Journal of Animal Feed Science and Technology

For this study, twenty-four healthy equines, were randomly divided in three equal groups viz, T0,T1 and T2, each having eight animals (four mules and four ponies). Group T0 served as control and received ration as per standard feeding practice followed on the farm. Group T1 and T2 were fed with same ration as used for group T0 supplemented with chromium tripicolinate @ 210 and 420 pg/kg ration, respectively. The feed treatments had no significant effect on the average daily DM intake of the animals from different groups. The average per cent daily dry matter intake and average dry matter intake per unit metabolic body size of equines from control group was significantly (P£0.01) higher than that of groups T1 and T2, however, differences between later two groups was non-significant. The average TDN intake of the equines from groups T1 and T2 was significantly (P£0.01) higher than that of group T0. However the difference between groups T1 and T2 was statistically non-significant. The average daily DCP intake in experimental animals from groups T0, T1 and T2 were significantly (P£0.01) different from each other. The average fortnightly body weights of the animals from the control group T0 were significantly lower than the body weights of groups T1 and T2. The average body weights of animals from groups T1 and T2 did not differ significantly from each other. The feed treatments showed no significant effect on the average gain in weights of the animals from different groups. The feed efficiency in terms of daily dry matter, TDN and DCP intake (kg) / kg gain in weight was highest in chromium supplemented treatment groups.

Keywords: Digestibility; TDN; DCP; Feed efficiency; Supplementation.

This short communication was aimed at enumerating the evidence from animal models of Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in order to imply clinical decision-making in routine practice through a preliminary search of PubMed. The animal models demonstrated abnormalities in motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) and hind- imb digital sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) deficits, thermal hypoalgesia, tactile allodynia, and a remarkable loss of intraepidermal nerve fibers. The streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat is the most commonly employed animal model used to study mechanisms of painful diabetic neuropathy through behavioral assays of mechanical allodynia and heat hyperalgesia and to evaluate potential therapies.

Keywords: Bench-to-bedside; Knowledge translation; Evidence-based practice; Animal sciences. 

A survey was undertaken to study the feeding practices and nutritional status of buffaloes in five talukas of Banaskantha district of North Gujarat. It was observed that most of dairy animals were stall-fed and provided dry and green fodder with various combinations of concentrate mixtures. The daily milk production and 6% FCM of buffaloes were 8.42 kg and 15.09 kg, respectively. The average DM, DCP and TDN Intake (kg/day) of the buffaloes in Banaskantha district were 12.74, 0.93 and 6.78, respectively.

Keywords: Buffaloes; DCP; TDN; FCM. 

For this study, twenty-four healthy equines, were randomly divided in three equal groups viz, T0,T1 and T2, each having eight animals (four mules and four ponies). Group T0 served as control and received ration as per standard feeding practice followed on the farm. Group T1 and T2 were fed with same ration as used for group T0 supplemented with chromium tripicolinate @ 210 and 420 g/kg ration, respectively. The feed treatments had no significant effect on the average blood glucose and haemoglobin values of the animals from different groups. The average PCV values recorded for group T2 were significantly (Pï‚£0,01) lower than that of groups T0 and T1. However, differences between groups T0 and T1 were statistically nonsignificant. The chromium supplement had no significant effect on average neutrophyls counts, average percent lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes and basophils counts and average total serum protein of equines from different groups. The average serum albumin values and average serum albumin: globulin ratios values of the animals from control group (T0)were significantly (Pdï‚£0,01) higher than that of other two groups. The average serum globulin values of the animals from the control group were significantly (Pï‚£0,01) lower than that of other two groups supplemented with chromium. However, groups T1 and T2 did not differ significantly from each other. The average serum tryglyceride values of the animals from control group were significantly (Pï‚£0,01) higher as compare to other two groups. Futrther values for group T1 were significantly (Pï‚£0,01) higher when compared with group T2 . The chromium supplementation had no significant effect on average serum cholesterol values of the animals from various experimental groups. The average serum LDL values observed for T1 and T2 groups were significantly (Pï‚£0,01) lower as compared to control group. The average serum HDL values for groups T1 and T2 were significantly (Pï‚£0,01) higher as compared to T0 group. However, values for group T1 and T2 were comparable. Chromium supplementation had no effect on average serum VLDL values of the animals from different groups. Thus it is concluded from over all results of the present study that chromium tripicolinate can be supplemented to equines for better antisera production programme without affecting blood chemistry profile and animal well being. 

Keywords: Blood glucose; Hemoglobin; Serum triglyceride; Cholesterol; LDL; HDL; VLDL.

Methane emissions in ruminants account for a 2% to12% of gross energy loss of feeds depending upon the type of diets. Therefore, inhibition of methane production in the rumen has been attempted for more than three decades to increase the utilization of feed energy for production purposes. Dietary/nutritional interventions look promising in suppressing methane emissions in ruminants, however, results are not consistent in different studies because of great variations in chemical composition of inhibitory compounds used, doses, and feed composition.

Keywords: Emmission; Interventions; Composition; Greenhouse; Ruminant; Gross energy. 

An experiment was conducted on 12 male kids (about 2-3 months of age and 6.30 ± 0.39 kg average body weight) to elucidate the effect of supplementation of sodium selenite on their serum mineral profile. Kids were randomly divided into two equal groups and fed a basal diet consisted of concentrate mixture and paddy straw to meet their nutrient requirement. Group I served as control (without any supplementation), whereas animals in group II were supplemented with 0.3 mg selenium kg-1DM as sodium selenite. Experimental feeding lasted for a period of 90 days, during which blood samples were collected on day 0 and 90 days of the experimental feeding to study the serum mineral profile of kids. Results revealed significant (P<0.05) increased in serum selenium concentration in sodium selenite supplemented group than control. Serum calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper, zinc, manganese were similar (P>0.05) among the two groups. It may be concluded that supplementation of 0.3 ppm Se as sodium selenite enhanced the serum Se concentration with out affecting other serum minerals of kids.   

Keywords: Sodium selenite; Serum; Minerals; Kids 

Feeding and resting behaviour of lactating Kankrej cows was noted under three housing systems, viz. First group was provided RCC shed (T1), second group was kept under Thatched roof (T2) and third group was provided Tree shelter (T3). Fodder eating time was significantly (P< 0.01) higher under T1 (292.15 ± 4.32 min.). Significantly higher feeding activity was observed in day time as compared to night in all treatments. In summer season standing idle time was significantly (P< 0.05) higher under T1 (299.34 ± 3.15 min.). Sitting lying ruminating time was significantly higher in T3 (278.93 ± 2.09 min.) in summer season as compared to T1 (233.20 ± 2.13 min.) and T2 (219.5 ± 2.14 min.), while in monsoon and winter season, it was significantly higher in T1 (270.30 ± 2.11 and 259.10 ± 3.26 min. respectively). Sleeping pattern in all the seasons did not differ significantly between treatments. However, it was significantly (P< 0.05) higher in night as compared to day. Frequencies of defecation and urination did not differ due to treatments but was significantly higher in day. Feeding temperament score was not affected by seasons or treatments.

Keywords: Kankrej cows;Thatched roof;Ruminating time;Fodder eating time. 

Ten villages adopted by Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University were selected for the study of mineral profile in dairy animals. Samples of various feeds and fodders were collected with detail information of feeding practices in area. The requirement of Cu, Mn and Zn for potential production were calculated which were compared with actual availability of the minerals. The outcome of the study revealed significant low level of Cu and Zn in Diet while Mn was in good amount. To overcome deficiency of Cu and Zn, supplementation level were suggested.

Keywords: Feed; Minerals; Production; Supplementation.