Total Feed Cost Research Articles

The Performance Characteristics and Economic Evaluation of Weaner Rabbits Fed Varying Levels of Sundried False Yam (Icacina Tricantha) Meal

A seven week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the growth performance characteristics and economics of production of 15 unsexed weaner rabbits fed varying levels of Sundried false yam (Icacina tricantha) meal. Five treatments diets were formulated with diet 1 containing 100% maize as control, while in diet 2, 3, 4 and 5 Sundried false yam meal replaced the percentage proportion of maize in diet 1 at 25, 50, 75 and 100% inclusion level respectively. Rabbits were randomly assigned to the five treatment diets in a complete randomized designed (CRD) with three replicates of one rabbits each. Performance characteristics revealed that final live weight and weekly feed intake were significantly (P<0.05) influenced with highest value (2.12kg/rabbit and 407.33g/rabbit) recorded from rabbits fed 0% SDFYM comparable to (1.98kg/rabbit and 323.33g/rabbits) recorded in those fed 50% SDFYM. Avearage weekly weight gain was also significantly (P<0.05) influenced with highest value (197.00g/rabbit) from those fed 50% SDFYM. Feed conversion was lowest and best (1.28) from rabbits fed 25% SDFYM. Mortality rate was lowest (3.43%) in rabbits fed 50% SDFYM. Cost and return analysis revealed that total cost of feed consumed was least (378.24 N /rabbits) from those fed 50% SDFYM and highest in control, cost of feed per kg weight gain and total cost of production were lowest (30.50 and 2178.24 N /rabbits) from the rabbits that ate 75% SDFYM and highest in control. Income and net profit were highest (5000 and 1763.36 N /rabbits). It is concluded from this study that Sundried false yam meal is a valuable substitution for maize up to 50% in rabbit diets without any adverse effects on the performance characteristics and economic returns of rabbits.

Performance Index and Economic Efficiency of SASSO C44 Broilers Fed Diets Containing Graded Levels of Dried Blood-Rumen Content Mixture to Replace Roasted Soybean Meal

This experiment was carried out to evaluate performance index and economic efficiency of broiler chicks fed diets containing dried blood rumen content mixtures (DBRCM) as a replacement for roasted soybean meal (RSBM). A total of 225 unsexed day-old broiler chicks (SASSO C44) were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. Each treatment was replicated thrice with 15 birds per replicate. The experimental diets were formulated to contain 100% RSBM+0%DBRCM (T1), 80%RSBM+ 20% DBRCM (T2), 60% RSBM + 40% DBRCM (T3), 40% RSBM + 60% DBRCM(T4) and 20% RSBM+ 80% DBRCM (T5) based on a control ration contained 30% roasted soybean meal. The result showed that there was no statistical difference (P≥0.05) in performance index during the experimental period. The mean mortality was not influenced (P≥0.05) across the treatment groups. Birds fed T1 had the highest (P<0.05) and T5 the lowest (P<0.05) feed cost per kilogram feed. Feed cost per unit gain (Kg) was the highest (P<0.05) for T1 and the lowest (P<0.05) for T4 and T5. Total feed cost of the birds fed T1 was higher than those of the birds fed T5 diet. The highest (P<0.05) economic efficiency was observed for birds fed on T4 and T5. Based on this result, it could be concluded that 80% DBRCM can replace roasted soybean meal to achieve the highest economic efficiency, without affecting the performance index of broiler chicken.

The Effects of Forage Policy on Feed Costs in Korea

Feeding operations are substantial on livestock farms, besides being potentially expensive. Feeding efficiency has been considered a major influence on profits in the livestock industry. Indeed, feed costs are shown to be the largest single item of production cost in Korea. To promote production and use of domestic forage, the Korean government has enforced the forage base expansion program that strengthens the competitiveness of the livestock industry by reducing the production cost. The forage base expansion program includes three main policies: subsidized forage production, support for processing and distribution, and expanding land for forage production. This paper investigates the influence of the government’s policies often conjectured to have pronounced effects on forage production. To evaluate the forage policies, this paper uses a path-analysis approach linking government spending on forage base expansion programs and feed costs. Results indicate that the Korean government’s spending on supporting domestic forage production results in a decrease in the ratio of forage expenses to total feed cost.

Effect of Aqueous Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Extract on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Economy of Feed Conversion of Broiler Chickens

A study was conducted to determine the effect of aqueous ginger extract (AGE) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and economy of feed conversion of broiler chickens. A total of 192 day-old Marshal broiler chicks were randomly allocated to six treatments each consisting of four replicates with eight birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. The treatments were tagged AGE0, AGE25 AGE50 AGE75 AGE100 and AGE125 whereinthe birds of the different groups were administered aqueous ginger extract orally at 0, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 ml/L, respectively, via drinking water. The experiment lasted for 49d. The results showed that the AGE supplementation had positive effects (P 0.05) on the digestibility of DM, CP, EE and NFE. However, digestibilityof crude fibre were affected (P<0.05) by AGE. Aqueous ginger extract also had effect (P<0.05) on total cost of feed consumed and cost/weight gain. Cost of feed per kilogram was not influenced by the treatment. These results suggest that AGE in drinking water of chickens could replace synthetic antibiotics and could be regarded as natural feed additives in poultry diets.

EFFECT OF PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF CONCENTRATE FEED MIXTURE WITH MORINGA DRY LEAVES ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF ZARAIBY GOATS

The present work was carried out to study the effect of partial replacement of concentrate feed mixture (CFM) with Moringa dry leaves (MDL) at the levels of 5 and 10% in rations of Zaraiby goats on digestibility, milk yield and composition and body weight and mortality rate of their born kids. Eighteen Zaraiby goats with average live body weight of 39 kg and aged 4 years were used in this study starting from one month pre-partum to end of lactation (January - August). Goats were assigned according to live body weight, age and milk yield in previous lactation to three similar groups (6 does in each) and fed a ration consisted of 40% CFM + 60% berseem hay (BH). The first one was unsupplemented and served as control group (T1), while in the second and third ones, 5 and 10% of CFM was replaced with MDL for T2 and T3, respectively. Moringa dry leaves was higher in CP and EE contents, and so the contents of OM, CP and EE increased, however CF, NFE and ash contents decreased in CFM as well as in experimental rations with increasing the level of MDL supplement. Moringa dry leaves was rich in alanine, glutamic and tyrosine and have considerable amounts of arginine, aspartic, glycine, isoleucine, lysine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine and valine, however, it was poorest in cysteine and methionine. Does in T3 showed significantly (P<0.05) the highest digestibility coefficients of DM, OM and NFE followed by T2, however T1 had the lowest values. Moreover, the digestibility coefficients of CP and EE as well as TDN and DCP values were significantly higher (P<0.05) in T2 and T3 compared to T1. Average daily milk yield was significantly higher (P<0.05) for T3 (1115.55 g) compared with T1 (910.18 g), while T2 (990.48 g) was intermediate insignificant differences with T1 and T3. Milk composition and yield for all components (fat, protein, lactose, TS, SNF and ash) increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing the level of MDL supplement. Goats weight increased gradually post-partum up to the end of lactation (6th month), and the increase seems to be higher in T2 and T3 than that of T1. The higher values of total protein and its fractions (albumin and globulin) were detected in serum of does in T3, however the lower values of total protein and albumin were found in T1 and globulin in T2. However, ALT concentration decreased significantly (P<0.05) with feeding diets containing MDL. Total DM intake was nearly the same for the different groups, whereas, TDN and DCP intakes were significantly higher (P<0.05) in T3 followed by T2, while T1 had the lowest values. Does in T3 recorded the lowest DM, TDN and DCP per kg milk followed by T2, however T1 had the highest values (P<0.05). Birth weight of born kids tended to increase with increasing the level of MDL, while, body weight of suckling kids at 30, 60 and 90 days was significantly higher (P<0.05) for T3 than that of T1 and T2 was intermediate. Mortality rate born kids during suckling period was significantly lower (P<0.05) in T2 and T3 than T1. Total feed cost tended to increase, while, the prices of milk yield and body weight of weaning kids as well as total and net income and economic efficiency increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing the level of MDL supplementation. The present study concluded that Moringa can be good quality feeds and therefore replaced CFM with Moringa leaves at the levels of 5 or 10% for Zaraiby goats improved digestibility, milk yield and composition, feed intake and conversion, economic efficiency and growth rate of born kids and reduced mortality rate during suckling period.

Performance and hemtochemical parameters of buck-kids fed concentrate partially replaced with tropical Piliostigma thonningii foliage.

Fifteen 5-month-old Red Sokoto buck-kids, (6.6±0.71kg body weight (BW)) randomly distributed into three groups of five animals per group, were used to study the effects of supplementary concentrate partially replaced with Piliostigma thonningii (PT) foliage on the growth performance, economic benefit and blood profile in a completely randomized design using analysis of variance. The goats in group 1 received 100% supplementary concentrates (PT0), groups 2 and 3 received 25% (PT25) and 50% (PT50), respectively, of concentrate replaced with an equal amount (dry matter basis) of Piliostigma foliage. The goats were fed a basal diet of threshed sorghum top (TST). Intake of concentrate, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, total feeding cost and cost/kg BW were greater (P<0.05) for PT0 than for PT25 and PT50. Consumption of P. thonningii foliage was greater (P<0.05) for PT50 relative to PT25. Tannin consumption of the treatment diets were greater (P<0.05) than that of the control concentrate diet. Serum urea N reduced (P<0.05) with increasing level of concentrate replacement, while serum glucose was higher (P<0.05) in PT0 than in PT50. However, means of all blood measurements were within normal ranges for goats. Net benefit showed this rank order: PT0<PT50<PT25 (all P<0.05). Both differential and relative benefits were higher (P<0.05) for PT25 than for PT50. P. thonningii foliage can replace 50% of supplemental concentrate without impairing feed intake, growth performance and health of buck-kids.

Ulva lactuca from an Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) biofilter system as a protein supplement in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) diet

Protein derived from fishmeal is the most expensive ingredient in fish feeds. Any reduction and replacement of this ingredient by a less expensive protein source which will produce the same growth performances will contribute significantly to the reduction of fish production cost. Protein-rich U. lactuca, used as biofilter in an IMTA system, was evaluated as a dietary ingredient for gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), at moderate (3–8%) and high (up to approximately 30%) replacement of fishmeal ratio. Three main elements were considered: 1. The total Ulva biomass replaced as a proportion of the total feed biomass. 2. The relative reduction of fishmeal sources in the feed, and 3. The economic benefit of the fishmeal replacement. Growth performances similar to those of fish fed the commercial feed used as control were obtained in two ways: a) by reducing ingredients of animal source in the feed from 41% to 29.1% of the total food biomass, and b) by removing 100% of fishmeal and adding up to 14.6% U. lactuca of the total food biomass. When 260gkg−1 of fishmeal was removed entirely and replaced with 291gkg−1 of poultry meal and 146gkg−1 of U. lactuca, the total cost of feed was reduced by $0.25kg−1. With a FCR of 1.7, the saving was of $0.45 per 1kg fish produced. Since in intensive aquaculture fish feeds represent over 60% of the operating costs, saving close to 10% on the cost of the feed is economically relevant. In addition, reducing nitrogen loads from the effluents by Ulva biofilter will also save on water treatment costs, an additional advantage of IMTA system.

Various levels of copra meal supplementation with \u03b2-Mannanase on growth performance, blood profile, nutrient digestibility, pork quality and economical analysis in growing-finishing pigs

BackgroundTo reduce use of main feed ingredient like corn, soy bean meal (SBM) and wheat, alternative ingredients has been studied like copra meal (CM). Production amount of CM which has been high makes CM to be an alternative feed stuff. However, low digestibility on AA and low energy content by high fiber content can be an obstacle for using CM. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of CM supplementation with β-mannanase on growth performance, blood profile, nutrient digestibility, pork quality and economic analysis in growing-finishing pigs.MethodsA total of 100 growing pigs ([Yorkshire × Landrace] × Duroc) averaging 31.22 ± 2.04 kg body weight were allotted to 5 different treatments by weight and sex in a randomized complete block (RCB) design in 5 replicate with 4 pigs per pen. Treatments were 1) Control (corn-SBM based diet + 0.1% of β-mannanase (800 IU)), 2) CM10 (10% copra meal + 0.1% β-mannanase (800 IU)), 3) CM15 (15% copra meal + 0.1% β-mannanase (800 IU)), 4) CM20 (20% copra meal + 0.1% β-mannanase (800 IU)) and 5) CM25 (25% copra meal + 0.1% β-mannanase (800 IU)). Four phase feeding program was used: growing I (week 1–3), growing II (week 4–6), finishing I (week 7–9) and finishing II (week 10–12).ResultsIn growth performance, there was no significant difference among treatments during whole experimental period. In growingI phase, G:F ratio tended to increase when CM was increased (P = 0.05), but ADG and ADFI tended to decrease in finishingII phase (linear, P = 0.08). Also, increasing CM reduced ADG (linear, P = 0.02) and feed efficiency (linear, P = 0.08) during the whole finishing period. In blood profiles, BUN was linearly increased as CM increased (linear, P = 0.02) at growingII period. In digestibility trial, there was no significant difference in dry matter, crude fat, crude ash and nitrogen digestibility. However, crude protein digestibility was decreased linearly (linear, P = 0.02). In economic analysis, feed cost per weight gain and total feed cost per pig were reduced in overall period when CM was provided by 25% (linear, P = 0.02).ConclusionCM with 0.1% of β-mannanase (800 IU) could be supplemented instead of corn and SBM up to 25% without detrimental effects on growth performance and pork quality of growing-finishing pigs.

The impact of feeding growing-finishing pigs with reduced dietary protein levels on performance, carcass traits, meat quality and environmental impacts

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of reducing dietary nutrient content for pigs from 25 to 130kg live weight, on performance, carcass traits, meat quality and environmental impact. Forty gilts and 40 barrows were distributed in a randomized block design with two treatments and 10 replications per treatment, with four animals per experimental unit. The feeding program was in four phases. Two diets were formulated for each feeding phase. One was adjusted using the InraPorc® model to minimize crude protein, amino acid and phosphorus excess (LN), and the other (ST) was formulated with standard Brazilian recommendations. No differences were found on performance. The mean ADG and ADFI were 0.919 and 2.46kg/day, respectively. Carcass characteristics and meat quality were also not affected by the experimental diets. The average total feed cost was 6.8% lower (P<0.05) for animals fed the LN diets. For nitrogen and phosphorus balance, there was no statistical difference in retention, but the nitrogen and phosphorus intake were 15.8% and 9.42% lower for pigs fed LN diets, respectively, and the excretion levels were 24.1% and 14.6% lower for pigs fed LN diets, respectively. Life cycle assessment showed that LN strategy can reduce the environmental impacts of climate change and terrestrial ecotoxicity by about 4%, acidification and eutrophication by 8% and 10%, respectively, and land occupation by 9%. Data suggest that nutritional adjustment is a valuable alternative to standard formulations, without affecting performance, but lowering costs and reducing environmental burdens.

Feeding values of conventional diets and their effects on the performances of dairy cows in Central Myanmar

The conventional diets have been fed to dairy cows since many years ago in Myanmar, however there is a little scientific information regarding the use of those diets as feed. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the feeding values of conventional diets and their effects on the performances of dairy cows in Central Myanmar. Nine cross-bred Holstein Friesian cows (460±22kg) with the 12th week of lactation were randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups with three replicates in a completely randomized design. The three treatments were Diet-ST (common diet from Sin Tel, Tatar U Township), Diet-MN (common diet from Myay Ngu, Tatar U Township) and Diet-AM (common diet from Amarapura Township). Cows were fed treatments for 60 days. The roughage to concentrate ratios ranged from 53:47 to 72:28 and the nutritive values were significantly different (p&lt;0.05) each other. The highest nutrient intakes were observed in dairy cows fed on Diet-MN, however the nutrient digestibility were not different (p&gt;0.05) except the CP and ether extract digestibility (CPD and EED). The nitrogen utilization was highest in dairy cows fed on Diet-ST and the lowest value was observed in the dairy cows fed on Diet-AM. Although the milk compositions were not different (p&gt;0.05), the average milk yield of dairy cows offered the Diet-MN was significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) than those of dairy cows fed on other diets. The highest total feed cost (p&lt;0.05) was found in Diet-AM and the lowest value (p&lt;0.05) was in Diet-MN. According to these findings, it was concluded that the highest feeding value was observed in Diet-MN and its effect on the performances of dairy cows was also greater than others. Moreover, it would be suggested that better bean residues and sesame residues could be used as fibre sources in the diets of dairy cows.

Effects of increasing amount of dietary Prosopis laevigata pods on performance, meat quality and fatty acid profile in growing lambs.

A study with finishing lambs assessed the effect of dietary inclusion of Prosopis laevigata pods (PLPs) on performance, carcass characteristics, meat traits and fatty acid profile of subcutaneous fat. Twenty-one Rambouillet lambs (27.0±3.0kg BW) were assigned to one of three experimental diets with 0, 150 and 300g PLP/kg DM. Evaluation of growth performance lasted 49days. The experimental design was completely randomized and analysed with a mixed model. Lambs fed diets with 0, 150 and 300g PLP had similar growth performance. Lambs fed diets with 300g PLP/kg DM had better (p<0.05) carcass yield and classification, less (p<0.05) fat deposition and lower lightness (L*) value (p<0.05) in meat than lambs fed diets with 0 and 150g PLP/kg DM. Saturated fatty acids (palmitic and stearic) decreased (p<0.05) and unsaturated fatty acids (oleic and linoleic) increased (p<0.05) in subcutaneous fat of lambs fed diets with 150 and 300g pods as compared with lambs not fed PLP. Prosopis laevigata pods are a safe feedstuff that can replace a third of conventional ingredients and reduce feed costs in growing lambs. Addition of PLP reduced (p<0.05) total feed cost by 21%.

0773 The effect of phase feeding on feed cost, growth, and performance of calves fed milk replacer

Ninety-six 3- to 10-d-old Holstein bull calves with an average initial BW of 44.1 kg (SD 1.67) were shipped from Wisconsin to the Land O'Lakes Research Facility in northwest Iowa. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of phase feeding with a milk replacer (MR) containing only milk protein in the first phase and a MR using hydrolyzed soy protein modified (HSPM) in the second phase of calf rearing. Calves were randomly assigned according to BW and blood γ globulin to one of four MR diets offered in a 15% solution: 1) 27% CP containing only milk protein, 10% fat (control); 2) phase feeding, 28% CP, 20% fat in Phase 1 and 22% CP, 15% fat with HSPM in Phase 2; 3) phase feeding, 28% CP, 20% fat in Phase 1 and 25% CP, 15% fat with HSPM in Phase 2; and 4) phase feeding, 28% CP, 20% fat in Phase 1 and 28% CP, 15% fat with HSPM in Phase 2. Calves were fed to provide 816 g DM/d during Days 1 to 6 and 1,135 g DM/d during Days 7 to 41, in 2 feedings at 0600 and 1515 h. Calves were offered 567.5 g in one feeding at 0600 h during the last week. Calf starter (22% CP, as-fed basis) was offered ad libitum throughout this 48-d trial. Data were analyzed by Mixed procedures of SAS. Total weight gain, MR consumption, feed:gain ratio, and starter intake did not differ (P > 0.05) among treatments. Total feed costs over the 7-wk trial were significantly lower (P < 0.05) for the three phase-feeding treatments. Calves on the three phase-fed diets performed equally to calves on the control-fed diets and the feed costs were significantly reduced, making this a viable option where applicable.

EFFECTS OF GRADUAL FEED DILUTION WITH INERT OR LESS NUTRITIVE MATERIALS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, FEED COST AND MEAT ORGANOLEPTIC PROPERTIES OF BROILER CHICKEN

The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of the gradual dilution of broiler finisher diets with inert or less nutritive materials on growth performance, feed cost, and meat organoleptic properties. Broiler chicks (n=147) were allocated into 49 pens and fed a mash broiler finisher diet (control) or the control diet diluted either with cassava leaf meal (CLM), gliricidia leaf meal (GLM), grass meal (GM), rice bran (RB), sand (SND), or sawdust (SD). For a given diluent, six diets were prepared by mixing the control diet with the respective diluents (w/w) at 0% (fed from 27-28d),2% (fed from 29-30d), 4% (fed from 31-32d), 6% (fed from 33-34d), 8% (fed from 35-36d) and 10% (fed from 37-40d). SD, RB, GLM and GM significantly reduced the diluent-adjusted feed intake (total feed intake-diluent intake). Except for GLM and SD, other diluents resulted in similar weight gains as the control diet. The dietary dilution with rice bran reported the best feed conversion ratio (FCR) (1.91). The total feed cost of the birds fed control and sand diluted diet was higher (p< 0.001) than those fed other diets. Compared with the control diet, the gradual dilution of feed with RB and SND reduced the feed cost per kg of live weight gain by 12 and 10 Rs, respectively. Meat organoleptic properties of the birds fed RB diluted diet were similar to those of the control birds. It was concluded that gradual feed dilution with inert or less nutritive materials could be used as an alternative to conventional phase feeding. Among the tested materials, rice bran was identified as the best candidate for such gradual feed dilution programs.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT FEEDING REGIMES ON: 1- DIGESTIBILITY AND PERFORMANCE OF GROWING BUFFALO HEIFERS

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different feeding levels on productive performance of growing buffalo heifers. Eighteen growing buffalo heifers (156 ±… days old and 110 ±… kg live body weight) were allocated randomly and equally to one of three treatments of 6 heads per each. Animals received their feeding allowance according to Kearl (1982) and the experiment was ended when the heifers reached to the first services: R1, 100% of the feeding allowances during the whole experimental period (control); R2, 80% of the feeding allowances to 300 kg body weight, then followed by 100% till the end of the experiment; and R3, 80% of the feeding allowances during the whole experimental period. Digestibility trials were conducted to determine the feeding values of the experimental rations. Results indicated that treatments (R2 and R3) during the first phase recorded the lowest values of digestibility coefficients, feeding values, total body weight gain and daily gain than those fed on control diet. When the heifers in (R2) received 100% during the second phase, an improvement in heifers performance were observed in comparison with those in R3 treatment that recorded the longest periods (P<0.05) of age at puberty and 1st service compared to those in other treatments. Increasing the feeding level was significantly (P<0.05) affected of the all blood serum parameters. Total feed cost and return economic efficiency indicted that the animals fed R2 ration had the superior economic efficiency, followed by those in R3 and then R1 was ranked the last. It could be concluded that feeding the weaned buffalo heifers on 80% of their feeding allowances until 300 kg body weight, followed by 100% of the allowances was more beneficial for the productive and reproductive performance and economical efficiency of growing buffalo heifers under Egyptian condition.

Carcass Characteristics, Internal Organs and Economics of Feeding Sun-Dried Yellow Cashew Pulp Based Diets to West African Dwarf Goats

The carcass characteristics, internal organs and economics of feeding sun-dried cashew pulp based diets to West African Dwarf (WAD) Goats were studied. Twenty growing goats of about 6-7 months, having an average initial weight of 6.42kg were randomly assigned to the treatments; each treatment had five experimental units. Four diets containing 0 (control), 10, 20 and 30% dried yellow cashew pulp coded as T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively, were compared. Completely randomized design was used in all the experiments. Data obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and means that were significantly different were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD). None of the carcass and internal organ parameter was significantly affected (P > 0.05) by the inclusion of sun-dried cashew pulp meal. Total feed cost and total variable cost were highly significantly affected (P < 0.01) and feed cost per kg, total feed cost and total variable cost of production reduced as the inclusion level of sun-dried cashew pulp increased from 0% (control) – 30%. This study indicated that sun-dried cashew pulp can be fed to WAD goats up to 30% level of inclusion in diets without an adverse effect on them. Inclusion of cashew pulp sun-dried to the tone of 30% will also provide a cheaper source of feed and also help to reduce environmental pollution since the study area in known to be the highest cashew producing state in Nigeria and the pulp unlike the seed are left to waste during its season.

Dairy farm profit according to the herd size, milk yield, and number of cows per worker

The study evaluates the associations of the farm herd size (HERD), the milk yield (MY, kg/cow per year), and cows per worker (CW) with the production, reproduction, and economic traits in 60 commercial dairy herds (34&amp;nbsp;633 cows) in the Czech Republic. Each parameter was split into 3 groups. The largest herds (&amp;ge;&amp;nbsp;750 cows) had the highest profitability of costs without subsidies (&amp;minus;3.8&amp;nbsp;&amp;plusmn;&amp;nbsp;4.3%), the lowest cost for roughages (1.2&amp;nbsp;CZK/L milk), and the lowest cost for breeding operations (0.17 CZK/L milk), but the highest costs for the cereal grains and concentrates (2.4 CZK/L milk). Herds with the lowest MY (&amp;le;&amp;nbsp;7&amp;nbsp;499) had the lowest profitability of costs without subsidies (&amp;minus;15.8&amp;nbsp;&amp;plusmn;&amp;nbsp;3.93%), the highest total costs (9.27 CZK/L milk), the highest labour costs (1.6 CZK/L milk), and the highest cow depreciation costs (0.97 CZK/L milk). Herds with the lowest CW (&amp;le;&amp;nbsp;39) had the highest mean labour costs (1.51 CZK/L milk) and the highest costs for breeding operations (0.22 CZK/L milk). Herds with the highest CW (&amp;ge;&amp;nbsp;60) and the lowest CW (&amp;le;&amp;nbsp;39) also differed in the total feed costs (4.1 vs. 3.73 CZK/L milk) and the costs of cereals and concentrates (2.34 vs. 1.96 CZK/L milk). The increasing herd size tended to be accompanied by higher milk yields and the overall efficiency.

Utilization of noodle waste as replacement for maize in the diets of growing snails

Maize is a major source of energy. It is expensive because of competition between man, animal and a strong demand for it by the manufacturing/industrial sector. Noodle waste (NW) (a by-product from the wheat noodle processing industry) which attracts little/ almost zero cost was used to replace the maize fraction of the diet of snails with the intent of reducing feed cost. A total of 120 growing snails ( Archachatina marginata ) of mean weight 73.42 ± 2.5g of about 3 months of age were used for the feeding trial. Four diets were formulated to contain NW at 0% (N 1 ) as the Control, 50% (N 2 ), 75% (N 3 ) and 100% (N 4 ) as replacement for maize in the diet of growing snails. Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used for the trial and each treatment was replicated thrice with 10 snails per replicate. The diets were formulated to contain about 24% crude protein and energy of 2400 kcal/kgME. Feed intake and weight gain were calculated. Shell length, thickness and width were measured. Feed conversion ratio was calculated as the ratio of feed intake to weight gain. Feed cost and cost per weight gain were also calculated. Carcass analysis was carried out at the end of the feeding trial. Significant differences were observed in the mean total feed intake of the snails fed diets containing varied levels of NW (P 0.05) across the treatments. The dressing percent of the snails was relatively the same in all the treatments (P>0.05). The results of cost analysis showed that cost /kg feed and total feed cost reduced as the level of NW in the diet increased. The lowest cost/weight gain was recorded in the diet containing 75% NW as replacement for maize while the highest cost/weight gain was recorded in the diet containing 100%NW. It was concluded that NW could replace maize fraction of the diet up to 75% without any adverse effect on performance. This replacement reduced cost markedly Key words : Dressing Cost/weight gain, dressing percentage, feed efficiency, rice noodle waste, snails.

Estimation of risk management effects on revenue and purchased feed costs on US dairy farms

Variations in milk and feed prices directly affect dairy farm risk management decisions. This research used data from the 2010 US Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Resource Management Surveys phase III dairy survey to examine how risk management tools affected revenues and expenses across US dairy farms. The survey was sent to 26 states and collected information on costs and returns to individual dairy farms. This research used the information from milk sales, crops sales, feed expenses, and farm and operator characteristics, as well as the use of risk management tools. Matching methodology was used to evaluate the effect of 5 independent risk management tools on revenues and expenses: selling milk to a cooperative, using a commodity contract to sell grain, feeding homegrown forage at a basic and intensive level, and use of a nutritionist. Results showed that dairy farms located in the Midwest and East benefit from selling milk to a cooperative and using commodity contracts to sell grain. Across the United States, using a nutritionist increased total feed costs, whereas a feeding program that included more than 65% homegrown forages decreased total feed costs. Results point to benefits from educational programming on risk management tools that are region specific rather than a broad generalization to all US dairy farmers.

Comparative ileal amino acid digestibility and growth performance in growing pigs fed different level of canola meal.

The digestibility of different vegetable protein sources were investigated and the effects of supplementing canola meal (CM) as partial inclusions were studied in growing pigs, to determine the performance parameters and its economic importance. In Exp. 1, four pigs (average initial BW = 15.4 ± 0.35 kg, 5 weeks of age) fitted with simple T-cannula at terminal ileum, were fed four diets following repeated 4 × 4 Latin square design having adoption period of 7 days. Diet 1 was Nitrogen free diet containing corn starch. Diets 2, 3, and 4 were the basal diet supplemented with soybean meal (SBM), rapeseed meal (RSM), and domestic CM respectively. The AID of crude protein was decrease in RSM in comparison to SBM supplementation. The AID of Dietary indispensable amino acids (DIAA) such as Lys, Meth, Pha, and dispensable amino acid Ala, Pro, Asp were decreased (P < 0.05) in RSM supplemented diets. The SID of DIAA does not differ but the SID of Asp was higher (P < 0.05) in RSM and CM diets while SID of Pro was lower (P < 0.05) in RSM in comparison to SBM supplemented diets. In Exp. 2, 192 growing pigs (average initial BW 24.76 ± 2.55 kg) were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments with increasing levels of CM i.e. 0, 3.75, 7.50, and 11.25 % respectively. Diets were fed in meal form for 35 days. Increasing CM levels in diets had no effects (P > 0.05) on growth performance and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients and energy. Total weight gain, total feed intake, and feed cost per kg weight gain were not affected by increasing levels of CM in diets but total feed cost (TFC) per pigs was linearly reduced (26.463 to 25.674; P < 0.05). Broadly, the AID, and SID of amino acid was reduced in RSM but was not effected in CM in comparison to SBM supplemented pigs. Moreover, increasing levels of CM in pigs diet had no effect on the ATTD and performance but TFC per pig was reduced. Thus CM inclusion of up to 11.25 % in diets can be used for reducing the production cost in growing pigs without any negative effect.

One Safety Net, Two USDA Measures of Dairy Feed Costs

With the introduction of the 2014 Farm Bill’s Margin Protection Program for Dairy Producers (MPP-Dairy), USDA now reports two different national average estimates of dairy feed costs each month. These monthly feed price calculations include Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) MPP-Dairy national average dairy feed cost, and the Economic Research Service’s U.S. estimate of total feed costs. MPP-Dairy is a farm safety net program administered by USDA FSA, and program payments are triggered using FSA-estimated dairy feed costs. However, the presence of an alternative, and higher-valued ERS estimate of dairy feed cost may represent a source of confusion with respect to MPP-Dairy performance given that both feed cost estimates are announced near the end of the month and both draw upon data from the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Agricultural Prices report.