exogenous fibrolytic enzyme

Eighteen male Rahmani lambs with 4 months old and weighed 25.47±0.17 kg live body weight were divided into three identical groups and used in a 150-day growing experiment. In the first group, the lambs were fed on R1, which contained 60% concentrate feed mixture (CFM) and 40% corn stover silage (CSS) and considered as a control. Whereas, lambs in the second group were fed (R2) 50% CFM and 50% CSS supplemented with 0.5% optigen ® (slow-release urea) and the third group fed (R3) 50% CFM and 50% CSS supplemented with 3% soybean meal. Results indicated that the dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) contents increased with soybean meal supplement, but nitrogen free extract (NFE) content in silage tended to decrease with optigen and soybean meal supplementation. Content of DM reduced in R2 with optigen supplementation. Higher CF, NDF, ADF and ADL contents and lower NFE content in R2 and R3 than those of R1content and lower NFE content in R2 and R3 than R1. The R2 and R3 had substantially higher digestion of all nutrients (OM, DM, CP, CF, NFE, and ether extract (EE)) as well feeding values (DCP and TDN) than R1. Lambs in various groups had almost equal ruminal pH values. Concentrations of ammonia-N and total VFA's in rumen fluid were significantly higher (P<0.05) in R2 and R3 compared to R1. Blood plasma biochemical profiles of the various groups were almost identical, with only minor variations. Intake of DM and CP were slightly higher in R2 and R3 than those of R1. The TDN and DCP intake were significantly (P<0.05) higher in R2 and R3 than R1. The final live body weight, total weight gain, and average daily gain (ADG) were significantly greater (P<0.05) in R2 and R3 than those of R1. DM and CP conversion improved significantly in R2 and R3 than R1. The addition of corn stover silage supplemented with 3% soybean meal or 0.5 % optigen was improving feed intake, digestion, feed conversion, rumen function, and body weight gain of fattening Rahmani lambs.

HE two primary polysaccharides found in yeast cell wall (YCW), which is frequently added to animals' diets as a nutritional supplement, are mannan-oligosaccharide and β-glucan. The effect of yeast cell wall (YCW) additive on goat kid's growth performance was investigated using twentyfour growing Baladi male goats, weighing 8.33 ± 0.05 kg and an average age of three months. The kids were assigned to four similar groups according to weight and age, each with six kids, and fed a total mixed diet that included 60% concentrate feed mixture, 25% corn silage, and 15% alfalfa hay. For G1, G2, G3, and G4, the experimental groups were given the entire mixed diet with YCW at 0, 5, 7.5, and 10 g/head/day, respectively. Compared to the control group, the addition of YCW resulted in a notable improvement in all nutrient digestion, nutritional values, rumen fermentation, blood serum biochemicals, feed intake, growth performance, feed conversion ratio, and economic efficiency. Group 3, which was given 7.5 grams/head/day, achieved the highest results of digesting all nutrients, nutritional values, concentrations of total volatile fatty acids, acetate, and propionate in the rumen, total protein, albumin, globulin, and glucose in blood serum, final live body weight, total body weight gain, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, and economic efficiency. Also, dry matter (DM), total digestible nutrients (TDN), crude protein (CP), digestible crude protein (DCP), and total and net revenues were all higher in G3 (P<0.05). But the rumen's pH, ammonia-N, and butyrate concentrations were significantly lower in G3, and the blood serum's triglycerides, cholesterol, urea nitrogen, creatinine, alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) concentrations were significantly lower in G3 (P<0.05). In conclusion, adding 7.5 g/kid/day of YCW in diets of growing kids revealed the beast results, which had a significant positive impact on blood serum biochemicals, digestion, rumen fermentation activity, feed intake, growth performance, feed conversion, and economic efficiency.

Ketersediaan dan kualitas sumber pakan adalah dua faktor utama yang membatasi produksi susu di Filipina. Pemanfaatan pakan tambahan berbasis mikroba dan produk samping pertanian seperti ampas singkong dengan bantuan teknologi fermentasi dapat membantu menyediakan sumber daya yang dibutuhkan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh larutan ragi aktif (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) (AYS) dan bubur singkong fermentasi ragi (YFCP) terhadap produksi susu dan efisiensi biaya pakan pada kerbau perah. Penelitian mengikuti desain RCBD menggunakan 63 ekor kerbau perah di Pusat Carabao Filipina di Ubay Stock Farm, Bohol. Rata-rata produksi susu harian (ADMY) kerbau yang diberi suplemen 0,5L AYS dan 1L AYS dua kali sehari lebih besar daripada kerbau kontrol masing-masing sebesar 0,67L dan 0,69L (P = 0,0039). Sebaliknya, ADMY kerbau yang diberi pakan YFCP dan YFCP+AYS lebih besar dari kerbau kontrol masing-masing sebesar 0,64 dan 0,68L (P = 0,0320). Suplementasi AYS dan pemberian makan YFCP menghasilkan biaya terendah per liter susu yang diproduksi pada PhP 20,25 dan PhP 16,24, masing-masing. Direkomendasikan untuk melengkapi pemerahan kerbau dengan AYS atau memberi makan YFCP di daerah dengan ampas singkong untuk meningkatkan sumber pakan, meningkatkan produksi susu dan meningkatkan efisiensi biaya pakan sehingga meningkatkan pendapatan peternak secara signifikan.

Feed resource availability and quality are two of the major factors limiting dairy production in the Philippines. Utilization of microbial-based feed additives and agricultural by-products such as cassava pulp aided by fermentation technology can help provide the needed resource. This study aimed to determine the effect of activated yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) solution (AYS) and yeast-fermented cassava pulp (YFCP) on milk production and feed cost-efficiency in dairy buffaloes. The study followed RCBD design using 63 dairy buffaloes at the Philippine Carabao Center in Ubay Stock Farm, Bohol. The average daily milk yield (ADMY) of buffaloes supplemented with 0.5L AYS and 1L AYS twice daily were greater than that of control buffaloes by 0.67L and 0.69L, respectively (P = 0.0039).On the other hand, the ADMY of buffaloes fed with YFCP and YFCP+AYS were greater than that of control buffaloes by 0.64 and 0.68L, respectively (P = 0.0320). Supplementation of AYS and feeding YFCP yielded...

Forage shortages and inconsistent quality in developing countries pose significant challenges to the small ruminant sector. Feeding ruminants with conserved forages is crucial to address this issue and ensure successful ruminant management in developing countries. The use of sorghum crops mixed with grasses as fermentation feed has gained thought because of its high protein efficiency, relatively high digestible energy, and total digestible nutrients. Therefore, this study aimed to determine feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and growth performance in Gorontalo local goats fed complete silage with varying levels of mixed concentrations of sorghum straw with grasses. Sixteen male Gorontalo local goats were preferred from the local area and randomly divided into four groups using a completely randomized design (CRD). Over 84 days, four different complete silage diets (T1, T2, T3, and T4) were given to goats. The goats' daily nutrient intake, digestibility, and growth performance were analyzed. The T1 diet consisted of 30% grass and 60% sorghum straw, the T2 diet included 20% grass and 70% sorghum straw, the T3 diet contained 10% grass and 60% sorghum straw, and the T4 diet had no grass and 90% sorghum straw. The study found that the dry matter intake (DMI) of goats ranged from 330.2 to 335.1 g/day, approximately 3% of their body weight. The digestibility values of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and energy decreased as the amount of sorghum straw in the silage rations increased. The average daily gain (ADG) (gr/day) in T1, T2, T3, and T4 was affected, with T1 showing the highest ADG (43.2) and T4 showing the lowest (40.3). The Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) value was also influenced, with T1 and T2 showing the best FCR (7.8 and 7.7) and T3 showing the worst (8.2). Based on these findings, it is recommended to limit the amount of sorghum straw to 60%-70% in complete silage for local goats in Gorontalo, especially in tropical areas where goats are common and sorghum is readily available.

Buffaloes rearing play a vital role in India's rural economy, contributing significantly to milk and meat production. While buffalo milk has received considerable policy and research attention, the rising demand for buffalo meat, particularly from male buffaloes necessitates focus on growth optimisation. In Kerala, where smallholder systems dominate, buffalo meat production remains limited and often constrained by inadequate and imbalanced feeding practices, leading to poor growth and economic returns. This study assessed the impact of a scientifically formulated feeding intervention on the growth performance of Murrah crossbred male buffaloes raised for meat in Thrissur, Kerala. A total of 28 animals were enrolled, of which 24 were retained for analysis after excluding extreme outliers. Over a 60-day period, buffaloes were maintained under uniform
management conditions with a total mixed ration (TMR) containing 18% crude protein. Body weight was estimated using Shaeffer’s formula, and average daily gain (ADG) was calculated. A paired ttest was conducted to assess statistical significance. The initial mean body weight was 181.92 ±
9.81 kg, increasing to 202.28 ± 8.32 kg post-intervention (p = 0.0068). The average gain was 20.36 ± 6.85 kg, with an ADG of 0.34 kg/day. Approximately 87.5% of the buffaloes demonstrated positive weight gain, indicating the effectiveness of the feeding strategy. The results confirmed that short-term, scientific nutritional interventions can significantly enhance weight gain in male buffaloes under field conditions. Wider adoption of standard feeding protocols, combined with farmer education and extension support, could improve meat productivity and profitability in
smallholder systems.

Background: Celosia argentea, commonly known as plumed cockscomb, is a herbaceous plant of tropical origin and has 19.78% crude protein and is equal to leguminous fodder. It is highly palatable by animals. The study was designed to find out the chemical composition of the plant at summer and monsoon season and also to conserve it as fodder block for feeding ruminants during feed shortage. Methods: Fodder block was prepared by using paddy straw (60%), Celosia argentea plant (30%), 7.5% refined wheat flour, 2% mineral mixture and 1% salt. The fodder blocks were assessed for physical, chemical and IVDMD tests. Three treatments such as paddy straw and Desmanthus fodder (T1), paddy straw and Celosia argentea fodder (T2), paddy straw and Celosia argentea block (T3) were used for palatability trial in eighteen cross bred heifers. Trial was conducted for a period of one month. Daily feed intake (kg/day), initial and final body weight was measured. Data was analysed by using SPS software. Result: Significant variations (P<0.01) were observed in the proximate composition of Celosia argentea fodder between monsoon and summer season. The prepared fodder blocks with Celosia argentea had bulk density of 70.15 kg/m 3 , relative hardness of 12.36 mm and durability of 89.22%. The chemical composition of fodder blocks (dry matter-90.3%, crude protein-10.28%, ether extract-1.6%, crude fibre-16.25%, total ash-13.26%, nitrogen free extract-58.35%, Ca-1.05% and P-0.53%) were found to lie in the normal range. The IVDMD of fodder block is 48.52%. Average daily dry matter intake of heifers fed with T3 was higher (P<0.01) compared to heifers fed with T1 and T2. The body weight of heifers fed with all treatments did not change during trial period. Celosia argentea can be utilized as alternate to Desmanthus fodder and can be preserved as fodder block along with paddy straw for use during fodder deficit seasons.

Background: Forage quality plays a critical role in the productivity and health of dairy buffalos, directly influencing milk yield, nutrient utilization and overall animal performance. As livestock diets evolve, there is growing interest in optimizing feed composition to improve digestibility and fermentation efficiency. Fodder varieties like OL 10, dual-purpose rabi cereal, multi-cut nature, rapid regeneration capacity, quick growing habit, high palatable, succulent and nutritious fodder characteristics it as more suitable for animal sustainability. Methods: The study assessed the effect of substituting concentrate mixture with fodder oats on milk yield and composition in Murrah buffalo during the rabi season of 2023-2024, using a 50-days feeding trial with six buffalo divided into Group 1: Control group (CG) and Group 2: Treatment group (TG) Result: The study evaluated the nutritional impact of OL 10 forage on dairy buffalo performance compared to a concentrate mixture. OL 10 showed a crude protein digestibility of 76.49% and dry matter digestibility of 61.30%. Its nutrient profile included 46.88% ADF, 65.28% NDF and 12.67% non-fibre carbohydrates. Milk yield in buffalo fed OL 10 increased by 12.0% (5.34 kg/day) compared to those on the concentre mixture (4.77 kg/day), with a 5.2% rise in milk fat content (7.12% vs 6.77%). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved, with dry matter efficiency increasing by 52.1% and crude protein conversion improving by 47.6%. Rumen fermentation was enhanced, showing a 6.2% rise in total volatile fatty acid (VFA) production, particularly acetate (11.12 mmol/L). Additionally, buffalo on the OL 10 diet gained 12.4 kg in body weight, 22.4% higher than the control group. Overall, OL 10 is an efficient forage that improves productivity, nutrient utilization and animal health.

sixteen lactating buffaloes after 8 weeks of calving in the 2 nd to the 5 th lactating season, weighing 500 to 600 kg during summer season were used in a complete switch–back design (lucas, 1956) with four groups and three successive experimentation periods. Buffaloes in the first and the second group were fed ration consisting of 60% concentrate feed mixture and 40% roughages (berseem hay and rice straw) without (G 1 ) or with 15 g baker’s yeast ( cerevisiae)/head/day (G 2 ) on DM basis. While those in the third and the fourth group were fed ration consisting of 40% concentrate feed mixture and 60% roughages on DM basis (berseem hay and rice straw) without (G 3 ) or with 15 g baker’s yeast/head/day (G 4 ). obtained results showed that the contents of dry matter (DM), organic matter (oM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE) and nitrogen free extract (nfE) tended to increase; their digestibilities and total digestible nutrients (TDn) and digestible crude pro tein (DCP) values incr...

Background: Enzyme stimulates metabolic and digestive processes leading to increased feed intake and improved nutrient availability in animals. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of enzyme supplementation on nutrient utilization and production performance in lactating Murrah Buffaloes during winter season. Methods: Twenty four lactating Murrah buffaloes were selected for the study from Livestock Research Centre, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Modipuram, Meerut (UP). All the selected animals were randomly allocated into four treatment groups having six animals in each group on the basis of body weight, lactation length and milk yield. The daily nutrient requirements of lactating Murrah buffaloes in term of DM, DCP and TDN were provided as per the feeding standards of Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi (2013). Total Mixed Ration for buffaloes was prepared by mixing of roughage and concentrates in the ratio of 60:40 after grinding/chaffing. Roughage part was consisting of available winter season green fodder e.g. oat and wheat straw available at research centre. Feeding trial was planned into four treatment groups viz. T 1 (Basal diet without enzyme supplementation), T 2 (Basal diet with supplementation of Xylanase @ 800000 IU), T 3 (Basal diet with supplementation of Cellulase @ 240000 IU) and T 4 (Basal diet with supplementation of Xylanase @ 800000 IU and Cellulase @ 240000 IU). Result: From the present study, it was observed that the average milk yield (5.34 litre/day) was higher in T 4 as compared to other treatment groups, but the difference was non-significant. The average milk fat percent was recorded as 7.52, 7.58. 7.60 and 7.65 in T 1 , T 2 , T 3 and T 4 treatment groups, respectively. Although the results of T 4 group animals were comparatively higher in all major milk constituents the differences were found to be statistically non-significant. The average DM intake (kg/d, kg/100 kg BW and g/kg W 0.75) and CP intake (g/d, g/100 kg BW) were almost similar in all treatment groups. The TDN intake (kg/d, kg/100 kg BW and g/kg W 0.75) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in enzyme supplemented groups. The digestibility coefficient of CP, CF, NDF and ADF were higher (P<0.05) in buffaloes of T 4 over control (T 1) group. So, it was concluded from the above study that the milk production and milk composition could be improved with the combine use of Xylanase and Cellulase enzyme in murrah buffaloes due to improved CP and fibre digestibility.

Different processing methods have been used to develop ingredients for ruminants’ feedstuff from manure. It is important to study dynamics of rumen degradation of various potential feeds before using it to formulate diets for ruminants. The objectives of the study were to determine the effects of Rice straw treated with graded level of Cattle Manure Vermicast (CMV) on in vitro gas degradation kinetics and volatile fatty acids (VFA) production.Inclusion of varying levels of CMV has significant difference (P&lt;0.05) on potential gas production (b). CMV inclusion reduces in vitro gas production, with 30 % CMV inclusion having least potential gas production of 31.13 mL/200mg. Comparing rice straw and CMV, there was significant difference (P&lt;0.05) in b, CMV has the highest potential gas production (56.52 mL/200 mg) compared with rice straw (41.44 mL/200 mg). In vitro rumen effective degradability decreases with increased of CMV inclusion. Significant difference was observed onin vitr...

Present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of supplementing Direct Fed Microbials (DFM) and Solid State Fermented (SSF)
biomass for 70 days on body weight, nutrient intake, digestibility and rumen fermentation in adult Surti buffaloes (n=15). The animals
were randomly allotted into three groups, with 5 animals in each group. The animals in the control group (T1) were fed TMR (Roughage
to concentrate ratio of 65:35) without supplement, while the animals in group T2 and T3 were fed TMR with 3% DFM and 3% SSF biomass
on DM basis, respectively. The average initial and final body weight (kg) of animals in T1 (411.8 and 428.8), T2 (412.2 and 433.1), and
T3 groups (415.8 and 438.7, respectively) were more or less similar. None of the probiotics had significant effect on average DMI and
CPI. The average daily DCPI was however significantly (p<0.05) higher in T3 and T2 than T1. Average bi-weekly total digestible nutrient
intake was significantly (p<0.05) higher in T3 followed by T2 and T1 group. Digestibility of all nutrients was improved numerically by
supplementation of DFM and SSF biomass in the diet of buffaloes, and was within the normal range. There was significantly (p<0.05)
higher concentration of ammonia-N and TCA precipitable nitrogen in SRL of treatment groups of animals, while the values of SRL pH,
TVFA, total-N, soluble-N and NPN were statistically similar between groups. The overall results suggested that supplementation of
SSF biomass or DFM @ 3% in the ration of buffalo has no adverse effect on feed intake, digestibility and rumen fermentation. Further
research is needed to explore their utilization in livestock ration.

Twenty lactating Friesian cows and 20 lactating buffaloes with an
average live body weight of 500 kg at 2-5 lactation seasons after
the peak of lactation (60 days from parturition). Animals were fed
summer ration consisted of 40% concentrate feed mixture
(CFM) + 40% corn silage (CS) + 20% rice straw (RS) (10 cows
and 10 buffaloes) and winter ration consisted of 40% CFM +
40% fresh berseem (FB) + 20% RS (on DM basis) (10 cows and
10 buffaloes). Milk samples were taken from each cow and
buffalo three times biweekly and prepared for minerals
determination. The contents of Ca, K, Zn, Mn and Fe were
higher in fresh berseem, while the contents of P, Mg, Na and Cu
were higher in concentrate feed mixture, however, the lower
contents of all minerals were detected in corn silage and rice
straw. The contents and intake of all minerals were higher in
winter ration containing fresh berseem than summer ration
containing corn silage. The excretion of all minerals in feces and
urine as well as absorption and retention increased significantly
(P<0.05) with increasing dietary minerals intake. The
concentrations of macro and micro-elements in milk of cows
and buffaloes increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing
dietary minerals intake. The concentrations of Ca, P, Cu, Zn and
Mn in milk of cows and buffaloes fed summer ration were lower
than the normal values.

Sixteen multiparous lactating buffaloes aŌer 8 weeks of calving and weighing 500 to 600 kg were used in a
complete switch‐back design with four groups. Buffaloes in the first group were fed the control raƟon (R1)
consisted of DM basis of 60% concentrate feed mixture (CFM)+20% rice straw (RS)+20% berseem hay
(BH), while in the other groups the raƟons consisted of DM basis of 40% CFM+20% RS+40% sugar beet
tops silage (SBTS) and corn silage (CS) in different raƟos; 2:1 (R2), 1:1 (R3) and 1:2 (R4), respecƟvely. The
digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CF, EE and NFE, TDN value and the intake of DM and TDN increased
significantly (P<0.05) with increasing the level of corn silage, however, CP digesƟbility, DCP value and CP
and DCP intake increased (P<0.05) with increasing level of sugar beet tops silage in the rations. The pH
value and NH3‐N concentration increased (P<0.05) with increasing level of sugar beet tops silage, however,
TVFA's concentraƟon increased (P<0.05) with increasing level of corn silage in the rations. Buffaloes fed R3
recorded the highest (P<0.05) milk and 7% FCM yield, however, those fed R1, had the lowest yield. The
percentages of fat, lactose and TS increased (P<0.05) with increasing the level of corn silage, however, the
percentages of protein, SNF and ash increased (P<0.05) with increasing the level of sugar beet tops silage
in raƟons. Animals fed R3 showed the lowest amounts of DM and TDN required per kg 7% FCM and R4 the
lowest amounts of CP and DCP required per kg 7% FCM, however, those fed R1 revealed the highest
amounts (P<0.05).

Eighteen male goats were used to determine the effect of nitrogen fertilizer rates (0, 23.8 and 47.6 kg N ha-1) on intake, nutritive values, nitrogen balance, blood haematology, calcium and phosphorus balance of 3 rd and 4 th cuts berseem hay. The contents of DM, OM, CF and NFE decreased, but CP, EE, ash Ca and P contents increased with increasing the rate of N fertilizer. There were little differences in the mean composition of hay among the 3 rd and 4 th cuts, which CP and ash contents tended to decrease, but CF content tended to increase from 3 rd to 4 th cut. The digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CP, EE and NFE and TDN and DCP values and the intake of DM, TDN and DCP by goats increased significantly (P<0.05), but CF digestibility decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing the rate of N fertilizer. Moreover, the digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CP, EE and NFE and DCP value and the intake of DM, TDN and DCP were significantly higher (P<0.05), but CF digestibility was significantly lower (P<0.05) for 3 rd cut compared to 4 th cut berseem hay. While, TDN value tended to higher in 3 rd cut than 4 th cut berseem hay. The pH value decreased significantly (P<0.05), however the concentrations of TVFA's and NH 3-N and nitrogen intake, digested, excretion in urine and retained increased significantly (P<0.05) in rumen liquor with increasing the rate of N fertilizer. The mean pH value and NH 3-N concentration in rumen liquor and N excretion in feces were nearly similar for hay of both 3 rd and 4 th berseem cuts, while the mean of TVFA's concentration and N intake, excretion in feces and urine, digested and retained were significantly higher (P<0.05) with feeding the 3 rd cut hay compared with feeding 4 th cut berseem hay. The counts of red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells (WBC) and hemoglobin concentration in blood of goats and the intake, excretion in feces,

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of fibrolytic enzymes supplementation on in situ degradability of DM, CP and CF of
different feedstuffs included concentrate feed mixture (CFM), berseem hay (BH), dried sugar beet tops (DSBT), corn silage (CS), rice
straw (RS) and wheat straw (WS). The fibrolytic enzyme (fibrozyme) was added to the ground feedstuffs at the levels of 0, 1 and 1.5
g/kg DM diluted with distilled water (1:10 w/v) and sprayed with 10 ml per kg of ground feedstuffs overnight and samples incubated in
canulated multiparous Friesian cows for 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48 and 72 hours.
Concentrate feed mixture showed the highest values of DM, CP and CF disappearance followed by DSBT, while both RS and WS had
the lowest values (P<0.05). Moreover, the added fibrozyme at the level of 1 g/kg showed the highest in situ ruminal DM and CF
disappearance for CFM and DSBT and CP disappearance for CFM, BH and DSBT, while the level of 1.5 g/kg recorded the highest DM
and CF disappearance for BH, CS, RS and WS and CP disappearance for CS, RS and WS. The DSBT showed the highest rapid
degradable fraction (a), CS the highest potential degradable fraction (b), CFM had the highest degradation rate (c) and RS and WS had
the highest undegradable fraction (u) for both DM and CP (P<0.05). While, CFM showed the highest rapid degradable fraction (a), CS
recorded the highest potential degradable fraction (b), CFM had the highest degradation rate (c), but RS and WS showed the highest
undegradable fraction (u) for CF (P<0.05). Moreover, CFM showed the highest outflow rate of degradable DM at 2, 5 and 8%/ hour
from the rumen for DM, CP and CF, but both RS and WS had the lowest values. Fibrozyme added at the level of 1 g/kg showed the
highest in situ ruminal DM and CF degradation for CFM and DSBT and CP degradation for CFM, BH and DSBT, while the level of 1.5
g/kg recorded the highest DM and CF degradation for BH, CS, RS and WS and CP degradation for CS, RS and WS.

Thirty multiparous lactating buffaloes weighing 500 to 600 kg were fed three levels of fiber with or without fibrolytic enzyme (cellulase and xylanase) treated roughage. rations were formulated from berseem hay, corn silages and rice straw, yellow corn grain, soybean meal, wheat bran, minerals, and vitamins. The contents of crude fiber (CF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were 21.95, 49.48 and 32.21% (high), 19.50, 45.46 and 29.20% (medium) and 16.97, 41.14 and 26.01% (low) for rations contained 75, 62.5, and 50% roughage consisted of 40% berseem hay, 40% corn silage and 20% rice straw (on DM basis), respectively. The digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE) and nitrogen free extract (NFE) and nutritive values decreased significantly (P<0.05), but crude fiber (CF) increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing fiber content. The digestibility of all nutrients and nutritive values increased significantly (P<0.05) with fibrolytic enzyme supplementation. The intake of DM, total digestible nutrients (TDN), CP and digestible crude protein (DCP) increased significantly (P<0.05) with decreasing dietary fiber content as well as with fibrolytic enzyme supplementation. The pH value increased significantly (P<0.05), however total volatile fatty acids (TVFA's) and ammonia nitrogen (NH 3-N) concentrations decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing dietary fiber content. The pH value and NH 3-N concentration were significantly lower (P<0.05), but TV-FA's concentration was significantly higher (P<0.05) with fibrolytic enzyme supplementation. The milk yield and 7% fat corrected milk (FCM) increased significantly (P<0.05) with decreasing dietary fiber content as well as with fibrolytic enzyme supplementation. Fat and TS contents increased and lactose and SNF contents decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing dietary fiber content. The contents of milk constituents increased significantly (P<0.05) with fibrolytic enzyme supplementation. The DM and CP/kg FCM increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing dietary fiber content, but TDN, CP and DCP/kg FCM did not change significantly (P>0.05) by dietary fiber content. Feed conversion improved significantly (P<0.05) with fibrolytic enzyme supplementation. Average daily feed cost, feed cost/ kg 7% FCM and output of 7% FCM decreased significantly (P<0.05), but economic efficiency increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing dietary fiber content. Feed cost/ kg 7% FCM decreased significantly (P<0.05), but output of 7% FCM and economic efficiency increased significantly (P<0.05) with fibrolytic enzyme supplementation. It could be concluded that using high fiber total mixed ration due to increasing forage level was economically effective in buffaloes feeding and fibrolytic enzymes supplementation improved productive performance.

Thirty multiparous lactating Friesian cows with body weight of 500±25 kg were used during the first 20 weeks of lactation. Cows were randomly assigned to six similar groups (5 in each) and fed the experimental rations consisted on DM basis of 60 % concentrate feed mixture (CFM) + 40 % berseem hay without (BH) or with fibrozyme (BH-E), corn silage without (CS) or with fibrozyme (CS-E) or rice straw without (RS) or with fibrozyme (RS-E). Fibrozyme was added at level of 1 g/kg DM. Results showed that cows fed ration containing CS-E showed the highest DM and TDN intake and those fed ration based on BH-E had the highest DCP intake, those fed ration containing RS recorded the lowest intake (P<0.05). The BH-E ration showed the highest digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CP and CF and DCP value, while CS-E the highest EE digestibility and TDN value. Cows fed CS-E ration had significantly (P<0.05) the lowest pH value and the highest TVFA's concentration, while those fed BH ration revealed the highest NH 3-N concentration. The pH value decreased, but TVFA's and NH 3-N concentrations increased gradually until 4 hours after feeding then showed opposite trend at 6 hours. Cows fed CS-E ration recorded significantly (P<0.05) the highest actual milk and 4% FCM yield and the percentages of fat, lactose and TS in milk, while those fed BH-E had the highest protein and SNF percentages (P<0.05). Cows fed CS-E recorded the lowest requirements of DM and TDN per kg FCM, while those fed RS-E showed the lowest DCP/ kg FCM (P<0.05). Cows fed RS ration revealed the lowest average daily feed cost, wile those fed CS-E recorded the lowest feed cost/ kg FCM and the highest income of FCM and economic efficiency.

sixteen lactating buffaloes after 8 weeks of calving in the 2 nd to the 5 th lactating season, weighing 500 to 600 kg during summer season were used in a complete switchback design (lucas, 1956) with four groups and three successive experimentation periods. Buffaloes in the first and the second group were fed ration consisting of 60% concentrate feed mixture and 40% roughages (berseem hay and rice straw) without (G 1) or with 15 g baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)/head/day (G 2) on DM basis. While those in the third and the fourth group were fed ration consisting of 40% concentrate feed mixture and 60% roughages on DM basis (berseem hay and rice straw) without (G 3) or with 15 g baker's yeast/head/day (G 4). obtained results showed that the contents of dry matter (DM), organic matter (oM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE) and nitrogen free extract (nfE) tended to increase; their digestibilities and total digestible nutrients (TDn) and digestible crude protein (DCP) values increased significantly (P<0.05), however, the contents of CF and ash tended to decrease and CF digestibility decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing level of concentrate and decreasing roughages level. The digestibilities of all nutrients and nutritive values increased significantly (P<0.05) with barker's yeast supplementation. The intake of DM, TDN and DCP increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing level of concentrate and decreasing roughages level. The intake of TDN and DCP increased significantly (P<0.05) with baker's yeast supplementation. Ruminal pH value decreased significantly (P<0.05), while ruminal total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs) and ammoniacal nitrogen (NH 3-N) concentrations increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing level of concentrate. However, ruminal pH value and NH 3-n concentration decreased significantly (P<0.05) and TVFAs concentration increased significantly (P<0.05) with baker's yeast supplementation. The yield of actual milk increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing level of concentrate, while the yield of 7% fat corrected milk (FCM) increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing level of concentrate as well as with baker's yeast supplementation. The contents of protein, lactose and SNF increased significantly (P<0.05), however, fat content decreased significantly with increasing level of concentrate and decreasing level of roughages. The contents of all milk constituents except ash increased significantly (P<0.05) with baker's yeast supplementation. The amounts of DM, TDN and DCP per kg 7% FCM increased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing level of concentrate and decreasing level of roughages in the rations as well as with baker's yeast supplementation. The average daily feed cost and feed cost per kg 7% FCM increased significantly (P<0.05), however, economic efficiency decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing level of concentrate and decreasing level of roughages in the rations. average daily feed cost tended to increase, but the output of 7% FCM and economic efficiency increased significantly (P<0.05), while feed cost per kg 7% FCM decreased significantly (P<0.05) with baker's yeast supplementation. It could be concluded that lactating buffaloes fed ration consisted of 40% concentrate feed mixture and 60% roughages (berseem hay and rice straw) with 15 g baker's yeast supplementation/head/day on DM basis (G 4) showed the best results concerning milk yield, feed conversion and economic efficiency.

Twenty four Friesian calves with an initial live body weight of 213.39±0.44 kg and aged 9±0.15 months were randomly divided into four similar groups (6 each). Calves in the first group were fed the control ration (R1) consisted of 65% concentrate feed mixture + 15% rice straw + 20% berseem hay (on DM basis), while calves in the other groups were fed rations consisted on DM basis from 50% concentrate feed mixture + 15% rice straw + 35% sugar beet tops and corn stover silages in different ratios, 2:1 (R2), 1:1 (R3) and 1:2 (R4), respectively. Productive and semen characteristics were recorded. Results showed that the contents of CP and ash increased and OM and CF contents decreased with increasing the proportion of sugar beet tops silage and decreasing the proportion of corn stover silage in the rations. R4 showed the highest DM, OM, CF, EE and NFE digestibilities and TDN value and R1 had the highest CP digestibility and DCP value. Calves fed R1 recorded the highest DM, TDN and DCP intake, those fed R2 showed the lowest DM and TDN intakes and those fed R4 the lowest DCP intake. Calves fed R1 recorded significantly (P<0.05) the highest pH value and NH 3-N concentration and the lowest TVFA's concentration, but those fed R4 had opposite trend. Calves fed R3 recorded significantly (P<0.05) the highest final body weight, total and daily weight gain, daily weight gain improvement and the better DM, TDN and DCP conversion, while those fed R1 had the worst values. Calves fed R1 showed significantly (P<0.05) the highest average daily feed cost and calves fed R3 showed significantly (P<0.05) the lowest feed cost per kg gain and the highest price daily weight gain and economic efficiency. Calves fed R3 recorded significantly (P<0.05) the best semen physical characteristics, but those fed R1 had the worse characteristics. It could be concluded that sugar beet tops and corn stover silages as sources of roughage is more efficient especially during summer season under Egyptian conditions to replace berseem hay and to save a part of concentrate feed mixture. Using sugar beet tops and corn stover silages (1:1) in the rations of growing calves resulted in improvement body weight gain, feed conversion, economic efficiency and good semen quality.

Nutritional evaluation of rice straw silage was carried out with Sakha 102 and Giza 177 varieties sprinkled by El-Mufeed liquid and Effective Microorganisms (EM1) with or without urea supplementation as well as untreated or ammoniated rice straw using adult Ossimi x Finnish crossbred rams. Also, feeding trial was conducted using twelve lactating buffaloes in the 3 rd to the 5 th of lactation season, weighing 550-650 kg used after 8 weeks of lactation start in complete switchback design to evaluate the three experimental rations contained different forms of rice straw. The first ration (R1) contained concentrate feed mixture (CFM) and untreated rice straw (URS), the second ration (R2) contained CFM and ammoniated rice straw (ARS), while the third ration (R3) contained CFM and rice straw silage (RSS). Giza 177 rice straw silage with EM1 and urea supplementation had significantly (P<0.05) the highest digestibility coefficients of DM, OM and NFE and subsequently TDN, DE and DCP values. Moreover, nutrients digestibility and nutritive values increased significantly (P<0.05) with urea supplementation. Rice straw silage recorded significantly the highest digestibility coefficients of all nutrients except EE and subsequently nutritive values followed by ammoniated rice straw. The digestibility coefficients of DM for R3 and OM, CP and NFE and subsequently TDN, DE and DCP values for R2 and R3 were significantly (P<0.05) higher compared to R1. However, CF and EE digestibilities were nearly similar for the different rations. Buffaloes fed R1 showed the highest intake of CFM compared with those fed R2 or R3. Moreover, lactating buffaloes fed R1 recorded significantly (P<0.05) the highest DM intake and the lowest DCP intake, followed by those fed R2, while those fed R3 showed the opposite trend. Buffaloes fed R3 recorded significantly (P<0.05) the highest concentrations of TVFA's and ammonia-N followed by those fed R2, while buffaloes fed R1 had the lowest concentrations. Lactating buffaloes fed R2 and R3 showed significantly (P<0.05) the higher daily milk yield compared to those fed R2. However, there were no significant (P>0.05) differences in milk composition. Buffaloes fed R2 and R3 had better feed conversion for DM, TDN and DE compared to those fed R1. Average daily feed cost and feed cost/ 1 kg 7% FCM were significantly higher, while the output of milk yield, net output and net output improvement were significantly lower for buffaloes fed R1 compared with those fed R2 and R3.

Twenty-eight male Friesian calves with average body weight of 176.68±3.68 kg and 8±0.19 months of age were used in this study. Calves were divided into four similar groups, assigned randomly to four experimental rations (R1-R4) during the first (first 140 days of experiment) and second (from day 141 to reach 450 kg of body weight) periods as follows: R1: 65% concentrate mixture (CM) + 15% fresh berseem (FB, first period) or berseem hay (BH, second period) + 20% rice straw (RS). R2: 50% CM + 50% corn silage (CS). R3: 25% CM + 75% CS. R4: 100% CS (first period) or 75% CM + 25% CS (second period). Results obtained showed that calves fed R3 had the highest daily body weight gain and feed and economic efficiency and vice versa with those fed R4 during the whole experimental period. Nitrogen balance as percentage of N intake or digested and ruminal pH value increased significantly. There were no significant differences (P<0.05) in molar proportions of acetic, propionic, isobutyric, butyric, isovaleric and valeric acids in rumen of calves fed the different rations during the first and second periods except isovaleric acid during the second period. Ammonia-N and total volatile fatty acids decreased significantly with increasing the level of corn silage in ration up to 75% during both first and second period. These results indicated that, calves fed ration contained 25% CM and 75% corn silage recorded the best results concerning digestibility and nutritive values, N-utilization, daily weight gain and economic efficiency.

This study was undertaken to know the effect of silage and soybean straw based Total Mixed Ration (TMR) on the growth performances of growing bull calves. 30 growing bull calves were divided into 5 treatment groups considering their initial body weight 111.30±6.67 to115.66±10.69 kg and age 24 to 26 months, respectively. Five types of TMR were prepared with different roughage and concentrate ratios (R: C) as T1=70:30, T2=60:40, T3=50:50, T4=40:60, T5=30:70. TMR intake, DM intake, CP intake of animals in T2 group was significantly (P&lt;0.001) higher. Significantly higher (P&lt;0.01) DM and CP digestibility were observed in T2. No significant differences observed for live weight gain. The ADG was slightly higher in T2 group (0.860 kg/day) but no significant differences were found among the treatments. Based on the results, it may be concluded that using a 60:40 (R: C) TMR can be formulated for fattening bulls for proper growth and maintenance. Bangladesh J. of Livestock Res. 21-25: 82...

Aims: To compare the compatibility of maize stover based Total Mixed Ration (TMR) over conventional feeding in terms of dry matter intake, milk production and composition and economic outcome from cows. Study Design: CRD. Place and Duration of Study: This field trial was carried out for a period of 60 days on 10 early lactating Holstein Friesian crossbred cows belonging to the farmers of Sirajgonj district. Methodology: Cows were divided into two homogenous groups considering lactation status and yield. In control (T0) group, cows were provided conventional feeds comprising of 20.0 kg Napier grass, 5.0 kg paddy straw, 2 kg pelleted feed and 10.0 kg concentrate mixture (composed of 5 kg wheat bran, 2 kg pulse bran, 2 kg red gram bran and 1.0 kg oil cake), while in another group (T1), cows were fed TMR comprising of maize stover and concentrate with 50:50 proportions, according to their nutrient requirements. The DM and CP contents in concentrate mixture of T0 and T1 were 90.33% and 1...

A study was conducted to observe the feed intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation pattern and blood biochemical profile of growing crossbred calves fed lime treated Jatropha (Jatropha curcas) cake (LTJC). Fourteen crossbred growing calves of 11-17 months of age were randomly divided in two groups i.e. T1 (Control) and T2 (LTJC at 4% of the concentrate mixture) following Completely Randomized Design. A digestion trial of 7 d duration was conducted towards the end of experiment of 80 days to assess the digestibility of nutrients. The intake of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) in both the groups was similar and digestibility was higher in T2 during experiment. However, the digestibility of CP was lower (P&lt;0.01) in T2 group. Animals in control group gain body weight while those in group T2 loose body weight. A peak ammonia nitrogen level in strained rumen liquor (SRL) was observed at 2 h post feeding and then declined up to 8 h post feeding with the same pattern in both grou...

Four experiments were conducted. I) The concentration of reducing sugar was determined following incubation with Aspergillus oryzae and an 8x11 factorial arrangement with 8 formulas of cassava components and 0 to 10 d of incubation. The reducing sugar increased from day 3 and the highest was found for 100% cassava pulp. II) Crude protein (CP) and urea content were determined after incubating with A. oryzae and Saccharomyces cerreviseae and a 4x6 factorial arrangement with 4 formulas of cassava components and 6 urea levels. The highest CP was observed in 37.5% cassava pulp, 25% cassava chip, and 37.5% cassava peel. III) The design was a 3x4 factorial arrangement with 3 formulas of cassava components and 4 urea levels. CP was unaffected by cassava components but increased with increasing urea levels. IV) The design was a 3x3 Latin squares with 3 fistulated cows and 3 periods. Treatments were 4 kg/cow/d concentrate, 3.2 kg/cow/d concentrate plus 0.8 kg/cow/d ensiled cassava pulp (ECP) and 2.4 kg/cow/d concentrate plus 1.6 kg/cow/d ECP. ECP increased pH, molar proportions of acetic and butyric acids but reduced molar proportion of propionic acid.

This study was fulfilled to assess the impact of supplementing diets with Exogenous Fibrolytic Enzymes (EFE) in buffalo calves on growth performance criteria, rumen fermentation properties and certain biochemical indices. The total number of 12 buffalo calves of (4-6) months age and 123.3 kg average body weight were assigned into two similar groups (6 animals each): Animals of T1 (control) were fed on basal ration and those of T2 (treated) were fed as T1 plus 12 ml Zymogen liquid (ZL)/100 kg of animal weight per head daily. The study was extended for fifteen weeks. Live body weights were individually recorded biweekly in both group Rumen and blood samples were gathered from each animal in both groups at the finishing of study for determination of rumen fermentations properties and certain blood biochemical indices. Results showed that treated group (T2) recorded significant increase (P≤0.05) in dry matter intake (DMI), digestion coefficients, average daily gain, total body weight ga...

Twenty sheep lambs of around 3 to 7 months of age with an average body weight of 10.91kg were selected and divided into four groups of five replicates each. Each group was randomly allotted to one of the four dietary treatments. This pilot study was carried out to assess the feed intake of Hassan sheep Lambs when fed with green fodder COFS 29 as a sole roughage source and concentrate separately to meet the requirements according to ICAR nutrient requirements 2013. COFS-29 was freshly chopped daily and was fed to animals ad libitum. The daily allowance of 50g concentrate feed mixture was weighed and offered twice a day at 12.00 AM and 4.00 PM. Roughage and concentrate intake was recorded and total matter intake was calculated and presented per kg metabolic body weight and percent body weight. Daily roughage dry matter intake was 456.42 g, which was 4.18 percent body weight and 76.03g per kg metabolic body weight. Similarly the concentrate dry matter intake was 43.89 g per day, 0.4 percent body weight and 7.31 g per kg metabolic body weight. The total dry matter intake was 500.30g per day, 4.59 percent body weight and 83.34 g per kg metabolic body weight was observed. The concentrate feed was restricted during the pilot study to maximize the roughage dry matter intake. The nutrients consumed could meet the maintenance requirement. Hence, concluded that the CoFS-29 fodder can be used as a sole roughage source to conduct further studies on assessment of growth potentiality of Hassan Sheep lambs.

This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of an exogenous enzyme mixture on in vitro gas production (GP), in vitro dry matter degradability (DMD), metabolizable energy (ME) and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) production in growing lambs fed a high concentrate diet. ZADO® (ENZ) is a powdered, commercially available multi-enzyme feed additive produced from Ruminococcus flavefaciens. Four levels of ENZ (i.e., 0, 5, 10 and 20 mg/g DM; or EO, E5, E10 and E20, respectively) were applied directly to the substrate inside the incubation bottles before addition of buffer medium and rumen fluid, and the treatments were assayed in triplicate runs. Addition of ENZ linearly increased (P<0.05) GP at 6 and 96 h of incubation and tended (P=0.08) to linearly increase GP at 12, 48 and 72 h of incubation. Asymptotic GP was increased linearly (P=0.05) as the level of ENZ increased and the lag time decreased linearly (P=0.003). Concurrently, DMD increased linearly (P<0.001) as the level of ENZ increased, but level of ENZ had no effect on SCFA and ME. Finally, level of ENZ had no influence on rate of gas production. Results suggest that this enzyme preparation has potential to improve efficiency of utilization of high concentrate diets fed to growing lambs.

In pursuit of novel strategies aimed to promote animal production while exploiting agricultural residues, using the dromedary camel rumen fluid degradation capabilities combined with a gas production (GP) technique approach, we investigated the in vitro kinetic parameters and some physical and chemical characteristics of three agro-industrial byproducts (AIBP) and their mixtures with three roughages. Chemical composition, buffering capacity, apparent degradability, pH, and in vitro GP kinetic parameters were evaluated for citrus pulp, tomato peels, apple pomace, their mixtures (50:50 % DM basis) with milk thistle, crown daisy, and polyphyte hay. GP of AIBP ranged from 200 to 240 mL/g DM. Roughages produced significantly less gas whereas mixtures gave intermediate amounts of gas. Gas from AIBP evolved with significantly (P < 0.05) shorter lag time (0.33 h) compared with roughages and mixtures. Mixing roughages with AIBP significantly (P < 0.05) increased the initial and final pH. The buffering capacity significantly increased with some mixtures and decreased with some others. In conclusion, ruminal fluid from slaughtered dromedaries, like the conventional bovine inoculum, fermented the major plant polymers and can be used in in vitro degradability trials. Rapidly fermentable AIPB mixed with roughages can improve some nutritional aspects, providing dietary fiber and correcting some in vitro kinetic parameters.

In pursuit of novel strategies aimed to promote animal production while exploiting agricultural residues, using the dromedary camel rumen fluid degradation capabilities combined with a gas production (GP) technique approach, we investigated the in vitro kinetic parameters and some physical and chemical characteristics of three agro-industrial byproducts (AIBP) and their mixtures with three roughages. Chemical composition, buffering capacity, apparent degradability, pH, and in vitro GP kinetic parameters were evaluated for citrus pulp, tomato peels, apple pomace, their mixtures (50:50 % DM basis) with milk thistle, crown daisy, and polyphyte hay. GP of AIBP ranged from 200 to 240 mL/g DM. Roughages produced significantly less gas whereas mixtures gave intermediate amounts of gas. Gas from AIBP evolved with significantly (P < 0.05) shorter lag time (0.33 h) compared with roughages and mixtures. Mixing roughages with AIBP significantly (P < 0.05) increased the initial and final pH. The buffering capacity significantly increased with some mixtures and decreased with some others. In conclusion, ruminal fluid from slaughtered dromedaries, like the conventional bovine inoculum, fermented the major plant polymers and can be used in in vitro degradability trials. Rapidly fermentable AIPB mixed with roughages can improve some nutritional aspects, providing dietary fiber and correcting some in vitro kinetic parameters.

An experiment was conducted to determine the nutrient intake, digestibility, micro bial protein synthesis, haematobiochemical attributes, immune response and growth performance of Gaddi kids fed with oat fodder based basal diet supplemented with either tea seed or tea seed saponin (TSS) extract. Methods: Eighteen male kids, 7.03±0.16 months of age and 19.72±0.64 kg body weight, were distributed into three groups, T 0 (control), T 1 , and T 2 , consisting of 6 animals each in a completely randomized design. The kids were fed a basal diet consisting of concentrate mixture and oat fodder (50:50). Animals in group III (T 2) were supplemented with TSS at 0.4% of dry matter intake (DMI), and group II (T 1) were supplemented with tea seed at 2.6% of DMI to provide equivalent dose of TSS as in T 2. Two metabolism trials were conducted, 1st after 21 days and 2nd after 90 days of feeding to evaluate the short term and long term effects of supplementation. Results: The tea seed (T 1) or TSS (T 2) supplementation did not affect DMI as well as the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre, and acid detergent fibre. Nutritive value of diet and plane of nutrition were also comparable for both the periods. However, the average daily gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were improved (p<0.05) for T 1 and T 2 as compared to T 0. The microbial protein supply was also higher (p<0.05) for T 1 and T 2 for both the periods. There was no effect of supplementation on most blood parameters. However, the triglyceride and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased (p<0.05) and high density lipoproteincholesterol level increased (p<0.05) in T 2 as compared with T 0 and T 1. Supplementation also did not affect the cell mediated and humoral immune response in goats. Conclusion: Tea seed at 2.6% of DMI and TSS at 0.4% DMI can be fed to Gaddi goats to improve growth rate, FCR and microbial protein synthesis.

The experiment compared the effect of feeding complete rations with conventional feeding system on rumen fermentation pattern of Murrah buffalo bulls. Four adult rumen fistulated buffalo bulls (5 y; 331±9.36 kg BW) were divided into four groups in a 4 x 4 Latin square switch over design and offered three isonitrogenous complete rations comprising of locally available crop residues viz. maize stover (T 1), red gram straw (T 2) and black gram straw (T 3), and concentrate mixture in 60:40 ratio, respectively, and a conventional ration (C) for a period of 28 days. The rumen-N fractions (NH 3-N, TCA-insoluble nitrogen, Residual nitrogen), TVFA and pH were higher (P<0.01) in the SRL of animals fed rations T 1 to T 3 when compared to those animals fed C. The total N, food and protozoal N was similar among the treatment groups. It is therefore, concluded that feeding of complete rations comprising of locally available crop residues as roughage source provided conducive rumen environment for better nitrogen utilization and higher TVFA production than conventional ration.

The present experiment aimed to evaluate the inclusion of dried olive cake treated or untreated with fibrolytic enzyme, partially replacing concentrates in the diet of ewes. Forty lactating Barki ewes, weighing 37.1 ± 4.0 kg, were assigned into four treatments (n=10) in a complete randomized design for 9 weeks. Ewes were stratified according to parity (2 ± 1 parity) and previous milk production (615 ± 11 g/d). The control diet consisted of concentrates and corn fodder at 60:40, respectively. For the experimental diets, 30% of the concentrates was replaced with dried olive cake (DOC treatment), olive cake silage (SOC treatment) or olive cake silage treated with fibrolytic enzymes (ESOC treatment). Without affecting intake, DOC, SOC and ESOC diets enhanced (P&lt;0.05) dry matter, organic matter and non-structural carbohydrate digestibility; however, ESOC diets increased (P&lt;0.05) neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber digestibility. Additionally, DOC, SOC and ESOC diets in...

This study sought to chart the ontogenesis of rumen in Naemi lambs through histomorphometeric evaluation subjected to alfalfa hay in total mixed rations (TMR). A total of 40 growing healthy Naemi male lambs (28.85±1.09kg), at weaning (90±3days) was randomly distributed into four groups. One group was fed on TMR (control) only, while others were supplemented with restricted amount of alfalfa hay at the rate of 100g per day (T1), 200g once per two days (T2) and 300g once per three days (T3) in addition to ad libitum TMR. The results indicated that body weight and dry matter intake increased significantly in treated groups. Significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) pH was recorded in all the treated groups after 8h of feeding. Similarly, the brightness (L*), redness (a*) and yellowness ((b*) of rumen was significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) in treated groups. The papillary length, width and surface area of rumen were significantly (P&lt;0.05) high in alfalfa supplemented groups. Iron (Fe) concentra...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of fresh yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation in the dairy cows' diets on productive performances and health status. The study was carried out in the experimental farm of the Research and Development Institute for Bovine Balotești on 50 multiparous Romanian Black and Spotted dairy cows, randomly divided into two groups (N = 25 heads/group), according to age, milk yield, body weight and health status. The experimental group received 80 g Saccharomyces cerevisiae/head/day for one year. The groups were fed with the same diet and had free access to water and salt. Results were expressed as a mean (±Standard Deviation). The t-test was applied to obtain the significance of difference. Supplementation of the diet with Saccharomyces cerevisiae had a significant effect (P <0.001) on milk yield (20.71±1.65 l/head/day) for the experimental group comparing with the control group (18.22±1.81 l/head/day), and on milk protein and lactose (P <0.05). The addition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in dairy cows' diet did not improve the milk fat, hematological and biochemical/urine indicators in the experimental group (P >0.05). However, for alkaline phosphatase, differences at the end of the study have been observed (P <0.01). The beneficial effect of the yeast and yeast products in ruminants could be attributed to microbial activity by increasing the number of beneficial bacteria in the rumen of the animals. The use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as an alternative source of economic protein, vitamins and minerals in dairy cows' diet represents an effective measure to optimize animal productivity.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of fresh yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation in the dairy cows’ diets on productive performances and health status. The study was carried out in the experimental farm of the Research and Development Institute for Bovine Balotești on 50 multiparous Romanian Black and Spotted dairy cows, randomly divided into two groups (N = 25 heads/group), according to age, milk yield, body weight and health status. The experimental group received 80 g Saccharomyces cerevisiae/head/day for one year. The groups were fed with the same diet and had free access to water and salt. Results were expressed as a mean (±Standard Deviation). The t-test was applied to obtain the significance of difference. Supplementation of the diet with Saccharomyces cerevisiae had a significant effect (P &lt;0.001) on milk yield (20.71±1.65 l/head/day) for the experimental group comparing with the control group (18.22±1.81 l/head/day), and on milk protein and lac...

Received: Revised: Accepted: June 11, 2012 November 27, 2013 December 16, 2013 This study was conducted to assess the performance and economical benefits of use of enzyme supplementation in an intensive feeding system in Beetal x Dwarf (crossbred) male goats. The fibrolytic enzyme produced from Chaetomium thermophile (DG-76), contained 5.8±0.1 U/ml, 8.3±0.2 U/ml, 6.2±0.2 U/ml, 170±2.2 U/ml and 2.2±0.02 mg/ml of filter paper (FP)-ase, CMC-ase, β-glucosidase, xylanase and extra cellular protein, respectively. The enzyme was mixed @ 1% v/w in total mixed ration (TMR) containing 15.14% CP, 20.75% ADF and 35.24% NDF which was offered for 60-d to two similar groups of 10 in each male goats weighing Control 33.42±1.1 kg and fibrolytic enzyme supplemented (FES) group 34.02±1.13 kg. There was a significant improvement (P=0.0001) in weight gain in enzyme supplemented than control group (5.01 vs 4.1 kg). Average daily live weight gain (ADLWG) was found to be 83.49 g in FES compared with 68.33 ...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of fresh yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation in the dairy cows' diets on productive performances and health status. The study was carried out in the experimental farm of the Research and Development Institute for Bovine Balotești on 50 multiparous Romanian Black and Spotted dairy cows, randomly divided into two groups (N = 25 heads/group), according to age, milk yield, body weight and health status. The experimental group received 80 g Saccharomyces cerevisiae/head/day for one year. The groups were fed with the same diet and had free access to water and salt. Results were expressed as a mean (±Standard Deviation). The t-test was applied to obtain the significance of difference. Supplementation of the diet with Saccharomyces cerevisiae had a significant effect (P <0.001) on milk yield (20.71±1.65 l/head/day) for the experimental group comparing with the control group (18.22±1.81 l/head/day), and on milk protein and lactose (P <0.05). The addition of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in dairy cows' diet did not improve the milk fat, hematological and biochemical/urine indicators in the experimental group (P >0.05). However, for alkaline phosphatase, differences at the end of the study have been observed (P <0.01). The beneficial effect of the yeast and yeast products in ruminants could be attributed to microbial activity by increasing the number of beneficial bacteria in the rumen of the animals. The use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as an alternative source of economic protein, vitamins and minerals in dairy cows' diet represents an effective measure to optimize animal productivity.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of four enzyme additives on ruminal fermentation of corn silage using a 48 h batch culture in vitro assay with buffer and ruminal fluid. Experiment 1 (Exp. 1) and Experiment 2 (Exp. 2) were conducted as completely randomized designs each with two runs and four replicates. The enzyme additives (E1, E2, E3, and E4) were commercial products that provided a range in endoglucanase, exoglucanase, and xylanase activities. For both xylanase (birch wood and oat spelt substrate) and endoglucanase (carboxymethylcellulose substrate), the enzyme products (per ml) were ranked E4 4 E1 4 E2 4 E3. In Exp. 1, the four enzymes were added at 0, 2, 4, and 8 μl/g of corn silage dry matter (DM), whereas in Exp. 2 enzymes were added at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 μl/g DM. Gas production (GP) was measured at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 48 h after incubation. Disappearance of DM (DMD), neutral detergent fiber (NDFD), and acid detergent fiber (ADFD), and volatile fatty acid concentrations (VFA; total and individual molar proportions) were determined after 24 and 48 h. In Exp. 1, E1 and E2 had higher NDFD and ADFD at 24 and 48 h of incubation (Po 0.001) compared with E3 and E4. Increasing dose rate increased NDFD and ADFD for all enzymes (except ADFD for E4 at 48 h), with the optimum dose rate dependant on the enzyme additive (dose  enzyme; P o 0.01). There were some treatment effects on DMD and total GP at 24 and 48 h, but these responses were not consistent with responses in NDFD and ADFD. Experiment 2 was conducted to confirm the effects and optimum dose rate of each enzyme additive. In Exp. 2, DMD was not affected by enzyme after 24 and 48 h incubation. There were no enzyme  dose interactions for DMD, NDFD, or ADFD after 24 or 48 h of incubation (except for ADFD at 48 h). After 24 h, DMD, NDFD, and ADFD increased linearly with increasing dose (P o0.05); after 48 h DMD increased linearly, whereas NDFD increased quadratically with increasing enzyme dose (P o 0.05). The ADFD increased linearly after 48 h for E3 and E4, but after 48 h ADFD increased quadratically for E1 and E2. Total GP was consistently lowest for E4 at both incubation times (P o 0.05). There were no enzyme  dose interactions (P 40.05) for any of the fermentation variables at either 24 or 48 h of incubation in Exp. 2. There were differences amongst the additives for total VFA at 24 and 48 h (P≤0.05); increasing enzyme dose decreased total VFA after 24 h but increased total VFA at 48 h, such that all doses were higher than the control (Po 0.001). Overall, the enzyme additives increased NDFD and ADFD of corn silage in vitro; however, E1 and E2 were more effective than E3 or E4. Responses to increasing dose of enzyme Contents lists available at SciVerse ScienceDirect

The present study was conducted to see the effect of supplementation of Kappaphycus alvarezii based seaweed product on feed intake, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance in crossbred cattle. In this study, 18 lactating crossbred (Karan fries) cows were divided into 3 groups of 6 animals each based on milk yield, body weight, parity and days in milk. The cows in treatment T1 were fed rations as per their nutrient requirements. The cows in treatments T2 and T3 were fed the similar rations in control (T1), however, the diets were supplemented with K. alverazii based sea weed powder (K. alvarezii powder: Gracilaria salicornia powder: K. alvarezii sap powder in 1: 1: 1 ratio) @ 1.5 and 3% of ration (on dry matter basis), respectively. The study lasted for 150 days. The feed intake, digestibility of nutrients and nitrogen balance were not influenced by sea weed powder supplementation.

The study was conducted to determine the effects of supplementing probiotics and concentrates on intake and growth performance of Sahelian does fed Brachiaria decumbens grass. Twenty-four Sahelian does averaging one year and weighing 13.3 ± 1.16 kg were assigned randomly in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement to four treatments in a Completely Randomized Design with 6 replicates and used to measure intake and live weight changes for 14 weeks. The factors were levels of concentrate and probiotics. Blood samples were taken for the determination of haematological and biochemical parameters. The results revealed differences (P < 0.05) in total dry matter intake, live weight changes and feed conversion ratio attributable to treatment effects. The differences observed in total dry matter intake led to improvements in average daily gain, feed conversion ratio and growth rate. All blood haematological indices with the exception of mean cell volume were impacted positively by treatment effects. White blood cell and total protein contents improved linearly with probiotics and higher level of concentrate supplementation, while total cholesterol content declined (P < 0.05). The results highlighted the positive impact of probiotics and higher level of concentrate supplementation on growth performance and blood profile of growing Sahelian does on a basal diet of Brachiaria decumbens grass.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of four enzyme additives on ruminal fermentation of corn silage using a 48 h batch culture in vitro assay with buffer and ruminal fluid. Experiment 1 (Exp. 1) and Experiment 2 (Exp. 2) were conducted as completely randomized designs each with two runs and four replicates. The enzyme additives (E1, E2, E3, and E4) were commercial products that provided a range in endoglucanase, exoglucanase, and xylanase activities. For both xylanase (birch wood and oat spelt substrate) and endoglucanase (carboxymethylcellulose substrate), the enzyme products (per ml) were ranked E4 4 E1 4 E2 4 E3. In Exp. 1, the four enzymes were added at 0, 2, 4, and 8 μl/g of corn silage dry matter (DM), whereas in Exp. 2 enzymes were added at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 μl/g DM. Gas production (GP) was measured at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 48 h after incubation. Disappearance of DM (DMD), neutral detergent fiber (NDFD), and acid detergent fiber (ADFD), and volatile fatty acid concentrations (VFA; total and individual molar proportions) were determined after 24 and 48 h. In Exp. 1, E1 and E2 had higher NDFD and ADFD at 24 and 48 h of incubation (Po 0.001) compared with E3 and E4. Increasing dose rate increased NDFD and ADFD for all enzymes (except ADFD for E4 at 48 h), with the optimum dose rate dependant on the enzyme additive (dose  enzyme; P o 0.01). There were some treatment effects on DMD and total GP at 24 and 48 h, but these responses were not consistent with responses in NDFD and ADFD. Experiment 2 was conducted to confirm the effects and optimum dose rate of each enzyme additive. In Exp. 2, DMD was not affected by enzyme after 24 and 48 h incubation. There were no enzyme  dose interactions for DMD, NDFD, or ADFD after 24 or 48 h of incubation (except for ADFD at 48 h). After 24 h, DMD, NDFD, and ADFD increased linearly with increasing dose (P o0.05); after 48 h DMD increased linearly, whereas NDFD increased quadratically with increasing enzyme dose (P o 0.05). The ADFD increased linearly after 48 h for E3 and E4, but after 48 h ADFD increased quadratically for E1 and E2. Total GP was consistently lowest for E4 at both incubation times (P o 0.05). There were no enzyme  dose interactions (P 40.05) for any of the fermentation variables at either 24 or 48 h of incubation in Exp. 2. There were differences amongst the additives for total VFA at 24 and 48 h (P≤0.05); increasing enzyme dose decreased total VFA after 24 h but increased total VFA at 48 h, such that all doses were higher than the control (Po 0.001). Overall, the enzyme additives increased NDFD and ADFD of corn silage in vitro; however, E1 and E2 were more effective than E3 or E4. Responses to increasing dose of enzyme Contents lists available at SciVerse ScienceDirect

Background: Maize (Zea mays) grain sprouts (MGS) can be a potential source of green fodder for ruminants, especially when there is scarcity of land and water. Nutritional value of MGS grown with hydroponic technique was assessed for nutrient utilization, blood biochemical profile, immunity and growth performance in lambs. Methods: The MGS were produced in a polyhouse and harvested on 10th day and subjected to rumen in vitro incubation for gas production (RIVIGP) test to predict metabolisable energy (ME) value. The feeding cum growth trial was conducted for 120 days. Eighteen healthy male lambs of 3-4 months age and comparable body weight were randomly allotted in a complete randomized design to three dietary groups of six in each. The control (T1) group lambs were fed conventional green fodder (CGF), finger millet straw (FMS) and compounded feed mixture (CFM) at 50:10:40 ratio on DM basis, In treatment group two (T2), proportion of CGF and CFM was reduced by 50% and substituted with...

Background Dromedary camels could be a successful and economic meat provider in poor greenery lands where feeds and water are scarcely available. Moreover, camels need lower amounts of protein in their rations than other ruminants, since they have an exceptional ability to recycle urea as a source of nitrogen when dietary protein is unavailable. The present preliminary study aimed to detect influence of feeding all roughage ration on growth performance of growing camels in comparison with cow calves and their response to the abrupt change into 50% roughage ration fed in the fed-lot condition. Results The results illustrated that with feeding 100% R ration camels could utilize available nutrients better than calves, and although the maintenance level of CP was not met for both species, camels exert higher resistance in losing weight than calves (− 93.7 vs. − 160.7 g/d). Shifting camels and calves on 50% R ration showed nearly similar nutritive values and comparable daily weight gain ...

Sixty-six non-gravid female genitalia of local sheep of Kashmir valley were collected from the abattoir immediately after slaughter to study the biometry of different parts of genitalia and tubal patency. The left ovary measured slightly larger than right ovary. The measurements of other parts of genitalia were more or less similar to the measurements recorded in other breeds of sheep of India. Normal patency of the fallopian tube was recorded in 77.42% cases and rest of the cases with either unilateral (16.13%) or bilateral (6.45%) blockade. Key words: Biometry, Female genitalia, Kashmir, Sheep, Tubal patency