Total Protein Efficiency Research Articles

Investigating the heat tolerance and production performance in local chicken breed having normal and dwarf size.

Heat stress significantly impairs the growth performance of broilers, which causes serious losses to the poultry industry every year. Thus, understanding the performance of indigenous chicken breeds under such environment is crucial to address heat stress problem. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of heat stress (HS) on production performance, tissue histology, heat shock response (HSP70, HSP90), and muscle growth-related genes (GHR, IGF-1, and IGF-1R) of Normal yellow chicken (NYC) and Dwarf yellow chicken (DYC). Seventy-two female birds from each strain were raised under normal environmental conditions up to 84days, with birds from each strain being divided into two groups (HS and control). In the HS group, birds were subjected to high temperature at 35±1°C for 8h daily and lasted for a week, while in the control group, birds were raised at 28±1°C. At 91days old, bird's liver, hypothalamus, and breast muscle tissues were collected to evaluate the gene expression, histological changes, and the production performance. The Feed intake, weight gain ratio, total protein intake and protein efficiency ratio showed a significant reduction in the treatments (P<0.01) and treatment×strain interaction (P<0.05) with breast muscle rate significantly reducing among the treatments (P<0.01) after 7days of HS. Correspondingly, total abdominal fat showed significant change among treatment and strain (P<0.01, P<0.05), respectively. Besides, HS markedly upregulated the mRNA expression of HSP70 and HSP90 in the pectoralis major of both chicken strains, but no significant increase (P<0.05) was found in mRNA expression of HSP90 in liver and hypothalamus tissues of both chicken strains. Moreover, HS significantly upregulated (P<0.05) the expression of lipogenic genes (FASN, ACC) in liver tissues of NYC, while mRNA expression of these genes showed no variation in DYC. Similarly, HS downregulated the mRNA expression of muscle growth-related genes (GHR, IGF-1, and IGF-1R). Consequently, the histopathological analysis showed that histological changes were accompanied by inflammatory cell infiltration in liver tissues of both chicken strains; however, histopathological changes were more severe in NYC than dwarf chicken strain. Conclusively, this study depicted that the production performance and growth rate varied significantly between treatment and control group of NYC. However, heat treatment in DYC has not shown significant damaging consequences as compared to the control group that signifies the vital role of the dwarf trait in thermal tolerance.

Feasibility of Supplying Ruminally Protected Lysine and Methionine to Periparturient Dairy Cows on the Efficiency of Subsequent Lactation.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplying ruminally protected Lys (RPL) and ruminally protected Met (RPM) to transition cows' diets on the efficiency of subsequent lactation. A total of 120 prepartum Holstein cows were assigned into four treatments blocked by the anticipated calving date, previous lactation milk yield, number of lactations, and body condition score and fed either RPL, RPM, or the combination (RPML) or control diet (CON) throughout the transition period (3 weeks before till 3 weeks after calving). From 22 to 150 days in milk (DIM), all animals (100 cows) were fed a combination of RPM and RPL (0.17% RPM and 0.41% RPL of DM; n = 25 cows/treatment) as follows; CON–RPML, RPM–RPML, RPL–RPML, and RPML–RPML. Milk production and dry matter intake (DMI) were measured daily; milk and blood samples were taken at 21, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 DIM. Supplemented amino acids (AA) were mixed with the premix and added to the total mixed ration during the experiment. DMI (p < 0.001) and energy-corrected milk (ECM, p = 0.04) were higher for cows that were fed RPML–RPML than other cows. Compared with CON–RPML, yields of milk total protein, lactose, and nitrogen efficiency were increased (p < 0.01), whereas milk urea nitrogen (MUN; p = 0.002) was decreased for other treatments. However, supplemental AA did not affect milk lactose percentage, fat yield, feed efficiency, or serum total protein concentration (p > 0.10). Transition cows that consumed AA had a greater peak of milk yield (p < 0.01), as well as quickly reached the peak of milk (p < 0.004). There were differences in β-hydroxybutyrate concentration during the early lactation, with a lower level for AA groups (p < 0.05), and the difference faded with the progression of lactation (p > 0.10). Fertility efficiency as measured by pregnancy rate was improved by supplemental AA during the perinatal period (p < 0.05). In conclusion, transition cows consumed RPM and RPL, increased post-calving DMI, milk production, milk protein yield, nitrogen efficiency, and improved fertility performance.

Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Trachyspermum ammi on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

Background: Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) has anti-bacterial activities and immuno modulatory activities which contribute to better growth performance in broilers. Ajwain can be promoted as a natural growth promoter in the broiler industry to produce quality meat without antibiotics in a very cost-effective manner. Keeping in view these facts, the present experiment was conducted to find out the effect of Ajwain seeds at various levels as feed additive on growth performance and carcass characteristic of broiler chickens. Methods: A total of 150, day-old broiler chicks were weighed and randomly assigned to five dietary treatment groups in a completely randomized design and each treatment with three replicates of 10 birds each. The birds were fed on fairly isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets of varying levels of Ajwain seeds. The inclusion levels of Ajwain seeds in diets T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 were 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%, respectively. Chicks at different phases were fed as per the recommendations of BIS. During the experimental period, the chicks were reared under standard management practices including feeding, watering and disease control. Result: The addition of Ajwain to the diet did not affect the total dietary intake and protein efficiency ratio in the chicks. However, average daily body weight gain, total weight gain, feed conversion ratio and performance index of broiler chicks significantly (P less than 0.05) increased by Ajwain seed supplementation. Birds fed on 1.5% Ajwain diet showed heaviest body weight with the best FCR. Results revealed significantly (P less than 0.01) higher carcass yield, eviscerated yield and giblet weight in Ajwain supplemented groups as compared to control. It was concluded that dietary inclusion of Ajwain seeds @ 1.5% is effective in improving the growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chicks.

Influence of Ipomoea muricata (L)Jacq. Weed Manure on The Aerial Biomass of Maize Crop

In India agriculture was traditionally organic till the 1950. The green revolution was ushered in country during sixty and transformed the stage of food deficiency to self-sufficiency. Fertilizers no doubt increased the quantity of yield and reduced diseases but continuous use of chemical fertilizers causes several side effects on soil. Soil becomes hard and impervious to water. Maintenance of soil fertility is now prerequisite. Organic farming is the solution. There are several organic components which are the good source of organic manure. Weed biomass available abundantly. Weeds are considered as unwanted plants and are competitors to the crop plants. There are several methods to control the weed. The best way to control weed is to make use of it. Ipomoea muricata (L). Jacq. is large herbaceous twiner commonly called as Bhowari in Marathi. It is common weed grow luxuriously on waste land. Present investigation deals with utilization of Ipomoea muricata weed as a source of organic manure and its influence on the aerial biomass of maize. various types of Ipomoea muricata weed manures like Compost, Dry Leaf manure, Green Leaf manure, Mixed manure (equal amount of Ipomoea muricata +Euphorbia prunifolia+Trianthema portulacastrum) are prepared and compared with NPK and Control treatment to maize crop field. Crop was harvested after 87 days of sowing. Samples from each treated plots collected and analysed as total aerial biomass, Dry weight, Reducing Sugar, Nitrogen, Crude protein and nitrogen efficiency ratio. All the nutrient contents show high amounts in weed manure amended samples of Maize as compared to NPK and control treatment.

Impact of dietary supplementation of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate) on genetic expression of inflammatory cytokines and growth efficiency of broiler chickens

This research was undertaken in order to determine the impact of nutritional vitamin E on genetic expression of Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) as pro-inflammatory and Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and Interleukin-10 (IL-10) as anti-inflammatory cytokines in spleen and liver, heamagglutination inhibition antibody titers (HI titers) against Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), total protein, albumin, globulin and growth efficiency of broiler chickens. Seventy two one-day-old Cobb broiler chicks had been allocated randomly into two groups. Each group has 3 replicates, each with 12 chicks. The first group was given basal diet. The second group was fed the basal diet with vitamin E (100 mg/kg diet). The obtained results revealed that dietary supplementation of vitamin E significantly (p < 0.05) increased growth efficiency, total protein, albumin, globulin and the antibody titers to NDV compared to the control group. Dietary supplementation of vitamin E significantly (P<0.05) decreased the expression of pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, IFN-γ) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4 and IL-10) cytokines in spleen and liver. In Conclusions: vitamin E supplementation (100 mg/kg diet) can enhance growth efficiency, serum total protein, albumin, globulin and humoral immunity, down-regulate pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines gene expression in broiler chickens.

Are current cut-points for passive transfer of immunity appropriate for dairy calves fed colostrum replacers?

ABSTRACT Objective Passive transfer of immunity (PTI) is a metric used on farm to assess colostrum management. With multiple colostrum replacers available differing in composition, classical total serum protein cut points may not apply to all products. The aim of this analysis was to determine whether calves fed a whey-based colostrum replacer that successfully achieved PTI (serum IgG ≥10 mg/mL) would have been classified as having PTI using typical benchmarks (total serum protein Materials and Methods In total, 1,220 calves were assigned to 1 of 2 treatments: (1) maternal colostrum (MC) or (2) whey-based colostrum replacer supplying 150 g of IgG (CR). Serum samples were collected at 0 and 24 h of life to determine serum IgG, total serum protein, Brix%, and apparent absorption efficiency. Results and Discussion When comparing serum IgG values with current on-farm cut points, the proportion of calves incorrectly classified as having PTI failure was greater (P Implications and Applications These data suggest when analyzing serum on farm from calves fed a whey-based colostrum replacer, traditional cut points for PTI should be revised.

NUTRITIVE VALUE OF LOCALLY PREPARED FISHMEALS FOR BROILER CHICKENS

Three experiments were conducted with broiler chickens to study the effects of replacing commercial Herring fishmeal with fishmeals prepared form crayfish, sardine, mudskeeper and mullet. In the first experiment, there were no significant differences in the performance, carcass dressing percentages and the composition of the hearts and livers when any of the locally prepared fishmeals replaced the commercial fishmeal in rations. Rations without fish meal depressed performance and carcass/neck dressing percentages significantly but did not affect the composition of the hearts and livers. In experiment 2, the fishmeals were fed at a supplementary level of 7.5% and at a level (20%) in which they constituted the only source of supplementary protein. In this experiment, performance of birds fed 7.5% of the different fishmeals were similar to those observed in the first experiment. When the fishmeals constituted the sole source of supplementary protein, performances of the birds were similar for all fishmeals and were better than when 7.5% fishmeals was fed in the ration in addition to groundnut meal. The ration containing groundnut meal as the sole supplementary protein source depressed performance of birds. In Experiment 3 the total protein efficiency ration (TPE) of the different fishmeal rations were assessed. The TPE for all the fishmeal ration were not significantly different and were significantly better than that of rations without fishmeal

The effect of various heat-treatment methods on colostrum quality, health and performance of dairy calves

To investigate the effect of feeding heat-treated colostrum at different duration on the health and performance, 48 Holstein calves were enrolled randomly into four treatment groups before first feeding and consumed untreated colostrum (H0, n = 12), heat-treated colostrum at 60ºC for 30 min. (H30, n = 12), heat-treated colostrum at 60ºC for 60 min. (H60, n = 12) and heat-treated colostrum at 60ºC for 90 min. (H90, n = 12). Blood samples were collected for analyses of IgG and protein profile at 0, 6, and 24h of age. The colostrum sample from treated and untreated batches and feces sample from each calf also were taken. The results showed heat-treatment of colostrum at 60ºC for 60 (p = 0.03) and 90 min. (p = 0.01) reduced total bacterial count, while colostral IgG concentration maintained up to 60 min. Serum total protein (p = 0.02), IgG concentrations (p = 0.03), and apparent efficiency of IgG absorption (p = 0.02) were significantly greater at 6 and 24h in calves that were fed heat-treated colostrum (H90) compared to calves fed unheated colostrum (H0). General health status of calves that were received heat-treated colostrum was better and the prevalence of diarrhea-induced pathogens was lower than calves were fed unheated colostrum. In conclusion, the consumption of heat-treated colostrum had a positive effect on health, growth characteristics, and performance of calves during the suckling period.

The effect of various heat-treatment methods on colostrum quality, health and performance of dairy calves

ABSTRACT. To investigate the effect of feeding heat-treated colostrum at different duration on the health and performance, 48 Holstein calves were enrolled randomly into four treatment groups before first feeding and consumed untreated colostrum (H0, n = 12), heat-treated colostrum at 60oC for 30 min. (H30, n = 12), heat-treated colostrum at 60oC for 60 min. (H60, n = 12) and heat-treated colostrum at 60oC for 90 min. (H90, n = 12). Blood samples were collected for analyses of IgG and protein profile at 0, 6, and 24h of age. The colostrum sample from treated and untreated batches and feces sample from each calf also were taken. The results showed heat-treatment of colostrum at 60oC for 60 (p = 0.03) and 90 min. (p = 0.01) reduced total bacterial count, while colostral IgG concentration maintained up to 60 min. Serum total protein (p = 0.02), IgG concentrations (p = 0.03), and apparent efficiency of IgG absorption (p = 0.02) were significantly greater at 6 and 24h in calves that were fed heat-treated colostrum (H90) compared to calves fed unheated colostrum (H0). General health status of calves that were received heat-treated colostrum was better and the prevalence of diarrhea-induced pathogens was lower than calves were fed unheated colostrum. In conclusion, the consumption of heat-treated colostrum had a positive effect on health, growth characteristics, and performance of calves during the suckling period.

Effect of bio-floc on water quality and the production performance of bottom and filter feeder carp fed with different protein levels in a pond polyculture system

A 90-day experiment was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of bio-floc on water quality and the production performance of bottom and filter feeder carp fed with different protein levels in a pond polyculture system. For this purpose, three bioflocs treatments with carbohydrate referred to as ‘BFT-24% (24% feed protein)’, ‘BFT-27% (27% feed protein)’ and ‘BFT-30% (30% feed protein)’ and a control referred to as ‘CW-30% (30% feed protein)’ without carbohydrate addition were performed in three replicate enclosures (7 m × 7 m × 1.5 m) each. Young bottom feeder mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio specularis) and filter feeder bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) with initial mean individual body weights of 691.34 (± 6.73 g) and 327.13 (± 3.54 g), respectively, were stocked altogether in polyculture at biomass of 800 g·m−2 and 200 g·m−2 in the control and treatment enclosures. There was a significant positive correlation between the bioflocs volumes and water temperatures from 19.3–28.5 °C (P < 0.05). The pH values and the concentrations of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), nitrite nitrogen (NO2-N), nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N), total inorganic nitrogen (TIN) and orthophosphate (PO4-P) in all the treatments of BFT were significantly lower than those in the control (P < 0.05), while the total alkalinity, the concentration of chlorophyll a and the chemical oxygen demand (COD) did not show significant differences among the treatments and the control (P > 0.05). The specific growth rates (SGR), survival rates (SR) and net yields (NY) of mirror carp did not show significant differences among the different treatments or from the control (P > 0.05). The total feed conversion rate (TFCR) of fish in the control was significantly higher than that of the fish in the BFT treatments (P < 0.05). The total protein efficiency ratios (TPER) of the fish in BFT-24% was significantly higher than that of fish in the control (P < 0.05). The activities of protease and amylase in the gut of mirror carp significantly increased with increases of feed protein levels in the BFT treatments (P < 0.05), while the digestive enzyme activity in the BFT treatments did not show significant differences compared with that in the control (P > 0.05). This study demonstrated that a protein-restricted diet did not affect the productive performance or body condition index of mirror carp and bighead carp in a BFT polyculture system with improved water quality.

COVER CROPS AND NITROGEN FERTILIZATION - NUTRITIONAL ASPECTS AND AGRONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF MAIZE GROWN IN SUCESSION

Cover crops can contribute differently to the supply of nitrogen to crops. The objective was to evaluate the response of maize to nitrogen doses (0, 70, 140, 210 and 280 kg ha-1) when grown in succession to cover crops (vetch, forage turnip, black oat, ryegrass and fallow). The randomized block experimental design was used, with subdivided plots and four replications. Cover crops were allocated into plots, and N doses into sub-plots. As to cover crops, the aspects evaluated were phytomass production, N content and total accumulated; with regard to maize, the aspects evaluated were SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis evelopment) index, leaf N content, total grain protein, yield and agronomic efficiency of N. Black oat, ryegrass and forage turnip presented higher phytomass production. All species had similar results as to the total N accumulated in the aerial part (average value of 91.06 kg ha-1). In succession to black oat, ryegrass and fallow period, N doses up to 140 kg ha-1 applied in maize result in higher yield and better agronomic efficiency of nitrogen use. Without application of nitrogen (0.0 kg ha1), forage turnip and vetch provided higher total protein content in the grain, yield over 8,550 kg ha-1, and less agronomic efficiency of nitrogen use.

COVER CROPS AND NITROGEN FERTILIZATION - NUTRITIONAL ASPECTS AND AGRONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF MAIZE GROWN IN SUCESSION

Cover crops can contribute differently to the supply of nitrogen to crops. The objective was to evaluate the response of maize to nitrogen doses (0, 70, 140, 210 and 280 kg ha-1) when grown in succession to cover crops (vetch, forage turnip, black oat, ryegrass and fallow). The randomized block experimental design was used, with subdivided plots and four replications. Cover crops were allocated into plots, and N doses into sub-plots. As to cover crops, the aspects evaluated were phytomass production, N content and total accumulated; with regard to maize, the aspects evaluated were SPAD (Soil Plant Analysis evelopment) index, leaf N content, total grain protein, yield and agronomic efficiency of N. Black oat, ryegrass and forage turnip presented higher phytomass production. All species had similar results as to the total N accumulated in the aerial part (average value of 91.06 kg ha-1). In succession to black oat, ryegrass and fallow period, N doses up to 140 kg ha-1 applied in maize result in higher yield and better agronomic efficiency of nitrogen use. Without application of nitrogen (0.0 kg ha1), forage turnip and vetch provided higher total protein content in the grain, yield over 8,550 kg ha-1, and less agronomic efficiency of nitrogen use.

Nile tilapia fingerling cultivated in a low-salinity biofloc system at different stocking densities

A 42-day trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of a low-salinity biofloc system with different stocking densities on water quality and zootechnical performance of Nile tilapia fingerlings (10 g/L). Four treatments were tested at different densities: 500 fish/m³, 750 fish/m³, 1,000 fish/m³ and 1,250 fish/m³, all in triplicate. Fingerlings of Oreochromis niloticus (initial mean weight of 1.17 ± 0.05 g) were stocked in twelve experimental black-plastic tanks (40 L) with no water exchange during the experimental period. Molasses was added daily to the system at 30% of the amount of feed, and fish were given four daily rations of a formulated feed composed of 36% crude protein and 9% lipids. Water quality variables (dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity, TAN, NO2, NO3 and PO43) did not demonstrate significant differences between the treatments. However, significant influences (α ≤ 0.05) of the stocking densities were observed for total suspended solids, settleable solids, final weight, yield, and protein efficiency ratio. The results showed survival over 96%, final weight values between 12 and 18 g, yield between 9.49 and 15.27 kg/m3, water consumption of 52 to 101 L/kg fish, and total time of settling chambers between 238 and 305 h/kg fish. These results indicate a negative effect of stocking density on final weight, survival, alkalinity, NO2, PO43 and water consumption, and a positive effect on yield in Nile tilapia fingerling culture (1-20 g) in a low-salinity biofloc system with densities up to 1000 fish/m³.

Nutrients profile, protein quality and energy value of whole Prosopis pods meal as a feedstuff for poultry feeding

The chemical composition, tannins level, mineral profile, fatty acids profile and amino acids profile of whole Prosopis pods meal (WPPM) were determined. In addition, apparent energy metabolisability (AEM) and true energy metabolisability (TEM) and apparent (AAAD) and true (TAAD) amino acids digestibility were determined via a precision-feeding assay. Protein quality was also determined via a total protein efficiency assay. The tannins content of WPPM was 42.8 mg/g dry matter. WPPM showed 15.2% crude protein, 2.61% ether extract, 18.58% crude fibre and 6.04% ash, with 5.44 and 7.57 MJ/kg AEM and TEM, respectively. The WPPM contained 0.66% Ca, 0.20% P, 764 ppm Fe, 69.4 ppm Zn, 33.9 ppm Mn, 36.1 ppm Cu, 21.7 ppm Cr, 7.4 ppm Cd, 9.8 ppm Ni and 28.2 ppm Pb. The WPPM showed 92.54% total fatty acids, of which 25.33% were saturated fatty acids and 67.21% unsaturated fatty acids; of the latter, 37.83% were monounsaturated and 29.37% polyunsaturated. Threonine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, histidine, lysine, arginine and tryptophan levels were 0.47, 0.67, 0.12, 0.54, 1.03, 0.40, 0.20, 0.46, 0.67 and 0.44%, respectively. Therefore, WPPM can meet 1.08% of the total amino acids requirements of broiler chickens from 1 to 21 days of age. The AAAD and TAAD of the WPPM were 34.9 and 65.0%, respectively. The protein quality of WPPM was 23.4% lower than that of soybean meal. In conclusion, WPPM contains a considerable amount of energy and nutrients (protein, minerals, fatty acids and amino acids), but its protein quality is lower than that of soybean meal.

Effects of organic carbon addition on water quality and growth performance of bottom- and filter-feeding carp in a minimum-water-exchange pond polyculture system

A 120-day evaluation was performed to determine the impacts of various carbon source supplements on the water grade and production of bottom- and filter-feeding carp inside a minimum-water-exchange system. The outcomes revealed that the overall ammonia nitrogen, nitrite nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, total inorganic nitrogen, and orthophosphate concentrations in every one of the carbon source treatments were significantly less (P < 0.05) than the control. The net production of silver carp and bighead carp in the molasses treatment was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that in the control. The total feed conversion rates of the fish in the molasses and the mixed carbon source treatments were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than in the control, while the total protein efficiency ratio values in the corn starch, molasses, and mixed carbon source treatments were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those in the control. The bioflocs significantly (P < 0.05) impacted the muscle makeup of crude protein, crude fat, and ash of mirror carp. The current examination showed that the increased generation and feed used in mirror, silver, and bighead carp may be reached with an enhanced water grade when different carbon sources were added, while the use of molasses, an organic carbon source, was optimal compared to the other carbon sources due to its low price and good effect.

Growth performance of juvenile pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) and dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) fed with lyophilized bovine colostrum

Growth performance was evaluated in juvenile pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) and dourado (Salminus brasiliensis) fed diets containing 0%, 10% and 20% of lyophilized bovine colostrum for 60 days. The performance variables of weight gain, relative weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate, total protein intake and protein efficiency ratio were evaluated as well as apparent digestibility coefficients of protein and energy in the diets. Inclusion of bovine colostrum did not induce differences in the performance of pacu and dourado (P > 0.05), indicating that the diets were adequate and met the nutritional needs of the juveniles. The protein digestibility in both species was improved with the inclusion of the bovine lacteal secretion. Based on the variables studied, the diets with lyophilized bovine colostrum inclusion were nutritionally suitable for both pacu and dourado indicating the possibility to use this lacteal secretion as a partial substitute of dietary protein.

Effect of short term irrigation with treated and untreated wastewater on growth and physio-biochemical parameters of wheat

Pot experiments were conducted to evaluate the possibility of use of treated and untreated wastewater for irrigation. Wastewater samples collected from electroplating, steel processing industrial units and common effluent treatment plant (CETP) were treated with Salvinia biomass. Wheat (Triticum aestivum), the staple food crop was chosen for the study. Seeds were sown in pots and irrigated with treated and untreated wastewater. Plants irrigated with tap water were designated as control. The growth of wheat was assessed at seedling and pre-flowering stages using various physiological and biochemical indices. The results obtained from the studies conducted for two consecutive seasons in net house indicated that levels of total chlorophyll, glucose, protein and photosynthetic efficiency was not significantly affected in plants irrigated with treated wastewater in comparison to those irrigated with tap water at both seedling and pre-flowering stages. In contrast, plants irrigated with untreated wastewater showed significant alteration in all the parameters at all the growth stages in comparison to control. The studies suggested that the treated wastewater can be used for irrigating crop plants as plant growth was not significantly affected.

Lyophilized bovine colostrum as a source of immunoglobulins and insulin-like growth factor for newborn goat kids

The objective of this study was to evaluate lyophilized bovine colostrum as an alternative source of passive immunity and insulin like growth factor I (IGF-I) for goat kids, considering newborns consuming non-maternal colostrum. Twenty-nine male newborns received 5% of body weight of lyophilized bovine (LBC) or goat colostrum (GC), both with 55mg/mL of IgG, at 0, 7 and 14h of life. Blood samples were collected at 0, 7, 14, 18, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96h of life to determine serum IgG, total protein (TP), IGF-I and apparent efficiency of IgG absorption at 7, 14, 18 and 24h (AEA7hr, AEA14hr, AEA18hr, AEAtotal, respectively). In LBC, the values of serum IgG at 14, 18, 24 and 48h (13.1, 13.4, 14.1 and 14.6mg/mL, respectively) were higher than the values at 0 and 7h (0.04 and 6.9mg/mL, respectively). In GC, the serum IgG at 18h (9.3mg/mL) was higher than the value at 7h (5.5mg/mL). AEA7hr and AEA14hr in LBC were the same (19.2 and 18.5%, respectively, P>0.05) and the values of AEA18hr and AEAtotal, 9.3 and 9.5%, respectively, were equal and smaller than AEA7hr and AEA14hr. In GC, AEA7hr, 20.8%, was higher than AEA14hr, 16.1% (P<0.05) and AEA18hr and AEAtotal, 9.2 and 8.0%, respectively, were equal and smaller than AEA7hr and AEA14hr. The serum TP and IGF-I were not affected by colostrum feeding. Considering the variables study in the present work, lyophilized bovine colostrum constitutes a promising alternative substitute to goat colostrum in newborn goat kids, since the supply of immunoglobulins and IGF-I was suitable for the kids.

Nutrient digestibility, nitrogen metabolism and hepatic function of sheep fed diets containing solvent or expeller castorseed meal treated with calcium hydroxide

Nineteen sheep averaging 56 kg of initial body weight were used in a completely randomized design to investigate the effects of feeding Ca(OH) 2-treated (40 g/kg, on fresh matter basis) or untreated castorseed meal (CSM) sources on intake, total tract digestibility, hepatic function, and microbial protein synthesis and efficiency. Animals were maintained in metabolic crates for 21 days with 16 days for diet adaptation and 5 days for data and samples collection. Sheep were fed once daily experimental diets containing one of the following 5 protein supplements (150 g/kg of the diet DM): (1) soybean meal (SBM); (2) solvent CSM (SCM); (3) SCM treated with Ca(OH) 2 (TSCM), expeller CSM (ECM); or ECM treated with Ca(OH) 2 (TECM). Treating SCM and ECM with Ca(OH) 2 reduced the ricin concentration in 63% leading to an average decrease from 2.46 to 1.06 g/kg of BW in the ricin daily intake ( P < 0.001). No clinical symptoms of ricin intoxication were observed and the serum concentrations of the enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which are indicators of hepatic function, were not changed across diets ( P > 0.05). There was no effect of diets on intake of nutrients ( P > 0.05) with the exception of non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) intake, which was greater ( P = 0.029) in sheep fed SBM vs. CSM diets and that of ether extract, which was lower ( P = 0.049) in sheep fed solvent CSM diets vs. expeller CSM diets. However, treating SCM and ECM with Ca(OH) 2 tended to increase intakes of DM, CP and NFC. Apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients was not affected by diet ( P > 0.05) with the exception of ether extract digestibility, which was lower in sheep fed SBM vs. CSM diets ( P = 0.001) but greater ( P = 0.023) in sheep fed solvent CSM diets vs. expeller CSM diets. Treating SCM and ECM with Ca(OH) 2 increased or tended (0.05 > P > 0.10) to increase the apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients with the exception NFC. Microbial protein synthesis ( P = 0.013) and microbial efficiency expressed either as g of microbial CP per g of CP intake ( P = 0.043) or as g of microbial CP per g of rumen-degradable CP intake ( P = 0.030) were all increased by treating SCM and ECM with Ca(OH) 2. Despite the increase ( P = 0.022) in the urinary excretion of urea-N (g/day) by treating SCM and ECM with Ca(OH) 2, the greater microbial efficiency reduced ( P = 0.021) fecal-N losses expressed as proportion of N intake numerically increasing retained-N by 21.3%. Treating SCM and ECM with 40 g of Ca(OH) 2/kg did not completely denaturate ricin but increased microbial protein synthesis and the efficiency of N and energy by ruminal microbes with no detrimental effect on the hepatic function of sheep.

Producing Single Cell Protein from Poultry Manure and Evaluation for Broiler Chickens Diets

An experiment was run to study the possibility of elimination of uric acid from poultry manure and increasing its nutritive value by using it as a medium for single cell protein (SCP, yeast) production. Dried Poultry Manure (DPM) was collected freshly from battery brooders of broiler chicken house, dried in an oven at 80 C for 48 h, crushed with mill and stored in plastic bags. Seven strains of yeast (Candida utilis, Candida o tropicalis, 3 strains of Saccharomyces cerevisae, S. uvarum and Rhodotorula rubra) were tested to hydrolyzed uric acid and produce protein when grown on DPM containing medium. In addition, forty five one- day old commercial broiler chicks were used to determine Total Protein Efficiency (TPE) of raw and treated DPM. The chickens were randomly divided among 3 equal groups of approximately similar initial body weight of three replicates each containing 5 chicks. Another, one hundred and sixty two broiler chickens were allotted to 9 dietary treatments of 3 replicates of 6 chickens each in a randomized complete block design. This experiment aimed to evaluate the nutritive value of the treated DPM. The experimental diets were corn- soybean meal diet in which 3, 6, 9 and 12% treated DPM and untreated DPM were added on the expense of soybean meal protein. Candida utilis offered the highest protein yield (12.7%) and the highest efficiency to hydrolyze uric acid; therefore, it was selected for further study. Shorter growth periods ( 5 days) were concomitant to higher uric acid hydrolysis. The optimum amount for protein production and uric acid hydrolysis under the specified fermentation condition were 2 g /50 ml medium and pH range between 6-7. Inoculum size from 2-8% and medium should be consists only 40 g DPM /l without any salt increased the protein yield and high utilized of uric acid. The chemical analysis of the DPM showed 19.1% Crude Protein (CP), 18.2% ash, 7.9% Crude Fiber (CF), 1.7% Ether Extract (EE) and relatively high uric acid content, 7.2%. Fermentation of DPM increased the CP content from 19.1 to 24.9%, the NPN content decreased from 9.6 to 8.7%, uric acid content decreased from 7.2 to 0.3% and the EE increased from 1.7 to 2.4%. Amino acids of fermented DPM were greatly increased than those of the DPM except for glycine, histidine and tyrosine. Results of TPE assay indicated that chickens fed diet containing treated DPM gained significantly more weight than those given diets containing untreated DPM. Chickens fed treated DPM gained significantly more weight than those given the untreated DPM, throughout the experimental period. In conclusion, yeast treatment for DPM improved its nutritive value, thus it could be included up to 9% in broiler diets without adverse effect on growth performance of broiler chickens up to 4 wks of age.