Evaluation of pigeon pea leaves (Cajanus cajan) replacing alfalfa meal on growth performance,carcass trait,nutrient digestibility,antioxidant capacity and biochemical parameters of rabbits

A 30‐day experiment was performed to determine the effect of pigeon pea leaves (PPL) on growth performance, carcass trait, meat quality, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant capacity and biochemical parameters of growing rabbits. In a completely randomized design, PPL replaced alfalfa meal at the level of 0%, 10%, 20% and 30%, which were named PPL0 (control), PPL10, PPL20 and PML30 respectively. Two hundred New Zealand white rabbits at 6 weeks with similar weight (870.23 ± 15.98 g) were allocated to four dietary groups with five replicates containing 10 rabbits/per replicate (male). The results showed that: (a) PPL powder contained 24.26% crude protein, 4.34% crude fat, 17.86% crude fibre, 7.05% ash, 1.35% calcium, 0.28% phosphorus, 1.09% lysine and 0.20% methionine, and the chemical compositions are on DM basis; (b) the ratio of feed to gain of rabbits fed diet PPL10 was significantly better (p < 0.05) than those fed other three diets; (c) the content of longissimus dorsi (LD) moisture in the rabbits fed diets without PPL (control group) was 12% lower than that in the PPL30 diets (60.1 vs. 72.1; p < 0.05). In PPL10, PPL20 and PPL30 diets, the leg muscle (LM) b*(yellowness) value was 33%, 30% and 22.6% higher than the control group respectively. The rabbits fed diets PPL0 had lower (p < 0.05) LM crude protein and ash and higher (p < 0.05) crude fat of LD and LM as compared with those fed other diets; (d) crude protein and energy digestibility of PPL0 and PPL10 diets were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than PPL30 diets; and (e) serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activity of the rabbits fed PPL10 and PPL30 diets was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that fed PPL20 diets. Liver total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) activity of the PPL30 groups was 1.3% higher (p < 0.05) than the PPL10 group. Additionally, the control group (PPL0) had the highest (p < 0.05) blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total cholesterol (TCHO) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) content compared with the groups supplemented with PPL. The PPL30 group had the highest (p < 0.05) triiodothyronine (T₃) and tetraiodothyroxine (T₄) value among the dietary groups.     

Use of group records of feed intake to select for feed efficiency in rabbit

Models for genetic evaluation of feed efficiency ( FE ) for animals housed in groups when they are either fed ad libitum ( F ) or on restricted ( R ) feeding were implemented. Definitions of FE on F included group records of feed intake () and individual records of growth rate ( G_F ) and metabolic weight ( M_F ). Growth rate ( G_R ) as FE measurement on R was used. Data corresponded to 5,336 kits from a rabbit sire line, from 1,255 litters in 14 batches and 667 cages. A five‐trait mixed model (also with metabolic weight on R, M_R ) was implemented including, for each trait, the systematic effects of batch, body weight at weaning, parity order and litter size; and the random effects of litter, additive genetic and individual. A Bayesian analysis was performed. Conditional traits such as and were obtained from elements of additive genetics ( and ) or phenotypic ( and ) (co)variance matrices. In the first case, heritabilities were low (0.07 and 0.06 for and , respectively) but null genetic correlation between the conditional and conditioning traits is guaranteed. In the second case, heritabilities were higher (0.22 and 0.16 for and , respectively) but the genetic correlation between and was moderate (0.58). Heritability of G_R was low (0.08). This trait was negatively correlated with and of animals on F, which indicate a different genetic background. The correlation between G_R and G_F was also low to moderate (0.48) and the additive variance of G_F was almost four times that of G_R, suggesting the presence of a substantial genotype by feeding regimen interaction.     

Variance component estimations for race performance of thoroughbred horses in Brazil by random regression model

A total of 306,698 racing performance data recorded between 1992 and 2002 from 25495 Brazilian Thoroughbred horses was analyzed to estimate the variance components using the Random Regression Model (RRM) compared to the Classical Repeatability Animal Model (CRAM). The performance was evaluated using the race time (in seconds) to run distances of 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500 or 1600 meters. The pedigree of each horse was extended as far as possible, with a total of 36,659 animals. The simple correlation between Breeding Value (BV) for the race time estimated by both procedures was high (r = 0.963) when the data were expressed at the mean level of all distances. However, with the RRM it was possible to estimate the genetic parameters and the BV of all animals at the trajectory of each one of the seven distances. Also, results clearly showed that a single BV estimated by CRAM, is neither an adequate nor a sufficient indicator for the selection of the best horses throughout the trajectory of distance performance. We concluded that the RRM procedure is highly recommended for the evaluation of racehorse performance.     

液态复合添加剂对断奶1周内仔猪生长性能、养分消化率及血液指标的影响

本试验旨在研究仔猪断奶1周内补饲液态复合饲料添加剂对其生长性能、养分消化率、消化道p H及血液指标的影响。挑选20日龄仔猪105头,断奶前屠宰5头,其他100头在21日龄断奶后分为对照组和试验组,每组5个重复,每个重复10头猪。对照组仔猪饲喂教槽料,试验组仔猪在每次饲喂教槽料后补喂液态复合饲料添加剂(主要成分为酸化剂、中药提取物、壳寡糖、复合离子调节剂)。试验从断奶当天至断奶后第8天,共计7 d。结果表明:试验组的平均日增重高于对照组(P0.05),腹泻率显著低于对照组(P0.05);试验组粗蛋白和钙的表观消化率较对照组显著增加(P0.05);试验组仔猪断奶后第2天和第8天胃部p H、断奶后第8天十二指肠p H、断奶后第4天回肠p H均显著低于对照组(P0.05),断奶后第4天氯离子含量、断奶后第2天和第8天球蛋白、断奶后第4天和第8天血清Ig G和Ig A含量均显著高于对照组(P0.05),而断奶后第2天血清尿素氮显著低于对照组(P0.05)。由此表明,断奶1周内给仔猪补饲液态复合饲料添加剂,可降低消化道p H,提高养分消化率,并改善机体免疫功能,从而提高仔猪断奶1周内的生长性能,降低仔猪腹泻率。     

Effect of Royal Jelly on behavioural patterns,feather quality,egg quality and some haematological parameters in laying hens at the late stage of production

The aim was to elucidate the impact of Royal Jelly (RJ) on behavioural patterns, feather cover, egg quality and some blood haematological indices in laying hens (58–64 weeks of age). A total of 108 Tetra Brown laying hens were used in the current trial. The birds were divided into three equal groups (36 birds each). The pure RJ was prepared for immediate injection subcutaneously, as follows: the first treated group (RJ₁:100 mg/kg); the second treated group (RJ₂:200 mg/kg); the control group. The eating and drinking activities in the RJ₂ group were significantly (p = .009 and .015 respectively) higher than the control and RJ₁ groups. Furthermore, the aggressive pecks, feather pecks and threating behaviour in the RJ₂ group were significantly (p = .005, .001 and .039 respectively) lower than the control and RJ₁ groups. Both RJ‐treated groups had the best feather cover on the neck and abdomen regions (p = .010 and .001 respectively; Figure  1 ). Both RJ‐treated groups had a significantly higher eggshell ratio (p = .019) and shell thickness (p = .001) in comparison with the control group. The albumen height, Haugh units and yolk index in both RJ‐treated groups were significantly greater than those recorded in the control group (p = .026, .001 and .022 respectively). The erythrocyte and total leucocyte counts in the RJ₂ group were significantly higher than those reported in the control and RJ₁ groups (p = .029 and .013 respectively); however, the heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio and heterophil % in both RJ‐treated groups were significantly the lowest (p = .001 and .039). In conclusion, birds in the RJ₂ group had superior feather cover, welfare and behavioural indices, probably due to the impact of active flavonoids components of RJ on laying hen performance. Furthermore, the RJ‐treated groups had significantly improved egg quality parameters and some blood haematological indices.     

Feeding broilers with thyme essential oil loaded in chitosan nanoparticles: an efficient strategy for successful delivery

ABSTRACT

1. The use of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) for the entrapment of active components has gained considerable interest in food and pharmaceutical industries due to its mucous adhesiveness, non-toxicity, biocompatibility and biodegradability.

2. This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of feeding encapsulated thyme essential oil (E-TEO) on performance, blood parameters, immunity and ileal microflora in broilers.

3. CNPs were prepared by using ionotropic gelation and structurally characterised by dynamic light scattering; scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The encapsulation efficiency percentage of TEO in CNPs and its in vitro release were determined using ultraviolet visible spectroscopy and dialysis method, respectively.

4. An in vivo experiment was conducted with five treatments of five replicates with ten chicks per pen. Dietary treatments consisted of an unsupplemented control diet, or supplemented with chlortetracycline (80 and 50 mg/kg during the starter and grower phase, respectively); CNPs (60 mg/kg); TEO (40 mg/kg diet) or E-TEO (60 mg/kg).

5. Results showed uniform distribution of nanoparticles with roughly spherical morphology, and the size of particles ranged from 30 to 100 nm. It was observed that 68.3% of TEO was encapsulated into CNPs, from which more than 90% was released within the first 96 h. Birds treated with antibiotic and E-TEO showed significantly (P < 0.05) higher body weight gain than the control and the other treatments were intermediate. Compared to the control group, adding of E-TEO into diet significantly (P < 0.05) improved feed conversion ratio at 42 days of age. Feeding birds with E-TEO significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the number of coliform and total aerobic bacteria compared to other treatments. Birds supplemented with E-TEO showed lower heterophile to lymphocyte ratio compared to birds that received TEO.

6. The results suggested that the entrapment of TEO in CNPs and its sustained release promoted broiler performance via the improvement of physiological status and modulating intestinal microbiota and therefore could be used as substitute for antibiotic growth promoter in broiler diets.     

Thyroid hormones alter estrous cyclicity and antioxidative status in the ovaries of rats

To expand our understanding of the roles of thyroid hormones on female reproduction, we induced hypo‐ and hyper‐T rat models to investigate the roles of thyroid hormones on estrous cyclicity, as well as the antioxidative status in the ovaries of rats. In the current study, our data show that hypothyroidism (hypo‐T) and hyperthyroidism (hyper‐T) led to significantly reduced body weights and ovarain weights and delayed vaginal opening day. For hyper‐T, thyroxine (T4), tri‐iodothyronine (T3), progesterone (P4) and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) were significantly increased, while estradiol (E2) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were significantly decreased. For hypo‐T rats, serum levels of total T4 and T3, E2, P4, FSH and LH were significantly increased, while concentrations of E2 and LH were significantly decreased. For ovary morphology, the numbers of secondary and antral follicles were significantly decreased with more atretic antral follicles and less corpora lutea in both hyper‐ and hypo‐T groups. Both hyper‐T and hypo‐T treatment significantly decreased the expressions of thyroid hormone receptor α1 in the ovary. Hypo‐T significantly reduced nitric oxide (NO), total NO synthase (tNOS), inducible NOS and constitutive NOS activities, but hyper‐T increased them. For antioxidative parameters, hypo‐T and hyper‐T treatment significantly increased malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. The activities of both glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) and catalase (CAT) significantly decreased in the hypo‐T group but increased in the hyper‐T group. Total superoxide dismutase (T‐SOD) activity was significantly increased in the hyper‐T group. In summary, thyroid hormones alter estrous cyclicity and antioxidative status in the ovary of the rat may act through the NOS signaling pathway.     

The induction of cashmere shedding via cyclophosphamide injection

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cyclophosphamide (CPA) on cashmere shedding in cashmere goats. Thirty‐two castrated Liaoning cashmere goats were randomly allotted to four groups, with eight replicates in each group. The four groups were injected intravenously with CPA doses of 0, 15, 20 and 25   mg/kg body weight, respectively. Feed intake, body weight, body temperature, and sphygmus were recorded and the erythrocyte count, leukocyte count, hemoglobin content, and cashmere yield and length were determined. CPA has no significant effect on feed intake, body weight, body temperature, or sphygmus of cashmere goats. It was found that CPA significantly decreased the erythrocyte count and hemoglobin content in cashmere goats on the days immediately following injection, but the effects on erythrocytes diminished within 6 days, with hemoglobin content returning to normal within 10 days. Cashmere fiber began to shed on about day 10 after injection with CPA. CPA had no significant effect on cashmere length but significantly increased cashmere yield. The results indicate that CPA can induce cashmere shedding and achieve the purpose of concentrated defleecing. A dose of 20 mg/kg body weight is preferable for hair removal and regrowth in cashmere goats.     

Does virginiamycin supplementation affect the metabolism and performance of Nellore bulls grazing under low and high gain rates?

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of virginiamycin on the metabolism and performance of growing Nellore bulls under low and high gain rates on pasture. In experiment 1, 80 Nellore bulls (age = 12 ± 2 months, body weight = 258 ± 15 kg) were assigned to 16 paddocks in a 2 × 2 randomized block factorial arrangement. In experiment 2, 12 cannulated Nellore bulls were assigned to three 4 × 4 balanced Latin squares. The factors were: (1) mineral salt without or with virginiamycin, and (2) low or high gain rate. No interaction was noted between factors (p > .10). Animals fed virginiamycin had greater average daily gain (14%, p < .01), body weight (11 kg, p = .05), plasma nonesterified fatty acid (20%, p < .01), serum calcium concentration (2.62%, p = .04), and total protozoa (p = .03) and had the same bacterial proportion (p > .27). Animals with a low gain rate had greater serum urea concentration (19.6%, p < .01) and ruminal ammonia nitrogen (62%, p < .01). Thus, virginiamycin increases the performance and changes the metabolism of growing Nellore bulls under low and high gain rates on pasture.     

Genetic parameters and trends for production traits and their relationship with litter traits in Landrace and Yorkshire pigs

Genetic parameters and trends in the average daily gain (ADG), backfat thickness (BF), loin muscle area (LMA), lean percentage (LP), and age at 90 kg (D90) were estimated for populations of Landrace and Yorkshire pigs. Additionally, the correlations between these production traits and litter traits were estimated. Litter traits included total born (TB) and number born alive (NBA). The data used for this study were obtained from eight farms during 1999 to 2016. Analyses were carried out with a multivariate animal model to estimate genetic parameters for production traits while bivariate analyses were performed to estimate the correlations between production and litter traits. The heritability estimates were 0.52 and 0.43 for ADG; 0.54 and 0.45 for BF; 0.25 and 0.26 for LMA; 0.54 and 0.48 for LP; and 0.56 and 0.46 for D90 in the Landrace and Yorkshire breeds, respectively. The ADG and D90 showed low genetic correlation with BF and LP. The LMA had ?0.40, ?0.32, 0.49, and 0.39 genetic correlations with ADG, BF, LP, and D90, respectively. Genetic correlations between production and litter traits were generally low, except for the correlations between LMA and TB (?0.23) in Landrace and ADG and TB (?0.16), ADG and NBA (?0.18), D90 and TB (0.19), and D90 and NBA (0.20) in Yorkshire. Genetic trends in production traits were all favorable except for LMA.