+91-581-2301318 anft.journal@gmail.com

2001 Issues

EDITORIAL BOARD
AUTHORS GUIDELINES
CURRENT VOLUME
ISSUES FROM ARCHIVE
ASSOCIATION NEWS
CONTACT US

JANUARY 2001 ISSUES 01

ABSTRACT

Tannins are a prominent class of compounds which constitute the plant secondary metabolites group. The two major structural groups of tannins are hydrolyzable tannins and condensed tannins. Due to their widespread nature and ability to complex with proteins and other biomolecules, they exert both harmful and beneficial effects on organisms. Hydrolyzable tannins have toxic effect on the animals that feed on forages rich in these tannins. High concentrations of dietary condensed tannins (6-12% DM) depress voluntary feed intake, digestive efficiency and animal productivity. In contrast, forages containing moderate concentrations of condensed tannins (2-4% DM) can exert beneficial effects on protein metabolism in ruminants especially sheep, by slowing degradation of dietary protein to ammonia by rumen microorganisms and increasing protein outflow from the rumen. This results in the increased absorption of amino acids in the small intestine and ultimately leads to increases in lactation, wool growth and live weight gain, without changing voluntary feed intake of the animal. Dietary condensed tannins can also contribute to improved animal health by reducing the detrimental effects of internal parasites in small ruminants and the risk of bloat in cattle. Therefore, forages containing moderate concentrations of condensed tannins can increase sustainability and productivity in intensive grazing systems through increasing the efficiency of animal production, decreasing urinary nitrogen excretion and reducing chemical inputs such as anthelmintics and detergents to control rumen bloat in cattle.

Key words: Hydrolyzable tannins; Condensed tannins; Negative effects; Positive effects

ABSTRACT

Nutrition is one of the major areas of importance amongst the acquired characteristics in relation to disease resistance. Nutrition of the host may affect pathogenesis either synergistically or antagonistically. In synergistic cases the host's impaired nutritional status tends to decrease the resistance for a pathogen. In antagonistic interaction impaired nutrition protests the host against the virulence of the pathogen, or infection may improve the nutritional status. Not a single nutrient acts prophylactically against infection. However, impaired nutrition is associated with reduced capacity of host to form specific antibodies, decrease in the phagocytic activity, altered tissue integrity, diminished inflammatory response, collagen formation and wound healing, and decreased antibody affinity and complement system. Again nutrition does not influence to a particular infection. Feeding management, different feed additives and toxins may also influence the immunocompetence of the birds. The present review highlights the mainstream research and speculates on areas, which need consideration.

Key words: Disease, Feed toxins, Immunity, Interaction, Nutrients, Probiotics.

ABSTRACT

The performance of growing calves was assessed on hydrochloric acid (HCl) treated (16 ml HCl per kg meal raising the moisture content to nearly 40 percent, diffused for 72 hrs. followed by heating at 180o C for 2h, (T2), copper and iodine supplemented (500 mg each per kg meal as CuSO4 and Kl, respectively (T3) and untreated mustard (Brassica juncea) meal (T4) incorporated diets, completely replacing soybean meal of control diet (T1), in a 24 weeks growth trial, with 6 crossbred (Jersey x Sahiwal) calves in each treatment. The calves fed T2 diet gained more weight (P<0.05) as compared to those on t1 diet. the adg as the highest in t2 (413g), followed by t3 (339g), t1 (328g) and t4(194g). hcl treatment, copper and iodine supplementation improved dm intake and digestibility of nutrients. the dcp and me intake per unit metabolic body size was similar (p>0.05) among soybean meal, HCl treated and copper and iodine supplemented groups, but was higher (P<0.05) as compared to untreated mustard meal diet. body composition of calves in four groups was similar; the total body water, protein and fat content ranged, respectively, from 45.6 to 59.6, 12.6 to 16.8 and 18.6 to 35.8 per cent of the body weight. mustard meal after hcl treatment can be utilized as suitable substitute for soybean meal in the diet of growing crossbred calves.

Key words: Mustard meal; Glucosinolate; Copper; Iodine; HCl treatment; Calves.

ABSTRACT

Six hundred and thirty post-larvae (PL-10) of fresh water prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii weighing 48 to 50 mg with a body length of 18.0 to 18.3 mm were randomly distributed in three treatment groups having three replications each to study the comparative performance of PL fed with traditional (GNC: RB, 1:1) or live feeds (Moina and Artemia nauplii) for a period of 30 days. Feeding was done twice a day at 08.00 and 17.00 hrs. The traditional feed was offered at 10% of the body weight of PL to D1 group while 250 numbers of Moina and Artemia nauplii were offered per PL to D2 and D3 groups, respectively, which ensured ad lib intake. The physico-chemical parameters and pH were observed at every third day to monitor the water quality during the experiment. Sampling of biomass were done at every ten days interval to assess length, weight and percent weight gain were calculated. Body composition and survival rates were also worked out at the end of the experiment. After rearing for 30 days the average body weight, body length, percent weight gain and survival rate were significantly (P<0.01) higher in d2 to d3 groups than those of d1 group. although, insignificant (p>0.05) but higher growth rate and survival rate was recorded in D3 group in comparision to D2 group. The tissue relationship was recorded between moisture and fat, moisture and ash content of all the groups.

Key words: M. rosenbergii, Artemia & Moina feeding, Growth, Tissue composition

ABSTRACT

Effect of both incubation and exposure time on the loss of ammonia-N was tested during the process of urea-ammoniation of wheat straw. The straw chaffed to a size of 5mm length was ammoniated with 5% urea at 40% moisture level and incubated for 1, 2, 3 & 4 weeks in a air tight glass desiccator having a capacity of 4 kg. Periodically, th incubated lots were exposed, and aired over 3x3 sq. ft. area for the determination of N. Representative samples of ammoniated straw were collected after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 14 and 21 days of exposure to determine the DM, CP, CF, ADF, NDF and lignin content in the straw. Due to air drying thee was a similar trend in moisture disappearance in all incubated samples with a DM content of 60% on day 1 which air dried to reach a figure of 93% on day 21. The samples from 1 week incubation showed incomplete ammoniation with a CP content of 16.39% on day 1 and it reduced to 10.19% on day 21, a reduction of only 38% due to higher percentage of residual urea-N (51%) compared to 3 and 4 weeks incubated samples. Up on aeration, the CP content on 21st day post exposure was reduced by 38% in 1 and 2 weeks incubated samples compared to 60% in the later. There was a declining trend in CP content which remained almost constant at 6 to 7% in both 3 and 4 weeks incubated lot. No significant difference in CF, ADF and lignin content of treated and untreated straw was seen. However, a reduction of 2 to 3 units in NDF and lignocellulose fraction was seen in 3 and 4 weeks incubated samples. From the study of N input to the straw a meagre of 15% N was retained in urea-ammoniated straw resulting in a net gain of only about 55% N by the straw which is available for animal feeding.

Key words: Urea, ammoniation, straw, ligno-cellulose, nitrogen.

ABSTRACT

Thirty two crossbred (Bos indicus x Bos taurus) female cattle calves were divided into four groups of 8 animals each i.e. GC (grain based concentrate with lactic acid bacteria), Gco (grain based concentrate without lactic culture), GoC (grainless concentrate with lactic culture) and GoCo (grainless concentrate without lactic culture). The lactic acid bacteria culture was given in the form of milk fermented with Lactobacillus acidopilus, L. jugarti and L. casei. The feeding of lactic acid bacteria resulted in a reduced incidence of diarrhoea and the number of days on which positive symptoms of diarrhoea were observed in the animals. The digestibilities of organic matter, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre were significantly higher (P<0.05) on culture supplementation in animals fed on grainless concentrate. the feed conversion efficiency was improved accompanied with lower intake of nutrients in probiotic fed animals, but the differences among the treatment could not cross the levels of statistical significance.

Key words: Lactic acid bacteria, calves, probiotics, Lactobacillus, growth, diarrhoea

JULY 2001 ISSUES 02

ABSTRACT

Climate change following large scale industrialization has drawn world wide attention. Rise in global human population at an annual growth of two per cent, with increased rate of energy consumption (4%) and global poverty which delays the adoption of eco-friendly technologies are stated to be the main reasons for increasing atmospheric concentration of greenhouse gases leading to global warming and depletion of protective ozone layer in the stratosphere. It is stated that until the level of emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere is maintained at the year 1990 level, the sufferings inflicted on mankind will reach to a point of no return. However, political awareness of the problem and intergovernmental accords have started to show results. This paper reviews some of the recent information on contribution of greenhouse gases on climate change with special reference to methane, whose contribution from animals and paddy fields is about 150 million tonnes per year. Indian livestock is estimated to produce about 9 million tonnes of methane/year.

Key words: Global warming, Ozone depletion, Greenhouse gases, Methane

ABSTRACT

Mineral (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, zinc and iron) status of soil, feeds/fodders and blood samples of animals from coastal zone of Karnataka was studied. Extractable Ca (0.15%) and Mg (0.02%) level in soil was slightly higher than the critical level but the levels of P, Cu, Zn and Fe in soil was much higher than the critical levels. Paddy straw which is the major roughage source in this zone contained high silica (10.92-11.15%) and was low in most of the minerals estimated. Cultivated green fodders and local grasses were moderate to good sources of Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn and Fe. Tree leaves and top feeds contained higher amount of Ca (0.8-1.70%), Zn (82-110 ppm) and Fe (1480-2710 ppm). Wheat bran and rice polish contained high P (1.5-2.05%) and Fe (457-668 ppm). Copper (0.57 ppm) and zinc (0.91 ppm) were low in the blood plasma of the animals in this zone. About 40% of the animals screened showed lower plasma Cu and Zn values. However, the blood levels of Ca, P, Mg and Fe were within the normal limits. Supplementing green fodders, top feeds which are good sources of Cu and Zn could be a practical approach to overcome the deficiency and/or providing region specific mineral mixture could be an alternative approach.

Key words: Minerals, Soil, Feeds, Fodders, Blood

ABSTRACT

Twenty one growing crossbred (Jersey X Tharparkar) female calves (87.04±7.09 kg), divided into 3 groups (G1, G2 and G3) of 7 animals each, were fed on a composite diet of wheat straw (ad libitum), berseem hay and concentrate mixture. Barley grain in concentrate mixture of control group (G1) was replaced with wheat bran (around 80%) in experimental groups (G2 and G3). While concentrate mixture of G1 and G2 groups contained groundnut cake (GNC), it was completely replaced with mustard cake (MSC) on nitrogen basis in G3 group. Calves were fed concentrate mixture to meet 60% of the protein requirement and the rest 40% was met through berseem hay. The experimental feeding was continued for 120 days. Average daily DM intake and digestibilities of DM, OM, CP, EE, NDF, ADF and cellulose were comparable among the dietary groups. Average daily gain (ADG) of calves were 448, 441 and 384 g in G1, G2 and G3 groups, respectively and the differences were nonsignificant. Average daily intake of DM, CP and TDN per kg live weight gain were more (P> 0.05) in calves of G3 group and ranged from 8.37 to 7.00, 1.20 to 1.04 and 5.13 to 4.20 kg, respectively, amongst the groups. Dietary variation did not influence the concentration of blood glucose, plasma protein and plasma urea nitrogen

Key words: Female calves, low grain diet, nutritional status, growth performance.

ABSTRACT

An experiment was carried out to examine the replacement value of Leucaena leucocephala-Morus alba-Tectona grandis (2:1:1) leaf meal mixture as a nitrogen source in conventional supplements for female goats (12). The goats were offered wheat straw ad libitum and supplemented with either leaf meal mixture based concentrate (LMTM), ground-nut cake based concentrate (GNC) or soybean meal incorporated concentrate (SBM) in a completely randomized design for a period of 15 weeks. The goats given LMTM or GNC had comparable intake g/kg W0.75 of dry-matter, which was significantly higher than their counterparts fed SBM. The digestibility of various nutrients, except for depressed digestibility (P<0.05) of cp and hemicellulose in sbm group, was comparable among goats on different supplements. nitrogen intake and its faecal excretion were similar irrespective of diets. however, the urinary excretion of nitrogen in goats given gnc was significantly (p<0.05) higher relative to comparable excretion in goats on LMTM and SBM diets. The balance of nitrogen (g/day) was positive in all the goats though it was significantly (P<0.05) higher in animals on LMTM or SBM as compared to GNC. The DCP and TDN values of the composite diets offered were comparable among dietary treatments. The plane of nutrition on all the diets was close to stipulated NRC requirements. It may be concluded that leaf meal mixture could be used as a supplement like oil cakes when wheat straw as basal feed is limiting the nutrient intake of goats; and that Leucaena-Morus-Tectona leaf meal mixture could contribute up to 20 per cent of the total DM intake.

Key words: Goats, Supplementation, Wheat straw, Leafmeal mixture.

ABSTRACT

Two complete feeds containing untreated (CR1) and urea treated (CR2) wheat straw each at 60% level were evaluated for their nutritive value in Mutton Synthetic x Deccani Sheep. The DM intake was 0.841 and 0.763 kg for CR1 and CR2, respectively. The nutrient digestibility except for crude fibre was similar in both the groups. The per cent DCP and TDN content of CR1 and CR2 diets were 5.35 and 56.10 and 6.93 and 54.49, respectively. Both the rations could maintain the sheep with an average gain in body weight of 60-70 g/d. The feed efficiency and cost of feeding was superior on CR2 diet.

Key words: Wheat straw, Urea-ammoniation, Complete feed, Sheep

ABSTRACT

Three dietary treatments including one control (D1) and two non-cereal diets (D2 and D3) were evaluated in White Leg Horn chicks from 9 to 20 weeks of age. All diets were iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric except for D2 (low energy). The consumption of non-cereal feed with low energy (D2) was significantly more (P<0.05) than chicks fed d1 (6722.59 vs 6508.74 g). there were no significant differences in gain in body weight and feed efficiency. the albumen index and haugh unit were significantly low (p<0.05) in D2. The low energy diet was cheaper by Rs. 5.89/kg gain than D1. Results indicated that low energy non-cereal diet (CP 16%, ME 2300 Kcal/kg) had no adverse effect on the growth or sexual maturity of the growing female chicks between 9-20 weeks, hence can be used safely at farmer's level.

Key words: Chicks, Rice-polish, Growth, Sexual maturity, Egg quality.

ABSTRACT

Three complete diets (D1, D2, D3) containing 50, 60 and 70 per cent ammoniated wheat straw and 37, 27 and 17 per cent deoiled rice bran, respectively, alongwith molasses (10%), mineral mixture (2%) and common salt (1%) were fed to three rumen fistulated male buffaloes ad libitum in a 3 x 3 latin square design. The rumen liquor samples collected at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h post-feeding were analysed for nitrogen (N) fractions, total volatile fatty acids and pH. Total N and non-protein N peaked at 6 h post-feeding, whereas trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-precipitable N and ammonia N were at peak at 8 h post-feeding. Significantly higher (P<0.05) ammonia and tca precipitable nitrogen were recorded in rumen liquor of the animals offered highest level of ammoniated wheat straw.

Key words: Ammoniaton, Wheat straw, Complete diets, Rumen fermentation