Strategies for Goat Feeding and Management during Drought

Nowadays, climate change is becoming a serious problem threatening livestock production by affecting their environment, health, and feed sources. Many parts of the tropical countries, particularly the pastoralist area, experience extended periods of drought, leading to shortages of feed and water. During these periods, goats are incapable of meeting their nutrient requirement for maintenance and will begin to lose weight as body reserves are depleted, causing economic loss to the goats. In the extremely long dry season, animals die, with the youngest, weakest, and oldest dying first. As a result, drought management entails balancing pasture and water supply against forage and water demand. In most cases, no single strategy will suffice to address this issue. Each situation would need a different set of strategies Therefore, this chapter will come with some common options/ strategies that can be avail feed shortage during drought. Those strategies are purchase of feed from surplus location, adjustment of animal management, policy intervention, destocking, adjusting grazing strategies during drought, supplementation, maintenance feeding, reallocation of a given amount of feed in the herd, early weaning and creep feeding, lowering stocking rate, water sources and supplies, development and effective utilization of feed resources, and creation of feed banks.

Special compound feeds and an immunostimulator to increase the live weight gain of suckling piglets

Sow milk is usually enough to meet the need for nutrients of three weeks age piglets. However from the beginning of life they need supplemental nutrients in the form of creep feeding. The objective of this study was to survey the usefulness of special mixed feeds (super starter, pre-starter, starter feeds) given as creep feeding and feeding to suckling pigs, as well as the use of immunostimulant for their health, better growth and development. The study showed that suckling pig fed with special super starter, pre-starter and starter mixed feed depending on age, as well as young animals additionally treated with intramuscular injected immunostimulant better by growth rate. The highest indicators for the live weight of piglets at the age of 60 days (weaning) and for the milk content of sows were in the experimental group, which was intramuscularly injected with an immunostimulator The highest live weight of (weaning) piglets aged 60 days was in treated groups.

Avaliação de um sistema de ovinocultura intensificada baseado em campo nativo no Rio Grande do Sul

O presente trabalho teve o objetivo de realizar uma análise acerca da produção ovina em um sistema de cria intensivo, através da técnica do creep feeding; ainda, realizar um estudo comparativo entre este sistema e outras atividades agrícolas tradicionais realizadas no Rio Grande do Sul. O experimento foi conduzido no município de Santana do Livramento e compreendeu o período de julho a dezembro de 2020. Realizou-se o cálculo da receita bruta por hectare desta produção ovina intensificada, servindo este critério como base de comparação para as atividades arroz irrigado, soja e bovinocultura de corte. A ovinocultura intensificada por uso de creep feeding apresenta receita bruta intermediária quando comparada a atividades agrícolas tradicionais no Rio Grande do Sul. Entretanto, apresenta elementos importantes que podem representar estímulos ao produtor, como menor risco, baixa necessidade de insumos externos e mercado em expansão.

The effect of creep feed composition and form on pre- and post-weaning growth performance of pigs and the utilization of low-complexity nursery diets

Fifty-six litters from first-parity sows standardized to 12 piglets were used to determine the effects of creep feed composition and form on pre- and post-weaning pig growth performance and the utilization of low-complexity nursery diets. At five days of age, litters (initial BW 2.31±0.61 kg) were assigned to one of four creep feeding regimens (n=14): [1] pelleted commercial creep feed (COM), [2] liquid milk replacer (LMR), [3] pelleted milk replacer (PMR), or [4] no creep feed (NO); creep feeds contained 1.0 % brilliant blue as a fecal marker. Individual piglet BW and fecal swabs were collected every 3±1 days during the creep-feeding period. The latter was to identify piglets that regularly consumed creep feed via the visual appearance of blue dye in the feces. At weaning (21±2 days of age), six pigs per litter with median BW that consumed creep feed were placed on either a HIGH- (contained highly digestible animal proteins) or LOW- (contained corn and soybean meal as the main protein sources) complexity nursery diet (n=7) in a three-phase feeding program over 39 days. On day 8, two pigs per pen were sacrificed to collect organ weights and digesta. The LMR disappeared at the greatest rate (average 37.7 g/pig/d; DM-basis) versus COM and PMR (10.6 and 10.3 ± 1.5 g/pig/d, respectively; P < 0.001). Litters that received LMR had the greatest proportion of pigs with blue fecal swabs throughout the creep feeding period (85.0 vs. 54.9 and 63.0 ± 0.4% for COM and PMR, respectively; P < 0.05) and LMR piglets had greater BW at weaning versus all other treatments (6.32 vs. 6.02, 5.92, and 5.67 ± 0.14 kg, for LMR, COM, NO, and PMR, respectively; P < 0.001). Overall, pigs given LOW (versus HIGH) diets in the nursery period had reduced ADG (25.1 vs. 27.7 ± 0.4 g/kg BW; P < 0.001), G:F (0.75 vs. 0.81 ± 0.02; P < 0.001), and exit BW (21.2 vs. 24.4 ± 0.6 kg; P < 0.001); no carryover effects of creep feeding program were observed. Creep feed regimen had limited effects on nutrient digestibility of nursery diets but the apparent ileal digestibility of organic matter tended to be less at 28 days of age for pigs that received the LOW nursery diet (64.2 vs. 68.8 ± 2.5%; P = 0.076). Providing supplemental nutrition during the suckling period via LMR improved piglet BW at weaning, which did not correspond to improved post-weaning growth performance, regardless of nursery diet complexity.

254 Effects of Nutrition on Bull Fertility

The greatest effects of nutrition on bull fertility occur by providing a relatively high plane of nutrition during calfhood when the seminiferous epithelium of the testes is developing. A high plane of nutrition from 5 to 25 weeks of age results in greater circulating gonadotropin concentrations, greater testicular volume, and greater sperm production at maturity. At this age, diet can be manipulated by creep feeding bull calves with both protein and energy supplements which could accelerate puberty and increase sperm production. Increased rate of gain in bull calves post-weaning can accelerate puberty a few weeks, but excess post-weaning gain and fat buildup in the neck of the scrotum can have detrimental effects on fertility. Considerable emphasis has been placed on specific micronutrient (especially minerals) effects on peripubertal bull fertility. Trace mineral supplementation is believed to be critical for optimal fertility and both copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) supplementation have influenced male fertility in other species. However, there are no guidelines for recommended levels of these minerals to ensure fertility. Providing organic or complexed compared to inorganic mineral to peripubertal bulls have increased liver concentrations of mineral and in some cases, have accelerated puberty, but enhanced fertility-associated measures have not been realized. Because both Cu and Zn are present in the ejaculate, mineral needs during the breeding season may differ from the off-season. During the breeding season, bulls can lose 10 to 20% of their weight and need to re-gain this weight before the next breeding season. Divergent planes of nutrition provided to mature bulls during the off-season revealed enhanced sperm energy and stress-fighting potential with decreasing plane of nutrition. Specific mineral supplementation during the off-season in mature bulls provides no beneficial effect on fertility-associated measures. In summary, significant effects of nutrition post-weaning on bull fertility-associated measures have not been realized.

358 Effect of Molasses Type on Pre-weaning Lamb and Ewe Performance

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of form of molasses on lamb and ewe performance. Creep feeding of lambs is essential to lamb growth, rumen development, and reduction of milk production from dams. Molasses is often added for increased palatability and energy. Crossbred lambs (n = 47; average age = 30 d) and their accompanying dams (n= 35) were assigned to one of two treatments using a completely randomized design with similar distributions of single and twin-born lambs and sexes. Treatment diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and contained either wet (WMOL) or dry (DMOL) molasses. Dry molasses was added at 10% of the diet DM, whereas, wet molasses was added at 14.3% of the diet DM. Lambs were fed creep rations for 42 d prior to weaning. Creep feed was provided ad libitum and mixed grass hay was offered free-choice. Lamb weights were recorded weekly until weaning (d 42) and ewe BCS was measured at d 0 and d 42 (weaning). Overall lamb ADG was comparable (DMOL = 0.268 kg/hd, WMOL = 0.293 kg/hd; P = 0.30). Lamb weaning weights were similar between DMOL and WMOL (DMOL = 27.9 kg; WMOL = 27.5; P = 0.79). Ewe BCS was similar (P = 0.88) between DMOL and WMOL at 1.4 and 1.4, respectively. Estimated creep intake was calculated based upon total consumption following the end of the project and was found to be similar between treatments (DMOL = 0.54 kg/hd/d; WMOL = 0.59 kg/hd/d). Lamb pre-weaning growth and ewe performance was similar between DMOL and WMOL. Further research is needed to further explore the economic impact and use post-weaning.

Application of Creep Feed and Phytase Super-Dosing as Tools to Support Digestive Adaption and Feed Efficiency in Piglets at Weaning

A total of 64 piglets were used in a 35-day study to evaluate whether creep feeding piglets on the sow or super-dosing phytase to piglets post-weaning can be used as a tool to reduce stress and support adaption to weaning. Treatments consisted of creep or no creep feed being offered pre-weaning and with or without phytase supplementation at 2000 FTU/kg post-weaning. Blood samples were collected from eight piglets per treatment on days 0 (weaning), 7 and 21 post-weaning to determine plasma cortisol and myo-inositol concentrations. Four piglets per treatment (n = 16) were administered Heidelberg pH capsules 1 week prior to weaning, on the day of weaning, as well as 7 days and 21 days post-weaning, with readings monitored over a 3 h period. In the first week post-weaning, creep-fed piglets had higher daily gains (0.23 vs. 0.14 kg/d, p < 0.05) and a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR, 0.99 vs. 1.35, p < 0.01), compared to non-creep-fed pigs. At 21 days post-weaning, irrespective of creep feed, phytase supplementation reduced FCR (1.10 vs. 1.18, p = 0.05) of piglets. Average real-time stomach pH was lower in creep-fed piglets at 1 week prior to weaning (pH 3.2 vs. 4.6, p < 0.001) and on day of weaning (pH 3.1 vs. 3.7, p < 0.01). Following weaning, phytase reduced average stomach pH of piglets at days 7 (pH 2.6 vs. 3.3, p < 0.001) and 21 (pH 2.2 vs. 2.6, p < 0.01). Both cortisol and myo-inositol concentrations in plasma decreased with age; however, cortisol levels were unaffected by either treatment. Plasma myo-inositol concentrations were higher in creep-fed piglets at day of weaning (p < 0.05) and with phytase super-dosing on day 21 (p < 0.001). These findings demonstrate that both creep feeding and phytase super-dosing are useful practices to encourage better adaption to weaning and support piglet performance. This response was not related to reduced stress in piglets, as determined by cortisol levels, but instead appears to relate to improved gastric conditions for digestion, phytate degradation and myo-inositol provision in piglets.

Postnatal development of gut microbial activity and their importance for jejunal motility in piglets

Despite their anti-inflammatory properties, role in barrier function, absorption and microbial balance in the gut, knowledge on maturational and dietary effects on intestinal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in neonatal piglets is scarce. Moreover, little information exists whether SCFA and lactic acid (LA) modulates gut motility at this age. The present study aimed 1) to investigate the maturational changes in the SCFA profile with and without creep feeding of piglets in the first 3 weeks of life; and 2) to examine the effects of SCFA and LA on muscle contractibility in jejunal tissue from neonatal piglets ex vivo. SCFA concentrations were measured in fecal samples of 52 piglets from 10 litters collected on days 2, 6, 13, and 20 of life using gas chromatography. Half of the litters were fed a commercial creep feed from day 10 of life. The organ bath system was used to test the effect of SCFA (acetate, propionate, butyrate, isobutyrate, valerate, isovalerate and caproate) as well as of LA and the combination of LA and SCFA on muscle contractibility in piglet’s jejunum. Average daily gain of piglets was similar between groups before and after introduction of creep feed. SCFA were detectable in feces in relevant concentrations from day 2 of life and increased on day 6 in males by 3.0-fold and on day 13 in females by 1.6-fold but decreased again on day 20 in both sexes compared to day 2 (P &lt; 0.05). Creep feeding reduced fecal SCFA by 0.6-fold on day 13 without largely modifying molar proportions, whereas it increased fecal SCFA by 0.8-fold on day 20 of life compared to the sow-reared only piglets (P &lt; 0.05). Applying SCFA ex vivo increased the muscle contraction of the jejunum by 30% (P &lt; 0.05). Likewise, addition of LA and the combination of LA and SCFA increased the jejunal muscle contractibility by 34.9 and 32.2%, respectively, compared to the muscle tension pre-addition (P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, the present results for fecal SCFA in first days of life suggest high bacterial activity on milk components and emphasize the importance of SCFA for intestinal development and function. After a lag phase, creep feeding promotes fermentation in the distal colon, which may be beneficial for the gut homeostasis. Results further demonstrate the stimulating effect of SCFA and LA for jejunal motility, suggesting a role for mixing of digesta (segmentation) and digestion and absorption of nutrients as well as passage in the jejunum of neonatal piglets.

51 Observing the Effect of Creep Feeding on Calf Behavior Before and After Weaning

The objective was to determine the effect of creep feeding on calf behavior before and after weaning. Cow-calf pairs (n = 54) were stratified by cow age, cow and calf BW, and allotted to 9 pastures. Pastures were randomly assigned to 3 treatments: unsupplemented control (CON), lower protein pellet (14.3% CP; LP), and a higher protein pellet (18.6% CP; HP) for 82 d. Pre-weaning calf behaviors were observed for 9 h on d 60, 64, and 74: position (standing or lying), location (pen, pasture, shade, creep), and consumption (creep, grass, milk, water, none). Post-weaning calf behaviors were observed for 12 h on d 83 and 84: position, walking, drinking, eating, and vocalizations. Prior to weaning, an interaction (P £ 0.01) occurred for consumption behaviors; CON calves spent the greatest percentage of time grazing at h 7 and 8 and not consuming at h 11. Also, LP calves had the greatest percentage of time nursing at h 8 and 11, with CON calves being intermediate, and HP calves being the least. On the day after weaning (d 83), an interaction (P = 0.02) was observed for time spent eating; CON calves spent the greatest time eating at h 10 and LP calves were the greatest at h 11. An interaction (P &lt; 0.01) was observed for time spent walking on d 83; HP calves spent the greatest percentage of time walking at h 9 and 13. On d 84, an interaction (P &lt; 0.01) was observed for time eating on d 84; CON calves spent the greatest percentage of time eating at h 7, 9, 11, 14, and 16 as well as overall (P = 0.05). An interaction (P &lt; 0.01) was observed for number of vocalizations on d 84; CON calves had the greatest number of vocalizations at h 16–18 as well as overall (P &lt; 0.01). Overall, creep feeding altered calf behaviors before and after weaning.