Mineral deficiency is an area specific problem with marked effect on productivity and can only be corrected by suitable supplementation of specific minerals which requires assessment of the mineral status of livestock in specific regions that depends upon the mineral content of available feedstuffs offered to them. This study was conducted to find out the mineral profile of some important feedstuffs and plasma of dairy cattle along with their metabolic parameters in different milk yield groups (yielding milk >10 kg/day, 5-10 kg/day, upto 5 kg/day and dry pregnant) under farmers’ field condition in district Shopian of Kashmir division. A total of 201 blood plasma samples were collected from dairy cattle, selected randomly from 6 different tehsils of two veterinary blocks (Shopian and Keegam) of the district. Also, samples of feeds and fodders most commonly offered to cattle by the dairy farmers were collected separately, pooled tehsil wise and analysed. The chemical composition of the feedstuffs were within prescribed normal ranges, but available fodders contained low P, Mg, Cu and Zn while all the concentrate feed resources were adequate in all the analysed macro- and micro-minerals. All plasma macro-minerals and only Fe among micro-minerals were above the critical levels, while all plasma biochemicals were within normal reference ranges except total protein in all groups of dairy cattle throughout the district. Overall deficiency of Ca, Cu, Mn and Zn exists among 41.56, 80.00, 89.50 and 89.67%, respectively in blood plasma of dairy cattle in the district with higher deficiency prevalence figures for dry pregnant compared to lactating animals. It is concluded that dietary strategy through formulation and supplementation of area specific mineral mixtures to overcome the mineral deficiencies could be a suitable approach for cost effective enhancement of milk productivity in the region.
This study evaluated three feeding strategies in composite fish culture (CFC) systems in tribal villages of Tripura to enhance aquaculture productivity. Fifteen farmer ponds (0.08 ha each) were utilized with three treatments in five replicates: conventional feed (CF: rice polish and mustard oil cake 1:1), floating pelleted feed (FPF), and combination feeding (COM: CF and FPF). Indian major carps were stocked at 10,000 fingerlings/ha with species composition of Catla catla (40%), Labeo rohita (30%), and Cirrhinus mrigala (30%). Feeding rates were progressively reduced from 5% of fish biomass in initial two months to 1% in final two months over a 10-month culture period. Fish production was significantly higher (P<0.05) in COM treatment (4.2±0.12 MT/ha) followed by FPF (3.8±0.08 MT/ha) and CF (3.2±0.06 MT/ha). Feed conversion ratio was most efficient in COM (2.1±0.05) compared to FPF (2.4±0.06) and CF (3.1±0.08). Economic analysis revealed highest net profit in COM treatment (₹4,49,000±18,750 per hectare) with benefit-cost ratio of 2.6±0.07. The combination feeding strategy demonstrated superior performance by optimizing feed utilization efficiency while maintaining cost-effectiveness. These findings suggest that alternating feeding regimen can significantly enhance fish productivity in tribal aquaculture systems, providing a sustainable approach for livelihood improvement in northeastern India.
This study explored the potential of Alfalfa nutraceutical residue (ANR) as a protein rich concentrate for growing lambs by conducting In-Vitro, In-Situ and In-Vivo methods. The ANR was high in crude protein (49.25%) and low in crude fiber (0.91%), with Ca: P ratio of 5.67:1.47. In-Situ protein degradability was very slow (RDP:UDP ratio was 10.49:89.51) and the Metabolizable energy (ME) of 4.3 MJ/kg was found. An In-Vivo feeding trial was conducted with 18 male lambs (3-4 months old) divided into three groups: T1 (Control) received Total Mixed Ration feed block (TMRfb) containing groundnut haulms and compounded feed mixture (50:50); T2 replaced 25% of crude protein (CP) with ANR, and T3 replaced 50%. All rations were iso-nitrogenous. Results showed that lambs in T2 (4.28%) and T3 (4.19%) had higher dry matter intake (DMI) than T1 (4.04%), but not varied significantly. Feed efficiency was similar across groups (5.41 to 5.81), but average daily gain (ADG) was higher in T2 (123.69 g/day) compared to T3 (111.29 g/day) and T1 (106.9 g/day). Nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance were comparable among groups. Therefore, ANR can effectively replace up to 50% of crude protein in lamb diets, promoting growth without negatively affecting feed efficiency or nutrient digestibility.
The goal of the current study was to determine the effect of supplementation of pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel powder and multienzyme to broiler chickens' diets on growth performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance and haemato-biochemical parameters. One hundred sixty, day-old Ven cobb 430 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four treatment groups (T1 to T4), each consisting of four replicates of ten chicks. The control group (T1) received only a non-supplemented basal diet, while groups T2, T3 and T4 were supplemented with 0.5% pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel powder, 0.05% multienzyme and 0.5% pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel powder + 0.05% multienzyme in their basal feed, respectively. Following the feeding study, one bird per replicate under each treatment was chosen at random for use in a 5-day metabolism trial. Blood sample was collected from one bird per replicate for assessment of blood and serum parameters at the end of experimental trial. One broiler bird from each replicate was sacrificed at the end of trial to estimate the different carcass traits and meat quality parameters. The supplementation of pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel powder and multienzyme alone and in combination showed highly significant (P<0.01) effect on body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, performance index, protein efficiency ratio, dry matter digestibility, ether extract digestibility, crude protein digestibility and nitrogen balance. Significant (P<0.05) effect was observed on feed consumption and drip loss. Whereas, dietary inclusion of pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel powder and multienzyme alone and in combination showed non-significant (P>0.05) effect on feed consumption, dressed weight, eviscerated weight, weight of heart, liver, gizzard, giblet, intestine length, pH of meat and water holding capacity, blood (RBC, Haemoglobin, WBC, PCV) and serum (glucose, creatinine, albumin, globulin, total protein, urea, SGPT, SGOT, Ca and P) parameters of broiler birds. Therefore, on the basis of results obtained, the present study revealed that the inclusion of pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel powder @ 0.5% and multienzyme @ 0.05% enhanced the overall performance of broilers.
This research aimed to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating dry sugar beet pulp (DSBP) as a partial replacement for conventional feed ingredients in broiler diets, with a focus on its effects growth metrics, nutrient utilization, blood biochemical profiles, carcass characteristics, and economic efficiency. A total of 216 day-old Vencobb-430 broiler chicks were randomly distributed into six dietary groups, each with three replicates. The experimental design included diets containing 0%, 4%, and 8% DSBP, either with or without exogenous enzyme supplementation. Feeding was structured across three phases: starter, grower, and finisher. Parameters such as feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured throughout the trial. A metabolic trial was conducted at the end, comprising a 3-day adaptation period followed by a 4-day collection phase. Blood samples were taken from each group for haematological studies. Total of 36 birds were sacrificed to study carcass traits at the end of experiment . The findings revealed that dietary inclusion of DSBP up to 4%, especially in combination with enzyme supplementation, promoted optimal growth performance, efficient nutrient utilization, and favorable economic returns, without negatively impacting bird health or carcass quality. However, increasing DSBP levels beyond 4% led to better feed efficiency and economic benefits, even with enzyme addition. Overall, the results support the use of DSBP at moderate levels as a sustainable and cost-effective feeding strategy in broiler production.
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of combination of soaking in water with heat treatment on nutritional characteristics of canola meal and certain anti nutritional factors. In a 2 X 2 X 2 factorial design, canola meal was soaked in water for 12 and 24 hours (h) followed by heating at 80 and 100oC for 30 min and 60 min respectively. Crude protein and fat content of canola meal increased significantly (P<0.05) with soaking for 24 h followed by heating at 100oC. NDF content reduced with increasing soaking time and heat treatment. Glucosinolate and erucic acid content reduced significantly (P<0.05) with soaking at 24 h followed by heat treatment for 60 min irrespective of the temperature. Results of this study indicate that combination of high temperature heating (100 °C for 60 min) and soaking (24 h) may be necessary to reduce the toxic compounds and improve nutritional characteristics of canola meal.
Quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, has received attention for its potential benefits in chicken nutrition due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gut-health-promoting qualities. This review summarizes current research on quercetin supplementation in broiler chickens, focusing on its implications on growth performance, immunological response, gut health, and meat quality. Quercetin has been shown in studies to improve body weight increase, feed conversion efficiency, and nutrient absorption while also reducing oxidative stress by upregulating antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Furthermore, it aids immunological regulation by lowering inflammatory cytokines and increasing disease resistance. Quercetin also improves gut microbiota composition and shape, resulting in greater digestive health. Furthermore, it enhances meat quality by lowering lipid peroxidation, improving texture, and increasing shelf life. Findings indicate quercetin as a possible natural alternative to antibiotics in broiler diets, which aligns with the growing need for sustainable, antibiotic-free poultry production. However, additional research is needed to enhance its bioavailability, administration approaches, and long-term effects in commercial applications. Future research should focus on improving its bioavailability and determining its economic viability in large-scale commercial applications.
Farm trial was undertaken at farmer’s field to assess the effectiveness of bypass fat on overall performance of milch buffalo during 2022-23. Twenty lactating Murrah buffaloes reared under farmer’s field were selected and distributed equally in two groups of ten buffaloes in each group, i.e. T1 (control) and T2 (supplementation bypass fat @ 100g/day/ buffalo beside the farmer practices). The results of study revealed supplementation of bypass fat had significantly increased the production parameters in milch buffalo. The mean milk production during supplementation period was found to be 10.19 ±0.36 and 11.29±0.34 l/day in group T1 and T2, respectively; which was 10.78 percent higher in group T2 than the control. The average length of the postpartum estrus cycle (67.70±6.20 days) and service period (91.43±8.33days) was significantly (P<0.05) reduced in supplemented group than control (86.40±11.57days and 131.00±12.33days, respectively) at farmer’s field. AI per conception was also observed to be significantly (P<0.05) higher in non- supplemented group than the supplemented group. The number of AI per conceptions in supplemented group and control group was recorded 1.57±0.40 and 2.71 ±0.44, respectively. It can be deduced from the findings that incorporating bypass fat into the diet had a significant (P<0.05) positive impact on both milk yield and postpartum reproductive performance in milch buffalo when implemented at a farmer's field.
An Experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementing organic and nano trace minerals (Mn, Cu and Zn) at reduced dietary levels on the growth performance of broiler birds. 240 day-old commercial broiler chicks (Cobb strain) were assigned in equal numbers to five groups consisting of four replicates each. The basal diet was supplemented with inorganic trace minerals (Sulphate’s of Mn, Cu and Zn) at 100% of the standard recommendation to serve as control (ITM-100). Four test diets were prepared by supplementing organic trace minerals (glycinate form) at 75 % (OTM-75) and 50 % (OTM-50) of the standard recommendation and nano trace minerals at 50 % (NTM-50) and 25 % (NTM-25) of the standard recommendation. Each diet prepared for pre-starter (1-7 days), starter (8-21 days) and finisher (22-42 days) phases was offered to birds of four replicates. The results revealed that, there was non-significant difference in cumulative average body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, nutrient metabolizability, blood biochemical parameters, immune response and tibial mineral deposition in broiler chickens among the treatments when compared to the control group (ITM-100) on the 42nd day. Survivability remained comparable among all the groups during all the phases. Mineral balance (Mn, Cu and Zn) was significantly (P< 0.05) influenced by different sources, with reduced levels of these trace minerals showing a notably higher retention percentage in the organic and nano groups compared to the control group. It was concluded that, similar performance levels in broilers can be achieved by using organic or nanoparticle trace minerals at 50% and 25% of the standard recommendation in broilers.
An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary lauric acid supplementation as alternative to antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) at graded levels on performance and carcass traits in commercial broilers. Three-hundred-day-old commercial broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 6 dietary treatments with 10 replicates of 5 chicks in each. Corn soyabean meal based basal diet (BD) was formulated for pre-starter (1-2 weeks), starter (3-4 weeks) and finisher (5-6 weeks) phases without antibiotic growth promoter (negative control). Positive control diet was the BD having 0.035% chlortetracycline as AGP. Remaining four experimental diets were formulated by supplementing lauric acid to BD at rate of 0.05% (LA-50), 0.075% (LA-75), 0.1% (LA-100) and 0.2% (LA-200), respectively. Body weights, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured at weekly intervals. At the end of 6th week, one bird from each replicate was selected randomly for studying carcass characteristics. Overall body weight gain (BWG) was higher (P<0.05) in chicks fed LA supplemented diets compared to BD fed chicks. Highest BWG was obtained in chicks fed LA-50 diet than those fed on either AGP or BD and was comparable to those fed LA-75 diet. Higher feed intake was recorded in birds fed diets supplemented with LA-75 diets followed by LA-50, AGP, LA-200 and LA-100 fed birds. The FCR during all the phases was significantly (P<0.05) improved in LA-50 compared to other dietary groups. The dressing percentage was higher (P<0.05) with LA-50 compared to AGP fed birds, while at higher levels of LA supplementation, the dressing percentage was either comparable or higher than AGP or BD fed birds. No difference with regard to breast, liver and gizzard weights was observed with LA supplementation. Based on the results it could be concluded that, lauric acid can be a replacer of antibiotic growth promoter and lower dose of lauric acid (0.05%) used in the present study was sufficient in improving performance and dressing percentage in broilers.
An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of two insect larvae meals such as silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori) meal and black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal as dietary protein substitutes for fish meal on the growth performance and digestive physiology of koi carp (Cyprinus carpio var. koi) fry. For that, 15 days old induced bred koi fry (2.28 ± 0.24 cm; 0.26 ± 0.14 g) were stocked in happas (10 × 3 × 1 m) placed within an experimental earthen pond. Nine iso-nitrogenous (351.07 g kg⁻¹) and iso-lipidic (71.98 g kg⁻¹) experimental diets were formulated with insect meals replacing fish meal at 20%(SWP20,BSF20), 30%(SWP30,BSF30), 40%(SWP40,BSF40), and 50%(SWP50,BSF50) inclusion levels, alongside a control diet containing only fish meal. Results showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) final length and weight gain in fry fed SWP50 (3.26 ± 0.01 cm; 3.79 ± 0.01 g) and BSF50 (3.22 ± 0.01 cm; 3.56 ± 0.02 g) diets. Growth indices including feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency ratio, protein efficiency ratio and survival rate were also notably improved in these groups. Furthermore, digestive enzyme activities were significantly elevated (P < 0.05) in fry fed SWP50 and BSF50 diets, indicating enhanced nutrient utilization. These findings depicts that both the insect larvae meal can effectively replace 50% of fish meal with a dietary inclusion level of 147 g kg-1 in the diet of koi carp fry without compromising growth, survival and digestive function.
Maternal nutritional status pre-partum acts as a determining factor not only for the health status of the off-spring but also, for production yield of upcoming lactation phase, thereby feeding during this time period is of utmost importance. The present study investigated the effect of feeding a high plane of nutrition to prepartum Murrah buffaloes on the birth weight of calves and their performance, nutrient utilization, and blood metabolites. Forty pregnant Murrah (4 months before parturition) buffaloes were divided into four experimental groups based on parity, previous lactation yield and body weight as control (MP and ME levels as per ICAR, 2013 requirements), high metabolizable energy (HME, 30% more ME than ICAR 2013 requirements), high metabolizable protein (HMP, 40% more MP than ICAR 2013 requirements) and high metabolizable protein and metabolizable energy (HMEMP, ME level 30% more and 40% more MP than ICAR 2013) ration respectively, and a feeding trial was conducted till date of parturition. Each animal was provided with a diet consisting of concentrate mixture, green maize fodder, and wheat straw according to the experimental design. Dry matter intake, DMI (kg/100 kg BW) and metabolizable energy intake, MEI (Mcal/100 kg BW) were significantly (P<0.05) highest for HMEMP, followed by HMP, HME and control. Average daily body weight gain was higher (P<0.05) in HMEMP, followed by HME and HMP, with lowest for control group. It was observed that digestibility coefficients (%) of dry matter, organic matter, ether extract, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre were higher (P<0.05) in groups HMP, HME and HMEMP as compared to the control. It was concluded that feeding an additional 40% protein and 30% energy above ICAR, 2013 requirements during last four months of pregnancy resulted in higher body weight gain and better nutrient digestibility compared to individual diets having high levels of energy or protein.
Minerals are essential for growth and reproduction and are involved in a large number of digestive, physiological and biosynthetic processes within the body. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dietary supplementation of chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn) and magnesium (Mg) on the growth performance and nutrients utilization of calves during transition period. A total of 24 Sahiwal calves were randomly allocated into four groups (having six calves in each group) and fed for a transition period of 120 days (15 days of calf age to 135 days of calf age). Experimental calves either received a basal (devoid of supplemental Cr, Zn and Mg as control group) or supplemented with 0.15 mg Cr picolinate/kg BW0.75, 80 mg Zn/calf/day and 1.5 g Mg/calf/day. Experimental calves were monitored daily for feed intake and fortnightly for growth performance. At the end of the study, a digestion trial with 7 days collection period was conducted to study the effect of different treatments on nutrients utilization and mineral absorption. Results indicated that dietary Cr, Zn and Mg supplementation did not exert any effect on growth performance, dry matter intake (DMI), feed intake to gain ratio and apparent nutrient digestibility. However, the absorption of Cr, Zn and Mg was significantly (P<0.05) greater in its respective supplemented group. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of Cr, Zn, or Mg in Sahiwal calves during transition period did not influence growth performance, feed intake or nutrient digestibility but selectively enhanced mineral absorption.
The study describes the performance of Mystus cavasius larvae by feeding live feeds and weaning time of larval feed during their rearing. The larvae of three days old were fed Artemia nauplii, tubifex worm and mixed plankton in triplicate tanks. Tubifex worms were identified as the most effective live feed among the three live feeds evaluated. It significantly (P<0.05) enhanced the larval growth (179 mg) and survival (97%) compared to Artemia nauplii and mixed plankton. The yolk sac absorbed larvae of 3 days old were also stocked in 12 tanks and were fed Artemia naupli. The live feed was withdrawn at the age of 10, 15 and 20 days and fed compound larval feed to know the best age for feeding the larvae with compound feed. A weaning age of 15 days post-hatching (dph) was optimal, facilitating the transition to formulated feed. It significantly enhanced the survival rate compared to the larvae fed with compound feed at the age of 10 dph. These findings may be a framework during large-scale seed production in hatchery. Hence the present study addresses the feeding management in larval rearing of this nutritionally significant species.
An experiment had been conducted to study impact of replacing fish meal with EWM on performance of White Pekin meat type ducks. Total of 120 day old white pekin ducks (40-52g) have been randomly distributed to 3 equal groups (4 deep litter pens per group, 10 ducklings per pen). These were reared following standard management practices for a duration of 8 weeks. Earthworm meal (EWM) utilized in this investigation had been prepared from Eisenia foetida. The earthworms were grown using cow dung and mixture of duck litter and cow dung as biomass. The matured earthworms have been killed by dipping them in warm water (50-600C) and dried in hot air oven (50-600C for 72 h), ground to powder form and mixed in diet. Ducklings have been assigned to one of three treatments i.e. 1) Control without added EWM; 2) diet with 1 % EWM replacing fish meal;3) diet with 2 % EWM replacing fish meal. The EWM contained 55.76 % protein. Body weight gain and FCR improved significantly (P<0.05) due to inclusion of earthworm meal (EWM) at a level of 1 and 2% by replacing fish meal in control diet of white pekin ducks at 6th and 8th week of age. The feed intake increased significantly (P< .05) at both levels of inclusion of EWM at both 6th and 8th week of age. The feed cost to produce kg body weight gain was significantly (P< .05) reduced due to inclusion of EWM in the diet at both levels at 6th and 8th week of age. It can be determined that 2 % earthworm could be included in diet of white pekin ducks replacing fish meal of the control diet for better FCR(feed conversion ratio), improved body weight gain, and reduction in price (Rs) of feed for kg body weight gain.
An experiment was conducted to study the impact of dairy based starter ration on nutrient digestibility and hemato-biochemical profile of pre-weaned Malabari goat kids. Malabari kids (n=18) of fourteen days old of either sex, were selected and were raised under an intensive management system for the period of four months. The experimental kids were randomly assigned to three treatment groups (G1, G2 and G3). Milk was offered upto three months of age for G1 group and upto 45 days of age for both G2 and G3 groups. The kids in G1 were offered conventional starter while dairy based starters were offered to kids in G2 (5% Skimmed milk powder and 15% whey powder) and G3 (10% Skimmed milk powder and 10% whey powder). The daily milk consumption, feed intake and faecal score of kids were recorded. A digestibility trial was conducted for five days duration towards the end of feeding trial. Blood samples were collected at sixth and sixteenth week of the feeding trial. The total DMI of kids were similar (p>0.05) among groups. The kids in G3 had higher (p<0.005) starter DMI than the kids in G2 and G1. The digestibility coefficient of nutrients was found to be similar (p>0.05) among groups. Similar (p>0.05) fortnightly mean faecal condition score was observed in experimental kids maintained on three different dietary regimes. The hemato-biochemical parameters of kids did not vary significantly among groups. Hence, it can be concluded that dairy based starter ration did not adversely impact the health and nutritional status of the kids.
Mycotoxins are hazardous secondary metabolites produced by fungus that contaminate animal feed and have the potential to seriously impair food safety, animal health, and the global food supply chain. Over the past ten years, there has been an increase in scientific interest in mycotoxin contamination in feed systems. In order to examine global shifts in research trends pertaining to mycotoxin control in animal feed, this study used a scientometric approach. We performed a search on the bibliographic data in the PubMed database and analyzed it using the Biblioshiny interface in the Bibliometrix R package to access collaboration networks, to identify the highly productive authors, to analyze publishing trends, and to assess new research areas. The studies show a rise in scientific publications in recent years, indicating the increasing interest in this type of research around the world. There was also significant international participation in some European countries, along with China and the US being some of the leading providers of research outputs. Based on the findings, aflatoxin contamination, food safety, toxicity evaluation, and methodologies for risk management were the key themes of research. All this together suggests that the research effort related to mycotoxins in animal feed is growing, and more scientific collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches are warranted for addressing the challenges associated with animal health and feed safety.
A field study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of feeding Moringa oleifera tree fodder on the recovery rate of anaemia in desi kids under semi-intensive rearing. Twenty Desi kids 6-8 months of age were selected and anaemic status of animals was assessed using FAMACHA chart, further confirmed by haematology study. Twelve animals were selected based on the levels of Haemoglobin and stratified into control (T0) and treatment groups (T1). The samples of Moringa oleifera fodder samples were collected and analysed. Chemical composition of Moringa oleifera fodder in terms of DM, CP, EE, CF and total ash were 20.24 ± 0.30, 25.79 ± 0.99, 5.89 ± 0.12, 11.2 ± 0.51 and 9.63 ± 0.13 percent, respectively. The mineral profile of the Moringa fodder was calcium (1.42 ± 0.06), magnesium (90.23 ± 2.19), copper (6.77 ± 0.59), zinc (45.81 ± 2.64) and iron (512.52 ± 4.4) in ppm. The provocative cause of anaemia eliminated by deworming and ectoparasitic drugs. The feeding trial was started after 48 hours of deworming offering 200g of fresh Moringa in the morning to T1 before allowing for grazing. Simultaneously, T0 was allowed for regular grazing without any supplementation. Haematological parameters after 45 days revealed a significant elevation of serum iron level in the T1 (P = 0.00019) with consequential increase of Haemoglobin (P = 0.01) and PCV (P = 0.02) level when compared to the T0. Zinc level (P = 0.003) in serum also significantly increased reflecting the high concentration of zinc in moringa. The study observed enhancement in recovery rate of anaemic kids with substantial increase of zinc level.
Feed emulsifier improves the digestibility of the diet, thereby reducing dietary nutrient requirements. A broiler experiment was conducted to study the effect of supplementing graded concentrations of feed emulsifier on the growth performance, carcass traits, and ileal digestibility of energy in broiler chicken (1- 42d of age) fed sub-optimal levels (less 0.42 MJ/kg) of metabolizable energy (ME). Broiler male chicks (n=1250; Cobb-430) at day old were randomly allotted to five dietary groups, each with 10 replicates having 25 broiler chicks in each pen (replicate). Maize-soybean meal-based diet with the recommended concentrations of nutrients (control diet, CD) was prepared. A basal diet (BD) with sub-optimal concentrations of ME (reduced energy by 0.42 MJ/kg) was prepared. A commercial feed emulsifier (lyso-phosphatidyl choline-5% and phosphatidylcholine–5%) was supplemented to the low energy BD at four graded concentrations (0, 100, 200, and 300g/ton). All the diets were fed ad libitum from day 1 to 42d of age. The performance data indicated a trend of linear (P 0.056) increase in feed efficiency (FE) with the dose of feed emulsifier in the BD. Contrast analysis revealed that the FE at the highest emulsifier concentration (300g/ton) was comparable to that of the CD fed group. The breast meat weight was reduced in groups fed the BD. The ileal digestibility of energy improved with the emulsifier supplementation (100 or 200g/ton) compared to those fed the CD. Based on the results, it is concluded that supplementation of the feed emulsifier (300g/ton) could reduce the dietary requirement of ME (by 0.42 MJ/kg) in the broiler chicken diet without affecting feed efficiency and carcass traits. The beneficial effects of feed emulsifier may partly be associated with the increased ileal digestibility of dietary energy.
This study examined the interactive effects of dietary crude protein (CP), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), and magnesium (Mg) on pre-pubertal growth in captive grasscutters. Fifty weaned grasscutters (6 weeks old; initial mean weight 0.582 kg) were assigned to a 5 × 2 factorial design (diets × sex; n=10/treatment, 1:1 sex ratio). Treatments comprised four pelleted concentrate diets and fresh elephant grass (control, mimicking farmers' practice): Diet 1 (15% CP, 1.2% Ca, 0.6% P, 0.3% Mg); Diet 2 (15% CP, 1.5% Ca, 0.75% P, 0.33% Mg); Diet 3 (18% CP, 1.2% Ca, 0.6% P, 0.3% Mg); Diet 4 (18% CP, 1.5% Ca, 0.75% P, 0.33% Mg); elephant grass (11.37% CP, 0.9% Ca, 0.19% P, 0.13% Mg). Dietary CP influenced feed intake: Diets 1 and 2 (110.4 g/d) > Diets 3 and 4 (103.0 g/d), but elephant grass provoked the highest intake (160.1 g/d). Mineral synergies showed no clear feed intake effects (e.g., Diet 4 = 102.2 g/d vs. Diet 3 = 103.8 g/d; Diet 2 = 109.1 g/d vs. Diet 1 = 111.7 g/d). Water consumption increased with elevated mineral levels: Diets 2 and 4 (114.3 ml/d) > Diets 1 and 3 (106.7 ml/d). At 15% CP, elevated minerals (Diet 2) boosted average daily gain (0.013 kg vs. 0.010 kg), total weight gain (1.540 kg vs. 1.240 kg), and final body weight (2.132 kg vs. 1.808 kg) compared to Diet 1. At 18% CP, minerals had minimal impact (Diet 4 vs. Diet 3: 0.014 kg vs. 0.014 kg daily gain; 1.736 kg vs. 1.693 kg total gain; 2.317 kg vs. 2.275 kg final weight). It is concluded that synergies of elevated Ca, P, and Mg drive growth in CP-restricted diets (≤15%) beyond CP alone, and even at 18% CP, a mineral threshold is required to optimize pre-pubertal growth of captive grasscutter.
