Effect of mineral mixture and antioxidant supplementation on growth,reproductive performance and adaptive capability of Malpura ewes subjected to heat stress

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of mineral and antioxidant supplementation on growth, reproductive performance and physiological adaptability of heat‐stressed Malpura ewes. The study was conducted for a period of 21 days in 21 adult Malpura ewes. The ewes were randomly divided into three groups with seven animals each viz. GI (control; n = 7), GII (heat stress; n = 7) and GIII (heat stress + mineral and antioxidant supplementation; n = 7). The animals were stall fed ad libitum with the diet consisting of 70% roughage and 30% concentrate. GI ewes were maintained under normal controlled condition in the shed, while GII and GIII ewes were subjected to heat stress by exposing them to 42 °C in the climatic chamber. The parameters studied were feed intake (FI), water intake (WI), body weight, body condition score (BCS), physiological, biochemical and endocrine responses. Heat stress significantly altered FI, water intake, BCS, respiration rate and rectal temperature in the afternoon, oestrus duration, estradiol, progesterone, Hb, PCV, plasma glucose, total protein, cortisol, T₃ and T₄ levels while mineral and antioxidant supplementation ameliorated this heat stress effect on the parameters studied. Further, the adverse effect of heat stress on the productive and reproductive efficiency of Malpura ewes was reduced considerably by mineral mixture and antioxidant supplementation. This is evident from the non‐significant difference in BCS, oestrus duration and plasma estradiol between GI and GIII in this study. Hence, it is very pertinent to conclude from this study that mineral mixture and antioxidant supplementation were able to protect Malpura ewes against heat stress.     

Effect of yeast supplementation on the growth performance of Malpura lambs

Thirty-six Malpura lambs (age?=?58 days; 8.9 kg BW) were equally divided into three groups (N?=?12; six males and six females) to assess the effect of probiotics supplementation on growth, digestibility, rumen fermentation and carcass attributes. The lambs of the control group (CON) were not supplemented with probiotics, while test groups received either Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) or combination of S. cerevisiae and Lactobacillus sporogenes (SCLS) at 1.5 % of concentrate mixture. The lambs were fed ad libitum concentrate mixture and bajra (Pennisetum typhoides) straw in a cafeteria system until 180 days of age. Daily feed intake and weekly live weight changes were recorded. A metabolism trial was conducted on six lambs at 90 days. Rumen fermentation study was conducted at 105 days. At 6 months, all male lambs were slaughtered and carcass characteristics were recorded. Body weight and average daily gain (ADG) were similar among the three groups. The digestibilities of all the nutrients were also similar among the groups, except acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility, which was higher (P?=?0.032) in SC and SCLS than the CON. The rumen fluid pH was higher (P?=?0.04) in CON and SC group than SCLS at 0 h while NH₃-N at 8 h sample was higher (P?=?0.031) in SC and SCLS group than the control. Pre-slaughter weight, hot carcass weight and dressing yields were similar. ADF digestibility and rumen fermentation was improved in lambs by probiotic supplementation. However, carcass traits remained unchanged due to probiotics supplementation.     

Effect of induced body condition score differences on physiological response,productive and reproductive performance of Malpura ewes kept in a hot,semi‐arid environment

This study was undertaken to study the influence of induced body condition score (BCS) differences on physiological response, productive and reproductive performance of Malpura ewes to optimise BCS for these ewes for maximising production making it economically viable. The study was conducted for a period of 1 year using thirty healthy Malpura ewes (2–4 year old). The animals were randomly divided and different BCS was induced within three groups named Group I (BCS 2.5; n = 10), Group II (BCS 3.0–3.5; n = 10) and Group III (BCS 4.0; n = 10). The parameters included in the study were allometric measurements, physiological response, wool yield and reproductive performance. BCS had a significant influence on allometric measurements, respiration rate and different reproductive parameters studied, while wool production differed significantly during spring and non‐significantly during autumn. The results revealed that the reproductive performance of Malpura ewes with a BCS of 3.0–3.5 was better in comparison with the groups with lower and higher BCS. It may be concluded from this study that an active management of breeding sheep flock to achieve a BCS of 3.0–3.5 may prove to result in an economically viable return from these flocks.     

Effect of dietary supplementation of organic zinc on laying performance,egg quality and some biochemical parameters of laying hens

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of zinc methionine (Zn‐Met) supplementation on the performance, egg quality, antioxidant status and some biochemical parameters of blood serum in laying hens from 22 to 34 weeks of age. A total of 120 Hisex Brown laying hens of 22‐week‐old were randomly allocated into five treatments with six cage replicates for each (four hens/replicate). Dietary treatments consisted of the basal diet with no Zn‐Met supplementation (control group) and basal diet supplemented with 25, 50, 75 or 100 mg Zn‐Met/kg diet. No significant differences were observed on body weight, body weight gain or feed conversion ratio due to dietary Zn‐Met supplementation. However, highly significant impact was observed on daily feed intake. Egg number, egg weight and egg mass were increased in the group fed diet supplemented with the highest level of Zn‐Met (100 mg/kg of diet) as compared to other groups. All egg quality traits were statistically (p > .05 or .01) affected as a response to dietary Zn‐Met supplementation except egg shape index, shell percentage and yolk index. In comparison with the control group, dietary supplementation of 25, 50, 75 or 100 mg Zn‐Met/kg decreased serum triglyceride and LDL‐cholesterol levels. Serum cholesterol level was increased with all dietary levels of Zn‐Met in comparison with the control group. Dietary Zn‐Met supplementation increased the serum content of zinc, where the highest values were recorded with 50 and 100 mg Zn‐Met/kg diet. Dietary Zn‐Met levels did not affect the antioxidant indices in blood serum except for the activity of copper–zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu‐Zn‐SOD). The activity of Cu‐Zn‐SOD was increased with Zn‐Met supplementations with no differences among supplemental zinc levels. It is concluded that dietary Zn‐Met supplementation reduced serum triglyceride, LDL‐cholesterol and increased Zn status and resulted in promoting antioxidant ability of laying hens, and the addition of 100 mg Zn‐Met/kg to layer diet was appropriate for improving the above parameters in addition to egg production indices and Haugh unit score.     

冷季补饲对放牧后备母羊生产性能和血液生化指标的影响

为研究放牧地区冷季后备母羊适宜的补饲配方,试验选取体重相近的8月龄阿勒泰后备母羊40只,随机分为4组,每组10只,在放牧条件下,补饲组每只羊每日补饲精料350 g,设置全价日粮瘤胃可降解氮（RDN）:可发酵有机物（FOM）分别为35、30和25共3组,记作R:F₃₅组、R:F₃₀组和R:F₂₅组,对照组不补饲,试验期45 d。结果表明：1)试验末期,R:F₃₅组、R:F₃₀组、R:F₂₅组的体重较对照组分别提高了20.48%、19.24%和17.90%,差异极显著（P <0.01）;日增重较对照组极显著提高（P <0.01）。2) R:F₃₅组、R:F₃₀组极显著提高了试验羊的血清葡萄糖（GLU）(P <0.01)。3) R:F₃₅组、R:F30组的血清尿素氮（SUN）含量显著高于对照组（P <0.05）,R:F₃₅组的谷丙转氨酶（ALT）显著高...     

Effect of feed flushing during summer season on growth, reproductive performance and blood metabolites in Malpura ewes under semiarid tropical environment

Feed scarcity during hot summer months is one of the major predisposing factors for low reproductive efficiency of livestock reared in hot semiarid environment. A study was conducted to assess the effect of concentrate supplementation during summer months on growth, reproductive performance, and blood metabolites in Malpura ewes. Twenty adult Malpura ewes were used in the present study. The ewes were divided into two groups viz, group 1 (n?=?10; control) and group 2 (n?=?10; concentrate supplementation). The study was conducted for a period of 35 days covering two estrus cycles. In the first cycle, only PGF_2α was given to all ewes, while in second cycle, all ewes were synchronized for estrus using progesterone-impregnated intravaginal sponges and pregnant mare serum gonadotropin. The animals were allowed for grazing for 8–10 h per day. Apart from grazing, group 2 ewes were supplemented with concentrate mixture at 1.5 % of body weight. Concentrate supplementation had significant influence on body weight, ADG, estrus percentage, estrus duration, onset of estrus, ovulation response, plasma glucose, total protein, and urea. The present study reveals that ewes supplemented with concentrate mixture at 1.5 % of body weights during summer season significantly influenced the growth and reproductive performance of Malpura ewes. Further, the study signifies the importance of providing additional feed supplementation to ewes kept grazing under the conditions of a hot, semiarid environment to improve their reproductive efficiency.     

Effect of megestrol acetate and progesterone on oestrous and fertility in cyclic Malpura and Chokla ewes

In Rajasthan, India megastrol acetate and progesterone were administered to ewes (25 Chokla, 25 Malpura, aged between 3 and 4) in November 1968. Each ewe received 50 mg of either megastrol acetate or progesterone. Administration was intravaginal or intramuscular. During treatment only 3 ewes (2 megastrol acetate-injected and 1 progesterone-injected ewes) came into heat; thus, the progestogens exerted an inhibiting effect. 76% and 88% of the megastrol acetate and progesterone ewes, respectively, exhibited heat within 96 hours of therapy's end. Breed showed no significant effect on occurrence of estrus after therapy. Release of estrus within 96 hours occurred in 91.3% and 74.0% of intravaginally and intramuscularly treated ewes, respectively. 17 (41.5%) of the 41 ewes inseminated at their synchronized estrus lambed as a result of breeding in that first cycle. Thus, questions arise as to efficiency of ovulation, fertilization, nidation, and lambing in the case of synchronized estrus by use of different progestogens. 75% of ewes showing typical fern pattern at insemination lambed. An antiseptic vaginal douche applied after withdrawal of the sponge used in iv administration might be responsible for increased posttreatment fertility in this group.     

饲料中添加不同水平山楂对土杂肉鸡生长性能和血清生化指标的影响

选用 1日龄健康土杂肉鸡 40 0只 ,随机分成 4组 ,每组 1 0 0只。分别饲喂添加 0、1 %、 2 %和 3%山楂粉的日粮 ,研究不同添加量的山楂对 0～ 60日龄土杂肉鸡采食量、日增重、料重比及成活率的影响 ,以评定山楂作为中药饲料添加剂的价值及最佳添加量。结果添加 2 %山楂组的日增重最高 (P <0 0 5) ,料重比最低。而在 0～ 30日龄 ,添加山楂各组与不添加山楂组比 ,采食量、日增重、料重比均无显著差异 (P >0 0 5)。血清中胆固醇含量以添加 2 %山楂组最低 ,而血清总蛋白含量最高。综合各项指标以添加 2 %山楂对提高土杂肉鸡生长性能最好。     

Effect of bypass fat supplementation on productive performance and blood biochemical profile in lactating Murrah (Bubalus bubalis) buffaloes

The study investigated the effect of dietary supplementation of bypass fat on productive performance and blood biochemical profile of lactating Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). Fifteen multiparous buffaloes (2-4 lactation) of early to mid lactation were divided in three homogenous groups T(1) (control), T(2), and T(3) of five each. The animals in T(1) were fed with a basal diet consisting of a concentrate mixture, green sorghum, and wheat straw as per requirements, while the animals in group T(2) and T(3) were fed with same ration supplemented with 0.7 % (100?g/day) and 1.4 % (200?g/day) bypass fat (on dry matter intake (DMI) basis), respectively. The feed intake, milk yield, and milk composition were not influenced by supplemental bypass fat. However, fat-corrected milk (6.5 %) yield was higher (P?相似文献   

日粮添加阿拉伯木聚糖酶对仔猪血液生化指标和生长性能的影响

探索阿拉伯木聚糖酶对日粮中非淀粉多糖的作用效果。试验选取16头平均体重(7.74±1.03)kg的28日龄长×大断奶仔猪,分为基础日粮(对照日粮组)和基础日粮+1.0 g/kg阿拉伯木聚糖酶(试验日粮组),分别在试验第12 d、第24 d测定各组内脏器官重量、血液生化指标。试验结果表明,在试验第24 d试验日粮组日增重明显高于对照日粮组,且有显著性差异(P<0.05);在不同的试验时期,试验日粮组对内脏器官绝对重量的影响较大,对相对重量的影响较小,对脾脏的影响无显著性差异(P>0.05);在不同试验时间,两组的血清IgGI、gM、肌酐、血糖、血氨、甘油三酯、总蛋白的含量均无显著性差异(P>0.05),第24 d试验日粮组低密度脂蛋白含量均高于其他各组,且有显著性差异(P<0.05),对照日粮组低密度脂蛋白含量高于第12 d,且有显著性差异(P<0.05),试验日粮组血清尿素氮含量明显低于对照组,且在试验第12 d、第24 d时两组间均有显著性差异(P<0.05)。日粮添加阿拉伯木聚糖酶能提高断奶仔猪日增重,从而影响仔猪生长性能和相关血液生化指标。     

Effect of multiple stresses on growth and adaptive capability of Malpura ewes under semi-arid tropical environment

A study was conducted to assess the effect of multiple stresses (thermal, nutritional, and walking stress) on the adaptive capability of Malpura ewes in terms of changes in physiological mechanisms and blood biochemical changes. The study was conducted for a period of 35 days covering two estrous cycles during summer season (April–May). The ewes were randomly allocated into two groups of 12 animals each, viz., GI (n?=?12; control) and GII (n?=?12; multiple stresses). GI ewes were maintained in the shed while GII ewes were subjected to multiple stresses. GI ewes were maintained in shed while GII ewes were subjected to heat stress by exposing them to 32–44 °C (average 42 °C) and RH of 12–26 % for 6 h from 10:00 to 16:00 h in natural environment. GI ewes were provided with ad libitum feeding while GII ewes were provided with restricted feed (30 % of intake of GI ewes) to induce nutritional stress. Further, GII ewes were subjected to walking stress by forcing them to walk 14 km in two spans between 9:00 and 10:30 h and 15:00 and 16:30 h. Blood collection was done at weekly intervals. Multiple stresses significantly (P?<?0.01) affected body weight, respiration rate, pulse rate, rectal temperature, sweating rate, tri-iodo-thyronine, thyroxine_, cortisol, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, glucose, and total protein. The findings from this experiment provide useful information to understand the ideal nutrient requirement for these animals to adapt to such stresses in the semi-arid tropical environment without compromising production.     

Effect of Moringa oleifera supplementation on productive performance,colostrum composition and serum biochemical indexes of sow

Moringa oleifera has been considered as a potential functional feed or food, since it contains multiple components beneficial to animal and human. However, little is known about the effects of Moringa oleifera supplementation on productive performances in sows. In the current study, the results showed that dietary Moringa oleifera significantly decreased the farrowing length and the number of stillborn (p < .05), while had an increasing trend in the number of live-born (0.05 < p < .10). Furthermore, 8% Moringa oleifera supplementation significantly elevated protein levels in the colostrum (p < .05); 4% Moringa oleifera lowed serum urea nitrogen of sows after 90 days of gestation (p < .05) and significantly decreased serum glucose on 10 days of lactation (p < .05). Both groups showed significant elevation in serum T-AOC activity (p < .05). The serum malondialdehyde (MDA) of sows declined significantly in 4% Moringa oleifera addition group (p < .05). 8% Moringa oleifera meal significantly elevated serum CAT activity after 60 days of gestation (p < .05), while decreased the serum MDA level and increased the serum GSH-Px activity of sows at 10 days of lactation (p < .05). Of piglets, both two dosages of Moringa oleifera supplementation essentially reduced the serum urea nitrogen (p < .05), and 4% Moringa oleifera meal increased serum total protein (p < .05). In addition, piglets that received 8% Moringa oleifera had the highest serum CAT and SOD activities among all groups (p < .05). The present study indicated that Moringa oleifera supplementation could enhance the reproduction performances, elevate protein levels in the colostrum and improve the serum antioxidant indices in both sows and piglets.     

Adaptability and growth of Malpura ewes subjected to thermal and nutritional stress

A study was conducted to assess the effect of combined stresses (thermal and nutritional) on physiological adaptability and growth performance of Malpura ewes. Twenty-eight adult Malpura ewes (average BW 33.56 kg) were used in the present study. The ewes were divided into four groups, viz., GI (n = 7; control), GII (n = 7; thermal stress), GIII (n = 7; nutritional stress), and GIV (n = 7; combined stress). The animals were stall-fed with a diet consisting of 60% roughage and 40% concentrate. GI and GII ewes were provided with ad libitum feeding, while GIII and GIV ewes were provided with restricted feed (30% intake of GI ewes) to induce nutritional stress. GII and GIV ewes were kept in climatic chamber at 40°C and 55% RH for 6 h/day between 1000 and 1600 hours to induce thermal stress. The study was conducted for a period of two estrus cycles. The parameters studied were feed intake, water intake, physiological responses (viz., respiration rate, pulse rate, and rectal temperature), body weight, and body condition scoring (BCS) of ewes. Both thermal and combined stress significantly (P < 0.05) affected the feed intake, water intake, respiration rate, and rectal temperature. The feeding schedule followed in the experiment significantly (P < 0.05) altered the body weight and BCS between the groups. The results reveal that when compared with thermal stress, nutritional stress had less significant effect on the parameters studied. However, when both these stresses were coupled, it had a significant influence on all the parameters studied in these ewes. It can be concluded from this study that when two stressors occur simultaneously, the total cost may have severe impact on biological function.     

Effect of progesterone supplementation on pregnancy and embryo survival in ewes

Two hundred eighteen ewes were used in experiments 1) to develop a progesterone supplementation regimen capable of sustaining serum concentrations of progesterone at about 2.0 ng/ml for a period of 50 d (Exp. 1) and 2) to determine the effects of progesterone supplementation (d 6 to 50 after mating) on pregnancy and embryo survival rates in mated ewes (Exp. 2). In ovariectomized ewes in Exp. 1, s.c. administration of four cylindrical (9.5 x 60 mm) silastic implants, containing 20% (1.1 g) progesterone by weight, sustained mean serum concentrations of progesterone of 1.9 +/- .07 ng/ml compared with 1.03 +/- .05 ng/ml in ewes bearing two implants. In Exp. 2 each ewe (n = 159) was mated to two fertile rams at a spontaneous estrus (d 0) during mid-breeding season. Mean ovulation rate, determined on a subgroup of 46 ewes, was 1.45 +/- .05. On d 6, ewes were assigned randomly to control (two implants containing no progesterone) or progesterone-treated (four implants similar to those used in Exp. 1) groups. From d 7 to 50 after mating, progesterone concentrations in serum were greater (P less than .001) in progesterone-treated (four implants similar to those used in Exp. 1) groups. From d 7 to 50 after mating, progesterone concentrations in serum were greater (P less than .001) in progesterone-treated (3.50 +/- .06) than in control (2.65 +/- .05) ewes. Pregnancy rates (86% and 83%) and calculated embryo survival rates (77% and 78%) were similar (P greater than .05) for the control and progesterone-treated groups, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Non-steady-state modeling of effects of timing and level of concentrate supplementation on ruminal pH and forage intake in high-producing, grazing ewes

A computer model was developed to predict responses of lactating ewes to concentrate supplementation, whether on pasture or stall-fed, given concentrate once per day or in multiple feedings, and suckling multiple lambs. The model considers effects of concentrate supplementation on organic acid production, saliva flow, ruminal pH, and forage intake. The user defines ewe BW, feed composition, and concentrate feeding times and amounts. The reference ewe has free access to forage and water. Upon consumption, forages and concentrates enter into lag pools for 2.0 and 0.24 h, respectively. Carbohydrates then enter ruminal pools of degradable fiber, undegradable fiber, or nonstructural carbohydrate, from which they are degraded or pass to the lower gut. Rapid dissociation of organic acids from carbohydrate fermentation and buffers from rumination are simulated to determine ruminal pH according to the Henderson-Hasselbach equation. The pH, in turn, affects fiber degradation rates. Forage intake continues during daylight hours until ruminal NDF exceeds 1.0% of BW, or organic acid concentration exceeds 130 mM. A circadian pattern of organic acid concentrations and pH of rumen contents with multiple concentrate feedings was simulated by the model with root mean square prediction error of 7.7 and 3.0 to 4.0% of the observed mean, respectively. However, ignoring fermentation of dietary protein may have caused an underestimation of organic acid production rates. The model predicted the increase in total DMI and the substitution effect on forage intake of increasing levels of concentrate supplementation. Simulations suggested that a single concentrate meal daily was best fed in the evening to minimize the substitution effect, and that there was no benefit in forage intake to feeding 2 kg/d concentrate in more than two meals per day.     

饲粮中添加植酸酶对猪生长性能和血清生化指标的影响

选用体重约30kg的杜长大三元杂交生长猪96头,随机分成4个处理组,每组6个重复,每重复4头猪,公母各半。A组为对照组,饲喂基础饲粮,B、C、D组为试验组(每千克饲粮分别以250、500、750U植酸酶取代基础饲粮中的40%、60%、80%磷酸氢钙)。以研究玉米-豆粕型饲粮中添加植酸酶对生长猪生长性能和血液生化指标的影响。42d的饲养试验结果表明:与对照组相比,B、C、D组的平均日增重分别提高了1.05%(P>0.05)、4.09%(P<0.05)、2.64%(P>0.05);料重比与对照组相比分别降低了2.18%、2.62%、1.75%;每千克增重的饲料成本分别是对照组的97.38%、97.03%和97.73%。血清中钙含量分别提高了4.22%、4.22%、8.12%(P<0.05);血清中磷含量分别提高了1.46%、0.36%、14.23%(P<0.05),其它生化指标各试验组间无明显差异。     

非淀粉多糖酶制剂对仔猪生长、消化性能及血液中某些生理、生化指标的影响

选取280头[(17±1.5)k“g]杜长大”三元杂交仔猪,随机分成5组,每组4个重复,每重复14头(公母各半),以圈为重复单位,分别饲喂添加量水平为0%、0.01%、0.02%、0.03%和0.04%的非淀粉多糖(NSP)酶制剂的玉米-豆粕型试验日粮,试验猪均为自由采食、自由饮水。预试期7d、正试期28d,在正试期的开始及结束时对试验猪空腹称重,准确记录饲料的消耗和试验猪健康情况。在正试期的第15d清晨,每重复取接近该圈平均体重的公猪和母猪各1头,空腹前腔静脉采血并制备血清。试验结果表明,加酶组仔猪日增重比对照组有所提高,料肉比、腹泻率比对照组有所下降。饲养试验结束后再另外选取10头仔猪,随机分成两组,分别饲喂基础日粮和添加0.02%复合酶的日粮,采用全收粪法进行消化试验。结果表明,干物质、粗蛋白、粗纤维、粗灰分、能量、粗脂肪和无氮浸出物的表观消化率都有提高。检测血清中的血糖、血液尿素氮、T3、T4和胃泌素含量,其中对照组4个重复中的血糖、T3和胃泌素含量比基础日粮组有所上升,T4没有发生变化,血液尿素氮含量下降。在本试验条件下,0.02%酶制剂添加水平对仔猪生长性能、养分消化率的改进效果最明显。     

日粮不同能量和蛋白水平对多浪羊繁殖性能及血液生化指标的影响

试验于2009年3月至2010年3月在喀什地区麦盖提县多浪羊繁育基地进行,研究日粮不同能量和蛋白水平对多浪羊繁殖性能及血液生化指标的影响。90只母羊分为第Ⅰ组、第Ⅱ组和第Ⅲ组共3个组进行试验,3组均饲喂不同能量和蛋白水平的日粮,分别计算春季和秋季3个组的繁殖性能指标值,并检测血清中TP、ALB、GLB、ALP、BUN、GLU、TG和LDH的含量。结果发现,提高日粮能量水平对多浪羊春季发情率的提高有明显效果,但日粮高能量水平对受胎率和双羔率的提高均无效果;高蛋白水平日粮对多浪羊春季与秋季的发情率、受胎率和双羔率的提高没有明显效果;多浪羊春季血清中BUN含量高于秋季,秋季血清中ALP含量高于春季。从血液生化指标分析可以看出,秋季的繁殖性能比春季好。