Nutritional evaluation of organically grown fodders in lactating Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

A study was undertaken to evaluate the nutritional response of organically grown diets in buffaloes on nutrients utilization and nutrient efficiency for milk production. For this, ten milch Murrah buffaloes of average body weight (490.72?±?6.65 kg), milk yield (8.13?±?0.33 kg), and lactation stage (85?±?5.28 days) were distributed in inorganic (InDg₎ and organic dietary groups (OrDg) with five animals in each. Buffaloes of InDg and OgDg were fed sorghum hay–berseem fodder-concentrate mixture-based diets grown inorganically and organically, respectively. After 60 days of feeding, a digestion cum metabolism trial was conducted to assess feed intake, nutrient utilization, and N balance, while milk yield and composition were recorded fortnightly. DM, CP, digestible crude protein (DCP), and metabolizable energy (ME) intake (g/Kg w^0.75) were similar in animals of InDg and OrDg. NDF, ADF, and hemicellulose digestibility were (P?<?0.05) higher in animals on OrDg (59.20, 51.55, and 62.67) than InDg diet (54.57, 43.72, and 56.61 %), respectively. Urinary n loss (g/day) was (P?<?0.05) lower in OrDg (67.23) than in InDg (83.55); however, milk N was comparable in animals of both dietary groups (47.36 vs 45.82 g/day). Nitrogen balance was higher in animals of OrDg (39.72) than in InDg (28.08). DCP, TDN, and ME values of both diets were similar. No effect of diet was observed on milk yield and its composition; however, increased lactation length decreased milk yield. Buffaloes on both diets had similar efficiency and conversion ratio of nutrients for milk production. Results revealed that diets (organically vs. inorganically grown) have no effect on milk yield and its composition; however, buffaloes on organic diet have higher fiber digestibility and low urinary N loss which did not affect the dietary nutrients efficiency and conversion ratio for milk production.     

Use of two different dietary energy and protein contents to define nutritive requirements of lactating buffalo cows

Two total mixed rations, differing in energy and protein concentrations (diet A: 6.1 MJ/kg DM of NE(l), 112.5 g/kg DM of metabolizable protein, MP, and 101.7 g of protein digestible at the intestinal level, PDI, vs. diet B: 6.4 MJ, 95.1 g of MP, 78.9 g of PDI) were administered ad libitum for 1 year to two groups of 12 buffaloes in which the partial monthly turnover of animals allowed the lactation stage to be maintained close to 160 days. The diets were formulated to obtain, with a daily intake of about 15.5 kg of DM, a balanced energy supply but an excess of protein (diet A); the opposite occurred with diet B. The average dry matter intake recorded during the trial was 14.5 kg for diet A and 15.0 kg for diet B. Milk production was similar for both groups (7.94 kg vs. 7.95 kg). The diet with a higher protein concentration brought about a significant increase in protein, casein and non-protein nitrogen contents in the milk. A significant increase in milk fat percentage was observed when the animals were fed the diet with a higher energy concentration. The serum urea concentration (8.62 mm/l) of buffaloes fed diet A was outside the physiological range for lactating buffaloes. The energy and protein conversion efficiencies for milk production were more favourable when their supplies were balanced: 3.58 MJ of NE(l)/kg of FPCM for diet A; 2.50 g of MP or 2.07 g of PDI/g of protein milk for diet B. Moreover, when the requirements were satisfied, greater energy or protein supplies failed to induce significant changes in milk yield and quality. Finally, regarding the great differences between estimated MP requirements and those recorded during the trial, the authors suggest that the equations used in the CPM-Dairy software, formulated for dairy cows, are not applicable in buffaloes.     

Effect of energy density of diet on growth performance of Thai indigenous (50% crossbred) Korat chickens from hatch to 42 days of age

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of the energy density of diet on the growth performance of Thai indigenous crossbred (50%) chickens known as Korat chicken (KRC). A total of 1440 mixed-sex KRC (720 birds in each phase) were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments containing 2750, 2900, 3050, or 3200 kcal ME/kg diet with 6 replicates of each treatment in a completely randomized design. The experimental diets were tested from hatch to 21 days and from 22 to 42 days of age. In both age groups, body weight gain was not affected (P >?0.05) by the ME density of the diets. Feed intake however decreased with increasing (metabolizable energy) ME (P <?0.05), thereby significantly improving the feed conversion ratio (FCR). Broken-line analysis was performed to estimate the ME content of feed to obtain minimum FCR and maximum protein efficiency ratio (PER) values. Minimum FCR and maximum PER values were found when the diet contained 3000 kcal ME/kg from hatch to 21 days of age and 3175 kcal ME/kg from 22 to 42 days of age, respectively, using diets containing 7.5 and 6.6 g of protein/100 kcal ME, respectively. In conclusion, we established that the ME requirements of KRC from hatch to 21 days and 22 to 42 days of age were 3000 and 3175 kcal/kg, respectively.     

Effect of rumen-protected nutrients on feed intake,body weights,milk yield,and composition in Murrah buffaloes during early lactation

The effect of rumen-protected nutrients (bypass fat, BPF; bypass protein, BPP; or their combination, BPPF) was investigated in Murrah buffaloes during the early stage of lactation. Forty Murrah buffaloes (BW 531.92?±?10.85 kg) just after parturition were randomly distributed into four groups according to parity and milk production. Buffaloes individually fed ration from day 0 to 90 postpartum according to feeding group and nutrient requirement. Control and BPF fed groups received a concentrate mixture, CM1 with 25% rumen-protected protein (using barley, wheat bran, and mustard oil cake), BPP and BPPF groups received a second concentrate mixture, CM2 with 40% rumen-protected protein (using barley, de-oiled rice bran, and cottonseed cake). Bypass fat fed groups (BPF and BPPF) additionally were supplemented with 15 g BPF (Ca salt of long-chain fatty acids) per kg milk yield in their respective concentrate mixtures. Dry matter intake, body weights, body condition score, and total milk yield were similar between groups (P?>?0.05). Fat-corrected milk (FCM) production was improved (14.5%, P?>?0.05) in groups fed BPP and BPPF, while significant (19.45%, P?<?0.05) improvement was observed in BPF-fed group. Overall mean values of milk fat, solid not fat, protein, lactose, and total solids were found to be high (P?<?0.05) in treatment groups as compared with control values. It may be concluded that supplementation with BPP or BPF either alone or in combination positively influences the quality of milk produced in Murrah buffaloes during early lactation and BPF additionally had improvement on the quantitative trait of milk as well.

     

Evaporative cooling in late gestation heat‐stressed Murrah buffaloes increases efficiency of next reproductive cycle

Evaporative cooling during late gestation period improves post‐partum reproductive performance in Murrah buffaloes. To prove this hypothesis, sixteen pregnant dry Murrah buffaloes at sixty days pre‐partum were selected and divided into two groups of eight animals each. Group 1 of buffaloes (Cooled/CL) was managed under fan and mist cooling during dry period, whereas second group of buffaloes (non‐cooled/NCL) remained without the provision of cooling. After parturition, all the animals were managed under evaporative cooling till the end of experimental period. Reproductive performance in cooled (CL) and non‐cooled (NCL) groups, respectively, viz. 1st and 2nd ovulation from calving (48.63 ± 2.41, 69.25 ± 2.34 days and 57.75 ± 3.35, 93.63 ± 2.84 days); calving to conception interval (117.88 ± 4.21 days and 117.88± 4.21 days); conception rate (87.5% ± 2.16% and 57% ± 2.26%); and follicular diameter at the time of 1st and 2nd ovulation (14.84 ± 0.16, 15.75 ± 0.13 mm and 12.65 ± 0.13, 13.35 ± 0.11 mm) varied significantly (p < .05). Total peak oestrogen concentration was significantly (p < .05) higher in cooled (26.7 ± 1.32 pg/ml) relative to non‐cooled (20.7 ± 1.22 pg/ml) buffaloes. Time from onset of oestrus to ovulation varied significantly (p < .05) in cooled (32 ± 2.22 hr) and non‐cooled (40 ± 2.86 hr) buffaloes. The peak progesterone concentration reached to (4.25 ng/ml) in cooled group and (4.16 ng/ml) in non‐cooled group after first ovulation.     

不同氧化程度猪油有效能值的测定

本试验旨在通过测定不同氧化程度猪油的消化能(DE)和代谢能(ME)值,为其在饲料中的应用提供基础数据。试验选取平均体重为(36.38±1.03)kg的杜×长×大三元杂交去势公猪8头,按照有重复的4×4拉丁方设计,饲喂4种饲粮,分别为基础饲粮、在基础饲粮中添加10%过氧化值(POV)为0.44 mmol/kg的新鲜猪油的试验饲粮(FL组)、在基础饲粮中添加10%POV为29.64 mmol/kg的氧化猪油的试验饲粮(OL_1组)以及在基础饲粮中添加10%POV为55.79 mmol/kg的氧化猪油的试验饲粮(OL_2组)。试验共分为4期,每期10 d,其中预试期5 d,正试期5 d。结果表明:与FL组猪油相比,OL_1和OL_2组猪油的DE值分别降低了4.62%(P0.05)和9.45%(P0.01),ME值分别降低了3.80%(P0.05)和9.63%(P0.01),能量表观消化率分别降低了4.06%(P0.05)和7.91%(P0.05),能量表观代谢率分别降低了3.23%(P0.05)和8.12%(P0.05)。由此得出,猪油氧化后会降低其DE和ME值,并降低能量的表观消化率和表观代谢率,且氧化程度越高,上述指标降幅越大。     

Evaluation of bovine rumen contents as a feed for lambs

This study evaluated effects of increasing levels of dried rumen contents (DRC) on voluntary intake, growth performance, digestibility, nutritive value, N utilization, microbial protein supply (MPS), and purine derivatives excretion (PDE) of lambs fed with Afzelia africana basal forage. Sixteen lambs (13.7?±?0.1 kg body weight (BW)) were randomly assigned to one of the four eight diets containing 0, 200, 400 and 600 g DRC/kg dry matter (DM) in a completely random design. Intakes of concentrate, DM, crude protein (CP), organic matter (OM), digestible CP (DCP), digestible OM (DOM), digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME), CP and OM digestibility, DOM, DCP, DE, ME, N intake and retention, weight gain, cost/kg BW gain, MPS and PDE increased with increasing DRC level up to 400 g/kg DRC and declined at 600 g/kg DRC (P?<?0.05; 0.01). Feed conversion ratio and DM digestibility declined as DRC level increased from 0 to 400 g/kg and peaked at 600 g/kg DRC (P?<?0.05; 0.01). Forage intake and DE/DCP ratio decreased (P?<?0.05; 0.01) progressively with increasing DRC level. Results indicate that DRC can be incorporated up to 400 g/kg in a compounded ration for sheep.     

Feeding different dietary protein to energy ratios to Holstein heifers: effects on growth performance,blood metabolites and rumen fermentation parameters

Eighteen Chinese Holstein heifers average age 230 ± 14 days were allocated to 1 of 3 dietary crude protein (CP) to metabolizable energy (ME) ratios to examine the effects on growth performance, blood metabolites and rumen fermentation parameters with 90‐days experiment. Three different dietary CP:ME ratios were targeted based on the formulation of dietary CP contents of 10.85%, 12.78% and 14.63% on dry matter (DM) basis with similar ME contents (10.42 MJ/kg DM), which were categorized as low, medium and high dietary CP:ME ratios. The actual CP:ME ratios obtained in this study significantly increased from low to high CP:ME ratio groups with a value of 10.59, 11.83 and 13.38 g/MJ respectively. Elevated CP:ME ratios significantly increased CP intake (kg/day) and feed efficiency (FE) which was defined as dry matter intake as a proportion of average daily gain (ADG), whereas little difference was observed in body weight (kg), ADG (kg/day), DM intake (kg/day) and ME intake (MJ/day) among the three different CP:ME ratio groups. Increasing dietary CP to ME ratios significantly increased CP digestibility, whereas digestibility of DM and gross energy remained constant in the current experiment. Blood urea nitrogen and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 linearly increased with increasing dietary CP:ME ratios. There was significantly dietary treatment effect on rumen fermentation parameters including acetate, propionate, butyrate and total volatile fatty acids. Therefore, this study indicated that increasing dietary CP levels with similar energy content contributed to increased protein intake and its digestibility, as well as FE. Holstein heifers between 200 and 341 kg subjected to 13.38 dietary CP:ME ratio showed improved feed efficiency, nutrient digestibility, some blood metabolites and rumen fermentation characteristics for 0.90 kg/day rate of gain.     

应用套算法估测肉羊精饲料代谢能

本试验旨在应用套算法建立肉羊精饲料代谢能估测模型。选取66只18月龄体重为(49.6±1.3)kg的杜泊×小尾寒羊F1代去势肉羊,采用完全随机区组设计分为11组,包括1个基础饲粮组和10个试验饲粮组,每组6只羊。通过消化代谢试验(为期8 d)和气体代谢试验(为期3 d)并结合套算法计算10种精饲料的消化能和代谢能,建立精饲料代谢能和其概略养分或可消化养分之间的模型。结果表明,1)10种精饲料总能、酸性洗涤纤维含量与消化能呈显著相关(P0.05),有机物含量与消化能达到极显著相关(P0.01);精饲料概略养分与代谢能之间则无显著相关性(P0.05)。2)10种精饲料的可消化养分与代谢能存在极显著相关(P0.01),所建立的预测方程为:ME=-1.907+1.344DE+1.321DDM-5.347DOM-2.093DADF(R2=0.845,n=60,P0.01);ME=-2.105+1.349DE-6.577DOM(R2=0.842,n=60,P0.01)。[ME为代谢能(MJ/kg),DE为消化能(MJ/kg),DDM为可消化干物质(%),DOM为可消化有机物(%),DA DF为可消化酸性洗涤纤维(%)。]综上所述,本试验条件下无法利用精饲料概略养分预测其代谢能,通过精饲料的可消化养分可准确预测其代谢能。     

Effect of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes supplementation on milk production and nutrient utilization in Murrah buffaloes

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of commercial exogenous fibrolytic enzyme (EFE) mixture added at 1.5 and 3.0 g (cellulase 4,000 μM glucose/g/h + xylanase 7,990 μM xylose/g/min; 50:50 w/w) per kilogram of dry matter (DM) of feed on nutrient digestibility, milk production, milk composition, and some blood constituents in lactating Murrah buffaloes. Eighteen buffaloes were allotted to three dietary treatments, on the basis of milk yield (8.48, 8.52, and 8.53 kg/day) and days in lactation (68.5, 80.33, and 82.00) for 90 days. The buffaloes were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) comprising of 45% chaffed wheat straw, 15% chopped green maize, and 40% concentrate on DM basis (control group), the same TMR plus EFE at 1.5 g/kg DM (T-1 group) and the same TMR plus EFE at 3.0 g/kg DM (T-2 group) supplemented through the concentrate mixture. There was no effect of fortifying EFE mixture on DM intake and crude protein intake (grams per day) whereas total digestible nutrients intake (kilogram per day) was higher by (P < 0.05) 12.53% in T-1 group over that of control, and there was no significant difference between T-2 and control groups. The average daily milk yield and 4% fat-corrected milk (FCM) yield was higher (P < 0.05) by 12.99% and 15.17% in T-1 group as over that of control, and there was no difference between T-2 and control groups. There was no (P > 0.05) difference in blood glucose and blood urea nitrogen concentration in different experimental groups. It is concluded that supplementation of cellulase and xylanase mixture at 1.5 g/kg of DM of TMR containing wheat straw (45%), green maize (15%), and concentrate (40%) on DM basis significantly increased (P < 0.05) the average daily milk yield and FCM yield in Murrah buffaloes due to improved dietary fiber digestion.     

Development of a predictive model for daughter pregnancy rate and standardization of voluntary waiting period in Murrah buffalo

A predictive model for daughter pregnancy rate (DPR) in Indian Murrah buffaloes has been developed. The data pertaining to first lactation reproduction traits, viz., age at first calving (AFC), first service period (FSP), and number of services per first conception (NS/FCON) of 719 Murrah buffaloes calved from 1985 to 2010 at the National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal (Haryana), India were adjusted against significant environmental influence. First lactation reproduction records of 474 Murrah buffaloes were used for determining voluntary waiting period (VWP) and estimating DPR. Seven simple and multiple regression models in each case were developed where the buffaloes had their first insemination after 63 days (DPR 63), 84 days (DPR 84), and 105 days (DPR 105) of first calving. Among the seven models (I to VII) for DPR 63, DPR 84, and DPR 105, model II, having only FSP as an independent reproduction variable, was found to be the best prediction model, based on the four statistical criterions (high coefficient of determination (R ²), low mean sum of squares due to error (MSSe), conceptual predictive (CP) value, and Bayesian information criterion (BIC)). Three linear equations were developed using model II, viz., DPR 63?=?0.0033 (274???FSP), DPR 84?=?0.0027 (332???FSP), and DPR 105?=?0.0027 (310???FSP). The average errors for the prediction of DPR 63, DPR 84, and DPR 105 were 1, 13, and 8 %, respectively. Therefore, 63 days of VWP is the optimum period for getting the best DPR in Indian Murrah buffaloes.     

Efficacy of different methods for detecting the onset of ovarian cyclicity in post-partum Murrah buffaloes

This study was designed to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of three methods for detecting the onset of cyclicity in post-partum Murrah buffaloes. The methods investigated were visual signs, transrectal ultrasonography, and serum progesterone (P₄) assay. For this study, 102 post-partum Murrah buffalo cows were grouped for monitoring their ovarian activity. The first group of buffaloes was between 26 and 35 days post-partum. Thereafter, the buffalo cows that calved were grouped after every 10 days for the study sample. Thus, the study animals were adjudged between 26 and 35, 36–45, 46–55, 56–65, 66–75, 76–85, and 86–95 days post-partum with an average of 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90 days post-partum, respectively. Visual estrus signs were monitored twice daily, and simultaneously, ultrasound examination was carried out at 10 days interval for accessing the presence of corpus luteum (CL). Serum P₄ was estimated in the animals which were adjudged cyclic by ultrasound examination, and the assay was repeated after 10 days. The buffalo cows in estrus were inseminated artificially, and pregnancy status was assessed after 30 days post-insemination. In this study, the sensitivity and specificity of visual observation were low (39.37 and 70.73%, respectively) when compared to P₄ assay (98.80 and 96.47%) and ultrasound examination (single, 97.59 and 97.59%; double, 100 and 100%), respectively. Furthermore, the sensitivity and specificity of single and double ultrasound examination and P₄ assay were comparable. In conclusion, this study reports that single and double ultrasound examination and P₄ assay are more efficient than visual observation in detecting the onset of ovarian cyclicity in post-partum Murrah buffaloes.     

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.

     

20～50 kg川藏黑猪的能量代谢与沉积规律研究

本试验旨在研究20~50 kg川藏黑猪的能量代谢与沉积规律。试验一:选择体重接近[(20.17±3.46)kg]的川藏黑猪配套系商品猪64头,预试7 d后屠宰4头猪测定胴体成分;其余试验猪按公母随机分成5个组,每个组4个重复,每个重复3头,各重复单圈饲养,自由采食消化能(DE)水平分别为13.79、13.37、12.96、12.54和12.12 MJ/kg的饲粮。试验猪体重达50 kg时,结束试验一,测定平均日采食量、平均日增重和料重比,并在各组选择1头猪屠宰测定胴体成分。试验二:选择试验一中15头体重接近[(48.34±4.07)kg]的公猪,随机分成5个组,每个组3个重复,每个重复1头,单独饲养于代谢笼,分别采食上述5种DE水平的饲粮,进行消化代谢试验。预试期3 d,正试期4 d。采用析因法建立能量需要量预测模型。结果表明:饲粮DE水平影响了20~50 kg川藏黑猪的平均日采食量、平均日增重和料重比;饲粮DE转化为代谢能(ME)效率(ME/DE)为97.26%~98.10%,ME用于沉积产品能的效率(DED/ME)平均值为41.71%;此阶段川藏黑猪维持需要ME平均值为0.49 MJ/W~(0.75)或0.85 MJ/W~(0.60)(按DE计为0.50 MJ/W~(0.75)或0.87 MJ/W~(0.60)),增重需要DE和ME平均值分别为18.91和18.47 MJ/kg。由此得出,20~50 kg阶段川藏黑猪能量需要模型为:DE(MJ/d)=0.504 W~(0.75)+18.91ΔW或DE(MJ/d)=0.867 W~(0.60)+18.91ΔW;ME(MJ/d)=0.492 W~(0.75)+18.47ΔW或ME(MJ/d)=     

Dominant follicles development and estradiol‐17β concentrations in non‐ovulating and ovulating post‐partum Bulgarian Murrah buffaloes

This study was designed to evaluate the dominant follicles development and the estradiol‐17β concentrations in non‐ovulating and ovulating post‐partum buffaloes. Sixteen Bulgarian Murrah buffaloes were submitted to transrectal ultrasonographic examination from the 1st post‐partum day until day 50, 3 days apart. The follicular diameter of the different categories of follicles and the ovulations was recorded. The animals were allocated into two groups: I (n = 6) non‐ovulating and II (n = 10) ovulating buffaloes. Serum estradiol‐17β concentrations on the days for dominant follicle registration were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The results were statistically processed by analysis of variance, non‐parametric and correlation analysis. The mean intervals between calving and first dominant follicle detection differed significantly (p < .05) among the groups (19.5 ± 6.2 vs. 13.8 ± 5.1 days), while the mean intervals between registered dominant follicles from two successive waves were comparable. The mean follicular diameters for the same category follicles in both groups were similar. Different estradiol‐17β concentrations (p < .05) for the first dominant follicle between non‐ovulating (23.5 ± 7.0 pg/ml) and ovulating (33.3 ± 8.4 pg/ml) buffaloes were determined. The cumulative percentages of buffaloes with firstly detected dominant follicle and ovulating animals correlated positively (r ≥ .84; p < .05) to post‐partum days. In conclusion, non‐ovulating and ovulating post‐partum Bulgarian Murrah buffaloes showed differences in the development of the first dominant follicle and estradiol‐17β concentrations during the time of dominant follicles detection.     

饲粮代谢能水平对宁都黄鸡生长性能、屠宰性能和血液生化指标的影响

【目的】本试验旨在探究不同生长阶段宁都黄鸡的饲粮代谢能(ME)需要量。【方法】采用单因素完全随机试验设计,分别选用1、29、57日龄体重相近的宁都黄鸡各600、480和360只,各日龄阶段随机分为4个处理,每个处理6个重复,3个阶段每个重复分别为25、20和15只鸡。饲粮代谢能水平设低、较低、中和高4个梯度:1～28日龄分别为11.50、11.95、12.40和12.85 MJ/kg, 29～56日龄分别为11.68、12.14、12.60和13.06 MJ/kg, 57～105日龄分别为11.60、12.20、12.80和13.40 MJ/kg,测定不同代谢能水平对各阶段宁都黄鸡生长性能、血清生化指标和屠宰性能的影响。【结果】(1)1～28日龄,高代谢能组宁都黄鸡料重比(F/G)显著低于其他各组(P<0.05)。(2)29～56日龄,中和高代谢能组的平均日采食量(ADFI)和F/G显著低于低和较低代谢能组(P<0.05),较低代谢能组的F/G显著低于低代谢能组(P<0.05);中和高代谢能组宁都黄鸡血清总蛋白(TP)含量显著高于低代谢能组(P<0.05),中代...     

育成期崂山奶山羊能量需要量

本试验旨在研究饲粮能量水平对育成期崂山奶山羊能量利用率的影响。选择体重为(18.43±0.76)kg的崂山奶山羊育成母羊30只,采用单因素随机分组设计分成3组,每组10个重复,每重复1只羊。分别饲喂粗蛋白质、钙及磷水平基本一致,消化能水平分别为10.40、11.47及12.51 MJ/kg的3种全混合日粮。预试期10 d,正试期90 d。结果表明:1)试验后期3组试羊随着饲粮能量水平的提高,总能消化率依次提高,12.51 MJ/kg组试羊的总能消化率、总能代谢率及消化能代谢率显著高于10.40 MJ/kg组(P0.05);3组试羊的总能、粪能及尿能间呈显著差异(P0.05),10.40 MJ/kg组11.47 MJ/kg组12.51 MJ/kg组;10.40 MJ/kg组试羊的甲烷能显著低于11.47及12.51 MJ/kg组(P0.05)。2)10.40 MJ/kg组试羊末重及平均日增重显著低于11.47及12.51 MJ/kg组(P0.05),但11.47 MJ/kg组与12.51 MJ/kg组间无显著差异(P0.05)。3)育成期崂山奶山羊消化能和代谢能需要量与代谢体重和平均日增重关系的回归公式:DE=0.675W~(0.75)+0.110ADG(P=0.006,R~2=0.982);ME=0.526W~(0.75)+0.076ADG(P=0.027,R~2=0.873)[式中DE为消化能(M J/d),ME为代谢能(M J/d),W~(0.75)为代谢体重(kg),ADG为平均日增重(g)]。综合得出,育成期崂山奶山羊母羊饲粮中消化能以11.47~12.51 MJ/kg(干物质基础)较为适宜。     

Impact of norgestomet supplementation during early luteal phase on subsequent luteal profiles and conception rate in buffalo: a preliminary study

The current study was aimed to establish the impact of progesterone supplementation (norgestomet progestagen) between days 4 to 10 post-ovulation on subsequent luteal profile and conception rate in buffaloes. The 28 Murrah buffaloes of second to fourth parity, having normal reproductive organs, were estrus synchronized by double PGF_2α protocol at 11 days apart. The buffaloes were inseminated during mid- to late estrus and thereafter repeated at 24 h interval. The buffaloes were randomly assigned into two groups: (1) control (no treatment, n?=?14) and (2) treatment group (CRESTAR ear implant, n?=?14). The CRESTAR ear implant (3 mg, norgestomet progestagen) was inserted subcutaneous between days 4 to 10 post-ovulation. The ovaries were scanned at estrus and thereafter on days 4, 10, 16, 21, and 40 post-ovulation to examine the preovulatory follicle (POF) and corpus luteum (CL) diameter. Each ultasonography was followed by blood sample collection for analysis of plasma progesterone concentrations following ovulation. The conception rate was similar (p?>?0.05) between treated and control buffaloes. The pregnant buffalo of the control group had larger (p?<?0.05) POF diameter than nonpregnant counterparts. The CL diameter was similar (p?>?0.05) in both treated and untreated control as well as in their pregnant and nonpregnant buffaloes of the respective groups. The plasma progesterone concentrations were higher (p?<?0.05) in the treatment group on the day 10 post-ovulation as compared to the control buffaloes. It is concluded that norgestomet supplementation had no impact on conception rate and CL diameter but enhances the plasma progesterone concentrations following treatment in buffaloes.     

Enhancing milk and fertility performances using selection index developed for Indian Murrah buffaloes

Selection for genetically superior Murrah buffaloes under Network Project on Buffalo Improvement, India, is presently based on milk yield, and it was observed that even in the absence of any direct selection pressure applied on fertility, there has been a downward trend in fertility associated with the selection for milk yield. The aim of the study was to develop selection indices which include fertility besides milk yield in Murrah buffaloes. Data pertaining to 1,224 lactation records spread over a period of 19 years were recorded and analyzed in the study. The negative association of pregnancy rate (fertility) with a 305-day milk yield (?0.08?±?0.04) and wet average (?0.12?±?0.02) indicated the importance of incorporating fertility trait in the construction of selection index. Four types of selection indices were constructed and evaluated. Two indices were developed using expected producing ability 305-days milk yield (EPAMY) with 6.5 and 4 % fat in milk along with expected fertilizing ability (EFA). The other two indices developed consist of expected producing ability wet average (EPA WA) and EFA. The index involving (EPA WA and EFA) was found to be a more effective selection criterion in our herd, as the accuracy of index was more (0.61), in comparison to the index involving EPA MY and EFA. The robustness of selection index was assessed by increasing the relative economic values of included traits by 25 and 50 %, and accuracy of the index remains almost stable without much change. The developed selection strategy involving EPA WA and EFA should be considered for the genetic evaluation of Murrah buffaloes, as it has a potential for maximizing the lifetime reproduction and production performances of the breed.     

13~17周龄雄性雉鸡饲粮适宜代谢能水平研究

【目的】试验旨在研究饲粮代谢能水平对13~17周龄雄性雉鸡生长性能、营养物质表观代谢率、能量利用和血清生化指标的影响,明确该时期雉鸡适宜的饲粮代谢能水平。【方法】选取13周龄、体重相近(734.63 g±18.03 g)的健康雄性雉鸡240只,随机分为4组,每组6个重复,每个重复10只雉鸡。采用单因素试验设计,各组饲粮代谢能水平分别设定为11.30(Ⅰ组)、11.72(Ⅱ组)、12.14(Ⅲ组)和12.56(Ⅳ组) MJ/kg,预试期7 d,正试期35 d。【结果】①饲粮代谢能水平极显著影响平均日采食量(ADFI)(P<0.01),其中Ⅳ组ADFI极显著低于Ⅰ和Ⅱ组(P＜0.01)。料重比(F/G)在各组间无显著差异(P＞0.05),其中Ⅱ组最低。②饲粮代谢能水平对干物质(DM)表观代谢率和粗脂肪(EE)表观代谢率有极显著影响(P＜0.01)。粗蛋白质(CP)表观代谢率在各组间无显著差异(P＞0.05),其中Ⅱ组最高。③各组间摄入总能、排泄物总能和代谢能摄入量(MEI)均无显著差异(P＞0.05)。Ⅱ、Ⅲ和Ⅳ组总能表观代谢率均极显著高于Ⅰ组(P＜0.01),其中Ⅱ组最高。④各组间血清胆固醇(CHO)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)和葡萄糖(GLU)含量均无显著差异(P＞0.05)。Ⅲ组甘油三酯(TG)含量极显著高于其余各组(P＜0.01),Ⅱ组血清高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)含量极显著高于Ⅰ组(P＜0.01)。Ⅱ和Ⅲ组血清中总蛋白(TP)含量显著高于Ⅰ组(P＜0.05),Ⅲ组白蛋白(ALB)含量显著或极显著高于其余各组(P＜0.05;P＜0.01)。【结论】比较4个试验组,Ⅱ组雉鸡平均日增重(ADG)最高,F/G最低,且Ⅱ组雉鸡营养物质表观代谢率、摄入能量水平及能量利用率也较高,故Ⅱ组饲粮代谢能水平(实测值为12.30 MJ/kg)对13~17周龄雄性雉鸡较为适宜。