Influence of Bacillus subtilis GCB‐13‐001 on growth performance,nutrient digestibility,blood characteristics,faecal microbiota and faecal score in weanling pigs

The present study investigated the influence of Bacillus subtilis GCB‐13‐001 on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics, faecal microbiota and faecal score in weanling pigs. A total of 120 weaning pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc; 7.73 ± 0.75 kg (28 days of age)] were randomly allotted into three treatments according to their initial body weight (BW) and gender in a 6‐week experiment. There were 8 replication pens in each treatment, with five pigs/pen. Dietary treatment groups were as follows: (a) basal diet (CON), (b) CON + 0.1% Bacillus subtilis GCB‐13‐001 1 × 10⁸ CFU/kg (T1) and (c) CON + 0.1% Bacillus subtilis GCB‐13‐001 1 × 10⁹ CFU/kg (T2). Days 1 to 7, the BW and ADG with T2 treatment were higher (p < .05) than CON treatment, as well as F:G showed trends in linear reduction (p < .1). Days 8 to 21, the BW and ADG were improved (p < .05) in pigs offered T1 and T2 diets compared with CON diet. Days 22 to 42, BW and ADG were higher (p < .05) in pigs fed T2 diet than CON and T1 diets, and the pigs fed T1 diet had higher BW than CON treatment. Overall, the ADG with the T2 treatment was higher (p < .05) than that with the T1 and CON treatments, and pigs offered T1 treatment had higher (p < .05) ADG than CON treatment. Moreover, F:G ratio were significantly decreased (p < .05) by T2 treatment compared with CON treatment. The faecal Lactobacillus counts were improved, and E. coli counts were reduced (p < .05) in pigs fed T2 diet compared with CON at the end of the experiment. In conclusion, supplementation of 0.1% Bacillus subtilis GCB‐13‐001 1 × 10⁹ CFU/kg has shown a beneficial effect in improving BW, increase ADG, decrease F:G ratio.     

Effect of oral administration of probiotics on growth performance,apparent nutrient digestibility and stress‐related indicators in Holstein calves

This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus subtilis on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility and stress‐related indicators in dairy calves. Twenty‐four neonatal Holstein calves were randomly allocated to three treatments: a basal diet with no supplementation (control), the basal diet supplemented with 1.7 × 10¹⁰ CFU per head per day (CFU/h.d) of L. plantarum GF103 (LB group) or the basal diet supplemented with a mixture of L. plantarum GF103 (1.7 × 10¹⁰ CFU/h.d) and B. subtilis B27 (1.7 × 10⁸ CFU/h.d) (LBS group). Dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversation ratio (FCR), apparent digestibility of nutrients and stress‐related indicators were measured in this trail. The result indicated that no significant differences were observed in DMI or ADG (p > 0.05), but the FCR was improved in the LB group over the first 12 weeks (p > 0.05). The apparent digestibility of nutrients was not altered by probiotics in week 6 (p > 0.05), but the apparent digestibility of total phosphorus was significantly greater in the LB and LBS groups in week 8 (p > 0.05); additionally, an increase in the apparent digestibility of crude protein was detected in the LBS group (p > 0.05). Oral administration of L. plantarum alone improved the T‐lymphocyte transformation rate on days 58 and 62 (p > 0.05), while adding the mixture of L. plantarum and B. subtilis increased the T‐lymphocyte transformation rate (p > 0.05) but decreased the content of cortisol on day 58 (p > 0.05). No significant differences were detected between the LB and LBS groups in growth performance, apparent digestibility of nutrients and stress‐related indicators (p > 0.05). The results suggested that oral administration of L. plantarum improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility and relieved weaning stress in calves, but no additional effect was obtained by supplementation with B. subtilis.     

Influence of dietary slow‐release urea on growth performance,organ development and serum biochemical parameters of mutton sheep

Eighty Dorper × thin‐tailed Han cross‐bred non‐castrated male lambs [mean body weight (BW), 25.87 ± 1.06 kg] were randomly allocated to one of five different concentrations of slow‐release urea (urea phosphate, UP). The feed consisted of an equal amount of concentrate diet and roughage; the concentrate feed was formulated to be isoenergetic and isonitrogenic and contained 0%, 1%, 2%, 4% and 8% UP (UP0.0, UP1.0, UP2.0, UP4.0 and UP8.0, respectively) as a replacement for soya bean meal. Feed intake, BW, average daily gain (ADG), feed utilisation efficiency (FUE), absolute and relative organ weights and biochemical and histopathological parameters were measured. Feed intake, BW, ADG and FUE significantly decreased in the group receiving UP8.0 (p < 0.05), but no difference was found among the other groups (p > 0.05). Quadratic equations were developed between the UP dosage in the concentrate feed and ADG or FUE (r² = 0.973 for ADG and r² = 0.761 for FUE) to determine the appropriate dosage of UP given the desire to maximise either ADG or FUE, the appropriate dosage (feed concentration) was calculated as 2.01% UP to achieve the greatest ADG or 2.13% UP to achieve the best FUE. The relative weight of the liver (% BW) in the UP2.0 groups was significantly greater than that of UP0.0 (p < 0.05), and the relative weight of the intestine in the UP8.0 was significantly greater than that of UP0.0 (p < 0.05); the relative weight of the carcass, heart, spleen, lung, kidney, rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum did not differ among treatments (p > 0.05). The UP8.0 treatment significantly increased serum phosphorus levels (p < 0.05) and decreased the levels of alkaline phosphatase, glucose and calcium (Ca) compared with the lower UP dosage (p < 0.05). No histopathological differences were found in either hepatic tissues or renal tissues among treatments. Dietary UP as a replacement for soya bean in concentrate feeds for mutton sheep should not exceed 4%, as higher dosing may cause malnutrition and mineral disorders.     

Association of SNPs in GnRH gene with sperm quality traits of Chinese water buffalo

Hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) controls the activity of hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis and plays a key role in the reproductive performance of animals. In this study, five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), namely g.991T > C, g.1041T > C g.3424T > C, g.3462C > A and g.3463Inde A, were detected in the GnRH gene of 162 water buffaloes by Sanger sequencing. Each SNP was associated with more than two sperm quality traits of ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, post-thaw sperm motility and sperm abnormality. g.3424T > C and g.3462C > A were related to these four traits and had a remarkable effect on ejaculate volume. The three other SNPs were related to sperm concentration, post-thaw sperm motility and sperm abnormality. Moreover, six haplotypes (H1: TCCAI, H2: CTTC-, H3: TCCCI, H4: CTTA-, H5: CCTA- and H6: CTCC-) composed of five SNPs comprising seven different combined genotypes were generated by linkage disequilibrium analysis. Statistics followed by one-way ANOVA indicated that water buffaloes with the haplotype combination H1H1 had the highest genotypic frequency, and those with the H4H4 haplotype combination had the highest ejaculate volume. The sperm concentration of those with haplotype combination H1H5 was higher than that of the other genotypes. In summary, our study showed a remarkable association between the SNPs of GnRH and sperm quality traits of Chinese water buffalo.     

Effects of multistrain probiotics on growth performance,nutrient digestibility,blood profiles,faecal microbial shedding,faecal score and noxious gas emission in weaning pigs

This experiment was conducted to investigate the efficacy of multistrain probiotics in weaning pigs. A total of 125 28‐day‐old weaning pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] with an initial average body weight (BW) of 7.26 ± 0.76 kg were randomly allotted into 5 treatments, 5 replicate pens/treatment with 5 pigs/pen for 42‐day experiment. Dietary treatments were as follows: CON, basal diet; PC1, CON + 0.01% multistrain probiotics; PC2, CON + 0.03% multistrain probiotics; PC3, CON + 0.06% multistrain probiotics; PC4, CON + 0.1% multistrain probiotics. On day 14, pigs fed the PC4 diet had higher BW gain than pigs fed the CON diet. On day 42, pigs fed multistrain probiotics supplementation diets had higher BW gain than pigs fed the CON diet. From days 1 to 14, pigs fed the PC2, PC3 and PC4 diets had higher (p < 0.05) ADG than pigs fed the CON diet. From day 15 to 42, pigs fed the multistrain probiotics supplementation diets had higher (p < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and gain: feed ratio (G:F) than pigs fed the CON diet. In the overall period, pigs fed the multistrain probiotics supplementation diets had higher (p < 0.05) ADG and pigs fed the PC2 and PC4 diets had higher (p < 0.05) G:F than pigs fed the CON diet. On day 42, pigs fed the PC4 diet had higher (p < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N) and gross energy (GE), faecal Lactobacillus counts and lower (p < 0.05) E. coli counts and NH₃ emission than pigs fed the CON diet. Pigs fed the multistrain probiotics supplementation diets had lower (p < 0.05) H₂S and total mercaptans emissions than pigs fed the CON diet. Conclusions, dietary supplementation with 0.1% probiotics improved growth performance, nutrition digestibility and intestinal microflora balance and decreased faecal noxious gas emissions in weaning pigs.     

Effects of complex probiotic supplementation in growing pig diets with and without palm kernel expellers on growth performance,nutrient digestibility,blood parameters,fecal microbial shedding and noxious gas emission

In Experiment 1, a total of 100 growing pigs (Duroc × [Landrace × Yorkshire]) with an average initial body weight (BW) of 24.88 ± 1.57 kg were randomly allotted to 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with two concentrations of palm kernel expellers (PKE) in diets at 0% or 10%, and two concentrations of supplemental probiotics at 0 or 6.0 × 10⁷ colony‐forming units/kg. There were five replicate pens per treatment with five pigs per pen. In Experiment 2, eight barrows with average initial BW of 25.78 ± 0.19 kg were allotted to a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with four diets and four periods per square. Four experimental diets were the same as Experiment 1. In Experiment 1, dietary probiotic supplementation improved (P < 0.05) the average daily gain (ADG), nutrient digestibility and the fecal Lactobacillus counts. Furthermore, interactive effects (P < 0.05) between PKE and probiotics were observed on ADG and growth‐to‐feed ratio. In Experiment 2, an interactive effect (P < 0.05) of PKE and probiotics was observed in apparent ileal digestibility of nitrogen and some amino acids. In conclusion, dietary probiotics did not improve PKE utilization and the use of probiotics in non‐PKE‐containing diet was more favorable than in PKE‐containing diet.     

Influence of elevated protein and tannin-rich peanut skin supplementation on growth performance,blood metabolites,carcass traits and immune-related gene expression of grazing meat goats

The aim of the present study was to define whether elevated rumen-undegradable protein (RUP) and tannin-rich peanut skin (PS) supplementation would affect animal growth performance, average daily gain (ADG), blood metabolites, carcass traits associated with lipogenic and immune-related gene expressions in meat goats grazing winter wheat (WW). Thirty-six Kiko-crossbreed male goats at approximately 6 months of age were blocked by body weight (BW; 25.6 ± 1.1 kg) and randomly assigned to one of the four treatments with two replicates based on a 2 × 2 factorial design. Diets contained PS replacing alfalfa meal (ALM), without or with RUP supplementation. Both PS and ALM were incorporated into grain mix portion of the diet and pelletized, with remaining diets fed ad libitum of WW forage for a period of 51 days. Lipogenic genes examined included SCD, ACLY, YWHAZ, PPIA and FABP4, while immune-related genes examined included ACTB (as a control gene), H3F3A, PPIA, IRF3, STAT2, HERC3 and IFIT3 antibody genes. The meat goats on PS-pellet-supplemented group with or without RUP supplementation grew 38.5% faster ADG (p < .001) when compared to control-supplemented group. When goats received PS diet, empty body weight, hot carcass, cold carcass, shoulder, hind shank, rack, loin and fat thickness were greater (p < .05) than control diet. Animals on PS-pellet had higher ACLY, YWHAZ, PPIA and FABP4 gene expression (p < .05) when compared to ALM-pellet control, with RUP by PS-pellet interactions (p < .01). Goats receiving additional RUP supplementation had increased (p < .05) STAT2 gene expression, whereas goats receiving PS-pellet supplementation showed increased STAT2 (p < .05) and a tendency to increase IRF3 (p = .07) gene expressions. In conclusion, the addition of PS-pellet or RUP supplementation has the potential to improve ADG and altered selected lipogenic and immune-related gene expressions.     

Effects of different n‐6 to n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio on reproductive performance,fecal microbiota and nutrient digestibility of gestation‐lactating sows and suckling piglets

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary ratios of n‐6:n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on reproductive performance, fecal microbiota and nutrient digestibility of gestation‐lactating sows and suckling piglets. Fifteen primiparous sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly allotted into three treatments. Fed diets contained different ratios of n‐6:n‐3 PUFA, including 20:1, 15:1 and 10:1. No differences were detected among the treatments for average daily feed intake (ADFI) of sows and the back fat levels during lactation (P > 0.05). Body weight (BW) loss of sows after farrowing to weanling was greater in the 10:1 treatment compared with 15:1 or 20:1 (P < 0.05). In piglets, a great significant difference for BW was observed at 4 weeks (P < 0.01). Furthermore, average daily gain (ADG) of piglets in the 10:1 treatment was higher (P < 0.05). No difference was observed among treatments in nutrient digestibility of sows (P > 0.05). A great significant difference for fecal microbiota was in the 10:1 treatment compared with 20:1 and 15:1 treatments (P < 0.01). In conclusion, altering the ratio of n‐6:n‐3 PUFA in gestation‐lactating sow diet had no difference on nutrient digestibility in gestation‐lactating sows, but it can partially improve reproductive performance.     

Genetic and phenotypic parameter estimates for growth traits in Boer goat

An understanding of influencing factors and genetic principles affecting the growth traits is needed to implement optimal breeding and selection programs. In this study, heritabilities (direct additive and maternal) of body weights at birth (BW0), 90 days (BW90) and 300 days (BW300) of age and average daily gains from birth to 90 days (ADG0-90), birth to 300 days (ADG0-300) and 90 days to 300 days (ADG90–300) of age in Boer goats were estimated on the basis of 1520 Boer goats at Boer Goat Breeding Station in Yidu, China, during 2002–2007. The parameters were estimated using a DFREML procedure by excluding or including maternal genetic or permanent maternal environmental effects, four analysis models were fitted in order to optimize the model for each trait. Influencing factors such as parity, litter size, kidding year and season, as well as sex of kids and some significant interactions among these factors were investigated as the fixed effects for the models. The results showed that the birth year and maternal genetic effects such as parity and litter size of dam were important determinants of the genetic parameter estimates for pre-weaning growth traits, and environmental effects such as birth year, season and sex of kids had some significant effect on post-weaning growth traits. The mean values and standard errors (SE) of direct additive heritability estimates calculated with the optimum model were 0.17 ± 0.07, 0.22 ± 0.08, 0.07 ± 0.07, 0.10 ± 0.08, 0.30 ± 0.12 and 0.08 ± 0.10 for BW0, BW90, ADG0-90, BW300, ADG0-300 and ADG90–300, respectively. For pre-weaning weights, correlation estimates between direct additive and maternal genetic (r_a–m) effect were high and negative ranging from − 0.74 to − 0.86.     

Total nutrient digestibility and small intestine starch digestion in Nellore and Angus young bulls fed a whole shelled corn diet

Eighteen Nellore and 18 Angus young bulls with BW of 381 ± 12 kg were randomly assigned into two feeding groups (whole shelled corn [WSC] or ground corn with silage [GC]) to evaluate the interaction of breed and diet on total nutrient digestibility, pancreatic α‐amylase, and maltase activity and SLC5A1expression in the small intestine. Experimental diets (DM basis) included (a) a diet containing 30% corn silage and 70% GC and soya bean meal‐based concentrate and (b) a diet containing 85% WSC and 15% of a soya bean meal‐ and mineral‐based pelleted supplement. The treatments were Nellore fed GC diet; Nellore fed WSC diet; Angus fed GC diet; and Angus fed WSC diet. Total faecal collection for the digestibility trial occurred from day 48 until day 50 of the experimental period. Feeding the WSC diet reduced DM and NDF intake (p < 0.01). Angus had greater DM and nutrient intake in kg/day (p < 0.01). However, there was no breed effect on DM and nutrient intakes based on percentage of BW (p > 0.19). Angus had greater starch digestibility (p = 0.03) than Nellore. Cattle fed the WSC diet had greater DM, NDF and starch digestibility (p < 0.01) compared with those fed the GC diet. The activity of pancreatic α‐amylase (U/g of protein) was greater in Nellore (p < 0.01) and was not affected by diet (p = 0.52). In duodenum, maltase activity (U/g of protein) was greater in bulls fed GC diet (p = 0.02). Expression of the gene SLC5A1was not affected by breed or diet (p > 0.05). In conclusion, Nellore had less capacity to digest starch. However, they did not have less pancreatic α‐amylase and duodenal maltase activity compared to Angus. The use of the WSC diet increases DM and total nutrient digestibility.     

关岭牛TBC1D7基因多态性及其与生长性状的关联分析

为探究TBC1蛋白家族第7成员（TBC1 domain family member 7，TBC1D7）基因单核苷酸多态性（SNP）对关岭牛生长性状的影响，试验选取116头贵州关岭牛，测定其8项生长性状指标，提取血液基因组DNA，并利用DNA混池扩增TBC1D7基因全部外显子，通过直接测序法筛查SNP。利用不同独立样本DNA扩增SNP位点对应外显子并测序，以验证位点并进行基因分型。利用SPSS 19.0软件单因素方差分析TBC1D7基因不同基因型和关岭牛生长性状之间的相关性。结果显示，在TBC1D7基因第5、6和8外显子上共发现5个SNPs位点：g.12972 T>C、g.12984 A>G、g.20538 C>T、g.20577 T>C和g.24807 G>A，均存在3种基因型；χ²检验结果显示，5个SNPs位点均显著偏离Hardy-Weinberg平衡状态（P<0.05）；群体遗传参数分析发现，5个SNPs位点杂合度较高，多态信息含量均表现为中度多态（0.25<PIC<0.5）。关联性分析结果发现，关岭牛TBC1D7基因g.24807 G>A位点GA基因型个体体斜长、胸围和后臀围均显著高于AA基因型个体（P<0.05）。在本试验群体中，5个SNPs存在6种单倍型（H1~H6）和9种双倍型（H1H1、H2H2、H2H3、H2H6、H3H3、H3H4、H3H5、H3H6和H5H5），其中H3和H2为优势单倍型，H3H3、H2H2和H2H3为优势双倍型；双倍型关联分析结果显示，H3H6和H5H5个体体斜长和后臀围相比其他双倍型个体占有明显优势，可能是有利基因型。结果表明，TBC1D7基因g.24807 G>A位点为影响关岭牛生长发育的重要多态位点，本研究为筛选有助于关岭牛生长发育的分子标记提供了理论参考。     

Association between the body weight of growing pigs and the functional capacity of their gut microbiota

Gastrointestinal microbiota impact host's biological activities, including digestion of indigestible feed components, energy harvest, and immunity. In this study, fecal microbiota of high body weight (HW) and low body weight (LW) growing pigs at 103 days of age were compared. Principal coordinates analysis separated the HW and LW groups into two clusters, indicating their potential differences between microbial community composition. Although the abundances of two major phyla, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, did not significantly differ between the HW and LW groups, some genera showed significant differences. Among them, Peptococcus and Eubacterium exhibited strong positive correlations with body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) (Rho > 0.40), whereas Treponema, Desulfovibrio, Parabacteroides, and Ruminococcaceae_unclassified exhibited strong negative correlations with BW and ADG (Rho < ?0.40). Based on these results, the structure of intestinal microbiota may affect growth traits in pigs through host–microbe interactions. Further in‐depth studies will provide insights into how best to reshape host–microbe interactions in pigs and other animals as well.     

Genome‐wide association study for egg production and quality in layer chickens

Discovery of genes with large effects on economically important traits has for many years been of interest to breeders. The development of SNP panels which cover the whole genome with high density and, more importantly, that can be genotyped on large numbers of individuals at relatively low cost, has opened new opportunities for genome‐wide association studies (GWAS). The objective of this study was to find genomic regions associated with egg production and quality traits in layers using analysis methods developed for the purpose of whole genome prediction. Genotypes on over 4500 birds and phenotypes on over 13 000 hens from eight generations of a brown egg layer line were used. Birds were genotyped with a custom 42K Illumina SNP chip. Recorded traits included two egg production and 11 egg quality traits (puncture score, albumen height, yolk weight and shell colour) at early and late stages of production, as well as body weight and age at first egg. Egg weight was previously analysed by Wolc et al. ( 2012 ). The Bayesian whole genome prediction model – BayesB (Meuwissen et al. 2001 ) was used to locate 1 Mb regions that were most strongly associated with each trait. The posterior probability of a 1 Mb window contributing to genetic variation was used as the criterion for suggesting the presence of a quantitative trait locus (QTL) in that window. Depending upon the trait, from 1 to 7 significant (posterior probability >0.9) 1 Mb regions were found. The largest QTL, a region explaining 32% of genetic variance, was found on chr4 at 78 Mb for body weight but had pleiotropic effects on other traits. For the other traits, the largest effects were much smaller, explaining <7% of genetic variance, with regions on chromosomes 2, 12 and 17 explaining above 5% of genetic variance for albumen height, shell colour and egg production, respectively. In total, 45 of 1043 1 Mb windows were estimated to have a non‐zero effect with posterior probability > 0.9 for one or more traits.     

Quantitative expression of mRNA encoding BMP/SMAD signalling genes in the ovaries of Booroola carrier and non‐carrier GMM sheep

The GMM sheep is a carrier of Booroola fecundity (FecB) gene, which produces the twins and triplets in one lambing. The homozygous carrier GMM (FecB^BB), non‐carrier GMM and Malpura (FecB⁺⁺) ewes were synchronized by progesterone sponges, and the plasma progesterone concentration was measured by RIA. The results showed that the progesterone concentration did not differ significantly (p > .05) in homozygous carrier GMM (5.74 ± 1.2 ng/ml), non‐carrier GMM (5.42 ± 1.4 ng/ml) and non‐carrier Malpura ewes (5.67 ± 1.5 ng/ml). Further, quantitative expression of BMP factors/receptors and SMAD signalling genes were analysed in the ovaries of sheep by qRT‐PCR. The study showed that the expression of BMP2 was slightly higher (p > .05) in carrier GMM than that of non‐carrier GMM, but it was almost similar to Malpura ewes. Expression of BMP4 and BMP7 was significantly higher (p < .001; p < .05) in carrier GMM than that of non‐carrier GMM and Malpura ewes. Although BMP6 expression was higher (p > .05) in carrier GMM than that of non‐carrier GMM, but lower (p > .05) than the Malpura ewes. Expression of BMP15 (p < .05), GDF5 (p < .01) and GDF9 (p < .05) was significantly higher in carrier GMM than non‐carrier GMM ewes. Surprisingly, BMPR1B expression was significantly higher (p < .001) in non‐carrier GMM and Malpura than the carrier GMM ewes, while TGFβRI did not differ significantly (p > .05) among both GMM genotypes. On the other hand, expression of BMPR1A (p > .05) and BMPRII (p < .05) was higher in carrier GMM than the non‐carrier GMM, but significantly lower (p < .001) than the Malpura ewes. It was interesting to note that the expression of SMAD1 (p > .05), SMAD2 (p < .001), SMAD3 (p < .05), SMAD4 (p < .001), SMAD5 (p < .001) and SMAD8 (p < .001) was lower in the carrier GMM than that of non‐carrier GMM ewes. It is concluded that the FecB mutation alters the expression of BMPR1B and SMAD signalling genes in the ovaries of homozygous carrier GMM ewes.     

Evaluation of two Indian native chicken breeds for reproduction traits and heritability of juvenile growth traits

The present study was conducted to evaluate two Indian native chicken breeds, namely, Aseel and Kadaknath for fertility, hatchability, genetic parameters of juvenile growth traits, and semen quality traits at the onset of sexual maturity. The fertility was similar in Aseel (86.96%) and Kadaknath (85.15%); however, a relatively higher hatchability was observed in Kadaknath (77.94%) than Aseel (70.74%). Heritability estimates of body weights at 4 weeks of age were almost similar in Aseel (0.37) and Kadaknath (0.39), while the estimate of body weight at 6 weeks of age was higher in Aseel (0.42) than Kadaknath (0.31). The heritability estimate of shank length at 6 weeks of age was lower in Aseel (0.16) compared to Kadaknath (0.35). The age at first egg in the flock was comparable in Aseel (148 days) and Kadaknath (150 days). Aseel breed with significantly (P ≤ 0.001) higher body weight, absolute and relative testes weights had significantly higher semen volume (P ≤ 0.05) and sperm motility (P ≤ 0.01) but had lower seminal plasma cholesterol level (P ≤ 0.05) as compared to Kadaknath. It can be concluded that there is a scope for genetic improvement of these two native breeds for juvenile growth traits since heritability estimates of these traits were relatively high.     

Effects of chitooligosaccharide supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics and immune responses after lipopolysaccharide challenge in weanling pigs

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation with chitooligosaccharide (COS) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics and immune response in lipopolysaccharide-challenged weanling pigs. A total of 90 crossbred weanling pigs (5.44 ± 0.50 kg BW) were employed in Exp. 1. The three dietary treatments were basal diets supplemented with 0, 2.5, and 5 g COS/kg, and fed for 28 d. Each treatment had 6 replications with 5 pigs per pen. Increasing the level of supplemental COS tended to linearly (P < 0.10) improve ADG and ADFI during phase 2 and overall period, while there were no differences in G:F. The linear improvement in the apparent DM (P < 0.05) and N (P < 0.10) digestibility in pigs fed COS supplemented diets was noticed. The tested blood characteristics were not influenced under non-challenge conditions. In Exp. 2, a total of 20 pigs (5.22 ± 0.31 kg BW) were initially assigned to two dietary treatments and fed basal diets supplemented with 0 or 0.5 g COS/kg for 28 d. At the end of d 28, half of the pigs in each treatment (n = 5) were injected i.p. with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide at a concentration of 100 μg/kg of BW. The other half of the pigs in each treatment were injected with sterile saline solution at a concentration of 100 μg/kg of BW. This arrangement resulted in a 2 × 2 factorial design with diet and LPS challenge as the main effects. Blood sample and rectal temperature data were collected at 0, 2, 4 and 12 h post-challenge. Rectal temperatures increased as the result of LPS injection at 4 and 12 h post-challenge (P < 0.05). Serum cortisol, IGF-1, and TNF-α concentration were also increased as the result of LPS challenge (P < 0.05). The COS treatments resulted in lower cortisol concentrations at 2 h and higher IGF-1 concentrations at 4 h post-challenge (P < 0.05). COS and LPS interactions were also observed on cortisol and IGF-1 when the COS effects were presented (P < 0.05). Haptoglobin concentrations remained unaffected throughout the challenge period. White blood cell counts were increased in the LPS-treated pigs at 2 and 4 h post-challenge (P < 0.01). Lymphocyte count was elevated at 2 h and reduced at 12 h post-challenge as the result of LPS challenge (P < 0.05). However, there were no COS main effects observed on lymphocyte count throughout the challenge period. The comparison between two LPS challenged treatments also indicated that COS treatment has beneficial effects on rectal temperature, cortisol and IGF-1 concentrations. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with COS had little effect on nutrient digestibility and inflammatory stress markers in weanling pigs.     

Designing a treatment protocol with voriconazole to eliminate Aspergillus fumigatus from experimentally inoculated pigeons

To investigate the efficacy of voriconazole for the treatment of aspergillosis, three groups of six racing pigeons (Columba livia domestica) were inoculated in the apical part of the right lung with 2 × 10⁷ conidia of an avian derived Aspergillus fumigatus strain. The minimal inhibitory concentration of voriconazole for this strain was 0.25 μg/ml. In two groups, voriconazole treatment was started upon appearance of the first clinical signs and continued for fourteen days. The third group was sham treated. The voriconazole-treated pigeons received voriconazole orally at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight (BW) q12h (group 1) or 20 mg/kg BW q24h (group 2). Sixteen days post-inoculation all surviving pigeons were euthanized. Weight loss, clinical scores, daily mortality, lesions at necropsy and isolation of A. fumigatus were compared between all groups. In both voriconazole-treated groups, a significant reduction in clinical signs and lesions was observed. Administering voriconazole at 10 mg/kg BW q12h eliminated A. fumigatus and administering voriconazole at 20 mg/kg BW q24h reduced A. fumigatus isolation rates. Mild histological liver abnormalities were found in group 1 (10 mg/kg BW q12h), while mild histological as well as macroscopic liver abnormalities were found in group 2 (20 mg/kg BW q24h).In conclusion, voriconazole at 10 mg/kg BW q12h in pigeons reduces clinical signs and eliminates A. fumigatus in racing pigeons experimentally infected with A. fumigatus.     

Comparison between linseed expeller and canola expeller on concentrate intake,and circulating inflammatory mediators in Holstein calves

The objective of this study was to compare the effect of linseed and canola expeller on average daily weight gain (ADG), concentrate intakes, incidence of diarrhea, serum haptoglobin, interleukin (IL)-1, and resolvin-E1 in female Holstein calves from birth to weaning. A sample size of 20 calves per group was calculated and were randomly allocated at the time of birth. Linseed group (LIN) was fed a starter with linseed expeller, while canola group (CAN) received a similar concentrate, but with canola expeller. Both expellers were included at a rate of 25% dry matter (DM) basis of the starter. Pasteurized waste milk was fed twice a day until weaning. Calves were weighed at birth, 30, and 60 d of age. Starter intake was evaluated daily from 5 to 60 d. A blood sample was obtained at birth, 14, 28, 35, and 49 d of age, and bovine serum resolvin-E1, haptoglobin, and IL-1 were assayed by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Incidence of diarrhea and the duration of the events were also recorded. The effect of the interaction group by time on body weight (BW) and starter intake was not significant (P > 0.05). Average daily gains (ADG) from 0 to 60 d for CAN and LIN groups were 0.680 and 0.675 kg/d (P > 0.05), respectively. Incidences of diarrhea were 25% and 45% for CAN and LIN groups, respectively (P = 0.18). LIN group had greater concentrations of IL-1 at d 21, haptoglobin at d 7, and resolving-E1 at d 14 and 49 than CAN group, respectively. It is concluded that BW at weaning, ADG, and concentrate intakes were not different between groups fed starters containing linseed or canola expeller (25% inclusion). The concentrations of cytokines and haptoglobin were the greatest in LIN group.