Effects of plane of nutrition on slaughtering traits and meat characteristics in Murrah graded male buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves in Nepal

An experiment was conducted using 17 male buffalo calves to assess the effects of plane of nutrition on slaughtering traits and meat characteristics. To attain 250 kg body weight (BW), the calves were allocated into three groups: high (H), low‐high (L‐H) and low (L) corresponding to concentrate levels receiving the concentrate at 1.50% of BW, 0.75% of BW until 190 kg BW and 1.50% thereafter, and 0.75% of BW, respectively. The animals had ad libitum access to urea‐treated rice straw. No significant differences of hot carcass weight, dressing percentage and lean fat–bone yields were observed among the treatment groups. The L group had heavier brisket weight and lower percentage of round weight in the hot carcass than the H and L‐H groups (P < 0.05). The H group had heavier hearts than the L group, and the H and L‐H groups had heavier livers and kidneys than the L group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference of rib eye area, pH and the contents of moisture, crude protein and fat in loin meat among the groups. The findings indicated that the effects of plane of nutrition affected the weight or percentages of some cut yields in the hot carcasses and internal organs.     

Comparison of feed intake, digestibility and fattening performance of Brahman grade cattle (Bos indicus) and crossbred water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

Twenty growing crossbred cattle and crossbred water buffalo (carabao) with an average age of 22 (18–24 months) months were equally distributed into two treatment groups according to species. The animals were fed with the same ration made up of corn silage (50%) + wet brewer's spent grain (30%) + concentrate mixture (20%), and their fattening performance was monitored. The digestibilities of the different nutrients were likewise determined. The economics of raising the animals under intensive production system was calculated. Species differences did not influence total dry matter intake of the animals, when expressed as percentage of the bodyweight and per metabolic body size. There were no significant differences in digestion coefficients of the different nutrients, except for crude protein in crossbred water buffalo and crossbred cattle, although the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and nitrogen free extract tended to be high in the former than in the latter. Likewise, average daily gain (ADG) was similar, although crossbred water buffalo had numerically higher ADG (828.6 vs 785.5 g) than crossbred cattle during the 6 months feeding. During the first 3 months of feeding (1–90 days), the ADG of crossbred water buffalo was 1066.1 g compared to 940.1 g for crossbred cattle. From 91 to 180 days, the crossbred cattle had slightly higher ADG (630.1 vs 591.1 g) but also the difference was not significant. The return above feed cost was comparable for crossbred cattle and crossbred water buffalo during the first 90 days of feeding. However, extending the feeding period from 91 to 180 days , income over feed cost was higher (P < 0.05) for crossbred cattle by PhP 5.3/kg gain than crossbred water buffalo. Results showed that crossbred water buffalo could attain similar growth rate with that of crossbred cattle under intensive system, when fed with high quality feed materials.     

Subcutaneous pharmacokinetics and dosage regimen of cefotaxime in buffalo calves (Bubalus bubalis)

The pharmacokinetics and dosage regimen of cefotaxime following its single subcutaneous administration (10 mg/kg) were investigated in buffalo calves. Plasma and urine samples were collected over 10 and 24 h post administration, respectively. Cefotaxime in plasma and urine was estimated by microbiological assay technique using E. coli as test organism. The pharmacokinetic profiles fitted one-compartment open model. The peak plasma levels of cefotaxime were 6.48 ± 0.52 µg/ml at 30 min and the drug was detected upto 10 h. The absorption half-life and elimination half-life were 0.173 ± 0.033 h and 1.77 ± 0.02 h, respectively. The apparent volume of distribution and total body clearance were 1.17 ± 0.10 l/kg and 0.45 ± 0.03 l/kg/h, respectively. The urinary excretion of cefotaxime in 24 h, was 5.36 ± 1.19 percent of total administrated dose. A satisfactory subcutaneous dosage regimen for cefotaxime in buffalo calves would be 13 mg/kg repeated at 12 h intervals.     

Effects of mannan‐oligosaccharides and Lactobacillus acidophilus supplementation on growth performance,nutrient utilization and faecal characteristics in Murrah buffalo calves

A study of 120 days was undertaken to ascertain the effect of mannan‐oligosaccharides (MOS) and Lactobacillus acidophilus supplementation on growth performance, nutrient utilization and faecal characteristics in Murrah buffalo calves. Twenty Murrah buffalo calves of 5–7 days old and 31 ± 2.0 kg of body weight (BW) were randomly assigned into four groups. Group I served as the control (CON) in which only basal diet (concentrate mixture and green fodder) was provided, without any supplementation. Mannan‐oligosaccharides at 4 g/calf/day were supplemented as prebiotic to Group II (PRE), whereas Group III (PRO) received Lactobacillus acidophilus in the form of fermented milk as probiotic at 200 ml/calf/day having 10⁸ CFU/ml and Group IV (SYN) was supplemented with both MOS and Lactobacillus acidophilus as synbiotic at similar dose. Final BW (kg), dry matter intake, average daily gain, feed conversion efficiency and structural growth measurements were improved (p < .05) in the treatment groups compared to control. Digestibility of neutral detergent fibre was higher (p < .05) in SYN followed by PRE and PRO than control. The faecal lactobacilli and bifidobacterium population was higher (p < .05) in all the supplemented groups with a concomitant reduction in faecal coliform count as compared to control. Faecal ammonia, lactate and pH were also altered favourably (p < .05) in all the supplemented groups as compared to CON. The faecal volatile fatty acids were higher (p < .05) in PRE, PRO and SYN group than CON. The incorporation of MOS and Lactobacillus acidophilus in diet either individually or in combination as synbiotic has the potential to improve the performance and faecal characteristics in Murrah buffalo calves; however, the observed responses among the treatment groups were more evident in the synbiotic fed group compared to individual supplementation of MOS and Lactobacillus acidophilus.     

日粮纤维对烟台黑猪及其杂交配套系养分消化率和氮平衡的影响

为研究日粮纤维对不同品种猪养分消化率和氮平衡的影响,试验选取体重相近、健康去势的烟台黑猪、鲁农2号猪各6头,采用有重复的3×3拉丁方设计,分别为基础日粮组,10%大豆皮替代基础日粮组,10%地瓜蔓替代基础日粮组。结果表明,添加10%地瓜蔓组显著降低两个品种猪养分消化率和氮平衡(P<0.05或P<0.01),而10%大豆皮组则影响不显著(P>0.05);纤维性饲料对鲁农2号猪养分消化率和氮平衡的影响幅度大于烟台黑猪。     

开食料中粗蛋白质水平对荷斯坦犊牛养分消化率和氮代谢的影响

为研究开食料中粗蛋白质水平对断奶犊牛营养物质消化率及氮平衡的影响,本试验选取15头荷斯坦公犊牛分别饲喂粗蛋白质水平为16.22%(低蛋白质组)、20.21%(中蛋白质组)和24.30%(高蛋白质组)的开食料。开食料采用限饲,试验在犊牛的8～16周龄进行,在10周龄和13周龄时,每组分别选取3头牛进行代谢试验。试验期为7d,采取全收粪法。结果表明,10周龄时,除粗蛋白质外,低蛋白质组的其他营养物质消化率均高于另外两组。13周龄时,除干物质外,其他营养物质的消化率均随日粮粗蛋白质水平升高而升高。犊牛的粪氮、尿氮、吸收氮、沉积氮和氮的总利用率随开食料中粗蛋白质水平的升高而升高。由此可得,日龄对犊牛营养物质的消化率存在影响,犊牛的吸收氮和沉积氮随开食料中粗蛋白质水平的升高而升高,但氮的排放也会随之升高。     

Nutrient intake, acid base status and growth performance of growing male buffalo calves fed varying level of dietary cation anion difference

Influence of + 110, + 220 and + 330 mEq/kg of dry matter (DM) dietary cation anion difference (DCAD) on growth performance of growing male buffalo calves was examined in a randomized complete block design. Three DCAD diets were randomly allotted to three groups, ten calves in each group. A linear increase in nutrient intake was recorded with increased DCAD level. However, digestibilities of nutrients remained unaltered across all diets. Calves fed + 330 DCAD diet had higher nitrogen balance than those fed + 110 DCAD diet. Blood pH and serum HCO₃ increased with increased DCAD level. Serum chloride was high in calves fed + 110 DCAD diet, while serum (Na + K) − (Cl + S) increased linearly with increased DCAD level. Serum calcium increased with decreased DCAD level while serum magnesium and phosphorus remained unaffected. Ca balance remained unaltered by calves fed varying level of DCAD. Urine pH increased with increased DCAD level. Calves fed + 220 and + 330 DCAD diets gained more weight than those fed + 110 DCAD diet. In conclusion, increased DCAD level not only increased dry matter intake but also weight gain in growing buffalo calves.     

小肽对山羊氮平衡和营养物质消化率的影响

将8头浏阳黑山羊随机分成4组,其中2组安置十二指肠瘘管,灌注大豆肽与水解氨基酸,按2因素随机化设计,测定灌注与饲喂大豆肽及其水解氨基酸对山羊氮平衡和营养物质消化率的影响.结果表明,从十二指肠灌注小肽组氮沉积显著(P<0.05)高于灌注氨基酸组,极显著(P<0.01)高于饲喂小肽组与氨基酸组,灌注小肽和氨基酸与饲喂小肽和氨基酸氮沉积分别为6.98和5.81 g/d与5.42和5.09 g/d,饲喂小肽较饲喂游离氨基酸能显著(P<0.05)提高氮沉积;饲喂小肽与灌注小肽能显著地提高能量和钙的消化率.     

Effects of growth hormone-releasing factor on growth hormone response, growth and feed conversion efficiency in buffalo heifers (Bubalus bubalis)

The aim of this study was to determine the benefits of growth hormone-releasing factor (GRF) on growth and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) in buffaloes. Twelve Murrah buffalo heifers (Bubalus bubalis) of mean age 24.8 months and mean body weight 302.4kg were divided into two groups (treatment and control) with six animals in each group. The buffaloes were given intravenous injections of bovine GRF (bGRF) at a dose rate of 10microg/100kg body weight or an equal volume of saline at 15-day intervals for a period of 9 months. Plasma growth hormone (GH) responses to bGRF challenge were measured in blood samples collected at 90-day intervals on days 1, 90, 180 and 270 and samples were taken at -60, -30, 0, +10, +20, +30, +60, +120 and +180min relative to bGRF injection. Blood samples were also collected weekly by jugular venepuncture for the quantification of plasma GH. The average growth rate (AGR) and FCE of all animals were recorded at 15-day intervals. Plasma GH concentrations increased (P=0.001) steadily following bGRF challenge, peaking 10-20min after challenge and declining to baseline by 180min. In the treatment group, there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in either the peak heights of the GH response or the area under the curve (AUC) of the GH response after bGRF challenge on any of the four occasions of intensive bleeding. There were overall increases in plasma GH concentrations (P<0.01), AGR (P<0.01) and FCE (P=0.05) in the treatment group compared with the control animals. The study showed that GH responsiveness to administration of bGRF at 15-day intervals over 9 months of treatment remained unchanged in buffalo heifers. Exogenous bGRF treatment for a long period can therefore enhance GH release leading to higher growth rates and better feed conversion efficiency in buffalo heifers.     

不同粗饲料来源对荷斯坦公犊生长性能、血清生化指标及营养物质表观消化率的影响

试验旨在研究桑枝、花生藤和燕麦草3种粗饲料对断奶荷斯坦公犊生长性能、血清生化指标和营养物质表观消化率的影响.选取8周龄、健康的体重(64±5)kg断奶荷斯坦奶公犊27头,随机分成A、B、C3组,每组9个重复,分别饲喂桑枝、花生藤和燕麦草3种粗饲料.试验期24 d.结果 显示,C组犊牛的末重和平均日增重均极显著高于A组和...     

Effect of dietary protein on intake,nutrients utilization,nitrogen balance,blood metabolites,growth and puberty in growing Bhadawari buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) heifers

Fifteen Bhadawari buffalo heifers of 207?±?9.78 kg mean body weight were randomly distributed into three dietary groups to evaluate the effect of protein level on nutrient utilization, nitrogen (N) balance, growth rate, blood metabolites, and puberty. All animals were offered wheat straw-berseem diets supplemented with concentrate mixtures of similar energy (2.7 Mcal/kg) and different protein levels (14.3–22 %). Animals of standard-protein group (SPG) were offered protein and energy as per requirement, while animals of low-protein group (LPG) and high-protein group (HPG) were fed 20 % less and 20 % more protein, respectively, than SPG. Feed dry matter (DM) and metabolizable energy (ME) intake (% body wt. and g/kg w^0.75) were similar for all three diets; however, the crude protein (CP) and digestible crude protein (DCP) intake on percent body weight and per kilogram metabolic weight was higher (P?<?0.05) in HPG than in SPG or LPG. Digestibility of CP, cellulose, and hemicellulose was higher (P?<?0.05) in HPG versus LPG. Fecal N excretion was similar, while urinary N excretion was highest (P?<?0.05) in HPG (74.83 g/day) compared with SPG (50.03 g/day) and LPG (47.88 g/day), which resulted in lower N retention in HPG than in the other dietary groups. Level of dietary N had no effect on blood metabolites viz. glucose, urea, and N. Digestible energy (DE) and ME contents of diets were identical, while DCP contents were higher (P?<?0.05) in HPG than in LPG. Feed and nutrient (CP and ME) conversion efficiency to produce a unit kilogram weight gain was identical among the dietary groups. Dietary protein level had no effect on the heifer’s weight and age at puberty. The mean growth rate of heifers at 240 days was higher (P?>?0.05) in SPG (330.8 g/day) than in LPG (296.7 g/day), while the animals gained more weight in January to March months and the lowest weight in May to July months. Protein level had no effect on conception rate of heifers. Results revealed that 20 % higher or less protein than the ICAR requirement had no significant (P?>?0.05) on feed intake, nutrient conversion efficiency for weight gain, heifer growth, and puberty; however, 20 % more protein increased urinary N loss.

     

Disposition kinetics and urinary excretion of gentamicin in buffalo bulls (Bubalus bubalis)

The disposition kinetics and urinary excretion of gentamicin sulphate were studied in young buffalo bulls following a single intramuscular administration of the drug at 5 mg kg^-1 body weight. The time course of the serum gentamicin concentration was adequately described by the one-compartment open model. The values of the absorption and elimination halflives were 12.2±2.2 and 167.0±29.7 min respectively. The apparent volume of distribution was 0.29±0.01 L kg^-1. During the first 12 h, 63% of the total administered dose was excreted in urine. On the basis of the kinetic data, a satisfactory intramuscular dosage regimen for gentamicin sulphate would be at least 6 mg kg^-1 body weight repeated at 8 h intervals.     

The Disposition Kinetics,Urinary Excretion and Dosage Regimen of Ciprofloxacin in Buffalo Calves (Bubalus bubalis)

The disposition kinetics, urinary excretion and a dosage regimen for ciprofloxacin after a single intravenous administration of 5 mg/kg was investigated in 5 healthy buffalo calves. The disposition kinetics were best fitted to a three-compartment open model. After 1 min, the concentration of ciprofloxacin in plasma was 8.50±0.39 g/ml and the minimum therapeutic concentration was maintained for 10 h. The elimination half-life and volume of distribution were 3.88 and 0.08 h and 3.97±0.22 L/kg, respectively. The total body clearance and T/P ratio were 0.709±0.025 L/kg per h and 6.13±0.54, respectively. Approximately 28.3% of the total administered dose of ciprofloxacin was recovered in urine within 24 h of administration. To maintain a minimum therapeutic plasma concentration of 0.10 g/ml, a satisfactory intravenous dosage regimen of ciprofloxacin, computed on the basis of disposition kinetic data obtained in healthy buffalo calves, would be 3 mg/kg repeated at 12 h intervals.     

Histology,histochemistry and ultrastructure of the nasopharyngeal tonsil of the buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The light microscopic appearance and ultrastructure of the nasopharyngeal tonsil (tonsilla pharyngea), collected from 12 adult buffaloes of local mixed breed, were explored for the distribution of different types of epithelia, lymphoid tissue and high endothelial venules. The tonsillar mucosa was lined by pseudostratified columnar ciliated epithelium having goblet cells. The respiratory epithelium associated with the underlying lymphoid tissue formed the lymphoepithelium. The epithelium was further modified into follicle‐associated epithelium (FAE) characterized by reduced epithelial height, presence of a few dome‐shaped cuboidal cells equivalent of the M‐cells and absence of goblet and ciliated cells. The lymphoid tissue was distributed in the form of isolated lymphoid cells, diffuse lymphoid tissue and lymphoid follicles, mainly distributed within the propria‐submucosa along with the sero‐mucous glandular tissue. The goblet cells of the respiratory epithelium and the acinar cells contained different mucopolysaccharides. Scanning electron microscopy of the surface mucosa demonstrated a dense mat of cilia, island‐like arrangement of microvillus cells, M‐cells and a few brush‐like cells. The transmission electron microscopy revealed the different cell organelles of the respiratory epithelium and the FAE. Lymphocyte migration via the high endothelial venules in the propria‐submucosa was also observed.     

Effects of supplementation of Panicum maximum with four herbaceous forage legumes on performance,nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance in West African dwarf goats

The effects of supplementing a basal diet of guineagrass (Panicum maximum cv Ntchisi) (diet 5) with Stylosanthes guianensis (diet 1), Lablab purpureus (diet 2), Aeschynomene histrix (diet 3) and Centrosema pubescens (diet 5) on West African dwarf goats were evaluated. Parameters measured were feed intake, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance. Voluntary intake (g/kg W0^.75/day) of dry matter (DM) 138.73, crude protein (CP) 25.86, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (96.29) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (65.73) of diet 1 were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from the other diets with legume supplements. The feed intake of goats on diet 5 was lower (P < 0.05), having corresponding values of DM (108.21), CP (17.33), NDF (77.68), and ADF (53.55). Weight gain (g/day) differed (P < 0.05) in goats placed on the diets. The lowest weight gain was obtained in diet 5. The digestibilities of DM, CP, ADF and acid detergent lignin (ADL) differed (P < 0.05) in diet 1–5 except for NDF digestibility. Nitrogen balance (g/kg W ^0.75/day) ranged from 0.29 in diet 5 to 0.83 in diet 2 (P < 0.05). Similarly, nitrogen retention percentage was highest in diet 2 (35.17), with the lowest value in diet 5 (20.71). It could be concluded that a diet consisting of Panicum maximum with Lablab purpureus supplementation gave the highest performance in weight gain, nitrogen digestibility and nitrogen utilization. However, any of the herbaceous legumes in this study would lead to increased productivity of ruminant livestock.     

Effect of exogenous growth-hormone-releasing factor on blood metabolites and minerals in late maturing buffalo heifers (Bubalus bubalis)

Previous studies have suggested that growth-hormone-releasing factor (GRF) enhanced growth and advanced puberty onset along with hormonal changes in buffalo heifers (Bubalus bubalis). However, it is not known to what extent exogenous GRF could influence blood metabolites and minerals to bring about puberty in buffalo heifers. Therefore, we planned to investigate the effect of exogenous bovine GRF (bGRF) on blood metabolites and minerals in buffalo heifers during a 3-month pre-treatment period, 9-month treatment period and 1-month post-treatment period. Six buffalo heifers were treated intravenously with bGRF (10 mug per 100 kg body weight) at 15-day interval for 9 months. Another six buffalo heifers of weight- and age-matched received requisite amount of vehicle (0.9% NaCl solution) during the same period. Exogenous bGRF enhanced (p < 0.01) plasma non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentrations in treatment group when compared with control group during the treatment and post-treatment period, while plasma alpha-amino nitrogen (AAN) concentrations showed a decreasing trend (p < 0.05) in the treatment group when compared with the control group during the treatment and post-treatment periods. The plasma inorganic phosphorus (Pi) was found to be higher (p < 0.05) in the treatment group animals in comparison with the levels recorded in the control group animals during the treatment as well as post-treatment periods. However, there was no change (p > 0.05) in plasma glucose and calcium concentrations between the two groups. Plasma NEFA was found to be positively correlated with plasma growth hormone (GH); however, it was only significant for the treatment group (r = + 0.76; p < 0.05). Plasma AAN in the treatment group exhibited negative correlation with plasma GH (r = 0.72; p < 0.05), while plasma AAN and GH were recorded to be positively correlated in the control group (r = 0.47; p < 0.05). The present findings suggest that exogenous bGRF induces GH release that increases plasma NEFA and Pi and decreases AAN concentrations, which probably help to reach a certain physiological state that initiates events necessary for bringing about puberty in buffalo heifers.     

氮素营养对菠萝蜜幼苗生长及光合荧光特性的影响

为探究菠萝蜜幼苗对酰胺态氮肥的需求量的适宜施氮量,本试验以马来西亚1号嫁接苗为试验材料,比较不同氮素水平对菠萝蜜幼苗生长、叶片光合荧光特性的影响。结果表明,随施氮量的增加,菠萝蜜叶片数、株高、茎粗、叶面积、地上部干重、叶片净光合速率、气孔导度、蒸腾速率、叶绿素含量均呈先升高后降低的趋势,且均在施氮量为N1（5 g/株）时达最大值。三个施氮水平的叶片非光化学淬灭系数（NPQ）显著低于N0水平。N1水平的光系统Ⅱ活性（Fv/Fo）显著高于N0,Fv/Fm和Fv/Fo值均是N1>N2（10 g/株）>N3（15 g/株）。N1、N2水平较N0显著增加实际光能转换效率（ΦPSII）和相对电子传递效率（rETR）。其中净光合速率和光系统Ⅱ活性互作对菠萝蜜生物量变化的解释量最大,为39.1%。综上,在本试验条件下,菠萝蜜幼苗适宜的施氮量为5 g/株。