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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.

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

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Research Paper

Effect of Feeding Water Soaked or Cooked Tamarind Seed Kernel on Growth, Nutrient Utilization and Carcass Characteristics of Pigs

A. Ravi*, D. Srinivasa Rao and R. Yedukondalu

All India Coordinated Research Project on Pigs
Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Tirupati-517 502, India

(Received May 14, 2004)

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.

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

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Research Paper

Division of Dairy Cattle Nutrition
National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132-001, India

(Received August 18, 2004)

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.

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

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Research Paper

Performance of Grazing or Stall-fed Lambs on Supplementation with Concentrate and Roughage Resources

A. Ravi¹ and J. Rama Prasad*

Department of Animal Nutrition
College of Veterinary Science, Tirupati-517 502, India

(Received May 17, 2005)

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.

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

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Research Paper

Effect of Feeding Different Phosphorus Levels and Depletion on the Performance and Blood Biochemicals in Broilers

Chandra Deo*, H.P. Shrivastava and N.B. Singh¹

Central Avian Research Institute
Izatnagar-243 122, India

(Received March 09, 2005)

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.

Keywords: Broilers, Depletion, Finisher, Growth, Phosphorus.

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Research Paper

Digestion Kinetics of Complete Diets Based on Wheat Straw and Alkali Treated Cottonseed Hulls

M. Ramachandran* and K.K. Singhal

Dairy Cattle Nutrition Division
National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal–132 001, India

(Received March 03, 2004)

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.

Keywords: Digestion, Kinetics, Complete diets, Wheat straw, Cottonseed hulls

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Research Paper

Rice Polishing as an Economic Substitute to Wheat Bran as a Supplement to Wheat Straw Diet for Lactating Goats

Narayan Dutta*, K. Sharma and Uma Naulia

Centre of Advanced Studies in Animal Nutrition
Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122, India

(Received May 19, 2005)

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.

Keywords: Does, Rice polish, Nutrient utilization, Milk production.

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Research Paper

Dietary Supplementation of Emblica officinalis for Amelioration of Experimental Aflatoxicosis in Commercial Broilers

D. Sapcota*, R. Islam and T.N. Upadhyaya¹

Department of Poultry Science

College of Veterinary Science, Guwahati-781 022, India

(Received March 24, 2004)

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.

Keywords: Aflatoxicosis, Emblica officinalis, Phyllanthus emblica, Broilers, Growth.

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Research Paper

Equivalence of HPLC and Colorimetric Assay for Purine Derivatives and

Creatinine in Cattle Urine

S.K. George, M.T. Dipu, P. Singh*, A.K. Verma and U.R. Mehra

Animal Nutrition Division
Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122, India

(Received April 07, 2005)

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.

Traditional colorimetric methods for the assay of allantoin, uric acid and creatinine in cattle urine was compared with a reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of purine derivatives (PD) and creatinine in ruminant urine. Twenty cattle urine samples were analyzed by both the techniques. Intraclass correlation was estimated for assessing agreement and consistency between the two methods. The lower limit of the 95% confidence interval of the intraclass correlation obtained in this study was greater than 0.84. Moreover, the mean values estimated by both the methods were similar (P>0.66) and the methods did not exhibit marked systematic bias. The study concluded that both the methods could be used interchangeably for the assay of PD and creatinine in cattle urine.

Keywords: Purine derivatives, Creatinine, HPLC, Colorimetry, Cattle urine.

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Research Paper

Effect of Feeding Different Levels and Sources of Bypass Protein with Urea Treated Wheat Straw on Performance of Crossbred (Holstein Friesian x Deoni) Calves

D.J. Torane, S.M. Wankhede and V.H. Kalbande*

Department of Animal Nutrition
College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Parbhani-431 402, India

(Received on November 10, 2003)

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.

Keywords: Bypass protein, Urea treatment, Wheat straw, Crossbred calves.

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Research Paper

Effect of Feeding Bypass Protein with Urea Treated Sorghum Straw on Performance of Crossbred (Jersey x Red Kandhari) Calves

N.S. Yadav, S.M. Wankhede and V.H. Kalbande*

Department of Animal Nutrition
College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Parbhani-431 402, India

(Received on November 10, 2003)

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.

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

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Research Paper

Effect of Supplementation of Whole Linted Cottonseed on the Performance and Blood Biochemical Profile of Crossbred Cows in Summer

S. Saijpaul*, R.S. Grewal¹, C.S. Ahuja² and P.K. Naik

Department of Animal Nutrition
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004, India

(Received on December 04, 2004)

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.

Keywords: Cottonseed, Feeding, Lactation, Blood Parameters.

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Research Paper

Requirement of Critical Amino Acids for Growth and Maintenance of Naked

Neck Broiler Chickens in Extreme Summer

S.K. Bhanja* and A.B. Mandal

Central Avian Research Institute,

Izatnagar-243 122, India

(Received September 18, 2004)

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.

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Research Paper

Influence of Dietary Energy on Growth, Immunecompetence and Carcass Characteristics of Coloured Broiler Chickens

A.K. Panda*, M. Niranjan, B.L.N. Reddy and R.P. Sharma

Project Directorate on Poultry
Hyderabad-500 030, India

(Received October 08, 2004)

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.

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Research Paper

Effect of Bypass Protein Supplementation on Nutrient Utilization, Milk Production and its Composition in Crossbred Cows on Paddy Straw Based Ration

B.B. Mishra, R.K. Swain, B.K. Sahu* and D.P. Samantaray

Department of Animal Nutrition
Orissa University of Agriculture and Technology, Bhubaneswar-751 003, India

(Received February 07, 2005)

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: Bypass protein, Groundnut cake, Milk yield, Reproduction, Crossbred cows.

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Short Communication

Evaluation of Some Complete Rations in Sheep Incorporating Unconventional Feed Resources of Arid Zone of India

Vishnu Sharma*, G.R. Purohit, R.S. Arya and Meenakshi Harsh

College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences
Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner-334 001, India

(Received May 09, 2005)

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.

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Short Communication

Effect of Nitric Oxide Modulators on Nutrient Absorption in Broiler Chicken

R. Anand Kumar, J.S. Tyagi*, R. Thakur, J. Mohan and K.V.H. Sastry

Division of Physiology and Reproduction
Central Avian Research Institute, Izatnagar-243122, India

(Received May 03, 2005)

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.

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Short Communication

Herbal Feed Additives and Growth of Buffalo Calves

Neelam Rani, M. Wadhwa, S. Kaushal and M.P.S. Bakshi*

Department of Animal Nutrition
Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004, India

(Received April 22, 2004)

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.

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Short Communication

Effect of Feeding Iso-nitrogenous Diets with Different Energy Levels on the Performance of Broilers

G.A. Bhat*, M.T. Banday, A.A. Khan and F.A. Mattoo

Division of Livestock Production and Management

Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology
Srinagar-190 001, India

(Received May 19, 2004)

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

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