Assessment of feeding varying levels of Metabolizable energy and protein on performance of transition Murrah buffaloes

Fifteen close up pregnant Murrah buffaloes of mean body weight (668.3 ± 24.03) kg, lactation number (2.8 ± 0.17) and expected producing ability (EPA) (2125.7 ± 46.34) were randomly distributed into three groups each of five animals to investigate the performance at different levels of metabolizable energy and protein. Control group was fed as per ICAR Nutrient requirements of animals (2013) recommendation whereas treatment group (1) high metabolizable energy and high metabolizable protein (HMEMP) and group (2) low metabolizable energy and low metabolizable protein (LMEMP) were offered with ration containing 15% more and 15% less ME and MP, respectively. The feeding trial was carried out for the period of 40 days before parturition and continued for 120 days after parturition. Intake of dry matter (DM) (%BW) was similar among experimental groups. Metabolizable energy (ME) (MJ/100 kg BW) and metabolizable protein (MP) (g/100 kg BW) intake was highest in HMEMP followed by control and LMEMP group, respectively. Digestibility trial of 7 days was conducted at 60 days post-partum and it was observed that apparent digestibility coefficients (%) of DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extracts (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were similar among the experimental groups. Milk yield (kg/kg DMI) was similar among treatment groups whereas 6% fat corrected milk (FCM) was lower in LMEMP group as compared to HMEMP and control. No significant effect of dietary MP and ME levels on milk composition was observed among experimental groups. There were no significant difference in non esterified fatty acid (NEFA), blood urea nitrogen(BUN), growth hormone (GH) and insulin like growth factor-1(IGF-1) concentration among different experimental groups whereas concentration of immunoglobulin G (IgG) (μg/ml) was found to be lower in LMEMP. The study results indicate that nutrient digestibility and lactation performance was not affected with 15% variation in intakes of ME and MP in lactating Murrah buffaloes.     

Energy balance of lactating primiparous sows as affected by feeding level and dietary energy source

The effects of feeding level and major dietary energy source used during lactation on sow milk composition, piglet body composition, and energy balance of sows were determined. During a 21-d lactation, 48 primiparous sows were fed either a Fat-rich (134.9 g/kg fat; 196.8 g/kg carbohydrate) or a Starch-rich (33.2 g/kg fat; 380.9 g/kg carbohydrate) diet at either a High (44 MJ NE/d; 1,050 g protein/d) or a Low (33 MJ NE/d; 790 g protein/d) feeding level. Within each feeding level, the two diets were fed to provide an isocaloric and isonitrogenous intake. At the Low feeding level, no differences in milk production, milk composition, or piglet body composition were found as a result of feeding the two dietary energy sources. However, at the High feeding level, sows fed the Fat-rich diet produced higher milk fat (8.4 vs 6.9%) and milk energy (5.38 vs 4.77 kJ/g) concentrations and a higher piglet body fat concentration (152.1 vs 135.4 g/kg) than sows fed the Starch-rich diet. At the Low feeding level, the energy balance (d 6 to d 20) of the sows was similar when fed either the Fat- or the Starch-rich diet (-558 and -515 kJ x BW(-.75) x d(-1)), but at the High feeding level, the energy balance was more negative in sows fed the Fat than those fed the Starch-rich diet (-544 vs -372 kJ x BW(-.75) x d(-1)). This suggests that at the High feeding level, dietary energy in the form of fat is preferentially used for milk fat synthesis, resulting in growth and in fatter piglets. Alternatively, at the High feeding level, Starch as the major energy source is used only for growth of the piglets, as confirmed by protein deposition, and also results in a less-negative energy balance for the sows. From this experiment, it can be concluded that effects of substituting cornstarch for fat in the diet of lactating sows on milk composition, piglet body composition, and energy balance of the sows are dependent on feeding level.     

Determination of the net energy content of canola meal from Brassica napus yellow and Brassica juncea yellow fed to growing pigs using indirect calorimetry

The net energy (NE) content of canola meals (CM; i.e. Brassica napus yellow and Brassica juncea yellow) in growing pigs was determined using an indirect calorimetry chamber or published prediction equations. The study was conducted as a completely randomized design (n = 6), with (i) a basal diet and (ii) 2 diets containing 700 g/kg of the basal diet and 300 g/kg of either of the two varieties of CM. A total of 18 growing barrows were housed in metabolism crates for the determination of digestible (DE) and metabolizable (ME) energy. Thereafter, pigs were transferred to the indirect calorimetry chamber to determine heat production (HP). The NE contents of diets containing Brassica napus yellow and Brassica juncea yellow determined with the direct determination technique and prediction equations were 9.8 versus 10.3 MJ/kg dry matter (DM) and 10.2 versus 10.4 MJ/kg DM, respectively. Retained energy (RE) and fasting heat production (FHP) of diets containing Brassica napus yellow and Brassica juncea yellow were 5.5 versus 5.7 MJ/kg and 4.3 versus 4.5 MJ/kg, respectively, when measured with the direct determination technique and prediction equations. The NE contents of Brassica napus yellow and Brassica juncea yellow were determined to be 8.8 and 9.8 MJ/kg DM, respectively, using the direct determination technique.     

Nutritive value of forage species grown in the warm temperate climate of Australia for dairy cows: Grasses and legumes

The objective of this study was to quantify the differences in the nutritive value over 4 seasons, of 7 C₃ temperate grasses, 2 C₄ tropical grasses and 11 clover species used as forages for dairy cows. The nutritive value was assessed in terms of nutrient content and the availability of effective rumen degradable protein, rumen by pass protein, metabolisable protein (MP) and fermentable metabolisable energy.

All species were grown in plots as monocultures under conditions of non limiting nutrients and moisture and harvested by mechanical means. All species had a high crude protein content and this resulted in a high effective rumen degradable protein: fermentable metabolisable energy ratio varying from 15, for cowpeas (Vigna unguiculata) to 29 for birdsfoot clover (Lotus corniculatus), and all were above the ratio of 11 required for optimal microbial protein synthesis in the rumen of dairy cows. The calculated availability of MP varied from 105 g/kg dry matter (DM) for cowpeas to 173 g/kg DM for berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum) indicating that all forages would be able to meet the requirements of dairy cows producing up to 30 L/milk/day, provided they were able to consume over 19 kg DM of forage/cow/day.

Grasses had much higher hemicellulose (neutral detergent fibre minus acid detergent fibre) content than legumes. Kikuyu (Pennisetum clandestinum), a C₄ grass, had a higher proportion of hemicellulose content than the C₃ temperate grasses. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and kikuyu had a similar metabolisable energy (ME) density (9.9 MJ/kg DM) in summer. The mean ME density of perennial ryegrass, prairie grass (Bromus wildinowii) and short rotation ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) winter was similar at 10.6 MJ/kg DM and slightly higher than cocksfoot (Dactylus glomeratus), phalaris (Phalaris tuberosa) and fescue (Fescue arundunicea) which had a mean ME density of 10 MJ/kg DM.

All forages grown were able to satisfy MP and ME requirements of dairy cows producing up to 30 L milk/cow/day, provided they were able to consume sufficient forage to achieve this level of production.     

不同净能水平和赖氨酸净能比的低蛋白日粮对肥育猪生长性能和胴体品质的影响

选用61.08 kg杜×长×大三元杂交猪540头,随机分为9个处理,每处理6个重复,每重复10头猪,公、母各半。采用3×3两因素设计,日粮蛋白水平降低4个百分点,净能为9.83、10.04、10.25 MJ/kg,赖氨酸净能比为0.76、0.84、0.91 g/MJ,研究净能和赖氨酸净能比对肥育猪生长性能和胴体品质的影响。结果表明:在60~100 kg阶段,10.04 MJ/kg净能组的ADG显著高于9.83 MJ/kg组的(P<0.05);赖氨酸净能比为0.84 g/MJ组的ADG显著高于0.76 g/MJ组(P<0.05);二者互作不影响生长性能和胴体品质(P>0.05),综合评定在60~100 kg阶段,猪的低蛋白日粮净能水平和赖氨酸净能比分别为10.04 MJ/kg和0.84 g/MJ为宜。     

The utilisation of a high level energy/protein diet for lactating Mediterranean buffaloes: Intake capacity and effects on quanti–qualitative milk parameters

The trial was carried out using 14 multiparous buffaloes divided into two groups according to yield in the previous lactation (2653 vs. 2625 kg), number of lactations (4.8 vs. 4.1), live weight (670.6 vs. 657.1 kg), days post-calving (21.6 vs. 23.6 days) and average yield at the on-set of the trial (11.18 vs. 10.90 kg/day). The effects of both feed intake and the quanti–qualitative parameters of the milk yield were evaluated following the ad libitum administration of two diets containing two different forage/concentrate ratios, diet 1 = 48 : 52 (0.94 Milk FU/kg DM, 158.3 g/kg DM of crude protein); diet 2 = 55 : 45 (0.85 Milk FU/kg DM, 144.4 g/kg DM of crude protein). The trial lasted for 114 days, on average from day 23 to 137 of lactation. The dry matter intake for diet 1 was 16.37 kg/day, for diet 2 it was 16.53 kg/day. No significant differences were found with live weight of the animals; however, the buffaloes in group 1 showed gains of 35.0 kg compared to 54.2 kg of those in group 2. A significant difference (P < 0.05) in milk yield favouring group 1 (11.66 vs. 9.42 kg/day) was observed while fat (73.20 vs. 80.08 g/kg) and protein content (43.24 vs. 46.41 g/kg) was higher for group 2. Coagulation data indicated that the milk yield of group 2 showed better coagulation properties (r = 18.35 min, K₂₀ = 3.88 min, A₃₀ = 47.00 mm), than group 1.     

Effect of dietary net energy concentration on dry matter intake and energy partition in cows in mid‐lactation under heat stress

This study aimed to determine the net energy requirement of Holstein cows in mid‐lactation under heat stress. Twenty‐five multiparous Holstein cows were randomly allocated to five groups corresponding to five isonitrogenous total mixed rations, with net energy for lactation (NE_L) content of 6.15 (NE‐6.15), 6.36 (NE‐6.36), 6.64 (NE‐6.64), 6.95 (NE‐6.95), 7.36 (NE‐7.36) MJ/kg of dry matter (DM), respectively. Throughout the experimental period the average temperature humidity index at 07.00, 14.00 and 22.00 hours was 72.1, 88.7, and 77.6, respectively. DM intake decreased significantly with the elevated dietary NE_L concentration. Fat corrected milk increased quadratically, and milk fat content and milk energy (MJ/kg) reached the greatest in the NE‐6.95 group with increasing dietary NE_L content. Strong correlations were found between dietary NE_L content and: (i) DM intake; (ii) NE_L intake; (iii) milk energy (E_l); (iv) E_l/metabolizable energy intake (MEI); (v) E_l/NE_L intake, as well as between NE_L intake and fat corrected milk yield (FCM). The suitable net energy required for dairy cows producing 1 kg FCM ranged from 5.01 to 5.03 MJ, was concluded from the above‐stated regressions. Correlation between heat production (HP) and MEI could be expressed as: Log (HP) = ?0.4304 + 0.2963*MEI (n = 15, R² = 0.99, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) = 0.18). Fasting HP was 0.3712 MJ/kg^0.75 when extrapolating MEI to zero.     

Influence of replacing corn silage with barley silage in the diets of buffalo cows on milk yield and quality

A 150-day trial was carried out on 40 Italian Mediterranean buffalo cows that, immediately after calving, were equally divided into two homogeneous groups (M and O) based on the number of calving events and previous milk yield. The animals were fed (16 kg dry matter (DM)/head) two isoenergy/isoprotein diets (NEl: 6.39 MJ/kg DM; 15.4 CP% DM), composed of corn (diet M) or barley silage (diet O) concentrate, alfalfa hay, and a vitamin-mineral supplement. The fermentation characteristics of both silage diets were evaluated by an in vitro gas production technique, and their nutritional values were calculated as follows: NEl (MJ/kg DM) = 0.54 + 0.0959 GP + 0.0038 CP + 0.0001733 CP², where GP is the gas production after 24 h of incubation (ml/200 mg DM) and CP is the protein content of silage (g/kg DM). The nutritional values of the silages were slightly different (4.16 vs. 4.14 MJ/kg DM for M and O, respectively) likely due to the high content of hemicellulose in the O diet (22.0 vs. 16.9%). Average milk yield did not differ between the groups; instead, milk fat (8.39 vs. 9.06%; P < 0.01) and protein (4.41 vs. 4.60%; P < 0.01) levels were significantly higher in the O group. The results elicit great interest in southern Italy where corn cultivation is adversely affected by the high cost of irrigation.

     

Voluntary feed intake and diet selection of Merino sheep divergently selected for genetic difference in resistance to Haemonchus contortus

This research was designed to determine if divergent selection for resistance to Haemonchus contortus had produced correlated changes in voluntary feed intake and diet selection. Voluntary feed intake, diet selection and production were determined in 54 Merino weaner rams from the CSIRO Haemonchus selection flock, increased resistance to Haemonchus (IRH), decreased resistance to Haemonchus (DRH) and random bred control (C) selection lines. Weaner rams were fed ad libitum either a high (9.2 MJ ME/kg DM, 90 g MP/kg DM) or moderate (6.3 MJ ME/kg DM, 30 g MP/kg DM) quality diet and given the choice between the two diets, when uninfected (NIL) or infected with H. contortus (INF). Symmetrical response to divergent selection for worm egg count (WEC) was not matched by a symmetrical change in feed intake and there was no difference in diet selection between selection lines. Feed intake, growth and wool production of DRH animals remained the same as that of IRH, yet DRH animals had five times greater WEC than IRH. This study begins to explain the mechanisms that allow resistant animals to effectively prevent establishment and/or development of H. contortus, by maintaining a greater immune response to infection through higher circulating eosinophils, plasma globulin and IgG(1) antibody titres. Susceptible animals have displayed resilience by improving feed conversion efficiency and increasing protein synthesis.     

A comparative study at two different altitudes with two dietary nutrition levels on rumen fermentation and energy metabolism in Chinese Holstein cows

The object of this study was to investigate the effect of two altitudes (1600 vs. 3600 m) with two nutritional levels [5.88 MJ/kg dry matter (DM) vs. 7.56 MJ/kg DM] on apparent total tract digestibility, rumen fermentation, energy metabolism, milk yield and milk composition in Chinese Holstein cows. Sixteen Chinese Holstein cows in their third lactation with close body weights, days in milk and milk yield were randomly divided into four groups, of which two were directly transferred from Lanzhou (altitude of 1600 m) to Lhasa (altitude of 3600 m). Four treatments (high plateau and high nutrition level, HA‐HN; high plateau and low nutrition level, HA‐LN; low plateau and high nutrition level, LA‐HN; and low plateau and low nutrition level, LA‐LN) were randomly arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial experimental design. Results indicated that the apparent total tract digestibility of a diet’s DM, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre and DM intake were not affected by either altitude or nutrition level (p > 0.05). Milk protein percentage was higher for the diet with the high level of nutrition than for the diet with low nutrition level irrespective of altitude (p < 0.05). Percentages of milk fat and milk lactose were not affected by either altitude or nutrition level (p > 0.05). The metabolizable energy used for milk energy output was decreased by high altitude in comparison with that at low altitude (p < 0.05). No differences were observed in the live body weight or body condition score (BCS) of Chinese Holstein cows among all of the four treatments (p > 0.05).     

Effect of reduced energy density of close-up diets on dry matter intake,lactation performance and energy balance in multiparous Holstein cows

Energy intake prepartum is critically important to health,milk performance,and profitability of dairy cows.The objective of this study was to determine the effect of reduced energy density of close-up diets on dry matter intake(DMI),lactation performance and energy balance(EB) in multiparous Holstein cows which were housed in a free-stall bam and fed for ad libitum intake.Thirty-nine dry cows were blocked and assigned randomly to three groups fed a high energy density diet[HD,n = 13;6.8 MJ of net energy for lactation(NE_L)/kg;14.0%crude protein(CP)],or a middle energy density diet(MD,n = 13;6.2 MJ NE_L/kg;14.0%CP),or a low energy density diet(LD,n = 13;5.4 MJ NE_L/kg;14.0%CP) from d 21 before expected day of calving.After parturition,all cows were fed the same lactation diet to d 70 in milk(DIM).The DMI and NE_L intake prepartum were decreased by the reduced energy density diets(P 0.05).The LD group consumed 1.3 kg/d(DM) more diet compared with HD group in the last 24 h before calving.The milk yield and the postpartum DMI were increased by the reduced energy density diet prepartum(P 0.05).The changes in BCS and BW prepartum and postpartum were not affected by prepartum diets.HD group had higher milk fat content and lower lactose content compared with LD group during the first 3 wk of lactation(P 0.05).The energy consumption for HD,MD and LD groups were 149.8%,126.2%and 101.1%of their calculated energy requirements prepartum(P 0.05),and 72.7%,73.1%and 75.2%during the first 4 wk postpartum,respectively.In conclusion,the low energy density prepartum diet was effective in controlling NE_L intake prepartum,and was beneficial in increasing DMI and milk yield,and alleviating negative EB postpartum.     

Effects of supplementation with digestible undegradable protein in late pregnancy on ewe colostrums production and lamb output to weaning

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementation with digestible undegradable protein (DUP) in diet during late pregnancy on colostrum production, lamb survival and growth. For 3 weeks prior to lambing, 41 Afshari ewes were assigned at random to three dietary treatments, namely a control (CDUP), moderate (MDUP) and high (HDUP) DUP group. The ewes (n = 14) in CDUP group were fed a protein maintenance level for pregnant ewes [83 g metabolizable protein (MP)/kg dry matter (DM)], while ewes in the MDUP (n = 13) and HDUP (n = 14) groups were fed diets provided 14% (94.7 g MP/kg DM) and 24% (104.3 g MP/kg DM) MP in excess of these requirements respectively, which this increment was coming from DUP (DUP/MP ratio 43.8; 51.0% and 57.6% respectively). All diets were isoenergetic (12 MJ ME/kg DM). All ewes received the same lactation diet after lambing. Ewes in HDUP tend to produce more colostrums (p < 0.1) and had higher protein, fat, and solids non-fat content (p < 0.05) in colostrums during the first 24 h after lambing. MDUP group had higher colostrum yield compared to CDUP (p < 0.1). The changes in body weight and body condition score of ewes were similar for all diets but placenta weight was higher in MDUP group (p < 0.05) than for HDUP and CDUP ewes. Lamb body weight at weaning was higher for males compared to females (p < 0.05), but was not different between treatments. HDUP ewes had higher blood glucose concentration in the pre-lambing period than other treatments (p < 0.05). In this period, increasing the level of DUP in diet increased the content of blood urea nitrogen (p < 0.05). It was concluded that increasing the DUP content of diet for 3 weeks prior to lambing above the standard requirements resulted in an increase in colostrums production but had no effect on lamb outcome to weaning.     

直接法和回归法测定玉米青贮对肉牛有效能值的研究

旨在应用直接法和回归法测定肉牛玉米青贮的消化能、代谢能和净能值,并探讨精料回归法用于估测肉牛单一粗饲料原料能值的可行性。试验选取12头体况良好、体重相近[(259±14.08)kg]的生长期公牛,随机分为3组,每组4头牛。分两期试验进行,试验一按试验牛自由采食量的95%、80%和60%3个水平饲喂全玉米青贮日粮;试验二在固定玉米青贮投喂量的基础上,各组分别按青贮饲喂量的15%、25%和50%(干物质基础)添加精料补充料。试验每期14d,其中前10d为预饲期,后4d为正试期。正试期消化代谢和呼吸代谢试验同期进行,测定玉米青贮对肉牛能量代谢规律。结果表明:1)肉牛对全玉米青贮日粮的各种营养物质消化率和能量消化率及代谢率随饲喂水平的提高总体逐渐降低;肉牛能量采食量(总能、消化能、代谢能和净能)随饲喂水平的提高逐渐升高,组间差异显著(P0.05)。2)玉米青贮对肉牛的消化能、代谢能和净能值随着饲喂水平的提高呈下降趋势,各有效能值变化范围分别为10.58~11.48 MJ/kg,8.33~9.44 MJ/kg和5.20~6.21 MJ/kg。3)添加精料补充料显著提高了肉牛对日粮的干物质采食量和粗蛋白消化率(P0.05),而洗涤纤维消化率精料添加比例组间差异不明显(P0.05);随着精料添加比例的增加,肉牛对日粮的能量采食量(总能、消化能、代谢能和净能)和能量消化率及代谢率逐渐上升,消化能代谢率各组之间无显著差异(P0.05)。4)根据试验日粮有效能值与精料添加量之间的关系建立线性回归方程后,外推估测得玉米青贮的消化能、代谢能和净能值分别为10.53 MJ/kg、8.29 MJ/kg和5.35MJ/kg,与95%饲喂水平组直接测定结果(10.58 MJ/kg、8.33 MJ/kg和5.20 MJ/kg)差异不显著(P0.05)。综上所述,回归法测定玉米青贮对肉牛的有效能值与直接法测定结果差异不明显,精料回归法可以用于估测肉牛单一粗饲料的有效能值。     

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.     

Feed intake and production parameters of lactating crossbred cows fed maize-based diets of stover,silage or quality protein silage

Thirty-six Boran × Friesian dairy cows (392 ± 12 kg; mean ± SD) in early parity were used in a randomised complete block design. Cows were blocked by parity into three blocks of 12 animals and offered normal maize (NM) stover (T1), NM silage (T2) or quality protein maize (QPM) silage (T3) basal diets supplemented with a similar concentrate mix. Feed intake, body weight and condition changes and milk yield and composition were assessed. The daily intake of DM, OM, NDF and ADF for cows fed the NM stover-based diet was higher (P < 0.05) than for the cows fed the NM silage and QPM silage-based diets. However, the daily intake of DOM (9.3 kg) and ME (140.8 MJ) for cows on QPM silage-based diet was higher (P < 0.05) than for cows on NM stover-based diet (8.4 kg and 124.2 MJ) and NM silage-based diet (7.9 kg and 119.1 MJ). Body weight of cows was affected (P < 0.05) by the diet, but diet had no effect (P > 0.05) on body condition score, milk yield and milk composition. The digestible organic matter in the NM stover-based diet (724 g/kg DM) was lower (P < 0.05) than that in the NM (770 g/kg DM) and QPM silage-based diet (762 g/kg DM). It was concluded that the performances of the cows on the NM silage and QPM silage diets were similar and were not superior to that of the NM stover-based diet.     

Effects of exposure to high ambient temperature and dietary protein level on sow milk production and performance of piglets.

The effects of high ambient temperature and level of dietary heat increment on sow milk production and piglet performance over a 28-d lactation were determined in 59 multiparous crossbred Large White x Landrace pigs kept at a thermoneutral (20 degrees C) or in a hot (29 degrees C) constant ambient temperature. Experimental diets fed during lactation were a control diet (NP; 17.6% CP) and two low-protein diets obtained by reduction of CP level (LP; 14.2% CP) or both reduction of CP and addition of fat (LPF; 15.2% CP); the NE:ME ratio was 74.3, 75.6, and 75.8% for NP, LP, and LPF diets, respectively. All diets provided 0.82 g of digestible lysine/MJ of NE, and ratios between essential AA and lysine were above recommendations. Creep feed was provided after d 21 of lactation. Reduction of CP level did not influence (P > 0.10) milk production, milk composition, or piglet performance. Despite higher nursing frequency (39 vs 34 sucklings per day), milk production decreased (P < 0.01) from 10.43 to 7.35 kg/d when temperature increased from 20 to 29 degrees C. At d 14, DM (18.6 vs 18.1%) and energy (4.96 vs 4.75 MJ/kg) contents in milk tended (P = 0.09) to be higher in sows kept at 29 degrees C. Over the 28-d lactation, piglet BW gain and BW at weaning decreased (P < 0.01) from 272 to 203 g/d and 9.51 to 7.52 kg, respectively, when temperature increased from 20 to 29 degrees C. Daily creep feed intake over the 4th wk of lactation was higher (P < 0.01) at 29 degrees C than at 20 degrees C (388 vs 232 g/litter, respectively), which was reflected in a greater increase in BW gain between wk 1 to 3 and wk 4 at the higher temperature (147 vs 130%); BW gain between weaning and d 14 postweaning was higher (P < 0.05) for piglets originating from sows kept at 29 degrees C (280 vs 218 g/d). In connection with their lower growth rate, DM (31.2 vs 33.0%), protein (15.5 vs 16.0%), lipid (12.3 vs 13.9%), and energy (8.39 vs 9.09 kJ/g) contents in weaned, slaughtered piglets were lower (P < 0.01) at 29 than at 20 degrees C. In conclusion, modification in the CP:NE ratio in order to decrease dietary heat increment did not affect milk production and piglet performance in thermoneutral or hot climatic conditions. Our results confirm the negative effect of high ambient temperatures on milk yield and emphasize the importance of creep feed supply to improve pre- and postweaning growth of piglets in these conditions, especially when weaning occurs after 3 wk of age.     

采用英系北京鸭评定棉籽粕净能的研究

本研究旨在评定棉籽粕在英系北京鸭上的净能(NE),并运用棉籽粕的表观代谢能(AME)和常规成分建立其预测方程。根据析因法将棉籽粕替代饲粮的NE剖分为维持净能(NEm)和生产净能(NEp),利用回归法测定NEm,比较屠宰法测定NEp,再套算得到棉籽粕的NE。选取400只7日龄的英系北京鸭进行动物试验。首先选取20只肉鸭在试验开始时挫颈致死,测定其体能量作为测定NEm和NEp的共同初始能量对照;再选取50只肉鸭用于NEm的测定,NEm用禁食产热(FHP)估计,共设5个组(每组5个重复,每个重复2只),分别为自由采食组及限饲15%、25%、35%、45%组,均饲喂基础饲粮1;剩余的330只肉鸭用于NEp的测定,共设33个组(每组5个重复,每个重复2只),分别饲喂基础饲粮2和以不同棉籽粕替代15%基础饲粮2的试验饲粮。于14日龄时将所有的试鸭挫颈致死,测定所有试鸭的体能量。最后,将实测棉籽粕NE与AME和其常规成分进行相关分析和多元逐步线性回归分析建立棉籽粕NE的预测方程。结果显示:英系北京鸭的FHP为580.7 k J/(kg BW0.75·d),棉籽粕替代饲粮提供给肉鸭的NEm和NEp分别为(2.97±0.15)MJ/kg和(5.22±0.12)MJ/kg,棉籽粕替代饲粮提供给肉鸭的NE为(8.19±0.09)MJ/kg,计算得到的棉籽粕的NE和AME分别为(6.12±0.62)MJ/kg和(10.05±1.02)MJ/kg,AME转化为NE的效率为(60.97±2.04)%,使用AME和常规成分建立棉籽粕NE的最佳预测方程为NE=3.276+0.241AME+0.044CP-0.081ADF[决定系数(R2)=0.954,残余标准差(RSD)=0.13 M J/kg,P0.01],式中CP为粗蛋白质,ADF为酸性洗涤纤维。由以上结果可知:英系北京鸭棉籽粕的NE为(6.12±0.62)MJ/kg,分布范围为5.04~7.30 M J/kg,变异较大;运用AM E结合常规成分可以准确预测英系北京鸭棉籽粕的NE。     

不同能量和蛋白水平日粮对西农萨能奶山羊泌乳性能的影响

为筛选西农萨能奶山羊泌乳期全价料最适能量和蛋白水平,选取体重(50.56±0.76)kg、胎次(2～3)、产奶量(2.12±0.10)kg/d相近和分娩日期与体况一致,并处于泌乳高峰期的健康西农萨能奶山羊36只,随机分为6组,每组6只。采用3×2因子随机区组试验设计6种日粮,NE水平为12.64、13.08和13.52MJ/d,CP水平为16.13%和17.82%。试验期84d,共分4个阶段,每阶段21d。结果表明:日粮NE和CP水平对奶山羊DMI和血液生化指标没有显著影响,但存在交互作用,NE 13.52MJ/d和CP16.13%处理组的DMI最高。随日粮NE和CP水平升高泌乳量增加,其中CP提高可显著增加泌乳量(P=0.041);而乳脂肪、乳蛋白、乳糖、干物质和非脂乳固体等乳成分指标则降低,其中CP提高可显著降低乳蛋白(P=0.013)和非脂乳固体(P=0.031);日粮NE和CP水平对奶山羊泌乳性能的影响存在交互作用,NE 13.52MJ/d和CP17.82%时泌乳量最高,而NE 13.08MJ/d和CP16.13%时乳品质最好。综合各项指标并考虑生产实际,得出西农萨能奶山羊泌乳期日粮适宜的NE和CP水平分别为13.08MJ/d和CP16.13%。     

复合酶对临武鸭几种饼粕饲料原料养分利用率和代谢能的影响

本试验旨在研究复合酶(蛋白酶、纤维素酶和木聚糖酶)对临武鸭几种饼粕饲料原料(大豆粕、大豆渣、棉籽粕、2种菜籽粕、花生仁粕、2种芝麻粕)养分利用率和代谢能的影响。试验选用48只体重2.0 kg左右的健康成年临武鸭公鸭,随机分为6组,每组8个重复,每个重复1只鸭。采用绝食强饲-全收粪法进行3个批次代谢试验,每种原料均设对照组和添加复合酶组(试验原料中添加250 mg/kg的复合酶),对每只试验鸭强饲60 g试验原料,内源组强饲60 g无氮饲粮。测定添加复合酶条件下,临武鸭对8个饼粕饲料原料的表观代谢能(AME)、真代谢能(TME)及干物质(DM)、粗蛋白质(CP)、粗脂肪(EE)和粗纤维(CF)表观利用率和真可利用率。结果表明:临武鸭对8个饼粕类原料的DM、CP、EE和CF表观利用率分别为38.85%~62.86%、50.73%~65.39%、50.16%~74.50%和32.32%~46.46%,AM E和TM E分别为6.82~12.72 M J/kg,8.79~14.69 M J/kg,添加复合酶使临武鸭对几种饼粕饲料原料的DM、CP、EE和CF的有效营养改进值(ENIV)分别为6.25~21.70 g/kg、2.60~16.73 g/kg、0.13~8.66 g/kg和0.66~2.74 g/kg,TM E提高了0.19~1.15 M J/kg。由此可知,添加复合酶能够一定程度地提高临武鸭对饼粕饲料原料的养分利用率和代谢能。     

The effect of dietary energy and protein levels on production in breeding female ostriches

1. In a study spanning two breeding seasons, we assessed the effect of different dietary energy and protein levels on body mass, body condition, and egg production of female ostriches. 2. During the first breeding season, groups were given diets with energy concentrations of 8.5, 9.5 and 10.5 MJ/kg dry mass (DM) metabolisable energy (ME) and protein concentrations of 135, 150 and 165 g/kg. In the second breeding season, groups were given diets with ME of 7.5, 8.5 and 9.5 MJ/kg and protein contents of 105, 120 and 135 g/kg. 3. Body mass of birds on diets of 7.5 and 8.5 MJ/kg ME decreased significantly in the course of the breeding season compared with birds fed on diets with higher energy contents and body measurements decreased, suggesting a loss of body condition. 4. Females fed on diets containing only 7.5 MJ/kg ME produced significantly fewer eggs at significantly longer intervals, resulting in fewer chicks hatched. 5. There was no significant difference in egg mass, initial chick mass, chick survival to one month of age and body mass of chicks at one month. 6. Dietary protein concentrations had no effect on egg production, egg mass, hatchability, initial chick mass, chick survival or chick mass at one month old. 7. The female ostriches regained their original body mass during the 4-month rest period between breeding seasons, but significant differences in some parameters during the second breeding season suggest that they may not have fully recovered their body condition. 8. A dietary energy content of 7.5 MJ/kg proved to have an adverse effect on egg production by breeding female ostriches, and it may be concluded from this study that a diet containing 8.5 MJ ME/kg DM and 105 g/kg protein should be regarded as the minimum that can be used for breeding female ostriches without compromising egg production.