Effect of feeding high yielding fodders on growth performance of growing Hilly Brown Bengal goat

This study was carried out to evaluate the feeding effect of high yielding fodders (HYF) on feed intake and growth performance of growing Hilly Brown Bengal (HBB) goat. For this purpose, a feeding trail was conducted with 16 growing HBB kids (4 to 5 months) by dividing equally in four groups having four replicates for a period of 75 days. The goats in group T0 (control) received natural grass along with 101.30g concentrates and adlibitum cowpea hay, whereas in group T1, T2 and T3, only natural grass was replaced by BLRI Napier 3, BLRI Napier 4 and Ruzi fodder, respectively. Total dry matter intake (DMI), roughages DMI, crude protein intake (CP), body weight gain (kg), average daily gain (g) and forth night body weight gain (g/day) were studied. Results revealed that, DMI (288.39, 285.71, 293.48 and 301.35 g/day in group T0, T1, T2 and T3, respectively), body weight gain (3.60, 3.74, 3.73 and 3.77 kg in group T0, T1, T2 and T3, respectively), average daily gain (47.32, 49.16, 49.12 and 48.92 g in group T0, T1, T2 and T3, respectively) and feed conversion ratio (6.2, 5.9, 6.0 and 6.1 in group T0, T1, T2 and T3, respectively) of HBB kids were not differed significantly (P>0.05) for all the treatment groups. The DMI from roughages (196.2, 193.5, 201.3 and 209.2 g/day in group T0, T1, T2 and T3, respectively) and CP intake (38.7, 42.1, 48.3 and 38.8 g/day in group T0, T1, T2 and T3, respectively) were significantly varied (P<0.05), while highest CP intake was found in the treatment group T2. Forthnight body weight (g/day) was not significantly (P>0.05) gained with feeding of HYF for all the treatment groups. From this study, it can be concluded that, growing HBB kids could equally be supplied with either BLRI Napier 3 or BLRI Napier 4 or Ruzi fodder in addition to ad libitum cowpea hay for better voluntary feed intake and growth. Bang. J. Livs. Res. Vol. 27 (1&2), 2020: P. 73-81

Isolation, identification and biochemical characterization of lactic acid bacteria from selected yogurt samples

This research was conducted to study the types of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) present in selected yogurts available in the local market of Bangladesh. For this purpose, nine different yogurt samples were collected (viz. MV, Mw, Pst, Psr, Bik, Bog, WF, Kw and Nab) and cultured in the selective MRS agar media for enumerating LAB colony. Out of 9 samples, colony forming LAB were found in 6 samples and the population ranged from 1.0×104 to 9.5×105 cfu/ml. Catalase negative and Gram’s positive colonies were initially identified as LAB. Then the isolates were purified by subsequent culturing in MRS broth and MRS agar media. Biochemical properties of selected colonies were evaluated by performing gas production from glucose, growth at different temperatures (10ºC, 15ºC and 45ºC), growth at different NaCl concentrations (2, 4 and 6.5% NaCl) and sugar fermentation tests (lactose, sorbitol, salicin, trehalose, melibiose, sucrose, mannitol, melezitose, maltose, galactose, glucose, arabinose, raffinose and ribose). According to the tests stated above, a total of five different species of LAB were identified from 6 samples. The isolate Lactobacillus lactis was identified in MV, PSr and Bog yogurt, while Lactobacillus bulgaricus was found in MV and Bik yogurt. The species Leuconostoc cremoris, a avor producing bacteria, was found in six yogurt samples. On the other hand, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus helveticus was found only in Pst and Psr samples, respectively. Bang. J. Livs. Res. Vol. 27 (1&2), 2020: P. 64-72

Genetic diversity analysis of lactic acid bacteria isolated from regional yogurt samples

Probiotics are live, non-pathogenic microorganisms which have enormous health benefits. Yogurt is a potential source of probiotic bacteria. Lactic acid bacteria are the most common and major group of probiotic bacteria that can be found easily in different dairy products. The aim of study was the genetic diversity analysis using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker from regional yogurt samples of Bangladesh. Ten probiotic isolates from yogurt samples of different sweet meat shops of Sylhet and Mymensingh Divisions of Bangladesh were used. Morphological and biochemical tests were performed to ensure the presumptive probiotic characteristics of isolated bacteria. All isolates were cultured in De Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) medium to exhort the growth of lactic acid bacteria. Genomic DNA was extracted by Ampicillin Lysozyme Tandem method. Four random RAPD primers were used in this study for detecting genetic diversity of these isolated bacteria. Among them, OPA 18 showed the maximum number of reproducible bands. Nei’s genetic distance was performed for determining Pair-wise Genetic Distance. UPGMA and NJ dendrogram were performed based on molecular data showing that all the isolates could be divided into two major clusters. Data analysis revealed that isolates from the same location were closely related and showed less genetic variation whereas, isolates from geographically different regions exhibited more genetic diversity. Bang. J. Livs. Res. Vol. 27 (1&2), 2020: P. 55-63

Ovarian physiology of repeat breeder cows at Bathan area of Bangladesh

The experiment was implemented at farmer’s house and Bathan areas of Shahjadpur Upazila in Sirajganj and Bera Upazila under Pabna districts of Bangladesh. The aim of the study was to know the incidence of repeat breeding (RB), physiology of different follicles and deformity of ovary and uterus in Holstein Frisian (HF) cows. Forty (40) RB HF cows (>50% HF Genetic) were selected on the basis of age and parity. Pyometra, endo-metra, cervicitis, Salpingitis and tumor like growth etc. in uterine wall were observed. Luteal and follicular cyst was also identified. Number of growing follicle appeared ultrasonically, size of Graafian follicle, breed, cow’s body size, and inheritance level and parity, nutritional factors and days calving to first service were recorded properly. All collected data were statistically analyzed by the SPSS soft-ware program using completely randomized design (CRD). Results revealed that, significantly (P<0.05) highest Body Condition Score (BCS) was 3.47±0.05 observed in the cows of group-D whose age were more than 8 years of old compared to others group (table 1). In-case of average daily milk yield and remained dry condition differences were highly significant (P<0.001). Maximum milk yield (20.41±0.82 l/day) was observed in group-C compared to others group but minimum dry condition remaining period was observed in group-A than others. Days of heat showed number of AI service were non-significant (P>0.05) in the whole experiment (table-1). The percentage of infection (Pyometra, Endometra) in the uterine wall differed non-significantly (P>0.05) among all the groups and minimum occurrence were observed in group-A (figure 1). Highest percent of cyst observed in the right ovary than left of the cows of group-D compared to others group but the differences were non-significant (P>0.05).Comparatively higher percentage (58.82±12.30) of follicles observed in left ovary of group-D than right ovary of others group (table 3). Non-significantly (P>0.05) the highest average number (2.40±0.44) of follicles was observed in left ovary of the group-C than the cows of others group. Though the follicle size in the end of luteal phase differed non-significantly (P>0.05) but comparatively larger (14.90±1.54mm) follicle in diameter were observed in group-C, than the follicles of others groups. Bang. J. Livs. Res. Vol. 27 (1&2), 2020: P. 95-104

Biochemical property analysis of native probiotic isolates from selective poultry

Isolation and identification of probiotic bacteria are the prerequisites for their safer use in the food and feed industry. The objectives of the present study were the isolation of probiotic bacteria from the selective gastrointestinal tract of poultry obtained from Khulna and Barisal Divisions, and their identification based on bacterial morphological characterization and biochemical property analysis. Ten potential native probiotics were isolated from the poultry gastrointestinal tract and assayed for their morphological, physiological and biochemical properties. It was observed that, all the isolates were rod-shaped, gram-positive, endospore-negative, catalase-negative, non-motile and were able to ferment particular sugars which are an indicator for typical probiotic bacteria. The sugar fermentation pattern, ability to survive and growth in inhibitory substances like 1-4% NaCl, 0.3% bile salt as well as their ability to grow in different temperatures and pH levels ensured the presumptive identification of the lactic acid bacteria. All the ten isolates exhibited a clear zone of inhibition when they were grown with five enteric pathogens which are indicative of their antimicrobial activity. Ten isolates were assayed for their susceptibility to eight antibiotics using the disc diffusion method. All the isolates were resistant to tetracycline and nalidixic acid. Further research regarding molecular characterization and identification of specific genes using different technologies may open the door to utilize these isolates in different probiotic-based inventions. Bang. J. Livs. Res. Vol. 27 (1&2), 2020: P. 39-54

Effect of supplementing feed grade L-methionine in plant sourced diet on the performance of broiler chicken

The study was conducted to investigate the productivity and profitability of broiler on L-methionine supplemented diet. A total of 160 day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) was randomly distributed to four dietary supplements, D0 (Control), D1 (0.30 % L-Met), D2 (0.35 % L- Met) and D3 (0.40 % L- Met). Each treatment was replicated five times with 8 birds per cage. The chicks were reared in the battery cages while they were fed with broiler starter diet (crumble) until Day14 of age. The birds with fed with L-Met supplemented diets starting from Day15 until Day35 of age All the diets were iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous.. Results revealed that the L-Met supplementations were in favor of higher live weight (LW) and better (p<0.05) feed conversion ratio without affecting the feed intake (FI). The D3 diet resulted higher (p<0.01) LW in the birds than all others on Day35 of age. The livability (%) was unaffected (p>0.05) by the dietary supplements. No significant (p>0.05) difference was observed in the relative weights of visceral organs (small intestine, proventriculus, gizzard, liver and heart) except for the spleen. Relatively increased (p<0.05) spleen weight (%) was observed in the D3 diet. The breast weight (%) was increased marginally (p<0.07) in the D3 group, while the other carcass parts; breast weight, thigh weight, wing weight, shank weight, drumstick weight, neck weight, and abdominal fat content were found to be similar (p>0.05) in the dietary groups. Higher profit (p<0.01) and lower production cost (p<0.05) were observed in the D3 group than that of the others. It can be inferred that 0.40% L-Met supplementation in the broiler diet is better for growth performance and profitability. Bang. J. Livs. Res. Vol. 27 (1&2), 2020: P. 1-14

Financial loss due to foot and mouth disease outbreak in cattle in some affected areas of Bangladesh

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a severe and highly contagious disease that causes immense financial losses due to mortality, reduced milk production, treatment cost of affected cattle, weight loss of fattening cattle and manpower loss for taking care of affected cattle, which occurs in Bangladesh almost every year. Outbreak of this disease causes financial loss to the farmers as well as the national economy of Bangladesh. Therefore, an attempt was made to assess the morbidity and mortality by FMD and to estimate financial loss incurred therein. For this study, data were collected from 850 affected households of Dhaka, Rajshahi, Rangpur, Khulna and Chattogram divisions of Bangladesh during July 2017 to June 2018 using a pre-tested interview schedule responding to the study objectives. In total, there were 4857 crossbred and 2138 native cattle in the affected household. The study revealed that the overall morbidity and mortality rates were 55.43% and 5.15%, respectively in crossbred cattle and 77.83% and 12.39%, respectively in native cattle and it differed significantly (p<0.01) with areas and category of cattle. Infection period for an FMD affected crossbred cattle were an average of 18.46±0.27 days and for native cattle were an average of 19.56±0.40 days. The total financial loss due to the FMD outbreak was calculated as Taka 53172067 (Tk. 53.17 million or US$ 0.63 million) for 850 affected households. The percentage of loss incurred was the highest for the death of affected cattle (63.47%) followed by veterinary cost (10.71%), weight loss of fattening cattle (10.68%), reduction in milk yield (9.17%) and manpower loss for taking care of affected cattle (5.98%). Based on this calculation the projected financial loss due to the FMD outbreak would be Taka 18856.96 crore (Tk. 188.57 billion or US$ 2.22 billion) per year in Bangladesh. Bang. J. Livs. Res. Vol. 27 (1&2), 2020: P. 82-94

A comparative economic study on improved and non-improved native chicken practices in some selected areas of Bangladesh

Native chickens are important for the rural poor women and marginalized section for subsidiary income and safe nutrition. Considering that views, the study were conducted taking objectives is assessing the profitability of native chicken and to find the livelihood status of native chicken farmers. The study areas were selected from six districts, namely, Joypurhat Sadar under Joypurhat, Dinajpur Sadar under Dinajpur, Dumoria under Khulna, Kotalipara under Gopalgonj, Nokla under Sherpur and Sonagazi under Feni district on the basis of improved native chickens project implementation areas. The selected areas were consisted of 30 treatment groups and 30 control groups from each upazila. The total sample size was 360 (P/H). In the case of profitability, the treatment group earned BDT 3,450 per 10 birds per annum followed by control group earned BDT 2,476. The BCR was found 2.04 and 1.45, respectively for treatment and control group. It was evident that treatment group produced 60 native chickens annually and on the other hand, control group produced 30 native chickens. For control group, labour cost occupied 32 percent and the feed cost captured 23 percent. On the other hand, for treatment group, feed cost occupied 34 percent and the labour cost was 38 percent. Fifty percent farmers opined that they reared native chicken for additional family income followed by 37 percent home consumption, 9 percent ceremonies and 4 percent creating employment opportunity. Rearing of native chicken entirely depends on women’s decision but the usage of money is controlled by women and men. It was found that women dominated most activities in rearing native chicken. Based on the result of the study, 100 percent women was the decision maker for rearing native chicken in both groups. Decision on selling of native chicken made by women was 92.15 percent in treatment group and 73.28 percent in control group. Money received from native chicken was also controlled 78.26 percent in treatment group and 51.57 percent in control group by women. Lack of access to livestock extension service, bad eggs quality, access to credit also was the challenges for native chicken farmers covering 7 percent, 4 percent and 4 percent, respectively. From this study, it was clear that rearing native chicken farming brought positive changes in economic, social and specially women empowerment indicators. Bang. J. Livs. Res. Vol. 27 (1&2), 2020: P. 24-38

Detection of Brucella abortus during in vitro bovine embryo production

The in vitro embryo production (IVP) technology has emerged as a potential biotechnological approach to multiply genetically high yielding dairy cows. Its commercial application is increasing in many developed and developing countries over the years. Bangladesh livestock Research Institute (BLRI) adopted in vitro embryo production protocol from bovine ovaries of slaughterhouse. However, the risks of transmission of contagious diseases like Brucella abortus with embryos are not evaluated so far. Considering these facts, the present experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of in vitro embryo production protocol with slaughterhouse ovaries as well as risk of contamination of produced embryos with Brucella abortus. To identify sources of contamination of embryos with Brucella abortus (if any), the laboratory water, different media used in the IVP process, semen, and follicular fluids were evaluated for confirmation of the organisms. In addition, vaginal swabs were collected from 2 buffaloes aborted due to suspected Brucella abortus infection. Molecular test were used to detect Brucella abortus contamination. Brucella abortus specific PCR product was not detected on agarose gel electrophoresis. The efficiency of IVP measured by cleavage and blastocyst development rates were 75.5±2.7% and 16.6±3.9%, respectively. The present study inferred that the in vitro produce embryos are free from Brucella abortus infection. Bang. J. Livs. Res. Vol. 27 (1&2), 2020: P. 105-112

Laying performance of 5th generation of BLRI improved native duck

This research was aimed to improve the egg production performances and to estimate the selection response of fifth generation (G5) of deshi white (Rupali) and white breasted black (Nageswari) duck genotypes through an individual selection program. All the ducks were reared in an open sided duck house. Diet containing 17.5% CP and 2750 Kcal ME/kg and fresh water provided twice daily in the morning and evening. Individual egg production was recorded from each duck. After 40 weeks of age, female ducks were selected on the basis of selection index and selection differences, selection intensity and responses were also measured. Egg weight, egg production and feed intake were recorded and FCR, egg mass was calculated. All recorded data were analyzed by SAS and differences were determined by DMRT. The selection criteria of fifth generation (G5) of both duck genotypes were studied. As a result of selection, age at sexual maturity (day), egg weight (g) and egg production % were expected to improve by -1.63d, 0.60g, 1.01% and -0.85day, 0.39g, 0.47% for Rupali and Nageswari ducks, respectively. Egg mass was significantly (p<0.05) higher in Rupali (40.24g) than Nageswari (37.55g) duck whereas, egg weight was not significantly differ in both genotypes. Egg production in Rupali and Nageswari duck was 65.41% and 62.74%, respectively. Rupali ducks were significantly (p<0.05) consumed more feed (134.54 g) than Nagesswari ducks (126.23 g). The FCR was significantly (p<0.05) better in Rupali (3.34) than Nageswari (3.61) ducks. The egg quality results showed that egg shell thickness of Rupali duck was significantly (p<0.05) higher than Nageswari. Higher values for albumen width (p<0.05) was also found in Rupali (65.03mm) than Nageswari (59.11mm) duck egg. On the other hand shape index, albumen index, yolk index and haugh unit were not found significantly different in both genotypes but the yolk color score of Nageswari found highest score than Rupali duck egg. Proximate composition of eggs was not significantly different of both duck genotypes. Based on the results it is revealed that Rupali duck was better in terms of egg weight, egg mass and egg production, but starting lay egg is earlier in Nageswari than Rupali duck. Bang. J. Livs. Res. Vol. 27 (1&2), 2020: P. 15-23