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ANFT JANUARY 2002 ISSUES 01

ABSTRACT

The processing of rawhides and skins generate large quantities of solid wastes, which are conjugates of protein with carbohydrate and fat. A survey was conducted from 1993 -1995 in 91 tanneries around Chennai to evaluate the availability of these solid wastes. The survey showed that 150 tons of limed fleshings and 2448 tons of chrome shavings were produced in 91 tanneries during 1994-95. An estimate suggests that 140 tons of fleshings, 60 tons of chrome shavings and 40 tons of trimmings are generated per day in Tamil Nadu. The utilization of these wastes have great significance in the environmental perspective. The limed fleshings can be converted into fleshing meal, trimmings into dog chews and chrome shavings into leather meal. Since the raw by-products of these meals are available in large quantities in tanneries, it is recommended that they may be incorporated as dietary source of animal protein in the poultry feeds.

Key words: Solid wastes, Leather industry, Alternative feeds.

ABSTRACT

An experiment was conducted on one week old broilers to see the effect of supplementing exogenous enzymes on the performance of the broilers. Avizyme-1500, a commercial multi-enzyme mixture was supplemented at a level of 0.1% in the wheat and rice kani based diets and fed to the broilers from 1-6 weeks of age. The data indicated that body weight and gain in weight of the broilers was significantly (P<0.01) affected by supplementing the enzymes. treatment means for body weights and gain in weight significantly (p<0.05) differed from each other. Feed consumption of broilers fed wheat plus avizyme diet was significantly (P<0.01) less than the other dietary treatments. Enzyme supplementation significantly (P<0.05) improved the feed conversion, protein consumed per unit gain and caloric conversion ratio over the non-supplemented groups. Irrespective of the enzyme, the performance of birds fed wheat or rice kani diets with respect to weight gain, feed consumption, efficiency of feed, protein and energy utilization was significantly (P<0.01) better in rice kani based diets. Similarly, the cumulative effects of avizyme irrespective of the cereals indicated significant (P<0.01) reduction in feed consumption along with significant (P<0.01) improvement in the efficiency of dry matter and energy utilization.

Key words: Enzyme, Wheat, Rice kani, Broilers.

ABSTRACT

A survey was conducted in the new alluvial zone of West Bengal to find out the role of feeding practice and farm management system on certain micronutrient status of dairy cattle. Farmers were divided into three categories viz. small, medium and large according to the size of their animal holding and allied economic criteria. Grazing and feeding of paddy straw was common in all the three groups of farmers. Supplementing the animals with single unit concentrate (deoiled rice bran, DORB or mustard cake) or multiple unit concentrate (DORB, mustard cake, gram or mung chuni and wheat bran) was found in the medium and large farmers, respectively. No difference was found in the plasma concentrations of Ca (10.40, 10.27 and 10.24 mg %), P (5.78,5.66 and 5.56 mg %), Cu (0.94, 0.88 and 0.81 ppm), Fe (3.68, 2.60 and 2.59 ppm) and Zn (1.91, 1.84 and 1.79 ppm) observed in the animals of small, medium and large categories of farmers, respectively. The Ca and P were deficient in paddy straw (0.07-0.17 and 0.01-0.07 mg%, respectively). Ca deficiency was observed in wheat bran (0.09-0.15 mg%) and gram chuni (0.13-0.24 mg%). Fe concentration in all the feeds and fodders was far above the normal critical level. Marginal Cu deficiency in hybrid napier (2.7-3.0 ppm) and that of Zn was observed in para grass (20.0-23.0 ppm) and gram chuni (12.4-16.8 ppm). Other feeds and fodder were found to be fairly rich in these micronutrients which could fulfil the requirements of the animals within the limits of their intake.

Key words: Dairy cattle, Micronutrient, Blood plasma, New Alluvial Zone.

ABSTRACT

Present experiment was conducted to study the effect of feeding neem seed kernel cake (NSKC) and water washed NSKC (WWNSKC) on rumen fermentation pattern and enzyme profile. Three rumen fistulated crossbred male calves (198±5.7 kg) were fed 3 different iso-nitrogenous concentrate mixtures having either deoiled groundnut cake (DGNC, control, A), neem seed kernel cake (NSKC, B) or water washed NSKC (WWNSKC, C) as the major protein source in a 3 X 3 switch over Latin square design. Strained rumen liquor (SRL) and rumen content (RC) samples were collected after 4 hr of concentrate feeding for 3 consecutive days after three weeks of experimental feeding on each ration in each phase. Feeding of NSKC and WWNSKC, while had no adverse effect on rumen pH, total volatile fatty acids concentration, holotrichs count, and activities of amylase, xylanase and CM-cellulase; there was, however, a significant depression in the total-N, NH3-N, TCA soluble-N, total protozoa count, and activities of urease and protease enzymes. Medium size and total spirotrichs were, while significantly reduced with the feeding of NSKC, these were comparable in WWNSKC and DGNC groups. It was deduced that the medium size and total pirotrich protozoa count may be used as an indicator to test if a neem seed cake has been properly water washed and made suitable for animal feeding.

Key words: Neem seed cake, Processing, Rumen fermentation, Calves.

ABSTRACT

Ten Murrah Buffalo calves above 6 month of age were divided into two groups of 5 each. All the animals were fed on a concentrate mixture (CP=22.19%), green oats (2 kg) and wheat straw ad lib. The animals under group II (G-II) received supplemental methionine (10 g/d/head) and lysine (20 g/d/head) while other group (G-I) not receiving methionine and lysine served as control. The feeding trial continued for 100 days and a metabolism trial of 7 days collection period was conducted at mid-period of the trial. During the experimental period the growth rate was significantly (p<0.05) higher in g-ii (0.523 kg />d), than in G-I (0.37 kg/d). Amino acids supplementation also improved (p<0.05) digestibility of ndf while that of dm, om, cp, cf, adf were similar to the corresponding control values. the daily dm intake per 100 kg body weight (2.38 in g-ii vs 2.13 in g-i) was higher (p<0.01) in G-II. The calves of G-II also consumed (p<0.01) more protein than G-I. Feed gain and TDN: gain ratio did not differ statistically. It was concluded that methionine and lysine supplementation had a significant and positive effect on dry matter intake and body weight gain.

Key words: Methionine, Lysine, Nutrient utilization, Growth, Buffalo.

ABSTRACT

In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of untreated (UMS) and alkaline hydrogen peroxide (1.0% NaOH+1.5% H2O2; w/w) treated mustard straw (AHPMS) was assessed at various inclusion levels of concentrate (0, 20, 30, 40 and 50 per cent of substrate on DM basis), replacing 0, 14, 28, 42 and 100 per cent CP or equivalent nitrogen (N) content of the substrate through urea. Substrate having various combinations of concentrate (5 levels) and N replacement (5 levels) with UMS and AHPMS (2 straw type) were incubated for 48 h in an in vitro fermentation system. Effect of all the three factors (straw type, levels of concentrate, levels of N replacement) on IVDMD of UMS and AHPMS were significant (P<0.01). the ahp treatment of mustard straw (ms) improved ivdmd of ms by four units. a significant (p< 0.01) linear correlation (r2=0.81) was observed with IVDMD and the levels of concentrate additions in the substrate incubated with UMS or AHPMS. Within the straw type, the response of AHPMS was higher (P<0.05) to every incremental level of concentrate inclusion in the substrate. The N replacement levels and IVDMD of UMS and AHPMS was negatively correlated (r2= -0.79). Whereas, the IVDMD of straw portion of UMS and AHPMS showed a different pattern and it was higher at 20 to 30 per cent concentrate inclusion with 14 to 28 percent N replacement levels respectively in UMS and AHPMS. There was no associated effect of concentrate levels vs N replacement levels, straw type vs N replacement levels and concentrate level vs N replacement levels vs straw type. It is concluded that a mustard straw (untreated or treated) based diet containing 20-30 per cent concentrate mixture is suitable to support optimum rumen fermentation in vitro. The urea can be used to replace 14 to 28 per cent dietary nitrogen without any adverse effect on in vitro fermentation of mustard straw based diets. The study suggests that a mustard straw based complete diet can be formulated with 20 to 30 per cent concentrate and 0.59 to 1.18 per cent urea in total diet.

Key words: Mustard straw, Urea, Concentrate, Nitrogen, In vitro, Dry matter digestibility.

ABSTRACT

An experiment was conducted with three adult male rumen fistulated sheep by incubating samples of wheat straw untreated (T1), treated with urea (T2), liquid ammonia (T3) and urine (T4) in the ventral sac of rumen in duplicate for 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hr, to determine effect of various treatments on degradation rate of wheat straw in the rumen. The treatment of wheat straw with various nitrogen sources increased the crude protein content from 3.31 per cent in T1 to 9.24, 8.75 and 10.20 per cent in T2, T3 and T4, respectively. A significant (P<0.01) improvement in dry matter, nitrogen and cellulose degradability was noticed due to effect of treatment in all the three (t2, t3 and t4) treatments. maximum average degradability was observed for dry matter in t3, nitrogen in t2 and cellulose in t4. the effective degradability of dry matter, nitrogen and cellulose was found to be maximum in t3, t4 and t2 groups, respectively at 12, 24 and 48 hrs of incubation. the rdn values of untreated and treated wheat straw were found to be 23.02, 52.91, 55.33 and 59.60 per cent for t1, t2, t3 and t4 treatments respectively. it was concluded that nutrients locked-up in wheat straw could be effectively used in ruminants by applying any of the aforesaid nitrogen sources.

Key words: Wheat straw, Degradability, Rumen, Sheep.

ABSTRACT

Twenty four weaner Avivastra (Russian Merino X Nali) male lambs were divided into two equal groups and fed concentrate mixtures containing groundnut meal (GN) or mustard meal (MM) to meet protein requirements. Ground cenchrus (Cenchrus ciliaris) was fed free choice to meet energy requirement. A digestibility trial of 7 days was conducted to assess mineral utilization. Animals were slaughtered after 90 days of experimental feeding to estimate mineral content of muscles. The content of Na was 1.25, 2.4 and 2.6; K 15.0, 19.9 and 2.6; Mg 3.4, 3.3 and 3.1 g/ kg DM, respectively, in mustard meal, groundnut meal and cenchrus hay. The absorption of K and Mg was higher in MM fed lambs while Na absorption was higher in GN fed lambs. The Cu content was similar in groundnut and mustard meal. The Zn content was higher (45.36 mg) in groundnut meal, however, Mn was higher (87.5 mg /kg DM) in mustard meal. The absorption of Cu was higher in GN fed lambs than MM fed lambs. The Zn absorption was higher in GN lambs, while Mn absorption was higher in MM lambs. Muscle contents (g/kg) of Na, K and Mg were 7.1, 5.6 and 1.1 in GN group and 4.8, 6.6 and 4.7 in MM group, respectively. The Cu, Zn and Mn contents (mg/kg) were 2.76, 229.95 and 2.89 mg in GN group and 0.44, 189.25 and 2.36 mg in MM groups, respectively. The Na, Cu and Zn contents were higher in muscle of GN compared to that of MM fed lambs. It is concluded that macro (sodium, potassium and magnesium) and micro (copper and manganese) minerals were adequate in diet except zinc which was higher. Copper absorption was negative and muscle copper content was lower in lambs fed mustard meal containing concentrate mixture, this needs further investigations. Other minerals studied in muscle were adequate for human consumption.

Key words: Mineral utilization, Muscle minerals, Lambs.

ABSTRACT

Black buck (Antilope cervicapra) and three species of deer, viz., swamp deer (Cervus d. duvauceli), hog deer (Axis porcinus) and spotted deer (Axis) raised under semicaptive environment were compared for their nutritional efficacy on cereal green fodder feeding. These wild animals were fed ad libitum green fodder, viz. jowar (Sorghum vulgare) and maize (Zea mays) in subsequent periods as sole feed. Digestibility of different nutrients, viz. DM, OM, CP, EE, ADF, NDF, hemicellulose, total carbohydrate and gross energy (GE) were determined using indicator technique. The digestibility of almost all the nutrients was highest in the spotted dear followed by black buck and hog deer and lowest in swamp deer. The digestibility of most of the nutrients was similar in black buck and hog deer except for CP which was higher in hog deer as compared to black buck. Between male and female black bucks, the utilisation of nutrients was better in the females. The digestibility values are close to that of practical feeding trial values. The cereal green fodder with about 70 per cent TDN and 8 per cent DCP is expected to meet the protein and energy need of animal for moderate production.

Key words: Cereal fodder, Digestibility, Utilization, Deer, Captivity.

ABSTRACT

Six lactating crossbred (Jersey x Tharparkar) cows (average BW 319±20 kg) in their late lactation were either fed on an experimental concentrate mixture made of local feeds or a commercial concentrate mixture (control) for 24 days. The respective concentrate mixtures along with green hybrid napier (10 kg/day) and ad libitum paddy straw were fed to each cow in both the groups to meet nutrients requirements. Average DMI (% BW) was 3.40±0.24 and 3.26±0.18 kg in the experimental and control groups, respectively and the difference was not significant (P>0.05). Average DMI/kg milk production was 2.15±0.15 and 1.94±0.14 kg in the respective groups which differed significantly (P<0.05). average daily milk production of the cows was 5.07±0.43 and 5.37±0.40 kg in the respective groups which varied significantly (p>0.05). Average daily feed cost was Rs. 27.14±1.24 and 32.41±1.17 and feed cost per kg milk production was Rs. 5.45±0.23 and 6.11±0.23 in the experimental and control groups, respectively showing significant (P<0.01) difference in the economics of milk production. the study implied that feeding of the experiment concentrate mixture made out of locally available feed ingredient is more economical.

Key words: Concentrate mixture, Local feeds, Milk production, Cost of feeding.

ANFT JULY 2002 ISSUES 02

ABSTRACT

In vitro techniques used for evaluating ruminant feeds can be classified into those that estimate gravimetrically their digestibility or degradability by quantifying the insoluble residues that remain after their incubation in inoculum containing rumen fluid, and those that measure the appearance of fermentation products such as gases. This paper reviews the development of three important in vitro techniques and addresses some problems associated with them. It is argued that whereas in vitro gas techniques have received much attention over the last two decades on account of the ease with which gas production kinetics can be assessed, there is little hard evidence of their superiority over gravimetric techniques. A conceptual problem with in vitro gas measurements arises from the variation in the proportion of products of microbial degradation of feeds, i.e. short chain fatty acids (SCFA), microbial biomass and gases. It is demonstrated that a close stoichiometrical relationship exists between SCFA and gas production, and that both products can practically be considered as one fermentative complex. A potentially competitive relationship exists between this complex and microbial growth with respect to substrate utilization. This problem can be overcome by measuring true substrate degradability concomitantly with gas production. On this account, this paper advances the hypothesis that it is possible to select feeds with high degradability in the rumen and less gas released in relation to the amount of substrate degraded, which has direct implications as a means for improving the efficiency of utilization of feeds for meat and milk production, while decreasing the emissions of gases to the atmosphere.

Key words: CH4, CO2, Gas release, In vitro techniques, Microbial efficiency.

ABSTRACT

An attempt was made to develop feasible processing methods for detoxification of undecorticated cottonseed meal (CSM) so as to incorporate it safely in rations of livestock and poultry. The processing methods were cooking at 100oC for 30, 45 and 60 min; pressure cooking at 5, 10 and 15 min; calcium hydroxide Ca (OH)2 treatment in concentrations of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0% (w/w) and iron treatment in ratio of 1 part free gossypol (FG) to 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 parts iron. The raw CSM contained 2700 ppm FG and 5183 ppm total gossypol. The FG content was lowered (P<0.01) by 30 min. cooking and then with 45 min. cooking, but a further increase in cooking time (60 min) did not reduce the fg content. a linear reduction (p<0.01) of FG was observed as the time of pressure-cooking increased. Treatment with 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0% Ca (OH)2 resulted in reduction (P<0.01) of FG by 21.25, 28.15 and 40.52%, respectively. Treatment with iron in ratio of 1:0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 parts iron reduced (P<0.01) the FG content linearly by 7.8, 20 and 32% and increased the iron concentration of meal by 0.05, 0.81 and 0.108%, respectively. The crude protein content of meal was not affected due to processing. The result of this study suggested that 15min. pressure cooking and 2% Ca (OH)2 treatment of CSM significantly (P<0.01) reduced the FG content to lower (P<0.01) levels in comparison to other processing methods followed by iron treatment in ratio of 1:0.4.

Key words: Cottonseed meal, Gossypol, Cooking, Calcium hydroxide, Iron.

ABSTRACT

A survey was conducted during rabi season (February-March) to study the feeding pattern and the mineral status of buffaloes of Panipat District of Haryana state. Accordingly, the data related to feeds and feeding, milk production and samples of feeds, fodders, blood, hair and milk were collected from 8 sites representing the whole district. Animals were mainly stall fed and confined within a limited area. Use of common salt and mineral mixture as supplement was not a common practice among farmers. Berseem was the major green fodder available and fed liberally alone or with mustard cake to dairy animals besides green oats and gulidanda, the common weed with wheat crop. Further, it was noticed that the farmers were reluctant to feed paddy straw though wheat straw was scarce. The biological samples (feeds, fodders, blood, hair and milk) collected during survey were analysed for calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) and iron (Fe). The Ca and P contents in feeds and fodders were within the normal range. Zn was found to be deficient in wheat straw, paddy straw, green oats, mustard cake and wheat flour, while, these feeds and fodders had more Fe than the specified level. Berseem was found to be fairly rich in Cu and Mn but just optimum in case of Zn. Data on mineral analysis indicated that 46, 38 and 14 % of buffaloes had serum Ca, P and Zn below their respective critical levels, respectively. Analysis of hair and milk indicated deficiency of Zn and Cu, but not of Mn and Fe. Survey revealed the animals of this district need dietary supplementation of Ca, P, Zn and Cu in general and more particularly during lean season when green fodders are not available.

Key words: Buffaloes, Feedstuffs, Minerals, Hair, Milk, Serum.

ABSTRACT

Feasibility of strategic supplementation to the basal diet of wheat straw in lactating does (17) was ascertained in an on-farm trial. A group of does (7) received a moderate amount (19.8±3.51 g/kg W0.75) of wheat bran as a supplement (WBS) as per farmers' practice while another group of does (10) was given a balanced concentrate mixture (BCM) at a level of 22.4±1.82 g/kg W0.75 to supply at least 50% higher amount of crude protein/digestible crude protein as compared to WBS. The animals were given wheat straw ad libitum as the sole basal roughage along with restricted grazing for 2-3 hours irrespective of dietary supplement. Farmers kept the kids with their dams to allow free suckling of milk during the experiment conducted over a period of 75 days. Though milk production during first 45 days of lactation was significantly higher (893 ml/day) in does given BCM as compared to their counterparts given WBS (575 ml/day), dietary supplements did not exert any discernible impact on milk composition. Consequently, the kids (17) suckling does under BCM group attained significantly higher growth rate (g/d) and body weight at the close of experimental feeding as compared to kids (10) of does given WBS. The partial budget analysis of additional feed cost and additional return in the form of live weight gain in kids nursed by does receiving BCM supplement indicate a lucrative marginal rate of return of over 350 per cent. The farmers appreciated the positive beneficial effect of supplementation on general health of does and growth rate of kids but requirement of assured cash out lays for quality feeds was perceived as the possible constraint in adoption of feeding BCM to does.

Key words: Economics, Goats, Growth, Milk production, Supplementation.

ABSTRACT

An experiment was conducted to assess the mineral status of vital organs of sheep fed different levels of minerals. Eighteen lambs, divided into three groups of six each, were fed gram straw and conventional concentrate mixture to meet their energy and protein requirements. One group (T1) received supplementation of mineral salts as per NRC requirement, while two other groups received 125% (T2) and 150% (T3) of minerals viz. calcium, phosphorus, sulphur, zinc and manganese as specified by NRC. However, the effective intakes of supplemented minerals were 100, 110 and 125% respectively. After feeding trial of 120 days, these lambs were slaughtered; vital organs (heart, liver, kidney and spleen) were collected and analyzed for Ca, P, S, Zn, Mn, Cu and Fe contents. An increase (P<0.05) in zn and mn contents and decreased in cu content was observed in heart, muscle and liver with the graded supplementation levels. in kidney, the concentration of cu, mn and s increased due to feeding higher levels of dietary minerals. mn and p contents were higher (p<0.05) in spleen of lambs fed higher levels of minerals. The concentration of Ca was less (P<0.05) in heart muscle, while it was more (P<0.05) in liver, kidney and spleen of sheep received higher minerals. The results indicated that vital organs especially liver and kidney responded markedly to the dietary concentration of minerals and hence could be used as indices to study mineral status of grazing lambs.

Key words: Minerals, Supplementation, Heart, Liver, Spleen, Kidney.

ABSTRACT

An on-farm study of 105 days duration was conducted on 14 local male goats (3-4 months old; 8.64 ± 0.54 kg BW) to demonstrate the beneficial effects of concentrate supplementation on growth performance of grazing animals to the farmers. Goats, divided into 2 groups (G1 and G2) of 7 each, were allowed to graze on rangeland for a period of 8 h/ day. Animals of G1 group received no supplementary feed, while animals of G2 group were given a concentrate mixture (consisted of barley, mustard cake, wheat bran, mineral mixture and common salt; 40: 30: 27: 2: 1) @ 1.0 % of their body weight. The mouth grab samples of pasture contained 11.1% CP and 42.2% ADF. Average daily gain was 17.6 and 39.4 g in G1 and G2 groups, respectively and the variation between the groups was significant (P< 0.01). The additional income due to additional inputs (Rs. 435.47) in G2 as compared to G1 was Rs. 651. Providing concentrate supplement @ 1.0% of the body weight to grazing goats appears to be profitable under field conditions.

Key words: Goats, Grazing, Supplementation, Growth, On-farm study.

ABSTRACT

In vitro studies were conducted to determine the effect of supplementation of finger millet straw (FMS) with different concentrate ingredients on NDF digestibility. The in vitro NDF digestibility of FMS which initially was 41.39 was enhanced (P<0.05) to 48.77±0.36, 47.79±0.19 and 48.91±0.16 with deoiled rice bran; 44.27±0.13, 48.90±0.01 and 47.22±0.20 with maize gluten meal -60; 46.44±0.16, 46.14±0.39 and 46.62±0.14 with groundnut cake; 45.24±0.33, 45.61±0.01 and 46.24±0.11 with cotton seed extractions and 42.68±0.16, 43.24±0.01 and 43.17±0.12 with copra cake depending on the level of dietary rumen degradable nitrogen (rdn). there was no significant difference in ndf digestibility due to different levels of rdn for these ingredients except in case of maize gluten meal-60 and maize gluten meal-40 where the ndf digestibility was significantly (p<0.05) higher at 22 and 30 g RDN/kg DOM for maize gluten meal-60 and 30g RDN/kg DOM for maize gluten meal -40. The mean NDF digestibility values were significantly (P<0.05) higher when supplemented with deoiled rice bran followed by maize gluten meal-60, groundnut cake, cotton seed extractions and copra cake. However, the mean digestibility values were not significantly (P<0.05) different between groundnut cake and cotton seed extractions. Supplementation with sunflower cake, safflower extractions and wheat bran significantly reduced the in vitro NDF digestibility of finger millet straw.

Key words: Supplementation, Finger millet straw, In vitro, NDF digestibility.

ABSTRACT

Fresh Flacourtia indica leaves (T1) as well as 48h wilted (T2) were fed as sole feed to eight Barbari goats randomly distributed into equal groups of 4 each. The leaves contained (on DM basis) crude protein 15, NDF 51.92, ADF 50.62, cell content 48.08, lignin 10.14, cellulose 40.23, silica 0.25, ether extract 2.05, total ash 7.21, calcium 1.34 and phosphorus 0.28 per cent. The leaves were low in anti-nutritional factors as exhibited by 24.2 mg/g catechin equivalent of tannin, 28.5 mg/g catechin equivalent of total phenols and 30.2 mg/g tannin equivalent of total phenol tannic acid. DM intake and digestibility coefficients of nutrients viz. DM, CP, NDF, ADF, CF, OM, NFE and EE were similar in both the groups. Though TDN intake (g/d) was significantly higher (P<0.05) in t2 (232.13±5.12) than t1 (202.44±11.21), no significant difference was evident in per cent tdn intake />kg BW. DCP intake was similar in both the groups. Serum protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, urea levels and creatine kinase activity were within the normal physiological range. Fresh or wilted F. indica leaves were found to be equally palatable and nutritious to goats without any apparent deleterious effect on the general health.

Key words: Flacourtia indica leaves, Goat, Wilting, Digestibility.

ABSTRACT

A feeding trial of 23 weeks (19 to 42 weeks of age) duration was conducted on one hundred laying birds randomly allotted to four dietary treatments. Treatment T1 was standard layer mash containing di-calcium phosphate (DCP) as the phosphorus source, while treatments T2, T3 and T4 consisted of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) instead of DCP at 33, 66 and 100 per cent (w/w) levels, respectively, in mineral mixture. Feed intake did not differ significantly (P<0.05) among different groups except in t3 where it was significantly lower only in comparison to t1. while feed efficiency was significantly (p<0.05) lower in birds allotted T1 and T2 diets, the per cent hen day egg production was significantly higher in birds assigned T1 and T2 diets. However, the egg weight of birds allotted T1 diet was significantly higher than other groups. Among egg quality traits, albumin index, yolk index, shell thickness and shell weights were not influenced significantly (P>0.05) due to dietary treatments. The shape index was reduced due to inclusion of higher level of DAP and was significantly lower in birds allotted T4 diet. The haugh unit improved with increasing level of DAP and was maximum in birds assigned 100 per cent DAP diet (T4). It may be concluded that DAP can be incorporated safely up to 33 per cent level in place of DCP in the mineral mixture of layers.

Key words: Di-calcium phosphate, Di-ammonium phosphate, Mineral mixture, Layers, Egg quality.