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ANFT JANUARY 2005 ISSUES 01

ABSTRACT

Status of livestock and feed resources of Malnad region of Karnataka state of India comprising the districts of Chickmagalur, Hassan, Kodagu and Shimoga was assessed based on the secondary data of land utilization pattern, crop production and livestock census. The region, accounting for 15 per cent of the state’s geographical area, had 1.9 million cattle, 0.7 million buffaloes, 0.2 million sheep, 0.2 million goats and 0.7 million improved poultry. Goats and sheep population declined by 24 and 14 per cent, respectively, over the 1990 census while improved poultry population registered a 132 per cent increase. The region had a total dry matter availability of 4.2 million tonnes comprising chiefly of crop residues (65%) and green forages (30%). The potential dry matter availability of 6.78 kg per Ruminant Livestock Unit per day for the region was hardly sufficient to meet the dry matter requirement. Within the region the districts of Shimoga and Chickamagalur had adequate dry matter availability quantitatively (>7kg/day) while the dry matter availability in the districts of Kodagu and Hassan was inadequate. A two pronged approach of change in the cropping pattern and a reduction in the cattle population with low production potential would improve the overall feeding situation in the region.

Key words: Dry matter availability, Feed resources, Livestock, Karnataka

ABSTRACT

Feeding trial using bypass protein supplement was conducted on 16 low yielding crossbred (Holstein-Friesian X Jersey) cows for 8 weeks. Cows yielding 4-5 kg milk per animal per day 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 basal diet, comprising of 9.0 kg green maize fodder and 5.0 kg paddy straw. In addition to the basal ration, animals in the two groups were fed 1.0 kg each of either untreated (Control) or formaldehyde treated (Experimented) rapeseed meal (Brassica campestris). The degree of protein protection in treated rapeseed meal was 76.5 per cent of CP compared to an equivalent value of 36.3 per cent in the untreated meal. Average increase in milk yield; fat, FCM and protein content in experimental group, over control, was 0.70 kg; 0.20, 1.0 and 0.20 per cent, respectively. Increase in milk yield in experimental group compared to control group was significantly (P<0.05) higher. however, no significant effect was observed on the level of fat, fcm and protein percent in milk. average net daily income increased by rs.6.49 on feeding protected rapeseed meal. it is concluded that supplementation of 1.0 kg protected protein in the form of formaldehyde treated rapeseed meal in the ration of low yielding cows was found to be economical, compared to feeding similar quantity of untreated protein meal.

Key words: Bypass protein, Rapeseed meal, Milk yield, Cows.

ABSTRACT

A study was carried out to assess macro and micro-minerals status of dairy animals in semi arid zone (Udaipur district) of Rajasthan, by analyzing feed and fodder samples. The average Ca content in straws (0.45%) was higher, whereas, concentrate ingredients were particularly low in Ca (0.23%), except sesame cake. The P content in crop residues (0.10%) and green fodders (0.30%) was lower in comparison to concentrate ingredients (0.57%). The Mg content of feeds and fodder was adequate (0.29%) to meet the requirement of animals (0.20%). The Na content was lower in concentrate ingredients (0.02%) and dry fodder (0.088%) than in green fodder (0.53%). The area under survey was found to be rich in K content (1.41%). The S content was adequate in concentrate ingredients (0.28%), whereas, crop residues were deficient in S (0.12%). Cobalt was occasionally deficient in the diet of animals, however, Fe level in most of the feed ingredients was adequate (average level>350 ppm). Manganese was deficient in concentrate ingredients (29.90 ppm) compared to crop residues and green forages (58.0 ppm). The average Cu content was low in straws (5.92 ppm) and moderate in green fodders (11.65 ppm), whereas, concentrate ingredients were better source of Cu (19.80 ppm), except grains. Molybdenum content in feeds was within safe limit (average level<0.77 ppm) exhibiting a cu:mo ratio wider than 5.0. selenium content in most of the feeds and fodder samples was adequate (0.40ppm). zinc was acutely deficient in most of the feedstuffs (average level<34.0 ppm). From the present study, it was apparent that the levels of certain minerals such as Ca, P, Na, S, Zn, Cu, Mn and Co were inadequate and much below the requirement of a buffalo yielding 8 kg milk (7% fat) per day.

Key words: Buffaloes, Major elements, Trace elements, Semi arid zone.

ABSTRACT

Sixteen complete diets were formulated using sunflower heads (SFH) as sole roughage source or in combinations with sorghum straw (SS), sugarcane bagasse (SB) and maize cobs (MC) in four roughage concentrate ratio of 20:80, 30:70, 40:60 and 60:40. The crude protein (CP) in the diets containing up to 40% roughage was similar among all the diets (15.48 to 17.49%) except for lower (P<0.01) cp in diet containing 20% mc and 20% sfh (14.74%). the cp content reduced as the roughage content in diets increased beyond 40%. the ash content in diets was higher (p<0.05) when SFH was present as sole roughage. Incorporation of SB increased (P<0.01) the fibre content in diets, while it was reduced when SFH was present as sole roughage. Such differences in fibre content with regard to source of roughage disappeared at higher roughage (60%) concentration. The neutral detergent and acid detergent fibre content were similar among all the diets. The in vitro organic matter (IVOMD) and neutral detergent fibre (IVNDFD) digestibilities ranged from 50.40 to 69.49% and 11.84 to 52.35%, respectively. The roughage source was not affecting the IVOMD in diets containing either 20, 30 or 40% roughage, but at higher roughage concentration (60%) the IVOMD was higher in diets containing 50% SFH or 40% SFH in combination with MC. The IVNDFD lowered (P<0.01) as the SS or SB increased in diets beyond 10%, but such effect was not observed when SFH was present as sole roughage (20-40%) or at 50% level along with 10% SS. Similarly, the effective DM degradability (EDMD) was higher (P<0.01) when SFH was present as sole roughage source (69.04%) compared to other dietary combinations. The EDMD% was highest (P<0.05) for diet containing 50% SFH (69.70%) followed by diets with 40% SFH as sole roughage (69.04%). From the results it can be inferred that SFH can be incorporated in complete diets either as sole roughage source at 40% level or at 50% level in combination with 10% sorghum straw.

Key words: Intensive system, Lambs, Supplementation, Semi-intensive, Leaf meal.

ABSTRACT

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementation of Carribean stylo (Stylosanthes hamata) hay and Subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) leaf meal to buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) hay based diet on intake, digestibility and utilization of nutrients in sheep. Fifteen adult Jalauni sheep (29.15 ± 1.05 kg), divided into three groups of five each were fed on either buffel grass hay (T1) or buffel grass and stylo hay (50:50; T2) or buffel grass, stylo hay and subabul leaf meal (40:40:20; T3) ad libitum for a period of 30 days. The chemical composition of the composite diets in terms of CP, EE, Ca and P content were higher for T2 and T3 diets than T1 diet. Supplementation of different levels of legume hay and leaf meal to grass-based diets increased DCP and TDN intake as well as digestibility of DM, OM, CP, NDF and ADF. Significantly higher (P<0.01) n and ca retention was also recorded in t2 and t3 diets than in t1 diet. the results indicated that supplementation of stylo hay and subabul leaf meal to buffel grass hay-based diet improved the nutrient utilization in sheep.

Key words: Legume hay, Leaf meal, Supplemenation, Nutrient utilization, Sheep

ABSTRACT

The percent dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, total ash, nitrogen free extract and acid insoluble ash of dried tomato pomace (DTP) were 89.56, 90.99, 22.39, 12.23, 40.1, 9.01, 16.27 and 3.63, respectively. The calcium and phosphorus content of the DTP was 0.56% and 0.48%, respectively. The tannin content of DTP was 2.09%. The percent neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, hemicellulose, cellulose, permanganate lignin and silica content of DTP were 66.5, 60.0, 6.5, 43.38, 13.1 and 3.52, respectively. The starch and soluble sugars content of DTP were estimated as 10.17% and 1.02%, respectively. Metabolizable energy content of DTP was calculated as 2172 kcal/kg. The true metabolizable energy content of DTP as estimated using adult cockerels was 2193 kcal/kg and the apparent metabolizable energy content was 2080 kcal/kg. The N utilization of DTP was 56.64%. The high protein and ME content of the DTP revealed that tomato pomace can be a potential feed ingredient for poultry.

Key words: Tomato pomace, Metabolizable energy, Nitrogen utilization, Cockerels.

ABSTRACT

Four isonitrogenous complete rations were formulated with stylo (Stylosanthus hemata; CR-1), horse gram (Dolichos biflorus; CR-2), cowpea (Vigna sinensis; CR-3) and sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea; CR-4) hays each at 70 percent level to compare their inclusion by using 6 lambs (3 months; average body weight 14 kg) for each diet. During the feeding trial of 91 days higher (P<0.01) adg was observed with horse gram hay based complete ration (cr-2). daily dm intake (g />d or g/kg W0.75/d) was significantly higher (P<0.05) with rations containing stylosanthus as well as cowpea hay, where as higher feed efficiency was observed with ration containing horse gram hay compared to others. a metabolism trial conducted at the end of feeding trial revealed apparently higher digestibility coefficients of cp and ee accompanying higher (p<0.05) N retention (g/d) upon feeding of complete ration containing horse gram hay. Based on the present investigation it can be concluded that among the rations evaluated the complete ration containing horse gram hay at 70% level was considered to be superior for sheep.

Key words: Complete rations, Legume hays, Sheep, Growth, Nutrient utilization.

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to determine the composition, in vitro OM digestibility and ricin content of the commercially available castor cake and to evolve simple processing methods to increase the nutritive value of the cake. The crude protein content in the differently processed castor cakes ranged from 29 to 35 % suggesting that they are good protein supplements. However crude fiber levels in all the samples were high (39-46%) and this resulted in low in-vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD<49%). the fiber fractions revealed that all the samples had high acid detergent lignin (adl>35%) and this also could have contributed to the low IVOMD. The concentration of ricin in all the cakes ranged from 0.02% to 0.06%. Such lower levels could be attributed to the heat labile nature of the ricin as considerable amount of ricin gets destroyed during the extraction of the oil. Dehulling of the whole seeds or grinding of castor cake followed by sieving improved the quality of cake by reducing the fiber and ADL levels and increased protein content. Improvement in the quality of the cake was reflected in higher IVOMD values (>70%). The available castor cake can be graded as poor for livestock feeding in spite of the high protein content due to higher fiber levels, which adversely affects the utilization of the cake. By adopting simple processing techniques like dehulling or grinding and sieving, it is possible to reduce the fiber and lignin levels and increase the protein content of castor cake. Detoxifide cake would be a better protein supplement for the livestock would be more profitable to the endusers.

Key words: Castor cake, Ricin, Digestibility, Quality.

ABSTRACT

Wheat straw was supplemented with graded levels of cobalt from three sources, namely cobaltous chloride, cobaltous sulphate and cobalt acetate to study the effect on in vitro gas production parameters by Hohenheim gas test (HFT). The 24 hr gas production was not significantly affected by supplementation of cobalt as cobaltous chloride or cobaltous sulphate supplementation caused general decrease in gas volume. True substrate degradability of wheat straw in terms of DM and NDF significantly improved up to 6 ppm of cobalt as cobaltous chloride where as similar picture was not evident with cobalt as cobaltous sulphate or cobalt acetate. In vitro microbial biomass production increased when cobalt was supplemented as cobaltous chloride up to 6 ppm, while no such effect was evident from other two sources. Neither level nor source of cobalt supplementation affected the partition factor or ME content of wheat straw significantly in the present study. The results indicate that supplementation of wheat straw with cobaltous chloride up to 6 ppm appears to be effective as a divalent cation in enhancing microbial attachment to fibre particles, there by increasing the in vitro substrate degradability and microbial growth.

Key words: Cobalt, Wheat straw, In vitro gas production.

ABSTRACT

The effects of supplemental vitamin E and selenium fed through diet during various age periods on the growth performance and meat stability of broiler chicken were studied. Two separate basal diets for starting (0-3 wks) and finishing (4-7 wks) phases were formulated. To these basal diets, vitamin E (as ?-tocopherol acetate) and inorganic selenium (as sodium selenite) were added @ 225 IU and 0.5 mg per kg of diet, respectively during various age periods. Four dietary schedules (treatments) were adopted as per the following feeding regimen: (D1)-basal diet without supplemental vitamin E and selenium fed during 0-7 weeks of age (control), (D2)-basal diet supplemented with 225 IU vitamin E and 0.5 mg Se per kg of diet fed continuously during 0-7 weeks of age, (D3)-basal diet supplemented with 225 IU vitamin E and 0.5 mg Se per kg of diet fed during 0-3 weeks of age and unsupplemented basal diet fed during 4-7 weeks of age, and (D4)-unsupplemented basal diet fed during 0-3 weeks of age and basal diet supplemented with 225 IU vitamin E and 0.5 mg Se per kg diet fed during 4-7 weeks of age. Each of the four dietary regimens were offered ad libitum to four replicated groups of 10 chick. The growth performance of broilers during starting (0-3 wks), finishing (4-7 wks) and overall (0-7 wks) phases of growth did not differ significantly (P>0.05) by dietary treatments. Significantly (P<0.01) higher tba values were observed in the stored meat samples on the unsupplemented (control) group in comparison to the three treatment groups. upon 2 and 3 months storage, the stability of meat samples also deteriorated (p<0.01) in diet 3 wherein vitamin E/Se was added in diet during starting phase (0-3 wks of age) only. Similarly, drip loss was also significantly (P<0.01) higher in control diet than other diets. Sensory attributes done up to 2 months storage also showed deterioration in quality of meat of control diet than the other diets. It is concluded that supplementation of 225 IU vitamin E and 0.5 mg inorganic selenium per kg in diet of broiler chicken fed during 4-7 weeks of age before slaughter is sufficient for optimum meat stability.

Key words: Performance, Meat stability, Broilers, Vitamin E, Selenium.

ABSTRACT

Crossbred pregnant cows (18) in their late lactation were divided into three equal groups and fed as per standard feeding practices. Cows of groups I, II and III were supplemented with 0, 1000 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate and 1000 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate plus 300 mg ß-carotene, respectively from 45 d prepartum to 120 d postpartum. Lymphocyte proliferation assay for evaluating the cell-mediated immunity (CMI) was carried at one week prepartum, calving and one week postpartum. Incidence of sub-clinical mastitis (SCM) was assessed before drying off and fortnightly during 120 d postpartum. Plasma alpha-tocopherol and retinol levels decreased significantly at calving in all the groups, but the decrease was less in cows of groups II and III as compared to group I. However, group II and III cows returned to normal levels earlier than control cows. Percent decrease in CMI was 47.9, 31.9 and 31.5 at parturition which increased by 41.2, 85.5 and 37.4% during postpartum period in the three groups respectively. Maximum increase in CMI after parturition was observed in vitamin E supplemented group II. The incidence of SCM before drying off was observed with percentage of infected teats as 36, 50 and 36 in the three groups, respectively. Within one week of parturition, percentage of infected teats was 52, 8 and 9 in groups I, II and III, respectively. The increase in the percent infected quarters at parturition in group I indicated the development of new infections besides persistence of previous infections during drying off period. Percent teat infection averaged 26.51, 20.41 and 12.49 in the three groups, respectively. The incidence of clinical mastitis within one week of parturition decreased by 66.6% in groups II and III. The results highligh the beneficial effects of supplementing vitamin E and ß-carotene on mastitis in periparturient cows.

Key words: Vitamin E, ß-carotene, Mastitis, Immunity, Cows.

ABSTRACT

Berseem (Trifolium alexendrinum) as a replacement for groundnut cake (GNC) in the ration of crossbred calves was studied. Fifteen crossbred (Sahiwal X Holstein Friesan) male calves of 3-6 m age with an average body weight of 75.6±3.4 kg were randomly distributed into 3 groups of 5 each in an experiment based on randomized block design and were randomly assigned to one of the three dietary treatments. Wheat straw was offered ad libitum to all the calves. In Group I, GNC (300 g/kg) was supplemented to fulfill the N requirement. However, amount of GNC was reduced to 150 and 100 g/kg in groups II and III, respectively. Further, to make the diets iso-nitrogenous 300 and 450 g/kg berseem was added in groups I and III, respectively, whereas group I contained no berseem. During 120 day study, body weight change and feed intake was recorded fortnightly, blood and rumen liquor samples were collected monthly and a metabolism trial of 7 day collection was conducted during days 94-100. Total dry matter intake (DMI) was significantly (P<0.01) higher in group ii than groups iii and i. ammonia nitrogen concentration in rumen fluid, and urea level in serum reduced linearly (p<0.01) with increasing level of berseem in the diet. Total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) concentration in rumen fluid and blood glucose level were significantly (P<0.01) higher in group II in comparison to III and I, group III had higher value than group I. Replacing GNC with berseem resulted in a significant (P<0.01) decrease in the proportion of acetate and increase (P<0.05) in proportion of propionate. Digestibility of organic matter (OM) and fibre components was significantly (P<0.01) higher in groups II and III in comparison to group I. Differences in crude protein digestibility was not significant. However, there was significantly (P<0.05) higher N balance indicating better utilization in comparison to other groups. Digestible organic matter intake (DOMI) was significantly (P<0.01) higher in B30 than B45 and B0, resulting in similar trend of average daily gain. It was concluded that half of the GNC could be replaced with inclusion of 30% berseem in the diet of crossbred calves fed on wheat straw.

Keywords: Berseem, Groundnut cake, Replacement, Growth, Calf.

ANFT JULY 2005 ISSUES 02

ABSTRACT

An experiment was conducted involving 84 Naked neck x CARI-Red hens (Hitcari), suitable for backyard, during 22-34 weeks of age to evaluate optimum dietary protein and limiting amino acid levels for optimum egg production performance. Four dietary treatments, consisted of different levels of protein (T1 18%, T2 16%, T3 14% and T4 12%) and thus amino acids, were formulated. Each dietary treatment was fed to a total of 21 hens of both feather pattern i.e. naked neck (n=10) and normal feathered hens ((n=11) up to 34 weeks of age. Fifteen eggs from each dietary groups laid on first two consecutive days during 26th, 30th and 34th week of experimental feeding were utilized for quality testing in respect of shape index, albumen index, yolk index, Haugh unit, shell weight and shell thickness. Overall hen-day production was 68.4, 64.9, 62.2 and 61.1% in dietary treatments T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. The difference however was not significant even though hens laid more eggs with increased level of CP in the diet. Daily feed intake, egg-weight and egg quality did not differ significantly due to dietary treatments. However, feed conversion efficiency was significantly poor in hens fed 12% CP. The study indicated that a dietary level of 14 to 16% CP with lysine 0.68-0.84%, methionine 0.32-0.34%, methionine +cystine 0.62-0.67% and threonine 0.58-0.68% in diet would be optimum for maximum egg production performance during first phase of production. Feather pattern (naked neck or normal plumage) of birds did not influence egg production or feed utilization.

Key words: Protein, Requirement, Layer, Naked neck, Egg quality, Backyard, Poultry.

ABSTRACT

Twelve healthy Marwari ram lambs of about six months age and comparative mean body weight (23.67 kg) were divided in to 3 equal groups viz. T1 (control, maintained on grazing), T2 (stallfed on unfertilized Cenchrus ciliaris) and T3 (stallfed on fertilized C. ciliaris). The T1 animals were sent out daily for 4 h grazing on natural (Cenchrus dominated) pasture, whereas T2 and T3 animals were kept in sheep pan in separate enclosures. Daily consumption of feed and water for both T2 and T3 animals was recorded daily. The body weight of all animals was recorded at weekly interval. During the first 5 weeks, the treatment (T2 and T3) group animals were fed the un-chaffed grass but subsequently switched over to chaffed C. ciliaris grass. The dry matter intake (DMI)/100 kg BW of un-chaffed unfertilized and fertilized grass (2.82±0.19 and 2.73±0.15 kg) was lower than chaffed grass (3.04±0.09 and 3.13±0.11 kg). Water intake (l/100 kg body weight/day) was high (6.46±0.22) in T3 as compared to T2 group (5.39±0.22) in VIII week. The over all 91 days% increase in body weight and average daily gain (ADG) for T1, T2 and T3 groups was 13.68, 14.49 and 14.15% and 55.23±3.16, 38.46±4.81 and 46.78±3.08 g, respectively. The feed palatability and DMI was comparable in lambs fed both unfertilized and fertilized C. ciliaris grass, whereas water intake by animal fed on fertilized grass was on higher side. Body weight gain of unfertilized and fertilized grass was comparable, however, control group showed higher gain. There was no significant difference in various blood parameters studied, however, T2 group showed lower plasma urea values. Sheep reared on free grazing showed higher average daily gain in comparison to those reared exclusively under stall feeding with either fertilized or unfertilized C. ciliaris grass.

Key words: Cenchrus ciliaris, Fertilization, Marwari sheep, Arid region.

ABSTRACT

An experiment was carried out to assess the effect of feeding concentrate mixtures varying in by-pass protein levels either with 4 per cent urea treated or untreated wheat straw on performance of twelve crossbred (Holstein Friesian x Deoni) calves (13.04±0.47 m; 130.4±2.3 kg) for a period of 90 days. Two iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous concentrate mixtures varying in RDP and UDP ratio of 65:35 (CM-I) and 55:45 (CM-II) were prepared. The calves in control group (C) were fed CM-I with ad-libitum untreated wheat straw and those in experimental group (T) were fed CM-II with ad libitum urea treated wheat straw. Average daily dry matter intake (kg), including that through roughage (P<0.01) was significantly (p<0.05) higher in group T as compared to group C. The average daily gain (ADG) was significantly higher (P<0.01) in group T (627.8 g) as compared to those in group C (388.2 g), accompanying a superior (P<0.05) feed efficiency (8.52 vs. 11.37 kg DMI/kg gain). The cost of ration per kg gain in body weight for calves in the two groups was Rs. 24.85 and 18. 36 respectively, indicating a net saving of Rs, 6.49 (25.91 per cent) per kg gain in body weight in T over C. The digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CP, EE, CF and ADF (P<0.01) and NDF (P<0.05) were significantly higher for experimental ration T as compared to control ration C leading to better nutritive value in the former in terms of DCP (10.1 vs 7.1%) and TDN (63.3 vs 52.9%). The blood urea nitrogen concentration estimated at different intervals after feeding were significantly (P<0.01) lower in calves fed experimental ration T as compared to control ration C, at all intervals. Overall results indicated that in crossbred calves an optimum growth can be achieved by feeding 4 per cent urea treated wheat straw as a basal roughage supplemented with a concentrate mixture containing 20 per cent CP and 45 per cent UDP/by pass protein.

Key words: By-pass protein, Urea treated wheat straw, Crossbred calves.

ABSTRACT

A bioassay was conducted with White Leghorn (WL) and naked neck (Na) chicks from 0 to 8 week of age to examine the effect of genotype and nutrition interaction. Six test diets combining two ME levels (10.88 or 11.71 MJ/kg) with three protein levels (160, 180 or 200 g/kg) were formulated and the performance of chicks evaluated. The naked neck chicks consumed significantly (P<0.05) more feed than the normally feathered. although the dietary protein levels had no significant (p>0.05) effect on feed intake of birds but the energy level exerted a highly significant effect. No significant difference in body weight gains of the two genotypes during 0-4 wk was evident but the naked neck birds gained significantly (P<0.01) more weight during 5-8 week period than the normally feathered counter parts. the efficiency of feed conversion was significantly (p<0.01) affected by the genotype as well as by dietary protein and energy level during 0-4 wk period only. Both the genotype and protein levels had no significant effect on the digestibility of dietary nutrients by chicks as examined during the 7th wk of feeding period. The normally feathered birds retained significantly (P<0.05) more nitrogen than the naked neck counter parts. Both the genotypes absorbed more dietary fat from high rather than low energy diets. Ca retention was not significantly affected by the genotype but tended to be more on high-energy diets. The dietary protein level (P<0.05) and not the genotype or energy level affected the utilization of dietary P by birds.

Key words: Naked neck chicks, Growth bioassay, Feed conversion efficiency, Nutrient retention.

ABSTRACT

Gliricidia (Gliricidia maculata), subabul (Leucaena leucocephala) and sesbania (Sesbania grandiflora) leaves and groundnut (Arachis hypogea) haulms, fed as sole roughage, were evaluated in terms of nutrient digestibility, nitrogen utilization and degradation characteristics of DM and CP using permanently cannulated adult rams. Among the tree leaves CP content (25.6%) was highest in sesbania followed by subabul (19.8%), gliricidia (17.0%) and groundnut haulms (11%). NFE content of legume sources ranged from 45.2-53.5%. The results of metabolism trial with adult rams (24.9±2.1 kg) revealed that the digestibility of DM, OM, CP, CF and NFE was significantly (P<0.01) higher upon feeding of sesbania than those fed with other legume resources. the digestibility (%) of ndf, adf and cellulose were also significantly higher in rams fed sesbania as compared to those fed other legume. nitrogen retention (g />d) was significantly higher (P<0.01) in rams fed subabul and sesbania than those fed groundnut haulms and gliricidia. higher effective dry matter degradability (eddm) and effective protein degradability (epd) (%) values were observed for sesbania (61.6 and 52.4) as compared to gliricidia (52.2 and 41.4), subabul (51.7 and 40.2) and groundnut haulms (40.8 and 48.3). it was concluded that subabul and sesbania leaves were better among the leguminous resources evaluated.

Key words: Legume, Tree leaves, Groundnut haulms, Sheep

ABSTRACT

A study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of replacement of groundnut cake with mustard cake on the performance of growing lambs. Twenty-four pure-bred Corriedale male lambs of 3-4 months of age with an average body weight of 13.62±0.49 kg, were randomly divided into four groups of six each. The dietary treatments consisted of iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric concentrate mixtures in which groundnut cake (GNC) was replaced at 0, 50, 75 and 100% levels by mustard oil cake (MOC) and designated as G1, M1, M2 and M3 groups, respectively. The lambs were fed weighed quantity of concentrate mixture and ad libitum chopped oat hay for 90 days. Growth performance and dry matter intakes did not differ significantly among the groups. The average daily gain (g) were 76.63, 75.95, 68.67 and 68.89 in G1, M1, M2 and M3 groups, respectively. Cost of feeding (Rs/kg weight gain) reduced with increasing level of mustard cake in the diet. Feed conversion ratio was lowest (9.04) in 50% GNC group. The animals were in positive nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balance. Significantly (P<0.05) higher nitrogen balance was observed in m1 in comparison to other groups. it is concluded that groundnut cake may completely be replaced by mustard oil cake without affecting the performance of lambs and economizing the cost of feeding.

Key words: Groundnut cake, Mustard cake, Growth, Nutrient utilization, Lambs

ABSTRACT

Mineral (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, cobalt, iron, manganese, molybdenum and zinc) content of feeds and forages were estimated in the Bundelkhand region of India and compared with the requirements. The average calcium and magnesium content in both leguminous and non-leguminous forages as well as in concentrate ingredients were sufficient to meet the requirement. Nonleguminous forages were moderate to poor source of phosphorus, whereas, leguminous forages and concentrate supplements were good source of phosphorus. Concentrate supplements were rich in copper, but most of the forages were low in copper except sorghum stover, oats, S. scabra, black gram straw, cowpea and berseem. Almost all feeds and forages had adequate levels of cobalt, iron and manganese while most of the forages were deficient in zinc. Most of the forages were low in molybdenum except for concentrates which were high in Mo. From the present study, it is apparent that zinc was inadequate in many feeds and forages. Therefore, this particular element along with phosphorus and copper should be supplemented in the diets of animals.

Key words: Feeds, Forages, Mineral status, Animal requirement

ABSTRACT

The present experiment was aimed to ascertain the effect of roughage source on rumen metabolites and microbial population with special emphasis on anaerobic fungus. Three adult fistulated cattle (BW~400 kg) were maintained on three dietary combinations in switch over design viz. T1: ad libitum feeding of natural grass (predominantly Sehima nervosum and Heteropogon contortus) hay, T2: ad libitum feeding of legume (Lablab purpureus) hay and T3: grazing (8 hours/day) on natural pasture in the month of November-December, respectively. In addition, concentrate was offered @ 1% of the body weight in all dietary combinations. Out of three basal roughage diets, obviously the quality of Lablab purpureus hay was better as it contained 12.67% CP and low level of NDF (51.69%). Total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) concentration of rumen liquor varied from 8.53 to 17.66 mmol/dl and reached to the peak levels at 2 h of post feeding in legume based diet. The rumen ammonia nitrogen concentration ranged from 5.64 to 15.09 mg/dl, with the highest concentration recorded at 1 h of post feeding in the legume based diet. The population of rumen bacteria attained peak level at 2 h of post feeding irrespective of dietary combinations. The rumen anaerobic fungal population ranged from 0.98 x 103 to 8.19 x 103 per ml, being highest at 1 h post feeding in all dietary combinations, as was the case with ciliate protozoa population. The anaerobic fungal isolate viz; isolate 5 belonged to Piromyces sp., while the isolate 9 belonged to Anaeromyces sp. Both the isolates were able to secrete the enzymes (endoglucanase and xylanase) for degradation of structural carbohydrates. The metabolic products of anaerobic fungus included lactic acid, acetic acid, etc. The life cycle of polycentric anaerobic fungus comprised of motile zoospore, which gradually developed to matured sporangia through different intermediate stages. It is concluded that the legume based diets ensured better rumen metabolites for growth and multiplication of rumen bacteria, protozoa as well as fungus than grass hay or grazing on natural pasture. The rumen of cattle possessed both monocentric and polycentric fungus capable to secrete endoglucanase and xylanase for utilization of plant structural carbohydrates.

Key words: Rumen metabolites, Anaerobic fungus, Life cycle, Roughage source

ABSTRACT

Four Sikkim local does (average body weight 19.1±2.44 kg) were randomly distributed in an experiment based on Latin square design, comprising of 4 animals, 4 treatments and 4 periods of 21 days each of which 14 days was adaptation period and 7 d was collection period. Four dietary treatments were mixed jungle grass fed ad libitum (I), supplemented with 20 (II), 30 (III) or 40 (IV)% nevaro leaves. Consumption of mixed jungle grass was not significantly affected by increasing level of nevaro leaves supplementation. As a result, total dry matter intake (DMI) increased significantly (P<0.05) with increased level of nevaro supplementation. digestibility of dm (p<0.01), OM (P<0.01), CP (P<0.05), NDF (P<0.01), ADF (P<0.05) and cellulose (P<0.01) increased only up to 20% level of supplementation. Nitrogen intake (P<0.05), outgo in faeces (P<0.01) and urine (P<0.01) increased linearly with increasing level of nevaro supplementation. Since the increase in outgo was lower than the increase in intake, N balance increased linearly (P<0.01) with increasing level of supplementation. The net impact of increased intake and digestion was a linear increase in intake of DOM (P<0.01) and DCP (P<0.01) with increased levels of dietary nevaro leaves. It was concluded that nevaro leaves supplementation up to 40% level increased intake of DCP and DOM in Sikkim local goats fed mixed jungle grass.

Key words: Ficus hookerii, Mixed grass, Goat, Supplementation, Intake, Digestion.

ABSTRACT

An experiment was conducted to evaluate some potential complete rations based on locally available feed ingredients and seasonal fodders for nutrient utilization and economic milk production in crossbred lactating cows. Four complete rations (CR1, CR2, CR3 and CR4) were prepared using concentrate mixture, berseem green, berseem hay, wheat straw and urea fermented wheat straw. The roughage: concentrate ratio in CR1, CR2 and CR3 was 50:50 where as it was 40:60 in CR4. Twenty high yielding crossbred cows of the university dairy farm were randomly divided into four groups of five animals in each group on the basis of their body weight and milk yield and were offered the four complete rations randomly for a period of 90 days. The CP of the treatment complete rations i.e. CR2, CR3 and CR4 ranged between 15-16%. The voluntary dry matter intake (DMI) of the animals in all the groups ranged between 15-20 kg/animal/day. The DMI of animals fed CR3 was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the animals fed other complete rations indicating the positive effect of the inclusion of the green fodder without any dry roughage. the digestibilities of dm, om, cf and nfe were significantly (p< 0.05) higher in CR3 in comparison to CR2 and CR4 but were comparable to the control (CR1). The total milk yield (18.63±0.81 to 20.80±0.95, l/day), FCM yield (18.21±1.15 to 20.99±1.30, l/day), SNF (8.39±0.01 to 8.48±0.03,%) and fat (3.87±0.04 to 4.14±0.13,%) contents were statistically comparable among the groups. The total cost of milk produced per day was also statistically comparable among the groups. The mean value of the profit earned (Rs) / animal/ day in CR3 (152.86±4.87) group was significantly (P<0.05) higher than CR2 (127.87±3.65) and CR4 (135.07±5.06) groups. The complete ration based on mixture of legume and non-legume fodder was more palatable and was better utilized than the complete rations containing either leguminous or non-leguminous fodder.

Key words: Complete ration, Seasonal fodder, Digestibility, Lactation, Economics.

ABSTRACT

An investigation was carried out to study the effect of dried cuttle fish waste silage in the rations of growing and finishing pigs on growth performance and economics of gain. Dried cuttle fish waste silage was used to replace dried fish on protein basis at 0, 50 and 100 per cent, in isocaloric and isonitrogenic grower and finisher rations as dietary treatment T1, T2 and T3, respectively. Average daily gain and feed efficiency (kg feed/kg weight gain) of pigs were 370.31±13.59, 353.15±18.50 and 364.90±15.99 g and 4.16±0.16, 4.28±0.15 and 4.26±0.13 for dietary treatments T1, T2 and T3, respectively, and they did not differ significantly between dietary treatments. The cost of feed per kg live weight gain was Rs. 35.15±1.36, 34.40±1.21 and 32.25±1.03 for treatments T1, T2 and T3, respectively. It could be concluded that dried cuttle fish waste silage can be used as an economical substitute for dried fish in the rations of growing and finishing pigs.

Key words: Crossbred pigs, Dried cuttle fish waste silage, Growth performance, Economics

ABSTRACT

Twenty four female, weaned crossbred (Large White Yorkshire X Desi) piglings with an average live weight of 14.5 kg were divided uniformly on the basis of age and body weight into three groups (T1, T2 and T3) of eight animals. They were maintained for 153 days on identical diets containing maize with the particle size of 3.0, 1.0 and <0.1mm, respectively, for the three groups. the piglings were fed grower ration until they attained an average body weight of 50 kg and thereafter switched over to the finisher ration till slaughter. body weight and body measurements were recorded monthly. the average daily gains of 317, 335 and 373 g were recorded for the groups t1, t2 and t3, respectively. the cumulative feed conversion ratios were 5.38, 5.08 and 4.57 for the groups t1, t2 and t3, respectively. finely ground maize (<0.1 mm) improved average daily gain and feed conversion efficiency by 6 percent each over medium ground maize (1.0 mm) and by 18 percent and 15 percent over coarsely ground maize (3.0 mm), respectively. Cost of feed per kg live weight of animals in the three groups T1, T2 and T3 were Rs. 42.34, 40.49 and 37.11, respectively.

Key words: Crossbred pig, Yellow maize, Particle size, Feed conversion efficiency, Economics.