Research Paper

(Received August 18, 2005)

 ABSTRACT

Twenty four Murrah buffaloes in advanced pregnancy were randomly divided into 4 groups and were supplemented with vitamin E @ 0, 1000, 1500, 2000 IU from 60d pre-partum to 30d of lactation. The dose was reduced in the supplemented groups to 500, 750, 1000 IU from 30 to 60d of lactation. Eighteen calves born from above 4 groups of buffaloes were divided equally into 3 groups and were fed for 60d; T1-milk from unsupplemented buffaloes, T2-pooled milk from vitamin E supplemented buffaloes, T3–milk from unsupplemented buffaloes+synthetic vitamin E (a-tocopheryl acetate) equivalent to that supplied to T2 calves through milk. The blood samples were collected at 0, 3, 5, 7, 15, 30 and 60 d for analysing plasma immunoglobulin (Ig), total antioxidant activity, a-tocopherol and mineral status. Lymphocyte stimulation index (LSI) was measured at day 0, 5, 7, 15, 30 and 60. The vitamin E intake in T1, T2 and T3 varied from 3.5-12.04; 6.2-21.5 and 8.0-25.0 mg/d respectively during the experimental period. The growth rate was higher in T2 calves. Plasma a-tocopherol concentration was also higher in T2. No treatment effect was seen on plasma total antioxidant activity. Plasma Ig level of 11.20, 9.68 and 10.48 mg/ml on the day of birth increased to 28.59, 37.87 and 31.79 mg/ml after 5d of colostrum feeding in T1, T2 and T3, respectively showing an increase in the T2 than in T1 and T3. An increase (P<0.05) in LSI in T2 (2.16-2.34) calves was seen from day 7th upto 30 d of age in comparison to T1 and T3 (1.73-2.23). The incidence of faecal scour was high in both T1 and T3 than T2. Blood zinc and copper status of T2 calves was higher (P<0.05) than T1 and T3 calves from 7th to 45 days of age. Vitamin E through milk was better utilized than synthetic source in the new born calves as envisaged by higher growth and increased immunity.

Keywords: Vitamin E, Immunity, Calves, Buffaloes, Minerals.

*Corresponding author: harjit1955@msn.com

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Research Paper

Department of Animal Nutrition,

Veterinary College and Research Institute
Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University,

Namakkal-637 001, India

(Received October 16, 2004)

Kumar, P.V., Ravi, R. Purushothaman, M.R. and Mohan, B. 2007. Performance of broilers fed graded levels of mango (Mangifera indica) seed kernel during finisher phase. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 7: 21-28.

To find out the optimum level of inclusion of mango seed kernel (MSK) in the ration of broiler finishers (4-6 weeks of age), day old broiler chicks (n=144) were assigned to six dietary treatment groups having 12 birds in each group and fed standard broiler starter ration upto 3 weeks of age. The experimental diets (isocaloric and isonitrogenous) containing MSK at 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 per cent levels replacing maize was fed from 4 to 6 weeks of age. Weight gain was similar to control when MSK was used in the diet upto 20 per cent replacing maize and significantly lowered (P<0.01) in 25 per cent MSK fed group. The retention of nutrients (crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, calcium and phosphorus) was low (P<0.01) in broilers fed diets containing higher (15% or more) levels of MSK. The feed cost per kg of weight gain increased linearly as the level of MSK increased in the diet. The blood parameters (serum proteins, uric acid, glucose & cholesterol), carcass characteristics (ready-to-cook yield, weights of liver, giblet, trimmable fat & skin) and organoleptic evaluation of meat did not show any significant variation among treatment groups. It can be inferred that inclusion of MSK upto 21 per cent level in the finisher ration per cent did not affect the performance of broiler finishers.

Keywords: Mango seed kernel, Broiler, Feeding value.

*Corresponding Author: drpvkumar@yahoo.com

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(Received July 08, 2004)

Sunder, G.S., Gopinath, N.C.S., Rama Rao, S.V. and Kumar, Ch.V. 2007. Quality assessment of commercial feed grade salts of trace minerals for use in poultry feeds. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 7: 29-35.

Feed grade salts of Mn, Zn, Cu and Fe procured from 6-8 commercial agencies of Hyderabad market were analysed for their elemental content along with the reagent grade salts, using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AA 100-Perkin Elmer). The salts were primarily in the sulfate form. Zn was available in sulfate and oxide forms. Salts of MnSO4. H2O procured from 7 commercial sources varied significantly (P£0.05) in Mn content (1.29-29.15%), but 5 out of 7 salts had a moderate range of elemental content (20.54-29.15%), even if it was significantly lower than the standard salt (31.85%). The variability of Zn content (20.97-30.76%) in ZnSO4.7H2O salts was also statistically significant (P£0.05), but 4 out of 6 salts had higher Zn than the standard salt (22.62%). In contrast, only one salt of ZnO had higher Zn (81.98%) than the reagent grade salt (79.94%), indicating wide divergence in the elemental content among the salts. The extent of variability in the commercial salts of CuSO4.5H2O (19.77-28.15%) and FeSO4. 7H2O (14.49-24.24%) was moderate compared to the salts of Mn and Zn. However, significant differences (P£0.05) were noticed among the commercial sources of both salts and also, with their respective reagent grade salts. The wide variability in the elemental content of Mn, Zn, Cu and Fe in feed grade salts warranted quantitative estimation of the minerals prior to utilisation in feeds and premixes.

Keywords: Feed grade salts, Sulfates of Mn, Zn, Cu and Fe, Zinc oxide.

*Corresponding Author: pdpoult@ap.nic.in;  ssgajula@rediffmail.com

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(Received November 16, 2004)

Mondal, M.K., Biswas, P. and Mazumdar, D. 2007. Effect of supplementation of two sources of copper on plasma lipid profile and mineral balance of Black Bengal goats. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 7: 37-46.

Twelve healthy castrated 3-4 month old male Black Bengal kids were selected and randomly divided into three groups to study the effect of supplementation of different forms of Cu (CuSO4 and Cu-proteinate) at 10 ppm level on plasma lipid profile and mineral balance. A basal diet (5.7 ppm Cu) was formulated to meet all the nutrient requirements except Cu. Group 1 (C) was offered the basal diet alone, whereas it was supplemented with 10 ppm CuSO4 (T1) and 10 ppm Cu-proteinate (T2) in the treatment groups. A metabolic trial of 5 d duration was conducted after 90 d feeding period. Blood samples were collected at 0 day and subsequently at monthly intervals for studying the plasma lipid profile (cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, total lipid and phospholipids) and mineral profiles (Ca, P, Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn). At 0 d, concentrations of all the plasma lipid profile were similar (P>0.05) among the treatments. In both the Cu supplemented groups, plasma cholesterol was decreased (P<0.05) and high density lipoprotein (HDL), total lipid and phospholipids were increased (P<0.05) as compared to control. Linear effect (P<0.01) of period was found for the entire plasma lipid profile whereas, quadratic effect (P<0.01) was found in plasma HDL and total lipid concentration. Plasma Ca, P, Fe, Zn and Mn were unaffected (P>0.05) by the dietary treatments during the study. From 30 d onwards, the addition of Cu consistently increased (P<0.05) for kids fed Cu from either CuSO4 or Cu-proteinate than control. Urinary excretion of Cu was more (P<0.05) in Cu supplemented kids compared to control. Absorption and retention (%) of Ca, Fe and Zn follow the same trend (P<0.05) as observed in case of Cu. Results inferred that supplementation of Cu in the diet of kids can alter plasma lipid profile and minerals concentration. Further, it can also improve the absorption percentages and retention of minerals. Cu-proteinate was found to be more effective for mineral balance than CuSO4.

Keywords: Plasma lipid, Copper, Kids, Copper-proteinate, Mineral balance.

*Corresponding Author: maicrp@yahoo.com

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Performance of Goats Fed Arhar (Cajanus cajan) Straw Based Pelleted Complete Ration

D.H. Rekhate, V.B. Madavi and A.P. Dhok

(Received January 11, 2005)

ABSTRACT

Rekhate, D.H., Madavi, V.V. and Dhok, A.P. 2007. Performance of goats fed arhar (Cajanus cajan) straw based pelleted complete ration. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 7: 47-52.

An experiment was planned for 110 days to utilize arhar straw based pelleted complete feed in local goats. Twelve non-descript local goats randomly divided into (T1) with average age 10.66±0.70 m and weight 20.83±0.86 and offered sole arhar straw pellets with supplementation of 300 g concentrate pellets 18% CP and 70% TDN and (T2) with average age 10.55±0.17 m and weight 22.40±1.19 kg were fed on arhar straw based pelleted complete diet of 15% CP, 60% TDN. The DMI and DMI/100 kg BW were significantly (P<0.01) more in T1 group. The ADG was 94.83±18.85 (T1) and 83.52±3.43 (T2) g and the feed conversion efficiency was better in T2 group. The digestibility coefficients for different nutrients revealed non significant differences except for NFE (P<0.01). The DCP and TDN of the diets were 8.99±0.39, 58.05±1.65 and 9.52±0.03, 53.41±1.39. All the goats under treatments were in positive nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balance. The rumen liquor profile study revealed significant (P<0.01) variations for pH, NH3-N, TCA-ppt-N, TN and NPN. It was concluded that both the rations performed well in terms of weight gain and nutrient utilisation and can be fed to the goats for optimum weight gain under intensive system of management.

Keywords: Arhar straw, Nutrient utilisation, Complete feed pellets, Goats.

Effect of Feeding Rumen Undegradable Protein and Supplemental Energy on Growth performance and Blood Metabolites in Growing Kids

B. Sahoo* and T.K. Walli

(Received August 09, 2005)

ABSTRACT

Sahoo, B. and Walli, T.K. 2007. Effect of feeding rumen undegradable protein and supplemental energy on growth performance and blood metabolites in growing kids. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 7: 53-61.

In an experiment of 120 days duration, twenty healthy growing male kids (Sannen x Beetal and Alpine x Beetal) of 2-3 months of age, weighing 12±0.73 kg were divided into 4 equal groups (TI to T4) in a randomized block design. Two types of isonitrogenous and isocaloric concentrate mixtures (CM-I and CM-II) were fed to group T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively The two concentrate mixtures were similar in composition except RDP:UDP ratio (73:27 and 59:41). Animals in T2 and T4 were additionally supplemented with molasses at the rate (8% CM on DM basis). All the animals were fed roughages (Berseem:wheat straw i.e. 2:1) to meet 50 per cent of DM intake. Blood samples were collected at 40, 80 and 120 days of post feeding and plasma samples were analysed. Plasma albumin and a-AAN levels were highest (P<0.05) in group T4, fed high UDP along with energy. However, plasma urea concentration was lower (P<0.05) in group T3 and T4 than T1 at 80 and 120 days of post feeding. DM intake in control group was lower (P<0.01) than to other 3 groups. Average daily gain (ADG) recorded was 47.6, 52.3, 62.9 and 71.4 in groups T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively, with the values being significantly higher (P<0.05) in T4 than in group T1, but at par with T2 and T3. Feed conversion efficiency was also significantly higher (P<0.05) in group T4 (10.14) than T1 (7.28) and T2 (7.47) but similar with T3 (9.35). It is thus inferred that additional supply of energy in the form of molasses along with undegradable protein positively influenced the growth rate and feed conversion efficiency without any significant effect on blood metabolites.

Keywords: Mustard cake, Undegradable protein, Molasses, Blood metabolites, Kids.

*Corresponding Author: biswanath_72@yahoo.co.in

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Research Paper

Effect of Dietary Selenium and Copper Supplementation on Growth and Nutrient Utilization in Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis) Calves

Vishal Mudgal, A.K. Garg* and R.S. Dass

(Received July 24, 2006)

ABSTRACT

Mudgal, V., Garg, A.K. and Dass, R.K. 2007. Effect of dietary selenium and copper supplementation on growth and nutrient utilization in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 7: 79-88.

Twenty male buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves of 8-9 months of age (112.1±7.69kg mean body weight) were divided into four treatment groups (n= 5 per group). Animals in the control (T1) group were fed a standard diet comprising of concentrate mixture (20% maize, 27% soybean meal, 50% wheat bran, 2% mineral mixture and 1% common salt) and ad libitum wheat straw. Animals in the experimental groups were also fed same basal diet except that they were supplemented either with 0.3ppm selenium (Se) (T2), 10ppm of copper (Cu) (T3) or both 0.3ppm Se and 10ppm Cu (T4). Experimental feeding lasted for 120 days including a 6 days metabolism trial. The intake of DM and OM, and digestibility of DM, OM, CP, EE, NDF and hemicellulose were similar (P>0.05) among the four groups. However, digestibility of ADF and cellulose was significantly higher in the T2 group. While supplementation of Se/Cu had no effect on N, Ca and P balance, feed: gain ratio and DCP intake, TDN intake was significantly (P<0.05) higher in group T2 and T3. The growth rate (g/d) of the buffalo calves was also significantly (P<0.05) increased in group T3 (465) and T4 (447) as compared to the control T1 (406). These results suggested that Se and Cu requirements of buffaloes might be higher than the presently recommended levels of NRC for cattle.

Keywords: Buffalo calves, Selenium, Copper, Growth, Nutrient utilization.

*Corresponding Author: garg@ivri.up.nic.in