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Blümmel, M., Rao, S.S., Palaniswami, S., Shah, L. and Reddy, Belum V.S. 2009. Evaluation of sweet sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) used for bio-ethanol production in the context of optimizing whole plant utilization. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 9: 1-10.

Eighteen hybrids and 16 varieties of sweet sorghum were investigated for yields of grain, stover, juice extract for bio-ethanol distillation and bagasse and the relationships between these productive traits. There was a large degree of independency between grain and stover yields, suggesting that sweets sorghum can provide both grain and fodder yield. Juice extract yields from the stems were not significantly related to grain yields. The differences in stover fodder quality traits were significant: nitrogen content ranged from 0.44 to 0.72% in hybrids and from 0.50 to 0.89% in varieties while in vitro digestibility ranged from 43.8 to 54.5% in hybrids and from 48.8 to 54.8% in varieties. Differences in in vitro digestibility of bagasse plus stripped leaves were also substantial, ranging from 39.3 to 49.1% in hybrids and from 42.0 to 50.4% in varieties. The palatability of bagasse and stripped leaves to cattle was investigated by incorporation of the distillery residues of one sweet sorghum variety into a commercial feed block, replacing the traditionally used (non sweet) sorghum stover. There was no statistical difference in intake (DMI) and live weight gain (LWG) between bulls fed the bagasse plus stripped leaf based blocks (DMI of 3.7% of live weight and 0.73 kg/d of LWG) and bulls fed the original sorghum stover based commercial feed block (DMI of 3.5% of live weight and 0.82 kg/d of LWG). We conclude that sweet sorghum can provide food (grain), fodder (bagasse/leaf residues) and bio-ethanol at the same time.

Keywords: Sweet sorghum, Bio-ethanol, Digestibility in vitro.

*Corresponding author: m.blummel@cgiar.org

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Research Paper

Effect of Feeding Diets Differing in Partitioning Factor on Intake, Digestibility and Nitrogen Metabolism in Ram Lambs

T. Thirumalesh and U. Krishnamoorthy*

Department of Livestock Production and Management

Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University

Bangalore-560 024, India

(Received January 02, 2008)

ABSTRACT

Thirumalesh, T. and Krishnamoorthy, U. 2009. Effect of diets differing in partitioning factor on intake, digestibility and nitrogen metabolism in ram lambs. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 9: 11-20.

This study was conducted to determine effect of diets differing in partitioning factor (PF) on feed intake, N metabolism and urinary purine derivative excretion (PDe) in 12 bannur ram lambs (Body weight:15.7±0.57 kg) in a 4 x 4 Latin Square Design (LSD) experiment. The diet consisted of Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay as the sole forage and compound feed mixtures, with a concentrate to roughage ratio of 50:50, to provide metabolizable energy and other nutrients for maintenance, plus a weight gain of 50 g/d/ram. The concentrate supplements were formulated using tabulated PF data to differ in PF in order to create diets with PF values that increased linearly from 3.0 to 3.5. The feeding study lasted for16 weeks in 4 periods of 4 weeks with collection period of 7 days. Measured PF values ranged from 3.07 to 3.59, but k values were similar among the diets (i.e., 0.0496 to 0.0525/h). Intake of NDF and ADF was lowest (P = 0.05 or less) for the lowest PF diet, and digestibility of DM and OM decreased (P<0.01) as the diet PF increased. Digestion of NDF and ADF was lower (P=0.05 or less) as the PF of the diet increased. There were no differences among diets in purine derivative excretion in urine or estimated microbial N supply to the duodenum. Results appear to suggest that feeding of diets differing in PF to a much greater extent than k had no impact on measured microbial N flow to the duodenum.

*Corresponding Author: ukmthy@yahoo.com

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Research Paper

Influence of Dietary Protein Levels on Nutrient Utilization and Blood Parameters in Buffaloes

A.K. Verma, P. Singh, K.Y. Deshpande, Vinay Verma and U.R. Mehra

Center of Advanced Studies in Animal Nutrition

Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar–243 122, India

(Received January 19, 2008)

ABSTRACT

Verma, A.K., Singh, P., Deshpande, K.Y., Verma, Vinay and Mehra, U.R. 2008. Influence of dietary proteins levels on nutrient utilization and blood parameters in buffaloes fed on wheat straw based diets. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 9: 21-28.

Thirty growing bulls (Murrah, 1 year age, 80.3±1.95 kg b.wt.), divided into three equal groups following completely randomized design, were fed on isocaloric (2.01ME Mcal/kg diet) diets containing standard protein ration at 100 (SP), 90 (MP), and (80) LP percent of requirements as per Kearl, respectively. After 21 days of feeding, a metabolic trial of 6 days duration was conducted on 6 animals of each group. Intake and digestibility of CP and DCP intake (g/kgW0.75) varied significantly (P<0.05) among groups, being lowest in group 3. Intake of DM and OM (g/kgW0.75) was also similar in groups 1 and 2 but significantly (P<0.05) higher than in group 3. Nutrient digestibility other than CP did not vary among the groups. Intake and balance of N (g/d) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in group 1 than in groups 3 however variation between group 1 and 2 was not significant. N balance as percent of intake as well as absorbed did not differ significantly among 3 groups. Intake and balance of Ca and P balance were higher (P<0.05) in group 2 than in other groups. The blood biochemical profiles were comparable among all groups except for glucose and globulin (mg/dl), which were higher (P<0.05) in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3. It may be deduced that feeding of animals up to 90 percent of Kearl’s standard protein requirements had no adverse effect on nutrient utilization and blood profile.

Keywords: Buffaloes, Levels of protein intake, Blood profile, Nutrient utilization.

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

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Research Paper

Effects of Dietary Grit Inclusion on the Utilization of Palm Kernel Cake by Pullet Chicks

A.A. Adeniji*

Department of Animal Science

University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria

(Received December 18, 2007)

ABSTRACT

Adeniji, A.A. 2009. Effects of dietary grit inclusion on the utilization of palm kernel cake by pullet chicks. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 9: 29-36.

Two hundred and forty day-old pullet chicks of Harco strain were used to investigate the effect of grit inclusion on the utilization of palm kernel cake (PKC). Palm kernel cake was fed at 0, 7.5, 15 and 22.5%levels of inclusion and grit at 0 and 5% levels. Increasing the inclusion level of PKC in the diets of pullet chicks had significant effect on the feed intake, weight gain and feed-to-gain ratio (P<0.05). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the fat retention. The crude protein and crude fibre retention had significant difference (P<0.05). The cost of feed reduced with the increase in PKC inclusion level, also with an increase in grit level of the diet. The result from this experiment showed that PKC could be included at 22.5% inclusion level in the diets of pullet chicks, and grit at 5% level without any detrimental effects.

Keywords: Grit, Palm kernel cake, Pullet Chicks, Utilization, Profitability.

*Corresponding Author: feyidot@yahoo.com

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Research Paper

Prediction of Energy Content of Tropical Forages and Tree Leaves Using NRC-2001 (a TDN-based Model) in Ruminants

K. Raja Kishore and M. Parthasarathy*

Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science

Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University

Tirupati-517 502, India

(Received January 29, 2008)

ABSTRACT

Kishore, K.R. and Parthasarathy, M. 2009. Prediction of energy content of tropical forages and tree leaves using NRC-2001 (a TDN-based model) in ruminants. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 9:37-43.

An experiment was conducted to predict the TDN content of various tropical forages and tree leaves by the equations of NRC (2001) as given by the summative approach and compare it with the estimated values obtained after digestion trials. Twenty four feedstuffs (8 each of cultivated grasses, leguminous forages and fodder tree leaves) were analysed for their proximate principles, detergent fiber components, ADIN, NDIN and the TDN was then calculated. Gliricidia, Andhra Pradesh Bajra Napier-1 (APBN-1) and groundnut haulms were evaluated as sole feed for total tract digestibility of nutrients and nutritive value using four growing male goats. The TDN (%) obtained by the equations of NRC (2001) for gliricidia (55.4), APBN-1 (60.3) and groundnut haulms (53.3) were in conformity with that of TDN obtained by in vivo studies (53.5, 61.8 and 55.4), respectively. It was concluded that the summative approach provides a rapid, inexpensive and accurate means to calculate the energy density (TDN) of tropical forages and tree leaves.

Keywords: Energy content, TDN, NRC-2001 model, Tropical forages, Tree leaves, Ruminants.

*Corresponding Author: mandadi.parthasarathy@gmail.com

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Research Paper

Effects of Organic and Inorganic Forms of Supplemental Copper, Zinc, Iron and Manganese at Different Dose Levels on Growth Performance and Plasma Minerals in Crossbred Male Calves

S. Mondal*, C.C. Samanta, B. Bairagi and P. Biswas

Department of Animal Nutrition

West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata-700 037, India

(Received September 17, 2007)

ABSTRACT

Mondal, S., Samanta, C.C., Bairagi, B. and Biswas, P. 2009. Effects of organic and inorganic forms of supplemental copper, zinc, iron and manganese at different dose levels on growth performance and plasma minerals in crossbred male calves. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 9: 45-50.

The present experiment was carried out to assess the effect of organic and inorganic forms of trace minerals at different supplementary levels on the growth performance of crossbred male calves. Twenty cross-bred male calves (6-9 months), were randomly distributed into 5 groups viz. C (Control), T1, T2, T3, T4 consisting of four calves each. Inorganic trace minerals (Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn) were fed at 200% of the NRC requirements in T1 group and proteinate trace minerals (Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn) were supplemented at 100%, 50% and 25% of the NRC (2001) requirements in T2, T3 and T4 respectively. In Control (C) group the said trace mineral requirements were met through addition of inorganic salt of those elements. Effect of proteinate and inorganic trace minerals supplementation was assessed by body weight gain, average daily gain, plasma major (Ca, P and Mg) and trace (Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe) mineral profiles. Result revealed that supplementation of proteinate trace minerals at NRC dose level to male calves improved body weight gain and average daily gain as compared to the calves supplemented inorganic minerals at NRC (2001) dose level. Supplementation of proteinate trace mineral at NRC dose level to male calves did not alter plasma major mineral (Ca, P and Mg) profile but increased plasma Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe after 90 days of feeding trial. It was concluded that supplementation of proteinate trace elements (Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn) at NRC requirement in crossbred male calves may improve the body weight gain than that of inorganic trace minerals.

Keywords: Calves, Growth, Inorganic, Trace mineral, Proteinate, Plasma.

Corresponding Author: souvik823@yahoo.co.in

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Research Paper

Effect of Varying Levels of Available Phosphorus on Performance of Broiler Chicks in Hot Humid Climate

A.P.S. Sethi and S.S. Sikka*

Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science

Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana-141 004, India

(Received June 01, 2007)

ABSTRACT

Sethi, A.P.S. and Sikka, S.S. 2009. Effect of varying levels of available phosphorus on performance of broiler chicks in hot humid climate. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 9: 51-56.

An experiment was conducted in hot and humid climate on one-week-old broilers to study the effect of varying levels of available phosphorus on the growth performance. Eighty broiler chicks of one week age were divided into eight groups of 10 chicks (5 males and 5 females) in each. Four experimental diets with varying available phosphorus levels of 0.40, 0.50, 0.60 and 0.65 percent at one percent calcium level were formulated. Each diet was fed to a duplicate group of chicks up to sixth week of age. Results revealed that the highest body weight was at 0.5 percent available phosphorus level beyond which it declined. But the body weights at 0.6 and 0.65 percent available phosphorus were more than that at 0.4 percent available phosphorus levels. Weight gain at 0.4 percent available phosphorus level was significantly (P<0.05) less than at higher levels studied. Dietary increase in the phosphorus level significantly (P<0.05) affected the feed consumption of the birds. Significantly (P<0.05) more feed consumption was recorded at 0.60 and 0.65 percent phosphorus levels as compared to the lowest level of (0.4 percent) available phosphorus. Minimum feed intake per unit gain was recorded at 0.5 percent available phosphorus level. Dressing percentage, meat: bone ratio, shank length and shank width was significantly (P<0.05) affected by the dietary treatments. Males put up more weight in bones than females and also had significantly higher shank weight, length and shank width. From the data it was concluded that the broiler diets during hot humid climatic conditions should contain 0.5 percent available phosphorus.

Keywords: Available phosphorus, Broilers, Calcium, Climate.

*Corresponding Author: sssikka04@rediffmail.com

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Research Paper

Effect of Coarse Cereals Replacing Maize on Performance, Cost of Feeding and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

R.S. Saraf*, R.P.S. Baghel and S.J. Manwar

Department of Animal Nutrition

College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry

Jabalpur-482 001, India

(Received May 08, 2007)

ABSTRACT

Saraf, R.S., Baghel, R.P.S. and Manwar, S.J. 2009. Effect of coarse cereals replacing maize on performance, cost of feeding and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 9: 57-64.

The present investigations have been undertaken to study the effects of feeding coarse cereals on growth performance, carcass quality traits and cost of feeding in broilers. A total of 168 chicks were randomly distributed into 21 replicates of 8 chicks each; three replicates were allotted to each of the seven dietary treatments. Treatment one was control diet containing maize as sole source of cereal, while rest of the diets were formulated replacing maize in the control diet by sorghum (at 50, 75 and 100% levels) or kodomillet (Paspalum scorbiculatum) (at 25, 50 and 75% levels). Feed consumption of broilers fed maize or sorghum diets were similar (P>0.05). Broilers fed 25% kodomillet consumed maximum (P<0.05) quantity of feed but with increasing level of kodomillet drastic reduction in the feed intake was noticed. The BW gain as well as performance index (PI) of broiler fed control diet was significantly (P<0.05) higher than all other groups. Incorporation of sorghum or kodomillet caused significant reduction in these attributes. This was reflected in feed cost per kg BW gain as well which was minimum in groups assigned maize based control diet. However, the feed cost per unit BW gain was increased (P<0.05) in kodomillet based diets compared to either control or sorghum based diets. Dietary treatments had significant influence on the overall carcass characteristics and showed variable response in different parameters in response to dietary treatments. Use of higher level of sorghum had reducing effect on the organ weights of broilers. Use of kodomillet was responsible for higher processing losses. It may be concluded that sorghum can be used economically in broiler diet to the extent of 75% replacing maize while kodo can substitute maize beneficially to the tune of only 25%. However, these coarse cereals can be economical only if they are cheaper to that of maize.

Keywords: Broilers, Carcass traits, Feed cost, Kodomillet, Sorghum.

*Corresponding Author: docdolit@yahoo.co.in

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Research Paper

Biodegradation of Mimosine and 3-hydroxy-4 (1H) Pyridone in Karan Fries Crossbred (Holstein Friesian x Tharparkar) Cattle

M.K. Ghosh, P. Atreja and S. Bandyopadhyay*

Division of Dairy Cattle Division

National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132 001, India

(Received September 09, 2007)

ABSTRACT

Ghosh, M.K., Atreja, P. and Bandyopadhyay, S. 2009. Biodegradation of mimosine and 3-hydroxy-4 (1H) pyridone in Karan Fries crossbred (Holstein Friesian x Tharparkar) cattle. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 9: 65-72.

Three rumen fistulated Karan Fries crossbred (Holstein Friesian x Tharparkar) calves were fed increasing dry matter (DM) levels of 25, 50, 75 and 100% through leucaena leaf meal (LLM) starting in week 1, 2, 3, and 6, respectively. The mimosine, 3, 4 DHP and 2, 3 DHP levels were determined in strained rumen liquor (SRL) at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h post feeding on days 1, 8, 15, 22 and 42 and in serum samples at 0, 4, 8h post feeding on days 1, 8, 15, 22 and 45. LLM was incubated for 24 h with SRL in vitro on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 42 and 98 to study mimosine and dihydroxy pyridone (DHP) biodegradation. DM intake was 2.29, 2.14, 1.83, 1.51, 1.46 and 0.71% of live weight through 1st to 6th weeks, respectively. Both in vitro and in vivo studies showed degradation of mimosine to 3, 4 DHP and 2, 3 DHP from 1st day of LLM feeding, but from 2, 3 DHP to further degradation to nontoxic compound was limited. The overall in vitro DHP degradation was 33.11, 48.65, 39.37, 57.93 and 31.94% on day zero, 7th, 14th, 21st and 42nd of LLM feeding. The appearance of mimosine, 3, 4 DHP and 2, 3 DHP in blood indicated their absorption from gastrointestinal tract. The faecal and urinary excretion of mimosine, 3, 4 DHP and 2, 3 DHP as per cent of mimosine intake declined from first week (40.09±1.63) to 6th week (27.44±2.22).

Keywords: Leucaena leaf meal, Mimosine, Thyroid, Liver, Cattle.

*Corresponding Author: samiranvet@gmail.com

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Research Paper

Protein and Energy Requirements of Weaner Grasscutters

A.A. Adeniji*

Department of Animal Science, University of Abuja

Abuja, Nigeria

(Received December 18, 2007)

ABSTRACT

Adeniji, A.A. 2009. Protein and energy requirements of weaner grasscutters. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 9: 73-79.

Fifty-four 8-weeks old weaner grasscutters were used to investigate the effect of feeding varying protein (14, 16 and 18%) and ME (2400, 2600 and 2800 kcal/kg) levels in diets on the performance of fed animals. There was no significant effect (P>0.05) of treatments on weight gain, feed intake, feed to gain ratio and cost per kilogram of body weight of the grasscutters during the eight weeks experimental period. The nitrogen digestibility varied significantly (P<0.05) with both the protein and energy levels. The results showed that 14, 16 and 18% protein levels were comparable but the 18% protein level tended to be the best for it had the lowest feed to gain ratio (6.84 vs. 7.63 and 7.12). Likewise, of the three levels of ME evaluated, the 2800 kcal ME/kg diet tended to be the best for weaner grasscutters especially in terms of feed to gain ratio. Hence, 18% CP and 2800 kcal ME/kg is recommended for weaner grasscutters.

Keywords: Weaner, Grasscutter, Protein, Energy, Requirements.

*Corresponding Author: feyidot@yahoo.com

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Short Communication

Effect of Kitchen Waste on Growth of Crossbred (Tamworth x Desi) Pigs

S. Kumar, A.P. Sinha, R.N. Singh, S.K. Singh and S. Thakur

Animal Nutrition Department, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry

Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi-834 006, India

(Received August 08, 2007)

ABSTRACT

Kumar, S., Sinha, A.P., Singh, R.N., Singh, S.K. and Thakur, S. 2008. Effect of kitchen waste on growth of crossbred (Tamworth x Desi) pigs. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 9: 81-84.

The study was conducted on 36 weaned crossbred (Tamworth x Desi) pigs (2.5 months, 11.00±0.54 kg) divided into three equal groups and maintained on isocaloric and iso-introgenous grower ration. The control group (T1) ration was totally replaced with raw kitchen waste and boiled kitchen waste in groups T2 and T3, respectively. Feeding trial continued for 126 days. Pigs on raw kitchen waste (T2) and boiled kitchen waste (T3) had significantly (P<0.05) higher daily weight gain (340±11.3 and 316±12.0 g) than group T1 (265±9.9 g). The feed conversion efficiency (kg feed/kg gain in BW) was also significantly (P<0.05) better in T2 (3.42±0.08) and T3 (3.62±0.12) than the control group (4.10±0.20). Cost of feed per kg gain in body weight was lowest in T2 (Rs. 20.53) followed by T3 (21.70) and higher in group T1 (Rs. 42.46). The percent reduction in cost against the control diet was 51.65% in T2 and 48.87% in T3. It was concluded that feeding of kitchen waste as raw or boiled replacing concentrate mixture totally increased the productive performance of pigs.

Keywords: Crossbred pigs, Kitchen waste, Growth, Feed conversion efficiency, Economics.

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Short Communication

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Probiotics on Broiler Chicken

S.K. Singh, P.S. Niranjan*, U.B. Singh, S. Koley and D.N. Verma

Department of Animal Nutrition

Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Faizabad-224 229, India

(Received January 07, 2008)

ABSTRACT

Singh, S.K., Niranjan, P.S., Singh, U.B., Koley, S. and Verma, D.N. 2009. Effects of dietary supplementation of probiotics on broiler chicken. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 9: 85-90.

A study was conducted to observe the effects of dietary supplementation of probiotics on broiler chicken. Day old chicks (n=240) were randomly distributed in one of four dietary treatments, viz. C (Control, basal diet only), T1 (probiotic at 0.02% of diet), T2 (probiotic at 0.025%) and T3 (probiotic at 0.03%). The probiotic supplement was used in the form of Lacto-Sacc (Alltech, Bangalore) that contained live yeast culture (Yea Sacc1026 4.49x109, Lactobacillus acidophilus 108 and Streptococcus faecium 108 per gram). Results obtained from the six week study revealed that supplementation of probiotics at varying levels to the broiler chicken yielded positive effects on growth performance (3.28–4.03 per cent higher body weight than control) in broilers such as increased body weight gain, feed efficiency, protein efficiency and performance index and the best effect was observed for the supplementation at 0.025% level. However, there was no significant effect on haematobiochemical parameters assessed at six weeks of age except serum cholesterol level (mg/dl) which was significantly (P<0.05) lower in probiotic supplemented groups T3 (156.94±0.42), T2 (157.56±0.61), T1 (158.15±0.51) than control (174.78±0.57) group. It is concluded that probiotic supplementation at different level in poultry diet has beneficial effect on growth performance.

Keywords: Probiotic, Broiler chicken, Growth, Performance, Haematobiochemical.

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Short Communication

Effect of Feeding Fenvalerate on Haematobiochemicals in Broilers

R.K. Roy, H.P. Shrivastava*, C. Deo, K.V.H. Sastry and A.B. Mandal

Avian Nutrition and Feed Technology Division

Central Avian Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122, India

(Received March 15, 2008)

ABSTRACT

Roy, R.K., Shrivastava, H.P., Deo, C., Sastry, K.V.H. and Mandal, A.B. 2009. Effect of feeding fenvalerate on haematobiochemicals in broilers. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 9: 91-96.

A 42-days feeding trial was conducted to study the effect of fenvalerate (FEN) on certain haematobiochemicals in broiler chicks. Day-old straight run chicks (n=180) of same strain were randomly distributed to 5 experimental groups, each comprising 3 replicates of 12 chicks. Different levels of FEN at 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 ppm were added in starter (0-21d) and finisher (22-42 d) basal diets. At the end of starter and finisher phases, the blood samples were collected randomly from 2 birds per replicate viz. 6 birds per treatment, centrifuged for serum separation and analysed for certain haematobiochemicals. Alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, glucose and total protein increased significantly (P<0.01) in broilers fed diets containing 30 to 120 ppm FEN as compared to untreated basal diet during both the phases, while acid phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and uric acid increased significantly (P<0.01) during starter phase but not during finisher phase. Total cholesterol was significantly higher (P<0.01) during the finisher phase. The study indicated that the fenvalerate when added in broiler diets caused disturbances in homeostasis of major blood biochemicals.

Keywords: Broilers, Fenvalerate, Haematobiochemicals.

*Corresponding Author: hpshri@yahoo.com

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Short Communication

In vitro Nitrogen Degradability of Some Forages, Top Feeds and Fibrous Crop Residues

K. Raja Kishore and M. Parthasarathy*

Department of Animal Nutrition

College of Veterinary Science, Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University

Tirupati-517 502, India

(Received March 11, 2008)

ABSTRACT

Kishore, K.R. and Parthasarathy, M. 2009. In vitro nitrogen degradability of some forages, top feeds and fibrous crop residues. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 9: 97-101.

The study was conducted to evaluate some forages, top feeds and fibrous crop residues for their total N content and N fractions in vitro based on their solubility in buffer and detergent solutions. The feed samples include eight cultivated grasses, eight leguminous forages, eight top feeds and six fibrous crop residues. Total N content (g/kg DM) for grasses, leguminous forages, top feeds and crop residues was 12.9, 22.0, 30.1 and 7.2, respectively. Potentially digestible N was more than 90 per cent for most of the feedstuffs with the exception of paragrass (88.2%), napier bajra (NB-21) (86.6%), Cenchrus ciliaris (86.6%), gliricidia (86.9%), rice straw (68.6%), maize straw (77.6%), sorghum straw (82.0%) and finger millet straw (86.3%). It was concluded that dietary N can be partitioned into various fractions based on solubility in buffer and detergent solutions and various feed sources can have wide variation in rumen degradation pattern thus presenting different N fractions at duodenal level. Nitrogen degradability of feedstuffs in vitro is useful to screen various feedstuffs for their utility in ruminant rations.

Keywords: Nitrogen degradability, Forages, Top feeds, Crop residues, In vitro

Corresponding Author: mandadi.parthasarathy@gmail.com

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Short Communication

Performance of Broiler Chicken as Affected by Varying Levels of Multi Enzyme Supplementation

P.K. Yadava, P.S. Niranjan*, Udeybir, S. Koley and D.N. Verma

Department of Animal Nutrition

Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Faizabad-224 229, India

(Received March 15, 2008)

ABSTRACT

Yadava, P.K., Niranjan, P.S., Udeybir, Koley, S. and Verma, D.N. 2009. Performance of broiler chicken as affected by varying levels of multi enzyme supplementation. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 9: 103-108.

A study was carried out to observe the effects of dietary supplementation of enzymes on the commercial broiler chicken. Day old chicks (n=240) were randomly distributed in 12 groups with three replicates. Four dietary treatments with varying levels of Allzyme-SSF® supplementation viz. C (Control, basal diet only), T1 (enzymes 0.015%), T2 (enzymes 0.020%) and T3 (enzymes 0.025%) were formulated and fed triplicate group of birds. The basal diet was formulated for starter (0–4 weeks) and finisher phase (4–6 weeks) separately following BIS (1992) requirements. Body weight gain (g) of the birds was significantly higher in treatment groups than control (981.89±6.34) at 0-4 weeks period and feed intake (g) in T1 (478.50±7.21) and T2 (473.67±2.52) than T3 (456.00±2.17) at 0-2 weeks of age. Feed efficiency was 2.05±0.01, 1.92.0±0.01, 1.93±0.01, 1.93±0.01 for control, T1, T2 and T3, respectively. Protein efficiency was significantly higher in enzyme treated groups as compared to control. Blood samples collected from 10 birds from each replicate during slaughtering at 42 days revealed no influence of enzymes on haemato-biochemical parameters. It is concluded that the supplementation of enzymes at varying levels to the diets of broiler chicken yielded positive effects on the birds performances with cost effective production and had no significant effect on haematobiochemical parameters of commercial broiler chicken of mixed strain.

Keywords: Enzyme, Broiler chicken, Growth, Performance, Haematobiochemical.

*Corresponding Author: psnd@india.com

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