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ANFT JANUARY 2025

ABSTRACT

Bhatt, R.S., Sahoo, A., Sarkar, S. and Kumar, A. 2025. Effect of feeding different creep mixtures along with milk replacer on growth performance, nutrient utilization and rumen fermentation in pre weaner lambs. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 25: 1-9.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding creep mixtures varying in protein and energy concentration on growth and nutrient utilization of lambs. Thirty-nine, 15 day old lambs of Malpura breed having eight male and five females in each group were randomly divided into three groups. All these lambs were fed liquid milk formula at the standardized rate and the ewes were stripped their milk once in the evening before allowing the lambs to suckle. Lambs in control (CM-1) were fed conventional concentrate whereas in test one (CM-2) nine percent soya flakes and in test two (CM-3) twelve percent roasted soybean respectively were added as a replacement of maize. Protein content was higher in CM-2 whereas in CM-3 both protein and energy content were higher than CM-1. Lower intake of concentrate as well as total dry matter intake was observed in roasted soybean added CM-3 however, it resulted in higher (P<0.05) energy intake due to higher (P<0.05) digestibility of organic matter than other two groups. Rumen fermentation parameters at 90 days of age revealed higher (P<0.05) total VFA production along with higher proportion of propionic acid in lambs fed CM-3 creep mixture. Growth performance revealed higher (P<0.05) weight gain and better (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio in lambs fed CM-3 than CM-2 and CM-1 groups. It can be concluded that in pre- weaning lamb rations having 10-12 percent roasted soybean yielding 18-19 percent good quality protein and 4-5 percent ether extract give higher performance and can be recommended in pre weaning ration.

Keywords: Creep mixtures, Lamb ration, Nutrient digestibility, Plane of nutrition, Rumen fermentation

Corresponding author: randhir.bhatt@icar.gov.in

ABSTRACT

Ba, M.L., Souare, M.L., Hounkpêvi, J.A., Adjei-Mensah, B., Tona, K. and Tchacondo, T. 2025. Nutrient retention of yellow corn hybrids and biochemical parameters in male sasso chickens. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 25: 11-22.

Corn is popular due to its high energy value among cereals. This quality is particularly sensitive and appreciated in poultry feed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional retention of three yellow maize hybrids and biochemical parameters in Sasso chicken to help improve poultry rations in Togo. A completely randomized experimental design with four treatments and 16 replicates, each having one bird housed individually, was used. A total of 64, twelve weeks old (12) male sasso broilers with an average live weight of 1850 g were subjected to in vivo feeding for seven days. Three yellow maize hybrids (K5, K11 and Samaz52) and a local variety (Sotubaka as control) were tested. The nonparametric Kruskall Wallis test was carried out in the R 3.5.1 software environment to assess the effect of corn types on nutrient retention. The results showed that the nutrient retention of organic matter (OM) of the three hybrids was 89.20±2.33% for K5, 88.26±1.49% for Samaz52, 91.37±0.67% for K11, and 83.69±2.03% for the local variety Sotubaka. Crude protein and total ash, respectively 68.32±4.55% and 36.72±1.79% of the K5 hybrid, were better digested by the chickens relative to the other varieties. The Fat of the K11 hybrid (84.37±1.56%) was better used by the birds, while the Sotubaka variety had the most (77.16±4.01%) digestible crude fiber. Post-feeding total serum protein was affected by corn type (P<0.0001), with higher values (45.25 g /L) in chickens fed the K5 hybrid. The K11 hybrid and the Sotubaka variety resulted in the lowest cholesterol levels compared to the K5 and Samaz52 hybrids (P<0.0001). This study shows that K5, K11 and Samaz52 hybrids could be replacements for the local variety of corn in formulating a diet for Sasso chickens.

Keywords: Chicken, Hybrid corn, Nutrient retention

Corresponding author: lamaranaba.1978@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Raj, J., Reddy, E.T., Farkas, H., Vasiljevic, M., Raju, M.V.L.N., Prakash, B. and Rao, S.V.R. 2025. Effect of supplementing multicomponent mycotoxin detoxifying agent on performance, immune responses, carcass and liver function variables in broiler chicken challenged with combined mycotoxins. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 25: 23-37.

A six-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a multicomponent mycotoxin detoxifying agent (MMDA) to minimize the toxic effects of combined mycotoxins (MT) supplementation in broiler diets. A total of 1584 Vencobb day-old broiler male chicks were assigned to six dietary treatments with 12 replicates of 22 birds per floor pen. Three graded levels of MMDA (0, 1.5, and 3.0 kg/ton) and two concentrations (without and with) of MT blend (aflatoxin 100 ppb, DON 200 ppb, and T-2 1000 ppb) were supplemented to maize-soybean diet in a 3 x 2 factorial manner. On the 43ʳᵈ day, carcass variables (ready-to-cook yields, relative weights of breast meat, abdominal fat) and relative weights of liver, thymus, spleen, and bursa were evaluated. Serum samples were analyzed for biochemical indices and immune responses. Liver, kidney and thigh muscle were analysed for aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2 and M1, T-2, HT-2, T2 Triol, T2 Tetraol, Deoxynivalenol and Deepoxy-deoxynivalenol (DOM1). The results showed that the main effects (MT and MMDA) or their interaction did not affect performance, breast meat, abdominal fat, relative weights of immune organs, and serum protein and triglyceride concentration. The inclusion of MT significantly (P<0.05) reduced the antibody titers against the ND vaccine, increased the liver weight and activities of liver function enzymes (SGOT, SGPT), and decreased the gamma-glutamyl transferase activity and serum albumin concentrations. However, the addition of MMDA to MT contaminated diet significantly reduced the concentrations of liver function enzymes. The concentrations of mycotoxins tested in the tissue were below detectable levels. Based on the results, it was concluded that the addition of broad-spectrum MMDA (at 1.5 kg /ton) to the MT-contaminated feed reduced the negative effects of MT on immune responses and liver function in broilers exposed to combined mycotoxins.

Keywords: Broiler chicken, Immune responses, Liver functions, Mycotoxins, Mycotoxin detoxifying agent, Performance

Corresponding author: svramarao1@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Waghamare, A.B., Bhalerao, S.M., Khanvilkar, A.V., Patodkar, V.R., Doiphode, A.Y., Barate, A.K., Sardar, V.M. and Sonawane, G.S. 2025. Response of goats to dietary replacement of cottonseed cake with wet distillers grain with solubles on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and economics. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 25: 39-46.

This study was conducted on eighteen growing goats with an average body weight of 10.82±0.45 kg with the objective to evaluate the response of goats to dietary replacement of cottonseed cake (CSC) with wet distillers grain with solubles (WDGS). The goats were randomly divided into three groups with uniform body weight and sex ratio. The concentrate mixture containing CSC was fed to control group (A). In treatment groups (B and C), the CSC was replaced with WDGS at 50% and 100%, respectively, for 90 days on iso-nitrogenous basis. The average fortnightly body weight (g), average daily gain (g), total dry matter intake (g) and feed conversion efficiency did not differ (P<0.05) among the groups. The average digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre and nitrogen free extractives were significantly higher (Pd<0.05) in treatment groups as compared to the control group. The cost of production per kg weight gain (₹) was 102.00, 99.41 and 91.94 in groups A, B and C, respectively. Therefore, it is concluded that the replacement of CSC in the concentrate mixture with WDGS is economically beneficial for goat rearing

Keywords: Cottonseed cake, Digestibility, Goat, Performance, Wet distillers grains with solubles

Corresponding author: sanjaybhaleraoann@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Bakshi, M.P.S., Kaur, K. and Wadhwa, M. 2025. Nutrient composition of floating aquatic macrophytes and impact of supplementing azolla on nutrient utilization in goat bucks. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 25: 47-55

This study was taken up to assess nutritional worth of floating aquatic macrophytes like Azolla pinnata (family: Azollaceae), Lemna minor (family: Lemnaceae), Spirodela polyrhiza (family: Araceae) and Salvinia molesta (family: Salviniaceae); and evaluated the best one as the goat bucks feed supplement. The DM content was very low in the above macrophytes (3.0 to 9.0%). Azolla had the highest (P<0.01) concentration of CP, water-soluble sugars, reducing sugars and true protein. All the aquatic macrophytes were rich in macro and micro minerals. Salvinia had the highest (P<0.01) concentration of heavy metals like arsenic, lead, chromium, and tin. The lowest concentration of arsenic and lead was observed in spirodela, chromium in azolla and tin in lemna. The concentration of all the tested heavy metals was well below the maximum tolerance limit. The in-vitro gas production studies revealed that the Azolla had the second highest net gas production and lowest methane production potential. Azolla was therefore, supplemented to the TMR fed to goat bucks at 5% on DM basis. The dietary supplementation of azolla improved DM intake, digestibility of nutrients and N-retention in goat bucks. It did not have any adverse impact on the health of animals. It was concluded that the tested floating aquatic macrophytes were rich in CP, macro and micro minerals. Heavy metals were well below the maximum tolerance level. Azolla having an edge over other macrophytes was supplementing to the TMR of goat bucks. The nutrient utilization and N-retention were not affected, except the digestibility of ADF, which was improved significantly in goat bucks.

Keywords: Floating aquatic macrophytes, Goat bucks, Heavy metals, Mineral profile, Nutritional evaluation

*Corresponding author: bakshimps2@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Kaur, N., Wankhede, S.D., Dutta, N., Jadhav, S.E. and Singh, G. 2025. Effect of Moringa oleifera inclusion on voluntary feed intake, blood metabolites and serum antioxidant status in Rohilkhandi kids. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 25: 57-66

This study scrutinized the effect of dietary supplementation of moringa foliage on the intake, blood metabolites and antioxidant indices in kids. Rohilkhandi male kids (18) of about 6 months old were randomly divided into CON, COT and MOT groups of 6 kids each as per their body weights in a completely randomized design. The male kids in CON (control) group were provided total mixed ration composed of concentrate mixture and wheat straw, whereas in COT and MOT groups kids fed TMRs having 25% of cowpea and moringa foliage, respectively, by replacing wheat straw of CON group. The kids were provided clean and fresh water twice daily. The quantity of offered TMR was adjusted fortnightly after recording the body weight (BW) of each kid. The dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) intake (% BW; g/kgW⁰·⁷⁵) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in MOT and COT groups than CON, however, serum urea level was decreased (P<0.05) in MOT and COT groups relative to CON. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly (P<0.01) higher in MOT group as compared to CON; however, COT has intermediate position. The activities of catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly (P<0.01) higher in MOT followed by COT and CON groups. However, lipid peroxidation (LPO) was significantly (P<0.01) higher in CON as compared to MOT and COT groups. Similarly, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in COT and MOT groups relative to CON. Supplementation of moringa foliage as total mixed ration considerably improved feed intake, blood metabolites and antioxidant indices in Rohilkhandi kids

Keywords: Antioxidant indices, Blood metabolites, Kids, Moringa foliage, Supplementation

*Corresponding author: dutta65@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Ghosh, T., Saikia, G., Tamuly, S., Borah, L., Konwar, P., Sarkar, B.D. and Kalita, M. 2025. Effect of supplementing spent mushroom paddy straw on milk production and milk composition in cattle. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 25: 67-73.

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of supplementing spent mushroom (Pleuroyuso streatus) paddy straw (SMPS) on milk production and its composition in lactating cattle. Eighteen healthy lactating crossbred cows of similar production were randomly divided into three homogenous groups i.e. T₀, T₁ and T₂ with six animals in each group. T₀ was control group in which, animals were fed balanced ration. In groups T₁ and T₂ balanced ration comprising of concentrate feed, green fodder and 50 and 100 percent of paddy straw was replaced by SMPS, respectively. No significant difference was observed in terms of average milk production, fat corrected milk, feed intake and feed conversion ratio among groups. The overall average milk fat, milk protein and total solid differed significantly among groups. Significantly (P<0.05) higher milk fat (%) was observed in groups T₀ (4.51±0.07) and T₁ (4.48±0.04) and lowest was observed in group T₂ (4.33±0.08). Significantly (P<0.05) higher milk protein (%) was observed in groups T₁ (3.63±0.05) and T₀ (3.57±0.06) and lowest was observed in group T₂ (3.54±0.06). Significantly (P<0.05) higher milk total solid (%) was observed in groups T₁ (13.85±0.22) and T₀ (13.80±0.13) compared to group T₂ (13.55±0.19). The average milk lactose, milk ash, solid not fat and milk urea nitrogen did not differ significantly among groups. From the results obtained, it could be concluded that SMPS could be used for feeding dairy cattle replacing paddy straw up to 50 % without any adverse effect on milk production and its composition.

Keywords: Lactating cattle, Milk production and milk composition, Spent mushroom paddy straw

*Corresponding author: tanayghosh334@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Patil, P.V., Gendley, M.K., Dhok, A.P., Dubey, M. and Verulkar, R. 2025. In vitro dry matter, crude protein, NDF degradability and in vitro gas production of different crop residue based complete feed pellets. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 25: 75-88.

In vitro dry matter, crude protein, NDF degradability and in vitro gas production (IVGP) of different crop residue based complete feed pellets were evaluated in this experiment. In total, 16 different types of crop residue-based complete feed pellets were prepared by replacing paddy straw at 50, 75 and 100% with wheat straw, soybean straw, gram straw, arhar straw, and groundnut straw from roughage portion by maintaining 70:30 roughage to concentrate ratio. Each of the 16 different complete feed pellets were subjected to in vitro dry matter degradability and in vitro gas production procedures. Among all of the complete feed pellets gram straw based complete feed pellets had a significantly higher dry matter and crude protein degradability. Significantly higher NDF degradability was observed for arhar straw based complete feed pellets, whereas significantly higher IVGP was recorded for groundnut straw based complete feed pellets. Significantly higher DM, CP, NDF degradability and IVGP were found at 100% replacement level. The significantly higher IVGP was observed at 12 to 24 h of incubation. Among all crop residue based complete feed pellets, sole paddy straw based complete feed pellets had significantly lower DM, CP and NDF degradability and IVGP. Results of the present investigation indicated that the gram straw based complete feed pellets have better degradable dry matter and crude protein. However, groundnut straw based complete feed pellets have more fermentable nutrients.

Keywords: Crop residues, In vitro crude protein degradability, In vitro dry matter degradability, In vitro gas production, In vitro neutral detergent fibre degradability

*Corresponding author: drpv9ann@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Bhatt, R.S., Sarkar, S., Soni, A., Sharma, S.R. and Kumar, A. 2025. Growth performance and meat quality traits of rabbits fed complete feed pellets containing mulberry and stylosanthes forage compared to conventional feeding. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 25: 89-107.

Comparative evaluation of complete feed pellets containing 70% mulberry (Morus alba) leaves, and 70% stylosanthes (Stylosanthes hamata) hay was made with conventional feeding on 60 Soviet Chinchilla rabbits weaned at 4 weeks. Weaners were distributed randomly into three equal groups (T₀, T₁, T₂) with similar average weights. Rabbits in T₀ were fed conventionally with ad libitum concentrate pellet and cowpea hay, whereas those in T₁ and T₂ were fed ad libitum complete feed pellets containing 70% mulberry leaves and 70% stylosanthes hay, respectively. The average daily gain was lower, while the feed conversion ratio was higher in T₁ and T₂ groups compared to T₀ (conventional group). The feeding cost/kg weight gain was lower in T₁ (₹ 64.4) and T₂ (₹ 75.1) than conventional (T₀) feeding system (₹ 94.9). Carcass traits revealed lower fat, loin eye area and higher bone per cent in T₁ and T₂ than T₀ group. The meat color showed lower redness (a) and chroma values in T₁ group. The fatty acid profile revealed lower SFA, MUFA and higher PUFA in T₁ and T₂ groups than in T₀. Further, meat from rabbits of T₁ group exhibited higher n-3 fatty acids, ideal n-6/n-3 ratio, higher peroxidizability and lower atherogenic and thrombogenic index values. On storage of nuggets under refrigerated conditions up to 3 weeks, lower TBARS value was recorded in T₂ and T₁ as compared to T₀ group; while redness (a) value was higher in nuggets of T₁ group. It can therefore be concluded that conventional feeding system for rabbits results in higher growth and better FCR, but at a higher cost due to the increased proportion of concentrate pellets. Complete feed pellets, especially those containing 70% mulberry leaves, reduce feeding costs, improve fatty acid profile, and extend the shelf life of meat and nuggets compared to stylosanthes hay feeding. For optimal economic and growth benefits, mulberry leaves should not exceed 70% in complete feed pellets.

Keywords: Carcass attributes, Fatty acid profile, Nuggets quality, Nutrient digestibility, Rabbit

*Corresponding author: bhatt_rs@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Kumari, P., Singh, P.K., Kumar, D., Kumar, K., Kumar, S., Mankhair, P.V. and Kumari, A. 2025. Comparative efficacy of mycotoxin binder and herbal mixture on growth performance, nutrients retention, haemato-biochemicals and immune competence of broiler chicken. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 25: 109-121.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of synthetic mycotoxin binder mycotoxin binder and herbal mixture in broiler chicken. A total of 200 day-old chicks were procured and randomly allotted using completely randomised design (CRD) to 4 treatment groups (T1-T4) with 5 replicates each having 10 chicks per replicates. All the experimental birds were reared for 35 days following standard and uniform manage mental conditions. Four iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric experimental diets for prestarter (0-7 days), starter (8-21 days) and finisher (22-35 days) were formulated following BIS (2007). T1 group served as control fed with basal diet, experimental diet of T2 group birds contained Aflatoxin B₁ at 70 ppb, T3 group birds were fed with Aflatoxin B₁ at 70 ppb with synthetic mycotoxin binders at 1kg/ton of feed and T4 groups were fed with Aflatoxin B₁ at 70 ppb each with herbal mixer at 1kg/ton of feed. Aflatoxin at 70 ppb (T2) significantly (P<0.05) depressed growth performance, and had adverse effect on hematobiochemical parameters, immunological parameters (antibody titre against the NDV) and nutrient retention. Nutrient retention improved significantly (P<0.05) in T4 as compared to T2 and T3. Growth performance in terms of BWG, FI and FCR improved (P<0.05) due to addition of synthetic mycotoxin binder mycotoxin binder (T3) and herbal mixers (T4), however, response of synthetic mycotoxin binder binders was better as compared to herbal mixers. Haematological parameters (Hb, PCV, and TEC) were higher in T3 as compared to T2 and T4, but hematobiochemical parameters like ALT and AST activity significantly (P<0.05) reduced in T4 as compared to T3. Antibody titre against the NDV was lower in case of herbal mixture in comparison to synthetic mycotoxin binder. It was concluded that supplementation of synthetic mycotoxin binder and herbal mixtures reduced the severity of the aflatoxin B₁ toxicity and improved the growth performance, nutrient retention, haematobiochemical parameters and immunity in broiler chicken.

Keywords: Aflatoxin B₁ , Broiler, Growth, Hameato-biochemical, Immunity, Nutrient retention

*Corresponding author: vetpank@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Kathyayini, C.S., Kishore, K.R., Kumar, D.S., Sravani, B. and Narendranath, D. 2025. Effect of feeding cashew nut kernel meal on growth performance and carcass characteristics in Japanese quails. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 25: 123-131.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding ration containing cashew nut kernel meal (CNKM) at 0.0 (T₁ ; Control), 5.0 (T₂), 10.0 (T₃), 15.0 (T₄) and 20% (T₅) levels on growth performance and carcass parameters in Japanese quails. One-hundred-and-fifty-day-old quail chicks were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments containing three replicates of ten chicks each (n=30 chicks/group) and reared for a period of five weeks. All the diets were iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous. The results revealed that the performance of all the experimental groups was similar in terms of feed intake, efficiency and protein efficiency ratio, while higher body weight gain (P<0.01) and performance index (P<0.05) were observed in the T₅ group compared to the control. Further, carcass trait yields were statistically similar among the groups. The feed cost/kg gain (₹) decreased by 1.30, 3.67, 7.21 and 11.5 in T₂ T₃ T₄ and T₅ respectively, as compared to the control. It is concluded that cashew nut kernel meal can be included up to 20% in the quail diet.

Keywords: Carcass, Cashew nut kernel meal, Growth performance, Japanese quails

*Corresponding author: dr_rajakishore@yahoo.co.in

ABSTRACT

Chanda, S., Paul, B.N., Singh, P., Ghosh, K. and Giri, S.S. 2025. The effects of interaction of iron and vitamin C on the growth of Labeo rohita juveniles. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 25: 133-143.

A 92-day growth trial was conducted to examine the effects of two dietary levels of vitamin C for each of the three levels of iron from ferrous sulphate (25, 50, 45 ppm) on the growth of L. rohita juveniles (average initial weight 52.49±0.73g). There were six treatment groups with different levels of dietary iron and vitamin C viz., TR-1 (25 mg/kg FeSO₄ and 500 mg/kg vitamin); TR-2 (25 mg/kg FeSO₄ and 750 mg/kg vitamin C); TR-3 (50 mg/kg FeSO₄ and 500 mg/kg vitamin C); TR-4 (50 mg/kg FeSO₄ and 750 mg/kg vitamin C); TR-5 (75 mg/kg FeSO₄ and 500 mg/kg vitamin C) and TR-6 (75 mg/kg FeSO₄ and 750 mg/kg vitamin C). The graded levels of iron, with the combination of 500 and 750 ppm of vitamin C, were used to prepare diets fed to six treatment groups and a control (no supplementation) with three replicates each. Fish fed 75 ppm iron and 500 ppm vitamin C had the lowest weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) but the highest feed conversion ratio (FCR) regardless of dietary vitamin C level. The results revealed that the supplementation of basal diet with 500 ppm vitamin C and 50 ppm iron significantly (P<0.05) increased the final body weight, net weight gain (NWG) and specific growth rate (SGR). The activities of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were in the physiological range for fish. The iron content of fish tissue was higher with 500 ppm of vitamin C and 50 ppm of iron combination. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the addition of vitamin C (500 ppm) and iron (50 ppm) to the basal diet of L. rohita juveniles increased the growth and is optimum for the growth of rohu juveniles.

Keywords: Alanine transaminase, Alkaline phosphatase, Aspartate transaminase, Iron, Labeo rohita, Vitamin C

*Corresponding author: bnpaulcifa@gmail.com