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Buffaloes’ ovaries are small and have lower oocyte reserves, so estrus indication and intensity are subpar. To enhance fertility in buffaloes, CIDR synchronization protocols, along with some antioxidants may improve oestrus cycle functioning. Hence, this study was conducted to examine the estrus response (ER), estrus intensity (EI), pregnancy rates (PR), and embryonic losses in CIDR-synchronized Nili-Ravi buffaloes to understand better the potential benefits of adding agent carrying antioxidant activity like Dalmavital through reducing oxidative stress. Experimental buffaloes (n=86) with normal reproductive tract and cyclicity were selected and randomly divided into two groups; CIDR group (CIDR-group, n = 43) and CIDR-D (CIDR plus Dalmavital, n = 43). After 6 days of insertion, CIDR was removed, and artificial insemination (AI) was done twice, at forty-eight and sixty hours. Estrus response (ER) did not differ statistically (P≥0.05) between the two groups, but estrus intensity (EI) was significantly higher (P≤0.05) in the CIDR-D group. Moreover, the pregnancy rate was similar (P≥0.05) between the two groups; however, the CIDR-D group showed a relatively higher pregnancy rate (63%) as compared to the CIDR group (56%). Regarding pregnancy losses, both embryonic and foetus losses were not statistically different (P≥0.05) between the two groups. Also, there were non-significant differences (P≥0.05) found when compared between cyclic and non-cyclic, milking and dry animals, and with body condition scoring (BCS) and parity in two treatment groups. When treatment was overlooked, the pregnancy rate in cyclic and non-cyclic animals was substantially different (P≤0.05). Based on the results, it can be concluded that Dalmavital showed a promising effect on the estrus intensity but the least effect on other fertility parameters in CIDR-synchronized Nili-Ravi buffalo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin occurrence in poultry feed causes aflatoxicosis in birds and poses health hazards to the consumers. Aflatoxin B1 (AfB1) is the most predominant and toxic metabolite that is controlled through addition of argillaceous clays as non-nutritive additives. Non-smectitic indigenous clay reserves need testing as AfB1 adsorbent. With detailed mineral and adsorption characteristics, three indigenous non-smectitic clays: (i) palygorskite, (ii) palygorskite-smectite mix, and (iii) interstratified smectite with hydroxy interlayered smectite were tested against 250 μg kg-1 AfB1 contamination in a poultry feeding trial with three replications at 1% and 2% (w/w) with positive and negative controls. A total of 330 Ross-308 male broiler chicks, initially reared on clean feed under controlled conditions of light and humidity, were distributed into eleven treatment combinations in a completely randomized design with 30 birds in each treatment on an equal weight basis with three replications at day 14 and fed on experimental feeds for three weeks. Three birds from each pen were randomly slaughtered at day 35 and for each replicated treatment, body weight gain, feed intake, and internal organs weight and morphology were recorded. AfB1 contamination reduced weight gain (p 0.0001), feed conversion ratio (p 0.0001) and feed intake (p 0.0001) while clays addition in the toxin feed effectively controlled AfB1 toxicity as suggested by improved body weight, weight gain rate and feed consumption compared to the toxin fed birds. The liver morphology was comparatively better in palygorskite-smectite mix treatment when applied at 1% and the darkish colour was also improved with addition of the clay in the toxin feed. AfB1 feeding caused a 75% reduction in weight gain compared to the clean feed. Palygorskite and palygorskite-smectite mix clays were better than interstratified clay in increasing weight gain and caused a 60% and 65% increase over toxin feed treatment when applied at 1% and 2%, respectively. In conclusion, the indigenous clay sources overall and palygorskite-smectite mix in particular has the potential for use as a mycotoxin binder for controlling AfB1 incidence in poultry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

About 70-75% of the pumped ground water of Pakistan is brackish in nature and Ber cultivation is considered as a good option for such conditions. Objective of the present study was to evaluate whether brackish water is suitable for Ber production without affecting its quality. The research was conducted at Experimental Garden, Ghazi University and Horticultural Research Station, Dera Ghazi Khan. Statistical inferences showed significant variation for all studied traits (growth, physical and biochemical characteristics) and ber varieties against brackish water treatment. Significant interaction among varieties and treatments was found for MBL, Ca, K, PRO, SS, VC and TS during 2013 and 2014. On contrary, FLSR, TY, Na and TA were consecutively found non-significant in both years. While CD, SB and TNF, FLW, SW, FW, CHL, TSS and pH were significant in 2013 but non-significant in 2014 against brackish water treatment. Normal water improved all the studied traits in both years. Brackish water least affected Ber production without affecting its quality as compared to Brackish + normal water treatment. Among the varieties, Delhi White performed better than Suffan, Karela and Mehmud Wali in both experimental years. Brackish water can be used to grow Ber and Delhi White variety is recommended for cultivation on marginal lands in Pakistan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A trial involving male broiler birds in completely randomized design was conducted to determine optimal dietary energy to protein ratio (E:P) for maximum performance in severe hot climatic conditions. One hundred and fifty 8-days old Starbro® male chicks were divided into 15 experimental units/ replicates having 10 chicks/ replicate. Five experimental diets were formulated with metabolizable energy (ME) 2900, 3000, 31000, 3200 and 3300 Kcal/kg, and a constant crude protein (CP) of 21% with E:P 138, 143, 148, 152 and 157 respectively. The experimental diets were randomly allotted to replicates and fed ad libitum from day 8-42 and data on weekly body weight gain and feed consumption recorded. At the end of the trial, two birds from each replicate were picked up at random and slaughtered to record the carcass yield. Feed consumption of the birds was observed to be significantly (P<0.05) improved when dietary ME diluted from 3300 to 3200. Weight gain and carcass yield were not greatly affected (P>0.05) by ME dilution. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly (P<0.05) improved with ME 3300 compared with that of 2900 kcal/ kg. Increasing ME or replacing carbohydrates calories with fat/vegetable oil calories in the diet of male growing broilers was beneficial in terms of growth, FCR and dressed meat yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]