Effects of replacing fishmeal with black soldier fly larval meal in the diets of grower-finishing guinea fowls reared under tropical conditions

The study was conducted with the view to determine the impact of replacing fishmeal with black soldier fly larval meal (BSFLM) on growing guinea fowls. BSFLM replaced fishmeal (3% in the control diet) in the ratios of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% to produce six dietary treatments, which were iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous. Two hundred and forty-eight-week old guinea fowls with mean live weight of 273.2?±?10.9 g were tagged, weighted, and randomly assigned to 24 (6?×?4) floor pens; each pen was treated as a replicate. Feed and water were provided ad libitum during the entire period, which lasted 10 weeks. Feed consumption differed among the treatment groups (P?=?0.0072) with the 100% fishmeal diets recording the lowest. Daily gain was significantly (P?=?0.009) higher for birds fed high BSFLM diets compared to the control (100% fishmeal diet). The inclusion of BSFLM in the diets elicited positive linear effect on weight gains of the guinea fowls (R²?=?0.91) with increasing concentration resulting in higher live weight gains. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) also differed between treatments (P?<?0.05) but similar for the 100% fishmeal (control) and 100% BSFLM diets. Organ and haematopoitic integrity were equally assured regardless of levels of the protein sources fed to the birds. Generally, meats from birds fed 60 to 100% BSFLM and from hens were more acceptable. A study to evaluate the economics of utilising BSFLM in guinea fowl production is recommended.     

Growth performance,economic benefits and sensory characteristics of meat from broilers finished on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia anguistissima</Emphasis> leaf meal-based diets

The objective of the study was to determine growth performance, viscera organ development, economic benefit and sensory characteristics of meat from broilers finished on Acacia anguistissima leaf meal-based diets. One hundred and eighty Cobb 500-day-old chicks were used in the study. Acacia anguistissima was used as a protein source and included in broiler diets at 0, 50 and 100 g/kg. Total feed intake (TFI), average daily gain (ADG), and gain to feed ratio (G:F) and cost benefit analysis were determined. There were no differences in TFI of broilers across treatments diets. Average daily gain and gain to feed (G:F) ratio were low (P?<?0.05) for broilers feeding on diet with100 g/kg acacia meal. Highest returns from weight gain were obtained from broiler chickens fed on diet with 50 g/kg inclusion level of A. anguistissima (P?<?0.05). Intestinal length increased with inclusion level of A. anguistissima whereas liver and spleen weight decreased with inclusion level of A. anguistissima (P?<?0.05). Female consumers gave higher scores for overall flavour intensity than male consumers (P?<?0.05). Treatment diets influenced consumer sensory characteristics of broiler meat (P?<?0.05). High sensory scores were observed for overall flavour intensity (OFI) for both boiled and deep fried meat from broilers fed 100 g/kg A. anguistissima. It can be concluded that A. anguistissima meal can be used effectively up to 50 g/kg in broiler diets without compromising performance of chickens and can influence a few sensory characteristics.     

Growth performance,blood parameters,carcass characteristics and meat quality traits in Potchefstroom Koekoek chickens fed <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lippia javanica</Emphasis> leaf meal

Lippia javanica leaves may have nutraceutical bioactivity and thus could be a viable alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in poultry diets. To test this hypothesis, a feeding trial was carried out to determine the effects of dietary inclusion of Lippia javanica leaf meal (LJ) on growth performance, blood parameters, carcass characteristics and meat quality of indigenous Potchefstroom Koekoek (PK) chickens. The leaf meal was used to dilute a commercial chicken grower diet at a rate of 25 or 50 g/kg diet. Two additional experimental diets, a positive control (commercial chicken grower diet with antibiotics, CON+) and a negative control (commercial chicken grower diet without antibiotics, CON–), were also formulated. Feed intake and growth performance were measured over a period of 13 weeks before slaughtering for carcass and meat quality measurements. Blood was collected in week 11 to determine haematological and serum biochemical parameters. Diet had no effect on overall FCE but significantly (P?<?0.05) affected bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), sodium, potassium, cholesterol and magnesium levels in blood. When included at 50 g/kg, LJ increased carcass weight (P?<?0.05). Meat from CON– (6.07) and LJ50 (6.08) chickens had a higher pH than from CON+ (5.9) and LJ25 (5.8) chickens. Breast muscle in CON– chickens had higher (P?<?0.05) lightness (L*) value (53.2) compared to chickens fed on other diets. It was observed that meat from LJ25 chickens had the highest for redness value (2.3). It was concluded that L. javanica leaf meal can be included up to 50 g/kg in Potchefstroom koekoek chicken diets without causing negative effects on the birds’ feed intake, utilisation and weight gain. Diet-induced changes observed in blood parameters and meat quality fell within the expected normal ranges for indigenous chickens.     

Performance and carcass characteristics of lambs fed diets with increasing levels of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mimosa tenuiflora</Emphasis> (Willd.) hay replacing Buffel grass hay

This study evaluated the performance and carcass characteristics of lambs fed diets with increasing levels of Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) hay replacing Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris). Twenty-eight Santa Inês male lambs with an average body weight (BW) of 20.3 ± 1.49 kg(mean ± SD) were allocated in individual stalls and distributed in a completely random design with four treatments (0, 20, 40, and 60 g/100 g total DM M. tenuiflora hay replacing Buffel grass hay in diet) with seven replications. M. tenuiflora hay at the level of 20% dry matter (DM) total replacing Buffel grass hay increased final weight (P = 0.006), total weight gain (P < 0.001), average daily weight gain (ADWG; P < 0.001), DM intake (P < 0.001), and feed efficiency (P < 0.001). Intake of crude protein, NDF_ap, ADF_ap, ash, ether extract, total and non-fibrous carbohydrates, and total digestible nutrients presented a positive quadratic effect with M. tenuiflora hay replacing Buffel grass hay and 40 g/100 g total DM level presented greater intake. There were positive quadratic effects by M. tenuiflora hay inclusion at 20 g/100 g total DM level on slaughtering weight (P = 0.005), hot carcass weight (P = 0.002), cold carcass weight (P = 0.002), empty body weight (P = 0.001), hot carcass yield (P = 0.002), cold carcass yield (P = 0.003), and increase linear on biological yield (P = 0.003). There was no influence on cooling weight loss (P = 0.284). M. tenuiflora hay may be included in lamb diets at amounts up to 20 g/100 g total DM substitution of Buffel grass hay because increase in the nutrients intake, growth performance, and carcass characteristics.     

Growth performance of broilers fed on sprouted-roasted guar bean (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cyamopsis tetragonoloba</Emphasis>) based diets

In a completely randomized block design with 96 Cobb-500 broilers, a study was conducted to evaluate the potential of dietary inclusion of sprouted then roasted guar bean in broiler diets. The 96 male day-old broiler chicks, blocked by pen into equal weight groups of six chicks replicated four times per treatment, were randomly allocated to treatment diets containing graded levels of sprouted then roasted guar bean meal (GBM) at 0, 50, 100 and 150 g kg^?1 inclusion level. The guar bean was sprouted and roasted to reduce guar gum effect. Total feed intake decreased significantly as the guar bean meal content increased in the starter phase (P < 0.05), but no significant differences in intake of the finisher phase (P > 0.05) were observed. Diets containing 0 and 50 g kg^?1 GBM recorded significantly higher total feed intake compared to the diet containing 150 g kg^?1 GBM. Although average weight gain was not significantly different in birds fed 0 and 50 g kg^?1 GBM diets, it was significantly higher than in birds fed on 100 and 150 g kg^?1 GBM diets. Feed conversion ratio was not significantly different among treatment groups (P > 0.05) but showed a general decreasing trend with increasing guar bean meal inclusion level, the effect being more pronounced during the starter phase. In conclusion, the optimum inclusion level of sprouted then roasted guar bean meal in broiler diets is 50 g kg^?1.     

Effect of dietary inclusion of graded levels of toasted guar meal on performance,nutrient digestibility,carcass traits,and serum parameters in commercial broiler chickens

An experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design to explore the replacement value of toasted guar meal (TGM) for soybean meal (SBM) in commercial broiler diets. Hypothesis was tested by including graded levels (0, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18% of diet) of TGM to replace maize-SBM on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, and serum parameters. A total of six iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric diets were prepared, and each diet was fed ad libitum to 12 replicates of five chicks each from 1 to 42 days of age. Results showed that inclusion of TGM up to 12% in broiler diets did not affect the body weight gain, feed efficiency, and energy digestibility. Feed intake, dry matter, nitrogen digestibility, and relative weights of ready-to-cook yields, breast muscle, abdominal fat, liver, and pancreas were not affected (P > 0.05) by incorporating TGM even up to 18% in broiler diets. Concentration of glucose, total protein, and triglyceride in serum was also not affected (P > 0.05), while serum total cholesterol concentration was found to be higher (P < 0.05) in broilers fed diets containing TGM as compared to those fed on 0% TGM diet. From the results, it was evident that TGM may be incorporated up to 12% in commercial broiler diets for better growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and carcass traits.     

Influence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nigella sativa</Emphasis> seeds, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rosmarinus officinalis</Emphasis> leaves and their combination on growth performance,immune response and rumen metabolism in Dorper lambs

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of Nigella sativa L. seeds, Rosmarinus officinalis L. leaves and their combination on rumen metabolism, nutrient intake and digestibility, growth performance, immune response and blood metabolites in Dorper lambs. Twenty-four entire male Dorper lambs (18.68?±?0.6 kg, 4–5 months old) were randomly assigned to a concentrate mixture containing on a dry matter basis either, no supplement (control, T1), 1% R. officinalis leaves (T2), 1% N. sativa seeds (T3) or 1% R. officinalis leaves +1% N. sativa seeds (T4). The lambs had ad libitum access to urea-treated rice straw (UTRS) and were raised for 90 days. Supplemented lambs had greater (P?< 0.05) intake of DM and UTRS than the control lambs. The T4 lambs had lower (P?< 0.05) nutrient digestibility than those fed other treatments. Total and daily weight gain was greater (P?< 0.05) in T2 lambs than those fed other diets. The T3 and T4 lambs had greater (P?< 0.05) ruminal pH than the T1 and T2 lambs. Supplemented lambs had lower (P?<?0.05) ruminal total volatile fatty acids, acetate, propionate, NH₃-N and C18:0 than the control lambs. The T4 lambs had lower (P?< 0.05) population of Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus albus, methanogens and total protozoa compared with those fed other diets. Supplemented lambs had lower (P?< 0.05) neutrophils, basophils and serum urea and greater (P?<?0.05) serum IgA and IgG compared with the control lambs. The current results emphasised the variation in the efficacy of medicinal plants in ruminant nutrition.     

Intake and ingestive behavior of lambs fed diets containing ammoniated buffel grass hay

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of diets with ammoniated buffel grass hay on the ingestive behavior of feedlot lambs. Thirty-two sheep of no defined breed with an average body weight of 17.7?±?1.8 kg were used. A completely randomized design with four treatments (0, 18, 36, and 54 g/kg dry matter (DM) basis) and eight repetitions was used. Ingestive behavior, rumination, and idle time were similar (P?>?0.05) among the diets containing ammoniated buffel grass hay, with mean values of 294.5, 554.44, and 594.25 min per day, respectively. Regarding the chews, all of the variables resulted in similar behavior (P?>?0.05). The quadratic effect (P?<?0.05) observed for daily intake can be explained based on the amount of DM and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) per meal per rumination. There was no effect of urea levels from the ammoniation (P?>?0.05) on the efficiency of DM and NDF consumption. However, the rumination efficiency of DM and NDF showed a quadratic effect (P?<?0.05). Thus, the use of ammoniated buffel grass hay with urea in lamb diet affects the ingestive behavior by increasing the rumination efficiency, increased intake, and feed utilization.     

Effect of grape seed and skin supplement on milk yield and composition of dairy ewes

In the present study, we investigated the effect of grape seed and skin supplement (GSSS), on lactating dairy ewes’ production. Ten dairy pregnant ewes from northern Tunisia were allocated to two groups: control diet (C) and supplemented with 20 % (w/w) GSSS. The experiment lasted for 8 weeks and took place after 2 months of lambing. During the experiment, daily milk yield and milk composition were determined. Supplementation of the diet with GSSS increased milk production (P?<?0.001), calcium (P?<?0.01), free iron (P?<?0.01) and urea content (P?<?0.001) but had no effect on milk fat nor protein. From these data, it is concluded that the inclusion of GSSS in sheep diets increased significantly ewes’ milk yield.     

Utilization of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mucuna pruriens</Emphasis> whole pods to feed lactating hair ewes

Twenty nine Pelibuey × Katahdin hair ewes rearing single lamb were used during 42 days of lactation to evaluate the effect of including the Mucuna pruriens whole pods in the diets of lactating ewes on milk production and offspring performance. Animals were distributed at random into three experimental diets: a control diet without Mucuna (M0), and two more diets with the inclusion of 13 (M13) and 26% (M26), of milled pods of Mucuna pruriens, respectively. Dry matter intake, was not significantly different (P?>?0.05) among diets. Milk yield (P?>?0.05) was 734, 786, and 694 g/day for diets M0, M13, and M26, respectively. Milk fat (P?>?0.05), milk protein (P?>?0.05), and milk lactose (P?>?0.05) did not differ between treatments. Lambs had similar daily weight gain (P?>?0.05) among diets (180, 174, and 171 g/day for diets M0, M13, and M26, respectively). Diets with Mucuna whole pods were 5.6 and 12.9% more profitable (M13 and M26, respectively) than control diet. Under the conditions of this work, Mucuna pruriens whole pods can be included up to 26% in the diets of lactating crossbred hair ewes without negatively affecting their productive performance during the first 6 weeks of lactation.     

Haematological,biochemical and organ changes in broiler chickens fed varying levels of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Morinda lucida</Emphasis> (brimstone) leaf meal supplementation in the diets

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of Morinda lucida leaf meal (MLLM) on the haematology, biochemical and organ changes of broiler chickens. One hundred and ninety-eight day-old Marshall broiler chicks were completely randomised into 6 treatments in a 3?×?2 factorial arrangement of three levels of M. lucida leaf meal supplementation (0, 0.1 and 0.2 g/kg) with or without medication. The treatment consisted of both negative (without MLLM and routine medication) and positive (containing no MLLM but with routine medication) control groups while each treatment was replicated thrice. MLLM-supplemented diets and routine medication decreased (p?<?0.05) the white blood cell count compared to the negative control. Dietary supplementation with MLLM in combination with normal routine medication increased (p?<?0.05) total serum protein when compared with treatment group without MLLM and routine medication. Dietary supplementation with MLLM and routine medication reduced (p?<?0.05) serum creatinine concentration of the broiler chickens. Birds fed with 0.2 g/kg MLLM supplement coupled with medication and those on negative control had higher (p?<?0.05) creatinine values. Serum enzyme activities reduced (p?<?0.05) following supplementation. MLLM supplementation recorded no significant effect (p?>?0.05) on the liver, kidney, heart and gizzard. M. lucida leaf meal can be compared to routine medication for improved health status of broiler chickens. Dietary inclusion with 0.1 g/kg MLML combined with routine medication could be used in producing healthy and safe chickens.     

Soybean grain is a suitable replacement with soybean meal in multiple supplements for Nellore heifers grazing tropical pastures

The research aimed to evaluate the effect of replacing soybean meal with soybean grain on the nutritional parameters and productivity of heifers grazing on Urochloa decumbens in the rainy-dry transition period. Forty crossbred heifers with the initial age and weight of 18 months and 292?±?6.1 kg, respectively, were used. The experimental design was a completely randomized design, with five treatments and eight replications. The evaluated treatments were as follows: SM_0.5—supply of 0.5 kg/animal/day of soybean meal supplement; SG_0.5—supply of 0.5 kg/animal/day of soybean grain supplement; SM_1.0—supply of 1.0 kg/animal/day of soybean meal supplement; SG_1.0—supply of 1.0 kg/animal/day of soybean grain supplement; MM—only mineral mix ad libitum. The supplement was isoprotein with 350 g of crude protein/kg of dry matter. Supplementation improved the performance of the heifers and this fact can be verified by the higher average daily gain (ADG) and final BW (fBW) of the supplemented animals (P?<?0.10). The two supplemented treatments with 1 kg/day demonstrated similar performance (P?>?0.10), the same happens for the two treatments receiving 0.5 kg/day (P?>?0.10). However, animals receiving 1 kg/day of supplementation had an ADG and final BW higher than animals receiving 0.5 kg/day (P?<?0.10). Supplementation (P?<?0.10) affected the intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, non-fiber carbohydrates, total digestible nutrients, and neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (apNDF). Supplementation improved DM digestibility and all constituents of the diet (P?<?0.10), except for apNDF (P?>?0.10). In summary, it is concluded that multiple supplementations improve the performance of grazing heifers in the rainy-dry transition period and the total replacement of soybean meal by soybean grain does not alter the performance of the animals.     

Effects of substituting sow and weaner meal with brewers’ spent grains on the performance of growing pigs in Rwanda

Nutrient composition of brewers’ spent grains (BSG) from two industries and sow and weaner meal (SWM) were different (p < 0.05). In completely randomised design (CRD), thirty (30) Landrace x Pietrain crosses 35 to 40 ± 5 kg were randomly allocated to 10 pens each with 3 pigs based on the initial weight. Five diets were assigned to pig, where BSG replaced SWM at 0% (T1), 25% (T2), 50% (T3), 75% (T4) and 100% (T5) on DM basis. Daily feed intake and weekly live weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and the net profit were recorded for 42 days. Feed intake increased from T1-T3 and then decreased (p < 0.05). The average daily gains (ADG) were different (p < 0.05), but T1 to T3 were similar (p > 0.05). FCR was similar (p > 0.05) from T1 to T3 but different for T4 and T5 (p < 0.05). Feed cost decreased with the increase in BSG levels. The net return was highest in T3 (50% BSG) than in T1 and T2 but lower in T5. It was concluded that BSG can replace 50% SWM in grower pigs’ diets without adverse effect on daily gain with good economic returns.     

Evaluation of rumen-protected choline additive to diet on productive performance of male Zaraibi growing goats during hot summer season in Egypt

Twenty Zaraibi goat bucks were used in this experiment which lasted 3 months during summer season of Egypt. The animals were divided randomly into two equal groups. The first group was kept without treatment as control while in the second group, rumen-protected choline (RPC) at the level of 20 g/buck/day was added to the concentrate feed mixture at the morning feeding. RPC additives to diet of Zaraibi goat bucks during the period of hot summer season increased (P < 0.01) total gain and average daily gain compared to the control group. RPC increased (P < 0.05) dry matter intake and feed conversion while water intake was not affected by RPC additives. RPC increased (P < 0.05) red and white blood cell (RBC × 10⁶, WBC × 10³) counts and hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit percentage. RPC increased total protein (P < 0.05), globulin, and γ-globulin (P < 0.01). On the other hand, total lipids, total cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations decreased (P < 0.05 and P < 0.05) while phospholipids, glucose, and choline concentrations increased (P < 0.01) due to RPC supplementation. RPC increased (P < 0.01) thyroxin and triiodothyronine, increased (P < 0.05) testosterone levels, and decreased (P < 0.01) cortisol level compared with control bucks. It is concluded that dietary RPC at the rate of 20 g daily is required for growing male goats, especially, under heat stress conditions of summer season in Egypt and showed the best results concerning the growth, feed conversion, blood metabolites, and economic efficiency.     

Effect of lablab and pigeon pea leaf meal supplementation on performance of goats fed a basal diet of haricot bean haulms

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of lablab and pigeon pea leaf supplementation on feed intake, digestibility, weight gain, and carcass characteristics of goats fed a basal diet of haricot bean haulms. Thirty-two yearling intact male goats with an average initial body weight of 14.4?±?1.04 kg (Means ± SD) were assigned to one of the four treatments in a randomized complete block design. The dietary treatments were 17.5% lablab?+?17.5% pigeon pea leaf?+?63% wheat bran (T1), 35% pigeon leaf?+?63% wheat bran (T2), 35% lablab leaf?+?63% wheat bran (T3), and 88% wheat bran?+?10% noug seed cake (T4). In addition, all treatment diets contained 1 and 1% limestone. The feeding trial lasted for 90 days followed by 7 days of digestibility trial. Carcass evaluation was conducted at the end of the feeding trial. Final body weight ranged from 16.3 kg for T4 to 21.1 kg for T3. The total dry matter (DM) intake for T3 was higher (P?<?0.05) than T2 and T4. The total crude protein (CP) intake for T2 was greater (P?<?0.05) than T3 and T4. Goats supplemented with T3 diets had the highest (P?>?0.05) digestibility of DM, organic matter, and CP and attained the highest (P?<?0.05) average daily gain, the heaviest (P?<?0.05) hot carcass weight, and the highest (P?<?0.05) rib-eye muscle area than those supplemented with T1, T2, and T4 diets. In conclusion, 35% lablab leaf meal and 63% what bran (T3) were found to be a very promising supplement in sheep fed low-quality crop residues under the condition of the current experiment.     

Effects of calving season on the voluntary waiting period and reproductive performance of Holstein cows in the tropical savannah

The effects of calving season [rainy (RS) and dry (DS)] on the voluntary waiting period (VWP) of 58 Holstein cows raised in the tropical savannah were investigated using data of temperature humidity index (THI), total antioxidant status (TAS), respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), velocity of uterine regression, and subsequent reproductive performance. Blood samples and clinical data were taken once every week, from calving until the sixth postpartum week. Reproductive data were collected until 180 days postpartum. THI differed between seasons (P < 0.05], as well as TAS (P < 0.001), RR (P < 0.001), RT (P < 0.01), glucose (P < 0.001), TC, and TG (P < 0.05), with higher values in RS. Although the velocity of uterine regression showed to be slower (P < 0.001) during RS, no differences were present regarding uterine health. Days open increased in RS (P < 0.001), but the number of services/conception was similar (P = 0.33). The results suggested cows under heat stress during the rainy season in the tropical savannah are more susceptible to a decline in the reproductive performance due to oxidative, metabolic, and uterine health problems.     

Effects of pre-germinated fenugreek seeds inclusion in low-fiber diets on post-weaned rabbits’ health status,growth performances,carcass characteristics,and meat chemical composition

Newly weaned rabbits frequently suffer from digestive disorders particularly when fed low-fiber diets. Fenugreek seeds are rich in dietary fiber and would be suited to moderate such disorders. This study investigated the effect of pre-germinated fenugreek seeds (PGFS) on rabbits’ health, digestibility, growth performance, and carcass parameters. Fourteen weaned rabbits were fed one of the following diets: (1) low fiber as negative control (NC), (2) low fiber containing 5% PGFS (F5), (3) low fiber containing 10% PGFS (F10), and (4) adequate fiber as positive control (PC). Each rabbit was reared in an individual cage for 7 weeks. Morbidity and sanitary risk indexes were not different (P?>?0.05) between the four diets. Only 20% of the rabbits had a detectable caecal Escherichia Coli (E. coli) count (<10⁵ cfu/g), and all rabbits did not show Eimeria oocysts in their feces. Compared to NC, PC gave a lower (P?<?0.05) weight gain and a higher (P?<?0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR). It was associated with a lighter (P?<?0.05) chilled carcass weight, and its meat had slightly more moisture and ether extract with less protein. Inclusion of PGFS decreased (P?<?0.05) feed intake at the 10% level and, consequently, tended to improve FCR, while no effect was detected on carcass characteristics and meat composition. This study suggested that (1) the low-fiber diet was adequate for both health and growth aspects of post-weaned rabbits, and (2) the inclusion of PGFS was without consequence on rabbits’ health status and growth performance.     

Performance and economy of production of broilers fed Siam weed (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Chromolaena odorata</Emphasis>) leaf meal (SWLM)

A 49-day feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of Siam weed leaf meal (SWLM)-based diets on growth, organ, and carcass weight characteristics and economics of production of broilers. Proximate biochemical composition of SWLM and the appropriate inclusion level of SWLM for optimum productivity were also determined. Ninety-six-day-old Chi broiler chicks were randomly divided into 4 groups of 24 birds, and each group replicated three times. Each group was assigned to one experimental diet in a completely randomized design marked T1 (0%), T2 (4%), T3 (8%), and T4 (12%). Proximate biochemical results revealed that SWLM is rich in protein (20.52%) and minerals (9.29%). Birds on diets T1 and T2 had similar (p >?0.05) final live weights (FLW), which were higher (p <?0.05) than those on diets T3 and T4. Birds on diet T2 had the highest (p?<?0.05) daily feed intake (DFI) and daily weight gain (DWG), while birds on diet T1 had the best feed conversion ratio (FCR) followed by birds on diet T2. The result of quadratic model regression analyses showed that SWLM levels of 1.48, 1.50, 1.47, and 1.56% supported optimum final live weight, DFI, DWG, and FCR. There were no significant (p >?0.05) differences in the dressing percentage, but there were significant differences in the carcass weight between birds on diet T4 and the other three diets. Similarly, pancreas and spleen had similar (p?>?0.05) weights across the treatments. There was significant difference (p?<?0.05) between birds on diets T1 and T4 in gizzard weight. Cost-benefit ratio was influenced (p?<?0.05) with T4 birds having better income of US$1 per US$10.18 invested. It is concluded that SWLM is rich in essential nutrients and therefore suitable for inclusion in broiler diets at level not beyond 2% for best final live weight, daily weight gain, and thigh weight.     

Effects of feed supplementation on growth,blood parameters and reproductive performance in Sanga and Friesian-Sanga cows grazing natural pasture

This study determined the effects of feed supplementation during the postpartum period on the weight gain, milk yield, blood profiles and reproductive performance of Sanga and Friesian-Sanga cows grazing on natural pasture. 20 Sanga and 20 Friesian-Sanga cows were randomly allocated either to serve as a control on grazing only or to be supplemented with 2.5 kg of concentrate a day for 10 weeks during the dry season. Each week, all cows were weighed and scored for body condition. Partial milk yield of cows was determined daily. Plasma concentrations of blood metabolites were assessed fortnightly from weeks 1 to 10 postpartum. Resumption of postpartum ovarian activity was determined by measuring progesterone concentration in the plasma from weeks 1 to 10. Supplemented cows had a better body condition score (6.2 versus 5.8; P?<?0.05) and higher partial milk yield (1.94 versus 1.55 L/day; P?<?0.01) than non-supplemented cows. Sanga cows had a better body condition score (6.2 versus 5.8; P?<?0.05) but lower milk yield (1.58 versus 1.92 L/day; P?<?0.01) than the Friesian-Sanga crossbreds. Total protein (P?<?0.05) and albumin (P?<?0.01) concentrations were higher in the supplemented than in the non-supplemented cows. Sanga cows recorded higher globulin (P?<?0.05) and total cholesterol (P?<?0.01) but lower albumin (P?<?0.01) concentrations than Friesian-Sanga crossbred cows. Feed supplementation did not affect (P?<?0.05) the interval from calving to resumption of ovarian activity, and the days to resumption of ovarian activity in the Sanga and Friesian-Sanga cows were also similar (P?>?0.05). The results demonstrate the beneficial effects of feed supplementation in terms of improved body condition and metabolic status and increased milk yield.