scholarly journals Effect of housing enrichment and type of flooring on the performance and behaviour of female rabbits

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 275-285
Author(s):  
Yayu Huang ◽  
J. Bréda ◽  
D. Savietto ◽  
A. M. Debrusse ◽  
J. M. Bonnemère ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Wire Mesh ◽  
Median Frequency ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Wooden Stick ◽  
Reproductive Cycles ◽  
Multiparous Female

This study investigated the effect of housing enrichments (scratching card, gnawing material and a platform), of a change in height and in the type of flooring on the live weight, reproductive performance and behaviour of female rabbits, as well as on the feed intake and spatial distribution of females and their kits. A total of 40 multiparous female rabbits were monitored in three consecutive reproductive cycles (48-d intervals). Four days before parturition in each reproductive cycle, the females were randomly assigned to one of the five types of housing: Control (CNT: 102×47×30 cm, L×W× H); Scratching card (SCT: containing a scratching card); Gnawing materials (GNW: CNT dimensions plus a compressed lucerne hay block and a wooden stick); Platform (PLT: 102×47×60 cm, including a platform with a plastic floor) and Combination (CBN: PLT dimensions with the scratching card, the gnawing materials and a platform). Data were only recorded during the first and third reproductive cycles. The living conditions did not significantly alter the females’ live weight (4889 g at housing; 4890 g at mid-lactation; 4867 g at weaning), reproductive performance (9.0 kits born alive), survival of the kits (90%), nor the feed intake of females and their litters (542 g/day). Providing animals with a gnawing block stimulated Gnawing behaviour (median frequency per group: CTL=0.00, SCT=0.00, GNW=4.69, PLT=0.00, and CBN=2.34; PRearing up behaviour (median frequencies per group: CTL=0.00, SCT=0.00, GNW=0.00, PLT=2.08, and CBN=3.12; P=0.06), and when a platform was present, the rabbits used it (mean values per group: CTL=0.00, SCT=0.00, GNW=0.00, PLT=1.79, and CBN=4.91; P=0.003). Regarding the type of floor, females appeared to prefer the plastic mesh flooring (31.2%) to the wire mesh flooring (18.8%). To sum up, providing female rabbits with simple enrichments appears to stimulate specific behaviours like Gnawing and Rearing up and may contribute to their wellbeing.

scholarly journals Performance of hubbard classic broiler parents and fit the regression models for their prediction

1970 ◽  
Vol 39 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 156-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
MKI Khan ◽  
S Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Polynomial Regression ◽  
Model Performance ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Performance Modelling ◽  
Fit Statistics ◽  
Predicted Values

The present study was conducted on Hubbard classic broiler parents in the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee (BRAC) poultry farm in Chittagong, Bangladesh to know the productive, reproductive performance and for modelling the performances for their prediction. The average live weight and egg production of Hubbard classic broiler parent were obtained as 3412.48 ± 137.773 g/hen and 170.99 ± 1.012 eggs/hen/year, respectively. By using the parameters of linear regression and quadratic polynomial regression equation the yearly predicted egg production (number), live weight (g) and feed intake (g) were predicted. The R2 and CV fit statistics were used to compare the model performance and actual and predicted values. The actual and predicted value for live weight and feed intake was similar except yearly egg production (number). Key words: Broiler parent; Performance; Modelling; Fit statistic; Predicted yield DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v39i1-2.9689 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2010, 39(1&2): 156-162

scholarly journals Impact of Ergot Infested Sorghum on the Reproductive Performance of Sows

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Gamal M. Abdelrahim ◽  
R. C. Richardson ◽  
A. Gueye
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Weight Change ◽  
Initial Test ◽  
Subsequent Test ◽  
Total Alkaloids ◽  
Reproductive Cycles

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of three levels of ergot infested sorghum (EIS ; 0 ,5 and 10% of diet DM) in the diets offered for sows during two reproductive cycles on total live born pigs and weight (LBP; WLBP), survival at 28 days, weight gain at day 28 and 56 (S- 28 d;W-28; W- 56), sows feed intake and weight change during lactation (LFI; LWC), and finally weaning-to-estrus interval (WEI). The EIS contained 235 mg/kg total alkaloids (77% as dihydroergosine “DHES”). During an initial test parity period (1st period) and subsequent test parity period (2nd period) eighteen later-parity sows were fed 3 treatments consisting of a sorghum-based control diets mixed with 1) 0%; 2) 5% or 3) 10% EIS (diet DM basis). An increase in WLBP was observed when 5 and 10% EIS was included in the 2nd period’s diets, although LFI was reduced when EIS was included in that period’s diets. Although W-28 d was not affected when 10% EIS was included in the 1st and 2nd periods’ diets and when W-28 d data of the two periods were combined, piglets W-28 was reduced when 5% EIS was included in the 1st period’s diets and when W-28 d data of the two periods were combined. Although treatment diets did not impact WEI of pigs in the 2nd period, and no response was recorded when 5% EIS was included in sows’ diets during the 1st period, the inclusion of 10% EIS had decreased the WEI during the 1st period.

scholarly journals Effect of concentrate supplementation on growth and reproductive performance of rabbit under rural condition

1970 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 129-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
MS Hasanat ◽  
ME Hossain ◽  
MP Mostari ◽  
MA Hossain
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Zealand White Rabbit ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Concentrate Supplementation ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Conventional Diet

Crossbred New Zealand White meat type 8 male and 16 female rabbits aged 3.5 to 4.5 months weighing 9.5 to 13.0 kg were used in a 128 day trial to study the effects of concentrate supplementation on growth and reproductive performance of rabbit under rural condition. Rabbits were divided according to live weight into two treatment groups, i.e. T1 (conventional diet) and T2 (conventional diet + concentrate 75 g/d per rabbit) with four replications per treatment in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD). All animals had free access to locally available green grasses. Results showed that, average daily live weight gain was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in T2 (13.02 ± 0.43 g/d) than T1 (5.30 ± 0.43 g/d) group. Litter weight at birth was better (p < 0.05) in T2 (180.38 ± 16.37g) than T1 (137.19 ± 16.37g) group. Litter size at weaning differed (p < 0.05) and the mean values were 1.37 ± 0.30 for T1 and 2.37 ± 0.27 for T2 group. Kit weight at weaning was superior (p < 0.01) in T2 (408.12 ± 3.85g) than T1 (310.62  ± 3.56g) group. Kit mortality up to weaning was higher (p < 0.01) in T1 (45.0 ± 10.07 %) than T2 (26.92 ± 10.7 %) group. These results indicate that, supplementation of concentrate in addition to conventional feeding may improve growth and reproductive performance of rabbit under rural condition.  Key words: Crossbred, New Zealand White rabbit, reproductive performance, growth, concentrate DOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v4i2.1296 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2006). 4 (2): 129-132

scholarly journals The Effect of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) Leaf Powder on Growth Performance, Selected Hematological Indices, Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality Parameters of Jumbo Quail

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 7080
Author(s):  
Steve Kgotlelelo Mahlake ◽  
Caven Mguvane Mnisi ◽  
Cornelia Lebopa ◽  
Cebisa Kumanda
Keyword(s):  
Meat Quality ◽  
Green Tea ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Normal Ranges ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Leaf Powder ◽  
Zinc Bacitracin ◽  
Grower Diet

Green tea leaves contain a wide range of active bio-compounds that are essential for sustainable quail intensification; however, its feed value is not known for the Jumbo quail. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of different levels of green tea leaf powder (GTLP) on physiological and meat quality parameters of the Jumbo quail. One-week-old chicks (n = 350; 56.1 ± 2.12 g live-weight) were evenly distributed to 35 replicate pens and reared on five experimental diets formulated as follows: a standard grower diet with zinc-bacitracin (PosCon), a standard grower diet without zinc-bacitracin (NegCon), and NegCon diet treated with 10 (GT10), 25 (GT25) and 50 g/kg (GT50) of GTLP. Weight gain linearly decreased in week 2 but increased in week 4, whereas feed conversion efficiency linearly declined in weeks 2 and 3 as GTLP levels increased. Overall feed intake, carcass yield, and caecum and colon weights showed a linear increase with GTLP levels. Hematological parameters fell within the normal ranges reported for healthy quail. The GT10 group showed larger liver weights than the PosCon and NegCon groups. It was concluded that dietary inclusion of GTLP enhances overall feed intake and carcass performance but not feed efficiency, hematological and meat quality parameters of Jumbo quail.

The effect on the reproductive performance of sows of dietary protein concentration and pattern of feeding in pregnancy

1969 ◽  
Vol 73 (2) ◽  
pp. 301-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. H. Pike ◽  
T. G. Boaz
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Protein Concentration ◽  
Fish Meal ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Lactation Performance ◽  
Large White ◽  
Low Protein ◽  
Lower Capacity ◽  
In Pregnancy

SUMMARYIn a factorial experiment the effect of two protein intakes and three patterns of feeding in the second pregnancy of 48 Large White x Wessex Saddleback sows was examined. The high protein (HP) diet (19·5% crude protein) contained 15% white fish meal. The low protein (LP) diet (10·5% crude protein) contained cereal protein only. Nutrient components of the diets differed in protein only. The pattern treatments involved allowances of 1·8 kg (L), 2·7 kg (C) and 3·6 kg (H) per day, the three pregnancy patterns being HL, C and LH with the changeovers made from the 49th to the 63rd day post coitum (p.c). Sows on the three pattern treatments received the same total amount of feed from 0–112 days p.c. and were treated alike at farrowing and during lactation.Fertility and parturition results were similar for all treatments, but the number of piglets alive after birth (when weighed) was least for LP sows on the HL pattern. At 3 weeks of age the size and weight of litters on HP sows were significantly greater than those on LP sows (P < 0·05 and < 0·001 respectively). More piglets were weaned by HP sows than LP sows (P < 0·05). HP sows gained more weight in pregnancy (P < 0·001) which was slightly longer, and lost more weight in lactation (P < 0·05) than LP sows.The HL pattern of feeding was associated with smaller live weight gains in pregnancy than the LH pattern (P < 0·001) and the total birth weight of HL litters was lighter than LH (P < 0·05), mean piglet weights being similar. Lactation performance was unaffected by pattern treatment.The main conclusion is that a low intake, particularly during the latter half of pregnancy, of protein which is of vegetable origin, is associated with decreased viability of the piglets at birth and in early suckling life, and with lower capacity of the sows for milk production.

Factors affecting voluntary feed intake in pigs. II. The effect of two levels of crude fibre in the diet on the intake and performance of fattening pigs

1967 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 149-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. J. A. Cole ◽  
J. E. Duckworth ◽  
W. Holmes
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Carcass Quality ◽  
Intake Rate ◽  
Crude Fibre ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Voluntary Feed Intake ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Isocaloric Diets ◽  
Fattening Pigs

1. Voluntary feed intake, performance and carcass quality were studied with 20 individually housed pigs given isocaloric diets (2,770 kcal/kg. DM) containing either 8·9 % or 12·9 % crude fibre in the dry matter over the period of growth from 45 to 91 kg. live-weight.2. There were no significant differences between diets in voluntary feed intake, rate of gain or carcass quality.3. Apparent digestibility coefficients and rates of passage of the diets were determined in eight castrated male pigs. Rates of passage were not significantly affected by diet or live-weight when determined at 57 and 82 kg. live-weight.

scholarly journals Effect of dietary Black pepper (Piper nigrum) on the performance of broiler

2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 120-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
EK Ndelekwute ◽  
KD Afolabi ◽  
HO Uzegbu ◽  
UL Unah ◽  
KU Amaefule
Keyword(s):  
Feed Intake ◽  
Protein Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Black Pepper ◽  
Nutrient Digestibility ◽  
Energy Utilization ◽  
Piper Nigrum ◽  
Efficiency Ratio ◽  
Gain Ratio ◽  
Dietary Treatments

An experiment was conducted to determine the dietary effect of different levels of ground black pepper (Piper nigrum) on growth performance and apparent nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens. There were five dietary treatments each containing 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 % black pepper (BP) fed at both starter and finisher phases. One hundred and fifty (150) day old chicks of Arbor-acre strain were divided into five dietary groups having three replication with 10 in each. The five dietary treatments were randomly assigned into five groups. The birds were fed and watered ad libitum. At the starter phase 0.25 and 0.5 % BP improved live weight significantly (p<0.05). Feed intake was significantly (p<0.05) reduced at 1.00% BP. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in daily gain, feed: gain ratio and protein efficiency ratio. At the finisher phase, final live weight was improved by 0.25% (p<0.05). Final live weight, feed intake, weight gain, feed: gain ratio and protein efficiency ratio were negatively affected by 0.75 and 1.0%BP. Fecal moisture was significantly (P<0.05) reduced by 0.25% while dry matter, protein and ether extract digestibility were improved by all the levels of BP. None of the BP levels improved crude fibre digestibility (p>0.05) over the control. NFE and energy utilization were improved by 0.25 and 0.5%, but significantly (p<0.05) reduced by 1.00% BP.Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2015. 44(2): 120-127

The effect of body reserves at farrowing on the reproductive performance of first-litter sows

1989 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 449-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. P. Mullan ◽  
I. H. Williams
Keyword(s):  
Food Intake ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Body Reserves ◽  
H 30 ◽  
Voluntary Food Intake

ABSTRACTThe level of body reserves in first-litter sows was manipulated by giving gilts one of three levels (high (H), medium (M) or low (L)) of food from selection (44 kg live weight) to parturition. The aim of this experiment was either to maintain or to mobilize these reserves during lactation (31·4 days) by feeding sows to appetite (high (H)) or 2·0 kg/day (low (L)).When the level of body reserves was increased prior to farrowing (171 kg live weight, 32 mm backfat) sows had a lower voluntary food intake during lactation than those animals that farrowed with a low level of body reserves (126 kg live weight, 20 mm backfat) (H-H v. L-H, 3·4 v. 4·9 kg/day; P < 0·001). Both groups had a normal return to oestrous activity after weaning (mean interval between weaning and mating of 14 days) but the heavier animals mobilized more of their body reserves (H-H −30·7 kg live weight, -4·3 mm backfat; L-H -3·6 kg live weight +0·9 mm backfat; P < 0·001). When food intake during lactation was restricted to 2·0 kg/day the interval between weaning and mating was increased by 50% regardless of the level of body reserves present at farrowing. For the same animals, there were insufficient body reserves to support milk production at the same level as for those animals given food t o appetite.

scholarly journals Effects of cooling on the reproductive performance of gilts

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 357-361
Author(s):  
J.O. Oyedeji ◽  
G.O. Imagbenikaro
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Litter Size ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Cooling System ◽  
Large White ◽  
Feed Cost ◽  
Randomized Design ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Level Of Significance

The study examined the effect of cooling on the reproductive performance of gilts using 27 Large White Experimental Gilts on a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 3 systems of cooling, namely Wallow Cooling (WC), Sprinkler Cooling (SC) and Zero Cooling (ZC). Gilts were weighed at the commencement of the experiment and thereafter fed ad libitum from service to farrowing. Feed intake till farrow, feed cost, gilt weight at farrow, date of farrow, litter size and weight were recorded. The feed/piglet weight, feed intake/litter, feed cost/litter and birth weight/piglet were derived. The results showed that feed intake per litter and feed per piglet weight were highest for gilts placed on WC(P< 0.05), followed by SC and least for sow placed on ZC; gilt weight before farrow was highest for sow placed on SC (69.78±0.92), followed by ZC (69.33±0.94) and least for gilts placed on WC (67.33±0.87); litter sizes of gilts placed under the WC and SC systems were similar (5.6±0.41) while that under the ZC system was comparatively smaller (5.4±0.40);while the date of farrow was lowest in the ZC system (113.8±0.32) followed by SC (114.0±0.33) and highest under the WC (114.1±0.33). However, the feed intake per litter, feed per piglet weight, litter sizes of gilts, birth weight per piglet of gilts and the average date of farrow among gilts placed on WC, SC and ZC were not statistically different at 5% level of significance. Though, there is no significant difference in the performance among gilts placed on WC, SC and ZC, temperature regulation through provision of efficient cooling system in piggery would help to increase litter size, improve feed intake per litter and reduce the average cost of feeding gilt per day in maximizing reproductive performances in pigs.Keywords: Cooling, gilts, service, farrow, piggery, litter size, piglet and birth weight

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