ABSTRACT

Mudgal, V., Mehta, M.K. and Rane, A.S. 2006. Feeding value of urea-ammoniated lentil (Lens culinaris) straw in the diet of growing barbari bucks. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 1-7. Lentil (Lens culinaris) straw was urea ammoniated for its nutritional improvement and evaluated as growth ration for kids. Urea ammoniation increased the CP (9.21 vs.14.13%) and NFE (39.87 vs. 42.98%) and reduced the CF (39.59 vs. 31.49%) contents of straw. Ten Barbari bucks (17.63±2.13 kg, 6-8m) were divided into two groups of five each and were fed either lentil straw (LS) or urea ammoniated lentil straw (ALS) ad libitum along with mineral and vitamin supplements. Digestibility of EE (P<0.05) or adf and ndf (p<0.01) increased, while that of CP decreased by ammoniation of straw. Dry matter, DCP (P<0.01), TDN, DE, ME and NE (P<0.05) intake/kgW0.75 were higher in kids fed urea ammoniated lentil straw. Mean daily nitrogen balance was negative (-1.38g) in the kids fed on LS but it was positive (1.50g) in kids fed ALS. Concomitantly, the kids fed ammoniated lentil straw had a growth rate of 47g/day as against a loss of body weight (-34 g/d), observed in the kids fed LS. Ammoniation also increased the TDN (55.46 vs. 56.76%) and DCP (5.48 vs.7.26%) contents of LS. It was concluded that nutritive value of lentil straw can improved by its ammoniation, and its feeding to growing kids could support an average daily gain of about 50g.

Key words: Lentil straw, Bucks, Urea-ammoniation, Nutritive value, Growth.

ABSTRACT

Ravi, A., Srinivasa Rao, D. and Yedukondalu, R. 2006. Effect of feeding water soaked or cooked tamarind seed kernel on growth, nutrient utilization and carcass characteristics of pigs. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 9-17.
Twenty four barrows consisting 12 each of indigenous and crossbred (Large White Yorkshire x indigenous) were divided into four equal groups and fed finisher ration ad libitum containing maize (R-1), raw tamarind seed kernel (TSK, R-2), water soaked TSK (R-3) or cooked TSK (R-4). The digestibility (%) of crude protein (P<0.05) and nitrogen free extract (p<0.01) was higher accompanying a higher (P<0.05) daily retention of nitrogen in barrows fed R-1 and R-3 compared to those fed R-2 and R-4. The average daily gain was higher (P<0.05) in R-1 and R-3 fed barrows and the feed/kg gain was lower (P<0.01) in R-1 than in R-2 or R-4 fed barrows. The crossbred barrows exhibited comparatively higher digestibility of nutrients, nitrogen retention accompanying a superior growth performance when compared to indigenous barrows irrespective of dietary treatments. The carcass characteristics were not significantly influenced by the dietary treatments. It was concluded that physical processing of TSK in terms of water soaking would constitute one of the means to improve its nutritive value for barrows. However, further studies are needed to fractionate various non-starch polysaccharide content of the TSK, optimize the temperature for gelatinization of its starch and its effect on gut viscosity for improving the efficiency of utilization of this low cost unconventional feed resource in the diet of pigs.

Key words: Pigs, Processing, Tamarind seed kernel, Growth, Nutrient utilization, Carcass.

ABSTRACT

Das, A. and Singh G.P. 2006. Effect of partial replacement of groundnut cake with berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) on nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, pool size and passage rate in cattle fed wheat straw based diet. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 19-28.
Effect of replacement of groundnut cake (GNC) with berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) in straw based diet was studied in a 3x3 Latin square design experiment with 3 ruminally fistulated crossbred steers of about 2 years age. Wheat straw was offered ad lib to all the calves. In Group I, GNC (300 g/kg) was supplemented to fulfill the N requirement. Amount of GNC was reduced to 150 and 100 g/kg in groups II and III, respectively while, 300 and 450 g/kg of berseem was added to make the diets iso-nitrogenous. Total dry matter intake (DMI) was higher (P<0.01) in group ii, followed by groups iii and i. the ph of rumen fluid was not significantly different among the groups. ammonia-n concentration in rumen fluid decreased (p<0.01) with increased level of berseem. Total volatile fatty acid concentration in rumen fluid was higher (P<0.05) in group II, followed by groups III and I. Addition of berseem resulted in increase (P<0.05) in total rumen content and pool sizes of DM and neutral detergent fibre without affecting the pool size of indigestible components. Increasing level of berseem resulted in significant (P<0.01) increase in mean retention time and decrease in rate of passage. Digestibility of DM and fibre components was significantly (P<0.05) higher in group II, followed by groups III and I. It was concluded that 50% of the GNC can be replaced with incorporation of 30% berseem in the diets of cattle fed wheat straw based diet.

Key words: Berseem, Groundnut cake, Rumen fermentation, Rumen pool size, Passage rate.

ABSTRACT

Ravi, A. and Prasad, J.R. 2006. Performance of grazing or stall-fed lambs on supplementation with concentrate and roughage resources. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 29-39.
In two separate growth (180d) trials, 30 each of grazing (experiment-1: semi-intensive system) or stall fed (experiment-2: intensive system) Nellore Brown lambs were supplemented with concentrates (maize and deoiled groundnut cake) alone (T-1), or along with groundnut haulms (T-2), dry leaf meal of Leucaena leucocephala (T-3), Sesbania grandiflora (T-4), Gliricidia maculata (T-5) or Ficus bangalensis (T-6) to study the effect of supplementation on digestibility of nutrients, growth performance and economics of feeding. The digestibility of nutrients in the diet was improved in lambs fed concentrate (T-1), Leucaena (T-3) or Sesbania (T-4) supplemented groups than in other treatments in experiment 1. The ADG (g), feed efficiency (P<0.01) and cost (rs.) of feed />kg gain (P<0.05) were 59, 43, 44, 49, 41 and 40; 10.3, 13.8, 13.9, 11.9, 14.2 and 14.3 and 66.3, 74.5, 74.7, 64.1, 76.9 and 77.1 in lambs on treatments 1 to 6, respectively. in lambs stall-fed on fresh hybrid napier (nb-21) along with different supplements (experiment - 2), the digestibility of dm, cf, ndf, adf, hemicellulose and cellulose was not significantly different among the treatments. the digestibility of cp in t-1 and t-4, ee in t-1 and t-5 was higher (p<0.01) than in other treatments while NFE and OM digestibility in T-1 was higher (P<0.01) than in T-6. The ADG (g) and feed efficiency were 43, 39, 46, 49,42 and 35 and 10.7, 11.8, 9.9, 9.5,10.6 and 11.9 in treatments 1 to 6, respectively. The cost of feed/kg gain (Rs.) was higher (P<0.01) in T-1 (68.5) than in T-3 (44.9) or T-4 (44.1) while in other treatments viz., T-2 (57.9), T-5 (49.5) and T-6 (59.7) it was comparable. The results suggested that economical and sustainable lamb production could be promoted by supplementation of Sesbania under semi-intensive system. Supplementation with Leucaena leucocephala, Sesbania or Gliricidia may be effective and economical under intensive system of rearing.

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

ABSTRACT

Deo, C., Shrivastava, H.P. and Singh, N.B. 2006. Effect of feeding different phosphorus levels and depletion on the performance and blood bio-chemicals in broilers. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 41-47.
An experiment was conducted to study the effect of feeding different levels of phosphorus (P) and its subsequent depletion at varied levels on growth performance and blood biochemicals of finishing broilers. Initially, three test diets were prepared from the basal diet containing practical feedstuffs and supplemented with variable dicalcium phosphate to achieve 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5% available phosphorus (AP) and were tested during starting phase (0-21 d) period by introducing each diet in twelve groups having 9 chicks each. Additionally, nine more test diets were also prepared by depleting 25, 50 and 75% of P levels of each diet that had been tested during starting phase. Thus, during finishing phase (22-42 d) a total of 12 test diets were tested in a factorial manner (3x4) having three levels of AP (0.3, 0.4 and 0.5%) and four levels of depletion (0, 25, 50 and 75%) of each AP levels. Each treatment had three replicates of 8 chicks. Results indicated significantly (P<0.05) higher body weight gain at 50% than other levels of p depletion. no significant effect was evident on body weight gain due to different p levels. significant (p<0.05) interactions between levels and depletion of P were noticed on body weight gain. Feed intake and feed conversion ratio did not differ significantly due to either main effects or their interactions. Serum alkaline phosphatase activity, and levels of calcium and phosphorus differed significantly (P<0.05) due to different levels of P depletion. Serum phosphorus concentration increased (P<0.01) with increased levels of P in the diet. Similarly, the serum phosphorus levels were significantly lower at all the levels of P (25 to 75%) of phosphorus depletion than the undepleted. The results of this study suggest that the P level in broiler finisher diet can be reduced upto 50% irrespective of AP levels during the starter phase. Further, the broilers need at least 0.15% AP during finishing phase (22-42d) for optimum growth performance.

Key words: Broilers, Depletion, Finisher, Growth, Phosphorus.

ABSTRACT

Ramachandran, M. and Singhal, K.K. 2006. Digestion kinetics of complete diets based on wheat straw and alkali treated cottonseed hulls. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 49-56.
Digestion kinetics of isocaloric (55% TDN) complete diets comprising 60% roughage (either wheat straw (WS) or 5% alkali treated cottonseed hulls; CSH, the latter in mash and flaked forms containing 10, 12 and 14% CP, was studied. Potentially degradable DM fraction of CSH based diets, irrespective of CP level, was higher than WS based diets. Potential DM degradation of CSH and WS based diets was similar and flaking of CSH based diets did not reveal any improvement in its potential degradability. Effective DM degradability of CSH based diets did not improve by the alkali treatment alone, however, combined effect of alkali and flaking process improved the effective degradability. Lag time of NDF digestion in CSH based diets was higher (P<0.05) than ws based diets, irrespective of the cp level and physical form. rate of ndf digestion was maximum for the diets containing 12% cp, irrespective of source of roughage or processing. the csh based diets containing 12% cp had higher (p<0.05) potential as well as apparent extent of fibre digestion than those containing other CP levels in both mash and flake form. It can be concluded that combined effect of alkali and flaking process improved the effective degradability of CSH but not the potential degradability. The optimum CP level in complete diets containing 60% roughage for maximum utilization of fibre was found to be 12 percent.

Key words: Digestion, Kinetics, Complete diets, Wheat straw, Cottonseed hulls

ABSTRACT

Dutta, N., Sharma, K. and Naulia, U. 2006. Rice polishing as an economic substitute to wheat bran as a supplement to wheat straw diet for lactating goats. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 57-63.
Comparative performance of lactating does (n=6) given wheat bran or different levels of rice polish in different supplements was ascertained in a 3 x 2 switch over design. The does were fed a basal diet of wheat straw ad libitum and supplemented with iso-nitrogenous concentrate containing either wheat bran (WBC), rice-polish replacing wheat bran to constitute 25% (RP-25) or 50% (RP-50) of total supplement to meet their requirements for maintenance and milk production. A small amount of green fodder (berseem /tree leaves) was also offered to take care of vitamin A requirement of goats. The total DM intake and digestibility coefficient of DM, OM, CP, EE, NDF, and ADF were comparable among three groups. The nutrient concentration (%) and intake (g/kg W0.75) was also similar in the lactating does irrespective of dietary treatments. The intake of nitrogen (g/d) and total nitrogen output (g/d) were comparable irrespective of dietary treatments. All the lactating does remained in positive N balance. Though the does given RP-50 excreted loose faeces consistently, no such symptom was evident in does receiving RP-25. The average daily milk production of lactating does g/day was similar irrespective of dietary supplements throughout the experiment. Similarly, the milk composition in terms of total solids, SNF, crude protein, fat and ash did not differ significantly in lactating does fed WB or rice polish incorporated supplements. Substitution of wheat bran with rice polish significantly (P<0.05) reduced the feed cost of goat ration. it is revealed that inclusion of commercial rice polish (25%) in the supplements for non-descript lactating goats may be an economical proposition.

Key words: Does, Rice polish, Nutrient utilization, Milk production.

ABSTRACT

Sapcota, D., Islam, R. and Upadhyaya, T.N. 2006. Dietary supplementation of Emblica officinalis for amelioration of experimental aflatoxicosis in commercial broilers. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 65-71.
A study was conducted to find out the possible ameliorative effect of dietary Emblica officinalis EO; (synonym, Phyllanthus emblica) in experimental aflatoxicosis in broilers. Day-old chicks (n=140), divided into seven equal treatment groups, were used in the study of 6 weeks. A control ration was prepared with conventional feedstuffs and an experimental diet was prepared from this ration after incorporating aflatoxin (AF) B1@300 ppb produced on rice using Aspergillus parasiticus, NRRL 2999 strain. From experimental diet, 5 rations ware prepared by mixing dry fruit of EO in powder form at graded levels i.e., 0, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 g/kg. The 7th diet was the control ration supplemented with EO at the highest level (2.5 g/kg). Dietary aflatoxin significantly (P<0.05) reduced the body weight of broilers; however, addition of eo in toxin fed group could partially improve the situation. the feed-to-gain ratio was superior in the control group (2.19) as compared to toxin alone fed group of birds (2.94). supplementation of eo along with afb1, significantly (p<0.05) improved the feed efficiency from 2nd week onwards which was more conspicuous as the age of the birds advanced; however, complete amelioration of the condition could not be noticed. Feeding AF alone caused significant (P<0.05) increase in the relative weights of liver, heart, proventriculus and giblet but decreased those of spleen, bursa as well as ready to cook meat compared to their control counterparts. Dietary EO showed ameliorating effects in aflatoxicosis on dose related fashion and the best result was obtained with 2.5 g/kg dose. Results of this study indicated that the protective effect of EO in experimental aflatoxicosis was only partial.

Key words: Aflatoxicosis, Emblica officinalis, Phyllanthus emblica, Broilers, Growth.

ABSTRACT

George, S.K., Dipu, M.T., Singh, P., Verma, A.K. and Mehra, U.R. 2006. Equivalence of HPLC and colorimetric assay for purine derivatives and creatinine in cattle urine. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 73-78.
George, S.K., Dipu, M.T., Singh, P., Verma, A.K. and Mehra, U.R. 2006. Equivalence of HPLC and colorimetric assay for purine derivatives and creatinine in cattle urine. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 73-78.

Key words: Purine derivatives, Creatinine, HPLC, Colorimetry, Cattle urine.

ABSTRACT

Torane, D.J., Wankhede, S.M. and Kalbande, V.H. 2006. Effect of feeding different levels and sources of bypass protein with urea treated wheat straw on performance of crossbred (Holstein Friesian x Deoni) calves. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 79-86.
An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of different levels and sources of bypass protein either with 4% urea treated or untreated wheat straw on performance of 18 crossbred (Holstein Friesian x Deoni) calves (12.44±0.48 m age;116.88±3,07 kg). One balanced concentrate mixture (CM) with RDP to UDP ratio of 65:35 was compounded and fed to the calves in control group C with untreated wheat straw ad libitum. Calves in experimental groups T1 and T2 were fed ad libitum urea treated wheat straw with decorticated groundnut cake and un-decorticated cottonseed cake having RDP to UDP ratio of 78:22 and 52:48, respectively. Voluntary feed intake in groups T2 and C was statistically similar (4.90 and 4.19 kg per day, respectively) but was significantly (P<0.01) higher as compared to t1(3.07 kg). significantly (p<0.01) higher average daily gain (568g) was recorded for calves in group T2 as compared to C (383.2g) and T1(399.8g). Feed efficiency (kg DMI per unit gain in BW) of calves in groups T2 (7.32) and T1 (7.92) was significantly superior (P<0.05) over group C (11.36). The digestibility coefficients of DM, OM and EE were significantly (P<0.01) higher for ration T1 and T2 as compared to ration C. Digestibility of CP, ADF and NDF were similar for ration T1 and T2 but the values were significantly (P<0.01) higher than that of ration C. Digestibility of crude fiber on ration T2 was significantly (P<0.05) higher as compared to T1 and C. The post feeding blood urea nitrogen level in calves of group T2 was significantly (P<0.01) lower as compared to those in C and T1. The cost of composite ration per kg gain in body weight for calves in groups C, T1 and T2 were found to be Rs. 24.85, 17.55 and 15.95, respectively, indicating economic superiority of T2 over C and T1. The results revealed that urea treatment of wheat straw improved the nitrogen content, voluntary feed intake and the digestibility of nutrients. Feeding of crossbred calves with urea treated wheat straw based ration with un-decorticated cottonseed cake containing 48 per cent UDP, stimulated the growth rate to achieve better and economic feed efficiency in early stages of growth. The studies also emphasized the need for bypass protein content of ration in addition to CP content while expressing the protein needs of ruminants.

Key words: Bypass protein, Urea treatment, Wheat straw, Crossbred calves.

ABSTRACT

Yadav, N.S., Wankhede, S.M. and Kalbande, V.H. 2006. Effect of feeding bypass protein with urea treated sorghum straw on performance of crossbred (Jersey x Red Kandhari) calves. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 87-94.
Twelve crossbred (Jersey x Red Kandhari) calves (19.1±0.86 months of age and 88.4±1.03 kg body weight) were used in an experiment to assess the effect of feeding concentrate mixtures varying in RDP to UDP levels either with 4% urea treated or untreated sorghum straw for a period of 90 days. Two isocaloric and isonitrogenous balanced concentrate mixtures (CM-I and CM-II) varying in RDP to UDP ratio viz., 65:35 and 55:45 were compounded. The calves in control group C were fed CM-I with ad libitum untreated sorghum straw while those in experimental group T were fed CM-II with ad libitum urea treated sorghum straw. Daily dry matter consumption (kg) was significantly (P<0.01) higher in group t as compared to group c. the average daily gain (g) of calves in group t (382.21) was significantly (p<0.01) higher as compared to those in control (237.77) with a better (P<0.01) feed efficiency 9.50 vs 11.79/kg per unit gain. The digestibility coefficients and nutritive value (DCP, TDN). CP, EE, CF, NDF, ADF and NFE), were significantly higher for T than C. The blood urea nitrogen concentration (mg/dl) at various post feeding intervals were significantly lower (P<0.01) in calves fed ration T. Results indicate that an optimum growth rate can be economically achieved in crossbred calves by feeding 4% urea treated sorghum straw as a basal roughage supplemented with a concentrate mixture containing 20% CP, 70% TDN and 45% UDP.

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

ABSTRACT

Saijpaul, S., Grewal, R.S., Ahuja, C.S. and Naik, P.K. 2006. Effect of supplementation of whole linted cotton seed on the performance and blood biochemical profile of crossbred cows in summer. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 95-102.
An experiment of 120d duration was conducted to study the effect of feeding water soaked whole linted cotton seed (WSWLCS) on the feed intake, body weight changes, lactation performance, blood biochemical profile and conception rate of high yielding lactating crossbred cows during the hot and humid climate (June-September). Twenty-two crossbred milch cows were randomly divided into two groups of eleven each on the basis of the average body weight and milk production as control (C) and treatment (T) groups. In the T group, supplementation of WSWLCS @ 5% of their milk yield was made replacing equal quantity of control concentrate mixture. In addition, all the experimental animals were provided ad libitum non-leguminous fodder. The WSWLCS has slightly lower crude protein and considerably higher ether extract, crude fiber, ADF, NDF and ADL values than the concentrate mixture. The total weight loss and the loss per day were similar in both the groups. The values of the total milk yield and related variables were comparable among the groups. The total DM intake, milk yield/kg DMI and FCM yield/kg DMI were also statistically similar in both the groups. The cost of feeding in group T was significantly (P<0.05) higher than the group c. however, the difference in the net profit per animal per day was statistically non-significant. there was also no significant difference between the c and t groups with respect to erythrocyte fragility and hemoglobin levels besides glucose, cholesterol, creatinine, urea nitrogen, uric acid, chloride, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, alanine amino transferase and aspartate amino transferase levels in plasma. the levels of total protein, globulin and lactate dehydrogenase which were significantly (p<0.05) higher in T relative to C group. However, the values of all the blood biochemical profile of animals in both the groups were within the normal range. The cows fed WSWLSC required less number of artificial inseminations than the control group for the conception. It may be concluded that supplementation of WSWLCS (at 5% of the milk yield) is a good option in the ration of high yielding crossbred cows especially during the hot humid summer.

Key words: Cottonseed, Feeding, Lactation, Blood Parameters.

ABSTRACT

Bhanja, S.K. and Mandal, A.B. 2006. Requirement of critical amino acids for growth and maintenance of naked neck broiler chickens in extreme summer. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 103-113.
The requirements of critical amino acids (CAA) in extreme summer (31.6-36.30OC) were worked out involving 192 chicks distributed into 24 groups. The birds were reared on a standard diet upto 3 weeks of age. Eight dietary treatments (4 dietary regimens-DR x 2 protein type) were formulated following factorial design. The dietary regimens were CP (20%) and 3200 ME (DR1) as per NRC (1994), 100% AA of NRC and 3200 kcal ME (DR2), 108% AA of NRC and 3000 kcal ME (DR3), 94% AA of NRC and 3000 kcal ME (i.e CAA levels adjusted to 3000 kcal ME/kg -DR4) with FM or with all vegetable protein meal. Each diet was offered to triplicate groups of 8 birds each from 3 to 6 weeks of age. The data were also fitted into different regression models for partitioning of critical amino acids for maintenance and gain. The body weight gain was higher (P<0.01) in high and medium energy and high caa diets. feed intake was higher (p<0.01) in high-energy diets. Feed conversion ratio was not different (P>0.05) among dietary treatments. The ME requirement per kg gain was lower (P<0.05) in high CAA and low energy diet, however, protein efficiency and feed cost per kg gain was lower (P<0.001) in high-energy diet. The maintenance requirements of lysine, methionine and threonine were 496.0±34.0, 189.0±13.0 and 374.0±25.0 mg/kg W0.75, while the corresponding values for body weight gain were 9.28±1.00, 3.54±0.10 and 6.77±0.10 mg/g, respectively. The R2 values for corresponding estimates were 0.996, 0.995 and 0.996. The requirements of lysine, methionine and threonine for naked neck finisher broilers (3-6 weeks of age) were worked out to be 0.91, 0.345 and 0.671 percent through linear model and 0.958, 0.357 and 0.704 percent through quadratic model, respectively, for summer months.

Keywords: Naked neck, Broiler, Amino acids, Requirement, Summer stress.

ABSTRACT

Panda, A.K., Niranjan, M., Reddy, B.L.N. and Sharma, R.P. 2006. Influence of dietary energy on growth, immunecompetence, and carcass characteristics of coloured broiler chickens. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 115-121.
An experiment was conducted to assess growth performance, immunecompetence and carcass traits in coloured (Krishibro, PDP, ICAR) broiler chickens (n = 270) fed three isonitrogenous diets (20% CP) but varied in energy levels viz. 2600 (low), 2700 (medium) and 2800 (high) kcal ME/kg diet. Data on biweekly body weight gain were recorded and feed conversion ratio was calculated. On d 42 and 56 of age, chicks from three replicates (15 birds) in each dietary group were injected with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) to measure humoral immune response. On 56d of age, other two replicates from each diet were inoculated with E. coli (serotype O2). The response to SRBC and E. coli inoculation was measured after 5days of inoculation. At 43d of age, chicks from another two replicates (10 birds) under each dietary group were injected intradermally in wattle with phytohaemagglutinin-P (PHA-P) and thickness was measured 24h post inoculation to assess cutaneous basophilic hypersensitivity (CBH) response. On 57th day, 10 birds from each dietary group were slaughtered and data on carcass traits were recorded. The body weight gain increased and feed conversion ratio improved significantly (P<0.05) in chicks fed medium (2700 kcal />kg) energy diet as compared to the lower (2600 kcal/kg) energy diet both at 42 and 56days of age, however, no difference could be found between medium and high (2800kcal/kg) energy diet. The humoral immune response to SRBC, CBH response to PHA-P, lesion scores to E. coli inoculation and carcass characteristics did not differ significantly due to variation in dietary energy (2600 to 2800 kcal ME/kg). It is concluded that 2700 kcal ME/kg diet is adequate for optimum performance of coloured (Krishibro) broiler chickens during 0 to 56 days of age.

Keywords: Colored broiler, Dietary energy, Growth, Immunecompetence, Carcass characteristics.

ABSTRACT

Mishra, B.B., Swain, R.K., Sahu, B.K. and Samantaray, D.P. 2006. Effect of bypass protein supplementation on nutrient utilization, milk production and its composition in crossbred cows on paddy straw based ration. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 123-133.
An on-farm trial was conducted for a period of 90d on 14 crossbred lactating cows to study the effect of bypass protein supplementation on a paddy straw ration on nutrient utilization, milk production and reproduction performances. The crossbred cows were divided into two groups of seven in each on parity and daily milk yield basis. The experimental cows of both the groups were fed paddy straw, mixed grasses and concentrate mixture as per NRC (2001). The concentrate mixture of group 1 animals contained 25 parts of untreated groundnut cake (GNC) whereas that of group 2 contained 25 parts of formaldehyde treated GNC. The animals were maintained by the farmers in their sheds and fed individually as per the advice. The DM, DCP and TDN intake (kg/100 kg BW) were 2.91±0.02, 0.270±0.014 and 1.68±0.06 in group 1, and 2.98±0.02, 0.282±0.003 and 1.74±0.01 in group 2, respectively, which were statistically similar (P>0.05). The digestibility of DM and EE was significantly (P<0.05) higher in cows of group 2 than those of group 1. the digestibility of all other nutrients and cell wall fractions was similar in both the groups. the average milk yield (l />d) was significantly higher (P<0.01) in group 2 (9.84±0.01) compared to group 1 (8.72±0.01). the weekly average milk fat, milk protein, snf and total solids percentages were 4.35±0.06 and 5.48±0.09; 3.33±0.01 and 3.44±0.02; 9.44±0.19 and 9.96±0.12; and 14.03±0.24 and 15.62±0.16 in groups 1 and 2, respectively, which were statistically (p<0.05) different. The group 2 cows earned Rs. 12.75 more profit per cow per day than group 1, accruing overall excess profit of Rs. 1147.50 in 90 days, indicating a clear advantage of bypass protein supplementation. The average post-partum oestrus period (d), average days of experimental feeding up to the first oestrus (d), services per conception (no) were 49.71±7.01 and 39.29±4.89; 120.00±0.69 and 109.28±0.61; and 1.8±0.02 and 1.14±0.14 in the groups 1 and 2, respectively. Seven cows in group 2 compared to 5 cows in group 1 were found pregnant registering a conception rate of 100% in the former. It is concluded that supplementation of formaldehyde treated GNC in place of untreated GNC in the concentrate mixture of crossbred cows on paddy straw based ration improved the production and reproduction performance economically.

Keywords: Desmanthus virgatus, Biomass yield, Chemical composition, Nutritive value, Sheep.

*Corresponding author: radhakrish67@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Sharma, V., Purohit, G.R., Arya, R.S. and Harsh, M. 2006. Evaluation of some complete rations in sheep incorporating unconventional feed resources of arid zone of India. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 135-141.
A study was conducted on 12 adult Marwari rams to explore and evaluate the efficiency of complete rations prepared from non conventional feeds of arid zone viz; sewen grass (Lasirus, sindicus) mesquite (Prosopis juliflora) pods, groundnut (Arachis hypogea) straw, tumba (Citrullus colosynthis) oil cake, taramira (Eruca sativa ) oil cake and groundnut hulls. Six complete rations (CR-1 to CR-VI) were prepared incorporating these high fibrous feeds of the arid region and evaluated for chemical composition, various fibre characteristics besides, their influence on feed intake, nutrient utilization and rumen fermentation pattern. Results of the study indicated treatment effect (P<0.05) on feed intake, utilization of nutrients and nitrogen balance. however, intake of digestible nutrients in all rations was as per the recommendations of icar. rumen fermentation pattern was found to be comparable among the feed sources. it was concluded that high fibrous unconventional feedstuffs can be blended together to form complete economic rations for sustaining sheep during feed scarcity in arid region.

Keywords: Unconventional feeds, Arid zone, Complete ration, Sheep.

ABSTRACT

Kumar, R.A., Tyagi, J.S., Thakur, R., Mohan, J. and Sastry, K.V.H. 2006. Effect of nitric oxide modulators on nutrient absorption in broiler chicken. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 143-146.
Nitric oxide (NO), a major paracrine-signaling molecule plays a decisive role in regulating multiple functions in the body. To study the role of nitric oxide in nutrient uptake in broiler chicken, 30 male birds (11 weeks of age) were divided into three equal groups and were administered intravenously with a NO donor (Sodium nitropruside @ 3mg/kg BW), an NO inhibitor (NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester @ 400mg/ kg BW) and normal saline (control) and in vivo nutrient uptake studies for calcium, phosphorus and glucose were carried out after 15, 30 and 45 minutes of administration. Results indicated that NO donor produced a significant (P<0.05) increase in uptake of calcium, phosphorus and glucose uptake while no inhibitors resulted in significant (p<0.05) decrease in of absorption of these nutrients suggesting that NO has a favourable effect on nutrient absorption.

Keywords: Nitric oxide, Nutrient absorption and Broiler chickens.

ABSTRACT

Neelam Rani, Wadhwa, M., Kaushal, S. and Bakshi, M.P.S. 2006. Herbal feed additives and growth of buffalo calves. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 147-151.
The study was undertaken to see the effect of two herbal feed additives, individually or in combination, on the nutrient utilization and growth of buffalo calves. Twenty male buffalo calves, divided into 4 groups were offered a conventional control diet, or control diet supplemented with either Eclipta alba (bhringraj), Kutaki picorrhiza (kutki) or combination of Eclipta alba and Kutaki picorrhiza in 1:1 ratio @ 0.4% of the DM intake. The supplementation of herbal feed additives was withdrawn completely, 30d after the start of the 77d growth trial. Simultaneously, rumen studies were also conducted on 6 rumen fistulated male buffalo calves to assess the effect of herbal feed additives on biochemical changes in the rumen. The data revealed that the daily DM intake, digestibility of nutrients and N retention, various rumen metabolites and live weight gain were comparable among the groups. It was concluded that kutki and bhringraj, alone or in combination, when supplemented @ 0.4% of diet for 30d, did not have any persistent beneficial effects on the performance of buffalo calves till 77d post-exposure.

Keywords: Herbal feed additives, Rumen, Growth, Buffalo, Calves.

ABSTRACT

Bhat, G.A., Banday, M.T., Khan, A.A. and Mattoo, F.A. 2006. Effect of feeding iso-nitrogenous diets with different energy levels on the performance of broilers. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 153-156.
An experiment of thirty days duration was conducted during winter season (November/December) on 10d-old commercial broilers (n=99) reared in batteries to study the effect of feeding iso-nitrogenous diets (CP 22%) with different energy levels viz., 2800 (T1), 3000 (T2) and 3200 (T3) kcal/kg feed on their performance. The performance of broilers with respect to weight gain (1159±29.2 to 1223±77.79), feed intake (2707±2.5 to 2744±16.89), feed efficiency (2.26±0.13 to 2.35±0.06) and survivability among the three groups was statistically similar. So far as cost benefit analysis is concerned the cost of feed per kg live weight was Rs. 27.53 in T1, Rs. 32.43 in T2 and Rs. 35.95 in T3 groups. Therefore, it could be concluded that dietary energy of 2800 kcal/kg feed was optimum for better economic returns of broilers during 10-40d of age.

Keywords: Broilers, Energy levels, Weight gain, Feed Efficiency, Economics

ABSTRACT

Ramesh Babu, A., Srinivasa Rao, D.S. and Parthasarathy, M. 2006. Nutrient utilization of concentrate mixtures with varying levels of papaya (Carica papaya) pomace by native male buffaloes. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 159-166.
Four isonitrogenous (20% CP) concentrate mixtures were formulated by incorporating papaya (Carica papaya) pomace at 0 (CM-1) 10 (CM-2), 20 (CM-3) and 30 (CM-4) per cent levels. The experimental rations CR-1 to CR-4 comprised 1.35 kg of the respective concentrate mixtures and 4.5 kg of rice straw, and were evaluated in a 4 x 4 latin square design experiment with four rumen fistulated native male buffaloes (280 ± 2.0 kg) to evaluate nutrient utilization, balances of N, Ca and P and rumen metabolic profiles. The average daily DM intake was in the range of 5345 to 5355 g per animal fed the experimental rations. Inclusion of papaya pomace at 10, 20 and 30% levels in the rations had no significant effect on digestibility of organic nutrients. All the animals were in positive balance for N, Ca and P. The inclusion level of papaya pomace in the rations had no significant effect on rumen pH; however, NH3-N concentration in the rumen liquor of the buffaloes decreased (P<0.05) and tvfa concentration increased (p<0.05) with increase of papaya pomace inclusion in the rations.The DCP and TDN intake observed in the buffaloes fed on experimental rations indicated that they were adequate to meet the nutrient requirements for maintenance. It is concluded that papaya pomace can be included at 30% level in concentrate mixtures of buffaloes fed on rice straw based rations for maintenance without any adverse effects on nutrient utilization.

Key words: Buffaloes, Concentrate mixture, Nutrient utilization, Papaya pomace

ABSTRACT

Nanda, J., Swain, R.K., Sahu, B.K. and Samantaray, D.P. 2006. Effects of strategic supplementation on work efficiency of bullocks on a paddy straw ration. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 167-176.
An on-farm trial was conducted on 12 pairs of indigenous bullocks (5.9±0.1 years; 303±8 kg BW) for a duration of 45d to assess the effects of supplementing de-oiled groundnut cake (DGNC) to a paddy straw ration on the nutrient utilization and work efficiency. The farmers were feeding rice bran, mixed grasses and ad libitum paddy straw to their bullocks. The bullocks were divided into two groups on body weight basis. Bullocks of group 1 were fed as per the prevailing feeding practices, but in group 2 the bullocks were supplemented @ 1 kg/d/head of DGNC in addition to the ration fed by the farmers. The animals were maintained by the farmers as per their management practices. After 30d of feeding, a digestibility trial was conducted by using chromic oxide as an external indicator. The DM intake (kg/100 kg BW) was significantly (P<0.01) higher in group 2 (2.43±0.01) than group 1 (2.26±0.03). the digestibility coefficient of dm, om and cp was significantly (p<0.01) higher in group 2 than group 1. The respiration rate, heart rate, pulse rate and rectal temperature were significantly (P<0.01) lower after 4h of ploughing in group 2 than group 1. The walking speed and area ploughed per hour were significantly higher (P<0.01) in group 2 than group 1. The bullocks of group 2 exhibited less frothing after 4h of ploughing. The blood glucose and plasma urea concentrations were significantly higher (P<0.01), and the plasma lactate dehydrogenase concentration was significantly (P<0.01), lower in group 2 compared to group 1. Thus, supplementation of DGNC to a paddy straw ration has beneficial effect on nutrient utilization and work performance in bullocks.

Key words: Bullock, Nutrient utilization, Rumen degradable nitrogen, Supplementation, Work.

ABSTRACT

Sapcota, D., Islam, R. and Upadhyaya, T.N. 2006. Experimental aflatoxicosis in commercial broilers and its amelioration by dietary Andrographis paniculata: A haemato-pathological study. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 177-184.
The effects of dietary aflatoxin B1 (300 ppb) in commercial broilers (n = 150) and its amelioration by using graded doses of Andrographis paniculata (AP; 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 g/kg) were studied for 6 weeks. The effects of toxin on feather, leg and toe haemorrhage scores, organ weight and haemato-biochemical parameters were noted. The aflatoxicosis significantly (P<0.05) affected the leg, feather and toe haemorrhage scores; dietary ap could completely restore the feather- and toe- scores but not the leg score. the relative weights of liver, gizzard, heart, giblet and proventriculus were significantly (p<0.05) increased during aflatoxicosis, however, the dietary AP could correct the problems, though partially. The relative weights of spleen, bursa of Fabricious, ready-to-cook carcass and serum level of glucose remained unchanged during aflatoxicosis. The serum protein, cholesterol, PCV and erythrocyte levels were decreased whereas, triglyceride level increased significantly (P<0.05) due to feeding of aflatoxin. However, addition of AP in the diet could partially alleviate these problems in a dose dependent manner. The activities serum enzymes, viz. glutamate pyruvate transaminase, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly (P<0.05) increased in aflatoxicosis, nevertheless, AP showed ameliorating effects on these parameters, though partially.

Key words: Aflatoxicosis, Andrographis paniculata, Broilers, Haematology, Serum enzymes.

ABSTRACT

Tiwari, R.K., Garg, A.K. and Singh, P. 2006. Effect of cobalt supplementation on nutrient utilization in crossbred cattle fed wheat straw and urea ammoniated bagasse based complete feed. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 185-192.
Twelve adult crossbred cattle bulls (mean BW, 363.8±7.15 kg) were divided into three groups of four animals each following completely randomized design. All the animals were fed a common complete feed consisted of 20 parts each of wheat straw and ammoniated sugarcane bagasse and 60 parts of concentrate mixture (30% crushed maize, 15% de-oiled soybean meal, 32% wheat bran, 20% molasses, 2% mineral mixture and 1% common salt) and supplemented with cobalt (as cobalt sulphate) @ 0, 2.5 and 5.0 ppm in group 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Experimental feeding was continued for a period of 30d followed by a metabolism trial. The DM intake was found to be similar (P>0.05) in the three groups with 83.39, 85.12 and 87.27 g/kgW0.75 in groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Intake of OM, CP, DCP and TDN and digestibility of different nutrients viz. DM, OM, CP, EE, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose and cellulose were also comparable (P>0.05) in all the three groups. The intake and balances of N, Ca and P were also similar (P>0.05) among the three groups. Results indicated that the supplementation of cobalt (as cobalt sulphate) @ 2.5 and 5.0 ppm in adult animals fed wheat straw and urea ammoniated sugarcane bagasse based complete feed imparted no effects on intake, digestibility of nutrients and balances of N, Ca and P.

Key words: Cobalt, Complete feeds, Cattle, Nutrient utilization, Urea ammoniated bagasse.

ABSTRACT

Engtipi, H., Parthasarathy, M. and Srinivasa Rao, D. 2006. Performance of crossbred pigs fed diets containing red gram (Cajanus cajan) screenings. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 193-202.
Twenty four crossbred (Large White Yorkshire x Native) entire male pigs (15.0±0.5 kg) were used to study the effect of inclusion of red gram (Cajanus cajan) screenings (RGS) in the diets at 0, 10, 15 and 20% levels. In a completely randomized block design, the growth performance, nutrient utilization and carcass characteristics of pigs were studied to arrive at the optimum level of inclusion of RGS in their diets. During grower phase, the digestibility of DM, CP (P<0.05), om, nfe and total carbohydrates (p<0.01) decreased with increase in the level of RGS in the diets. During the finisher phase, the digestibility of DM (P<0.01) decreased in pigs fed 20% RGS than in those fed other diets. The nitrogen retention in pigs fed different diets was comparable and dietary treatments had no effect during both phases of feeding. The overall average daily gain (g) and feed per kg gain were 479.0, 460.0, 424.0 and 409.0, and 3.33, 3.58, 4.09 and 4.13 in diets 1 to 4, respectively. There were no differences in the carcass characteristics among the treatments. It is concluded that inclusion of RGS upto 10% in the diets of crossbred pigs had no adverse effects on their growth performance and carcass characteristics.

Key words: Cajanus cajan, Carcass characteristics, Crossbred pigs, Growth, Nutrient utilization, Red gram screenings.

ABSTRACT

Patra, A.K., Kamra, D.N. and Agarwal, Neeta. 2006. Effect of plants containing secondary metabolites on in vitro methanogenesis, enzyme profile and fermentation of feed with rumen liquor of buffalo. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 203-213.
The effect of seed pulp of Terminalia chebula (harad), leaves of Populus deltoides (poplar) and bulb of Allium sativum (garlic) and their mixture (in equal proportion) were tested at four different levels of replacement (0, 10, 20 and 30 mg per 200 mg substrate, consisting of wheat straw and concentrate mixture in equal ratio) for in vitro methane production, enzymes profile and rumen fermentation characteristics in in vitro gas production test. The gas production (ml/g DM) was significantly higher (P<0.05) with poplar, garlic and the mixture of three as compared to harad alone or control. methane production (ml />g DM) was significantly reduced (P<0.05) on adding harad, poplar and garlic separately in the incubation medium. harad at the level of 20 and 30 mg reduced 18% and 32% methane production in comparison to control containing 0 mg additive. there was 20.6% and 14.2% decrease in methane production when 10 mg poplar and 30 mg garlic were added in 30 ml incubation medium. activities of carboxymethylcellulase, xylanase and acetylesterase were similar (p>0.05) among the treatments and the levels. There was no effect (P>0.05) of any of the additives on TVFA at any level tested. There was also no difference in molar proportion of acetate, butyrate and acetate to propionate ratio as compared to control and among treatments. Holotrichs, small and large entodiniomorphids as well as total protozoa were also not affected with (P>0.05) treatments and levels tested. The results indicated that all the plants tested in this experiment inhibited methanogenesis without adversely affecting other rumen characteristics.

Key words: Fibrolytic enzymes, Methane, Plant secondary metabolites, Rumen fermentation.

ABSTRACT

Centre of Advanced Studies in Animal Nutrition Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122, India
This study was undertaken to ascertain the level of condensed tannins of tropical tree leaves and its influence on the in vitro degradability of nitrogen. Sixteen promising tree leaves from Upper Gangetic Plains of Uttar Pradesh were analyzed for proximate composition, condensed tannins (CT) and other fractions of tannins. The leaves of Artocarpus heterophyllus were found to be the most tanniferous, however, leaves of Ficus bengalensis, Ficus glomerata, Ficus infectoria and Quercus spp. were also found to be rich sources of condensed tannins. Four potential sources of tanniferous leaves (Artocarpus heterophyllus, Ficus bengalensis, Ficus glomerata and Ficus infectoria) were selected and used to provide graded levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 %) of CT to protect the degradability of nitrogen from groundnut cake (GNC). Supplementation of CT @ 1-2% significantly (p<0.05) reduced in vitro nitrogen degradation irrespective of tree leaves as source of ct. the reduction in nitrogen degradability of gnc was highest when ficus glomerata was used as ct source, followed by comparable reduction exerted by the leaves of ficus bengalensis and ficus infectoria. at corresponding levels of ct, artocarpus heterophyllus leaves were least effective as protectant of proteins. it may be concluded that tropical tree leaves are the potential sources of condensed tannins, and can be used effectively to protect the nitrogen degradability of groundnut cake.

Key words: Condensed tannins, Groundnut cake, Organic protectant, Tree leaves.

ABSTRACT

Bolu, S.A., Adebayo, C.A., Aklilu, A. and Aderolu, Z. 2006. Increasing dietary cholecalciferol for improved broiler marketability. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 223-228.
Two hundred commercial broilers were fed four graded levels of cholecalciferol (200, 400, 600 and 800 icu/kg diet) above recommended levels in a basal diet containing the fixed calcium and phosphorus level. The normal recommended dietary cholecalciferol inclusion level for broilers is 200 icu/kg feed. The experiment was conducted for 8 weeks in a completely randomized design. Higher doses of cholecalciferol produced significant (P<0.05) body weight gain and feed intake. total feed intake observed (5070 g />bird) and weight gain (2550 g/bird) were at least 19% higher for birds fed 100% dietary cholecalciferol supplementation compared with birds fed at normal recommended dietary inclusion levels. Serum calcium and phosphorus responded positively (P<0.05) to increased levels of dietary cholecalciferol being the highest for 400% dietary cholecalciferol supplementation at 0.90 and 0.77 mmol />L, respectively. Plasma alkaline phosphatase and tibial bone ash was optimum at 400 icu/kg (100% cholecalciferol dietary supplementation) diets, the values being 75 iu/L and 38.6%, respectively. Birds fed the normal recommended dietary cholecalciferol inclusion level (200 icu/kg feed) recorded the lowest values (52 iu/L and 24.3% respectively) for these parameters. Broilers fed the normal dietary cholecalciferol inclusion level showed late signs of tibial dyschondroplasia; this was however not noticeable in birds fed higher doses of vitamin D3. Histology of liver and kidney did not reveal any significant tissue calcification even at the highest (800 icu/kg diet) dose. It is concluded that higher doses of cholecalciferol in broiler diets may be necessary for optimum performance and reduction of cases of leg abnormalities.

Key words: Broilers, Cholecalciferol, Dyschondroplasia, Performance.

ABSTRACT

Bolu, S.A., Olaregun, B.O. and Aklilu, H.A. 2006. Response of growing cockerels to different sources of ascorbic acid. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 229-235.
A study was conducted to determine the response of growing cockerels to different sources of ascorbic acid (AA). The sources of ascorbate (vitamin C) tested were industrial, medical and natural (Baobab pulp) in a completely randomized design. Feed intake, feed:gain and weight gain were affected (P<0.05) by the different sources of vitamin c. birds fed diet containing medical source of ascorbic acid recorded the highest (p<0.05) weekly feed intake and weight gain of 582 and 101g/bird/week, respectively. Birds fed baobab source of AA had the lowest weekly feed intake and weight gain of 381 and 75 g/bird/week, respectively. Mortality, nutrient retention (protein and fat), haematology and relative weights of organs and primal cuts were not significantly different (P>0.05) for the various treatments studied. Plasma vitamin C level varied significantly (P<0.05) among the birds on the different treatments. The highest (17 g/dl) and lowest (5.71 g/dl) values were recorded for birds fed medical vitamin C and control diets, respectively. Vitamin C content of baobab pulp was 250 mg/100g. Overall, ascorbate was important for broiler production and especially in on-farm conditions in rural tropical environments for which baobab’s availability may be readily exploited.

Key words: Ascorbic acid, Baobab pulp, Growing cockerels, Vitamin C.

ABSTRACT

Elangovan, A.V., Mandal, A.B., Tyagi, Praveen K., Tyagi, Pramod K., Kaur, S. and Johri, A.K. 2006. Comparative energy utilization and apparent metabolisable energy (Nitrogen-corrected) value of pearl millet in chickens, guinea fowls and quails. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 237-242.
An experiment was conducted to evaluate the apparent metabolisable energy – nitrogen corrected (AMEn) of pearl millet simultaneously in chicken, guinea fowl and quails. Pearl millet was tested at two substitution levels (20 & 40% of test diets) on 6 replicated birds (one for each chicken and guinea fowl) or groups (of 2 quails) for each species in each diet in metabolic cages / layer cages with individual feeding and excreta collection facility. The duration of each experiment included an adjustment period of 12 days followed by a collection period (recording of feed intake and excretal output) of 3 days. The estimated metabolizable energy (AMEn) values for pearl millet were 2845, 2800 and 2715 kcal/kg in chickens, guinea fowls and quails respectively. The DM metabolisability, classical apparent metabolisable energy (AME) and AMEn did not differ due to species, however, gross energy metabolisability was significantly higher (P<0.05) in guinea fowls.

Key words: Metabolisable energy, Pearl millet, Chickens, Guinea Fowls, Quails

ABSTRACT

Gowda, N.K.S., Suganthi, R.U., Malathi, V. and Raghavendra, A. 2006. Effectiveness of hydrated sodium calcium alumino silicate for preventing aflatoxin toxicity in sheep. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 243-250.
A study was conducted to know the efficacy of hydrated sodium calcium alumino silicate (HSCAS), an adsorbent for counteracting the toxic effects of aflatoxin in lambs. Twenty eight lambs of uniform age and body weights were distributed equally under 4 dietary groups and fed on control diet (T 1), with either 1000 ppb of aflatoxin B1 (AF B1 : T2), 1000 ppb of AFB1 and 0.5% HSCAS (T3) or 0.5 % HSCAS (T4) respectively. The feeding was continued for 105 d; feed intake and body weights were recorded regularly. Blood plasma was analysed at 0, 50 and 100 days for biochemical parameters. The results indicated significantly (P<0.01) reduced feed intake in groups fed afb1 and afb1 with 0.5% hscas. the body weight gain was also depressed (p<0.05) in lambs fed AFB1 and addition of binder (HSCAS) was not effective in ameliorating the growth depression. The plasma total protein, albumin and urea contents were also significantly (P<0.01) low due to AFB1 feeding. The addition of HSCAS alone (0.5%) did not result in any negative effects and the performance was comparable to control lambs. It is concluded that the binder (HSCAS, 0.5%) did not protect against the adverse effects of 1000 ppb of aflatoxin fed for 105d.

Key words: Aflatoxin, Biochemical parameters, HSCAS, Sheep.

ABSTRACT

Tripathi, N.K., Pathak, S.K. and Sharma, V.K. 2006. An on-farm evaluation of urea-molasses-mineral brick feeding for the milk production of cattle and buffaloes. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 251-255.
An on-farm trial was conducted in Berthin, Dharoti, Kandiyana and Ghumarwin villages of Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh. The feed (DM) intake of feed and milk yield of cattle and buffaloes (eight each) fed on straw/ local grass hay and home made concentrate consisting locally available ingredients were recorded for four months. Thereafter, the diet of these animals was supplemented with urea-molasses-mineral-brick (UMMB) following gradual reduction of concentrate mixture for a period of 30d. The average consumption of urea-molasses-mineral brick (UMMB) in cows and buffaloes were 233.9±18.64 and 288.2±28.0 g/day, respectively. The dry matter intake improved (P<0.05) both in cows (14.13%) and buffaloes (22.76%) as a result of ummb supplementation, which was reflected in improved (p<0.05) milk yield in cows (31.58%) and buffaloes (35.18%). However, no significant changes in body weight were recorded in either of the species. It was concluded that UMMB supplementation to cattle and buffaloes in hill area was beneficial for economical milk production.

Key words: Buffalo, Cow, Milk production, UMMB.

ABSTRACT

Paul, B.N., Sarkar, S., Giri, S.S., Mohanty, S.N. and Mukhopadhyay, P.K. 2006. Dietary calcium and phosphorus requirements of rohu Labeo rohita fry. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 257-263.
A 90-day feeding experiment was conducted to determine the quantitative requirements of calcium and phosphorus, and the optimum ratio of calcium: phosphorus in the diet of rohu Labeo rohita fry for growth and carcass nutrient deposition. Triplicate groups of fry weighing 0.69±0.1g were fed on diets containing calcium and phosphorus at five different ratios namely 1:0, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4. The basal diet was composed of casein, gelatin, dextrin, carboxymethyl cellulose, a-cellulose, oil and a vitamin and mineral mixture devoid of Ca and P. Calcium as calcium lactate and phosphorus as disodium hydrogen phosphate was supplemented in graded levels into five different purified basal diets. Growth performance of Labeo rohita fry was significantly higher (P<0.01) on the diet having a calcium phosphorus ratio of 1:4. supplementation of both ca and p significantly increased (p<0.01) the carcass protein, lipid, ash, phosphorus and calcium. Experimental data reveals that optimum calcium and phosphorus ratio for L. rohita fry is 0.19: 0.75.

Keywords: Calcium, Carcass composition, Growth, Labeo rohita, Phosphorus, Rohu.

ABSTRACT

Pathak, S.K., Tripathi, N.K., Sharma, V.K. and Sharma, K.B. 2006. Macro and micro mineral status of feeds and fodders in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 265-269.
Twelve villages, representing Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh, were selected to collect samples of feeds and fodders offered to dairy animals at random. The samples were analyzed for calcium, phosphorus, copper and zinc. The calcium and phosphorus contents in roughages and concentrate were apparently in the normal range. These feedstuffs could meet 50 to 80% of the requirement of both Ca and P. The mean values for Cu content in wheat straw, paddy straw, maize, green oats, berseem, napier bajra, wheat flour, maize flour, barley flour, cottonseed cake, cottonseed, mustard cake and mash feed was 1.80, 1.90, 3.96, 4.00, 4.35, 8.11, 8.78, 0.10, 10.22, 14.11, 10.78, 10.99 and 13.89 ppm on DM basis, respectively. Zinc in wheat straw was 17.58, paddy straw 15.78, maize 16.12, green oat 15.45, berseem 19.27 and napier bajra 18.19 ppm on DM basis, respectively. Among concentrate ingredients, zinc content was 31.59, 34.30, 37.40, 49.81, 40.76, 49.41 and 51.63 ppm in wheat flour, maize flour, barley flour, cottonseed cake, cottonseed, mustard cake and mash feed, respectively. About 50% of all the grasses and straws (wheat and paddy) in the district were found to be deficient in Cu and Zn. The results showed that wheat and paddy straw were highly deficient in Ca, P, Cu and Zn. Green fodders like maize, oats, berseem and napier bajra were deficient in Cu and Zn. Cereal and mash concentrate feeds were also deficient in Cu and Zn to varied extent.

Keywords: Composition, Feed, Fodder, Mineral, Subtropical.

ABSTRACT

Ramachandra, B. and Nagabhushana, V. 2006. Nitrogen fractions of some locally available proteinaceous feedstuffs. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 271-276.
Eleven samples of proteinaceous feed ingredients comprising of one animal protein (meat and bone meal) and five each of vegetable proteins and pulse chuni were analyzed for the composition of total nitrogen, buffer insoluble nitrogen, protease (Streptomyces griseus) insoluble nitrogen and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen (ADIN). The buffer insoluble N (Nx6.25) value (%) of meat and bone meal (65.59) and black gram chuni (63.28) were observed to be significantly higher followed by ambadi cake, and that of safflower cake was the least. Fraction of feed N resistant to protease was found to be significantly high in ambadi cake (47.46%) as compared to other feed samples, and groundnut cake being the least (12.97%). The ADIN content (%) of groundnut cake was observed to be significantly lower (5.54) followed by other samples with a maximum ADIN content in ambadi cake. The ADIN content of green gram chuni was similar to that of black gram chuni. Rumen escape protein value (%) of ambadi cake (27.52) and meat and bone meal (26.41) was found to be significantly high as compared to other feed samples. The values were lower for groundnut cake and safflower cake. Rapid rumen solubalisable N expressed as per cent rumen degradable N was significantly high for safflower cake (86.76) followed by groundnut cake, ambadi cake and field bean. Black gram chuni, bengal gram chuni, meat and bone meal, cotton seed cake and safflower cake were having similar value for rapidly solubalisable N fraction. It is concluded that various iso-nitrogenous feed sources can have wide variation in rumen degradation pattern thus presenting different N fractions at duodenal level.

Keywords: Cakes, Feedstuffs, Nitrogen fractions, Oil seeds, Pulse byproducts.

ABSTRACT

Agrawal, N., Singh, P., Malik, R. and Pathak, N.N. 2006. Effect of milk replacement from diets on performance of growing female Albino rats. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 277-281.
To assess the influence of milk replacement from the diet on performance, 30 female albino rats (5-6 weeks of age) were randomly divided into three equal groups following completely randomization design. In group 1, rats were fed a milk based control diet, whereas in groups 2 and 3, rats were fed experimental diets in which milk was completely replaced with deoiled groundnut cake (DGNC) and lard. The rats were weighed at weekly intervals. After 10 weeks of experimental feeding, a digestion trial was conducted to assess the nutrient digestibility. The rats were allowed to breed at 11 weeks post-feeding. The DM and OM intake (g/kg W 0.75/d) ranged from 0.27 to 0.24 and 0.25 to 0.22, respectively, and were not significantly different among three groups. Similar observations were found with respect to the CP and TDN intake. The digestibility (%) of DM, OM, CP, EE, NDF and ADF was comparable among three groups and resulting eventually in similar nutritive value for the three diets in terms of DCP and TDN. The body weight gain (g/d) varied from 1.58 (Gr.1) to 1.70 (Gr.3) and were without significant differences among 3 groups. Litter size was 5.50, 4.67 and 5.12 respectively, which did not differ significantly among the groups. Mortality in groups 1, 2 and 3 was 20, 10 and 20%, respectively. Based on the results of this study it can be concluded that rats fed milk replaced diets, performed equally well and hence, such feeding schedule with cheaper diets devoid of milk is more economical.

Keywords: Albino rat, Digestibility, Economic diets, Milk, Growth, Nutrients intake.

ABSTRACT

Ambasankar, K. and Balakrishnan, V. 2006. Indian sardine oil (Sardinella longiceps) as a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 283-287.
Nutritional evaluation of sardine oil (Sardinella longiceps) was carried out to explore the possibility of including it in ruminan diets to develop value added produce. Physical evaluation revealed that sardine oil is light yellow to darker brown in colour with fishy odour and having a mean specific gravity of 0.9273±0.003. Fatty acid profile revealed significant amount of eicosapentaenoic acid (13.18±0.75%) and docosahexaenoic acid (10.61±0.69%), indicating its utility as an omega-3 source. The gross energy was 8801±45.56 kcal/kg. The acid value was 13.29±1.02 mg KOH/g and the iodine value was 151.31±2.14. The higher saponification number (206.29±1.47) coupled with lower unsaponifiable matter (1.229±0.058%) signified its suitability to form soaps and to use it as a protected fat supplement, at higher level of incorporation in the ruminant diets. As sardine fish oil is a very rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, it could open avenues for modifying the fatty acid composition of milk and meat of ruminants.

Keywords: Chemical characteristics, Fatty acid profile, Fish oil, Sardine.

ABSTRACT

Buragohain, R., Ghosh, M.K., Baruah, K.K., Pathak P.K. and Bhattacharya, M. 2006. Mineral status of feeds, fodder and tree leaves for dairy animals in Jorhat district of Assam. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 289-293.
A field survey was carried out in six blocks of Jorhat district of Assam to assess the existing feeding practices and mineral status of feeds, fodder and tree leaves commonly fed to the dairy animals. The prevalent feeding system was of semi-intensive type, letting the animals loose during the day time and housing in stalls in the evening. Offering concentrate was not a routine practice. However, some farmers used homegrown cereal byproducts like rice polish/ rice bran with common salt or concentrate available in the local market. They generally used roughages mainly paddy straw along with cultivated grasses/ jungle pasture grasses for feeding to their animals in the evening. Use of tree fodders was very common during rainy season and in lean periods. The pooled concentrate was found to be optimal in (on DM basis) Ca (0.76 mg%), Fe (96.03 mg/kg) and Mg (0.47 mg%), but deficient in Cu, Zn, Mn and K. The Cu, Zn and Mg were deficient in paddy straw. The cultivated green grasses were optimal in Ca, Fe, Mn and K, but were deficient in Zn and Mg. The Cu, Mn and Zn contents of the tree leaves were variable, whereas the Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn and K concentrations were above the recommended critical levels for the dairy animals. Thus, this study provides valuable information for formulating a balanced mineral supplementation taking into consideration the mineral status of concentrate, fodders and tree leaves to support optimum productivity of the dairy animals.

Keywords: Dairy animal, Feeds, Fodder, Mineral profile, Tree leaves.

ABSTRACT

Tandon, M., Rao, Raman and Tiwari, D.P. 2006. Oral feeding of vegetable oils for by-passiang dietary fats from bio-hydrogenation in growing crossbred heifers. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 295-300.
An experiment was conducted on sixteen crossbred (Jersey x Sahiwal x Holstein Fresien) growing heifers (6-9 months), divided into 4 groups of 4 animals each, in order to probe the feasibility of bypass strategy for the prevention of ruminal bio-hydrogenation of dietary fats by feeding fat capsules prior to usual bran feeding, so as to camouflage the rumen microbes and discern the effect of different vegetable oils on the average serum total fat content, free fatty acids, iodine number as well as growth and nutrient utilization of the heifers. Five ml of vegetable oil was computed to work as ‘hydrogen-sink’ to absorb ruminal free biohydrogen. Soybean oil (T1), sunflower oil (T2), mustard oil (T3) were blended separately with 25g crushed jaggery as a carrier and fed in encapsulated form to respective treatment groups, whereas control group (T4) received only jaggery bolus without any oil. All the heifers were fed green fodder and concentrate as per their requirements. The feeding trial lasted for 107d. The heifers fed with soybean and sunflower oil capsules, showed higher concentration of serum fatty acids (0.556 and 0.586%, respectively) and iodine number (24.76 and 24.02, respectively) as compared to other groups. The dry matter intake and digestibilities of organic matter and neutral detergent fibre did not differ significantly among the different groups. The digestibilities for crude protein and acid detergent fibre were significantly (P<0.05) lower in t1 and t2 than control. it is concluded that vegetable oils with high degree of unsaturation of fatty acids can be fed as ‘hydrogen sink’ for the prevention of biohydrogenation of dietary fat for improving the product quality in ruminants.

Keywords: Biohydrogenation, Crossbred heifers, Serum Free fatty acids, Iodine number.

ABSTRACT

Fernandes, A.P. and Waditake, S.K. 2006. Comparative evaluation of berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) varieties for yield and fodder quality. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 6: 301-306.
Sixteen varieties of berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) were evaluated for their green fodder yield, nutrients content and digestibility at second cut. The green fodder yield ranged from 200.01- 243.6 q/ha. The percent DM ranged between 11.20 - 13.4, while CP 17.30 – 19.06, crude fibre 24.30 – 28.06, ether extract 3.01 – 3.28, total ash 12.70 – 13.86, nitrogen free extract 37.01 – 41.43 and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) from 64.39 – 71.82. Significant (P<0.05) difference was found in green fodder yield, nutrient content and ivdmd among the varieties studied. the percent ndf content ranged between 33.63 – 40.80, while adf 24.43 – 32.30, cellulose 19.10 – 20.80, lignin 3.23 – 10.96 and silica 0.56 – 2.30; all the components showing significant ( p<0.05) variation. The Ca content ranged between 1.46 – 2.20 percent while P content 0.100 – 0.168 per cent. Significant (P<0.05) difference was also found in tannin and saponin contents of berseem varieties with the values ranging from 0.90 – 3.40 and 0.26 – 1.10 percent, respectively.

Keywords: Berseem, Composition, In vitro digestibility, Varieties.