Total Body Gain Research Articles

The impact of incorporating dried cafeteria leftover food on growing APRI rabbits productivity, profitability and meat quality.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dried cafeteria leftover food (DCLF) incorporation in growing APRI rabbit diets on nutrient digestibility, live body weight, body weight gain, carcass traits, meat quality, blood parameters, and economic efficiency. Thirty-six APRI rabbits (6 weeks of age), after weaning, were randomly divided into three groups (12 rabbits/group, 613 ± 5 g). During the experiment, rabbits aged 6-14 weeks participated in the experiment. An approximate isocaloric and isonitrogenous composition was achieved in three pelleted experimental diets. For the rabbit groups D1 (as the control), D2, and D3, DCLF was added at doses of 0%, 17.5%, and 35%, respectively. Digestibility trails were carried out at the end of the feeding experiment to evaluate the nutritional and feeding values of the experimental diets. To examine the characteristics of the carcasses, the quality of the meat, the histopathological analysis, and the blood plasma parameters, three rabbits were slaughtered from each group. The results showed that the feeding values (TDN and DE), which had the greatest values, as well as the digesting coefficients for dry matter, organic matter, crude fiber, and ether extract between the D1 and D3 groups were significantly different (p < 0.05). On the contrary, the curde protein, nitrogen-free extract, and digestible crude protein of the examined diets showed no signifcant differences compared with the control diet. The level of DCLF incorporation in diets significantly (p < 0.05) increased the live body weight at 14 weeks; with D3 recording the highest values (2130.9 g) when compared to the D1 and D2 groups. A similar pattern was observed for both daily increase and total body gain (6-14 weeks). Feed conversion recorded insignificant differences among the experimental diets respecting the period 6-14 weeks of age. DCLF levels had a significant effect on dressing and giblet percentages. The chemical composition and color parameters of rabbit meat were similar (p > 0.05), except for fat%, which had the highest value in the D3 group (p < 0.05) compared to the D1 and D2 groups. Economic efficiency was improved by using DLCF up to 35% in terms of gross margin and feed cost/kg gain. In conclusion, using DCLF in the feeding system of rabbits could enhance productive performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and physiological function, as well as improve economic efficiency.

Inulin increases the beneficial effects of rhubarb supplementation on high-fat high-sugar diet-induced metabolic disorders in mice: impact on energy expenditure, brown adipose tissue activity, and microbiota

ABSTRACT Consumption of prebiotics and plant-based compounds have many beneficial health effects through modulation of gut microbiota composition and are considered as promising nutritional strategy for the treatment of metabolic diseases. In the present study, we assessed the separated and combined effects of inulin and rhubarb on diet-induced metabolic disease in mice. We showed that supplementation with both inulin and rhubarb abolished the total body and fat mass gain upon high-fat and high-sucrose diet (HFHS) as well as several obesity-associated metabolic disorders. These effects were associated with increased energy expenditure, lower whitening of the brown adipose tissue, higher mitochondria activity and increased expression of lipolytic markers in white adipose tissue. Despite modifications of intestinal gut microbiota and bile acid compositions by inulin or rhubarb alone, combination of both inulin and rhubarb had minor additional impact on these parameters. However, the combination of inulin and rhubarb increased the expression of several antimicrobial peptides and higher goblet cell numbers, thereby suggesting a reinforcement of the gut barrier. Together, these results suggest that the combination of inulin and rhubarb in mice potentiates beneficial effects of separated rhubarb and inulin on HFHS-related metabolic disease and could be considered as nutritional strategy for the prevention and treatment of obesity and related pathologies.

Growth Response in Oryctolagus cuniculus to Selenium Toxicity Exposure Ameliorated with Vitamin E.

The adverse impacts of high temperature during the summer season on the rabbit industry have gained increased global attention. In this study, the comparative effects of biological (BIO) and chemical (CH) nanoselenium (nano-Se) combined with vitamin E on the growth and immune performances of rabbits were observed. A total of 200 white male rabbits of similar age (90 days) were divided into five treatment groups (T0, T1, T2, T3, and T4), 40 animals in each treatment. The rabbits in the first treatment group (T0) was fed basal diet; (T1) basal diet supplemented with 35 mg biological synthesized nanoselenium/kg diet; (T2) basal diet with 35 mg biological nanoselenium/kg diet+150 mg Vit. E/kg; (T3) basal diet+35 m chemically synthesized nanoselenium/kg diet; and (T4) basal diet+35 mg of chemical nanoselenium/kg diet+150 mg Vit. E/kg. The duration of this experiment was 63 days. The body weight of each rabbit was recorded weekly. Results revealed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in live body weight (LBW), total body gain (TBG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of rabbits treated with BIO-Se+Vit. E (T2) compared to the other groups. Selenium concentrations in the kidneys and liver were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in animals fed with BIO-Se+Vit. E (T2). The concentrations of serum urea, glutamyl transferase (GGT), and triglycerides (TG) were lower in untreated (T0) and treated groups (T1, T2, T3, and T4). From the results of this study, it can be concluded that biological nano-Se gave maximum improvement for the parameters under study compared to the chemically synthesized nanoselenium by playing a role in alleviating heat stress, increasing the growth performance, and enhancing the immunity of growing white male rabbits. Further addition of Vit. E is an alternative method to maximize productivity with no adverse effects during the fattening period of growing white male rabbits.

Impact of Replacing Soybean Meal with Sunflower Meal, Sesame Meal, and Black Seed Meal in diets of Barki Lambs

Crude protein content in animal diet is considered the first important factor for nutritionists when they start to formulate a diet for different types of animals. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of substituting soybean seed meal by different protein sources on lamb’s diet in terms of nutrients digestibility, and growth performance. Therefore, four tested concentrate feed mixtures (CFM, 14% crude protein) were designed. The CFM1 contained soybean meal as the only source of protein, and 50% of soybean meal protein was replaced by either sunflower meal, sesame seed meal, or black seed meal in CFM2, CFM3, and CFM4 groups, respectively. A total of 28 growing Barki male lambs aged 6 months with an average body weight of 38.6 ± 0.4 Kg were used in feeding trials for 120 days. Depending on their body weight, lambs were divided into four groups (7 animals in each). Each group fed on one of the experimental diets, including D1 (CFM1+ clover hay), D2 (CFM2 + clover hay), D3 (CFM3 + clover hay), and D4 (CFM4 + clover hay). Results of digestion coefficients indicted that the digestibility of crude protein and the nitrogen-free extract was significantly higher for D1 and D4, compared to D2 and D3. The same trend was observed in nutritive values expressed as total digestible nutrients (TDN) and digestible crude protein (DCP), whereas the D1 and D4 recorded higher TDN and DCP, compared to D2 and D3. Results of rumen parameters demonstrated that there were insignificant differences among groups regarding the average pH, ammonia (NH3-N), and total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs). Data of growth performance indicated that the final live body weight, total body gain, and average daily gain of lambs feed D4 (56.75 kg, 18.62 kg, and 155 g, respectively) and D1 (56.62 kg, 17.60 kg, and 147 g, respectively) were higher than those for lambs fed D2 (53.40 Kg, 14.64 kg, and 122 g, respectively) and D3 (53.11 kg, 14.61 kg, and 122 g, respectively). The feed conversion ratio (feed/gain) was recorded better value with lambs fed D4 followed by that fed D1. In conclusion, black seed meal could be replaced with the 50% of soybean meal participation of protein in growing Barki lambs’ diets without any adverse effects on digestibility, rumen kinetics, and growth performance.

IMPACT OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION WITH NANO AND ORGANIC SELENUIM WITHOUT OR WITH VITAMIN E ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND SELENIUM METABOLISM IN GROWING RABBITS

The objective of the present study was to examine the effects of dietary supplementation with two sources of selenium (Se), organic (Org-Se) and Nano-Se without or with vitamin E (Vit-E) on growth performance and Se metabolism in New Zealand White (NZW) growing rabbits. In a factorial experimental design (2x3), ninety weaned NZW rabbits of 5 weeks old and with average body weight, 579.5 ± 5.53g were used in the study for 56 days. Rabbits were randomly distributed into 6 experimental groups and fed the following six diets : (1) control Basal diet without any supplementation, either Vit. E or Se; (2) Basal diet + 250 mg Vit. E/ kg diet; (3) Basal diet + 0.3 mg Org- Se /kg diet; (4) Basal diet + 0.3 mg Org -Se /kg diet+ 250 mg Vit. E/ kg diet; (5) Basal diet + 0.3 mg Nano-Se /kg diet; (6) basal diet + 0.3 mg Nano-Se /kg diet + 250 mg Vit. E/ kg diet. Results of the experiment revealed that live body weight (LBW) and total body gain (TBG) were significantly higher (P< 0.05) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was the best with rabbits fedbasal diet plus Nano-Secompared to those fed the control diet or rabbits fed basal diet plus Org-Se. However,with adding Vit. E to the basal diet, the differences in these traits were not significant among the rabbit groups. Selenium concentrations in kidneys, liver, muscles and blood serum were insignificantly higher in rabbits fed supplemental Nano- Se than in those fed basal diet without any supplementation (control) or those fed supplemental Org-Se. However, Se concentration significantly increased (P< 0.05) in kidneys and liver in rabbit groups fedsupplementalvitamin E and was the highest in rabbitsfed supplemental Nano-Se plusVit. E. Selenium concentration in muscles and blood serum showed statistically similar values among rabbit groups fed diets supplemented with Vit. E. The economic efficiency (%) was statistically the same with rabbits fed either Nano-Se plus Vit. E or control diet plus Vit. E, while, it was the lowest with rabbits fed Org- Se compared to the control and other groups. Conclusively, based on the results of the present experiment and from the economic point of view and to ameliorate the adverse effects of heat stress on growing rabbits during the hot summer conditions in Egypt, it is advisable to supply the basal rabbit diet with Se, either as Nano- Se or Org- Se only without Vit E diet. There are still future studies to determine the effect of Nano Se on human and animal health.

Influence of Different Feeding Ratio of Pomegranate Peels Powder on Testicular Dimensions, Body Weight and Testosterone Concentration in Karadi Male Lambs

The current study was presented to conclude the influence of different ratio of pomegranate peel powder (PP) in feed of Karadi male lambs, they divided to 4 groups (0% as a control, 1% treatment 1, 2% treatment 2 and 4% as treatment 3), on scrotal circumference (SC), scrotum height (SH), body weight (BW) and blood serum testosterone concentration (T). In this study, sixteen (16) of Karadi male lambs used with 24.30 ± 0.40 kg weight and with 4-5 months old, all lambs have been randomly divided equally into four (4) groups and individually penned in a box for during 63 days. Results in our study showed that SC was significantly different and recorded higher 17.875±0.54 cm in group that fed on 1% PP, also SH recorded higher and significant different in group fed on 1% PP compared with other groups 10.000±0.32 cm. Average blood serum testosterone reduces in all groups compared to control group that fed on 0% of PP (11.418±0.15 n.mol/L). Final body weight in our study had significantly different (P &lt; 0.05) between groups, 1% PP recorded higher weight (34.9 ± 0.58) kg. Each average daily gain, total body gain and initial body weight had not significant different in all groups. Correlation coefficient between SC, SH, blood serum testosterone concentration and final BW computed and ranged between (-0.397 to + 0.914).

PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE, PHYSIOLOGICAL AND ANTIOXIDANT STATUS OF GROWING V-LINE RABBITS DRINKING WATER SUPPLEMENTED WITH AMPHORA COFFEAEFORMIS DIATOMS ALGA EXTRACT DURING HOT CONDITIONS.

A total number of 60 weaned male and female V-line rabbits were used to evaluate supplemented Amphora coffeaeformis (A. coffeaeformis) alga extract (ACE) in drinking water on productive performance, carcass traits, physiological and antioxidant status during hot conditions. The experimental rabbits were randomize divided into four equal groups (n=15 each). In the first group (C), rabbits were kept as control (drank water without additives), in the 2nd group rabbits drank water supplemented with vitamins and minerals (1 ml/liter, T1), in the 3rd group rabbits drank water supplemented with 0.5ml ACE (0.5 ml/1iter, T2) while in the 4th group rabbits drank water supplemented with 1ml ACE (1 ml/liter, T3). Body weight and total feed intake were weekly recorded. Total body gain, feed conversion were calculated and carcass traits of rabbits were also measured. Blood hematological, metabolites and antioxidant biomarkers were determined. The results showed that no significant differences were observed among groups in concern final body weight or body weight gain, carcass or internal organs weight percentages, blood hematological parameters and indices. While, 0.5 and 1ml ACE recorded significantly the best antioxidation indices (MDA and Catalase). Supplementation of rabbit drinking water with A. coffeaeformis alga had positive impact on performance and antioxidant capacity of growing rabbits under heat stress condition.

Replacement of alfalfa with Tithonia diversifolia in lambs fed sugar cane silage-based diets and rice polishing

The aim was to evaluate the effect of replacing alfalfa (AA) with Tithonia diversifolia (TD) in sugar cane silage (SCS) based lamb diets, both with or without supplementation with rice polishings (RP), on in vitro digestibility, nitrogen retention and productive performance. The experimental diets (D) contained the following: D1) 68.6 % of SCS and 29.4 % of TD; D2) 63.7 % of SCS and 34.3 % of AA; D3) 46 % of SCS, 22.6 % of TD and 29.4 % of RP; and, D4) 44.1 % of SCS, 24.5 % of AA and 29.4 % of RP. Diets were isoproteinic and isocaloric. The in vitro digestibility of dry matter and organic matter were greater (P&lt;0.05) with D2 compared to D1 and increased (P&lt;0.05) with RP supplementation, with no difference between D3 and D4. Similarly, productive performance was not different (P&gt;0.05) between diets containing TD or AA. Nevertheless, RP improved (P&lt;0.01) dry matter intake, average daily gain and total body gain with both forages. In conclusion, in sugar cane silage based diets, the replacement of alfalfa with Tithonia diversifolia has no effect on DM digestibility, N retention or productive performance. Complementation with rice polishings improves DM digestibility, N retention and productive performance in animals fed forage rich diets such as those utilized in this study.

Performance of Karadi Lambs Fed White or Black Whole Barley Grain for Different Fattening Periods

Feeding on white or black whole barley grain and fattening period’s effect on the body weight and measurements, as well as carcass quality of Karadi male lambs was investigated in this study. A total of sixty Karadi male lambs aged six month-old was randomly allocated to two feeding systems (white or black barley grain) for four periods of experimental fattening trial (each period was one month). Body weights as well as total body gain for lambs fed white barley were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher than lambs fed black barley during experimental periods. Feeding white barley significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased body length at eight-month (second period), nine month (third period) and final weight (fourth period) compared to black barley. Moreover, height at withers and heart girth showed significant differences at the final period (age of 10th months). Result showed a high interaction between fattening periods and feeding regimes on the length of body, wither height and the girth of heart. This may indicate that lambs at different experimental periods responded differently to type of barley. It is concluded that body weights, total body gain and body measurements for lambs fed white barley were significantly higher than lambs fed black barley.

EFFECT OF INCORPORATING PROCESSING DRIED WASTE OF GREEN BEAN (PHASEOLUS VULGARIS) IN GROWING RABBITS DIETS

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of incorporating processing waste of dried green bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) (GBPW) in diets of growing NZW rabbits on nutrients digestibility, live body weight, body weight gain, carcass traits and some blood parameters. Fifty –six New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits were chosen after weaned at 6 weeks of age and randomly divided into four groups (14 rabbits/group) according the their initial live body weight (740±20 g). The experimental period extended from 6 to 14 weeks of age. Four pelleted experimental diets were formulated to be approximately isocaloric, isonitrogenous and isofibrous. Dried green bean processing waste (GBPW) was incorporated at levels of 0, 10, 20 and 30% for rabbit groups, G0 (as control), G1, G2 and G3, respectively. At the end of the feeding experimental (14 weeks of age), digestibility trials were conducted to determined the nutrients digestibility and feeding values of the experimental diets. Three rabbits were slaughtered from each group to test the carcass traits and some blood plasma parameters. Results revealed that the chemical composition of GBPW recorded 87.78, 80.43, 22.37, 29.00, 4.37, 19.57 and 24.69%, respectively for DM, OM, CP, CF, EE, Ash and NFE. Significant differences (P<0.05) between control diet (G0) and tested diet (G3) in digestion coefficients of OM, CP and CF as well as the feeding values (DCP and DE) which had highest values. Inversely the tested diets did not differ significantly with control one in digestion coefficients of DM, EE and NFE, as well as TDN value. No significant differences among dietary groups in live body weight at 6 and 10 weeks with the highest values 779.29 and 1477.5g, respectively in G3. On the other hand, the live body weight at 14 weeks was significantly affected (P<0.05) by the level of incorporating GBPW in diets with the highest value (2100g) in G3 compared with control group G0 and G1. The same trend was found for total body gain (6-14 weeks) and daily gain, where G3 recorded the highest values. Insignificant differences among the experimental diets respecting feed conversion, however, G1 had the better one in the period 6-14 weeks of age. The green bean processing wastes (GBPW) levels had no significant effect on most carcass traits, G1 had the higher of liver weight and edible giblet percentage. In respect to chemical composition of rabbit's meat on DM basis, the experimental diets did not significantly effect on DM, CP and ash, while, EE percentage was affected especially for G3 as it had the highest value. On the other hand, chemical composition of fresh meat showed that higher CP% was found for G0, the lower was for G3, while, the later had the higher EE content and G1 was lower one. No significant differences for DM and ash contents were found among the groups. No significant differences in blood plasma total protein and globulin were showed among the experimental diets. Plasma albumin, ALT, AST, urea and total cholesterol were significantly affected (P<0.05) by experimental diets. Less albumin, ALT and AST were shown by G0, while less urea and cholesterol was recorded for G3. On the other hand, higher urea and cholesterol was shown by G0. Increase the rate of incorporating the GBPW from 0 to 30% in experimental diets lead to improvement in economic efficiency and relative economic efficiency. In conclusion dried green bean processing wastes could be used in feeding of growing rabbits up to 30% with no adverse effect on productive performance, carcass traits, physiological function and economical efficiency.

Is it Possible to Feed Nile Tilapia the Diets Containing Wastes of Opuntia ficus-indica?

An indoor feeding experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing diet's corn by meals of fruit skin and leaves of Teen Barshomy (Teen Shoky) Opuntia ficus-indica on productive performance of all-males mono-sex Nile tilapia, Oreochromis nilotucus (17 g initial body weight and a total length of 9.2 cm). Ten glass aquaria (70 x 35 x 40cm) were stocked with 10 fish / aquarium. The feeding trial lasted for 75 days at a daily feeding rate 3% of the actual biomass. Five experimental diets were formulated to replace 25 and 50% of dietary corn by fig skins and fig leaves in diets (D) No. 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively besides the control one (diet No. 1). All experimental diets were formulated and pelleted into sinking diets with an average pellets diameter and length of 2mm and 1 cm, respectively. Diets were offered to fish 6 days a week at 2 meals (8 am and 2 pm) daily. The obtained results revealed no changes in the rearing water quality criteria. Fig skin and leaves are to some extent chemically similar, but it seems that the fig skin may be more nutritious than the leaves. The replacement affected the chemical composition of the experimental diets. The dietary inclusion of fig wastes decreased the feed consumption of the experimental diets than the control, improved (P≤0.05) each of final body weight (FBW), total body gain (TBG), daily body gain (DBG), specific growth rate (SGR), relative growth rate (RGR), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) as well as whole fish body composition. Thus, it is possible to feed mono-sex Nile tilapia the diets containing fig wastes as replacers for dietary corn without adversely effects on productive performance parameters of fish.

Effect of phytase enzyme on growth performance, serum biochemical alteration, immune response and gene expression in Nile tilapia

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of low phosphorus diet with or without different levels of phytase enzyme supplementation on growth performance, body composition, nutrient retention efficiency, gene expression, and health status of A. hydrophila challenged fish. A total of 240 monosex males of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with an average body weight of 23.19 ± 0.15 g/fish were used. Fish were randomly chosen and divided into 4 equal groups (60 fish per group), with 3 subgroups containing 20 fish as a replicate. Group 1, was fed on a diet containing 100% P, group 2, was fed on a diet containing 50% P, group 3 and 4, were fed on low P with 500 or 1000 units of phytase/Kg respectively. It was observed that the 50% phosphorus diet significantly reduced body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) compared to Nile tilapia fish fed on the diet containing 100% phosphorus. In contrast, fish fed on the diet containing 50% phosphorus supplemented by 500 or 1000 phytase units/kg significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased final body weight (FBW), total body gain (TBG), average daily gain (ADG), and weight gain compared to Nile tilapia fed on the same diet or fed on the diet containing normal phosphorus without phytase supplementation. Different phosphorus and phytase supplementation levels had no significant effect on serum total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations, meanwhile, phytase supplementation increased serum calcium and phosphorus levels. Nile tilapia fed on phytase supplementation had an increase in body protein, lipid content, and nutrient utilization efficiency compared to Nile tilapia fed on the diet containing 100% phosphorus. Nile tilapia fed on low dietary phosphorus showed an increase in mortality after infection and a decrease in phagocytosis and neutrophil compared to fish fed on normal phosphorus. Phytase supplementation, made immune response parameters return to its normal values and the pathological lesions of liver, spleen, stomach, and intestine were reduced. Moreover, normal phosphorus significantly up-regulated lipoprotein lipase (LPL) mRNA expression and down-regulated fatty acid synthase (FAS) mRNA in Nile tilapia's liver while low phosphorus with or without phytase supplementation reduced LPL expression and relatively up-regulated FAS.

Abdominal Obesity and their association with Total Body: Fat Distribution and Composition. Case of Algerian Teenager Male high school students

Purpose: Our aim attempted to esteem the impact of abdominal fat on body fat distribution or composition related to total body fat as recommended weight loss among High School Students. Material: For the proposed, 100 male students from the Algerian high school Education Sector's mandate Sidi Bel Abbes, participate in the present study. Their average age 16±1.52 years, distributed into homogeneous groups, according to their body fat percent categories. Examined by saving tests (Body Fat Percentage (BFP) - Abdominal circumference (WC) - Body mass index (BMI)). Results: Based on the test data and the analysis statistics applied, we confirm: a) Abdominal obesity is excess body gain correlate with total fat BMI. It highly affected body composition reported as additional fat for overweight in compare with acceptable according to Ideal BFP categories. b) Abdominal obesity is an amount deep fat correlates to total BFP. It higher influenced the distribution of total body fat reported as additional excess fat among overweight category compared to the acceptable group. c) Waist circumference (WC) is the leading marker of abdominal fat deposits located in the central region of the body. While the combination of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), reflects the combined effects of body build (fat or fatness) in individuals at higher risk of excessive body fat. Conclusions: founded on the differences acquired by the research team. We highlight that abdominal obesity is strongly connected to larger WC relate to total body gain located as excess inordinate fatness BMI or fat distribution BFP among our overall sample. Evidence, which guides us to recommend our adolescent students to intensification their hours of sports practice, in order to avoid the consequences of abdominal obesity gain. Announced in the present study as excess abdominal adiposity more metabolically active. Requiring the control of body weight loss (BFP or BMI) strongly correlates to waistline as an ideally accurate measurement of total abdominal fat (visceral &amp; subcutaneous). It's paired with BMI revealed their impact on body build in early adulthood or throughout life.

Effects of Dietary Allium hookeri Root Powder on the Body Fat Deposition and Biochemical Parameters in Guinea Pigs

The overweight and obesity caused and exacerbated many diseases. Therefore, consumer demands for functional food which can prevent or decrease overweight and obesity is increased. This study was performed to investigate the effects of the dietary Allium hookeri root powder on the body fat deposition and biochemical parameters in guinea pigs. The guinea pigs were fed aF control diet (CON), as well as the control diet including 1% freeze-dried Allium hookeri root powder (AH). The final body weight, total body and weight gain, total feed intake and feed efficiency ratio (FER) were not significantly different between CON and AH groups (p<0.05). However, the weight of perirenal adipose tissue (PAT) and the epididymal adipose tissue (EAT) in the AH were significantly lower than those of the CON (p<0.05). The triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels in the AH were significantly lower than those of the CON (p<0.05). The saturated fatty acid (SFA) levels in the AH were significantly lower than those of the CON (p<0.05). The results of this study suggested that the dietary Allium hookeri root powder may decrease fat accumulation, and to improve blood hyperlipidemia in guinea pigs.

Effects of exogenous enzymes and application method on nutrient intake, digestibility and growth performance of Pelibuey lambs.

Pelibuey sheep is the main breed in the tropical and subtropical regions of Mexico, and high demand of sheep meat has favored the finishing of lambs in feedlots with diets containing high levels of grains. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of exogenous enzymes (EE) and application method on nutrient intake and digestibility and performance of growing Pelibuey lambs. Treatments were based on comparison of two different methods of adding an enzyme product (sprayed on the total mixed ration or applied orally to the lambs) versus control treatment (no added enzyme). Twenty-one Pelibuey lambs, weighing 15.7 kg (SD = 1.8 kg) initial body weight, were individually housed in shaded pens and assigned randomly to one of the three enzyme treatments. At the end of study (lasting for 45 days), three lambs from each treatment were randomly selected and adapted to a pants and harness designed for fecal collection to measure nutrient digestibilities. Total body gain and average daily gain were affected (P < 0.05) by supplemental EE. The application method of EE had significant (P < 0.05) effect on FCE and FCR, but no effects were observed on nutrient intake. Supplemental EE did improve (P < 0.05) the digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, neutral and acid detergent fiber, but no differences were observed in crude protein digestibility. The application method of EE had significant (P < 0.05) effect on the digestibility of acid detergent fiber. Supplemental EE can improve body weight gain and nutrient digestibilities without affecting nutrient intake in Pelibuey lambs, but the results of feed conversion efficiency and acid detergent fiber digestibility depend on the application method used of the EE.

Growth Performance and Digestibility in Karadi Lambs Receiving Different Levels of Pomegranate Peels

The objective of current study was to determine the effect of different ratios of pomegranate peel in diets of Karadi lambs (0%, 1%, 2% or 4% as control, T1, T2 and T3, respectively) on body weight, total body gain, average daily gain, daily feed intake and apparent digestibility of nutrients. Sixteen Karadi male lambs weighing 23.29 ± 0.42 kg and 4.5-5 months old randomly divided into equally four treatment groups and individually penned for the period of 63 days. Results indicated that final body weight was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in lambs fed 1% or 2% pomegranate peel (PP) as compared to lambs fed 4% PP. The best improvements in total feed intake, total gain, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in lambs fed 1% PP. The total dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), ash, nitrogen free extract (NFE) and metabolizable energy (ME) intake per (body weight0.75) increased (P < 0.05) significantly in lambs fed 1% pomegranate peel (PP); however, the crude fiber (CF) intake decreased in lambs fed 1% PP as compared to other treatments. While, the dry matter digestibility (DMD), crude protein digestibility (CPD), crude fiber digestibility (CFD) and nitrogen free extract digestibility (NFED) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in lambs fed 1% PP as compared to T2, T3 and control groups. In addition, EED increased significantly in T3 compared to other treatments. In conclusion, it was indicated that addition of pomegranate peel in diet at the rate of 1% or 2% had significant effect on Karadi lambs performance and digestibility.

Effect of Pediococcus spp. Supplementation on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Some Blood Serum Biochemical Changes of Fattening Lambs

Twenty four growing lambs, which were apparently healthy, of nearly the same body weight (approx. 22.29kg) were used in this study to investigate the effect of garlic extract supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and some blood serum parameters of growing lambs. Lambs were allotted into two equal groups, first group fed on the basal diet without any supplement while 2nd group fed on the basal diet and garlic extract (garlin) in drinking water for continuous 12 weeks. It was found that allicin supplementation non significantly improved body weight of growing fattening lambs at the end of the experiment by about 0.52% when compared with control. Moreover. Statistical analysis of the obtained data indicated that garlic extract supplementation (62.5 mg allicin/L water) non significantly improved total body gain of growing lambs by about 4.9%, improved feed conversion ratio by about 5.1%, moreover, garlic extract supplementation improve TDN and digestible protein conversion ratio by about 16.1% and 17.2% respectively when compared with control. Also, garlic extract supplementation had no ffect on nutrient digestibility, while non significantly increased blood serum total protein, globulin and glucose concentrations and had no effect on calcium and phosphorus blood serum concentration when compared with the control. On the other hand, it can be concluded that garlic extract supplementation in drinking water for growing lambs may be slightly reduce efficiency of kidney and liver function through numerical higher creatinine, GOT and GPT blood serum concentrations throughout the whole experimental period when compared with the control and non significantly reduced blood serum triglycerides and total cholesterol. generally, garlic extract had no significant effect on growth performance of growing lambs and no effect on economical efficiency of production.

Impact of Using Enterococcus Faecium as a Probiotic in Broiler Diets

Effects of commercial probiotic (Protexin®), Enterococcus faecium on growth performance, immune response, some blood parameters and carcass traits of broiler chicks were evaluated. A total of 152 Avian-48®, One-day-old chicks were used in this study. The chicks were randomly allotted into 4 equal groups (38 per each) of mixed sex. Protexin was supplemented to the basal diet at 0.0 (control), 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 g/kg diet (groups 2-4), respectively and the experiment was lasted for 6 weeks, weekly body weight (BW), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured. Haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test, Phagocytic activity (PA) and Phagocytic index (PI), differential leucocytic count, some blood parameters and carcass traits were determined. All birds were kept under similar environmental, managerial and hygienic conditions. The results of the current study revealed that addition of Protexin as a probiotic to diets has a slight improvement in total BW, Average daily FI, dressing %, thymus gland weight (wt.) % and bursa wt. % of chicks compared to the control, the highest total body gain was recorded in chicks of group 3 followed by that of group 4 compared with other groups, the best total FCR was noticed in chicks of group3 compared with other groups. No significant difference were observed in HI titer at 21st, 28th, 35rd and 42nd days of broiler chickens in all groups but a significant increase in PA and PI in broiler chicks of group 3 compared with other groups, moreover, the neutrophil count non significantly increased with Protexin addition at 0.5 and 0.75g/kg diet respectively and significantly increased (p < 0.05( in broiler chicks fed the basal diet with at Protexin at 1g/kg diet, the cholesterol ,triglycerides levels and visible fat % were significantly deceased in broiler chicks of all supplemented Protexin groups compared with the control one. The greatest economic efficiency was obtained by group 3 while the lowest and highest levels of protexin (0.5 and 1 g/kg) decreased economic efficiency of production.

EFFECT OF THIAMIN OR NIACIN SUPPLEMENTATION INTO THE RATIONS OF GROWTH FATTENING CALVES ON THEIR PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding supplemented diets by two levels of thiamin or niacin on the productive performance of growing – fattening calves. A feeding trial was conducted using twenty five yearling Friesian calves of an initial weight ranged from 200 – 250 kg/head. Animals were divided into five similar groups (5 each) using the randomized complete block design. They were fed individually about 180 – d of an experimental period on a basal concentrate – roughage ration that consisted of approximately 56% concentrate feed mixture (CFM), 28% rice straw (RS) and 16% corn silage (CS), on DM basis, wherein T1 (control) had no supplement, T2 and T3 had 200 or 500 mg thiamin/h/d and T4 and T5 had 500 and 1000 mg niacin/h/d, respectively. Animals were fed according to NRC,(1984) standard for beef cattle. At the same time, five digestibility trial were conducted to determine the digestibility and feeding value of the experimental rations. Results indicated that digestion coefficients of DM and OM were insignificantly increased with all supplemented rations except that of high level – niacin ration (T5) which significantly increased, compared with control. Most nutrients digestibility were markedly improved by both supplements, the highest value (p<0.05) was occurred with the high level of niacin supplement (T5). Similar trend for the feeding values (TDN, DCP and DE) was found among dietary treatments. Showing the highest feeding value with (T5) total live body gain and daily gain were significantly increased due to both supplements (thiamin & niacin) and its levels, being 158.8, 187.6, 164.6, 167.6 and 188.8 kg total gain versus 882, 1042, 914, 931 and 1049/gm as daily gain for T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively. Feed conversion as DM: gain was slightly improved for calves fed rations whose supplemented by low level thiamin and both levels of niacin. Blood total protein and albumin concentrations were significant higher for all supplemental rations than those of unsupplemented one. Economically, the best net revenue was occurred with low thiamin and high niacin supplemented rations, being 12.10 and 12.70 LE /head/ day, respectively. The corresponding economical efficiency values were 112 and 114% based on control ration (100%). It cloud be concluded that using either thiamin or niacin as feed additive in ration formulation of growing and fattening Friesian calves tended to improve productive performance and economical efficiency for fattening calves, with the best results are associated with niacin supplement.

EFFICACY OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF DRIED DISTILLER'S GRAINSWITH SOLUBLES AS A REPLACEMENT FOR SOYBEAN MEAL AND PORTION OF THE CORN IN A GROWING AND FINISHING BAFFALO CALVES DIET

Eighty growing buffalo calves, 14-16 months old, with an average weight of 202 kg, were divided, randomly, into four equal experimental groups, (20 calves each), and used to investigate the effect of replacing 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% of soybean and yellow corn by dried distiller's grains with soluble (DDGS) in total mixed rations (TMR) (1,2,3 and 4, respectively). The experimental diets were nearly similar in crude protein (CP) (iso-nitrogenous) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) (iso-caloric). All animals were fed daily 3% of live body weight and the trial lasted for 180 days. Metabolism trials were carried out on three mature rams for each TMR to estimate nutrient digestibilities, nutritive values and nitrogen balance. The economic efficiency was also calculated. Significantly lower values of live body weight and daily gain were recorded for calves fed the control diet (TMRI). Significantly best values were achieved by calves fed the 30% followed by 20% dietary DDGS instead of soybean meal and yellow corn. Results of digestibility trials indicated that rams fed the control diet (TMRI) had significantly (P<0.05) lower digestibility coefficients, nutritive values and nitrogen utilization compared with other diets. No significant differences were observed (P<0.05) among the experimental groups in ruminal pH and the obtained values were within the normal ranges (6.70-6.84). Ammonia–N concentration was greater in control diet but, there was a linear decrease in ammonia–N concentration as the level of DDGS increased in the diets. Supplemented rations with DDGS showed significant increase in the level of TVFA's. Increasing level of DDGS in diets of calves’ increased TP concentrations, being the lowest in TMRI (control), while albumin and globulin recorded insignificant differences among all diets. The values of AST were higher significantly (P<0.05) in rations containing DDGS than that of control. Values of serum- creatinine and cholesterol were not affected by dietary treatments. Blood parameters studied indicated normal physiological and healthy status of all experimental calves. Total body gain and daily gain were increased quadratically (P<0.05) with increasing DDGS replacement. Calves fed diets containing 20% or 30% DDGS recorded the best feed conversion values followed by 20% DDGS.It may be concluded that inclusion of DDGS with a rate of 30% from soybean meal and yellow corn in buffalo calves diet result in better net revenue, economical efficiency and feed cost per kg daily gain.