Feed evaluation

This study evaluated the haematological and serum biochemical responses of two broiler chicken breeds, Arbor Acre and Ross, to different levels of Lactobacillus probiotic supplementation. This experiment was a completely randomized design with 2 × 4 factorial arrangements where 240 day-old mixed-sex broiler chicks of both Arbor Acre and Ross chicken breeds were allotted to four groups and fed 0, 5, 10, and 15 mL of Lactobacillus, respectively. The results of the haematological analysis indicated that the packed cell volume, RBC count, and haemoglobin were significantly enhanced, and the best enhancements were with 10 mL supplementation level. These changes were more pronounced in Ross chickens, breed specifically. The promising results in serum biochemistry took in renal function markers, lowered total cholesterol levels, and possible immunomodulatory consequences. Dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus positively altered the blood characteristic within the normal physiological range. Significantly different mineral profiles, enzymatic activities, and protein metabolisms between breeds and levels of dietary supplementation were recorded. The results suggest that probiotic supplementation can optimize broilers' health, and the daily dosage of 10 ml seems to impart the most pronounced benefits.

dabsiract Rubber seed kernel contains a lipase whose action results in free fatty acid formation and a linarnamse (EC 3.2.1.21) liberating cyanide from cyanogenic glucosides. Both enzymes q u i r e moisture to act, the former a detrimental action and the latter a beneficial one. The critical path of rubber seed kernel processing appears to be collection of seeds fresh (preventing germination induced lipases fmm acting) and drying to 10 -"12% moisture to prevent basal endogenous lipase activity and thus produce an oil low in free fatty acid. Linamarase not only acts during drying to liberate > 70% cyanide but also survives the drying and oil expelling stages of processing. The s u ~v i n g endogenous enzyme activity can be utilized to detoxify rubber seed meal upon re-moistening.

Twenty five Teddy goats were used to see the effect of Atriplcx feeding on crude fibre utilization and blood biochemistry for a period of 90 days. The crude fibre digestibility coefficients in goats kept on feeding regime I, Il, Ill, IV, and V were 69.31, 77.51, 71.20, 60.78 and 38.34% respectively, which were statistically different. In the study of blood biochemistry values pertaining to glucose, bilirubin, total protein (albumin, globulin and albumin globulin ratios), urea, uric acid, calcium and Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (GOT) were found ...

The present study was carried out in a feeding trial of 42 days, 120 broiler chicks were reared at experimental station were divided into four groups, A, B, C and D for feeding iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric mash rations, having 0, 33, 67 and 100 % feather meal as replacement of fish meal. The average final live body weight of groups A, B, C and D was 2221.1, 2205, 2196.05 and 2187.15 grams per bird, respectively. The difference of live body weight between the groups was non-significant (P<0.05). Results of feed and water consumption showed similar pattern. Average feed consumed was 3687, 3706, 3728 and 3744 grams per boiler for group A, B, C and D, respectively. Water consumption recorded per boiler was 9270, 9289, 9300 and 9316 ml of group A, B, C and D. The differences in average carcass weight and giblets weight were also non-significant (P<0.05). Carcass weight of group A 1332 grams was heaviest followed by B, C and D, weighing 1322, 1314 and 1300 grams per broiler, resp...

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of partially replacing the commercial soybean meal (SBM) with a home-treated, locally produced raw-full fat soybean (RFFSB) in the diets of broilers. A 3×2×2+1 factorial arrangement was used to conduct this feeding trial. A test ingredient (RFFSB) was differently soaked (0, 6 or 12 hrs), drained, boiled (25 or 35 min) and sundried. Following this, it was hammered to pass through a 0.2-mm sieve, then 12 experimental diets were formulated, replacing the SBM by such a home-treated-RFFSB at 50 or 75%. The control diet didn't contain any RFFSBN. Totally 13 experimental diets were prepared and every treatment was replicated 3 times and 10 chicks per replicate. The results revealed that replacing the commercial SBM by a treated RFFSB had no significant interaction effects on any measured parameter. However, soaking and then boiling it (RFFSB) had significant (P<0.05) interaction effect on the BWTG (1-13d and 14-28d). When increasing the soaking time, the FI (feed intake), BWTG (body weight gain) and feed efficiency were significantly (P<0.05) decreased. When increasing the boiling duration, both FI and feed efficiency (14-28d) were improved. But, when increasing the replacement rate of RFFSB, the feed efficiency was deteriorated. Broilers fed on both control and diets, containing a non-soaked RFFSB had higher (P<0.05) BWTG (1-13d). Birds fed on diets containing RFFSB that was soaked for the longest period (12 hrs) had significantly lower BWTG. Birds fed on diets, containing prolonged boiling duration had significantly (P<0.05) higher BWTG and feed efficiency. There was no interaction (P> 0.05) effect on both carcass yield and cut-products. Neither increasing a boiling time nor a replacement rate had (P<0.05) any influence on the WT (weight) of the carcass. Birds on both control and on non-soaked RFFSB diets had better WT of carcass products. There was no interaction (P>0.05) effect on organ developments. However, increasing the soaking-duration significantly (P<0.05) reduced the organ developments. Therefore, it is concluded that commercial SBM can be replaced by a non-soaked, but boiled raw soybean in diets of broilers.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate nutritional potentials of toasted Afzelia africana seed meal as feed ingredient on performance of broiler finishers. The proximate Analysis, phytochemicals and amino acid profiles of the toasted Afzelia africana were carried out and the seed meal was used to formulate four experimental diets at levels of 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively on a 35 day feeding trials. One hundred and twenty brooded four weeks old broiler chicks were assigned to each treatment diets at 30 broiler chicks per treatment and were replicated three times to 10 broilers per replicate in a completely randomized design. The proximate results indicated a moisture level of 6.2%, the crude protein content was 28.7%, crude fibre 5.3%, Ether Extractive 12.5%, Ash 2.9% and Nitrogen free extractive 50.6% on dry matter basis. The phytochemical components were Tannin 8.01%, saponins 5.4%, alkaloids 1.3%, flavonoids 11.8%, cardiac glycosides 2.4%, oxalate 8100mg/ 100g, phytate 0.157% and no level of phenol recorded on dry matter basis indicating toxic levels of these components. The amino acid profiles revealed the presence of all the amino acids. The performance of the broilers showed a drop in the average final weight of the broilers by 2448.6g, 2073.33g, 1930g and 1477g for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. The feed intakes were reduced to 181.3 g, 200 g, 154.67 g and 116.67 g per bird per day for treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Average daily weight gain were 44.10, 33.41, 29.43 and 16.31 grams per day for broilers in treatments 1,2,3 and 4, respectively and the feed conversion rate decreased as the levels of the toasted Afzelia africana seed meal increased in the experimental diets. It was therefore concluded that Afzelia africana seed meal inclusion resulted to extensive deleterious effect on the broilers and suggests that it should not be used for broilers' diet unless further studies on the detoxification of the components are investigated.

The purpose of the study is to see the performance of sheep by the leaves and rind cacao fruit fermented in terms of nutrition. Research Hypothesis: Increased development of sheep by the leaves and cacao rind fruit fermented in terms of the nutrition. Benefits of Research: The results of this study can reduce the waste problem cacao can be used as the building blocks for livestock rations ruminasia by breeders. Material and Methods: This study used sheep as much as 16 tails whose age 6-12 months, the sheep will be sorted by weight, ration treatment consisted of four, namely; A = Concentrate + forage (40: 60), B = Concentrate 40% + Grass 30% + cacao leaves fermentation (CLF) 30%, C = Concentrate 40% + Grass 30% + skin cacao fruit fermentation(CFF) 30%, D = Concentrate 40% + Grass 30% + CLF 15% + CFF 15%. Variable research is weight gain, consumption of Dry Matter (DM), crude protein, crude fiber, feed efficientio, nitrogen retention .The results of the study are increasing weight of sheep ranged from 56.052 to 71.315 g / head / day with Dry matter consumption ranged from 289.78 to 359.00, from 45.85 to 55.36 g crude Protein(CP), 43.75-57.78 g crude fiber(CF), and feed efficientio ranged 19,220-20,469%, nitrogen retention 3,304-4,165, ratio efficientio protein 1,215-1,284The conclusion: The leaves and rind cacao fermented fruit can replace 50% forage and increase the performance of sheep were significantly (P <0.01).

espanolDoscientos diez pollos de engorde Arbor Acre de un dia de edad se utilizaron para determinar diferentes niveles de introduccion de la harina de semilla cruda y tostada de Daniellia oliveri check for this species in other resources (HSDO) sobre el rendimiento, la hematologia y algunos indices bioquimicos. Siete dietas de tratamiento que contenian 0% (Control); 2,5; 5,0 y 7,5% de HSDO cruda y 2,5; 5,0 y 7,5% de HSDO tostada, respectivamente, se asignaron al azar a siete grupos de 30 aves cada uno, repetido tres veces con 10 aves por repeticion en un diseno completamente aleatorizado. El analisis quimico indico que la HSDO cruda tuvo: 26,50% de proteina cruda (PC); 6,02% de fibra cruda (FC); 4,30% de extracto etereo (EE); 4,06% de cenizas y 47,47% de carbohidratos. Los resultados de la FC (3,19%), cenizas (2,8%) y extractos libres de nitrogeno (40,51%) se redujeron despues del tostado, mientras la PC (28,60%) y el EE (7,85%) se incrementaron. La HSDO cruda tuvo algunos factores ...

The traditional system of producing small ruminants (sheep and goats) contributes significantly to the socioeconomic wellbeing of farm households in northern Ghana. Besides serving as an important source of income, sheep and goats also offer important non-pecuniary benefits such as the provision of manure, savings, insurance, farm portfolio diversification, and strong social relations. However, technical evaluation of traditional small ruminant systems places much emphasis on financial gains to farmers and abstracts on the non-conventional utilities derived from the livestock system. The main purpose of this study, therefore, is to estimate the overall economic benefits associated with traditional small ruminant systems by accounting for both market and non-market values in two agro-ecological zones (Guinea and Sudan savannah) of northern Ghana. Using a multistage sampling technique, we collected cross-sectional data from 249 small ruminant farmers for empirical analysis. The results show that at least 60% of the net benefits from sheep and goat production in northern Ghana are in non-marketable (non-cash) forms. The study demonstrates that the traditional free-range system of managing sheep and goats is economically viable when the non-market value derived from the system is incorporated in the economic analysis. The findings have practical implications in improving the traditional small ruminant system for higher meat productivity and income generation in northern Ghana and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Vachellia karroo (Acacia karroo) is promising fodder for goats in the critical dry season in communal rangelands. The only limitation to the use of this fodder tree is the presence of phenolic compounds, such as condensed tannins. A study was conducted to investigate the effects of tanniniferous V. karroo leaf meal feeding on blood profiles of indigenous Pedi goats fed a basal diet of Setaria verticillata grass hay. Twenty indigenous Pedi goats, weighing 18 ± 2 kg, were allocated in a completely randomized design to five dietary treatments containing V. karroo leaf meal at 20% (S 80 A 20), 25% (S 75 A 25), 30% (S 70 A 30), 40% (S 60 A 40) and 50% (S 50 A 50) of the total diet in a 22-day trial. Twelve ml of blood were collected from the jugular vein from each goat before and after the experiment for haematological and serum biochemical assays. Daily dry matter intake (DMI) was similar across treatments, ranging from 633 g to 765 g per goat per day. There was no difference in initial and final bodyweights of goats consuming various experimental diets. However, bodyweight gains were significantly higher in goats fed a diet with 50% leaf meal as compared with other treatment groups. There were no differences in haematological indices of Pedi goats except for mean corpuscular haemoglobin (Hb) concentration. Goats fed 50% leaf meal had significantly lower mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values as compared with other treatment groups. Similarly, there were no differences in the blood serum chemistry of goats that consumed various inclusion levels of V. karroo, except for serum total protein (TP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Goats fed 50% leaf meal had depressed serum TP, while serum enzyme Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration decreased significantly in goats fed 25% leaf meal as compared with those on the 20% dietary treatment. Tannin concentration of 8.2 g/kg dry matter (DM) had no toxic effect on experimental animals. A 40 % inclusion of V. karroo in a Setaria verticillata hay-based diet may be fed to indigenous Pedi goats without compromising the immunity system and health of the animals.

The experiment was carried out to determine the chemical composition and digestibility of pond snail meal (PSM) in Thai native chicken (TNC) feed. Twenty-eight Thai native cocks. 25 weeks old (Paduhangdum Chiang Mai strain) were used. Three types of pond snail preparations were used to find the nutritive value of the pond snails. The treatments were 1. snail meat (without shell), 2. cooked dried (whole snail), and 3. raw dried (whole snail). Nutrients digestibility were divided into 7 treatment groups (control, 5, 10 and 15% of cooked and snail meal) with 4 replications of one cock each. It was found that pond snail meat has the higher CP and EE than cooked and raw whole pond snail, but pond snail meat has lower CF, ash and Ca. The nutrients digestibility had no significant difference (p > 0.05) in DM and CP, EE and NFE; however, DM and NFE digestibility were the highest in 5% cooked pond snails. Whereas 10% cooked pond snail had the highest digestibility of CP and Ca and 15% raw pond snail had the highest EE digestibility. Pond snail meat has high protein but whole snail has high Ca. Levels at 10% cooked pond snail meal may be suitable for Thai native chicken feed.

Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) seed oil (RSO) is available in India (Ca. 4500 tons per year) and is used mainly as a drying oil. The oil does not contain any unusual fatty acids, and it is a rich source of essential fatty acids C18∶2 and C18∶3 that make up 52% of its total fatty acid composition. Acute toxic potential in rats and the systemic effects and nutritional quality were assessed in a 13 week feeding study in weanling albino rats using a diet containing RSO or groundnut oil (GNO) (as the control) at a 10% level as the sole source of dietary fat. RSO did not manifest any acute toxic potential. Food consumption, growth rate and feed efficiency ratio of rats fed RSO were similar to those fed GNO. The digestibility of this oil was found to be 97%, as compared to 94% for GNO. There were no macroscopic or microscopic lesions in any of the organs which could be ascribed to the RSO incroporation in the diet. Thus the current data show that RSO could be used for edible purposes. However...

Net energy (NE) enables the prediction of more accurate feed energy values by taking into account the heat increment which is approximately 25% of apparent metabolizable energy (AME) in poultry. Nevertheless, application of NE in poultry industry has not been practiced widely. To predict the NE values of broiler diets, 23 diets were prepared by using 13 major ingredients (wheat, corn, paddy rice, broken rice, cassava pellets, full-fat soybean, soybean meal, canola meal, animal protein, rice bran, wheat bran, palm kernel meal and palm kernel oil). The diets were formulated in order to meet the birds' requirements and get a wide range of chemical compositions (on DM basis; 33.6% to 55.3% for starch; 20.8% to 28.4% for CP, 2.7% to 10.6% for ether extract [EE] and 7.0% to 17.2% for NDF), with low correlations between these nutrients and low correlations between the inclusion levels of ingredients allowing for the calculation of robust prediction equations of energy values of diets or ingredients. These diets were fed to Ross 308 broilers raised in 12 open-circuit respiratory chambers from 18 to 23 d of age (4 birds per cage) and growth performance, diet AME content and heat production were measured, and dietary NE values were calculated. The trial was conducted on a weekly basis with 12 diets measured each week (1 per chamber), 1 of the 23 diets (reference diet) being measured each week. Each diet was tested at least 8 times. In total, 235 energy balance data values were available for the final calculations. Growth performance, AME (15.3 MJ/kg DM on average) and AME/GE (79.4% on average) values were as expected. The NE/AME value averaged 76.6% and was negatively influenced by CP and NDF and positively by EE in connection with efficiencies of AME provided by CP, EE and starch for NE of 73%, 87% and 81%, respectively. The best prediction equation was: NE ¼ (0.815 Â AME) e (0.026 Â CP) þ (0.020 Â EE) e (0.024 Â NDF) with NE and AME as MJ/kg DM, and CP, EE and NDF as % of DM. The NE prediction equations from this study agree with other recently reported equations in poultry and are suitable for both ingredients and complete feeds.

The traditional system of producing small ruminants (sheep and goats) contributes significantly to the socioeconomic wellbeing of farm households in northern Ghana. Besides serving as an important source of income, sheep and goats also offer important non-pecuniary benefits such as the provision of manure, savings, insurance, farm portfolio diversification, and strong social relations. However, technical evaluation of traditional small ruminant systems places much emphasis on financial gains to farmers and abstracts on the non-conventional utilities derived from the livestock system. The main purpose of this study, therefore, is to estimate the overall economic benefits associated with traditional small ruminant systems by accounting for both market and non-market values in two agro-ecological zones (Guinea and Sudan savannah) of northern Ghana. Using a multistage sampling technique, we collected cross-sectional data from 249 small ruminant farmers for empirical analysis. The results show that at least 60% of the net benefits from sheep and goat production in northern Ghana are in non-marketable (non-cash) forms. The study demonstrates that the traditional free-range system of managing sheep and goats is economically viable when the non-market value derived from the system is incorporated in the economic analysis. The findings have practical implications in improving the traditional small ruminant system for higher meat productivity and income generation in northern Ghana and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Ben Salem H. (ed.), López-Francos A. (ed.). Feeding and management strategies to improve livestock productivity, welfare and product quality under climate change Zaragoza : CIHEAM / INRAT / OEP / IRESA / FAO Options Méditerranéennes : Série A. Séminaires Méditerranéens; n. 107 2013 pages 85-90 Article available on lin e / Article dispon ible en lign e à l'adresse :

This study was conducted at the Department of Animal Science’s Teaching and Research farm of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto to evaluate the effect of feeding different kanwa based mineral licks on blood profile of Uda rams. Blood of twenty (20) yearlings Uda rams aged by dentition were used to evaluate the effect of Kanwa¬-based mineral blocks. Four (4) animals were allotted to each treatment (Kanwa block) with each animal serving as a replicate. The Kanwa used were Kanwan Bai-Bai, Kanwan Kolo, Hogga, Balma and conventional mineral lick to represent treatment 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Data was collected at the end of the experiment. The result of haematological analysis showed significant (p&lt;0.05) differences in all the parameters analysed except PCV, MCH, WBC and eosinophil; the result indicated that all the values where within the normal reference range except in MCHC where animals placed in T2 and T3 shows values slightly above the normal range. The result of serum b...

Background Adequate feeding is essential to realizing the potential of small ruminants to alleviate poverty among smallholder farmers. This study was conducted in two villages in the Ejura-Sekyedumase District of Ghana and was motivated by farmers&#39; non-adoption of modern feed technologies, but more importantly by the need to understand the small ruminant feed system considering farmers&#39; different socio-economic backgrounds and how these relate to small ruminant performance. In this study, the feed system was defined as the type, source and seasonality of feeds and how small ruminants access them. Methods Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to allow for triangulation. Data were collected in seven stages comprising key informant interviews, a census, a cultural domain study, botanical specimen collection and identification, focus group discussions, a household survey, and a small ruminant performance study. Results Farmers listed 175 items that are used as small rum...

Dried probiotics have a good effect on the digestive tract in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria and increasing the blood protein content. This study aims to identify the effect of dry probiotics on protein and blood albumin levels in broiler chickens. In the experiment, a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of five treatments and 4 replications was applied. The probiotic treatments included T0: basal ration (BR); T1: basal ration with dry probiotic A (100% fermented cow's milk/FCM); T2 : basal ration with dry probiotic B (fermented cow's milk/FCM and fermented mung bean milk/FMBM, with a composition of 75% : 25%), T3: basal ration with dry probiotic C (fermented cow's milk/FCM and fermented soy milk/ FCM, with a composition of 75% and 24%); and T4: basal ration with dry probiotic D (consisting of fermented cow's milk/FCM, fermented mung bean milk/FMBM and fermented soy milk/FSM, with compositions: 50%, 25% and 25%, respectively). The results showed that the difference in blood protein and albumin levels (P>0.05) was not significant. Dried probiotics tend to increase blood protein and albumin and have the potential to correlate with protein anabolism and broiler performance.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different processing methods of Bambara groundnut seed meal and its effects on tissue of broiler chickens. A total of eighty four day-old broiler chickens were weighed and randomly distributed into seven dietary treatments, three replicates of four birds per replicate. Each group was replaced with 40% of the processed Bambara groundnut (boiled, soaked, fermentation without decantation, fermentation with decantation, roasted and raw) respectively in place of soya bean meal. Soya bean meal based diet served as the control group, and the group treated raw Bambara groundnut meal serves as the negative control group. Liver, kidney and serum were studied by measuring the enzyme alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and conjugated and total bilirubin were considered. Body Weight Gain (BWG) was calculated as performance indices. Findings from this study indicated that ALP, conjugated and total bilirubin activities showed no significant differences (P<0.05) in the serum, liver and kidney when compared with the control. The study showed that broiler chickens serum and kidney functions were not affected with the replacement of 40% of the various processed Bambara groundnut meal with soya bean meal. K e y w o r d s Alkaline phosphatase Bilirubin Body weight gain Broiler chicken How to cite this article:

This has encouraged improved effort at finding cheaper alternatives to prolong the production of poultry and maximize the potentials of the improved poultry strains available, at a reasonable cost. Pp is an important grain legume commonly grown and consumed in both tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is also known as "lobiaadassy" (6). According to Saxena (7) the area cultivated has jumped to over 4.92 × 10 6 ha. It is considered a multipurpose nitrogen-fixing plant that provides food, fuel wood, and fodder as well as shelter material to farmers throughout the world. The shells, leaves, seeds, and young stems of Pp could be a good protein source for poultry feed. This plant can tolerate drought conditions and has greater adaptability to poor soil conditions as compared to most other tropical legumes (8). It is widely cultivated throughout the tropics as a cover crop or green manure crop and it has high dry matter yield potential. Cajanus cajan contains crude protein (CP) of Abstract: A trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of different processing methods of pigeon pea (Pp; Cajanus cajan) on fattening performance and carcass traits as well as blood biochemical and hematological parameters of broiler chickens. For this purpose, 300 dayold chicks were assigned to 5 treatments. Each treatment had 5 replicates and contained 12 birds each under a completely randomized design. Five isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets were formulated with the inclusion of pigeon pea crushed (control, PPC), boiled with potash (PPP), boiled (PPB), soaked (PPS), or roasted (PPR) at the rate of 20% of the basal diet. The highest values of weight gain were observed in chicks fed the PPP diet through the starter and overall periods. Throughout the starter phase, the feed conversion ratio was significantly affected by dietary treatments. Highest values for carcass and breast weight were observed in birds fed the PPP diet as compared to the control diet. Blood biochemical parameters were not statistically influenced by Pp treatments. Hematology was also similar in all the diets. In conclusion, PPP can be used as a protein source in broiler diets and it can improve the growth performance of broilers.

The study investigated the effect of urea-ammoniated cowpea husk (UCH) as a substitute for dried brewers’ grains (DBG) on voluntary intake, ruminal fermentation, apparent digestibility, nitrogen retention, serum metabolites and growth performance of eighteen growing Red Sokoto goats. Goats were stratified into three groups: no UCH (control), 350 g/kg UCH and 700 g/kg UCH replacing 0, 500 and 1000 g/kg of DBG respectively. Average daily gain, organic matter (OM) and acid detergent fibre digestibility, digestible OM, metabolisable energy, nitrogen balance and retention, ruminal volatile fatty acid, digestible OM fermented in the rumen, microbial protein synthesis, and serum glucose and aspartate transaminase were increased quadratically (P &lt; 0.05) in 350 g/kg UCH diet. Whereas dry matter and neutral detergent fibre digestibility increased linearly and quadratically (P &lt; 0.05), feed:gain ratio and total N excretion decreased linearly with 350 g/kg UCH diet. Faecal N (linear and q...

Thevetia peruviana seed meal was detoxified using two methods – acid hydrolysis followed by ethanolic extraction of the released aglycones and direct ethanolic extraction of the cardiac glycosides. Acid detoxification followed by alcoholic extraction of the aglycones gave a meal with 95% reduction in the glycoside content (from 42.7 to 2.15 g kg-1), while direct alcohol detoxification led to a 98% reduction in the glycoside content of the seed meal (from 42.7 to 0.83 g kg-1). The two treated Thevetia seed meals (TSM) were used to formulate poultry diets by introducing 0, 5, 10 and 15% of treated TSM into the feed composition which is equivalent to 0, 16.7, 33.3 and 50% replacement of soybean meal. The results showed that up to 15 % inclusion of alcohol detoxified TSM (≈ 50% replacement of soybean meal) produced no mortality and gave satisfactory growth performance of the cockerels used for the experiment. The performance of birds on alcohol detoxified diets was comparable with that ...

Background Adequate feeding is essential to realizing the potential of small ruminants to alleviate poverty among smallholder farmers. This study was conducted in two villages in the Ejura-Sekyedumase District of Ghana and was motivated by farmers&#39; non-adoption of modern feed technologies, but more importantly by the need to understand the small ruminant feed system considering farmers&#39; different socio-economic backgrounds and how these relate to small ruminant performance. In this study, the feed system was defined as the type, source and seasonality of feeds and how small ruminants access them. Methods Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to allow for triangulation. Data were collected in seven stages comprising key informant interviews, a census, a cultural domain study, botanical specimen collection and identification, focus group discussions, a household survey, and a small ruminant performance study. Results Farmers listed 175 items that are used as small rum...

Dried probiotics have a good effect on the digestive tract in inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria and increasing the blood protein content. This study aims to identify the effect of dry probiotics on protein and blood albumin levels in broiler chickens. In the experiment, a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of five treatments and 4 replications was applied. The probiotic treatments included T0: basal ration (BR); T1: basal ration with dry probiotic A (100% fermented cow's milk/FCM); T2 : basal ration with dry probiotic B (fermented cow's milk/FCM and fermented mung bean milk/FMBM, with a composition of 75% : 25%), T3: basal ration with dry probiotic C (fermented cow's milk/FCM and fermented soy milk/ FCM, with a composition of 75% and 24%); and T4: basal ration with dry probiotic D (consisting of fermented cow's milk/FCM, fermented mung bean milk/FMBM and fermented soy milk/FSM, with compositions: 50%, 25% and 25%, respectively). The results showed that the difference in blood protein and albumin levels (P>0.05) was not significant. Dried probiotics tend to increase blood protein and albumin and have the potential to correlate with protein anabolism and broiler performance.

This study evaluated the potential utilisation of African yam bean (AYB) seed as a supplement to Guinea grass on in vitro gas and methane (CH 4) production, as well as the effect of processing on AYB nutritive value. In experiment 1, unprocessed AYB meal at 10, 15, 20, and 25% inclusion levels was added to Guinea grass substrate and evaluated for in vitro gas production, CH 4 , and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD). In experiment 2, the effect of soaked, boiled, toasted, and fermented AYB meal at 20% inclusion on in vitro fermentation was evaluated. In vitro gas production as well as in vitro organic matter digestibility of Guinea grass increased with AYB supplementation. The associative effect of Guinea grass with AYB showed an increase in gas and CH 4 production. At 20% inclusion level, AYB processing methods did not affect the gas production, CH 4 , and IVOMD of the substrate. Fermentation improved the crude protein, iron, and zinc contents, reduced acid detergent fibre concentration but did not reduce the concentrations of alkaloid, total phenol, saponin, and trypsin inhibitors of AYB. Seed soaking for 48 h reduced the total phenol, tannin, oxalate, and phytate content, while seed boiling reduced the concentrations of alkaloid, total phenol, tannin, and trypsin inhibitors. Compared with the raw AYB, boiling is the most effective processing method to reduce the investigated phytochemicals, followed by soaking, toasting, and fermentation, in that order.

Differences in structure and bonding material feed sources of carbohydrates causes the difference fermentability and digestibility in the rumen and post-rumen. Thus, the utilization rate and feed efficiency were also different. The objective of this experiment was to study the feed efficiency of various sources of dietary carbohidrates on indigenous thin tailed male lamb. The experiment design was randomized block design 4x4. Sixteen thin tailed male lamb with average body weight 15+2.07 kg maintained for 12 week. The 4 treatment applies in ration (CP 13%, TDN 68%) namely, P1= complete feed containing rice bran 25% DM, P2= complete feed containing corn 25% DM, P3= complete feed containing cassava waste meal 25% DM, P4 = complete feed containing sorghum 25% DM. The result showed that the fed containing different sources of carbohydrates significantly effect on dry matter intake, average daily gain (ADG) and feed effisiency (P<0.01). Feed efficiency generated in this study were 15.75 (P1); 17.96 (P2); 15.55 (P3) dan 19.09% (P4). Based the result on this study, it could be concluded that the feed containing carbohydrates from grain (corn and sorghum) are more efficiency than carbohydrates sources from agriculture by product (rice brand and cassava waste meal), but still profitable use as a source of energy in the ration of sheep.

Tannin extracts have wide biological activity in ruminant nutrition. The possibility of masking their bitter taste and enhancing sustained release in the rumen can be achieved through encapsulation. The objectives of this study were to prepare an encapsulated Acacia tannin extract (ATE) suitable for ruminants using the solid-in-oil-in-water (S/O/W) method, and to evaluate the microparticles in terms of morphology, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro release under varying pH. Subsequently, the effect of the microparticles on rumen in vitro gas and methane production would be evaluated. Lipid microparticles were prepared using the double emulsion process with palm oil and lard, dichloromethane, and Tween80/ Span80 emulsifiers. The microparticles produced by S/O/W emulsion tended to be smaller (P = 0.06), and had greater encapsulation efficiency compared with those produced by the melt dispersion method. Scanning electron micrographs showed microparticles had stable cylindrical and spherical shapes, with mean size of 34± 10.2 μm. Maximum encapsulation efficiencies of 78.6% and 80.1% were obtained with lard and palm oil as lipid wall materials, respectively, even under high core material loading percentage of 80%. Wall material type did not affect the characteristics of microparticles. In acetate buffer, only about 20% of tannin was released from the lipid-encapsulated microparticles into buffer media after 24 hours. In contrast, about 90% of the tannin had been released into solution before eight hours in the crude extract. Lipid-encapsulated ATE reduced rumen gas and methane production in vitro (P <0.05) in both Eragrostis and total mixed ration (TMR) diet substrates, but the magnitude of reduction was lower than that obtained when unencapsulated ATE was the additive (10% vs 20% for total gas and 17% vs 24% for methane). Crude ATE and palm oil encapsulated ATE reduced the concentration of methane in sampled gas (P = 0.054) when fermenting the TMR substrate, but this effect was not observed in the Eragrostis substrate. Ammonia nitrogen concentration was greater in encapsulated ATE compared with the crude ATE (P <0.001). These results show that the lipid-encapsulated ATE produced smallsized and more uniform microparticles, with high encapsulation efficiency compared with

The seed kernel of Balanites Aegyptiaca has been evaluated chemically and nutritionally. The crude protein, crude fat and total carbohydrate content of the seed kernel were 35.26g, 48.82g and 12.56g per 100g dry weight respectively. The caloric value was 630.66cal per 100g dry weight. The seed is a rich source of potassium, calcium and iron. Amino acid analysis of the seed showed high levels of l eucine, Isoleucine, threonine, cycteine, phenylalanine and lysine . Metheonine seemed to be the limiting amino acid with a chemical score of 34.10%. The protein efficiency ration (PER) and net protein ratio (NPR) for the boiled seed kernel (0.18 and 1.09 respectively) were significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) than the values for unboiled seed kernel (-0.61 and 0.40 respectively). The seed kernel may be a good source of protein in livestock feeds. KEY WORD : Balanites aegyptiaca , seed kernel, chemical composition, Amino acid content

The study investigated the effect of urea-ammoniated cowpea husk (UCH) as a substitute for dried brewers’ grains (DBG) on voluntary intake, ruminal fermentation, apparent digestibility, nitrogen retention, serum metabolites and growth performance of eighteen growing Red Sokoto goats. Goats were stratified into three groups: no UCH (control), 350 g/kg UCH and 700 g/kg UCH replacing 0, 500 and 1000 g/kg of DBG respectively. Average daily gain, organic matter (OM) and acid detergent fibre digestibility, digestible OM, metabolisable energy, nitrogen balance and retention, ruminal volatile fatty acid, digestible OM fermented in the rumen, microbial protein synthesis, and serum glucose and aspartate transaminase were increased quadratically (P &lt; 0.05) in 350 g/kg UCH diet. Whereas dry matter and neutral detergent fibre digestibility increased linearly and quadratically (P &lt; 0.05), feed:gain ratio and total N excretion decreased linearly with 350 g/kg UCH diet. Faecal N (linear and q...

In this study, the effect of substitution of maize with fermented cashew apple residue (CAR) on the growth of broiler chicken was investigated. Cashew apple residue was subjected to fermentation with Lactobacillus plantarum, and then used to formulate broiler starter diet by substituting/mixing it with maize in the ratios 0:100, 50:50 and 100:0 for maize and CAR respectively. The diet was fed to four groups of day old broilers for six weeks during which feed intake and weight gained were monitored. The bacterial count increased from 5.6 × 106 at the beginning of the fermentation to 31.5 × 106 cfu/g at 72 hr. Also, the pH of the CAR was reduced gradually over the 72 hours period of fermentation coupled with increase in the total titratable acidity. The nutritional composition analyses of the compounded diets showed no significant difference (p≤0.05) between the crude protein content of the formulated feed (21.02±0.15 - 21.12±0.15%) and the commercially available feed (21.50±0.00). Ho...

A 90 day study on evaluating quantity and quality of manure from small ruminants in the Guinea Savannah agro-ecological zone of Ghana was conducted. 36 goats and 36 sheep were random­ly allotted to three dietary treatments - Basal diets of maize stover, cassava and yam peels as Treatment one (T1), T1 supplemented with cowpea residues as Treatment two (T2) and T1 supplemented with groundnut residues as Treatment three (T3) in a randomized complete block design. Feed composition and intake and manure characteristics were assessed and data ana­lyzed statistically using Generalized Linear Model procedures of SAS at 5% significance level. The Chemical composition of feed resources ranged from 3.2-17.3% crude protein, 82-97.2% organic matter and 2.8-18% ash. Total feed intake ranged from 519.55-659.72 g/day and 331.84-420.17 g/day for sheep and goats respectively. Sheep manure weighed 319.17-423.33 g/day and contained 20.74-29.01% carbon, 1.87-2.32% nitrogen, 0.77-3.00 potassium, 9.52-26....

The traditional system of producing small ruminants (sheep and goats) contributes significantly to the socioeconomic wellbeing of farm households in northern Ghana. Besides serving as an important source of income, sheep and goats also offer important non-pecuniary benefits such as the provision of manure, savings, insurance, farm portfolio diversification, and strong social relations. However, technical evaluation of traditional small ruminant systems places much emphasis on financial gains to farmers and abstracts on the non-conventional utilities derived from the livestock system. The main purpose of this study, therefore, is to estimate the overall economic benefits associated with traditional small ruminant systems by accounting for both market and non-market values in two agro-ecological zones (Guinea and Sudan savannah) of northern Ghana. Using a multistage sampling technique, we collected cross-sectional data from 249 small ruminant farmers for empirical analysis. The result...

Twenty five Teddy goats were involved to see their haematological picture by five different feeding regimes of Sudex and Atriplcx alone and with their different porportions randomly allocated to them for a period of 90 days. Blood samples were collected after four weeks of the start of the experiment and thereafter four weeks interval respectively. The results showed that mean values for haemoglobin, erythrocyte count and packed. ccll volume (peV) were found non-significant statistically compared to control.&#x27;Similar was the case with ...

Twenty five Teddy goats were used to see the effect of Atriplcx feeding on crude fibre utilization and blood biochemistry for a period of 90 days. The crude fibre digestibility coefficients in goats kept on feeding regime I, Il, Ill, IV, and V were 69.31, 77.51, 71.20, 60.78 and 38.34% respectively, which were statistically different. In the study of blood biochemistry values pertaining to glucose, bilirubin, total protein (albumin, globulin and albumin globulin ratios), urea, uric acid, calcium and Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (GOT) were found ...

Twelve healthy Red Sokoto male goats (7-8 months old, liveweight (LW) 12.0 ± 0.68 kg) were randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups comprising condensed tannins (CT) containing-forage, Ficus polita (FP), mixed with concentrate to produce three total mixed rations (TMR): 700:300 g/kg, 600:400 g/kg and 500:500 g/kg forage:concentrate (F:C) ratios in a 84-day experiment. Daily intakes of dry matter, crude protein, organic matter, total carbohydrate, non-fibre carbohydrate and hemicellulose linearly increased (p&lt;0.01) but that of lignin and CT linearly decreased (p&lt;0.01) as the ratio of F:C decreased. Whereas intake of ash linearly increased (p&lt;0.05), intakes of acid detergent fibre and cellulose decreased both linearly (p&lt;0.01) and quadratically (p&lt;0.05) as the concentrate proportion increased. Packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC), lymphocytes, serum urea and glucose linearly increased (p&lt;0.05) but mean corpuscular haemaoglobin concentration lin...

This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain. Rolfe (Daniellia oliveri) seed meal as a protein source in locally produced concentrates for lambs fed low quality basal diet

Graphene and graphene derivatives have a set of remarkable properties due to their 2D structure; to use these properties in various applications asks for increasing the thermal stability of the carbon-based components and this is why various composites are reported. The development of composites with metal oxide matrix and performant interfaces asks for using polar graphene derivatives as fillers, e,g, graphene oxide (GO). The development of thin multilayered composite films of TiO2 - GO - TiO2 using Spray Pyrolysis Deposition is discussed and the structural and surface properties are reported, considering further potential application of these composite layers as photocatalysts in advanced wastewater treatment or in self-cleaning surfaces.

The carcass traits and organoleptic properties of meat obtained from crossbred weaner rabbits fed cooked rubber seed meal (CRSM)-based diets were investigated. The rabbits were reared in hutches placed under mature rubber plantation. A total of 72, 8-week old weaner rabbits were randomly allotted, two per cell of 6-celled rabbit hutch, with 6 replicates per diet or treatment in a completely randomized design to 6 CRSM-based diets containing 16% dietary protein. The CRSM was included at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% levels in diets 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 respectively. Diet 1 without CRSM (0%) served as the control. Feed and water were served ad libitum for 10 weeks. The carcass weights of rabbits fed up to 10% CRSM-based diets were similar and significantly higher than that of rabbits on 20% CRSM-based diet (740.30 g) which in turn was higher (p < 0.05) than what obtained for those fed 30-50% CRSM-based diets. Other carcass traits varied significantly. The weight of bled and de-furred rabbits (92.77-94.54%), carcass (56.98-60.78%), fore limb (9.72-10.69%), lung (0.66-0.79%), kidney (0.62-0.75%) and the heart (0.26-0.29%) expressed as percentage of live weight were similar (p > 0.05) across board. Feeding beyond 30% CRSM-based diets had significant effects on the cooked meat's juiciness, chewiness and texture. The inclusion of CRSM in rabbit diets had no detrimental effect on the proportion of carcass, limbs and internal organ weights. Meats from rabbits fed CRSM-based diets were well accepted by sensory evaluators but the taste, flavor, juiciness and acceptability decrease with increasing levels of CRSM in the diet.

The carcass traits and organoleptic properties of meat obtained from crossbred weaner rabbits fed cooked rubber seed meal (CRSM)-based diets were investigated. The rabbits were reared in hutches placed under mature rubber plantation. A total of 72, 8-week old weaner rabbits were randomly allotted, two per cell of 6-celled rabbit hutch, with 6 replicates per diet or treatment in a completely randomized design to 6 CRSM-based diets containing 16% dietary protein. The CRSM was included at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% levels in diets 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 respectively. Diet 1 without CRSM (0%) served as the control. Feed and water were served ad libitum for 10 weeks. The carcass weights of rabbits fed up to 10% CRSM-based diets were similar and significantly higher than that of rabbits on 20% CRSM-based diet (740.30 g) which in turn was higher (p < 0.05) than what obtained for those fed 30-50% CRSM-based diets. Other carcass traits varied significantly. The weight of bled and de-furred rabbits (92.77-94.54%), carcass (56.98-60.78%), fore limb (9.72-10.69%), lung (0.66-0.79%), kidney (0.62-0.75%) and the heart (0.26-0.29%) expressed as percentage of live weight were similar (p > 0.05) across board. Feeding beyond 30% CRSM-based diets had significant effects on the cooked meat's juiciness, chewiness and texture. The inclusion of CRSM in rabbit diets had no detrimental effect on the proportion of carcass, limbs and internal organ weights. Meats from rabbits fed CRSM-based diets were well accepted by sensory evaluators but the taste, flavor, juiciness and acceptability decrease with increasing levels of CRSM in the diet.

The effects of feeding graded levels of blood wild sunflower forage meal mixture (BWSFM) on haematological and serum biochemical parameters in rabbit were studied. Thirty-two (32) cross-bred (New Zealand-white X Chinchilla) male weaner rabbits aged between 6 and 9 weeks were randomly divided after weight balancing into four groups of eight rabbits per group and each rabbit served as replicate in a complete randomized design. Four diets were formulated in which diet 1 the control, was containing no BWSFM mixture, while diets 2, 3 and 4 had graded levels of 5, 10 and 15% BWSFM mixture respectively. The rabbits were fed with the experimental diets for 12 weeks. The results showed that though the final weight of the rabbits in the different groups were not significantly affected by the inclusion of the test ingredient, the packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin content (Hb), red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, as well as the lymphocytes and serum alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the treatments. It was concluded that inclusion of blood/wild sunflower forage meal mixture up to 15% was well tolerated by pre-pubertal male rabbits without any adverse health condition.

Transhumance pastoralism is a traditional sheep management strategy adopted by the herders in the Himalayas to address environmental stress. The changes in haematological parameters in the transhumant sheep may well give insights of changes in physiological changes at pasture sites of various elevations in the transhumance cycle. For that purpose, 32 healthy Baruwal sheep were selected and divided into four groups: male (8) below 1 year, male (8) greater than 1 year, female (8) below 1 year, and female (8) greater than 1 year; the animals were selected based on similarity on body weight within the groups. The herd was clinically inspected for the presence of any infection. Adaptation period was set for 3 weeks at each pasture site. The blood samples were taken from designated groups at both grazing sites, i.e. from low (2431 m.a.s.l) to high stopover (3885 m.a.s.l) at the seventh day of the experimental period. Climatic data were recorded at both altitudes over the period of measure...

Haematobiochemical indices of broiler chickens fed probiotic supplemented shea kernel cake meal based diet 1* 1 2 2 2 Aguihe, P. C. Kehinde, A. S. Halidu, S. K. Osaguona, P. O. and Jeje, C. A. Dept. of Animal Production and Health Technology, Federal College of Wildlife Management, New-Bussa. 2 Dept. of Wildlife, Federal College of Wildlife Management, New-bussa. * Corresponding email: aguihepc@gmail.com A 49-day experiment was conducted with a total of 240 Arbor acre broiler chicks, to determine the effect of probiotic supplementation on graded levels of shea kernel cake meal (SKCM) on their haematological and serum biochemical indices. The birds were randomly grouped into four dietary treatments comprising of 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% inclusion levels of SKCM as T , T , T3 and T respectively in a completely randomized design having 5 replicates 1 2 4 with 12 chicks each. Diet T served as the control, without SKCM and probiotic addition, 1 while diet T , T and T were supplemented with 0....

A 42-d study was conducted to determine the effect of different processing methods of rubber seed meal (RSM) which include soaking, cooking, toasting and fermentation as substitute for soybean meal on performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, relative organ weight and carcass qualities of broiler chickens. Three hundred, 1-day old Arbor acre broiler chicks were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments containing the four different processed RSM (soaked, cooked, toasted and fermented RSM) and control diet without RSM, with five replications of twelve birds each in a completely randomized design. Proximate composition revealed that the fermented RSM had higher crude protein content, and hydrogen cyanide (HCN) concentration recorded lowest in the cooked RSM than other processed RSM. Birds fed cooked and fermented RSM recorded higher weight gain and feed intake with better feed efficiency than those on toasted and soaked RSM group compared to the control group. The cost/kg weight gain of birds fed cooked and fermented RSM diets was lower than those fed control, soaked and toasted RSM diets. With the exception of crude protein digestibility which was lower in the group fed SRSM, apparent nutrient digestibility variables were similar among the control and other processed RSM diets. Carcass and organ variables were better compared among the control, cooked and fermented RSM groups. Conclusively, cooking and fermentation tend to improve the nutritive potentials of rubber seed than soaking and toasting. Birds fed cooked and fermented RSM maintained superior performance and better carcass qualities at higher savings in terms of cost/kg gain.

A total of 210 twenty two-day-old broiler chicks were used in this programme to investigale the performance, [ca\ intake, digestibility and visceral organ mass of broiler chicks fed with high level of olive pulp.supplemented with two antibiotics: streptomycin and tylosin. The two antibiotics were added to supply 150 nig/kg of the active ingredient. Chicks which consumed the medicated diets had more (p<0.05) gain compared to chicks which consumed the basal diet. However, streptomycin caused more (p<0.05) gain compared to tylosin. Antibiotics had no effect on feed intake. The chicks that consumed the antibiotics had heavier (p<0.05) weights of edible, inedible organs and small intestine but lower weights of large intestine and cecum. The digestibility of dry matter,'crude protein and nitrogen free extract increased (p<0.05) in chicks fed with the medicated diets compared to the chicks fed with the basal diet. It is concluded that antibiotic supplementation had a positive effect on chick's performance and digestibility.

Probiotic organisms are live microorganisms thought to be beneficial to the host. To know the effect of probiotic supplemented food on haemato-biochemical parameters in mice, a total of 20 two-month-old Swiss Albino mice were randomly divided into four equal groups. Group A was control, fed commercial mouse pellets, and others were treated with 5 g (group B), 10 g (group C) and 20 g (group D) probiotics (curd), respectively, in mouse pellets for 45 days. Total erythrocyte count and haemoglobin concentration were significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher in treated group than in controls. Total serum cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein values decreased significantly (P&lt;0.01) in treated groups. Serum uric acid value was significantly higher (P&lt;0.01) in treated groups. It is suggested that probiotics help improve haematology and lipid profile but not kidney function. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bvet.v30i1.16281 Bangl. vet. 2013. Vol. 30, No. ...