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ANFT JANUARY 2004 ISSUES 01

ABSTRACT

This paper reviews the role of and demand for food-feed-crops, that is crops that are grown to provide both grain for human food and crop residues as fodder for ruminant livestock. The paper argues that the predicted increase in demand for livestock products will coincide with shrinking common property resources and an increasing scarcity of arable land and water resulting in an increase in the importance of food-feed-crops smallholder crop- ruminant livestock systems. As a consequence, the International Crop Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics and the International Livestock Research Institute have implemented collaborative research on the genetic improvement of fodder value of food-feed-crops, with emphasis on sorghum and pearl millet, which are important crops for the rural poor. The research has demonstrated the existence of significant genetic variation for fodder quality traits and it has identified cultivars that provide superior stover quality and quantity without detriment to grain yield. Initial estimates of heritability of pertinent stover quality traits were in the order of 0.7 suggesting good opportunities for further improvement of stover quality by genetic enhancement. However, certain socio-economic conditions need to be met for large-scale uptake of new varieties and hybrids.

Key words: Sorghum, Pearl millet, Stover quality, Genetic improvement.

ABSTRACT

Six experimental diets with two energy levels (2600 and 2800 kcal ME/kg) and three protein levels (18, 20, 22% CP) were formulated. Day-old CARI Sonali male and female chicks (n=288) were divided into 12 groups of 12 chicks each (12 x 12 x 2 sexes). Each dietary treatment was allotted with four groups of chicks i.e. two groups each of male and female. Feed intake and body weight changes were recorded weekly upto 8th week of age. A metabolism trial comprising of three days collection period was conducted at 8th week of age involving all the birds. Results indicated that body weight was significantly (P<0.05) more on high-energy diet (2800 kcal me />kg) at 8th week of age. However, protein levels had significant effect throughout the developing phase. Body weight increased vis-a-vis increase in protein level from 18 to 20 per cent CP but no further increase in weight was observed by increasing protein level (22%) in the diet. Total feed intake (P<0.01) and feed conversion ratio (fcr, p<0.05) were higher in low energy diet. Body weight, feed intake and FCR were statistically similar between male and female chicks. The birds under low energy group consumed more protein per unit gain in body weight, while protein efficiency decreased linearly with decrease in protein level. Energetic efficiency did not differ either due to dietary energy or protein level. It is concluded that the optimum energy and protein requirements for CARI Sonali chicks is 2800 kcal ME /kg and 18 per cent CP with 1.0 per cent lysine and 0.38 per cent methionine for the starting phase.

Key words: Energy, Protein, Requirement, Egg-type chicken, Growth.

ABSTRACT

Cotton straw was incorporated as sole source of roughage (30%) in a complete diet and expanded into pellets. This diet was compared with a conventional ration consisting of concentrate mixture, limited quantity of green fodder and ad libitum sorghum straw. These feeds were fed individually to 12 graded Murrah buffaloes (6 in each group) for 180 days in a feeding-cum-digestion trial using completely randomized design. The dry matter (DM) consumption was higher (P<0.05) when fed expanded complete diet (15.54 kg />d) in comparison to conventional diet (14.64 kg/d). However, the DM intake/100 kg body weight was similar in both the groups and was higher than the standard recommended requirements. The buffaloes fed expanded complete diet recorded higher (P<0.01) crude protein (cp), ether extract, cell content and gross energy (p<0.05) digestibilities compared to those fed conventional ration. The digestibility of other nutrients and fibre fractions remained comparable. The digestible CP, digestible and metabolisable energy of expanded complete diet was higher (P<0.01) but total digestible nutrients were similar compared to conventional ration. The milk yield was similar in both the groups. The 4% FCM, fat % and fat yield in milk was higher (P<0.05) when fed expander pelleted diet. The DM intake /kg FCM production was 1.88 kg on complete diet and 2.41 kg on conventional diet. The expander processing increased (P<0.01) the cost of feed, however, the cost of feed/kg FCM of expanded complete diet was comparable to that of conventional ration. The results of the present study indicated that cotton straw could be fed to lactating buffaloes as roughage source.

Key words: Cotton straw, Expander processing, Buffaloes, Digestibilities, Milk

ABSTRACT

An experiment was conducted on day old broiler chicks to study the effect of inclusion of phytase in broiler diet. Day-old broiler chicks (n=80) were randomly distributed into four groups viz., group T1, T2, T3, and C consisting of twenty chicks each. Enzyme phytase was added @ 300g/ton of feed with the gradual replacement of Di-calcium phosphate (DCP) @ 2.5, 5.0 and 10 kg /ton in T1, T2 and T3 experimental groups, respectively. The experimental group C was not supplemented with phytase enzyme and di-calcium phosphate was added @ 10 kg/ton of feed. Effect of dietary phytase was assessed by weekly body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, biochemical and enzymatic analysis of serum, radiological and chemical assay (Ca, P, Cu and Zn) of bone. GOT, GPT and alkaline phosphatase in serum were also estimated to observe the effect of exogenous enzymes on vital organs. Results revealed no significant differences in terms of feed consumption, weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) among dietary treatments. Biochemical analysis of serum showed no statistical difference in the levels of Ca, P, Cu, Fe, and Zn and also in activities of GOT, GPT and alkaline phosphatase enzyme in serum among the different groups. Moist and dry weight of femur bone also did not differ significantly. Radiological study of the femur bones also did not reveal any major difference among the groups. Cost benefit analysis showed highest net income per bird in T3 where DCP was completely withdrawn.

Key words: Phytase, Growth, Bone mineralization, Blood parameters, Broiler chicken.

ABSTRACT

Twenty four crossbred (Large White Yorkshire x Desi) male pigs (20.52±0.22 kg) were divided into four equal groups and fed on diets containing sun dried guava (Psidium guajava) pomace at 0 (D1), 10 (D2), 20 (D3) and 30 (D4) per cent levels in grower (20-35 kg live weight) and finisher (35-60 kg live weight) diets. The digestibility of all the organic nutrients and cell wall constituents were significantly decreased during grower phase while in the finisher phase there was a significant (P<0.05) increase in the digestibility of dm, ndf and hemi-cellulose. the cp digestibility was significantly decreased during both the phases. the n-retention (g />d) was not significantly affected during both the phases of feeding. There was a non-significant decrease in the average daily gain (ADG) while the feed/kg gain was significantly (P<0.05) increased during grower phase. during the finisher phase, significantly (p<0.01) higher ADG was observed in pigs fed on D3 (371g) or D4 (375g) than those fed on D1 (316g) or D2 (323g) while the feed/kg gain was 5.92, 5.76, 5.58 and 6.11 for diets D1 to D4, respectively and the differences were not significantly different. For the overall growth phase, the pigs fed on D3 and D4 had taken fewer (P<0.01) number of days with significantly higher (P<0.01) ADG than those fed on D1 or D2. The cost of feed (Rs./kg) gain was 31.84, 31.43, 30.75 and 32.69 for diets D1 to D4, respectively and was not significantly different. There were no significant differences among the treatments in the carcass characteristics. It is concluded that inclusion of sun dried guava pomace up to 30 per cent in diets of crossbred pigs had not significantly affected the growth performance and the carcass characteristics.

Key words: Crossbred pigs, Guava pomace, Growth, Nutrient utilization, Carcass traits.

ABSTRACT

The efficiency of jowar (Sorghum vulgare), bajra (Pennisetum typhoides) and unground-ragi (Eleusine coracana) as individual sources of energy in lieu of yellow maize on w/w basis was evaluated in broiler diets. The three test cereals-based diets were fed either as such or supplemented with a multi-enzyme mix containing amylase, protease, cellulase, lipase and phytase, forming a total of seven treatment groups, one for the control and two treatments each for bajra, jowar and ragi, with and without enzyme. A total of 168 commercial broiler chicks were fed the diets from one to five weeks of age. Performance of broilers fed bajra and jowar in terms of body weight (1193 and 1164 g), feed efficiency (2.26 and 2.26) and dry matter metabolizability (63.3 and 66.0%) was similar to maize (1217 g, 2.09 and 65.5%, respectively), irrespective of differences in energy levels. Ragi adversely affected body weight (1054g) and feed efficiency (2.47). Slaughter yields were similar in all the groups but weight of abdominal fat was significantly (P<0.05) more in jowar group (1.57 vs 0.77% in control). weights of gizzard (p<0.01) and giblets and length of small intestine (P<0.05) were significantly more in ragi. The results indicate the utility of bajra and jowar as effective alternatives to maize, while ragi in whole form was not suitable for inclusion in broiler diets.

Key words: Jowar, Bajra, Ragi, Broiler chicken, Diets.

ABSTRACT

Solid Substrate Fermentation (SSF) of sugarcane bagasse was carried out for 7 days at 65 per cent moisture, with and without Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Pleurotus ostreatus and Coprinus fimetarius (3-5%) in combination with Azospirillum brasilense and Azotobacter chroococcum (3-5%). Maximum dry matter loss (3.44%) was observed with C. fimetarius and A. chroococcum. The digestibility and CP content of bagasse after inoculation with P. ostreatus and A. brasilense were in the range of 44.42 to 46.67 and 4.31 to 4.58 per cent, respectively. The lowering of ADL from 11.84 to 11.02 per cent affected biodegradation taking place during SSF. The maximum process efficiency (2.10%) was due to the synergistic growth of P. ostreatus and A. chroococcum.

Key words: Solid state fermentation, Bagasse, Fungal cultures, N-fixing bacteria.

ABSTRACT

Twenty one non-pregnant buffalo heifers (3-4 yrs) showing anestrus were taken from the institute's herd and given high plane (120%) of nutrition (Kearl, 1982) and mineral mixture (3% including common salt) in their concentrate mixture. Blood samples from these animals were collected before the start of experiment (0 day), then at 30 and 60 days and the serum samples were analysed for calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), besides thyroid hormones viz. triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4). Calcium content of the samples showed little variation with the dietary treatment and ranged between 7.31 to 7.76 mg/dl. Phosphorus content improved significantly (P<0.05) over the period and the levels were 4.65±0.33, 5.35±0.23 and 5.26±0.17 mg />dl, at 0, 30 and 60 days, respectively. intervals. Zn content also improved significantly (P<0.05) over the period and were 0.58±0.08, 1.08±.02 and 1.34±0.04 µg />ml respectively. Cu was not influenced with the dietary treatment and ranged between 0.69 to 0.74 ug/ml. Serum T3 and T4 levels in the samples were 1.09±0.25, 1.90±0.50, 2.09±0.25 ng/ml and 24.70±3.7, 20.27±1.5, 19.92±3.4 ng/ml at 0, 30 and 60 days, respectively. Eighteen out of 21 heifers came into heat and became pregnant within first 3 months of the start of this dietary treatment. It is thus inferred that high plane of nutrition with proper mineral supplementation can bring majority of the anestrous buffaloes into estrous.

Key words: Buffaloes, Mineral supplementation, Blood, Thyroid hormones, Fertility.

ABSTRACT

A study was undertaken to evaluate the feeding management of dogs by the dog owners in Central Kerala. Most of the dog owners fed their dogs with special home cooked, non-vegetarian food twice daily. Only 12 per cent of the respondents got advice from a veterinarian regarding the feeding practices to be followed for their dog. Between three and six months of age, the dogs were fed for the first time with rice and meat. Fully cooked meat, fish, egg, rice, vegetables and milk were fed to most of the dogs. Only one-third of the dogs were fed with vitamin and mineral supplements. About 55 per cent of the dog owners provided bones to their dogs. Nearly 50 per cent of the respondents added common salt to their dog's diet. Majority of the dog owners opined that it is essential to feed milk and meat daily to an adult dog. The study brought out that mostly pets are fed as per the convenience of owners. Hence, there is enough scope for creating awareness regarding scientific feeding practices.

Key words: Dog, Feeding, Management, Nutrition.

ABSTRACT

The present study was conducted to find out the detoxification ability of commonly available adsorbents like sodium bentonite (NaB) and activated charcoal (AC) against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in post-ruminant goat kids based on exerted effect on blood parameters. Twenty-four male goats (11.91±0.36 kg) were randomly divided into six treatment groups on body weight basis after adapting them on a basal ration consisting of concentrate mixture (maize grain, 25%; barley grain, 27%; groundnut cake (expeller), 10%; mustard cake 10%; wheat bran, 25%; mineral mixture, 2%; salt, 1%) and green maize fodder. The treatment groups were T1 (Basal ration), T4 (T1 + AFB1 @ 300 ppb), T2 (concentrate mixture supplemented with NaB @ 2 kg per 100 Kg), T5 (T2 + AFB1 @ 300 ppb), T3 (concentrate mixture supplemented with activated charcoal (AC) @ 2 kg per 100 Kg), T6 (T3 + AFB1 @ 300 ppb). The serum protein, albumin and globulin values (g/100ml) were found to be similar (P>0.05) between T1 and T4; T2 and T5; T3 and T6 indicating the dose level of 300 ppb did not cause severe liver damage. Serum urea concentration was significantly (P<0.05) declined at 2 months after the experiment in afb1 fed kids (t4) compared to its control. nab has got protective effect on serum urea concentration at the end of the experiment whereas ac has got protective effect throughout the experiment. non-significant (p>0.05) elevation of serum GOT (units/ml) at one month after the experiment in case of T4 (81.73±8.81) and T5 (80.31±12.81) was observed compared to their respective controls. However, the elevation was not conspicuous in T6 (64.26±3.81) at one month after the experiment indicating the detoxification ability of AC. Alkaline phosphates values have been significantly lowered (P<0.05) in t6 from the initial values indicating detoxification ability of ac against afb1 compared to nab supplemented group. it may be concluded from the results that ac had exerted complete detoxification effect whereas nab had exerted partial effect based on studied blood parameters.

Key words: Activated charcoal, Aflatoxin B1, Bentonite, Goats.

ABSTRACT

Macro minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and sodium) and micro minerals (copper, manganese, zinc and iron) status of some temperate forage silages were studied. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) silage, the major forage source in temperate region, was inadequate in Mg (0.12 %), Cu (4.71 ppm) and Zn (14.02 ppm). Whereas, alternative forage silages (kale- Brassica oleracea, lotus- Lotus conrniculatus, sainfoin- Onobrychis viciifolia, lucerne- Medicago sativa and red clover- Trifolium pratense) were good source of macro and micro minerals except copper and zinc which were below the critical levels of 8 and 30 ppm, respectively suggested for beef and lactating dairy cows. It is concluded that alternative forages are better in terms of macro and micro minerals as compared to native perennial ryegrass silage. However, certain minerals like magnesium, copper and zinc needs to be supplemented in the diet of beef and dairy cows.

Key words: Temperate forage, Silages, Macro and micro minerals, Beef cows

ANFT JULY 2004 ISSUES 02

ABSTRACT

An experiment was conducted to study the performance of broiler chicks (2 to 35 d of age) fed diets containing pearl millet (PM, Pennisetum typhoids), totally replacing (w/w) yellow maize (YM) with and without supplementing non-starch polysaccharide (NSP), hydrolyzing enzymes @ 0.5g/kg diet. Enzymes preparation contained amylase 2,400 units hemi-cellulase 5,400 units, cellulase 12,000 units, protease and beta-glucanase 106units/g. Each diet was fed to ten replicates (five female Vencob broilers/replicate) housed in stainless steel battery brooders. The estimated metabolizable energy (ME) contents o FYM and PM were 3494 and 3439 kcal/kg, respectively. Replacement of YM with PM did not influence the body weight gain, feed efficiency, ready to cook yield, relative weights of giblet, liver, abdominal fat, intestine and spleen, and length of intestine. The relative weight of gizzard decreased. Antibody titers against SRBC at 10-post inoculation increased in broiler fed PM based diet compared to YM fed birds. Total and LDL cholesterol concentration decreased in serum, while protein content in liver and breast muscle increased on PM based diets compared to those fed YM. The growth, feed efficiency, carcass variables, immunological traits, triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol in serum were not affected by supplementing NSP hydrolyzing enzymes to YM or PM based diets LDL-cholesterol in YM and PM fed birds, total cholesterol in YM fed broiler decreased, while protein content in breast muscle increased with incorporation of enzymes in diets based on both energy sources. Based on the results, it is concluded that maize can be replaced in toto with pearl millet on weight basis without affecting weight gain, feed efficiency and carcass yields. Further, replacing maize with pearl millet resulted in improvement in immunological traits, reduction in LDL and total cholesterol in serum, and increased protein accretion in tissue of broilers. Though supplementing NSP hydrolyzing enzymes failed to influence growth and feed efficiency, the LDL and total cholesterol concentrations in serum decreased, while protein concentration in liver and breast muscle increased with enzyme supplementation.

Key words: Pearl millet, Maize, Broiler chicks, Enzymes.

ABSTRACT

Twenty-six non-descript lactating buffaloes from 21 farm families were equally divided into two groups. The lactating buffaloes were fed a basal diet of wheat straw ad libitum and supplemented with either wheat bran (WBC) or rice polish (RPC) supplement on iso-nitrogenous basis for 4 months duration. The amount of supplement was decided on the basis of milk-yield. The dry-matter intake (% BW or g/kg W0.75) of lactating buffaloes from straw or concentrate moiety did not differ significantly irrespective of dietary supplements. The digestibility coefficient of DM, OM< CP, EE, NDF, ADF were also comparable,. Similarly, the nutrient composition and intake of composite diet in term of DCP, TDN and ME did not differ significantly. Milk yield and composition, monitored at fortnightly intervals, was found comparable irrespective of dietary supplement The cost-benefit analysis of substitution effect of rice polish revealed that the cost of concentrate for lactating buffaloes could be reduced significantly if wheat bran is completely replaced by rice polish

Key words: Lactating buffaloes, Nutrient Utilization, Rice-polish, Supplementation

ABSTRACT

An experiment on nutrient retention and immune competence in broiler chickens was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary incorporation of raw and /or processed karanj (Pongamia glabra) cake such as solvent extracted karanj cake (SKC), 1.5% NaOH treated by partially replacing soybean meal nitrogen of reference diet at 12.5, 25 and 50 percent, respectively. Thus, a total of 13 different isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets were formulated and fed ad libitum throughout the experimental period. After 42 days of experimental feeding, a balance study of four days duration was conducted on all birds to determine the nutrient retention. Immune response of broiler chickens was assessed by measuring phagocytic index (PI, 28d), cutaneous basophilic hypersensitivity (CBH) response to PHA-P (35d) and humoral immune response (HIR) to sheep red blood cells (42d) On 43d post feeding, four birds from each dietary group were sacrificed and the weights of lymphoid organs were recorded. The intake of DM, N, GE, Ca and P decreased with increase in the levels of both treated and untreated karanj cake in the diet No difference could, however, be found n the percent retention of all the nutrients Neither the PI nor the CBH response to PHA-P differed significantly due to incorporation of raw and processed karanj cake replacing soybean meal nitrogen up to 50% of reference diet However, the HIR was significantly (P<0.05) lower in the chicks fed diet replacing soybean protein with that of naoh treated ekc at 50 percent level as compared to that in reference diet the percent live weight of spleen, bursa and thymus were similar in al the dietary groups at six weeks of age the percent live weight of pancreas was significantly (p<0.05) higher in the chicks fed diet incorporated with NaOH EKC replacing soybean meal nitrogen at 50 percent level of reference diet It is concluded that, soybean meal protein can thus be replaced with NaOH and Ca(OH)2 treated SKC at 12.5 percent level, without adversely affecting nutrient intake and retention and immune competence in broiler chickens.

Key words: Karanj cake, Nutrient retention, Immune competence, Broiler chickens.

ABSTRACT

Hisardale male lambs (n=24, 4-5 month of age) were maintained on a conventional ration for a month to equilibrate the body mineral status. Six lambs were sacrificed after one month of feeding, the samples of organs were analyzed to ascertain mineral status. The remaining 18 lambs were divided into 3 groups of 6 each on body weight basis. Three dietary treatments containing 100 (T1), 110 (T2) and 120% (T3) of limiting minerals (Ca, P, S, Zn, and Mn) as specified by NRC (1985) were formulated and each treatment was allotted ad libitum to a group for 120 days. Blood and wool samples were collected and analyzed for different minerals at monthly intervals. The effective intake of minerals was Ca, 111 and 120, P, 110 and 122; S, 112 and 129; Zn, 112 and 126 and Mn, 109 and 124 per cent in T2 and T3, respectively, in comparison to T1 (100%). The concentrations of Ca, P and Fe in serum were higher (P<0.01) in lambs from dietary treatments t2 and t3 than t1. on the other hand, s in serum increased with its increasing dietary level and was statistically higher (p<0.01) in T3 as compared to T1 and T2. Although the Ca and Mn contents in wool increased significantly (P<0.01) in the lambs fed higher levels of minerals but there was an increase in P content in the wool of T2 only. However, different levels of minerals did not affect the contents of S, Zn, Cu and Fe. The dietary intake of P or S was significantly (P<0.01) correlated with their respective concentrations in serum. A positive correlation (P<0.05) also existed between dietary intake and concentration of serum Mn in lambs. Other elements did not show any significant correlation. Similarly, when intake was correlated with mineral contents of wool, significant correlations (P<0.01) were achieved only for S and Mn. The concentration of serum Ca, P and Mn correlated positively (P<0.01) with their respective contents in wool, while the concentration of S in serum was negatively correlated, (r=-0.36). The concentrations of Ca, P, S and Mn in serum and wool were highly significant. Thus, Ca, P, S and Mn concentrations of the serum can be judged by estimating these minerals in wool. Moreover, dietary intake of S and Mn could also be predicted from their concentration in wool.

Key words: Lamb, Minerals, Serum, Wool.

ABSTRACT

The efficacy of incorporating a mixture of terrestrial plant based materials in the diet as feed attractant was assessed in terms of feed intake, nutrient utilization and growth of rohu (Labeo rohita) fry. The identified attractants included Trigonella forenum graceum L., Myristic fragrans Houtt, Piper betel L., Psoralea corylifolia L. and Campheria sp. In a proportion of 25, 15, 15, 20 and 25 percent, respectively, and incorporated in the basal diet at one per cent level. The amino acid profile of the attractant mixture revealed that it is rich source of glutmatic acid, aspartic acid, and leucine. Triplicate groups of rohu (~1g) were fed on a standard basal diet with and without attractant. The weight gain, protein efficiency ratio, temperature growth coefficient, and daily growth coefficient were significantly (P<0.01) higher in attractant supplemented feed than the control. the carcass tissue composition of rohu fry did not differ significantly between attractant-supplemented feed and non-supplemented control. it may be concluded that a diet supplemented with natural plant based attractants resulted in better growth performance of rohu fry under the given condition.

Key words: Attractant, Amino acid, Labeo rohita, Growth, Carcass composition.

ABSTRACT

Day-old broiler chicks (n=240) were distributed into 24 groups of 10 each. Eight dietary treatments were designed, incorporating solvent extracted rapeseed meal (RSM) at 0, 5, 10 and 15% level, replacing soybean meal in diets based on maize alone or 50% of maize replaced with whole pearl millet at fixed calorie-protein ration. Separate diets were formulated for 0-4 weeks starting and 47 weeks finishing periods. Each dietary treatment was offered to three groups of birds. The feed intake and body weight gains were recorded weekly. A metabolism trial was conducted at 6th weeks of age At the end of the trial, eight birds were randomly selected and sacrificed to evaluate carcass traits The results indicated no significant differenced in weight gain, feed intake of FCR between treatments. However, the combination of rapeseed meal with maize and pearl millet was better than maize alone. The dry matter and energy metabolizability and nitrogen retention were similar in all the treatments. The carcass, organ yield and cut up parts though differed significantly among dietary treatments, higher heart yield Incorporation of 15% RSM in maize-based diet or 10 or 15% RSM in that solvent extracted rapeseed meal (RSM) could safely be included up to 15%, replacing part of the soybean meal in maize or maize-pearl millet based broiler chicken diet.

Key words: Broilers, Rapeseed meal, Pearl millet, Growth performance, Carcass traits.

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted in Ngongogeri Farm of Egerton University to find out effects of Pyrethrum Marc (PM) substituting graded proportion of nitrogen provided by fish meal (FM) in a compound ration, in terms of intake, digestibility and milk yield and composition. Twenty-five lactating Friesian dairy cows grazing on a Rhodes grass pasture (basal diet) were randomly allocated to five treatment diets and supplemented with five different compounded concentrates replacing (control, RT!), 25 (RT2), 75 (RT4) and 100(RT5) percent of the FM nitrogen. Lactation days were used as covariant in the analysis of data using GLM procedure of SAS computer package Supplementation with treatment diets, done @ 2.0 kg/day, did not affect significantly (P is greater than 0.05) the intake and digestibility of DM and OM Daily milk yield and its protein content differed (P is greater than 0.05) among the dietary groups, and ranged from 12.27 to 10.00 kg/d for milk yield and 3.26 to 3.02% for milk protein content in RT1 to RT5, respectively The responses were attributed to the change in the quality and quantity of amino acids absorbed in the small intestines However, there was no effect of replacement o lactose and butter fat content of the milk It was concluded that Pymarc could be used effectively by replacing 25 per cent nitrogen of FM in a compounded dairy ration.

Key words: Pymarc, Fish meal, Dairy cows, Milk yield, Milk composition.

ABSTRACT

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the carcass quality and utilization of calcium and phosphorus in broiler chicks fed diet with graded levels viz., 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50 and 0.55 per cent of available phosphorus from 0-46 d of age. Results indicated that the carcass quality traits (pre-slaughter live weight, percent shrinkage loss due to fasting, dressing yield, evisceration yield, gizzard, heart and liver) did not differ significantly due to different levels of dietary P. Excreta moisture and calcium retention variables also did not vary significantly due to different phosphorus levels. Significant (P<0.05) linear increase in intake and excretion of phosphorus was noticed when phosphorus levels were increased in diet from 0.20 to 0.40 percent. however, no significant effect was evident in terms of retained phosphorus and percent retention of phosphorus due to different phosphorus levels in the diet. results of the present study suggest that 0.30 percent available phosphorus in the diet is adequate for optimum carcass quality characteristics and utilization of calcium and phosphorus in broiler chicks.

Key words: Phosphorus, Broilers, Carcass traits, Calcium.

ABSTRACT

A 82-day lactation trial was conducted on 20 multiparous crossbred milch cows arranged in a 2x2 factorial design. The animal were dived equally into 4 groups and were offered either berseem (Trifolium alexandrium) or oat (Avena sativa) hay based rations fed either by conventional feeding system or as total mixed ration (TMR). The experimental protocol involved a digestion trial at the end of the feeding period followed by blood profile assessment besides a parallel rumen fermentation study using eight crossbred male calves. The results revealed that the digestibility of organic matter and neutral detergent fibre was significantly (P<0.05) higher when the diet was fed as tmr as compared to conventional feeding system. except for the blood urea, other blood parameters were not influenced by the method of feeding. feeding of animals either by conventional feeding system or as tmr irrespective of the roughage source did no have significant impact on milk yield or its composition. the results revealed that feeding system did not have any significant impact either on milk production or on its composition. both berseem hay as well as oat hay based complete feeds (tmr) could sustain 15-16 kg of milk production per day.

Key words: Total mixed ration, Milk production, Rumen, Blood profile, Nutrient utilization, Crossbred cows.

ABSTRACT

Detoxification of feed aflatoxins by physico-chemical and biological methods are found ineffective and unsafe. However, clay and zeolite materials have been found effective and safe in diminishing the effect of aflatoxin in chickens. Hydrated Sodium bentonite (aluminosilicate) was included in the diet of chicken containing 1.0 and 2.0 ppm aflatoxins. The effect of various levels of hydrated sodium bentonite on nutrient utilization in the diet of chickens containing aflatoxin was determined. In diets containing 1.0 and 2.0 ppm aflatoxin, the respective mean metabolizable energy utilization (85.12 and 79.04%), protein retention (79.83 and 74.74%), calcium retention (67.92 and 63.09%) and phosphorus retention (74.90 and 68.50%) were significantly lower than control but dietary incorporation of 0.15 and 0.3 per cent hydrated Sodium bentonite significantly improved the nutrients utilization.

Key words: Aflatoxin, Hydrated sodium bentonite, Nutrient utilization.

ABSTRACT

An experiment on nine crossbred heifers (average age ~ 12 months; BW 63 kg) divided into three groups was conducted to determine the effect of feeding gliricidia leaves on nutrient utilization and growth performance. The group T1 was fed with green maize fodder and cottonseed whereas, in T2 and T3 25 to 100 percent CP of green maize fodder was replaced by gliricidia leaves and fed along with cottonseed. All experimental groups were fed lib jowar straw as basal feed. The mean CP (17.85 + 2.85%) contents of gliricidia leaves was and higher compared to green maize. The daily DMI was significantly (P<0.01) higher (3.43 + 0.18 kg) in group t2 as compared to t3 (2.88 + 0.25 kg). although the digestibility coefficient showed non-significant variation among the treatments, the values for dm (62.85 + 1.82%), cp (63.37 + 2.88%), cf (58.86 + 0.90%) and nfe (72.34 + 1.36) were higher in t1 than t2 and t3. the digestibility coefficient of ee (61.63 2.61%) was however, higher in t2 there was significantly (p<0.05) lower intake of DCP in group T2 (26.93%) and T3 (29.62%) than T1 The TDN intake (P<0.01) was higher by 28.18 percent in group T2 and was lower by 15.16 percent in T3 as compared to T1. It was observed that the gliricidia leaves may replace 25 percent CP of conventional proteins in the diet of crossbred heifers.

Key words: Crossbred heifers, Gliricidia leaves, Growth performance.