Effects of essential oil supplementation of a low‐energy diet on performance,intestinal morphology and microflora,immune properties and antioxidant activities in weaned pigs

A total of 144 weaned piglets were used to evaluate the effects of essential oil (EO) supplementation of a low‐energy diet on performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, small intestinal morphology, intestinal microflora, immune properties and antioxidant activities in weaned pigs. Pigs received a low‐energy diet (negative control, NC, digestible energy = 3250 kcal/kg), NC plus 0.025% EO or a positive control diet (PC, digestible energy = 3400 kcal/kg) for 28 days. Growth performance was similar between the EO group and PC group. However, EO supplementation increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain and the apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and energy compared with pigs fed the NC diet. Greater (P < 0.05) villus height and lower (P < 0.05) counts of Escherichia coli and total anaerobes in the rectum in the EO group were observed compared with NC or PC groups. Pigs fed EO diet had higher (P < 0.05) concentrations of albumin, immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgG and total antioxidant capacity and lower fecal score than pigs fed the PC and NC diets. Above all, this study indicates that supplementation of EO to a low‐energy pig diet has beneficial results and obtains similar performance compared with normal energy (PC) diet.     

The effect of different high‐fat diets on erythrocyte osmotic fragility,growth performance and serum lipid concentrations in male,Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Poultry diets are formulated with additional animal fat or vegetable oils to improve growth rate and feed conversion efficiency. High‐fat diet feeding in rats and fish has been shown to result in alterations in the phospholipid composition and cholesterol content of the erythrocyte membrane, in turn affecting erythrocyte osmotic fragility. In contrast, the few studies performed using high‐fat diet feeding in avian species show no changes in erythrocyte osmotic fragility. This study made use of the Japanese quail as no data exists on investigation of this species with respect to high‐fat diet feeding and erythrocyte osmotic fragility. Fifty‐seven male quail were randomly divided into six groups and fed either a standard diet (commercial poultry feed) or one of five high‐fat diets (commercial poultry feed with 22% of either coconut oil, lard, palm oil, soya bean oil or sunflower oil on a weight/weight basis) for 12 weeks. All birds on the high‐fat diets were significantly heavier (p < 0.05) after the 12‐week feeding period, than when commencing the dietary intervention. Serum triglyceride concentrations of birds in all high‐fat diet groups were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than birds in the standard diet group, whereas only birds in the palm oil group had significantly lower (p < 0.05) serum cholesterol concentrations compared to the standard diet group. Fragiligrams of erythrocytes from birds in the various dietary groups were similar. High‐fat diet feeding with different types of additional fat did not affect the osmotic fragility of the quail erythrocytes. Feeding quail high‐energy diets of varying degrees of fatty acid saturation was well tolerated and did not seem to affect the overall health status of the birds. Resistance of avian erythrocytes to modification by excess dietary fat may be a general characteristic of avian erythrocytes.     

Comparison effects of dietary iron dextran and bacterial‐iron supplementation on growth performance,fecal microbial flora,and blood profiles in sows and their litters

This study was conducted to compare effects of dietary administration of iron dextran and bacterial‐iron on growth performance, fecal microbial flora, and blood profiles in sows and their litters. A total of 20 multiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly allotted into two treatments: (i) ID (basal diet, piglets were injected with iron dextran); (ii) BR (basal diet + bacterial‐iron; bacterial‐iron was given to sows, piglets were not injected with iron dextran). There were five replicates per treatment with two sows per replicate. No differences were observed on sow and piglet growth performance, fecal microbial flora as well as sow blood profiles between ID and BR treatments. In piglets, blood iron, red blood cell and hemoglobin concentrations in ID treatment were higher (P < 0.05) on days 12 and 24. Furthermore, concentration of white blood cells in BR treatment was lower (P < 0.05) on day 12. However, the percentage of lymphocytes on day 12 was increased (P < 0.05) in BR treatment. In conclusion, effect of iron dextran and bacterial‐iron has no difference on growth performance in lactating sows and piglets, but iron dextran injection has higher blood iron, white blood cell, red blood cell and hemoglobin concentrations in piglets.     

The effects of transportation stress on Japanese quail (Coturnix Coturnix japonica) fed corn‐based diet in comparison with wheat‐based diet supplemented with xylanase and phytase

Harvesting, handling and transporting quails to the slaughterhouses, other farms and laboratories might covertly reduce their welfare. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two major sources of energy in poultry nutrition on reducing transportation stress in Japanese quail (Coturnix Coturnix japonica). Male quails (n = 60) were divided into two groups. The first group was fed corn‐based diet, and the second was fed wheat‐based diet supplemented with xylanase and phytase. At the end of the experiment (day 35), quails were subjected to 80 km of transportation. Immediately on arrival and after 24 h, heterophil counts, lymphocyte counts and H:L ratios were measured. On arrival, H counts were lower, L counts were higher, and H:L ratios were lower for corn‐fed group. After 24 h, wheat‐fed group showed lower increment of H counts, greater increment of L counts and also decrement of H:L ratios rather than corn‐fed group which showed increment of H:L ratios. However, these ratios were still lower in corn‐fed group. Results indicate that corn‐based diets can help Japanese quail to better resist transportation stress, although it seems that feeding wheat‐based diets supplemented with xylanase and phytase could have positive effects for coping better with stress after journeys.     

牛至油对育肥猪生长性能和肉品质的影响

文章旨在研究不同浓度的牛至油对肥育猪生长性能和肉质特性的影响。试验选择32头阉割公猪和32头后备母猪随机分成4个组,对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验组分别在基础日粮中添加0.2、0.4和0.8mg/kg牛至油,试验共开展5周。试验结束后禁食12h,称重后屠宰。经过一夜的冷却,从屠体上取50cm的腰肌(每组8头,4头公猪、4头母猪)。日粮中添加牛至精油对生长猪末重、日增重、屠宰率均无显著差异(P>0.05),同时各组最长肌嫩度、屠宰后45min和24h后的pH、肉色及感官特性也无显著差异(P>0.05)。此外,脂质氧化试验结果显示,日粮添加牛至油对肌肉无明显的抗氧化作用(P>0.05)。综上所述,由于胴体和肉质属性均无显著变化,说明本试验中日粮添加不同水平牛至油对猪的肉质参数没有影响。     

Effects of alpha‐lipoic acid supplementation on growth performance,antioxidant capacity and biochemical parameters for ammonia‐exposed broilers

In order to estimate the effect of alpha‐lipoic acid (LA) supplementation on relieving ammonia stress of broilers, 180 22‐day‐old male broilers were assigned to three groups, six replicates in each group and 10 birds per replicate. The three groups were: (1) a control group without ammonia stress; (2) exposure to 70 ppm atmospheric ammonia (AM); (3) exposure to 70 ppm atmospheric ammonia and administration of 300 mg/kg LA (AM + LA). The experimental period was 3 weeks. Results showed that average daily weight gain was increased and feed conversion ratio was decreased in the AM + LA group, compared with the AM group (P < 0.05). Total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in serum, and glutathione content in liver were higher in the AM + LA group than that in the AM group (P < 0.05); however, serum malondialdehyde content was decreased by LA addition (P < 0.05). Additionally, serum glutamic‐pyruvic transaminase, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activities were reduced and albumin level was increased by LA addition (P < 0.05). In conclusion, LA addition could relieve ammonia stress to restore broiler production performance to normal levels.     

牛至油对生长猪生产性能和养分表观消化率的影响

选用健康、体重25kg左右的荣×大×杜杂交猪60头,随机分到2个组,每组6个重复,每个重复5头猪,每圈为1个重复,研究添加牛至油对生长猪生产性能和养分消化率的影响。试验组在对照组的基础上添加100g/t的牛至油,测定猪的生产性能和养分表观消化率。试验结果表明,在生长猪日粮中添加100g/t的牛至油具有改善猪只生产性能、提高养分表观消化率的趋势,可降低单位增重饲料成本。     

Effects of the supplementation with an high‐polyphenols extra‐virgin olive oil on kinetic sperm features and seminal plasma oxidative status in healthy dogs

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of the supplementation of two extra‐virgin olive oils (EVOO) having different polyphenols content, on canine spermatozoa kinetic parameters and seminal plasma oxidative status. The study was conducted on 12 clinically healthy dogs of different breeds (2–7 years, 5–48 kg of body weight) divided into two groups: an experimental group supplemented with EVOO (Coratina cultivar) high in polyphenols (H‐P) and a control group fed EVOO (Cima di Bitonto cultivar) low in polyphenols (L‐P). The oil was daily administered per os (1 ml/3 kg BW) before meal. Semen collection was made twice at 15 days distance (D0₁ and D0₂) and then at 30 (D30), 60 (D60) and 90 (D90) days. Semen concentration and kinetic parameters were measured using computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA) system to evaluate: sperm total count, sperm motile (MOT%), progressive motility (PROGR%) and its fractions, straight‐line velocity (VSL, μm/s), curvilinear velocity (VCL, μm/s), average path velocity (VAP, μm/s), amplitude of lateral head displacement (ALH, μm), beat cross frequency (BCF, Hz), straightness (STR%) and linearity (LIN%). On seminal plasma, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP) were tested. From findings, no differences were found for sperm MOT, VSL, VCL, VAP, ALH, BCF, STR, LIN and BAP. A gradual enhancement of PROGR% was observed in H‐P group (p < .01). The ROS levels were higher in dogs H‐P compared to the other group (p < .05). In conclusion, our results highlight the positive effects of EVOO polyphenols on sperm PROGR% in healthy dogs.     

Impact of restricting feed and probiotic supplementation on growth performance,mortality and carcass traits of meat‐type quails

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of quantitative feed restriction, along with dietary supplementation with a probiotic blend (Protexin) as a natural growth promoter, on the performance, water consumption, mortality rate and carcass traits of meat‐type quails. A total of 250 1‐day unsexed quails were randomly allocated to five equal groups in a completely randomized design. The first group (A) fed a basal diet without any restriction (24 hr/day); the second group (B1) fed the basal diet for 20 hr/day; the third group (B2) fed the basal diet enriched with probiotic (0.1 g/kg diet) for 20 hr/day; the fourth group (C1) fed the basal diet for 16 hr/day; and the fifth group (C2) fed the basal diet enriched with probiotic (0.1 g/kg diet) for 16 hr/day. Birds were fed ad‐libitum from 0–14 days of age, and then the feed restriction regimes started from 14 till 28 days of age. Results showed that quails in the control‐group consumed more feed and water than the other treatment groups (p < .01), however their body weights did not differ (p > .05) compared with the other treated groups. The best feed conversion values were achieved in quails supplemented with probiotic blend (B2 and C2) in comparison with the other groups (p < .01). Feeding probiotic had a positive effect on bird health which reduced the mortality rate. Further, mortality rate was significantly reduced (p < .05) by feed restriction, with or without probiotic supplementation. No carcass parameters were significantly affected (p > .05) by treatments. Our results show that quail could be reared under a feed restriction system, for 4–8 hr daily, along with dietary supplementation of probiotic as growth promoter for better growth performance.     

Effect of dietary methionine on growth performance and insulin‐like growth factor‐I mRNA expression of growing meat rabbits

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of different amounts of dietary methionine on growth performance, serum protein, growth hormone (GH), insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) concentrations and IGF‐I mRNA expression of growing meat rabbits. One hundred weaned growing meat rabbits were allocated to individual cages and randomly divided into five groups. The methionine addition concentrations of the five groups were 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 g/kg diet (as‐fed basis) and sulphur amino acids (SAA) concentrations ranging from 3.8 to 11.6 g/kg diet, respectively. The results obtained were as follows: the average daily gain of 2, 4 and 6 g/kg diet groups was higher than that of 0 g/kg diet group (p < 0.01). The feed gain ratio of the 4 g/kg diet group was lower than those of 0 and 8 g/kg diet group (p < 0.01). Methionine concentrations did not affect serum urea nitrogen, total protein, insulin and IGF‐I concentration (p > 0.05). The quadratic effects of methionine on the serum concentration of albumin (Alb) and GH were obtained (p = 0.013, p = 0.018). The quadratic effect of methionine amount on IGF‐I mRNA expression was obtained (p = 0.045). The serum concentration of Alb of the 4 g/kg diet group was higher than those of 0 and 8 g/kg diet group (p < 0.01). The serum concentration of GH of 8 g/kg diet group was higher than that of the 0 g/kg diet group (p < 0.05). The liver IGF‐I mRNA expression of 4 g/kg diet group was higher than those of the 0 and 8 g/kg diet group (p < 0.05). Providing a diet mainly consisted of corn, wheat bran and peanut vine, the optimum dietary methionine addition concentration and SAA concentration for a weaner to 2‐month‐old growing meat rabbits were shown to be 2 and 5.7 g/kg diet respectively.     

Effect of a single polymorphism in the Japanese quail NK‐lysin gene on antimicrobial activity

NK‐lysins are cationic peptides that play important roles in host protection, and are an important constituent of innate immunity. We identified nine single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the NK‐lysin open reading frame (ORF) from 32 Japanese quails in six strains: A, B, ND, K, P, and Y. The G to A substitution at nucleotide position 272 in the ORF resulted in a Gly (G) to Asp (D) amino acid substitution (Cj31G and Cj31D alleles). The Cj31D allele was detected in P (frequency 0.76) and Y (frequency 0.03) strains. We compared the antimicrobial activities of four synthetic peptides from the helix 2‐loop‐helix 3 region of avian NK‐lysins against Escherichia coli: Cj31G and Cj31D from quail and Gg29N and Gg29D from chicken. The antimicrobial activities of the four peptides decreased in the following order: Gg29N > Cj31G > Gg29D > Cj31D (P < 0.05). Although there were no differences in the predicted secondary structure of the Cj31G and Cj31D, the net charge of the Cj31G was higher than that of Cj31D. These data indicated that the antimicrobial activity of CjNKL is influenced by net charge, similar to that which has been observed in chicken. © 2015 Japanese Society of Animal Science     

Effect of feeding a high‐carbohydrate or a high‐fat diet on subsequent food intake and blood concentration of satiety‐related hormones in dogs

Although studies in rodents and humans have evidenced a weaker effect of fat in comparison to carbohydrates on the suppression of food intake, very few studies have been carried out in this field in dogs. This study investigates the effects of a high‐carbohydrate (HC ) and a high‐fat (HF ) diets on subsequent food intake and blood satiety‐related hormones in dogs. Diets differed mainly in their starch (442 vs. 271 g/kg dry matter) and fat (99.3 vs. 214 g/kg dry matter) contents. Twelve Beagle dogs received the experimental diets at maintenance energy requirements in two experimental periods, following a cross‐over arrangement. In week 7 of each period, blood concentrations of active ghrelin, glucagon‐like peptide (GLP ‐1), peptide YY , insulin, and glucose were determined before and at 30, 60, 120, 180, and 360 min post‐feeding. The following week, intake of a challenge food offered 180 min after the HC and HF diets was recorded over two days. In comparison to the dogs on the HC diet, those on the HF diet had a higher basal concentration of GLP ‐1 (p  = .010) and a higher total area under the curve over 180 min post‐prandial (tAUC _0–180) (p  = .031). Dogs on the HC diet showed a higher elevation of ghrelin at 180 min (p  = .033) and of insulin at 360 min (p  = .041), although ghrelin and insulin tAUC _0–180 did not differ between the two diets (p  ? .10). Diet had no effect on challenge food intake (p  ? .10), which correlated with the tAUC _0–180 of ghrelin (r = .514, p  = .010), insulin (r = ?.595, p  = .002), and glucose (r = ?.516, p  = .010). Feeding a diet high in carbohydrate or fat at these inclusion levels does not affect the feeding response at 180 min post‐prandial, suggesting a similar short‐term satiating capacity.     

Significant effect of NSP‐ase enzyme supplementation in sunflower meal‐based diet on the growth and nutrient digestibility in broilers

The response of broiler chickens to 3 levels of sunflower meal and 2 levels of NSP‐ase enzyme combination (with and without) was investigated in 3 × 2 factorial arrangement under complete randomized design (CRD). A total of 240 Hubbard broiler chicks were fed on practical mash diets having 2950 kcal of ME and 21% CP from 1 to 42 days of age. The BW gain was not significantly reduced when 25% SFM was added in the diets during 1 to 42 days of age. Supplementation of NSP‐ase in broiler diets (day 1–42 overall) demonstrated non‐significant differences (p < 0.05) across the treatments in terms of FI and BWG. The difference in feed:gain at 15% or 20% SFM was observed to be non‐significant. Replacement of SBM with SFM or inclusion of SFM at higher level (25%) increased/deteriorated FCR. The addition of exogenous NSP‐ase showed a significant improvement (p < 0.01) in feed:gain. The improvement was clearly demonstrated when SFM was added to the experimental diet at 15% or even 20%. Supplementation of NSP‐ase at the 25% inclusion level could not, however, sustain the beneficial effect, which was possibly due to excessively high dietary CF. No difference was noted across the treatments regarding carcass response. Relative gizzard weight and intestinal weight were observed to be improved in birds consuming higher levels of SFM (p = 0.00). The digestibility of CF was observed to improve when SFM was used at 20% and 25% in the diets. No improvement in the digestibility of CF was observed with NSP‐ase supplementation, which meant other factors were clearly involved. Supplementation of NSP‐ase improved FCR up to 20% SFM. At 25% SFM, no improvement in the digestibility of CF was observed with NSP‐ase supplementation.     

Effects of a skullcap root supplement on haematology,serum parameters and antioxidant enzymes in rabbits on a high‐cholesterol diet

We studied the effects of Scutellaria baicalensis root on blood parameters and antioxidant enzyme activities in rabbits fed a high‐cholesterol diet. Thirty‐two New Zealand White rabbits were divided into four groups of eight animals each. They were fed a standard diet (C group), a diet with a 1% pure cholesterol supplement (CH group), a diet with a 1% pure cholesterol supplement and a 9% skullcap root supplement (CH + SR group), or a diet with a 9% skullcap root supplement (SR group). After 6 weeks, the rabbits fed the high‐cholesterol diet had significantly decreased RBC and Hb levels and significantly increased MCV, MCH and Fe levels (p ≤ 0.05). The skullcap root supplement had no adverse effects on the haematological parameters. The values for RBC, Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH and MCHC were similar in the skullcap root‐treated and control rabbits. We also observed a remarkable elevation in the serum TC, LDL and TG levels at the end of the 6‐week period. The rabbits fed the cholesterol diet showed decreased activity of the erythrocyte GSH‐Px compared with the rabbits fed the basal diet. The GSH‐Px activity was significantly higher in the rabbits fed the CH + SR diet than in those on the CH diet. The erythrocyte SOD activity was also significantly decreased in the rabbits on the CH diet. However, the CH + SR group rabbits showed significantly enhanced erythrocyte SOD activity. The SOD level in the CH + SR rabbits was 34.91 U/ml, which was a 23% increase (p ≤ 0.05) in relation to the results for the CH group and only 15% diminished in relation to the control group. These results suggest that the dietary supplementation of skullcap root may improve rabbit antioxidant systems and protect against the risks from a high‐cholesterol diet.     

Serum metabolites,ghrelin and leptin are modified by age and/or diet in weanling kittens fed either a high‐ or moderate‐protein diet

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of in utero and postnatal exposure of a high‐protein (HP; n = 9) or moderate‐protein (MP; n = 16) diet on growth, and serum metabolite, ghrelin and leptin concentrations during the first 4 months of life in kittens. It was hypothesized that blood indices would be modified due to diet. Blood samples were collected from kittens at 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age. Kittens were weaned at 8 weeks of age onto the same diet as the dam. Body weight was measured weekly from birth and daily food intake for each litter was recorded post‐weaning. Serum concentrations of urea nitrogen, total protein and triglycerides were greater (P < 0.05) in kittens fed the HP diet. Serum cholesterol concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in MP‐fed kittens at 4 weeks of age. Moderate‐protein fed kittens tended to have greater (P < 0.10) serum ghrelin concentrations. Leptin concentrations were not affected by diet, but changed over time (P < 0.05). Our data indicate that diet and age of kittens affect circulating concentrations of peptides important in appetite regulation. Further research testing the effects of in utero and early postnatal nutrient exposure on feline obesity risk in adulthood is needed.     

日粮中添加牛至油对生长肉兔生产性能和抗氧化指标的影响

试验旨在研究牛至油对生长肉兔生产性能和抗氧化指标的影响。将80只2月龄新西兰肉兔,随机分为4个处理,对照组和三个添加剂组(分别添加50、100、150 mg/kg的牛至油)。将每个处理公母各半的20只肉兔分为5个重复,每个重复4只。试验预试期为7 d,正试期为28 d。结果表明:①各处理组的平均采食量之间无显著差异(P>0.05)。100、150 mg/kg组平均日增重分别比对照组增加了10.9%和12.6%(P<0.05),料肉比分别比对照组下降了9.8%和9.4%(P<0.05)。②随着牛至油剂量的增加,肉兔血清中SOD、GSH-Px、CAT活性也随之增加(P<0.05),然而MDA值逐渐减少。③饲粮中添加100、150 mg/kg的牛至油可使肝脏中SOD、GSH-Px和CAT的活性增加,与对照组有显著差异(P<0.05)。肝脏中MDA的含量在各组之间无显著差异(P>0.05)。④试验结果表明,牛至油100 mg/kg的添加量比较适宜。     

Effect of feed supplementation with Satureja khuzistanica essential oil on performance and physiological parameters of broilers fed on wheat- or maize-based diets

1. The aim of this study was to evaluate various levels of Satureja khuzistanica essential oil (SKEO) on performance and physiological parameters of broilers fed on wheat- or maize-based diets.

2. Treatments consisted of two cereals (maize- or wheat-based diets) and three levels of SKEO)0, 250 and 500 mg/kg).

3. Feed intake (FI) and body weight gain (BWG) decreased in broilers fed on the wheat-based diets compared to the control diet. Dietary supplementation of 500 mg/kg SKEO increased FI and BWG. Dietary SKEO supplementation was effective in improving FI and BWG only in wheat-based diets and was effective in improving feed conversion ratio (FCR) in both diets.

4. Dietary supplementation of 500 mg/kg SKEO caused a significant decrease in plasma cholesterol and triglycerides. Also, plasma low-density lipoprotein concentration was decreased in broilers fed on 250 and 500 mg/kg of SKEO. Plasma cholesterol levels in birds fed on the wheat-based diets were lower than in those fed on maize-based diets.

5. Dietary supplementation of 500 mg/kg SKEO increased caecal population of Lactobacillus and reduced total bacterial and Escherichia coli count. Caecal population of Lactobacillus decreased in broilers fed on the wheat-based diets.

6. Digesta viscosity was increased in broilers fed on the wheat-based diets and decreased in broilers fed on 500 mg/kg SKEO compared to the control diet. Dietary SKEO supplementation was effective in reducing digesta viscosity values only in wheat-based diets.

7. Villus height of the duodenum and jejunum decreased in broilers fed on the wheat-based diets. Dietary supplementation of 500 mg/kg SKEO increased villus height and villus height-to-crypt depth ratios and decreased crypt depth of the duodenum compared to the control diet.

8. It can be concluded that dietary SKEO supplementation was effective in improving FI, BWG and FCR values in wheat-based diets.     

Effect of n‐3 PUFA‐rich fish oil supplementation during late gestation on kidding,uterine involution and resumption of follicular activity in goat

We have shown that dietary supplementation of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n‐3 PUFA)‐rich fish oil (FO) around the breeding time improved the utero‐ovarian functions in the goat. Here, we investigated the effect of FO supplementation during the periparturient period on serum n‐3 PUFA, prostaglandin F_2α metabolite (PGFM), placental expulsion, uterine involution, resumption of oestrus and neonatal vigour. Rohilkhandi goat in advanced gestation (n = 16) was divided into two equal groups. One group was supplemented with FO containing 26% n‐3 long‐chain PUFA at the rate of 156 mg per kg body weight, while the control group was fed isocaloric palm oil (PO) from ?3 to +3 week of kidding. Dietary FO increased serum concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by 7.3‐ and 6.6‐fold, respectively, after 6 weeks of supplementation. Goats in FO group expelled the foetal membranes 99.1 min earlier (p < .01) than those of PO group. Further, dietary FO significantly decreased the serum PGFM on day 7 post‐partum. However, no difference was found on uterine involution, which was complete by day 20 post‐partum in either group. Resumption of follicular activity by day 5 post‐partum was 87.5% in the FO as compared to 25% in the PO group (p < .05). Similarly, occurrence of behavioural oestrus by day 90 post‐partum was 57.1% in goats of the FO group while none of does was in the PO group (p < .01) expressed oestrus. It was concluded that feeding FO‐rich diet during ?3 to +3 weeks of kidding decreased the PGFM till day 7 post‐partum, hastened the expulsion of foetal membranes and reduced the time from kidding to first post‐partum oestrus in Rohilkhandi does.     

Effect of dosage and application mode of l‐carnitine on plasma lipid and egg‐yolk cholesterol of turkeys,hatchability of eggs and post‐hatch growth of their offsprings

The effect of dosage and application mode of l ‐carnitine on plasma lipid and egg‐yolk cholesterol of breeder turkeys, hatchability of eggs and post‐hatch growth response was investigated using 180 breeder hens. The hens were assigned to six dietary treatments in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangements of two application modes of l ‐carnitine (diet and drinking water) supplemented at 0, 50 and 100 ppm (mg/kg or mg/l) levels, respectively. Each treatment was replicated five times with six hens per replicate. Dietary inclusion of 50 ppm l ‐carnitine showed the lowest (p < 0.01) plasma total cholesterol (TC) and low‐density lipoprotein concentration (LDL). Breeder hens offered 50 ppm l ‐carnitine with no regard to application mode recorded the highest (p < 0.01) plasma high‐density lipoprotein (HDL). Hens offered 50 and 100 ppm l ‐carnitine irrespective of application mode also showed reduced (p < 0.01) egg‐yolk TC concentration at 32 weeks of age. Dietary supplementation of 50 ppm l ‐carnitine for breeder turkeys recorded the lowest (p < 0.01) egg‐yolk triglyceride (TG) at 40 weeks of age. Hens offered 50 ppm l ‐carnitine irrespective of application mode recorded the highest (p < 0.05) hen‐day egg production. Incidence of dead‐in‐shell also reduced (p < 0.05) with increasing dosage of l ‐carnitine. Dietary supplementation of 50 ppm and oral application in drinking water of 100 ppm l ‐carnitine for breeder turkeys resulted in highest (p < 0.05) egg fertility. Offsprings from breeder hens fed diets supplemented with l ‐carnitine recorded no post‐hatch mortality. Highest (p < 0.05) post‐hatch final live weight and weight gain was obtained with poults obtained from hens fed diet supplemented with 50 ppm l ‐carnitine. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 50 ppm l ‐carnitine for turkey hens showed improved serum lipid profile, egg fertility, reduced dead‐in‐shell, egg‐yolk cholesterol and resulted in improved post‐hatch growth performance.     

Effect of different levels of mannan‐oligosaccharide supplementation on the apparent ileal digestibility of nutrients,N‐balance and growth performance of weaned piglets

Several studies report that dietary mannan‐oligosaccharides (MOSs) improve the growth performance of piglets, however, only a few studies focus on nutrient digestibility. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of dietary MOS on ileal digestibility of nutrients and on N‐balance and growth performance of piglets weaned at 28 days of age. Three experiments were conducted: a digestibility trial with a total of 30, simple T‐cannulated piglets (Exp. 1), a N‐balance trial with a total of 48 intact piglets (Exp. 2) and a performance trial with a total of 324 piglets (Exp. 3). In Exp. 1 and 2, the same five dietary treatments were carried out by supplementing the basal diet with 0, 1, 2, 4 g MOS or with 0.2 g antibiotic growth promoter (AGP, Avilamycin) per kg of diet. In Exp. 3, three dietary treatments were used as follows: the basal diet was supplemented no additive, 2 g MOS or 0.2 g AGP (Avilamycin) per kg of diet. Dietary MOS (2 or 4 g/kg) enhanced the ileal digestibility of crude protein similar to antibiotics. Addition of 1 g/kg MOS significantly increased the digestibility of Ca and P by 8.4% and 7.7% units, respectively; however, further increment did not enhance the absorption. Addition of 1 or 2 g/kg MOS significantly increased the ileal digestibility of lysine, methionine, cystine and threonine with the same magnitude or even more than the AGP. In our study, MOS supplementation had no influence on N‐balance and growth parameters. Because of the better apparent ileal digestibility of certain nutrients, however, the protein, lysine, methionine, cystine, threonine, Ca and P contents of the diet can probably be reduced without weakening the rearing performance of piglets, when the diet is supplemented with 2 g/kg MOS.