Vitamin-mineral Mixture Research Articles

Effects of three different grass silage-based total mixed rations on meat quality of finishing Holstein and Nordic Red dairy bulls

The objective of the present experiment was to study the effects of different silage-based diets on beef quality of Holstein (HO) and Nordic Red (NR) bulls. Moderate concentrate diet (MC) included grass silage (GS), barley grain and mineral-vitamin mixture in proportions of 600:385:15 on dry matter basis while the respective proportions on low concentrate diet (LC) were 850:135:15. No concentrate diet (NC) included GS, whole-crop barley silage and mineral-vitamin mixture (685:300:15). Thirty-five HO and 30 NR bulls (21–22 bulls per feeding treatment) were randomly selected for the meat quality research. One day post-slaughter, the muscle longissimus lumborum (LL) from the right side of each carcass was cut at the level of the first lumbar vertebra. The pH value of LL muscle was highest in LC, intermediate in MC and lowest in NC diet but did not differ between the breeds. For meat lightness a significant (P < 0.05) breed × diet interaction was observed. The NR bulls had lighter meat compared to the HO bulls especially with MC, but not with LC. Meat redness and yellowness were higher in MC compared to LC or NC fed bulls (P < 0.001). The breed did not affect meat redness, but yellowness was higher in HO compared to NR bulls (P < 0.05). Drip loss was higher in LL of HO than NR bulls (P < 0.01). The diets had no effects on marbling score but it was higher in NR than HO bulls (P < 0.05). Shear force was lowest in MC but no difference was found between the LC and NC and between the breeds. No differences between the treatments were found in sensory tenderness, juiciness, and flavour. Overall, the observed diet effects on meat eating quality were minor. This demonstrated the ability of finishing dairy bulls to adapt to different feedings without major effects on meat quality.

Increasing selenium concentration in Finnish organic milk using participatory action approach

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for animals. In Finland, Se supplementary feeding and Se-enriched macronutrient fertilisers are used in conventional farming because the Se availability from soil is extremely low. The objective of this study was to improve Se concentration in organic milk by replacing sodium selenite (SS) in mineral-vitamin mixture with selenium yeast (SY) either completely or partly (50/50). The feeding experiment was conducted on 15 certified organic dairy farms in Eastern Finland during spring 2008. The cross-over design consisted of three treatments (SS treatment, SY treatment, and SS/SY treatment), three experimental periods (28 days each), and three farm groups (different order of treatments). Replacing SS with the same amount (0.2 mg Se kg-1 feed dry matter) of SY more than doubled Se concentration in organic milk and their mixture resulted in slightly lower Se concentrations. In conclusion, SY supplementary feeding is needed to improve Se concentration in organic milk and Se supply to cows, their calves, and consumers.

Environmental impacts and animal performance of finishing bulls fed different silage-based total mixed rations

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of three different grass silage (GS) based diets on environmental impacts and animal performance of finishing bulls. Experiment 1 (Exp 1) was conducted using 53 Aberdeen angus (AA) and 52 Simmental (SI) beef bulls and experiment 2 (Exp 2) included 69 Holstein (HO) and 36 Nordic Red (NR) dairy bulls. The three experimental diets included three different proportions of concentrates and two different types of forages. Moderate concentrate diet (MC) included GS, barley grain and mineral-vitamin mixture in proportions of 600:385:15 on dry matter (DM) basis while the respective proportions on low concentrate diet (LC) were 850:135:15. No concentrate diet (NC) included GS, whole crop barley silage and mineral-vitamin mixture (685:300:15). The bulls were fed total mixed rations ad libitum. Environmental impacts of the dietary treatments were estimated using a gate-to-gate life cycle assessment approach with the following key impact categories; global warming potential (GWP), eutrophication, and acidification potential. In Exp 1 the carcass gain, carcass weight and carcass conformation of the SI bulls were 10, 8 and 23% higher, respectively, compared to the AA bulls (P < 0.001) but there was no difference in feed conversion (kg DM/kg carcass gain) between AA and SI. In Exp 2 the NR bulls had 12% better conformed carcasses compared to the HO bulls (P < 0.001) but the carcass gain of the HO bulls tended to be 4% higher (P = 0.06) compared to NR. There was no difference in feed conversion or carcass weight between HO and NR. In both experiments, LC and NC diets impaired growth performance, feed conversion and carcass conformation compared to MC. In Exp 1 the GWP was 19.1 kg CO2 eq/kg of produced beef during the experiment with MC, 20.7 kg with LC and 25.9 kg with NC. Eutrophic emissions were 17.1, 21.3 and 21.8 g PO4 eq/kg of produced beef and acidifying emissions 38.6, 49.9 and 53.7 AE eq/kg of produced beef, respectively for MC, LC, and NC treatments. In Exp 2 the GWP was 20.7, 21.7 and 26.3 CO2 eq/kg of produced beef, eutrophic emissions 16.4, 18.9 and 20,8 PO4 eq/kg of produced beef and acidifying emissions 39.4, 50.6 and 59.2 AE eq/kg of produced beef for MC, LC, and NC treatments, respectively. It can be concluded that impaired feed conversion in LC and NC diets led to the higher environmental impacts compared to MC.

Formulation of diets for slow-growing broilers slaughtered at different ages on carcass characteristics and composition of commercial cuts.

This study was conducted to examine the effects of a diet formulated with industrial amino acids and a commercial vitamin-mineral mixture on the characteristics of carcass and meat cuts of slow-growing broilers slaughtered at different ages. The experiment involved 600 one-day-old male and female white Naked Neck chicks. The chicks were allotted randomly to a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement consisting of two diets and three slaughter ages, in a completely randomized experimental design with five replicates of 20 birds each. The experimental period was 84 days. Six chicks were selected and slaughtered on the first day, and then at 56, 70 and 84 days of age 10 birds unit was selected and slaughtered per experimental period. Weight and yield of carcass, abdominal fat and breast, thigh and drumstick meat were determined. Additionally, moisture, protein, fat and mineral matter contents and protein and fat deposition in the breast, drumstick and thigh muscles were determined. The diet did not influence the yields of carcass, abdominal fat, or meat cuts or the nutritional composition of meat. Slaughter age influenced the yields of breast and thigh meat and abdominal fat; the protein content of breast meat; and the moisture, crude protein, fat, and mineral matter contents of drumstick and thigh meat. There was an interaction effect between diet and slaughter age for protein deposition in breast meat. The age factor influenced fat deposition in the drumstick muscles. Protein deposition in the thigh muscles was influenced by the diet. Moreover, a difference was observed between the ages for protein and fat deposition in the thigh muscle. In conclusion, the use of a commercial mixture in the diet results in decreased protein deposition in the breast and thigh muscles, although this difference does not affect the characteristics of carcass or meat cuts. Birds slaughtered at 70 days exhibit similar carcass characteristics to those of birds slaughtered at 84 days, indicating the possibility of an earlier slaughter age.

Effect of vitamin C and mineral enriched diet on growth and survival of Labeo rohita fry

The present study was conducted to understand the effect of vitamin C and mineral enriched diet on growth, survival and mineral accumulation in Labeo rohita fry. The study was conducted for a period of 60 days and it was found that the growth and survival rate increased when local ingredients were fortified with commercially available and commonly used vitamin-mineral mixture, vitamin C and selected mineral elements (Zn, Cu and Mn). The best survival rate (76%) was recorded when feed was supplemented with all the three components (vitamin-mineral mixture, vitamin C and mineral supplement), followed by vitamin-mineral mixture + vitamin C (75.3%) and vitamin-mineral mixture. The Zn, Cu and Mn fortification in the diet also reflected higher deposition of these three minerals in the whole body as well as 38.4% reduction in the cost of production and 152.6% higher revenue generation compared to commercial feed (control). Keywords: Copper, Labeo rohita, Manganese, Vitamin C, Zinc

The Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Plasma Melatonin and Kisspeptin Levels in Rams

The study that researched the effect of zinc added to the rations of rams on kisspeptin and melatonin levels was conducted on 2 years old 12 Kivircik crossbreed rams (6 control, 6 experimental) for 1 year. In addition to the ad libitum dry alfalfa straw, it was given mixed feed (barley, salt and vitamin-mineral mixture as standard) supplemented with 25 mg/kg/ DM ZnO, for the control group and 125 mg/kg/ DM ZnO for experimental group per day. During the study, blood samples were taken once a month and kisspeptin and melatonin levels were measured with ELISA in plasmas obtained from blood samples. Melatonin levels were found to be between 62.8-164.5 ng/L in experimental group and 22.1-105.9 ng/L in control group. Kisspeptin levels were determined to be between 209.8-514.2 ng/L in experimental group and 92.6-356.6 ng/L in control group. Zinc supplementations showed numerical increases in kisspeptin and melatonin levels but because of the individual variations, no statistical significance was found (P &gt; 0.05).

Dietary Micronutrients Reduce Insulin Resistance via Adipose Tissue Modulation in Mice Fed a High Fat Diet

ObjectivesObesity is associated with increased insulin resistance (IR) and white adipose tissue (WAT) dysregulation (e.g., decrease in PPAR-γ mRNA expression and impaired leptin sensitivity). Dietary vitamins A, B1, B6, and B12, selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) have been shown to reduce IR in obesity in animals and humans, but mechanisms have not been defined. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of selected micronutrients on adipose tissue metabolism and IR in a mouse model of diet-induced obesity (DIO). We hypothesize that these additions modulate genes regulating IR in WAT and improve leptin sensitivity.Methods28 DIO male mice were randomly assigned to two high fat (HF, 60 kcal % fat) diets with or without the inclusion of a mineral-vitamin mixture (MVM: 5 × vitamin A, B1, B6, B12, zinc, and 2 × selenium), respectively. Similarly, 28 lean mice were randomized into a low-fat diet (LF, 10 kcal % fat) with or without the MVM. Mice were fed diets ad libitum for 8 weeks. Bodyweight (BW), IR, serum glucose, fasting insulin, C-peptide, leptin, as well as mRNA expression of genes involved in insulin signaling and adipokine secretion were measured in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT).ResultsCompared to HF mice, HF-MVM mice exhibited reduced body weight gain over time (by 6%, P < 0.05), improved insulin sensitivity (P < 0.05), reduced fasting glucose (by 18%), insulin (by 45%), C-peptide concentrations (by 26%) and Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (by 47%, HOMA-IR, P < 0.05 for all). Similarly, LF-MVM had reduced fasting glucose level (P < 0.05) compared to LF mice. As expected, serum leptin concentration (adjusted for a visceral fat mass) was 6-fold higher in HF mice compared to LF mice; HF-MVM mice had lower leptin level compared to the HF mice suggesting improved leptin sensitivity. Ppar-γ gene expression in eWAT was 77% lower in HF vs LF group, suggesting eWAT dysfunction and systemic IR in DIO mice; the addition of MVM to LF diet attenuated this effect.ConclusionsThis MVM mixture may reduce IR through the upregulation of the PPAR-γ system in WAT and improve leptin sensitivity in DIO. Understanding the mechanism of action of micronutrients in reducing IR in a highly relevant animal model will provide new avenues for identifying food component solutions to modify IR in humans.Funding SourcesSupport provided by Various Sponsors (unrestricted funds).

Ветеринарно-санитарная оценка молочных продуктов из буйволиного и коровьего (голштинской породы) молока и пути улучшения их качества

The quality of food products of animal origin in their markets is controlled by veterinary specialists of veterinary and sanitary examination laboratories. Veterinary and sanitary examination laboratories are organized on the market in ¬ with the established procedure. They are part of a city or district animal disease control station, a district (interdistrict) veterinary laboratory. The main task of the laboratory is veterinary and sanitary examination of food products of animal and plant origin sold on the market, as well as the implementation of measures to prevent human diseases and the spread of infectious animal diseases through products. The quality of the products is monitored in accordance with current standards, rules and procedures. Veterinary specialists of laboratories are responsible for the correctness of the examination, the sanitary well-being and quality of food products allowed for sale, the implementation of measures to comply with sanitary conditions on the market. The article presents the results of scientific and economic experience on the use of vitamin-mineral mixture in the diets of dairy cows. As a result of feeding 100 g of vitamin and mineral supplements to dairy cows, the quality of milk improved. Install. It was found that feeding a complex mineral supplement to dairy cows contributed to an increase in daily milk yield. Milk obtained from Holstein cows and buffaloes was carried out in sanitary and hygienic conditions, which affects the acidity of milk and is of great importance in obtaining a fermented milk product — yogurt. The acidity of milk is one of the important qualitative indicators.

THE EFFECTS OF GRADED LEVELS OF BREWEARS’ SPENT GRAINS AND KOLAUNT POD MEAL ON THE PERFORMANCE CHARACTERISTIC AND CARCASS QUALITY RABBITS

Thirty six New Zealand fryer rabbit (bucks) averaging 874g in body weight were fed on three diets blended with 0, 7, 14% kolaunt pod meal (KPM) and10, 20, and 30% Brewers spent grains (BSG). Other dietary components included maize, soyabean meal, bone meal, salt and vitamin-mineral mixture. The trail lasted for 98 day. Significantly differences (P &lt; 0.05) were found among the three rations with respect to daily live weight gains, feed intake and water intake. There were significant difference among the rations with respect to percent carcass yield, feet, blood and unemptied alimentary canal. However there were no significant (P &gt; 0.05) differences among the three rations with respect to head, tail, and liver weight expressed as percentage of live weight. There was no significant treatment effect no the wholesale cuts. The chemical composition of the meat of rabbits fed 14% KPM + 3-% BSG diet was significantly lower in energy value, % moisture and % fat. The results showed that a diet fortified with 30% BSG and 14% KPM will support good growth as well as improved carcass yield of rabbits.

Effects of different barley grain preservation techniques on intake, growth and carcase traits of finishing dairy bulls fed grass silage-based rations

AbstractThe effects of different barley grain preservation techniques on intake, growth and carcase traits of dairy bulls were determined in a feeding trial using 52 Holstein and 48 Nordic Red bulls which were allotted to four feeding treatments (five pens and 25 bulls per treatment). Spring barley was harvested with a conventional combine harvester and four different preservation techniques formed the four experimental treatments. Dry grain (DG) was dried to the targeted dry matter (DM) concentration of 870–880 g/kg and rolled within 7 days prior to feeding. High moisture grain treated with a formic acid-based additive (FA) was harvested and crimped on the targeted DM content of 700 g/kg. Low moisture grain treated with a urea-based additive (UR) and low moisture grain treated with a propionic acid-based additive (PA) were harvested and crimped on the targeted DM content of 800 g/kg. The bulls were fed with total mixed ration ad libitum. On DM basis, the diets included grass silage (500 g/kg), barley grain (485 g/kg) and a mineral–vitamin mixture (15 g/kg). Daily DM intake (DMI) and live weight gain were 6% higher when crimped grains were used instead of DG (P &lt; 0.05). There were no observed significant differences in DMI, gain or carcase traits between high moisture and low moisture crimped grain treatments or between UR and PA. The current results show that producers have the option to vary grain preservation system without major changes to growth performance or carcase traits.

386 Effect of essential oil and exogenous enzyme on feed intake, digestibility and rumen fermentation of finishing cattle fed different roughage sources

Abstract Eight rumen-cannulated Nellore steers (327 ± 30 Kg BW) were used in a 4x4 duplicate Latin square to evaluate the effects of two feed additives (MON - Sodium Monensin 26 mg/kg DM vs. Crina® RumistarTM - combination of blend of essential oils - 90 mg/kg DM + exogenous α-amylase - 560 mg/kg DM, respectively; DSM Produtos Nutricionais Brasil S.A.) and two roughage sources at 10% of peNDF (CS - corn silage vs SB - sugarcane bagasse, on DM basis). Final diets contained 19.5% CS or 12% SB, corn grain (70.7 and 78.2% for CS and SB diets, respectively), 5.5% soybean meal, 4% mineral-vitamin mixture and 0.3% urea, on DM basis. The experimental periods had 14-d for adaptation and 5-d of collections. Data were analyzed with PROC MIXED of SAS and means compared by Tukey test. No interaction between additives and roughage sources was observed. Animals fed Crina® RumistarTM had 0.600 kg increase (P = 0.03) on DM intake and decreased (P = 0.01) apparent crude protein digestibility (CP; 75.3 vs. 77.5%, respectively) compared to MON. Animals fed SB presented greater apparent CP digestibility (77.6 vs 75.2%, respectively; P = 0.003) compared to CS. No difference in apparent NDF digestibility for additives and roughage source was observed. Animals fed Crina® RumistarTM had lower acetate concentration (P = 0.01) compared to MON on time 9, 12, 15, 18 and 21 hours. Animals fed CS had higher acetate:propionate (P = 0.03) compared to SB at all collection times–24 hours. Ruminal ammonia-nitrogen was lower (P = 0.01) in animals fed Crina® RumistarTM compared to MON. To use Crina® RumistarTM increased DM intake and decreased ruminal ammonia-nitrogen compared to monensin, suggesting a higher CP by-passing the rumen. Crina® RumistarTM increased DM intake without negative impacts on nutrients digestibility, regardless roughage source, thus a higher amount of nutrients reaches the intestine to be absorbed and animal performance can be increased.

Effects of primary growth compared to regrowth grass silage on feed intake, growth performance and carcass traits of growing bulls

The objective was to study the effects of primary growth vs. regrowth grass silage on intake, growth and carcass traits of growing bulls. In a feeding experiment, 30 bulls were offered a total mixed ration ad libitum. Two dietary treatments included either first or second cut grass silage (550 g kg-1 dry matter) supplemented with rolled barley (435 g kg-1 dry matter) and a mineral-vitamin mixture (15 g kg-1 dry matter). Feed and energy intake as well as the live weight gain of the bulls decreased when the second cut silage was used instead of the first cut silage. No differences in carcass conformation or carcass fat score between the treatments were observed. Analysed chemical, digestibility or fermentation parameters of the silage samples did not explain the differences in feed intake. However, some second cut silage samples were found to contain mycotoxins (zearalenone, roquefortine C, mycophenolic acid and HT-2), but it is difficult to estimate whether this was the factor that affected feed intake in the present study.

Forage and protein use efficiency in dairy cows grazing a mixed grass-legume pasture and supplemented with different levels of protein and starch

The aim was to analyze the effects of a supplementation of concentrate mixtures (CM) differing in their concentrations of rumen-degradable crude protein and readily fermentable carbohydrates on feed intake, diet digestibility, milk performance, and nitrogen (N) partitioning in lactating dairy cows grazing a mixed grass-legume sward.Three dietary treatments were tested with two groups of dairy cows during three experimental periods (14 d adaptation and 5 d sampling) following a 2 × 3 Youden square design. Each cow daily received 4.12 kg CM (as-fed basis) distributed over two meals in addition to maize silage and the grazing of an alfalfa-clover-rye grass sward. The three CM contained (as-fed basis): 4 kg/d of dried distillers’ grains with solubles (DDGS) and no maize kernel meal (MM) (HPLS; high protein-low starch), 2.5 kg/d DDGS and 1.5 kg/d MM (MPMS; medium protein-medium starch), and 1 kg/d DDGS and 3 kg/d MM (LPHS; low protein-high starch). Additionally, 0.12 kg/d of a mineral-vitamin mixture was added to each CM. Fecal excretion was determined using the external marker titanium dioxide and apparent total tract digestibility of ingested organic matter (OM) estimated from crude protein concentration in fecal spot samples in order to calculate daily OM and N intakes of cows.Total OM intake and OM intake during grazing did not differ between CM. However, digestibility of ingested OM and daily milk yield were lowest for LPHS. Total N intake and urinary N excretion decreased from HPLS to MPMS and LPHS. Accordingly, N use efficiency (in g milk N per g of N intake) was higher for LPHS (0.249) than for HPLS (0.189) and MPMS (0.209).Feeding CM low in rumen-degradable crude protein and rich in readily fermentable carbohydrates may slightly reduce diet digestibility and milk yield in dairy cows grazing mixed grass-legume swards, but can greatly improve N use efficiency and lower the risk of N emissions into the environment.

Study of Glucose-6 Phosphatase activity in Clarias batrachus (Linn.) after feeding the probiotic fish feed

Glucose-6 Phosphatase activity was studied in the air breathing fresh water catfish (Clarias batrachus) by giving the probiotic feed. The experiment was conducted in laboratory condition with glass jar aquarium. Bacteriological and different biochemical tests like cytochrome oxidase, fermentative and catalase test were analysed along with certain physiological parameters of water samples. Clarias batrachus was fed by prepared four diets, F1, F2, F3 and F4. The diets were prepared using fishmeal, soyabean meal, groundnut oil cake, rice bran, vitamin mineral mixture and different concentration of probiotics. The Clarias batrachus in experimental treatments were fed by the prepared diets upto six weeks. The significant amount of Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) was found in the gut microflora of the experimental fish. Glucose 6- phophatase activity was decreased in liver with increase in probiotic concentration in feed. But the enzyme activity in kidney, gill and stomach did not follow any trend. The water quality parameters like pH, CO2, DO, alkalinity, ammonia concentrations of the experimental tanks were varied significantly with treatment time.

A comparison of first-, second- and third-cut timothy silages in the diets of finishing beef bulls

The objective of the present experiment was to study the effects of the third-cut grass silage compared with the first- and second-cut silages on intake, performance and carcass characteristics of finishing bulls. A feeding experiment comprised 45 Simmental bulls which were fed a total mixed ration ad libitum. The three dietary treatments included either first-, second- or third-cut grass silage (550 g kg-1 dry matter), rolled barley (435 g kg-1 dry matter) and a mineral-vitamin mixture (15 g kg-1 dry matter). Dry matter and energy intakes and growth rates of the bulls increased when either first- or third-cut silages were used instead of the second-cut silage. This was probably due to differences in digestibility, which was the lowest in the second-cut silage. There were no differences in intake or growth between the first- and third-cut silage-based rations. No significant differences in carcass traits among the feeding treatments were observed.

Optimization of formulation composition of the crispbread with improved consumer properties

A promising direction in the development of the production of prophylactic food is the creation of enriched cereal-based products. Due to the relatively low cost of raw materials, they are available to a wide range of people and are able to compensate for the lack of biologically active substances (BAS) in the diet. They have a particular interest among cereal-based products, are ready-to-eat foods – crispbread. They have a long shelf life, are convenient for transportation and consumption, are in demand among various segments of the population, do not contain residual fermentation products, and are characterized by high food and biological value. To optimize the formulation composition of crispbread, the methodology of the response surface is used. Simulation and processing of experimental data is performed in the environment of the software package Statistica 10 (StatSoft, Inc., USA). Raw material is wheat grain, powder of milk thistle concentrate, salt and vitamin-mineral mixture. On the basis of methods of mathematical modeling, the optimal mass fractions of the powder of milk thistle concentrate and table salt are 5.27 and 0.92 %, respectively, as components of crispbread. In the laboratory conditions, experimental samples of crispbread are made with addition of raw ingredients in the formulation at optimum concentrations. On the basis of the conducted researches it is established that the products differ with improved consumer properties, characterized by good organoleptic properties, normalized physical and chemical indicators, high food and biological value and absolutely safe.

Metabolomic profiling in umbilical venous plasma reveals effects of dietary rumen-protected arginine or N-carbamylglutamate supplementation in nutrient-restricted Hu sheep during pregnancy.

Maternal nutrient restriction during pregnancy is a major problem worldwide for human and animal production. Arginine (Arg) is critical to health, growth and reproduction. N-carbamylglutamate (NCG), a key enzyme in arginine synthesis, is not extensively degraded in rumen. The aim of this study was to investigate ameliorating effects of rumen-protected arginine (RP-Arg) and NCG supplementation on dietary in undernourished Hu sheep during gestation. From day 35 to 110 of gestation, 32 Hu ewes carrying twin foetuses were randomly divided into four groups: a control (CG) group (n=8; fed 100% National Research Council (NRC) requirements for pregnant sheep), a nutrient-restricted (RG) group (n=8; fed 50% NRC requirements, which included 50% mineral-vitamin mixture) and two treatment (Arg and NCG) groups (n=8; fed 50% NRC requirements supplemented with 20g/day RP-Arg or 5g/day NCG, which included 50% mineral-vitamin mixture). The umbilical venous plasma samples of foetus were tested by 1 H-nuclear magnetic resonance. Thirty-two differential metabolites were identified, indicating altered metabolic pathways of amino acid, carbohydrate and energy, lipids and oxidative stress metabolism among the four groups. Our results demonstrate that the beneficial effect of dietary RP-Arg and NCG supplementation on mammalian reproduction is associated with complex metabolic networks.

Influence of humic acid supplemented to sheep diets on rumen enzymatic activity

The objective of the present study was to investigate how different levels of natural humic acid in the diet affect the hydrolases activity in the rumen of sheep. The experiment was carried out on three rumen-fistulated adult sheep. The control animals were fed a diet (K) containing 59.7% meadow hay, 28.4% crushed barley, 9.8% soybean oil meal and 2.1% vitamin mineral mixture. The experimental diets were composed of the control ration supplemented with humic acid (HUMAC natur AFM® containing 65% humic acid in dry matter) and supplied at doses of 10 g · d–1 (diet H10) or 20 g · d–1 (diet H20). Samples of rumen digesta were collected just before the morning feeding, as well as 2, 4, and 8 h afterwards. In the present study, the cellulolytic activity in the rumen digesta was higher (P &lt; 0.01) in sheep fed the K diet than it was in animals fed the H20 ration 2 h after feeding. However, the effect of humic acid on the cellulose degradation rate depended on the content of humic acid in the diet. The cellulolytic activity was increased 2 h after feeding in sheep fed the H10 diet as compared with animals fed the H20 ration (P &lt; 0.05). Sampling time had significant influence on the hydrolases activity in the rumen of sheep. In sheep fed the H10 ration, the cellulolytic activity was higher 8 h after feeding than it was before feeding and 4 h after feeding (P &lt; 0.05). In the H10 and H20 groups, the xylnalolytic activity was higher before feeding, but lower than it was in the control group K. The degradation rates of xylan were decreased 2 and 4 h after feeding in sheep fed the H10 and H20 rations and then increased 8 h after feeding (P &lt; 0.05). In sheep fed the H20 diet, the amylolitic activity 8 h after feeding was higher than it was 2 h after feeding (P &lt; 0.05). The effect of humic acid on the hydrolases activity in the rumen of sheep is not uniform and depends on the quantity of humic acid in the diet and on sampling time. Humic acid present in commercial HUMAC natur AFM® product enhances the initial rate of cellulose degradation in the rumen at a dose of 10 g · d-1. Thus, it may suggest that humic acid stimulates the growth of fibrolytic microorganisms in the rumen. On the other hand, the present results suggest that humic acid may reduce the rate of carbohydrate degradation in the rumen, since a higher hydrolases activity was observed before morning feeding and 8 h afterwards....

Effect of vitamin-mineral supplemented diet and feeding strategies on reproductive performance of Labeo rohita broodstock

The present study was conducted to assess the effect of vitamin-mineral supplemented diet and feeding strategies on reproductive performance of fish (Labeo rohita). Two diets, with and without vitamin-mineral mixture supplementation, were fed to Labeo rohita yearlings for a period of 8 months (April-November) at two feeding rates i.e. 3 and 4% b.w. and two feeding frequencies i.e. once and twice day−1. The study revealed that ganado-somatic index and relative fecundity were significantly higher in diet supplemented with vitamin-mineral mixture @ 4% b.w. fed twice a day during both pre-spawning (July) and post-spawning i.e. at resorption (September). Absolute fecundity and ova diameter were equally higher in control and treatment diets supplemented @ 4% b.w. twice day−1. The study suggests that supplementation of vitamin-mineral mixtureat higher feeding rate and frequency improves reproductive potential of Labeo rohita broodstock.

The effect of live Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast in the diet of rams on the digestibility of nutrients, nitrogen and mineral retention, and blood serum biochemical parameters

The effect of live Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast added to the diet of rams on the digestibility of carbohydrates and protein in the total tract, retention of nitrogen and mineral elements, and concentration of biochemical parameters in blood serum was examined. The experiment was carried out on 12 Corriedale rams allocated to 2 groups of 6 animals each. The control group was fed meadow hay (45.4%), concentrate (53.2%), and a vitamin-mineral mixture (1.4%), while the second group was fed the same diet supplemented with 2 g day -1 live S. cerevisiae. Adaptation to feeding lasted 21 days; the sampling period lasted 7 days. The digestibility of carbohydrates, protein, nitrogen, macroelements (P, Na, Mg, K), and microelements (Cu, Mn, Zn) and their retention, as well as total protein, total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, HDL, LDL, and VLDL in blood serum, were determined. Supplementation with live yeast caused a tendency towards decreasing (P = 0.066) the digestibility of N-free extract compared with animals fed the control diet. Magnesium retention showed a tendency to increase (P = 0.053) when rams were fed a diet supplemented with live yeast cells. Total cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and LDL concentrations decreased significantly when yeast was added compared with animals fed the control diet.