 86.07%, and 85.52% of the total fatty acid content, respectively. Umami taste-related glutamic acid levels were significantly high in T1 (109.89 mg/kg), followed by T2 (66.66 mg/kg) and control (47.27 mg/kg). Fatty acid levels showed a high correlation with umami taste. The results of this study showed that the amino acid and fatty acid levels had been affected by feed types and soybean- or Corn DDGS-based feed potentially enhanced Hanwoo’s umami flavor.

Effect of Spirulina platensis Supplementation on Carcass Characteristics, Fatty Acid Profile, and Meat Quality of Omani Goats.

In a 70-day study, 36 Jabbali and Sahrawi bucks, aged 11 months, were utilized to evaluate the effects of different levels of spirulina dietary supplement (SP) on carcass characteristics, fatty acid profile, and meat quality traits in Omani goat breeds. The goats were put into six groups of six bucks, each at random. The diet consisted of a conventional concentrate feed ration (CFR) without spirulina (CON), and the CFR diet supplemented with spirulina at the levels of 2 g/head daily (T1) and 4 g/head daily (T2). In general, Sahrawi bucks showed a highly significant response to SP feeding compared with Jabbali bucks. The treatment groups, especially T1, showed a significant increase in average daily gain and carcass traits (body length, leg length, and the rack weight) compared with the CON group of Sahrawi bucks. The weights of omental and kidney fat were also significantly higher in T1 compared with CON and T2 groups of Sahrawi goats, while they were significantly higher in T2 compared with CON and T1 groups of Jabbali goats. Carcass profile and meat quality, including ultimate ph and meat color lightness (L*) were increased significantly with dietary spirulina in both LD and SM muscles of Sahrawi goats. Most of the Sfa, Mufa, Pufa, Pufa n-6, Pufa n-3, and n-6/n-3 ratios of the LD showed significant differences in diets supplemented with SP compared with CON for Sahrawi bucks, while some of them were significant in Jabbali bucks. The LD muscle of Sahrawi goats fed diets supplemented with SP of the T1 group significantly decreased in the amounts of pentadecanoic and margaric acids compared with the T2 and CON groups. The study concluded that incorporating SP (2 g and 4 g/head daily) into the diet of Omani goats, especially Sahrawi goats, can increase growth performance, as well as improve fatty acid composition and meat quality.

Effects of a Multi-Component Mycotoxin-Detoxifying Agent on Oxidative Stress, Health and Performance of Sows.

This in vivo study aimed to investigate the effects of a multi-component mycotoxin-detoxifying agent, containing clays (bentonite, sepiolite), phytogenic feed additives (curcumin, silymarin) and postbiotics (yeast cell wall, hydrolyzed yeast) on the antioxidant capacity, health and reproductive performance of pregnant and lactating sows challenged by mycotoxins. Eighty (80) primiparous sows (mean age 366 ± 3 days) per each of the two trial farms were divided into two groups in each farm: a) T1 (control group): 40 sows received the contaminated feed and b) T2 group (experimental group): 40 sows received the contaminated feed plus the mycotoxin-detoxifying agent, one month before farrowing until the end of the lactation period. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyls (CARBS) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were evaluated as biomarkers of oxidative stress. Clinical and reproductive parameters were recorded. Our results indicate that the administration of a multi-component mycotoxin-detoxifying agent's administration in sow feed has beneficial effects on oxidative stress biomarkers and can improve sows' health and performance.

Effect of Different Feeding Methods on Milk Production and Composition of Lactating Punganur Cows

The present experiment was conducted during January–August, 2021 at Livestock Research Station, Palamaner, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, India to study the effect of different feeding methods on production performance in lactating Punganur cows. A lactation study of 90 days duration was conducted on 16 lactating Punganur cows which were distributed (CRD) into four treatment groups comprising of 4 animals each. Animals of Control group were maintained as per the feeding practice followed by the farmers rearing Punganur cows in Chittoor district (Hedge lucerne, Paddy straw and Concentrate mixture), T2 group fed with Super Napier grass Paddy straw and Concentrate mixture, T3 group fed with Paddy straw, concentrate mixture and UMMB and T4 group fed with TMR. The average FCM yield (kg d-1) was highest (p&lt;0.05) in T4 followed by T3 or T2 and lowest in T1. The Protein and lactose content (%) of milk was highest (p&lt;0.05) in T4 and lowest in T3, while Fat and SNF (%) remained unaltered. The efficiency of milk production (kg/kg FCM) of DMI and TDNI lowest (p&lt;0.05) in T4, While CPI and DCPI lower (p&lt;0.05) in T4 or T3 as compared to T2 or T1. The cost economics of milk production indicated that the feed cost (`) per kg FCM yield was lowest (p&lt;0.05) in T3. The study concluded that the feed conversion efficiency in terms of DM, CP and Gross energy was highest for TMR group, while cost economics of milk production was better in Paddy straw, concentrate mixture, UMMB and TMR group.

Effects of an Organic Amendment on Cassava Growth and Rhizosphere Microbial Diversity

This study aimed to determine the effects of different dosages of an organic amendment, consisting of a Chinese herbal compound, on cassava growth and rhizosphere microbial diversity. In this study, cassava SC8 growth was determined under four treatments. The growth was promoted with the application of an organic herbal compound amendment, biochar powder, and an agent, in the following groups: 900 kg/ha of organic amendment powder (topdressing) + agent (T1); 1200 kg/ha of organic amendment powder (topdressing) + agent (T2); 1500 kg/ha of organic amendment powder (topdressing) + agent (T3); and an unfertilized control (T4). After 240 days of treatment, the height, the diameter of the stem, the maximum perimeter of the cassava, the tuber number, the weight of a single tuber, the yield per hectare, the mineral elements in the cassava plant, the ash content in the starch and the microbial diversity in the soil were measured. Compared with the control group, the application of 1200 kg of the Chinese herbal compound amendment per ha (T2) had the strongest positive effect on cassava growth, while the height, diameter of the stem and yield per hectare all showed increases of 24.22%, 18.82% and 35.71%, respectively. As for the dry matter content of the tubers, that of T2 decreased by 5.96% compared with T4, while no substantial difference existed among the other groups. The Fe content in T2 decreased by 29.46%, and the Zn in T3 increased by 39.48%, while the contents of other metal ions in the four treatment groups showed no substantial difference. At the same time, the experiment also revealed that, in terms of the bacterial abundance in the soil, Streptophyta dominated in T2, and Fimbriimonas was the unique genera of T2. In addition, the abundances of Nocardioides and unclassfied_Spartobacteria in the T2 group were greatly considerable compared to the other treatment groups. In terms of the fungal abundance in the soil, after being treated with different concentrations, the composition of the soil’s fungi differed greatly among the groups, and the samples at different concentrations contained more than 20 species of unique bacteria. At the genus level, compared with the control group, the relative abundance of unclassfied_Chaetomiaceae in the treatment groups was considerably reduced, and the relative abundance of Psathyrella in T1 increased substantially. The results indicated that the organic amendment could improve the growth of cassava, as well as help to enhance the diversity and optimize the composition of the rhizosphere microbiome.

Influence of Molybdenum and Organic Sources of Copper and Sulfur on the Performance, Carcass Traits, Blood Mineral Concentration, and Ceruloplasmin Activity in Lambs.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of molybdenum (Mo) and organic and inorganic sources of copper (Cu) and sulfur (S) on the performance, carcass traits, and blood concentration of these minerals in lambs. Forty male non-castrated crossbred Dorper x Santa Inês lambs (20 ± 1.2 kg of body weight and 90 ± 2 d of age) were randomly allocated into one of the ten following treatments: (T0) control, basal diet; (T1) Mo; (T2) inorganic Cu and inorganic S; (T3) inorganic Cu and organic S; (T4) organic Cu and inorganic S; (T5) organic Cu and organic S; (T6) Mo plus inorganic Cu and inorganic S; (T7) Mo plus inorganic Cu and organic S; (T8) Mo plus organic Cu and inorganic S; and (T9) Mo plus organic Cu and organic S. Regardless of the source, Mo, Cu, and S were added at levels of 10 mg, 10 mg, and 2000mg/kg DM, respectively. The mineral supplements (Mo, Cu, and S) were added into the total mixed ration (TMR) by mixing them apart with the mineral and vitamin premix and then put into the TMR. The animals were kept in individual pens and received a total mixed ration for 84 days. Body weight and blood sampling was performed every 28 days. All animals were slaughtered after 84 days, and carcass traits were evaluated. Although organic sources of Cu and S added to Mo supplementation had increased the ADG throughout the study, this effect did not reflect in the heavier final BW outcomes for this treatment. In addition, no effect of these treatments was observed on the carcass traits. The serum Cu concentration was higher for the T0 group compared to the other groups; otherwise, Mo reduced the serum Cu concentration compared to the other groups. Considering the interaction among the minerals and their sources at 84 d of study, organic sources of Cu and S treatment and Mo associated with inorganic sources of Cu plus organic S treatment had an increased serum Cu concentration compared to other groups. Regardless of time, organic sources of Cu and S increased serum S concentration. At 84 days after enrollment, serum Mo concentration was lower for the control group compared to the other groups. Further, Mo supplementation increased its blood concentration compared to the control group throughout the study. The control group had the highest ceruloplasmin activity compared to the other groups; otherwise, at 84 d of the study, either Mo or inorganic S supplementation reduced ceruloplasmin activity. Serum ceruloplasmin activity was higher when Cu supplementation, regardless of source, was associated with organic S. However, at d 84 of the study, inorganic Cu associated to organic S supplements increased serum ceruloplasmin activity. In this current study, it was not possible to identify a pattern in the variables studied, however, further studies are needed to confirm that organic sources of Cu and S interacted alone without a defined pattern.

Effect of Different Feeding Rates on Growth Performance and Survival Rate of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L. 1758) Fingerlings Reared in Rectangular Hapas

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of feeding ration on the growth and survival of Oreochromis niloticus. Three experimental hapas (T1, T2 and T3) were studied for a total of 8 weeks. The hapas had a rectangular shape and the same size (0.0725 decimal). In each of the three experimental conditions, 420 fish/decimal were stocked. The fish were fed 8% of their body weight in T2 and 12% of their body weight in T3. In T1, the fish were reliant on food that occurred naturally in their environment. In T2 and T3, fishes were fed twice daily. The proximate composition of the experimental diet was as follows: 11% water, 30% protein, 6% fat, 10% ash, and 7% fiber. Throughout the trial period, it was determined that the range of water quality parameters (water temperature 28-32°C, dissolved oxygen 5.6-7.8 mg/l, and water pH 7.5-8.6) were suitable for Tilapia culture. The initial mean weight of Tilapia fry in each of the three treatments was 3g, and their final mean weight gain was 6.8±4.77 g for T1, 9.88±5.76 g for T2 and 19.2±9.9 g for T3, respectively. The average initial length for the three treatments was 5 cm, and the average final length gain was 8.2±6.15 cm, 9.86±7.36 cm, and 12.2±8.23 cm for T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The T3 group, which was fed at a rate of 12% of body weight, attained the highest length and weight, whereas the T1 group, with no supplemental nutrition revealed the least gain in terms of length and weight.

Lactation performance of dairy cows on feeding rumen-protected choline

The experiment was designed to assess the effect of supplemental feeding of 40 g/day rumen-protected choline (33.5% w/w) in the total mixed ration of lactating cows on nutrient intake, lactation, reproduction, feed efficiency, and feed cost during 294 days of the lactation. The study was conducted at Livestock Research Station, Anand during 2018 to 2021. A total of sixteen cows were randomly distributed into two groups of eight each based on descending order of previous standard lactation yield and lactation numbers. An intake and milk yield were calculated for 1-21 biweekly periods. The milk composition was assessed four times during lactation. The body condition score (BCS) on a 1-5 point scale with an increment of 0.25 points was measured at -21, -14, -7, 0, 7, 14, 21, 35, 49, 63, 91, and 119 days of calving. The supplemental feeding of rumen-protected choline (RPC) in T2 group resulted in lower nutrient intake, lesser insemination to conceive, and service period with higher 4% fat corrected milk (FCM) yield in dairy cows. The body condition score and milk yield persistency were higher along with improved feed efficiency and feed economics in the T2 group as compared to the T1 group. The daily feeding of 40 g RPC during -21 to 120 days of calving resulted in significantly lower nutrient intake with improved 4% FCM yield, reproductive performance, feed efficiency, and feed economics in dairy cows.