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ANFT JANUARY 2003 ISSUES 01

ABSTRACT

Ten villages, representing Rohtak district of Haryana state, were selected to collect samples of feeds and fodders offered to dairy animals at random. Records of plane of feeding and disease prevalence were also collected. The samples were analysed for calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn) contents. The calcium and phosphorus contents in roughages and concentrates were within the normal range. These feedstuffs could meet 70 - 100 % of the requirement of both Ca and P. The mean values for Zn content in wheat straw, berseem, oats, Phalaris minor, cottonseed, cottonseed cake, wheat and rapeseed meal cake was 22.6, 23.1, 22.9, 8.6, 42.8, 51.1, 37.9 and 50.3 µg/g DM, respectively. On an average 4.4 to 100% of feed samples had less than 40 µg Zn /g DM. Copper in wheat straw was 2.3, berseem 7.2, green oats 5.6, cotton seed 12.7 and its cake 14.9, wheat grain 11.1, rapeseed meal 13.8µg/g DM. About 84 to 100 % of roughages and 8 to 28% of concentrate feedstuffs were deficient in Cu. Iron concentration in all the feeds (concentrates, dry roughages and green roughages) was found to be much higher than the recommended levels of 50 µg/g. The content of Mn in wheat straw, oats, berseem, cotton seed, cotton seed cake, wheat and rapeseed meal was 27.7, 54.5, 49.1, 44.6, 35.0, 33.0 and 29.8 µg/g DM, respectively. About 50 % of the feed ingredients were found to be deficient in Mn content. The results showed that wheat straw was highly deficient in Zn, Cu and Mn. Green fodders were deficient in Zn and Cu but marginally in Mn. Concentrate feeds were deficient in Zn, Cu and Mn to varied extent.

Key words: Mineral, Composition, Feeds, Fodders, Tropical.

ABSTRACT

Mineral status of feeds, fodders, tree leaves and plasma samples of cattle and buffalo of hill zone of West Bengal were studied. Paddy straw, the main dry roughage source in this zone was low in most of the minerals screened. Napier grass, the most commonly cultivated green fodder, showed moderate content of Ca (0.50%), Fe (510.89 ppm), Zn (56.05 ppm), Mn (62.99 ppm) and low levels of P (0.20 %) and Cu (7.06 ppm). The commonly available top feeds/tree leaves for animal feeding were ratnaula (Polygonum polystachyum), kans (Saccharum spontaneum), piple (Bucklandia populnea), chilaune (Schima wallichii), titapat (Artemisia vulgaris), amlisho (Thysanolena agortis), dhougree (Leycesteri spp.) etc, were good source of Cu (17.97-38.73 ppm), Mn (50.99-106.21 ppm) and Fe (305.67-563.39 ppm) and moderate source of Ca (0.26-0.89%) and Zn (31.91-57.35 ppm) but poor source of P (0.14-0.17%). However, Ca content of dhougree (0.17 %) and ratnaula (0.18%) tree leaves and Zn content in kans (28.06 ppm) and titapat (28.98 ppm) were lower than critical levels (0.3% and 40 ppm, respectively). Calcium (0.27 %) and copper (5.94 ppm) content in maize grains were below the critical levels. However, Ca and P levels in rice bran and home made compounded feeds were above the critical levels. The level of micro minerals (Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn) in concentrate ingredients (maize and rice bran) and compounded feeds were higher than the critical levels. Blood Hb (g %) and plasma Ca (mg/100 ml) in cattle (13.23 and 8.75) and in buffaloes (13.12 and 8.92) were within the normal limits. However, plasma P level in buffaloes (3.93 mg/100ml) was below the critical level. Microminerals (Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn) levels in plasma of cattle and buffaloes were within the normal limits. Most of the animals were found to have reproductive problems, which could be attributed to P deficiency in this zone. It may be concluded that providing region specific mineral mixture, mineral block or supplementing rice bran, oil cakes, compounded feeds which are good sources of deficient minerals would help in overcoming the mineral deficiency in this zone.

Key words: Micronutrients, Feeds, Fodder, Plasma, Hill zone.

ABSTRACT

To assess the influence of supplemental iodine on the nutritional performance of goats fed mustard cake, 14 adult male goats consisting of eight castrated and six intact animals (1.5 years; 21.8±0.6 kg) were randomly allotted into two equal groups - control and experimental. All the animals were fed a concentrate supplement containing 35 per cent mustard cake to meet the requirements for maintenance and about 25g daily gain. Besides, the animals had access to ad libitum oat hay. The experimental goats were provided with extra iodine at the rate of 0.1 mg (as potassium iodide solution)/head/day. A metabolism trial conducted after 60d of experimental feeding revealed no effect of iodine supplementation on the digestibility of nutrients and retention of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus. The intakes of dry matter, crude protein and metabolizable energy per unit metabolic body size improved (P<0.05) due to extra iodine supplementation. the mean daily feed intake averaged across the 75 days of feeding trial tended to be higher (p=0.091) in iodine supplemented (570.3 g) compared to the control (503.4 g). likewise, the experimental group also tended to have better (p=0.078) average daily gain (28.6 g) than the non-supplemented control (14.3 g). although there was no difference in digestibility and retention of nutrients between intact and castrated animals, but the intake and consequently the average daily gain was higher (p<0.05) in the intact than the castrated ones. It is concluded that, iodine supplementation of high mustard cake containing diet exhibited positive influence on the feed intake and growth of goats.

Key words: Iodine, Mustard cake, Nutrient utilization, Goats.

ABSTRACT

A study was undertaken to assess the micro-mineral status of feeds and fodders in Dahod and Panchmahal districts of Gujarat, for formulation of an appropriate area specific mineral mixture. The average copper content was unduly low in straws (4.54 ppm) and green fodders (6.31 ppm), whereas concentrate ingredients were better sources of copper (16.78 ppm), except grains (5.13 ppm). Likewise, zinc was acutely deficient in the surveyed area (average levels < 24.0 ppm) and needed to be supplemented at a level of 80 ppm in the total ration for optimum metabolic functions. Manganese was occasionally deficient in diet of animals, however, iron and cobalt levels in most of feeds were adequate with traditional feeding systems. Molybdenum content in feeds was within the safe limit (average levels < 1.0 ppm) and gave Cu:Mo ratio wider than 3.0. Selenium content in most of the feedstuffs was adequate and its supplementation in the diet was not necessary. From the present survey, it was apparent that the levels of certain microminerals such as copper, zinc and occasionally manganese were deficient. However, the levels of some other mineral elements such as iron, cobalt and selenium were found to be adequate in the surveyed area.

Key words: Zinc, Cobalt, Iron, Copper-molybdenum ratio, Feed, Fodder.

ABSTRACT

The experiment was conducted to assess meat production potentiality and economics of broiler raising on bajra (Pennisetum typhoides) based diet with and without mixed enzyme preparation. Accordingly, two hundred day-old broiler chicks were distributed into 30 groups of 6-7 each. The birds were allotted to 10 dietary treatments in triplicate groups (replicates). The dietary treatments include a control diet (containing 53.45 maize and 30.35 soybean meal), and other diets in which 25, 50, 75 and 100 per cent of maize was replaced incorporating 14, 32, 51 and 73.2 per cent of whole bajra grain at fixed calorie-protein ratio. Each diet was offered with or without addition of mixed feed grade enzyme preparation containing amylase and non-starch polysaccharidases activity in a factorial design and fed upto 6 weeks of age. After 6 weeks of age, 6 birds were sacrificed. Live weight, defeathered yield and heart yields were influenced (P<0.05) by the levels of bajra, while neither enzyme nor interaction had any effect on these traits. live weight was significantly (p<0.05) higher in broilers fed 32 per cent bajra replacing 50 per cent of maize. Cost of feed and cost of feed required either for body weight gain or for production of unit eviscerated meat reduced with the increased level of bajra in diet being significantly lower in all bajra-based diet. It could be concluded that replacement of maize with whole bajra reduced the cost of feed for production of unit gain or eviscerated weight being lowest at all bajra diet. However, for optimum yield of meat, the effective level of incorporation was 32 per cent (w/w) replacing 50 per cent of maize in broiler diets (0-6 weeks of age). Supplementation of enzyme reduced the cost of feed for unit gain marginally but did not prove to be economical when feed cost per unit meat was considered..

Key words: Broilers, Mixed enzyme, Pearl millet, Carcass traits, Economics.

ABSTRACT

Estimation of aflatoxin content of several livestock feeds and feed ingredients indicated the presence of aflatoxin (10- 56 ppb AF B1) in compounded feeds. Samples of groundnut cake had aflatoxin content of 279 ppb (AF B1) and 39 ppb (AF B2) and samples of wheat bran, rice bran and rice polish showed negligible aflatoxin content. Fodder samples of maize, sorghum, gram husk and coffee husk contained no detectable aflatoxin. Storage studies with different moisture levels and duration of storage showed a trend of increased mold growth at moisture level above 15% and was highest during 7-21 days of storage (3.66-3.83 logCFU/g). Feeds stored in air-tight containers at 0% moisture level showed no fungal growth and at below 7.5% moisture level there was minimum fungal growth (3.18-4.18 logCFU/g). The aflatoxin (B1) production was maximum (P<0.05) between 12.5-17.5% moisture level upto 14 days of storage. the average aflatoxin (b1) production was highest (p<0.05) at 15% moisture level and 28 days of feed storage (15 ppb) and was well within the permissible limit of 20-30 ppb. At 15% moisture level for 14 days of storage the fungal growth and aflatoxin (B1) production was maximum (P<0.01) in flake (unground) form as compared to the ground form. The results of this study suggested that the moisture level in feeds should be less than 10% for safe storage and feeds with above 12.5% moisture level should be used within a week period or should be dried for safe storage.

Key words: Livestock feeds, Aflatoxin, Moisture, Storage, Fungus

ABSTRACT

Eight browse species of Bundelkhand region of India were assessed for their proximate constituents and tannin content. Crude protein content varied from 8.9-25.2 per cent in these shrubs in different seasons. There was less variation in cell wall constituents (NDF, ADF, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) round the year. However, the total phenolics and condensed tannin content showed significant changes with seasons as they were maximum in spring and minimum mostly in summer. None of the browse species was found to contain tannin beyond the harmful level (~5%) except in Grewia flavescens (6.74%) in spring and in all the season in Acacia catechu (6.65-13.6%). These shrub species may be used as source of forage during lean period.

Key words: Condensed tannins, Total phenolics, Shrubs

ABSTRACT

Twelve prepubertal Karan Fries heifers of about 15 months of age were divided into two equal groups. Group 1 was fed a diet of 16.86% CP and group 2 was fed a diet containing 19.08% protein. The energy and protein requirements were met by feeding concentrate mixture and green maize. Two types of concentrate mixtures were formulated to create variability in CP intake. After 90 days of experimental feeding, a digestibility trial of 7 days duration was conducted on all heifers to evaluate the effect of dietary protein on nutrient intake and digestibility of nutrients. Daily DM and CP intakes per 100 kg body weight during digestibility trial averaged 2.94±0.05, 0.499±0.01 in group I and 2.96±0.07, 0.566±0.01 kg in group 2 respectively. DCP and TDN intakes per 100 kg body weight were 0.308±0.01, 2.10±0.05 in group 1 and 0.416±0.01, 2.26±0.06 kg in group 2. The digestibility of all the nutrients was significantly (P<0.01) increased in heifers of group 2 over group 1. it was evident that high protein content in the diet of crossbred heifers improved the digestibility of nutrients.

Key words: Protein, Digestibility, Heifers.

ABSTRACT

Six wheat straw varieties (HD-2428, HD-2329, Raj-3037, Raj-1972, PBW-154 and WL-711) profusely grown in India, were evaluated for chemical constituents, in sacco nutrient digestibility and rate of nutrient disappearance. The straw samples were incubated for 72h to determine DM disappearance and for rate of degradation at 0, 12, 24, 48 and 72h. Two varieties with the highest and the lowest dry matter digestibility were subjected to rate of disappearance study. Four rumen cannulated, two each of castrated male buffalo and cattle, were used. A variation (% unit) of 1.025 for CP, 8.17 for NDF, 5.66 for ADF, 7.89 for cellulose and 2.03 for lignin content was observed among different varieties of wheat straw. Among the varieties evaluated, variety WL-711 had the highest and Raj-3077 had the lowest dry matter digestibility. A variation of 10 per cent units in dry matter digestibility was noticed between best and least digestible straw variety. The nutrient disappearance rate from straw samples between 12 to 24h of incubation was critical to make difference in total disappearance. The rate of disappearance was similar among all nutrients. The animal species had no significant influence on straw digestibility. The crude protein content of straw exerted a linear correlation with dry matter digestibility (r=0.59, P<0.05), negative correlation (-0.563, p<0.05) with cellulose content, and positive (P<0.05) correlation with dry matter (0.567) and hemicellulose (0.567) digestibility. It is concluded that plant breeders may undertake breeding programmes to improve CP and to reduce lignin content of straws for higher nutrient digestibility.

Key words: Wheat straw, Nutritional evaluation, Ruminants.

ABSTRACT

The effect of level and nature of tannins in commonly fed tree leaves on nutrient utilization in goats was investigated using four tree leaves viz. subabul (Leucaena leucocephala), jack (Artocarpus heterophyllus), venga (Pterocarpus marsupium) and banana (Musa paradiosiaca). The total tannin content in the leaves varied from 3.7 to 5.5 per cent with predominance of condensed tannins. The average dry matter consumption was higher (P<0.05) in goats fed jack and subabul leaves compared to other two leaves. the nutritient digestibility was higher in goats fed with banana leaves with lowest level of total and condensed tannins. all the animals maintained positive balance for nitrogen and calcium, while the phosphorus balance was negative in goats fed subabul and venga leaves. the results indicate that even a level of upto 5.5 per cent of total tannins and 3.4 per cent of condensed tannins in tree leaves does not exert any deleterious effect on the feed consumption and nutrient utilization in goats.

Key words: Goats, Tree leaves, Tannins, Nutrient utilization.

ABSTRACT

Inorganic phosphorus plays an important role in the fertility status of cows. Its level indicate the state of fertility of cows. Considering this in the present study a group of recipients was supplied with exogenous phosphorus to assess its effect on serum progesterone level in recipients of embryo transfer programs. Phosphorus preparation containing sodium salt of (4-dimethylamino 2-methyl phenyl phosphoric acid 0.2 g/ml) was given parentrally. Blood serum phosphorus was estimated before and after phosphorus supplementation. Progesterone level was analyzed in serum samples of control and phosphorus treated recipients on day of estrus, thereafter on 7th and 14th day post-estrus to know the effect of phosphorus supplementation on progesterone production. Serum level of phosphorus in treatment group was 7.81±0.70 mg/dl and 6.01±0.45 mg/dl in control at the time of prostaglandin treatment. These values in treatment and control group were 4.80±0.34 and 6.58±0.85 on day of estrus, respectively. Serum progesterone on day of estrus was 0.22±0.45 ng/ml in treatment group and 0.59±0.40 ng/ ml in control group whereas on 7th day post-estrus these values were 1.16±0.5 and 0.80±0.50 mg/ml. These corresponding values on 14th day were 2.86±1.57 and 2.35±1.39 ng/ml respectively. This indicates that phosphorus supplementation had no beneficial effect in progesterone output.

Key words: Phosphorus, Supplementation, Progesterone, Gir, Cows.

ANFT JULY 2003 ISSUES 02

ABSTRACT

Conjugated Linoleic acid (CLA) is a mixture of positional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid (18:2) which contains conjugated unsaturated double bond. It is produced in the rumen during the biohydrogenation process. Recently CLA has been found to have many health benefits. It is known to be anticarcinogenic in nature and also helps in the inhibition of the development of atherosclerosis in animals. The milk and milk products from ruminant origin are rich sources of CLA. However, CLA content of milk depends on the type of feed provided to the animals. Therefore, feeding practices which enhance the CLA content of milk have been reviewed in the present paper. Apart from this, various other factors like dairy cows management system, age and breed of the animal also influence the milk CLA content. It is suggested that future research is required to focus on the parameters which enhance the CLA content of milk and milk products.

Key words: CLA, Milk, Cow, Anticarcinogen, Atherosclerosis.

ABSTRACT

A study was carried out to assess micronutrients status of soil, plants and blood samples of small ruminants in coastal saline zone of West Bengal. Extractable P content of soil was below the critical level. However, micro mineral viz., Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn contents were higher than the critical level. Commonly available green grasses of coastal saline zone were doob (Cynodon dactylon), hybrid napier (Pennisetum spp.) and mutha (Eupatorium odoratum) grasses. Among the grasses, Cynodon dactylon and Pennisetum spp. were moderate to good source of Ca, Cu, Zn and Mn and very good source of Fe. However, Eupatorium odoratum was deficient in Cu and Zn and was moderate to optimum source of other nutrients screened. Tree leaves like babul (Acacia nilotica), jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), pipul (Ficus religiosa), plantain (Musa paradisica), siris (Albizia lebbeck) and subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) contained higher levels of Ca, Cu, Zn and Fe. However, P and Mn content in tree leaves were deficient. In contrast, maize grain contained low level of Ca, Cu and Mn and moderate level of P and Zn and very high level of Fe. Rice bran and Mustard oil cake were moderate to very good source of all the macro and micro minerals screened. Paddy straw had low level of most of the micronutrients screened except iron and manganese. Over all mean haemoglobin, plasma Fe and Zn content in sheep and goat were within the normal limit. Similarly, plasma Ca, P, Mn and Cu contents in goat also were within the normal range of critical level. However, plasma Ca, P, Cu and Mn contents in sheep were below the critical level. The experimental survey showed that the most of the micronutrients (except P) status in tree leaves were moderate to optimal level which is reflected in the blood picture of goat. However, most of the green grasses were deficient in certain minerals, which also reflected in plasma of sheep.

Key words: Mineral, Soil, Forage, Feed, Small ruminants.

ABSTRACT

An experiment on 18 male Barbari kids of 4-6 months age with an average body weight of 10.69±0.02 kg was conducted for 140 days to determine the effect of concentrate supplementation on their growth and nutrient utilization when fed liberally on tree leaves mixture (TLM) and/or natural grasses (G). The animals were divided into three equal groups and fed either tree leaves mixture [TLM: Pipal (Ficus religiosa); gular (Ficus glomerata) and pakar (Ficus infectoria) in equal parts] ad libitum (T1) or TLM ad libitum alongwith 300g concentrate (T2) or TLM and G (1:1) ad libitum alongwith 300 g concentrates (T3). The average daily DMI did not differ significantly amongst the treatments. The average daily gain was significantly (P<0.01) higher in the concentrate fed groups than sole tlm fed group (60.26 and 49.60 vs 30.00g). average daily water intake followed the same trend. the mean daily cp intake (g />kg w0.75) was significantly higher (P<0.01) in t2 than t1 and t3 (15.76 vs 11.37 and 13.30g). the average daily me intake did not vary significantly irrespective of the treatments. the average daily ca intake was significantly higher (p<0.01) in T1 than T2 and T3 but the average daily P intake was significantly more (P<0.01) in T2 and T3 than T1. The digestibility coefficients of organic nutrients were significantly higher (P<0.01) in both the concentrate fed groups (T2 and T3) than TLM group. All the kids were positive in nitrogen balance. The nitrogen balance was significantly higher (P<0.05) in T2 and T3 than T1. It is concluded that when fed as a sole feed, TLM could sustain a daily growth rate of 30g for Barbari kids, whereas, supplementation of 300 g concentrates is required to the basal roughage of tree leaves for attaining the near optimum daily growth rate (60g).

Key words: Tree leaves, Barbari kids, Growth, Nutrient utilization.

ABSTRACT

Nutritional worth of wheat straw inoculated with lignolytic fungi was assessed. Moistened wheat straw, in batches of 500 g (DM), was inoculated with grain spawn of Trametes hirsuta (TH), Phialophora hoffmannii (PH) or Oidiodendron echinulatum (OE) @ 5 per cent on dry matter basis. Spawned straw filled in perforated polyethylene bags was incubated at 25°C till the appearance of fruiting bodies. Two bags of each fungal strain were removed at 24 h interval for assessing the changes in chemical composition and in sacco DM degradability. The fruiting bodies of TH, PH and OE appeared on 20, 10 and 16 days, respectively. Three fungi differed significantly in their ability to degrade the cell wall components. Maximum hemicellulose utilization and lignin degradation was observed in straw incubated with Oidiodendron and Trametes spp., respectively. The enrichment of straw with microbial protein was associated with increase in DM degradability up to 4 days of incubation in all the three cases. Keeping in view the minimum nutrient losses and considerable nutrient enrichment, Phialophora was rated as the best fungal strain for biodegradation of wheat straw.

Key words: Lignin degradation, Lignolytic fungi, in sacco degradability, Wheat straw.

ABSTRACT

Twelve Black Bengal bucks (8-9m; ~ 5.0 kg) were randomly divided into four equal groups to ascertain the effects of different levels of supplemental Molybdenum (Mo) on utilization of trace elements especially that of copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). Feeding of four levels of supplemental Mo at the rate of 0 (Control) 3.5 (T1), 7.5 (T2) and 15.0 (T3) ppm for 120 days did not affect the intake and digestibility of different nutrients. An increase in the level of dietary Mo intake produced a gradient fall in plasma Cu concentration and the lowest value was found in T3 (0.33±0.16 mg ml-1) and T2 (0.33±0.13 mg ml-1) groups of bucks. Increase in dietary Mo intake also reduced the plasma Fe in an identical fashion and at the end of the experiment the lowest plasma Fe concentration was found in T3 group (7.33±0.44 mg ml-1). Supplemental Mo did not affect the plasma Zn level. Mo induced Cu deficiency and decreased (P<0.01) the hemoglobin level in t3 group of bucks followed by t2 (25.30) and t1 (24.22) groups. consequent to the reduced cu level in blood, bucks in t3 group exhibited significant (p<0.05) decline in erythrocyte count coupled with a shortened life span and maturation of the erythrocytes. No such effect on leukocyte count was found. It was concluded that higher levels of supplemental Mo induced a copper deficiency which in turn affected the utilization of Fe resulting in development of anemia in goats.

Key words: Molybdenum, Copper, Interaction, Trace elements, Goats.

ABSTRACT

Supplies of concentrate feed ingredients were collected from four different sources, pooled and analysed in triplicate for proximate principles and cell wall constituents to standardise their chemical characteristics. The chemical composition was compared with available BIS specifications and it was found that most of the feed ingredients' values exhibited fulfilling BIS requirements. Twenty samples of each, compound cattle feed, poultry mash, fish meal and molasses were also collected and evaluated for the presence of adulterants. In case of molasses, most of the sample Brix values were quite close to the BIS requirements. 35 per cent of the fish meal samples were found containing salt content above the specified limits. Most of the poultry mash feeds were found containing salt within the BIS specified limits. In the case of compound cattle feed, 10 per cent of the samples fulfilled the BIS specifications in terms of CP for cattle feed type 1 and 20 per cent of the samples fulfilled the BIS requirements for cattle feed type 2, 70 per cent of the cattle feed samples failed to fulfill BIS specifications. The study revealed widespread adulteration in cattle feeds in the market with rice husk as the major adulterant.

Key words: Animal feeds, BIS specifications, Adulterant, Chemical composition.

ABSTRACT

Feeding trial using bypass protein supplement was conducted on 16 lactating buffaloes for 8 weeks. Buffaloes daily yielding 8-9 kg milk per animal were divided into two groups of eight each, based on milk yield, fat percentage and stage of lactation. The animals in both the groups were fed standard ration, comprising 12 kg green maize fodder and 5 kg paddy straw. Concentrate mixture was given according to their level of milk production. In addition to the basal ration, animals in control group were fed 1.0 kg untreated sunflower meal (Helianthus annuus; UDP 33 % of CP) and in experimental group 1.0 kg protected sunflower meal (UDP 75 % of CP). Average increase in milk yield (kg), fat and protein percent in experimental group was 0.80, 0.40 and 0.20 respectively. Through increase in milk yield and fat percent were significantly (P<0.05) higher, no significant effect was observed on level of protein percent in milk by feeding protected protein. average net daily income increased by rs.14.49 on feeding 1.0 kg protected sunflower meal in lactating buffaloes.

Key words: Bypass protein, Undegradable protein, Rumen degradable protein, Sunflower meal.

ABSTRACT

In order to evaluate the efficacy of different markers viz. acid detergent lignin (ADL), alkaline peroxide lignin (APL), acid detergent fibre ash (ADFA) and acid insoluble ash (AIA) to predict the digestibility of nutrients, three digestion trials involving 'total collection' and by 'marker' were conducted simultaneously using 18 lactating cows in three periods. The average recovery values of ADL, APL, ADFA and AIA were 78.3, 78.8, 93.7 and 104 per cent, respectively. The recoveries of ADL and APL were much lower (P0.05) than the comparable recovery values of ADFA and AIA. But the digestibility of DM, OM, NDF and ADF was similar with high correlation, among the values obtained by total collection and ADFA marker. However, the digestibility of these nutrients differed significantly (P0.05) with low correlation coefficient when comparison was made between the values obtained by total collection and ADL and APL markers. ADFA could, therefore, be a suitable marker for predicting nutrient digestibility in dairy cows in place of laborious and time consuming total collection method.

Key words: Prediction, Nutrient digestibility, Marker, Cows.

ABSTRACT

Mineral status of soil, feeds and fodder and buffaloes in western agroclimatic zone of Vidarbha region of India was studied. Available Ca (0.76±0.003% ), P (127.5±22.5 ppm), and Na (0.05±0.02 %), levels in soil were adequate but 50% of soil sample analysed were deficient in Zn (0.60±0.058 ppm) where as the K (0.35±0.04 %), Cu (3.37±0.24 ppm) and Mn (17.43±1.76 ppm) content was higher. The Ca was deficient in cotton seed cake (0.23±0.04) and cotton seeds (0.18±0.01). The P deficiency was observed in sorghum straw (0.12±0.013 %), arhar straw (0.09±0.06 %), gram straw (0.14±0.012 %) and soybean straw (0.10±.008 %). The K concentration in cotton tree leaves was higher (0.74±0.04 %) as compared to other feeds and fodders. The feeds and fodders are rich source of Cu (34.5-40.5 ppm), Mn (32.92-68.03 ppm) and Fe (116.66-203.75 ppm) but deficient in Zn (15.53-27.04 ppm) and Na (0.02-0.16 %).The mean serum minerals' concentration were within normal range except for the Zn (0.26±0.01 µg/ml ). It was observed that the buffaloes in the Akola district were Zn deficient which is directly correlated to concentration of zinc in soil, feeds and fodder.

Key words: Buffaloes, soil, feeds and fodder, minerals.

ABSTRACT

Eighteen crossbed lactating cows (319±15.21 kg BW) were randomly divided into three groups of six each. The animals in treatment 1 (T1) was fed untreated wheat straw along with concentrate mixture and the animals in treatment 2 (T2) and 3 (T3) were offered urea treated straw with 25 and 35 per cent less quantity of concentrate mixture, respectively, as compared to control. The average daily DM intake was higher (P<0.05) in treatments t2 and t3. the digestibility of dm though not statistically higher but cf and cp digestibility were significantly (p<0.05) higher in treatments T2 and T3. Mean TDN (%) content of the composite diet was comparable among the experimental groups; however, TDN intake was higher (P<0.05) in T2 and T3 than T1. There was no significant changes were observed in milk yield and milk composition among the groups. Blood constituents like serum protein, glucose and urea were within the normal physiological range. Thus urea treated straw can be fed with the reduction of 25-35 per cent concentrate requirement in the ration without affecting milk yield and nutrient utilization.

Key words: Wheat straw, Ammoniation, Nutrient utilization, Milk yield, Crossbred cows.

ABSTRACT

A study was undertaken to assess the macro-mineral status of feeds and fodders in Kutch district of Gujarat state, for formulation an appropriate mineral mixture for that area. The average calcium content in straws (0.45%) was higher, whereas concentrate ingredients were particularly low in calcium (0.10%). The phosphorus content of crop residues and green fodders was 0.14 and 0.29 per cent, respectively, which was higher in concentrate ingredients (0.52%). The magnesium levels in samples of feeds and fodders were adequate (average levels >0.40%). Sodium content was low in concentrate ingredients but high in green fodders. Due to high sodium content in water, it was not advisable to supplement sodium in diet. The area under survey seemed to be quite rich in potassium, because all samples were extra-ordinarily rich and were far exceeding the requirement level. Sulphur content was occasionally deficient in ration of milch animals; however, its supplementation was necessary due to high selenium content in feedstuffs. It was apparent that the levels of calcium, phosphorus and sulphur were inadequate to meet the requirement of animals; however, the levels of magnesium, sodium and potassium were sufficient in the surveyed area.

Key words: Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Sodium, Potassium, Sulphur, Feeds, Cows, Buffaloes.

ABSTRACT

An experiment was conducted to study the effects of providing supplementary concentrate at different levels to the crossbred weaner lambs grazing on Cenchrus ciliaris dominated pasture on their live weight gains, wool yield and its quality. Forty lambs of fine wool synthetic strain weaned at 75 days of age were divided into five uniform groups and grazed for 8 hours daily on a Cenchrus ciliaris dominated grass pasture up to 9 months of age. While the first group of lambs were supplemented with concentrate mixture ad libitum, the lambs of second, third and fourth groups were fed concentrate at 75, 50 and 25 per cent of the ad libitum intake. Further, no supplemental concentrate was given to the lambs of the fifth group. The average daily live weight gain of 67 g in the grazing group increased to 87, 104, 119 and 123 g with the increasing level of concentrate supplementation. The greasy wool yield of 615.5 g also improved by 40.1, 42.4, 97.8 and 102.3 per cent, respectively. While the staple length improved from 3.69 cm to 3.74, 4.44, 5.41 and 5.42 cm and fibre diameter though not desired , also increased from 23.22 to 24.23, 26.07, 26.10 and 27.61µ, respectively. It was concluded that the plane of nutrition significantly affect the live weight gains, wool yield and its quality, and supplementation at the level of 50 per cent of ad libitum concentrate was most appropriate to obtain optimum production from the crossbred lambs.

Key words: Lambs, Fine wool, Growth, Wool yield, Quality.

ABSTRACT

Fifteen adult crossbred (Local × Corriedale) male sheep (34.4±1.44 kg), divided into three groups of five each, were fed two improved varieties (JHB-98-1 and JHTB-96-4) of berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) against a check, JHB-146 as hay. JHTB-96-4 contained relatively higher CP (16.1%) but lower fibre (ADF: 40.7%) than both JHB-146 and JHB-98-1. But there was no significant difference in daily dry matter intake (DMI), calculated as kg/100 kg body weight or g/kg W0.75, and digestibility of nutrients among the varieties, except higher (P<0.05) total daily dmi in jhtb-96-4. all the animals were in positive nitrogen balance. however, daily nitrogen intake (27.5 g) as well as retention (7.60 g) was significantly higher in jhtb-96-4 variety. the tdn content was comparable among the varieties, but dcp content (%) was lower in jhb-98-1 (7.98) than both jhb-146 (10.25) and jhtb-96-4 (10.18). it was concluded that berseem varieties evaluated as hay were nutritionally comparable, except lower dcp content in jhb-98-1.

Key words: Berseem variety, Hay, Nutritional quality, Sheep.