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ANFT JANUARY 2003 ISSUES 01

ABSTRACT

Ten villages, representing Rohtak district of Haryana state, were selected to collect samples of feeds and fodders offered to dairy animals at random. Records of plane of feeding and disease prevalence were also collected. The samples were analysed for calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn) contents. The calcium and phosphorus contents in roughages and concentrates were within the normal range. These feedstuffs could meet 70 - 100 % of the requirement of both Ca and P. The mean values for Zn content in wheat straw, berseem, oats, Phalaris minor, cottonseed, cottonseed cake, wheat and rapeseed meal cake was 22.6, 23.1, 22.9, 8.6, 42.8, 51.1, 37.9 and 50.3 µg/g DM, respectively. On an average 4.4 to 100% of feed samples had less than 40 µg Zn /g DM. Copper in wheat straw was 2.3, berseem 7.2, green oats 5.6, cotton seed 12.7 and its cake 14.9, wheat grain 11.1, rapeseed meal 13.8µg/g DM. About 84 to 100 % of roughages and 8 to 28% of concentrate feedstuffs were deficient in Cu. Iron concentration in all the feeds (concentrates, dry roughages and green roughages) was found to be much higher than the recommended levels of 50 µg/g. The content of Mn in wheat straw, oats, berseem, cotton seed, cotton seed cake, wheat and rapeseed meal was 27.7, 54.5, 49.1, 44.6, 35.0, 33.0 and 29.8 µg/g DM, respectively. About 50 % of the feed ingredients were found to be deficient in Mn content. The results showed that wheat straw was highly deficient in Zn, Cu and Mn. Green fodders were deficient in Zn and Cu but marginally in Mn. Concentrate feeds were deficient in Zn, Cu and Mn to varied extent.

Key words: Mineral, Composition, Feeds, Fodders, Tropical.

ABSTRACT

Mineral status of feeds, fodders, tree leaves and plasma samples of cattle and buffalo of hill zone of West Bengal were studied. Paddy straw, the main dry roughage source in this zone was low in most of the minerals screened. Napier grass, the most commonly cultivated green fodder, showed moderate content of Ca (0.50%), Fe (510.89 ppm), Zn (56.05 ppm), Mn (62.99 ppm) and low levels of P (0.20 %) and Cu (7.06 ppm). The commonly available top feeds/tree leaves for animal feeding were ratnaula (Polygonum polystachyum), kans (Saccharum spontaneum), piple (Bucklandia populnea), chilaune (Schima wallichii), titapat (Artemisia vulgaris), amlisho (Thysanolena agortis), dhougree (Leycesteri spp.) etc, were good source of Cu (17.97-38.73 ppm), Mn (50.99-106.21 ppm) and Fe (305.67-563.39 ppm) and moderate source of Ca (0.26-0.89%) and Zn (31.91-57.35 ppm) but poor source of P (0.14-0.17%). However, Ca content of dhougree (0.17 %) and ratnaula (0.18%) tree leaves and Zn content in kans (28.06 ppm) and titapat (28.98 ppm) were lower than critical levels (0.3% and 40 ppm, respectively). Calcium (0.27 %) and copper (5.94 ppm) content in maize grains were below the critical levels. However, Ca and P levels in rice bran and home made compounded feeds were above the critical levels. The level of micro minerals (Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn) in concentrate ingredients (maize and rice bran) and compounded feeds were higher than the critical levels. Blood Hb (g %) and plasma Ca (mg/100 ml) in cattle (13.23 and 8.75) and in buffaloes (13.12 and 8.92) were within the normal limits. However, plasma P level in buffaloes (3.93 mg/100ml) was below the critical level. Microminerals (Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn) levels in plasma of cattle and buffaloes were within the normal limits. Most of the animals were found to have reproductive problems, which could be attributed to P deficiency in this zone. It may be concluded that providing region specific mineral mixture, mineral block or supplementing rice bran, oil cakes, compounded feeds which are good sources of deficient minerals would help in overcoming the mineral deficiency in this zone.

Key words: Micronutrients, Feeds, Fodder, Plasma, Hill zone.

ABSTRACT

To assess the influence of supplemental iodine on the nutritional performance of goats fed mustard cake, 14 adult male goats consisting of eight castrated and six intact animals (1.5 years; 21.8±0.6 kg) were randomly allotted into two equal groups - control and experimental. All the animals were fed a concentrate supplement containing 35 per cent mustard cake to meet the requirements for maintenance and about 25g daily gain. Besides, the animals had access to ad libitum oat hay. The experimental goats were provided with extra iodine at the rate of 0.1 mg (as potassium iodide solution)/head/day. A metabolism trial conducted after 60d of experimental feeding revealed no effect of iodine supplementation on the digestibility of nutrients and retention of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus. The intakes of dry matter, crude protein and metabolizable energy per unit metabolic body size improved (P<0.05) due to extra iodine supplementation. the mean daily feed intake averaged across the 75 days of feeding trial tended to be higher (p=0.091) in iodine supplemented (570.3 g) compared to the control (503.4 g). likewise, the experimental group also tended to have better (p=0.078) average daily gain (28.6 g) than the non-supplemented control (14.3 g). although there was no difference in digestibility and retention of nutrients between intact and castrated animals, but the intake and consequently the average daily gain was higher (p<0.05) in the intact than the castrated ones. It is concluded that, iodine supplementation of high mustard cake containing diet exhibited positive influence on the feed intake and growth of goats.

Key words: Iodine, Mustard cake, Nutrient utilization, Goats.

ABSTRACT

A study was undertaken to assess the micro-mineral status of feeds and fodders in Dahod and Panchmahal districts of Gujarat, for formulation of an appropriate area specific mineral mixture. The average copper content was unduly low in straws (4.54 ppm) and green fodders (6.31 ppm), whereas concentrate ingredients were better sources of copper (16.78 ppm), except grains (5.13 ppm). Likewise, zinc was acutely deficient in the surveyed area (average levels < 24.0 ppm) and needed to be supplemented at a level of 80 ppm in the total ration for optimum metabolic functions. Manganese was occasionally deficient in diet of animals, however, iron and cobalt levels in most of feeds were adequate with traditional feeding systems. Molybdenum content in feeds was within the safe limit (average levels < 1.0 ppm) and gave Cu:Mo ratio wider than 3.0. Selenium content in most of the feedstuffs was adequate and its supplementation in the diet was not necessary. From the present survey, it was apparent that the levels of certain microminerals such as copper, zinc and occasionally manganese were deficient. However, the levels of some other mineral elements such as iron, cobalt and selenium were found to be adequate in the surveyed area.

Key words: Zinc, Cobalt, Iron, Copper-molybdenum ratio, Feed, Fodder.

ABSTRACT

The experiment was conducted to assess meat production potentiality and economics of broiler raising on bajra (Pennisetum typhoides) based diet with and without mixed enzyme preparation. Accordingly, two hundred day-old broiler chicks were distributed into 30 groups of 6-7 each. The birds were allotted to 10 dietary treatments in triplicate groups (replicates). The dietary treatments include a control diet (containing 53.45 maize and 30.35 soybean meal), and other diets in which 25, 50, 75 and 100 per cent of maize was replaced incorporating 14, 32, 51 and 73.2 per cent of whole bajra grain at fixed calorie-protein ratio. Each diet was offered with or without addition of mixed feed grade enzyme preparation containing amylase and non-starch polysaccharidases activity in a factorial design and fed upto 6 weeks of age. After 6 weeks of age, 6 birds were sacrificed. Live weight, defeathered yield and heart yields were influenced (P<0.05) by the levels of bajra, while neither enzyme nor interaction had any effect on these traits. live weight was significantly (p<0.05) higher in broilers fed 32 per cent bajra replacing 50 per cent of maize. Cost of feed and cost of feed required either for body weight gain or for production of unit eviscerated meat reduced with the increased level of bajra in diet being significantly lower in all bajra-based diet. It could be concluded that replacement of maize with whole bajra reduced the cost of feed for production of unit gain or eviscerated weight being lowest at all bajra diet. However, for optimum yield of meat, the effective level of incorporation was 32 per cent (w/w) replacing 50 per cent of maize in broiler diets (0-6 weeks of age). Supplementation of enzyme reduced the cost of feed for unit gain marginally but did not prove to be economical when feed cost per unit meat was considered..

Key words: Broilers, Mixed enzyme, Pearl millet, Carcass traits, Economics.

ABSTRACT

Estimation of aflatoxin content of several livestock feeds and feed ingredients indicated the presence of aflatoxin (10- 56 ppb AF B1) in compounded feeds. Samples of groundnut cake had aflatoxin content of 279 ppb (AF B1) and 39 ppb (AF B2) and samples of wheat bran, rice bran and rice polish showed negligible aflatoxin content. Fodder samples of maize, sorghum, gram husk and coffee husk contained no detectable aflatoxin. Storage studies with different moisture levels and duration of storage showed a trend of increased mold growth at moisture level above 15% and was highest during 7-21 days of storage (3.66-3.83 logCFU/g). Feeds stored in air-tight containers at 0% moisture level showed no fungal growth and at below 7.5% moisture level there was minimum fungal growth (3.18-4.18 logCFU/g). The aflatoxin (B1) production was maximum (P<0.05) between 12.5-17.5% moisture level upto 14 days of storage. the average aflatoxin (b1) production was highest (p<0.05) at 15% moisture level and 28 days of feed storage (15 ppb) and was well within the permissible limit of 20-30 ppb. At 15% moisture level for 14 days of storage the fungal growth and aflatoxin (B1) production was maximum (P<0.01) in flake (unground) form as compared to the ground form. The results of this study suggested that the moisture level in feeds should be less than 10% for safe storage and feeds with above 12.5% moisture level should be used within a week period or should be dried for safe storage.

Key words: Livestock feeds, Aflatoxin, Moisture, Storage, Fungus

ABSTRACT

Eight browse species of Bundelkhand region of India were assessed for their proximate constituents and tannin content. Crude protein content varied from 8.9-25.2 per cent in these shrubs in different seasons. There was less variation in cell wall constituents (NDF, ADF, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) round the year. However, the total phenolics and condensed tannin content showed significant changes with seasons as they were maximum in spring and minimum mostly in summer. None of the browse species was found to contain tannin beyond the harmful level (~5%) except in Grewia flavescens (6.74%) in spring and in all the season in Acacia catechu (6.65-13.6%). These shrub species may be used as source of forage during lean period.

Key words: Condensed tannins, Total phenolics, Shrubs

ABSTRACT

Twelve prepubertal Karan Fries heifers of about 15 months of age were divided into two equal groups. Group 1 was fed a diet of 16.86% CP and group 2 was fed a diet containing 19.08% protein. The energy and protein requirements were met by feeding concentrate mixture and green maize. Two types of concentrate mixtures were formulated to create variability in CP intake. After 90 days of experimental feeding, a digestibility trial of 7 days duration was conducted on all heifers to evaluate the effect of dietary protein on nutrient intake and digestibility of nutrients. Daily DM and CP intakes per 100 kg body weight during digestibility trial averaged 2.94±0.05, 0.499±0.01 in group I and 2.96±0.07, 0.566±0.01 kg in group 2 respectively. DCP and TDN intakes per 100 kg body weight were 0.308±0.01, 2.10±0.05 in group 1 and 0.416±0.01, 2.26±0.06 kg in group 2. The digestibility of all the nutrients was significantly (P<0.01) increased in heifers of group 2 over group 1. it was evident that high protein content in the diet of crossbred heifers improved the digestibility of nutrients.

Key words: Protein, Digestibility, Heifers.

ABSTRACT

Six wheat straw varieties (HD-2428, HD-2329, Raj-3037, Raj-1972, PBW-154 and WL-711) profusely grown in India, were evaluated for chemical constituents, in sacco nutrient digestibility and rate of nutrient disappearance. The straw samples were incubated for 72h to determine DM disappearance and for rate of degradation at 0, 12, 24, 48 and 72h. Two varieties with the highest and the lowest dry matter digestibility were subjected to rate of disappearance study. Four rumen cannulated, two each of castrated male buffalo and cattle, were used. A variation (% unit) of 1.025 for CP, 8.17 for NDF, 5.66 for ADF, 7.89 for cellulose and 2.03 for lignin content was observed among different varieties of wheat straw. Among the varieties evaluated, variety WL-711 had the highest and Raj-3077 had the lowest dry matter digestibility. A variation of 10 per cent units in dry matter digestibility was noticed between best and least digestible straw variety. The nutrient disappearance rate from straw samples between 12 to 24h of incubation was critical to make difference in total disappearance. The rate of disappearance was similar among all nutrients. The animal species had no significant influence on straw digestibility. The crude protein content of straw exerted a linear correlation with dry matter digestibility (r=0.59, P<0.05), negative correlation (-0.563, p<0.05) with cellulose content, and positive (P<0.05) correlation with dry matter (0.567) and hemicellulose (0.567) digestibility. It is concluded that plant breeders may undertake breeding programmes to improve CP and to reduce lignin content of straws for higher nutrient digestibility.

Key words: Wheat straw, Nutritional evaluation, Ruminants.

ABSTRACT

The effect of level and nature of tannins in commonly fed tree leaves on nutrient utilization in goats was investigated using four tree leaves viz. subabul (Leucaena leucocephala), jack (Artocarpus heterophyllus), venga (Pterocarpus marsupium) and banana (Musa paradiosiaca). The total tannin content in the leaves varied from 3.7 to 5.5 per cent with predominance of condensed tannins. The average dry matter consumption was higher (P<0.05) in goats fed jack and subabul leaves compared to other two leaves. the nutritient digestibility was higher in goats fed with banana leaves with lowest level of total and condensed tannins. all the animals maintained positive balance for nitrogen and calcium, while the phosphorus balance was negative in goats fed subabul and venga leaves. the results indicate that even a level of upto 5.5 per cent of total tannins and 3.4 per cent of condensed tannins in tree leaves does not exert any deleterious effect on the feed consumption and nutrient utilization in goats.

Key words: Goats, Tree leaves, Tannins, Nutrient utilization.

ABSTRACT

Inorganic phosphorus plays an important role in the fertility status of cows. Its level indicate the state of fertility of cows. Considering this in the present study a group of recipients was supplied with exogenous phosphorus to assess its effect on serum progesterone level in recipients of embryo transfer programs. Phosphorus preparation containing sodium salt of (4-dimethylamino 2-methyl phenyl phosphoric acid 0.2 g/ml) was given parentrally. Blood serum phosphorus was estimated before and after phosphorus supplementation. Progesterone level was analyzed in serum samples of control and phosphorus treated recipients on day of estrus, thereafter on 7th and 14th day post-estrus to know the effect of phosphorus supplementation on progesterone production. Serum level of phosphorus in treatment group was 7.81±0.70 mg/dl and 6.01±0.45 mg/dl in control at the time of prostaglandin treatment. These values in treatment and control group were 4.80±0.34 and 6.58±0.85 on day of estrus, respectively. Serum progesterone on day of estrus was 0.22±0.45 ng/ml in treatment group and 0.59±0.40 ng/ ml in control group whereas on 7th day post-estrus these values were 1.16±0.5 and 0.80±0.50 mg/ml. These corresponding values on 14th day were 2.86±1.57 and 2.35±1.39 ng/ml respectively. This indicates that phosphorus supplementation had no beneficial effect in progesterone output.

Key words: Phosphorus, Supplementation, Progesterone, Gir, Cows.