Terms Of Feed Intake Research Articles

Performance of West African Dwarf Growing Bucks Fed Varying Levels of Gliricidia Sepium Leaf Meal Supplement in Pelleted Diets

Insufficient resources and subpar pasture quality during the dry season necessitate a proven supplement to enhance the nutritional status of goats. In this study, Gliricidia sepium leaf meal (G-supplement) derived from a leguminous deciduous protein tree was proportionally incorporated into pelleted cassava peel-based diets (concentrate). The study aimed to assess the impact of this supplement addition to the concentrate on the growth performance of West African dwarf (WAD) goat bucks. Twenty bucks were assigned to four groups in a completely randomized design, with varying levels of G-supplement in pelleted concentrate (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%). Each group comprised five animals. The inclusion of the supplement significantly influenced (p<0.05) diet consumption and utilization. Bucks fed with 10% G-supplement exhibited the highest feed intake (24,248g), weight gain (2650g), and a feed conversion efficiency of 9.15%. Parameters such as total feed intake, daily feed intake, final body weight, total weight gain, and average daily weight gain were significantly affected (p<0.05) by the diet. The animals on the 10% G-inclusion diet demonstrated higher (p>0.05) nutrient digestibility compared to other treatments. In conclusion, this study suggests that incorporating 10% G-supplement in pelleted concentrate enhances the performance of WAD goats in terms of feed intake, live body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and nutrient digestibility. The efficacy of the G-supplement at the 10% inclusion level notably contributed to improved performance

Influence of Krill Meal on the Performance of Post-Smolt Atlantic Salmon That Are Fed Plant-Based and Animal-Based Fishmeal and Fish Oil-Free Diets

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of krill meal (KM) inclusion at various levels (0%, 2.5%, 5%) in plant-based and animal-based feeds, that were fishmeal (FM) and fish oil (FO) free, on Atlantic salmon growth. A FM/FO feed containing 0% KM was the control. Using a 2 × 3 factorial approach, diets were randomly assigned to one of 28 0.5 m3 flow-through tanks (n = 4 tanks per diet) initially stocked with 60 fish (148.4 ± 12.9 g; 23.6 ± 0.8 cm; condition factor (K) = 1.16 ± 0.08) each. Salmon were fed for 90 days using automatic feeders ad libitum. On day 45, stocking densities were reduced to 45 fish per tank by the random removal of 15 individuals to remove any potential of density affecting growth through the trial end. Water temperature, oxygen saturation, pH, and salinity throughout the trial were 11.8 °C, 103.5%, 7.38, and 32.0 g L−1, respectively. Fish fed plant-based feed without KM were lighter (p < 0.05) than all other groups at day 45 and 90, but those fed a plant-based feed with KM had comparable growth and feed intake compared to that of fish fed the control diet. Irrespective of the presence of KM, animal-based feeds achieved comparable weight growth (p > 0.05) to the control and 5% KM plant-based groups, with KM increasing feed intake (p < 0.05). Between day 45 and 90, feed conversion ratios increased in all groups except the control and 0% KM plant-based group, while specific growth rates (SGRs) decreased for all except the 0% KM plant-based diet. Between-group differences (p < 0.05) were also noted for the thermal growth coefficient. No differences were recorded in visceral or intestinal weight, and whole-body lipid levels were identical, proportional for all groups. Although differences (p < 0.05) were apparent in the concentrations of individual fillet fatty acids between groups, a 75 g serving size of any treatment would be sufficient to exceed daily intake recommendations for EPA + DHA. This trial determined that benefit, in terms of feed intake and growth performance, was gained when KM was added to plant-based feeds. However, no such advantage was observed when KM was used with animal-based feeds.

Growth performance of goats (Capra hircus L.) on forage legumes mixed with guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus)

Proper feed optimization is vital for the health and growth of goats, with fodder quality being a central factor. This study evaluated the impact of feeding goats guinea grass mixed with various tree legumes on their growth and feed consumption. Nine upgraded goats were used for this research, divided equally among three treatment groups. Each treatment was repeated three times, with one goat per repetition. The experimental treatments included guinea grass paired with Gliricidia (T1), Indigofera (T2), or Ipil-ipil (T3). The results showed that the T2 (Guinea grass + Indigofera tinctoria) combination resulted in the highest feed intake at 29.94kg over five weeks, a finding significant with a p-value of 0.04. Nutrient analysis demonstrated a significant intake of crude protein for T2 with a p-value of 0.038. Moreover, T2 exhibited the most substantial total weight gain (3016.67g) and an average daily gain of 86.19g/day, with p-values of <0.001 and 0.013 respectively. In conclusion, the mix of Guinea grass and Indigofera tinctoria offers the best results in terms of feed intake and goat growth performance. Keywords: Goat feed optimization, guinea grass, Indigofera, Gliricidia, Leucaena

Effect of dietary supplementation of tannins, probiotics and antibiotic growth promoters on growth performance of broiler chicken

A total of 408, day-old Vencobb 400Y strain broiler chicks were locally procured, weighed individually and randomly divided into four treatment groups to study the effect of tannins, probiotics and antibiotics on feed intake, body weight, weekly body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, nutrient utilization, performance index and nutrient retention in broiler chickens during 35 days feeding trial. Growth performance of broilers in terms of feed intake, weekly body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and performance index was found significant and higher in T1 (Tannin group) and T3 (Probiotics group) in comparison to T2 (Antibiotics group) and control group. Supplementation of tannins and probiotics enhanced growth performance of broiler chicken compared to antibiotics and control group. There was no significant effect on dry matter, ether extract and phosphorus retention in broiler chickens fed tannin, probiotics and antibiotic except calcium. Thus, it may be concluded that supplementation of broiler diet with tannin, probiotics and antibiotics may prove a promising approach in enhancing the growth performance, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and performance index.

Effect of Supplementing Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) Leaf Powder on Average Weekly Feed Intake and Egg production of Commercial Laying Hens

The present experiment was designed to study the effect of dietary incorporation of eucalyptus leaf powder on the average weekly feed intake and egg production of commercial laying hens. A 12-week feeding experiment was conducted on 72 White Leghorn laying chickens of 28 weeks of age. Hens were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups, each having 18 birds and three replicates of six birds. Four treatments were included as a control (T1): basal diet, (T2): Incorporation of 0.3% eucalyptus leaf powder in the basal diet containing phytase, (T3): Incorporation of 0.45% eucalyptus leaf powder in the basal diet containing phytase, (T4): incorporation of 0. 6% eucalyptus leaf powder in the basal diet containing phytase. Daily feed intake and egg production were recorded. The results revealed that Supplementing Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus) Leaf powder did not affect the cumulative performance of laying hens in terms of feed intake and egg production (P>0.05). Based on the above findings, it was determined that adding 0.3 percent eucalyptus leaf powder to the basal diet containing phytase improves egg production. Furthermore, because Eucalyptus leaves can be procured at no cost, their incorporation is cost-effective and can help reduce feed expenditures.

Biological Responses of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus as Influenced by Dietary Florfenicol

Antibiotics are used in the treatment of bacterial diseases in commercial aquaculture. In this study, we the biological responses of Oreochromis niloticus juveniles upon dietary florfenicol (FFC) administration at 15 mg (1×) and 45 mg kg biomass−1 day−1 (3×) for 10 days in terms of feed intake, survival, biomass, hematological, erythro-morphological, serum biochemical, and histopathological aberrations as compared with controls. FFC caused a dose-dependent reduction in feed intake, survival, and biomass, with marked variations in hematology, hematological indices, and erythrocytic cellular and nuclear abnormalities, suggesting its apparent cytotoxic and nucleotoxic effects. The serum biomarkers increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner, except for calcium and chloride, which decreased significantly. The therapeutic dose (1×) group exhibited marked histopathological aberrations, such as renal tubular epithelial degeneration and a widened lumen in the kidney, as well as glycogen-type vacuolation and cytoplasmic degeneration in the liver during the dosing period. The extent of kidney and liver tissue damage was more prominent in the 3× group. The 1× serum biomarker levels became normal, with the exception of alkaline phosphatase, within 3 weeks of suspension of dosing. The recovery of the measured parameters and histopathological and erythro-morphological changes suggested that the therapeutic dietary biological responses induced by FFC are reversible and safe for O. niloticus.

Effects of dietary protein and lipid levels on growth performance, feed utilization and body composition of juvenile giant trevally ( Caranx ignobilis Forsskal, 1775)

An 8-week feeding study was carried out to assess the effects of dietary protein and lipid levels on growth, feed utilization and body composition of juvenile giant trevally (Caranx ignobilis Forsskal, 1775). Six diets were produced with three crude protein levels of 42%, 47%, 52% and two crude lipid levels of 10% and 18% in a 3 × 2 factorial design. Treatments were named by their protein and lipid levels, viz. P42:L10, P42:L18, P47:L10, P47:L18, P52:L10 and P52:L18, corresponding P/E of 20.23, 18.73, 22.31, 20.81, 24.63 and 22.12 g/MJ respectively. Growth performance in terms of length, final body weight and specific growth rate were the highest (p < 0.05) when juveniles were fed P52:L10 with P/E of 24.63 g/MJ. The same diet also resulted in the highest effective feed utilization in terms of feed intake and feed conversion ratio. Crude protein in whole body increased when dietary protein or dietary lipid increased from 42% to 52% and 10% to 18% respectively. Significantly increased levels of amino acids in fish's body, including alanine, aspartic acid, glutamine, serine, leucine, threonine, valanine and arginine, were observed in fish fed 52% protein. Increasing dietary lipid from 10% to 18% led to reduced levels of alanine, glutamine, leucine, threonine, valine and arginine in fish. The result suggests that P52:L10 diet with P/E ratio of 24.63 g/MJ subjects the growth requirement of juvenile giant trevally.

Effect of Labazyme on Growth Performance, Physiological Parameters, and Economic Efficiency of Broiler Chickens

Enzymes have a significant positive effect on nutrient digestion, feed efficiency, and growth rate of poultry. The current experiment aimed to determine the optimal dosage levels of Labazyme as feed additives. A total of 240 one-day-old broiler chickens (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to four groups with three replicates. The feeding experiment was carried out from hatching to day 42 of age. Three experimental groups contained Labazyme at 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mg/kg of the total diet. The control group received a basal diet. Growth performance, European performance efficiency index (EPEI), production index (PI), biochemical and lipid profiles, as well as antioxidant parameters were then measured. The results showed that chickens fed Labazyme supplementation (1 and 1.5 mg/kg) had a higher growth performance than those in the control group. Nonetheless, there was a significant difference between the Labazyme and the control group in terms of feed intake. In addition, Labazyme groups had a significantly positive effect on broiler economic scores. The EPEI and PI of the Labazyme-fed chickens were both higher than the control. There was a non-significant difference in total protein, albumin, globulin, and uric acid. The serum glucose level of the chickens fed Labazyme (1 and 1.5 mg/kg) was lower, compared to the control group. In contrast, chickens that consumed a diet supplemented with Labazyme 1 and 1.5 mg/kg indicated lower serum cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, and very-low-density lipoprotein levels in broilers, compared to the control group. Serum high-density lipoprotein levels were improved and more pronounced in chickens fed Labazyme, compared to the control group. In conclusion, the results of the current study indicated that supplementation of Labazyme could help the improvement of growth performance, lipid profile, and profitability of broiler chickens.

Production performance and carcass characteristics of broiler treated with graded level of acetic acid

To investigate the effect of graded level of acetic acid on the production performance and carcass characteristics of broiler, present study was conducted for a period of 35 days in a controlled shed. A total of 240 Cobb 500 day old broiler chicks were divided into four dietary treatment groups (T0, T1, T2 and T3), each group with three replications and each replication having 20 birds. Control group (T0) birds were fed with the basal diet without any acetic acid. Birds of T1, T2 and T3 group were treated with 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3% acetic acid in drinking water, respectively along with basal diets. Recorded data were analysed in SPSS software by using ANOVA and significance level was considered as 5%. Results showed that, acetic acid has significantly (P&lt;0.05) improved live weight, live weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and some meat characteristics (carcass weight, thigh weight and breast weight) of experimental broilers. However, there were no significant (P&gt;0.05) differences were observed between control group and acetic acid treated groups of birds in terms of feed intake, dressing percentage, liver weight, heart weight and abdominal fat. Net profit was higher in birds treated with acetic acid than the control group and the best performances were observed in the birds treated with 0.3% acetic acid.&#x0D; Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.8(3): 311-319, December 2021

Effects of feeding wood kraft pulp silage containing sweet-potato shochu distillery by-product on feed intake, feed digestibility, rumen fermentation, blood components, and growth performance in Japanese Black fattening steers during early period.

The effects of long-term feeding of wood kraft pulp (KP) silage containing sweet-potato shochu distillery by-product (SDP) on feed intake, feed digestibility, rumen fermentation, and growth performance of Japanese Black steers were investigated during the early fattening period. Ten Japanese Black steers (9.8 ± 0.6months of age) were used in this study. Five steers (KP group) were fed KP silage as a replacement for 10% timothy hay (dry matter bases), in contrast to the other five (control group). KP silage consisted of 92.9% KP and 7.1% SDP (dry matter bases). The experiment was conducted for 18 weeks. No significant differences were observed in terms of feed intake, feed digestibility, or daily body weight gain between the groups. In addition, diurnal changes in the rumen pH and ruminal lipopolysaccharide activity did not differ between the groups. However, the plasma concentration of aspartate transaminase in the KP group was slightly lower (P = 0.078) than that in the control group. Thus, our study suggested that feeding KP silage does not reduce feed intake or affect the rumen fermentation or growth performance of Japanese Black fattening steer.

​Effect of Hydrilla verticillata in Feed on Production Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Thai Native Chickens

Background: Producing Thai native chickens through feed commercial is costly. To reduce the cost, native chicken could be fed with local plants or agricultural waste. Hyrrilla verticillate, a dominate macrophyte in Songkhla Lagoon, contain high crude protein and nitrogen free extract. Therefore, this research studied the use of Hydrilla verticillate in Thai native chicken diet on production performance, carcass characteristics and production cost. Methods: The experiment was executed in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 180 one-day-old commercial Thai native chicks. Four dietary treatments supplemented with 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% Hydrilla verticillata were formulated for three different phases of the experimental chickens: starter (1-4 weeks), grower (5-8 weeks) and finisher (9-12 weeks). Two chickens from each replicate were chosen for the carcass characteristics study. Result: During the starter phase, there was no notable effect shown among the chickens fed with the diet containing Hydrilla verticillata in terms of feed intake (FI) and body weight gain (BWG) (P greater than 0.05). The control chickens had best feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P less than 0.05), while the grower and the finisher periods, provided with different levels of Hydrilla verticillata, revealed no apparent differences (P greater than 0.05) concerning FI, BWG and FCR. Considering carcass characteristics, there were significant differences in live weight (LW) (P less than 0.05). But, no significant differences between treatments for hot carcass percentage, pectoralis majors, pectoralis minorstrip, thighs, wings, drumsticks and total edible carcass (P greater than 0.05). There were also statistical divergences regarding gizzard weight (GW) (P less than 0.05).

The Effects Of Gas Changes In The Shelter In The Summer Period On The Milk yield And Dry Material Consumption Of Anatolian Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

In this study, the effects of in-shelter gas concentration on milk yield and total dry matter intake (TDMI) of buffaloes during the spring and summer periods were investigated. The research was carried out in a shelter with 20 main Anatolian buffaloes between March and July. Values for temperature, relative humidity, air velocity, and CH4, NH3, and CO2 gases were recorded in the shelter. Data records were collected continuously for 24 hours for 4 days. Milk yield and DMI of buffaloes were also determined. As it was observed, higher air velocity in the house reduces the methane gas levels (P<0.01). The regression equation between milk yield and relative humidity was Y= 6.011-0.03RH and showed a negative and low degree correlation. It was illustrated that TDMI varied between 11.00 ± 0.12-13.20 ± 0.06 kg during the summer. The difference observed between months in terms of feed intake was found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). Although the milk yield of water buffalo was low in March, it increased in April and May. However, there was a decrease in DMI (0.50 kg/day) and milk yield (264 mL/day) for an increase of + 1 °C in air temperature. The recorded values for CO2 concentration in the buffalo shelter during the summer period varied between 620-1120 ppm. Considering the obtained results, NH3 and CO2 gas levels in the shelter were below the higher limits and can be considered as not dangerous for animal and human health. It was determined that regression equation between feed intake and temperature was Y= 9.901 + 0.089T**, regression coefficient was R2= 0.19 and correlation coefficient was r= 0.44 (P<0.001).

Performance, Carcass and Relative Organ Weights of Young Boars Fed Graded Dietary Levels of Raw Icacinia manni (Earth Ball)

A study conducted for a period of fifty (50) days to determine the growth performance, carcass and organ weight of growing boars fed graded dietary levels of raw Icacinia manni tuber meal. Four experimental diets were formulated with Icacinia manni (Earth ball) replacing maize at 0, 5, 10 and 15% levels designated as T1(control), T2, T3 and T4, respectively. Forty-eight (48) young boars (Landrace x Large white) each weighed 7.72+ 0.35kg were assigned to the four dietary treatments and replicated three times of four boars each in a completely randomized design. Carcass traits and relative organs weights were evaluated. These traits were; dressed weight, dressing percentage, head, shank, trotter, belly, thick rib chop, rib chop, loin, chump chop, leg fillet end, Leg shank end, liver, lungs, kidney spleen and heart. The results indicated that apart from T4, diets T1, T2 and T3 did not differ significantly (P&gt;0.05) in terms of feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio. This implies that Icacinia manni did not affect growth performance except at 15% level of inclusion Similarly, Pigs fed diets T2 and T3 showed significant (P&lt;0.05) increase in dressed weight, dressing percentage as well as certain primal cuts such as breast, rib chop, loin and chump chop. However, relative organs weight did not differ (P&gt;0.05) across dietary treatments except the lungs in T4 (15%) signifying the non-deleterious effect of raw icacinia manni, at 10%. To attain optimum performance and carcass characteristics in young boars therefore, inclusion of raw Icacinia manni in young boars’ diet at 10 percent is recommended.

Effect of feeding a pellet diet containing high sulphur with fresh cassava root supplementation on feed use efficiency, ruminal characteristics and blood metabolites in Thai native beef cattle.

The objective of this experiment was to study the effect of feeding pellet containing high sulphur (PELFUR) diet and fresh cassava root (FCR) to Thai native beef cattle on feed use efficiency, ruminal characteristics and blood metabolites. Four male purebred Thai native beef cattle (1.5-2.0years old) with initial body weight (BW) of 150±15.0kg were allocated with a 2×2 factorial arrangement in a 4×4 Latin square design. Factor A was FCR supplementation at 15 and 20g/kg of BW. Factor B was the sulphur level in the PELFUR ration at 15 and 30g/kg of dry matter (DM). No interaction effect was found among FCR supplementation and PELFUR in terms of feed intake and nutrient intake (p>0.05). Cyanide intake was significantly increased based on FCR supplementation (p<0.05), whereas sulphur intake was increased by level addition of PELFUR levels (p<0.05). There were interaction effects among FCR supplementation and PELFUR on digestibility coefficients of DM and organic matter (OM) (p<0.05). FCR supplementation at 20g/kg BW with PELFUR 30g/kg demonstrated the highest digestibility of DM and OM. Moreover, interactions were observed between FCR and PELFUR for bacterial populations (p<0.01). The populations of bacteria were highest in FCR supplementation at 20g/kg BW with PELFUR 30g/kg at various feeding times. An interaction effect from among feeding FCR with PELFUR was found on blood thiocyanate concentrations at various feeding times (p<0.01). The highest mean values of blood thiocyanate were observed when feeding FCR at 20g/kg BW with PELFUR at 30g/kg. No interaction effect was found between FCR and PELFUR on total volatile fatty acids (VFA) and their profiles (p>0.05). However, the proportions of the total VFA at 0 and 4h post-feeding were increased when FCR at 20g/kg BW was supplemented (p<0.01). FCR at 20g/kg BW could enhance propionate (C3) at 4h post-feeding when compared with FCR at 15g/kg BW (p<0.01). Moreover, supplementation of PELFUR at 30g/kg increased the total VFA at 0 and 4h post-feeding, whereas the concentration of C3 at 4h post-feeding was enhanced (p<0.05). However, no significant changes were found for any parameters among treatments and between the main effect of FCR and PELFUR supplementation (p>0.05). In conclusion, feeding of two combinations (FCR 20g/kg BW with PELFUR 30g/kg) could promote the nutrient digestibility, the bacterial populations and the rate of disappearance of cyanide without having any adverse effect on rumen fermentation.

A COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF LEAF MEALS OF PAWPAW (C. Papaya), SWORDBEAN (C. gladiata), JACKBEAN (C. ensiformis) AND PIGEONPEA (C. cajan) AS FEED INGREDIENTS AND YOLK COLOURING AGENTS IN LAYERS' DIETS

Leaf meals of the above-named tropical plants at 0.2,3,4 and 5% dietary levels were investigated for their values as feed ingredients and egg yolk pigmenters in white maize based layer diets. Each diet was fed as 5 replicates of 15 hyaline layers for 14 weeks. Pawpaw leaf meal (RM) at 4% and 5% dietary levels significantly (P&lt;0.05) depressed feed intake without affecting egg production and body weights. It, however, had no colouring affecting egg yolk. Sword Bean leaf meal (SBIM), jackbean leaf meal (JBM) and pigeon pea leaf meal (PPLM) compared favourably with the control group in terms of feed intake, egg production and body weights, SBLM exceptionally improved egg yolk colour, scoring 4, 5, 8 and 12 on the Roche egg yolk colour fan at 2,3,4 and 5% dietary levels respectively. JBLM and PPLM only gave a score of 4 and 5% dietary level. SBLM appears to be very high in biological available xanthophylls and should be considered for development as commercial egg yolk pigmenter.

Availability of cassava residues and by-products for goat production in cassava based farming system

A study was carried out to investigate into the availability of cassava residues and by products and the utilization of the residues for goat production in Odeda local government area of Ogun state. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire coupled with occasional farm visits and personal interviews, from the farmers involved in the production of goats and cassava. Results showed that cassava is a major crop in the area and the cultivation of different cassava varieties is common. Cassava leaves, peels and sieviate were the common residues and by-products available and most farmers used these residues to feed their goats. The response of goats to cassava residues based diets was investigated using sixteen (16) West African dwarf goats, aged 4 to 6 months with average body weight of 6.5kg in a completely randomized design. The four treatments used namely (diets A to D) contained varying levels of cassava leaves, peels and sieviate and were repli performance increased (P &lt; 0.05) with increasing level of cassava leaves in the diets. Weight gain of goats ranged from 30.02 to 37.85g/day across the dietary treatments. In conclusion, cassava residues are readily available in the study area and the response of goats fed diet C consisting 50% cassava leaves, 30% cassava peels and 20% cassava sieviate produced the best performance in terms of feed intake, digestibility and weight gain. This can therefore be recommended as best combination strategy in making use of cassava residues in goat feeding in Nigeria. &#x0D;

Comparative performance of broiler chicks fed diets containing differently processed Mucuna pruriens seed meals

A 28-day feeding trial was conducted to determine the effects of dietary inclusion of Mucuna seeds: soaked in Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) solution, soaked in Ca(OH)2 and cracked water-soaked and cooked, on the performance of broiler chicks. Two batches of raw Mucuna seeds were used. The first batch was soaked in 3% Ca(OH)2 for 48 hours. Part of the soaked seeds were sun-dried and milled. The remaining part were cooked, sun-dried and milled. The second batch was cracked, soaked in water for 48 hours and cooked before sun drying and milling. Both meals were analyzed for their proximate composition and included in broiler starter diets at 20% dietary level respectively. The control diet contained no mucuna meal. Each diet was fed to a group of 40 broiler chicks in a completely randomized design replicated four times. At 20% dietary level containing Ca(OH)2 soaked seed meal significantly (P&lt;0.05) depressed the performance of the birds in terms of feed intake, growth rate and feed conversion ratio. However, soaking in Ca(OH)2, prior to cooking and cracking prior to soaking in water and cooking did not adversely affect the performance of the birds in all parameters measured.

Effects of replacing dietary fish meal or soybean meal with shrimp waste meal on the performance of laying hens

One hundred and forty-four (144) 45 week old laying hens of Black Nera strain were used in an experiment to determine the effect of replacing dietary fish meal (FM) or soybean meal (SBM) with shrimp waste meal (SWM) on the performance of laying birds. The birds were randomly allocated to three groups of 48 birds each. Each group was further divided into four replicates of twelve (12) birds each. Three iso-proteinous and iso-caloric diets were formulated such that a practical layer diet which served as the control diet (diet I) contained soybean meal (SBM) and fishmeal (FM) as the major protein sources. In diet 2, the FM in the control diet (25gkg') was replaced by SWM (40.43kg ') (protein for protein), while SWM (201.5gkg"') was made to replace the SBM (180gkg') in the control diet (protein for protein) in diet 3. The birds were given feed and water ad libitum. The experiment lasted 10 weeks. The performance in terms of feed intake, hen-day production, egg number and efficiency of egg production (i.e. dozen egg per kg feed) indicated that birds on diet ? (SWM/SBM) performed equally well as those in the control diet. Performance was however significantly (P&lt;0.05) reduced when SWM replaced the protein supplied by SBM in which case about 20% of SWM was employed. There were no significant differences in the albumen height, shell thickness, egg shape index and haugh units of eggs produced. Birds on diet 3 however had the lowest (P&lt;0.05) values of egg weight, egg length, egg breadth and the weights of yolk and albumen, Results of this study showed that shrimp waste-meal at minimal level (4%) can successfully replace fishmeal in a practical layers diet without negatively affecting performance or egg quality of the birds. However, replacing 180g SBM/kg with 201.5g SWM/kg diet had detrimental effect on performance probably because of the high level of SWM that was employed.

Growth response and cost benefits of growing pigs to different herbal-mix feed additives and weight asymmetry

This study was carried out to investigate growth performance and cost benefits of growing pigs on different herbal-mix feed additives and weight asymmetry. Fifty-four, 8 weeks old Large White breed of pigs with an average body weight of 15.33±0.2 kg were randomly assigned to nine treatments with each treatment consisting of three replicates of two pigs each. Three diets containing different herbal-mix (Control diet without herbal-mix, moringa-basil meal diet, neem-basil meal diet) were formulated and fed to the pigs for sixteen weeks duration of the study. The moringa-basil and neem-basil leaf meals mixtures were in the ratio of 10 to 2; that is ten percent (10%) moringa or neem to two percent (2%) basil. Parameters determined include growth indices and cost benefits. Data collected were subjected to two-way analysis of variance using SAS (2000). Pigs on control diet had the highest final weight (49. 44, 43.22, 40.67 kg) and daily weight gain (515.87, 401.59, 388.89 g/pig) and the best feed conversion ratio (3.56, 4.59, 4.23) when compared to the values documented for pigs on ration containing different herbal-mix feed additives. The least total feed cost and revenue per pig were noted for pigs on neem-basil dietary treatment while the highest values were documented for pigs on control ration. Homogenous light weight pigs had higher feed intake and total feed cost per pigs when compared to other values noted for pigs on other treatment groups. Heterogeneous weight pigs recorded better feed conversion ratio, lower feed cost per kilogram weight gain and higher gross margin values when compared to the values noted for their homogenous counterparts. It can be concluded from this study that performance indices of growing pigs were affected by the dietary inclusion of herbal-mix feed additives and weight asymmetry. Hence, herbal-mix leaf meals can be integrated into growers ration in order to lower production cost, likewise,unevenly weight growing pigs can be managed together in order to obtain higher production efficiency in terms of feed intake and cost of production.

Growth performance of starter broiler chickens fed processed African yam bean meal as protein source in place of soyabean meal

Protein source like soyabean meal is expensive and constitutes about 15-30% of poultry and pig diets. Thus, the study was carried out to determine the growth performance of starter broiler chickens fed processed African yam bean meal as protein source in place of soyabean meal in their diets. The processed African yam bean meal (AYBM) was used to replace soyabean meal at various levels to determine the best level that would give optimal performance in starter broilers. The African yam bean seeds were procured at Ndioro market in Abia state and were sorted to remove stones and dirt by sieving. The seeds were soaked in water for 24 hours in large vats and then, the water was removed and the seeds were air dried for 3 days. The seeds were then toasted for 35 minutes in a frying pan, milled using hammer mill to obtain processed African yam bean meal, and then stored in bags until used. The proximate composition of processed African yam bean meal showed that it contained 8.29% moisture, 91.71% dry matter, 3.40% ash, 21.12% crude protein, 5.0% ether extract, 5.73% crude fibre and 56.46% nitrogen free extract. In the starter feeding trial, the processed African yam bean was used to replace soyabean meal at levels of 0, 10, 15, 20 and 25% respectively in the control diet. Each starter diet was fed to a group of 30 broiler chicks for 4 weeks using completely randomized design. Each treatment was divided into 3 replicates of 10 broiler chicks each. The broiler chicks were kept in pens in deep litter and given feed and water ad libitum. Parameters measured include; initial body weight, final body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and cost of production. In the starter broiler feeding trial, the group on 10% processed AYBM compared favourably with the control (P&gt;0.05) in terms of feed intake, feed conversion ratio and body weight gain. Cost of production per kg (was lowest for diet 2 (N463.38) against N471.63 for those on control diet. The result of the trial has shown that processed African Yam bean meal can be used to replace soyabean meal in the diet at 10% for optimum performance of starter broilers without affecting the body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio.