Effect of mineral-energy supplementation on the performance of young bulls from different genetic groups on pasture

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of young bulls from three genetic groups, ½ Brangus x ½ Nellore (BRN), Nellore (NEL) and ½ Canchim x ½ Nellore (CAN), reared on pasture and supplemented with mineral (MS) or energy-mineral (MES) supplement. Eighty-one bulls, with a mean age of 12 months and mean body weight of 252 ± 33 kg were used. The experiment was conducted in a 3x2 factorial completely randomized design. Each genetic group was subdivided into six experimental plots, three received MS and three received MES. Animals were managed in a rotational stocking system in a Tifton 85 grass pasture. The consumption of MS was similar between the genetic groups with an average of 0.073 kg animal-1 day-1, whereas the consumption of MES was higher for BRN, 2.10 kg animal-1 day-1, followed by CAN, with 1.57 kg animal-1 day-1, and lower for NEL, with 1.28 kg animal-1 day-1. The average daily weight gain (ADG) was greater for animals that received MES compared to those that were given MS. For animals that received MS, the BRN group had ADG of 0.64 kg animal-1, while the NEL and CAN groups were similar with a mean of 0.46 kg animal-1. For animals that received MES, the CAN group had higher ADG, 0.97 kg animal-1, while the NEL and BRN groups were similar, with an average of 0.86 kg animal-1. Blood levels of total protein, albumin, creatinine, glucose and cholesterol did not change depending on the types of supplements used or between genetic groups. Higher serum urea levels were observed in NEL and CAN animals that received MS. Serum aspartate aminotransferase levels were higher in BRN and CAN animals that received MES. Gains in rump height, height at the withers, body length, rump width and chest perimeter were greater in animals that received MES. Mostly, the gains in morphometric measurements were greater for crossbred animals than for the NEL group. The supply of mineral-energy supplement in Tifton 85 grass pasture during the rainy season is recommended only for Nellore and ½ Canchim x ½ Nellore young bulls. Crossbred young bulls show greater gains in morphometric measurements than Nellore young bulls during rearing.

Reduced Stocking Density and Provision of Straw in a Rack Improve Pig Welfare on Commercial Fattening Farms

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of reduced stocking density in combination with provision of additional enrichment material on pig welfare on-farm. On three growing-finishing farms in Austria, in total 974, 413, and 70 pigs were kept at 1 m2/pig and straw or hay in a rack as additional enrichment material (improved pens, IP; n = 6–38 pens per farm) or in pens complying with the minimum legal requirements of 0.7 m2/pig (control pens, CP; n = 6–37 pens per farm). Behavior as well as skin, tail and ear lesions and pig soiling were assessed at the beginning and in the middle of the fattening period, while performance data were recorded at the end of the fattening period. Data analysis was performed for each farm separately using generalized linear and linear mixed models or Mann-Whitney U-Test. Pigs in IP less frequently manipulated pen mates' ears (Farm 1: Ptreatment*assessment = 0.002; Farm 2: P = 0.002) and body (Farm 1: P = 0.021; Farm 2: P = 0.015) than in CP. Prevalence of skin, tail and ear lesions and soiled pigs did not differ between treatments. In only one farm, average daily weight gain was higher in IP than in CP (Farm 1: P = 0.003). Our findings indicate that increased space allowance and provision of substrate can improve aspects of animal welfare within existing pig fattening systems, without requiring irreversible constructional modifications to the system.

Comparative experience of the influence of the introduction of an antibiotic and some natural amino acids into the diet consisting of natural ecological components on the zootechnical indicators of black-and-white calves

This paper shows the results of introducing the amino acids lysine concentrate and d1 - methionine, as well as the antibiotic Bacitracin, into the calves [[CHECK_SINGLEQUOT_ENT]] diet. Experimentally, the effect of meat components on the average daily weight gain; the digestibility of nutrients received from the feed; the average daily use of nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus and sulfur; the yield of meat after slaughter; the weight of internal organs and the chemical composition of meat.

Clinical, zootechnical and behavioral evaluation of litters of dogs born in the guide dog program of the ‘Instituto Federal Goiano’, Campus Urutaí, Brazil

The Brazilian population with low vision or blindness is approximately six and a half million people. This scenario is intricate because of the existence of only six Guide Dog Training Centers and, consequently, few Guide Dogs performing the role of assistive therapy as a guide for blind people in Brazil. The objective was to comparatively characterize the clinical, zootechnical, and behavioral profile of three litters of dogs born at the Guide Dog Training Center of the Federal Institute of Goiás, Campus of Urutaí, Brazil, from conception to the forty-ninth day of life. The number of live births, stillbirths, average daily weight gain, the incidence of congenital diseases, and acquired diseases were surveyed. The performance of puppies obtained in the Volhard and Behavior Checklist tests was also obtained. Litter B presented higher stillbirths. A higher average daily weight gain was also observed in litter B and, consequently, a higher weight of pups at all evaluation moments. Litter E differed from the others regarding the behavioral parameters, showing better results in terms of hyper-attachment, fear of strangers, and anxiety in unknown places. Therefore, a difference was observed between litters regarding the evaluated zootechnical and behavioral aspects. Furthermore, an evolution was observed over time, with the last litter, whose parents were animals from the kennel, presenting the best behavioral profile.

Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Birds Fed Graded Levels of Kapok (Bombax costatum)

The study was conducted in poultry production unit of the Teaching and Research farm in the Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Usmanu Danfodiyo University to investigate the effect of graded levels of kapok seed meal on broiler bird’s performance. A total of 288 broiler chickens were being used. The broiler chickens randomly divided into four treatments groups (four experimental diets) T1 (control), T2 (0.5kg/100kg), T3 (1Kg/100kg) and T4 (1.5kg/100Kg). At the termination of the experiment (day 56), two birds from each pen (replicate) having representative weights for the group (6 birds per Treatment) were selected. The selected birds were bled, dressed and eviscerated. At starter phase the result shows no significant difference (P>0.05) between the treatments with regards to final body weight and average daily weight gain, birds in treatment 4 had higher (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the other treatments. The result shows significant difference (P<0.05) between the treatments across all the parameters measured except FCR. Birds fed treatment 4 record higher values (P<0.05) of all the parameters measured compared to treatment 1 at finisher phase. The result on carcass shows significant difference (P<0.05) in terms of liver, lung, spleen and crop. Birds in treatment 2 have lower (P<0.05) liver compared to the other treatments. Higher (P<0.05) crop weight are recorded for birds in treatment 1 compared to the other treatments. The study concludes that ingredients of kapok (Bombax costatum) in poultry diet significantly (p<0.05) improved performance of broiler birds at starter and finisher phase at rate of 0.5kg/100kg inclusion of fed.

Effects of Replacing Grass with Foliage on Growth Rate and Feed Intake in Goats—A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Small ruminants such as goats have a higher preference for browse species than cattle and sheep. In a meta-analysis of 42 papers describing 117 experimental treatments found by a search performed in June 2021 in PubMed and Web of Knowledge, we examined the general effect of including foliage in the diet of goats, replacing grasses, on dry matter intake and average daily weight gain. The inclusion requirement for a paper was that it described a controlled trial with a control diet of grass and with grass replaced by foliage in the experimental diet. Publication bias was estimated by calculating the Fail-safe n. Random effects analyses were conducted, using effect size calculated as Hedges’ d. The results showed that inclusion of foliage increased feed intake (Hedges’ d = 1.350, SE = 0.388) and average daily weight gain (Hedges’ d = 1.417, SE = 0.444) compared with a grass-based control. The positive effect of foliage inclusion on dry matter intake was associated with lower neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and higher crude protein (CP) in the foliage than in the grass it replaced. The positive effect on average daily weight gain was associated with higher CP concentration in the foliage than in grass. Foliage inclusion level showed a quadratic relationship with dry matter intake, with maximum dry matter intake achieved at a level of 50–60%. There was wide variation between the studies reviewed, and this variation was not reduced by subgroup analysis based on different kinds of foliage. In conclusion, the addition of foliage to goat diets can increase feed intake and daily weight gain, as an effect of the dietary preferences of goats and of generally higher nutritional value in foliage species compared with natural/semi-natural grass species.

Efficacy of a Modified Live Virus Vaccine against Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus 1 (PRRSV-1) Administered to 1-Day-Old Piglets in Front of Heterologous PRRSV-1 Challenge

PRRSV is one of the most important viruses in the global swine industry and is often controlled by the use of modified live virus (MLV) vaccines. This study assessed the impact of a PRRSV-1 MLV vaccine applied to 1-day-old piglets challenged on day 28 of life with a PRRSV-1 field isolate (AUT15-33). Twenty-one piglets were vaccinated within 24 h of birth (T02), whereas 20 piglets were left unvaccinated (T01). Necropsy was performed two weeks post-challenge. Comparing the two groups, T02 piglets showed significantly higher (p = 0.017) average daily weight gain. In addition, significantly lower (p < 0.0001) PRRSV RNA loads were measured in serum of T02 piglets at all investigated time points. All T01 piglets were viremic and shed virus in nasal swabs, whereas only 71.4 % and 38.1 % of the T02 group were viremic or shed virus, respectively. Piglets from T02 had significantly higher numbers (p < 0.0001) of IFN-γ producing lymphocytes compared to T01. At necropsy, differences in gross and histologic lung lesions were statistically significant (p = 0.012 and p < 0.0001, respectively) between the two groups. Hence, this MLV vaccine administered to 1-day-old piglets was able to protect piglets against PRRSV infection at weaning.

Effect of fiber and energy in diet on productivity and formation of microbiocenosis in piglets

Today, an important role in the development of pig breeding is given to feeding animals, especially piglets during the transition from milk to vegetable feeding. This crucial period is associated with physiological characteristics of piglet growth and development. Therefore, the problem of developing mixed fodder that gives rise to high weight gain in piglets is relevant for pig farming. The experiments were conducted on piglets aged 15-42 days in Nadezhda farm, Kursk region. The purpose of the research was to increase productivity and form the microbiocenosis in the intestines of piglets. During the study period, barley-wheat mixed fodder was used with additional ingredients: feed fat, alfalfa grass flour and probiotic. Feed fats provide an optimal level of energy for piglets growth. The active substances of alfalfa flour are involved in all metabolic processes in the body, making it effective. Probiotic increases availability and digestibility of feed nutrients. The studies proved that the new composition of SK-3 increased the average daily weight gain by 20.5 %, the gross formation per piglet increased to 21 %. At the same time, survival of animals in the period 15-42 days increased to 100 %. The greatest growth of beneficial intestinal microflora from 107 to 109 CFU/g of feces was observed after feeding experimental piglets with mixed fodder containing grass flour, feed fats and probiotic by day 42. In comparison with the control animals, experimental animals showed a decrease in E. coli - from 107 to 104. The importance of using such ingredients as alfalfa grass flour, feed fats and probiotic in mixed fodder for piglets of 15-42 days of age was revealed. The relevance of the development of new mixed fodder was justified.

PSVI-19 Evaluation of birth weight, weaning weight and average daily weight gain of Holstein female calves carrying the SLICK1 allele of the Prolactin Receptor (PRLR) gene

Objectives of this study were to evaluate birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), and average daily weight gain (ADG) of female calves carrying the SLICK1 allele, i.e., the slick gene. Holstein cows in four dairy farms located in central California were inseminated with semen from two heterozygous slick Holstein sires to produce slick and non-slick calves. Calves were born during the cool season (November 2019-March 2020). BW was recorded for 125 calves in four farms within 24 h of birth; WW was recorded for 92 calves in three farms within one week of weaning. Weaning age was recorded at day of weighing. ADG was calculated as the weight difference between birth and weaning divided by days of age at weaning. Only female calves were used in the analysis. Statistical analyses were performed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS version 9.4. The model for BW included the effects of genotype, farm, sire, and the interaction between genotype and farm. The model for WW and ADG included the effects of BW, genotype, farm, weaning age, sire, and interaction between genotype and farm. Significant effects were considered as those with P &lt; 0.05. There was no difference in BW or WW between genotypes (BW: slick=40.1 ± 0.7 vs non-slick=39.7 ± 0.6 kg; P = 0.7 and WW: slick=82.5 ± 2.8 vs non-slick=80.9 ± 2.8 kg; P = 0.6). The mean age at weaning was 64.8 ± 0.4 and was similar for both genotype groups (P = 0.8). As a result, ADG was similar between genotypes (P = 0.7). There was a main effect of farm on BW, WW and ADG. Results indicate that slick heifer calves born in the cool season perform similarly to non-slick calves in regards to birth weight, average daily weight gain, and weaning weight. Funding provided by the Holstein Association USA Research Program and L.E. “Red” Larson Endowment.

On-farm evaluation of growth and reproductive performances of Washera and Gumuz sheep in northwestern Ethiopia: Basics for setting up breeding objectives/goals

Growth and reproductive performance traits are traits of economic importance for sheep selection and productivity improvement interventions. This study aimed at comparative evaluation of growth and reproductive performance traits of sheep in the highland and lowland agro-ecologies of northwestern Ethiopia. Data on growth performance traits were collected from 144 Washera (78 males and 66 females) lambs and 72 Gumuz (37 males and 35 females) lambs. Data on reproductive performance traits were collected from 260 Washera (130 rams and 130 ewes) sheep and 150 Gumuz (75 rams and 75 ewes) sheep. General linear model univariate procedure was employed to analyze the collected data. Breed, the interaction effect between breed and season of birth as well as the interaction effect between breed and type of birth all exerted very high significant effect (P<0.001) on live weight at all age groups. Breed type affected pre-weaning average daily weight gain significantly (P<0.01). Pre-weaning average daily weight gain of Washera (70 g/day) was found much better performance than 60 g/day of Gumuz. Breed type exerts significant (P<0.05) effect on age at first lambing, lambing interval, annual reproductive rate and number of lambs born per ewe life time. Average age at first lambing and lambing interval of Washera sheep were 11.69 months and 9.27 months, respectively. The corresponding values for Gumuz sheep were 12.51 months and 10.43 months, respectively. Production and reproduction performance values of traits varied across the two breeds and sexes as well. These values can be used to set up breeding objectives or goals for selective breeding of sheep giving special emphasis to growth traits believed to have medium heritability values.