Crossbred Local Chickens from East Nusa Tenggara Province Indonesia Under Semi Intensive Management System

The objective of this study was to compare the performance of four-breed combination under semiintensive management system. The experiment used 160 females and 40 males chickens as parents. Artificial insemination was performed to produce the experimental chicken of the four breed combinations (1. Sabu x Sabu, 2. Sabu x Semau, 3. Sabu x KUB, 4. Semau x KUB). The chickens were fed with chick starter crumb sad libitum from day old to 4 weeks of age. From 4-8 weeks of age, chickens were allowed to scavenge during the day, and also given commercial grower pellets + rice bran + corn (5:4:1). Combination of Sabu x KUBfrom 4-8 weeks of age were significantly heavier (P < 0.05) than the other combination breeds. Feed intake in the Sabu x KUB group was the lowest, and their weight gain was the highest among the others group(P < 0.05). The combination Sabu x KUB also had the highest egg production, and hatchability. However, the percentage of abdominal fat of Sabu x KUB were higher than others groups. In conclusion, combination Sabu x KUB had the best growth performance and egg production performance, but not for the percentage of abdominal fat.

The performance of finisher-broilers under subsistence free range system of production

The growth and survival rate of finisher broilers (with minor feed supplementation) were determined under subsistence free-range poultry production in Nigeria. Three types of feed supplements (maize meal, full-fat soybean meal, and commercial grower ration) were used. A 4th group (the control) was fed intensively on commercial broiler finisher ration. After four weeks of brooding, the finisher broilers of equal weights were randomly selected and distributed to twelve households in each of the two selected locations (10 birds per household) for onward rearing on free-range for eight weeks. The control group was replicated four times (10 birds per replicate). Growth rate was significantly higher (P<0.05) for the control intensive group and least for the free-range maize meal supplement group. The survival rate was 80-100%, with the maize meal supplement group on the lowest range while the free-range commercial grower supplement was 100%. Cost/kg live weight was least for the group on free-range commercial grower supplement and highest for the group on free-range maize meal supplement. This research has demonstrated the worth of providing finisher broiler chicks to farmers, rather than the day-old chicks traditionally purchased. This increases the survival rate of free-range chickens substantially and provides for vaccination programmes that may be too costly for farmers who only buy a small number of birds.

Phenotypic correlation among morphometric traits in new zealand white rabbits reared under tropical condition

A total of 48 New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit was used for the phenotypic estimation study. After two weeks of birth, the kittens were introduced to commercial grower mash (CGM) and were fed solely on the commercial grower mash diets with the following characteristics; 17.5% crude protein, 16% crude fibre and 2500 kcal/kg diet digestible energy ad libitum. Morphometric traits such as Fore Limb (FL), Hind Limb (HL), Body Length (BL), Thigh Girth (TG), Abdominal Circumference (AC) and Leg Length (LL) in NZW rabbit were measured on the rabbit with the aid of measuring tape in centimetre (cm) at 4, 8 and 12 weeks of age. The first measurement was taken on the day of weaning (4 weeks). The data obtained was analysed using the simple linear correlation procedure of SAS analytical package to obtain the correlation between the various morphometric traits studied. The study lasted for 12 weeks. From the study the phenotypic correlations obtained were all positive and ranged between moderate (0.47, the lowest value) and high (0.89, the highest value) correlated value for all ages considered for the NZW rabbit. The result further showed that BL was highly correlated (<70) with other morphometric trait at 4 and 12 weeks of age. Moderate correlation was recorded more at the 8 weeks of age of the rabbit when compared to 4 and 12 weeks of age. The TG and HL recorded the highest correlation value among the other morphometric traits at 4, 8 and 12 weeks of age. This shows that as the animal grows, there is a positive relationship between the various morphometric traits and further implies growth is more inclined in other part of the body than FL and LL immediately after weaning while it evened out after 4 weeks of age.

PSI-12 Performance and carcass measurements by rabbits offered diets with and without a phytogenic feed additive

Weaning stress and other environmental conditions can impact growing rabbit performance and carcass measurements. Therefore, investigating a feed ingredient that may mitigate these effects is important. The objective of this study was to determine if the addition of a phytogenic feed additive would improve performance and carcass measurements of growing rabbits. On October 22nd, 2018, a total of 16 (1.01 ± 0.02 kg BW) New Zealand White male rabbits were weaned and stratified by BW and allocated randomly to 1 of 2 groups representing 2 treatments: 1) Control (C; no phytogenic; n = 8) and 2) 454 g/ton phytogenic feed additive (PHYTO; n = 8). During the 42-d study, rabbits were housed in individual cages and offered a 18% CP and 2% fat commercial grower diet. All rabbits had ad libitum access to feed and water. Rabbits were weighed at the start of the study and weekly thereafter until the end of the feeding period when they were transported to a local abattoir, harvested, and carcass measurements recorded. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS. Start weight, weekly BW, end BW, weekly gain, total gain, weekly intake, total intake, and G:F did not differ (P ≥ 0.11) between treatments. Carcass shrink percentage was greater (P = 0.003) from PHYTO compared with C. Whereas, HCW and dressing percentage were greater (P &lt; 0.05) from C compared with PHYTO. Loin width did not differ (P = 0.89) between treatments. Ultimate pH was lower (P = 0.02) from PHYTO compared with C. Therefore, offering this specific phytogenic to weaned rabbits may not improve performance, but may impact certain carcass measurements. Further research is warranted to explore phytogenic impacts on carcass acceptability.

PSIII-9 Performance by weaned Katahdin lambs offered diets with and without Actifor® Pro

Using all-natural phytogenics could be an alternative to using growth promotors within animal agriculture; particularly, since consumers are becoming more concerned with the use of these types of products. Our objective was to determine if using Actifor® Pro (PRO) could improve weaned lamb performance. On June 17th, 2019, a total of 60 (18 ± 0.92 kg BW) Katahdin ram lambs were weaned and stratified by BW and allocated randomly to 1 of 10 groups representing 2 treatments: 1) C (no PRO added; n = 5) and 2) PRO (5 g/hd/d; n = 5). During the 84-d study, lambs were housed in 2.4 × 4.9-meter pens and offered a 16% CP commercial grower diet. All lambs had ad libitum access to feed and water. Prior to the start of the study, all lambs were administered a CD&T vaccine plus drenched with an oral dewormer. Lambs were weighed at the start, d 28, d 56, and at the end of the study. Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed of SAS with pen(treatment) as the error term. Start, d 28, d 56, final BW, d 56 gain, d 56 ADG, final gain, and final ADG did not differ (P ≥ 0.31) between treatments. However, d 28 gain and d 28 ADG tended (P = 0.07) to be greater from PRO compared with C. Intake and G:F did not differ (P ≥ 0.19) between treatments throughout the study. Therefore, feeding Actifor® Pro may improve gain within the first 28 days after weaning, but those difference may not persist throughout the growing phase. Furthermore, this product may need to be investigated in a creep feed diet.

Relationship of Pink Pigmentation in Rose Petals and Botrytis cinerea

Pink pigmentation on rose (Rosa × hybrida) petals in the form of round spots or irregular-shaped discoloration has been associated with Botrytis cinerea infection, but scientific evidence has been lacking to support this hypothesis. The unfounded association between pink pigmentation and Botrytis blight has been sufficient to warrant rejection of international shipments during inspection at the ports of entry. The objective of this research was to evaluate the relationship between pink pigmentation symptoms on rose petals and B. cinerea infection. Four shipments of ‘Vendela’ and ‘Brighton’ roses were received from a commercial grower. Intact rose flowers and detached petals were assessed separately, and symptom development and Botrytis blight incidence were evaluated. In addition, tissue pieces with and without pink pigmentation were placed in culture media to determine the frequency of B. cinerea isolation. Results showed that Botrytis blight incidence in whole flowers and petals of cut roses with and without pink pigmentations was not significantly different. B. cinerea was not isolated more frequently from pink-pigmented tissue compared with tissues lacking pink pigmentation. These results show that pink pigmentation in the form of round spots or irregular-shaped discoloration along the petal margins is not associated with B. cinerea infections.

Maintenance of broiler performance on commercial diets diluted with copra meal and supplemented with feed enzymes

Context Dilution of commercial feed with moderate levels of copra meal (CM), a byproduct of coconut oil extraction, was shown to maintain broiler performance in older breeds, but reports on its use in modern fast-growing broilers are limited. Aims We evaluated feed dilution with CM and enzyme supplementation in broiler chickens. We hypothesised that (i) diluting commercial feed with CM will maintain performance of modern fast-growing broilers, and (ii) enzyme supplementation will improve utilisation of the diluted diets. Methods Experiment 1 studied the performance of growing broilers (10–21 days of age) fed commercial grower diet alone (control), or diluted with one of two levels of CM (50 and 100 g/kg) and with or without enzyme supplementation. Cobb 500 broiler chicks (10 days old), 200 in total, were assigned to five dietary treatments with four replicates, in a completely randomised design. Experiment 2 investigated higher levels of dilution (100 and 200 g CM/kg) and enzyme supplementation of commercial finisher diet in 200 finishing broilers (22–42 days of age) assigned to five treatments with four replicates each. Key results In Experiment 1, feed intake was reduced (P &lt; 0.05) on the 100 g CM/kg diet without enzyme compared with 50 g CM/kg without enzyme and both of the enzyme-supplemented diets but was not different (P &gt; 0.05) from the control. Bodyweight gain and feed conversion ratio were not affected (P &gt; 0.05) by dietary treatment. In Experiment 2, feed intake was reduced on 200 g CM/kg with enzyme but did not differ (P &gt; 0.05) among the control and other CM-based diets. Bodyweight gain (P &lt; 0.05) was reduced on the 200 g CM/kg diet without enzyme compared with the 100 g CM/kg diet without enzyme. Feed:gain was not affected (P &gt; 0.05) by diet. The relative weight of carcass and cuts, gut segments and annex organs was not affected (P &gt; 0.05) by diet. Conclusions Diluting commercial grower and finisher diets with 50 and 100 g CM/kg has no adverse effects on performance of modern broilers. At higher levels of dilution (100 and 200 g/kg), enzyme supplementation may be required. Implications These findings will reduce the cost of broiler production and add value to CM in coconut-producing regions. We recommend more research into higher rates of dilution, sources of CM, and enzyme sources and levels that might improve performance and reduce cost of production.

Implementation of Sensor-based Automated Irrigation in Commercial Floriculture Production: A Case Study

A soil moisture sensor-based automated irrigation system was trialed in a commercial floriculture greenhouse to determine what benefits these types of systems may offer to herbaceous ornamental producers. Water use, crop quality and growth, and grower behavior toward adoption of the new technology were monitored, when all decision making related to system operation was carried out by the grower. Two cultivars of poinsettia (Euphorbia ×pulcherrima) and three cultivars of geranium (Pelargonium ×hortorum) were produced in side-by-side trials over the course of 2 years while comparing grower-controlled, sensor-based automated irrigation with traditional grower-managed (timer-based) irrigation. Plant quality was equivalent between irrigation treatments across all five trials. Differences in plant size were noted in four of the five trials between irrigation treatments, but in all instances these differences were not judged by the commercial grower to impact marketability of the crop. No reductions in irrigation water use were noted with the sensor-based irrigation system, which differed from previous research using this technology in ornamental production. Over the course of 2 years, the number of plants produced using sensor-based irrigation control was scaled up, indicating increasing confidence in, and adoption of, the technology. Managers at the facility found that sensor-based irrigation facilitated reallocation of labor from irrigation management, which was especially valuable during peak production and shipping periods. The payback period calculated from labor savings would be roughly 1.5 years if the sensor-based irrigation system was implemented throughout the facility.

Herbaceous Perennial Producers Can Grow High-quality Blanket Flower in Bioplastic-based Plant Containers

We quantified the growth and quality of ‘Arizona Sun’ blanket flower (Gaillardia ×grandiflora) grown in different bioplastic containers and characterized the interest of commercial perennial producers in using bioplastic-based biocontainers in their herbaceous perennial production schemes. Plants were grown in three types of #1 trade gallon (0.75 gal) containers at five commercial perennial producers in the upper-midwestern United States. Containers included one made of polylactic acid (PLA) and a proprietary bio-based filler derived from a coproduct of corn ethanol production, a commercially available recycled paper fiber container twice dip-coated with castor oil–based biopolyurethane and a petroleum-based plastic (control) container. Plant growth data were collected when most plants had open flowers, and plant shoots, roots, and containers were rated by commercial grower participants. Questionnaires were administered at the beginning and at the end of the experiment to characterize the perceptions and interest of growers in using these containers, their interest in different bioplastic-based container attributes, and their satisfaction from using the containers. Container type and grower interacted to affect growth index (GI), shoot dry weight (SDW), and container rating. Root rating was affected by container type or grower and shoot rating was unaffected by either. Our results indicate that commercial producers can adapt these bioplastic-based biocontainers to blanket flower production with few or no changes to their crop cultural practices.