Total Daily Feed Intake Research Articles

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOAT FED DIETS TREATED RICE HUSK AS SUBSTITUTE FOR WHEAT BRAN

The study was conducted to study the effects of treated rice husk as a replacement for wheat bran supplement on the growth performance of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Twenty (20) WAD goats were subjected to five dietary treatments in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four (4) animals per treatment and each serving as a replicate. The treatments are: 0% RH (T1), 25% RH (T2), 50% RH (T3), 75% RH (T4) and 100% RH (T5). The animals were fed 5% of their body weight. The result showed that T2 and T1 are relatively high in crude protein, low in crude fiber, moderate in crude fat and high in carbohydrate. They equally had the lowest values of ADF, ADL and NDF among the treatments. The total weight gain (TWG), average daily weight gain (ADWG), total daily feed intake (TDFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were all significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by the dietary treatments. The goat, T1 had the highest TWG, ADWG and TDFI values among the goats. The goat fed 25% RH replacement level (T2) converted and utilized feed better and had better growth performance comparable to goats fed T1. In conclusion, at 25% level of treated rice husk as replacement of wheat bran gave better growth performance in the goats. The result demonstrated the qualitative benefits and financial returns of using treated rice husk to replace wheat bran diets for WAD goats. Thus, the use of treated rice husk up to 50% in the diet of WAD goats is recommended for appreciable growth performance and better economic benefits.

Effect of Concentrate Feeding Frequency on Growth Performance of Sirohi Goat Kids

Background: The growth rate and body weight increased with increment in feed frequencies due to microbial activities enhancing nutrient absorption in the animal’s body (Yaunas et al., 2014, Bawala et al., 2009). The efficacy of growth by increased feeding frequency is due to a large improvement in the efficiency of food utilization. Smaller ruminants require more frequent feedings than larger ruminants because of their higher basal metabolism. Methods: The effects of concentrate feeding frequency on growth performance were assessed in a three-month trial including twenty-one female Sirohi goat kids. Three groups (T1, T2 and T3) containing concentrate were randomly assigned to feed the Sirohi goat kids once, twice, or three times a day. Throughout the ninety-day trial, uniform management techniques and feeding like green or dry fodder were kept up. Each animal was given an exact quantity of food and water each morning during the trial and the remaining feed and water were weighed the next morning. Result: Total daily feed intake was significantly (P less than 0.01) higher in T3 (885.88±4.06 g/d) than in T2 (775.03±7.52 g/d) and T1 (702.54±5.78 g/d). Average daily weight gain (ADG) was significantly (P less than 0.01) higher in T3 (43.68±1.8 g) than in T1 (32.30±2.61 g) and T2 (37.73±2.42 g). Non-significantly differing feed conversion ratio (3.06±0.31) in T3 than in T2 (3.16±0.29) and T1 (3.39±0.31), indicating a positive impact of thrice-a-day concentrate feeding on feed intake and growth but not affect feed efficiency in goat kids.

Addition of soybean meal extract with Lactobacillus plantarum in rations on protein digestibility and performance of broiler chickens

This study examined the effect of adding soybean meal extract (SME) and Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) on protein digestibility and performance of broiler chickens. The material used was 8-day-old Cobb CP 707 strain broilers with a body weight of 137.89 ± 3.7 g. This study used a completely randomized design with 6 treatments and 4 replicates, with each replicate of 8 birds. The treatments were T0: basal diet (control), T1: basal diet + LP 1.2%, T2: basal diet + SME 0.15%, T3: basal diet + SME 0.30%, T4: basal diet + SME 0.15% + LP 1.2%, T5: basal ration + SME 0.30% + LP 1.2%. Parameters measured were the performance of broiler chickens, lactic acid bacteria population, Escherichia coli population, intestinal pH, protein consumption, protein digestibility, and antioxidant activity. The results showed that the addition of SME and Lactobacillus plantarum in the ration had a significant effect (P <0.05) on total daily weight gain, total daily feed intake, total feed conversion, lactic acid bacteria population, Escherichia coli population, intestinal pH, protein consumption, protein digestibility, and antioxidant activity. Significantly higher total daily weight gains were observed in T5 (54.09 g) compared to T3 (51.27 g), T2 (46.98 g), T1 (46.64 g), and T0 (45.56 g). Total daily feed intake of T5 (79.94 g) was significantly higher those of T2 (74.52 g), T1 (74.17 g), and T0 (74.89 g). Feed conversion ratio was significantly lower in T5 (1.48) compared to the others, but not different from T4 (1.54). The LAB population of T5 (10.26 log cfu/g) was significantly higher than those of T2 (8.98 log cfu/g), T1 (8.99 log cfu/g), and T0 (6.99 log cfu/g). The Escherichia coli population of T5 (1.50 log cfu/g) was significantly lower than T1 (2.40 log cfu/g) and T0 (4.54 log cfu/g). Intestinal pH of T5 (5.90) was significantly lower than the others, but not different from T4 (5.91). Protein consumption of T5 (17.14 g) was significantly higher than T2 (15.98 g), T1 (15.90 g), and T0 (16.00 g), and protein digestibility of T5 (88.53%) was significantly higher than T2 (85.42%), T1 (82.92%), and T0 (80.37%). Malondialdehyde of T5 (0.80 nmol/ml) was significantly lower than T2 (1.01 nmol/ml), T1 (1.03 nmol/ml), and T0 (1.27 nmol/ml). Superoxide dismutase of T5 (21.43 U/ml) was significantly higher than all treatments. The study concludes that adding soybean meal extract with 0.30% and Lactobacillus plantarum 1,2% (T5) was effective in increasing protein digestibility and optimizing performance in broiler chickens.

Influence of time of feeding on dam performance prepartum and postpartum and its impact on its kids

BackgroundThis study was conducted to evaluate the impact of time of feeding on the performance of WAD goats during pregnancy, and to assess how the time of feeding of the dam affect the growth of their kids’ postpartum. Twelve (12) pregnant does were used in the pre-partum and in the postpartum, the same 12 lactating does and their 12 kids (1 kid per doe) were used. The dams were randomly distributed into three treatments and were fed once daily either in the morning, noon, or evening at 0600 h, 12:00 h and 18:00 h respectively under the natural light–dark cycle.ResultSerum creatinine in noon-fed does was higher (P = 0.005) than in morning and evening-fed does. In addition, low density lipoprotein in morning-fed gravid does was the high (P = 0.007) compared to noon-fed does while the evening-fed does had the lowest. During postpartum, morning and noon-fed dams consumed more feed (forage, concentrate, and total daily feed intake) than evening-fed dams (P ≤ 0.006). Kid weight of morning-fed does was numerically higher than noon-fed does, which was higher than kids of evening-fed does.ConclusionThis study shows that time of feeding did not affect the performance of pregnant WAD goats. However, it has the potential to influence the serum parameters of pregnant animals. It also showed that time of feeding influences maternal feed intake postpartum and can influence the growth of the kids.

PSIV-B-27 Effect of feed flavour on the feeding behaviour and kinetics of daily feed intake of lactating high-prolific sows during summer

Abstract Increasing voluntary feed intake of the sow is a major challenge for nutritionists in tropical climate conditions. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of the dietary supplementation of a feed flavour for sows during lactation on their feeding behavior and kinetics of daily feed intake under tropical conditions. A total of 60 high-prolific mixed parity sows divided into 10 batches of 6 sows each were used, distributed in a completely randomized experimental design among 2 dietary treatments (0 or 500 g/ton of Krave®, Adisseo). The average meal size was 107 g/meal lower in sows fed the control diet when compared with flavour fed sows. Daily feed intake was greater in the flavored diet than in the control (6,417 vs. 5,362 g/d; P < 0.05). The flavor improved ingestion time (58.4 vs. 46.6 min/ d, respectively flavour and control; P < 0.05). Sows receiving flavor showed a higher nocturnal (704 vs. 583 g/meal) and diurnal (678 vs. 582 g/meal) feed intake. Sows also showed a higher voluntary intake between 00:00 and 10:00 am, which was equivalent to 83% of the total daily feed intake. From a comparison of hourly feed intakes or variations from hour to hour (during 24 h), the nycthemeral pattern of feed intake peaked twice daily for both dietary treatments. However, the size of the peak was greater (P < 0.05) for flavour fed sows when compared with the control at 0400 and 1900 h (Figure 1a). Diets also influenced on kinetics of daily feed intake during the lactation period.Feed intake was higher for the flavour fed sows from d 3 to 8 and from d 10 to 24 (Figure 1b; P < 0.05).In conclusion, the strategic use of a feed flavour to manipulate the sensorial properties of feed is a viable strategy to increase the sows’ voluntary feed intake.

Feeding frequency affects the growth performance, nutrient digestion and absorption of growing pigs with the same daily feed intake

Feeding-frequency regimen is an important part of animal husbandry and production, which can influence the feeding behavior and regulate the growth of animals. The present study was conducted to investigate the growth, digestion and absorption functions of growing pigs under different feeding frequencies with the same total daily feed intake. Twenty-four Duroc × Landrance × Yorkshire growing pigs were randomly assigned to three groups: feeding one time per day (M1), feeding three times per day (M3) and feeding five times per day (M5); each group consisted of eight replicates (pens), with one pig per pen. During the one-month experimental period, each pig was fed an equal amount of diet daily. The results showed that final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (ADG) in M3 and M5 groups were significantly higher than in the M1 group, but feed: gain (F: G) was significantly lower than in the M1 group (P < 0.05). Apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of crude protein (CP) in the M3 and M5 groups was significantly higher than that in the M1 group (P < 0.05). Compared with the M1 group, the activities of trypsin and chymotrypsin in the pancreas of M3 and M5 groups were significantly increased (P < 0.05). The activity of pepsin in M3 and M5 groups tended to increase (P = 0.08), while the activity of duodenum sucrase and ileum lipase in M3 and M5 groups was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). A lower level of maltase activity but a higher level of lipase in duodenum were found in the M5 group as compared with in the M1 group (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of genes EAAT3, ATB0,+, T1R1 and PepT1 in duodenum of pigs in M3 and M5 groups were significantly higher than those in the M1 group. Moreover, the mRNA expression of fatty acid transport protein 2 (FATP2) and plasma membrane fatty acid binding protein (FABPpm) in duodenum in M3 and M5 groups, and FABPpm in ileum in the M5 group tended to increase as compared with the M1 group. Different feeding frequencies had no effect on the levels of cholecystokinin (CCK), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), peptide tyrosine (PYY) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in duodenum and ileum. These results indicate that feeding frequency affected the digestion and absorption of protein and fat in growing pigs, and eventually impacted the growth performance of pigs with the same daily feed intake.

Feed flavour supplementation improves kinetics of intake and feeding behaviour pattern of lactating sows in a tropical climate

A total of 60 mixed parity sows were used in our study to evaluate the impact of the supplementation of a feed flavour during lactation on their feeding behaviour under tropical climatic conditions. Sows were distributed in a 2 x 2 factorial experimental design: two seasons: hot and cool; and two diets: control diet and a diet with the inclusion of a feed flavour during 24 d lactation. The average relative humidity and ambient temperature for the cool season were 23.1°C and 56.5%, respectively. The corresponding values for the hot season were 26.2ºC and 70.1%. No interaction between season and diet composition was found for all traits. Daily feed intake was affected by season (P < 0.001), whereby the feed intake was lower during the hot season than in the cool season (5.66 vs. 7.23 kg/ d). The daily ingestion time was less in the hot than in the cool season (36.8 vs. 72.3 min/ d; P < 0.01) and the ingestion time per meal was also lower in the hot compared to the cool season (5.7 vs. 7.5 min/ meal; P < 0.05). The hot season also reduced (P < 0.01) rate of daily intake when compared to the cool season (36.8 vs. 72.3 g/ min). In both seasons, the proportion of total daily feed intake was higher from 00:00 to 10:00 am. The number of meals per day was not affected (P > 0.10) by dietary flavour inclusion. The average meal size was lower (P < 0.05) in sows fed the control diet when compared with flavour fed sows. Daily feed intake was greater (P < 0.01) in the flavour diet than in the control (6.42 vs. 5.36 kg/ d). The ingestion time was affected (P < 0.05) by the flavour, whereas sows from the control had a lower ingestion (58.4 vs. 46.6 min/ d). Sows receiving flavour showed a higher (P < 0.01) nocturnal (704 vs. 583 g/ meal) and diurnal (678 vs. 582 g/ meal) feed intake when compared to control fed sows. This study confirms that the feeding behaviour of the lactating sow is affected by seasonal variations of the tropical climate. Irrespective of season, the strategic use of feed flavour improved feed consumption and performance under tropical conditions.

Feed intake analysis and organ weights of growing west African dwarf goats fed some browse plants and a concentrate supplement diet

The study evaluated the feed intake and organ weights of sixteen growing West African dwarf bucks fed some browse species and a concentrate supplement diet. The goats were allotted into four (4) treatments of four goats each. The goats were fed leaves from Gmelina, (Gmelina aborea)) Tamarind, (Tamarindus, Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Teak leaves (Tectona grandis) at 200g/goat/day for Treatments 1, 2, 3and 4 respectively and a concentrate supplement diet at 100g per goat/day for a duration of fifty (50) days. Known volume of water was served, feed and water intake were monitored and recorded The experimental design was a completely randomized design ,data were analysed using a one way analysis of variance and least significant difference to separate the significant means using SPSS statistical package for windows 23 , 2015 version .Concentrate and browse samples were analysed using the methods of AOAC (2000) ,daily browse intake (134.22– 245.44g), total daily feed intake(225.53 – 339.87g), daily water intake(340.00– 420.00ml) and daily supplement intake values were all significantly (p&gt;0.05) different across the treatment means . The water intake followed similar trend as the dry matter intake. All the organ weights were not significant (P&lt;0.05), the weights were within normal ranges for goats. It was therefore concluded that Gmelina arborea was the most preferred by the goats in terms of intake, it also had the best array of nutrients. The four browse species were safe for the goats and were therefore recommended for goat feeding especially during the long dry season. Further research using other breeds and classes of goats as well as other species of ruminants such as sheep and cattle was also recommended.

Performance of growing rabbits fed soybean cheese waste meal diet and lablab hay

Growing crossbred rabbits were used to study the performance of rabbits fed different levels of soybean cheese waste (SCW) diet and lablab hay. The treatments comprised of levels of soybean cheese waste diet and lablab hay on a gram to gram basis of: (1) 100:60 (100:60S), (2) 75:85 (75:855), (3) 50:110 (50:110S) and (4) 25:135 (25: 135S) to give a total feed supply of 160g/rabbit/ day. The control was 100:60 (100:60R) of rabbit diet and lablab hay respectively. The concentrates. and forage were offered in separate feeders at 08.00 hours. Rabbits on 100:60S had significantly higher weight gain than the control on rabbit diet (100:60R), Weight gain decreased linearly with decrease in level of SCW. Total daily feed intake was significantly higher for the control than the SCW treatments. Among the SCW treutments, total daily feed intake was significantly higher for rabbits on 25: 135S than 50: 170S. The control had the highest feed cost. Cost/kg gain was significantly higher for the control and 25:135S treatments than the other treatment groups with savings of 58 73% on SCW. Nutrient intake was significantly higher for the control than SCW treatments. Dry matter and ether extract digestibility was similar for the treatments. Crude fibre digestibility was lowest while nitrogen free extract digestibility was highest for the control than the SCW treatments. Crude protein digestibility was similar for the control and other treatments but higher for 75:85S. It is concluded from this study that based on the lower cost of production and high nutrient digestibility of rabbits on soybean cheese waste diet and lablab hay, soybean cheese waste show's good prospect as an alternative cheap feed stuff for rabbit production.

Hematology and serum biochemistry of yearling West African dwarf goats fed cashew nut shell based diets

Yearling West African dwarf bucks were allotted into four (4) dietary treatments of four goats each. The goats were fed bamboo leaves at 250g/goat/day and concentrate supplement diets containing 0%,10%,15%and 20% cashew nutshell for T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively at 150g per goat/day for a duration of sixty-three (63) days. The experimental design was a completely randomized design ,data were analyzed using a one way analysis of variance and least significant difference to separate the significant means.(SPSS version 23, 2015 edition) Concentrate diets and bamboo leaf samples were analyzed using the methods of AOAC ( 2000)), on the last day of the experiment blood samples for hematological and serological studies were collected in sample bottles from the jugular veins of the goats ,using needles and syringes. Values for daily supplement intake (62.40 – 98.80 g), and total daily feed intake (249.98- 285.10 g) were significantly(P&lt;0.05) different, daily bamboo intake (182.75 – 187.63g) were not significant. (P&gt;0.05) All the hematological parameters determined were not significantly(P&gt;0.05) different, only the cholesterol (4.80- -9.88Mmol/l) showed significant(P&lt;0.05) difference amongst all the serological parameters tested. It was therefore concluded that cashew nutshell up to 15% level of inclusion in supplement diets for yearling West African dwarf goats had no adverse effects on the hematological and serum biochemical indices of the goats Cashew nut shell at 15% level of inclusion was recommended in supplement diets for yearling West African dwarf goats. Further research using other species of ruminants such as sheep and cattle was also recommended.

Serum Biochemistry of West African Dwarf Goats Fed, Some Browse Species Supplemented with a Concentrate Diet

Sixteen West African dwarf bucks) were allotted into four (4) treatments of four goats each. The goats were fed leaves fromGmelina, (Gmelinaaborea) Tamarind, (Tamarindusindicus, Neem (Azadirachtaindica) and Teak (Tectonagrandis) at 300g/goat/day forTreatments 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively and a concentrate supplement diet at 100gper goat/dayfor a duration of thirty five (35) days. The experimental design was a completely randomized design, data were analysed using a one way analysis of variance and least significant difference to separate the significant means. Concentrate and browse samples were analysed using the methods of AOAC, the blood samples for serological studies were collected in sample bottles from the jugular veins of the goats, using needles and syringes. Values for daily supplement intake (75.33 – 94.43g), daily browse intake (134.22 – 245.44g) and total daily feed intake (225.53 – 339.87g) were significantly different at 5% level, values for urea (0.84 – 1.38Mmol/l), cholesterol, (4.83 – 6.02) creatinine (16.00 – 18.50mol/l, and blood sugar (38.96 – 44.32mg/dl) were significantly different, alkaline phosphate values ranged from 56.93 – 58.20 and were not significantly different. It was therefore concluded that the four browse species were safe for the goats, nutrients in the concentrate diets and the four browse species were adequate for the goats. Gmelinaarborea was the most preferred by the goats in terms of intake, The four browse species were therefore recommended for goat feeding especially during the long dry season. Further research using other breeds and classes of goats as well as other species of ruminants such as sheep and cattle was also recommended.

Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of West African Dwarf Bucks Fed Different Forms of Processed Guinea Grass (Panicum Maximum)

An experiment was conducted to determine the growth performance and carcass characteristics of West African Dwarf bucks fed different types of processed Panicum maximum. Twelve West African Dwarf bucks aged between 6 and 8 months with initial mean weight of 7.26 kg were intensively managed for 56 days. The experimental diets are wilted Panicum maximum, fresh Panicum maximum, ensiled Panicum maximum and Panicum maximum Hay designated as T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively. The results revealed that goats placed on wilted Panicum maximum (T1) (135.18g/day) and hay, (T4) (139.29g/day) were similar in respect to concentrate intake. Forage intake showed significant (P&lt;0.05) differences. Goats fed wilted Panicum (T1) (607.78g/day) and fresh Panicum maximum (T2) (634.46g/day) had similar intake but differed from goats placed on ensiled Panicum maximum (T3) and hay Panicum maximum (T4). Daily dry matter intake (DMI) differed (P&lt;0.05) significantly among treatments. Total daily feed intake of goats on wilted Panicum maximum (T1) (42.96g/day) and fresh Panicum maximum (T2) (759.80g/day) were similar and differed from total daily feed intake of goats placed on ensiled Panicum maximum(564.28g/day) and Hay Panicum maximum484g/day. Goats fed wilted Panicum maximum produced higher value of live weight which did not differ (P&gt;0.05) from other treatments.Bucks on fresh Panicum maximum (T2) had higher value of bled weight (7.40kg) but did not significantly differ (P&gt;0.05). Heavier dressed weight (35.62) was recorded by goats fed wilted Panicum maximum (T1) but did not significantly differ (P&gt;0.05) from other treatments. Dressing percentages, thigh, loin, internal organs and bone to lean ratio were not significantly different (P&gt;0.05) from each other. The use of Panicum maximum in any form has no effect on conversion of forage into meat and formation of any part.

The effect of frozen grass silage on the feed intake and feeding behavior of pregnant ewes1

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of frozen grass silage on the feed intake, feed preferences, and feeding behavior of ewes. Two experiments were conducted, each involving 8 pregnant ewes in a Latin square design with 4 treatments: 1) frozen silage; 2) partly frozen silage; 3) frozen, chopped silage; 4) and unfrozen silage (control). In Exp. 2, the ewes in square 1 were fed grass silage with low DM content (LDM) and in square 2 the ewes were fed grass silage with high DM content (HDM). In both experiments, each treatment period lasted for 14 d. A feed preference test was conducted, where the ewes could choose between 2 of the experimental feed treatments for 1 d in a changeover design so that they were exposed to all pairwise combinations of the 4 treatments. On the last day of each experimental period in Exp. 1, the feeding behavior was scored by direct observation for 4 h. In Exp. 1 ( < 0.0001) and in Exp. 2 ( = 0.03), feed intake in the first 4 h after feeding was lowest on the frozen silage treatment and highest on the control treatment. The DMI in the first 4 h after feeding was higher ( = 0.005) in the HDM treatment than in the LDM treatment. The total daily feed intake in Exp. 1 was lowest on the frozen, chopped silage treatment and highest on the unfrozen silage treatment ( = 0.02). In Exp. 2, daily feed intake did not differ ( = 0.32) among treatments. Total daily feed intake was higher ( < 0.0001) in the LDM treatment than in the HDM treatment but there was no difference in the DMI. There was no difference in the preference for the different feed treatments, when considering either the first 4 h ( = 0.12 to = 0.86) or the whole 24-h period ( = 0.25 to = 0.53). Time spent eating normally was longer on the control treatment and shorter on the frozen silage treatments ( < 0.0001) whereas time spent eating by tearing off feed from the frozen block followed the opposite pattern ( < 0.0001). We conclude that intake of frozen silage was lower for the first 4 h but that frozen silage had a very moderate effect on daily feed intake. Partly thawing or chopping improved the feed intake. Treatment had no significant effect on feed preferences. Feeding frozen silage increased time spent tearing off feed from frozen block, but total time eating was moderately increased.

Selenium in feedstuffs and rations for dairy cows including a view of the food chain up to the consumer

Selenium (Se) is essential and the recommendation for dairy cows amounts to 0.2 mg Se/kg feed dry matter (DM). Se at high intake is toxic and in the EU a maximum content of 0.5 mg Se/kg complete feed (grain DM equivalent basis of 880 g DM per kg) should not be exceeded. The present study focused on the Se content in important feedstuffs (1), supplementation mainly via mineral vitamin premixes (2) and the analysis of total mixed rations (TMR) (3) for validation of a total Se intake. 201 concentrate feedstuffs and 32 silage samples from grass and green maize, a total of 22 mineral premixes and compound feeds and 413 TMR were analysed for Se by hydride atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Twenty-one mineral premixes (>40 % ash) were evaluated for Se content and for the expected daily intake according to the labelled recommendation, manufacturers and brands were anonymised. A very low native Se content with a mean of 20–46 μg Se/kg DM was analysed particularly in grain, grain legumes and silage confirming the necessity for Se supplements. There is an immense range in the Se content of premixes and also in the recommended amounts for daily provision. Increasing the recommended daily intake the premix content of Se has to be decreased significantly. However, the increase of the allowance was stronger than the decrease in Se concentration resulting in an overproportionally higher Se intake at high allowance. The mean Se intake of 8 mg per cow and day via mineral premixes results in 0.4 mg Se per kg DM assuming a total daily feed intake of 20 kg DM per cow. Considering a background Se content in native feedstuffs of about 0.04 mg Se/kg DM, a mean content of 0.44 mg Se per kg total diet DM already covers 75 % of the maximum content of 0.57 mg Se/kg complete feedstuffs DM. Investigations of TMR in Saxon and Thuringian cow herds point to a high intake of Se. According to the present study in dairy cows the Se intake via mineral vitamin premixes may reach or exceed the maximum content of complete feedstuffs according to EU legislation. Too high Se feed contents, particularly via selenised yeasts, will be risky for the consumer (adults; toddlers) who ingests high amounts of Se via Se-enriched milk, meat and eggs which may exceed the upper limit. The ration calculations should be improved according to the recommendations of GfE (Empfehlungen zur Energie- und Nahrstoffversorgung der Milchkuhe und Aufzuchtrinder, DLG-Verlags GmbH, Frankfurt/Main, 2001).

Effects of cyclic environmental hypoxia on physiology and feed intake of post-smolt Atlantic salmon: Initial responses and acclimation

In order to investigate the effects of hypoxic periods on the feeding behaviour and physiology of Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar L.) post-smolts (237 ± 7 g), fish were kept at constant 90% O 2 (control) or subjected to cyclic reductions in oxygen, from 90% O 2 (termed normoxia) to 40, 50, 60 or 70% O 2 (termed hypoxia) for 2 h every 6 h for 23 days at 16 °C (groups are denoted as 90:40, 90:50, 90:60, 90:70 and 90:90). Fish were fed to satiation three times per day, twice in hypoxia and once in normoxia. Blood samples were drawn during hypoxic periods on day 0, 7, 14 and 21 and analysed for haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration and plasma cortisol, chloride, lactate and glucose concentrations. During first exposure to hypoxia (day 0), plasma lactate was increased in 90:60, 90:50 and 90:40 groups, plasma cortisol was increased in 90:50 and 90:40 groups and plasma chloride was increased in the 90:40 group, indicating oxygen shortage and stress at oxygen saturations below 60% O 2. On day 7, 14 and 21, there were no signs of stress, but plasma lactate levels remained increased in hypoxic periods in 90:40, 90:50 (all the days) and 90:60 groups (day 7 and 14), suggesting that the stress response was down-regulated in spite of a persisting oxygen shortage. Feed intake was reduced according to hypoxia severity in groups subjected to 40–60% O 2 during the first meal of the day, and in all experimental groups (40–70% O 2) during the third meal of the day. The effect of hypoxia on feed intake persisted throughout the experiment, but total daily feed intake was substantially increased in 90:40 and 90:50 groups during weeks 2 and 3 due to compensatory feeding in the normoxic feeding period. Present results suggest that 70% O 2 may represent a threshold for reduced growth and that 60% O 2 represents a minimum O 2 saturation considering the welfare of Atlantic salmon post-smolts subjected to cyclic hypoxia at 16 °C.

Feeding behavior in primiparous lactating sows: Impact of a high-fiber diet during pregnancy1

Voluntary feed intake of hyperprolific sows can be insufficient to cover the requirements for milk production and maintenance of body condition. A bulky diet fed during pregnancy is known to prepare sows for an ad libitum feed supply after parturition as shown by the increased feed intake during lactation. The aim of this study was to investigate the feeding behavior of young sows during their first lactation to evaluate the further impact of the feeding experience acquired during pregnancy, through the addition of dietary fiber in the diet. Analysis of the feeding pattern and the profile of feed intake tested the hypothesis that lactating sows would exhibit different feeding strategies depending on the diet during pregnancy. During pregnancy, 24 primiparous sows (Large White x Landrace) were offered either 2.4 kg of a control diet/d containing 3.16% crude fiber or 2.8 kg of a high-fiber diet/d containing 12.42% crude fiber. All sows received 33 MJ of DE/d. From the first day postpartum until weaning, all sows were offered the same lactation diet ad libitum. The feeding pattern during lactation was recorded as ADFI, meal frequency, and meal size. In lactation, the ADFI did not differ according to the treatment. Compared with control sows, high-fiber sows consumed their diet in more (P < 0.05) but smaller meals (P < 0.05). In both treatments, ADFI and the number of daily meals increased over weeks of lactation (P < 0.001). All sows presented a strong diurnal and bimodal feeding activity evolving toward 2 distinct feeding periods occurring from 0500 to 0900 and from 1400 to 1800 and accounting for 0.64 of the total daily feed intake during the third week of lactation. The provision of a fibrous diet during pregnancy pointed out the role of an early feeding experience on the development of feeding behavior during the first reproductive cycle.

The effect of urea treated cassava peels as supplement to West African Dwarf (WAD) goats grazing natural pasture

The performance of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats grazing natural pasture and supplemented with different levels of urea-treated cassava peels (UTCP) was evaluated. The urea treatments were 0% UTCP, 4% UTCP (40g urea/kg), 6% UTCP (60g urea/kg) and 8% UTCP (80g urea/kg).Twenty WAD bucks aged between 6 and 9 months and weighing on the average 7.7±1.2kg were randomly allocated to five treatment diets consisting of either natural herbage alone (NH); NH + 0% UTCP (0% UTCP,) NH + 4% UTCP (4% UTCP), NH + 6% UTCP (6% UTCP) and NH + 8% UTCP (8% UTCP) respectively in a completely randomized design experiment lasting 84 days to evaluate the potentials of UTCP as a supplement to natural pasture. Total daily feed intake, daily weight gain and weight gain per gramme nitrogen intake varied significantly (P

Effect of maize variety harvested at different maturity stages on feeding value and performance of dairy cows

Maize silage was produced from two different varieties (SG: and DD: down) at two different stages of maturity (target: 30-32 and 38-42% DM). Dry matter and nutrients of plant fractions and silages, fermentation parameters of silages and digestibility in sheep were de- termined. Furthermore a feeding trial was conducted in which the effect of the maize silage on feed in- take and performance of dairy cows was studied. This trial series (TS 1) was replicated in the following year (TS 2). In both years, variety SG had higher ear (dehusked) dry matter content and lower residual plant dry matter content (58.9% and 23.7%) than variety DD (54.9% and 26.7%) and a slightly lower ear (dehusked) proportion. The constituents of the ear (dehusked) and residual plants were affected by maturity stage but not by variety. The maize silages of variety DD had slightly lower crude ash, crude fat and crude fibre contents and a higher starch content than SG. In TS 1, the digest- ibility of the organic matter averaged about 77% for variety SG and 80% for variety DD; in TS 2 this value was uniform at about 77%. While the maize variety had little effect on the average daily feed in- take over both feeding trials (SG 17.2 kg DM per cow and DD 16.9 kg DM per cow), the stage of ma- turity had a significant effect. Maturity stage 2 increased the total daily feed intake from 16.4 to 17.8 kg DM per cow relative to maturity stage 1. The daily milk yield, which averaged 24.9 kg (TS 1) and 25.2 kg per cow (TS 2) was not significantly affected either by the variety or the maturity status, although there was a slight quantitative advantage of 1.1 kg (TS 1) and 0.7 kg (TS 2) milk per cow and day in favour of variety SG over variety DD. dairy cow / maize silage / variety / maturity / feeding value / stay-green

The effect of feeding time (day versus night) and feeding frequency on pancreatic exocrine secretion in pigs

The effect of night feeding and feeding frequency on exocrine pancreatic secretion was studied in five chronically catherized growing pigs (16 to 31 kg). Feeding during the night (2200 to 2400 h) as compared to the day (1000 to 1200 h) tended to stimulate cholesterol ester lipase activity and tended to lower the colipase : lipase ratio in the pancreatic juice, but no effect on volume output, protein output and the activities of trypsin, chymotrypsin, amylase, lipase and colipase could be demonstrated. Feeding 12 small meals between 0800 and 2000 h as compared to one large meal (1000 to 1200 h) daily, altered the pattern of exocrine pancreatic secretion, tended to stimulate protein output by 44 %, chymotrypsin activity by 29 % and lipase activity by 46 %. These observations strengthened the theory that exocrine pancreatic secretion is partly regulated by feed intake per se and does not only depend on the amount of feed consumed. Feeding 12 small meals versus one large meal, compared at the same total daily feed intake, lowered the colipase : lipase ratio by 32 %. It can be concluded that feed intake pattern affected exocrine pancreatic secretion.

Forage potential of eight woody species: intake and growth rates of local young goats in the highland region of Rwanda

Eight woody fodder species adapted to the highlands of Rwanda were evaluated in terms of dry matter intake in one experiment. Animals were offered a daily diet comprising 4.0 of fresh matter of Setaria splendida grass supplemented with or without one of the eight fodder species tested. In all cases, total daily feed intake was increased by the addition of woody fodder. Daily intake of the woody fodder was high for Acacia koaia, Mimosa scabrella and Acacia koa at 43.7, 42.6 and 41.9 g/kg BW0.75, respectively. The dry matter intake of the other five species (Alnus acuminata, Chamaecytisus palmensis, Hagenia abyssinica, Acacia mearnsii and Acacia melanoxylon) ranged from 18.9 to 30.1 g/kg BW0.75 per day. In another experiment, a basic daily diet of 4.0 kg of fodder (in fresh weight) was given to each animal. This ratio comprised S. splendida supplemented with M. scabrella and incorporated at 0 (control), 45% and 66% (fresh weight basis) of the total daily diet. Improved weight gain was obtained when setaria was supplemented with M. scabrella with daily weight gain of 31, 47 and 51 g/animal for 0, 45 and 66% M. scabrella, respectively.