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The objective of the study was to evaluate the chemical composition and in-situ degradability of untreated and slow-release urea (SU) molasses-treated wheat straw (WS) from genetically improved wheat varieties and its effect on ruminal characteristics of Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls. Wheat straw from genetically improved wheat varieties (n=20, i.e., based on the improved chemical composition) was procured from the Ayyub Agricultural Research Institute, Faisalabad-Pakistan. During the first experiment, chemical analysis of the WS samples (n=20), i.e., dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) was conducted. Following the chemical evaluation, WS from the six best wheat varieties (n=6 out of n=20) was selected for In-situ degradation kinetics. In the second experiment, WS, based on its degradability characteristics, was selected from genetically improved wheat varieties (n=4 out of n=6) and enriched with three levels of SU, i.e., SU1, SU2, SU3, and a single level of molasses (i.e., 6%). Eight lab silos were used for the ensiling of each variety (8*4*3=96 silos) for 30 days. Three cannulated Nili-Ravi buffalo bulls (body weight 450 Kg±10Kg) were selected for In-situ digestion kinetics of untreated and SU-molasses-treated WS. The lag time, disappearance rate, and extent of DM, CP, NDF, and ADF degradability were analyzed using SAS's GLM procedures. The means of chemical analysis were compared via Tukey’s test. According to the findings, the CP, ash, EE, NDF, ADF, hemicellulose, and cellulose of WS from all the selected wheat varieties were affected (p<0.01) except the DM (p>0.05). Moreover, the chemical composition of SU-molasses enriched WS of genetically improved wheat varieties was also affected (p<0.05). The increased DM, NDF, and ADF content were observed while ensiling the WS with SU1. However, decreased DM, NDF, and ADF proportions were noticed in WS following the SU2 and SU3 ensiling levels (p<0.01). The results of insitu digestion kinetics manifested a considerable variation in DM, CP, NDF, and ADF degradation characteristics of untreated and SU molasses-treated WS (p<0.05). The degradation characteristics of DM, NDF, ADF, and CP reflected the greater extent of digestion and rate of disappearance of ensiled WS with SU2 and SU3 (p<0.01). Whereas, the decreased lag time was observed in SU molasses-ensiled WS compared to the untreated wheat straw (UWS) (p<0.01). The findings of ruminal characteristics showed a linear increase in ruminal pH while increasing the SU enrichment level from SU1 to SU3. The SU3 exhibited the highest pH (6.67) compared with the UWS (6.23). Moreover, a higher concentration of NH3-N (18.3 mg/dl) and BUN (16.29 mg/dl) was observed in SU2. However, a lower concentration of NH3-N (12.72 mg/dl) and BUN (4.68 mg/dl) was observed in UWS. It is concluded that the WS from the genetically improved wheat varieties exhibited an improved nutritional profile. Moreover, the SU-molasses enrichment of WS from these wheat varieties exhibited an improved nutritional profile, In-situ degradability, and ruminal characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was planned to explore the effect of isoleucine to lysine ratio on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of broiler birds. Day-old broiler chicks (n=288; Ross 308®) were assigned randomly to six treatments with four replicates per treatment and 12 birds per replicate. Experimental treatments were as negative control group with low isoleucine to lysine ratio (Ile:Lys) than Ross 308®’s recommendation i.e. 60% (0.77:1.28, 0.70:1.15 and 0.64:1.05) positive control group that had Ross 308® recommended Ile:Lys i.e., 67% (0.86:1.28, 0.78:1.15 and 0.71:1.05) while the other four treatments also had I:L ratios of 74% (0.95:1.28, 0.86:1.15 and 0.78:1.05) in treatment 1 (T1), 80% (1.03:1.28, 0.93:1.15 and 0.84:1.05) in treatment 2 (T2), 87% (1.12:1.28, 1.01:1.15 and 0.92:1.05) in treatment 3 (T3) and 94% (1.2:1.28, 1.09:1.15 and 0.99:1.05) in treatment 4 (T4) for starter, grower and finisher diets respectively. Results showed that feed intake was remained unaffected (P>0.05) by I:L in all phases of life. Higher weight gain was observed in T3 than other treatments. Better feed conversion ratio was found in T3. Carcass characteristics and meat proximate remained unaffected (P>0.05) across the experimental treatments except ether extract that was comparatively higher (P<0.05) in T3. Based on the findings of the current study, it is concluded that isoleucine to lysine ratio as 87 % should always be considered when formulating practical broiler diets in terms of growth performance especially during the finishing phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was planned to evaluate the effects of different dietary levels of concentrate and roughage supplementation on feed intake, growth performance and nutrient digestibility in Thalli lambs. Twenty-one male lambs, weighing an average of 16.15 ± 2.33 kg, were allotted to three treatments in such a way that each treatment had seven lambs. Experimental lambs were arranged in a randomized complete block design and blocking was done on the basis of initial body weight. Lambs were confined in individual cages and stall-fed experimental diets twice daily. One week was given as adaptation period to experimental diets. The duration of trial was 12 weeks. Experimental treatments were: T1 = 100% hay; T2 = 80% hay + 20% concentrate and T3 = 60% hay + 40% concentrate. Growth performance parameters were analyzed by ANOVA using GLM procedure of Minitab and mean values were compared using Tukey's test. Results indicated that body weight gain and daily dry matter intake increased linearly (P<0.05) with an increase in concentrate percentage from 0 to 40% in the rations. Similarly, feed conversion ratio was significant among the treatments (P<0.05). Lambs fed hay supplemented with concentrate @ 20% had better feed conversion ratio as compared to other treatments. Experimental treatments had no effect (P>0.05) on feed intake, water intake and body condition score. The digestibility of dry matter and acid detergent fiber were increased as the level of concentrate was increased in the diet (P<0.05) whereas crude protein, crude fiber and neutral detergent fiber digestibility were not affected by the treatments (P>0.05). Based on the findings of the current study it is concluded that increasing concentrate ratio @ 40% in the diet of lambs containing Lucerne hay as forage source increased body weight gain, daily dry matter intake, dry matter and acid detergent fiber digestibility. However, concentrate ratio @ 20% in the diet of lambs showed better feed conversion ratio in Thalli lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current work was planned to explore the effect of a natural emulsifier (Lysophospholipid) supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood serum, meat quality, carcass characters and economics in broilers. Total research period was divided in starter, grower and finisher phases. A total of 1530, day old Ross-308 chicks were purchased from local hatchery and divided into five treatments in such a way that each treatment had six replicates and each replicate had fifty-one birds. Treatments were (1) diet with emulsifier during overall (0-35 days) period; (2) diet without emulsifier during overall (0-35 days) period; (3) diet with emulsifier during starter (0-10 days) phase only; (4) diet with emulsifier during grower (11-25 days) phase only; (5) diet with emulsifier during finisher (26-35 days) phase only. Results explored that feed intake was not affected (P>0.05) by any dietary treatment in starter and finisher phase. However, feed intake decreased in broilers fed emulsifier supplemented diet during grower phase only (P<0.05). Diets with emulsifier addition throughout life and during finisher phase only showed highest (P<0.05) body weight and better feed conversion ratio. At day 35th % nutrient digestibility (dry matter, crude protein and ether extract) was improved by emulsifier addition in diet (P<0.05). Total cholesterol and triglycerides in blood serum were not affected (P>0.05) by all dietary treatments but glucose was highest (P<0.05) in group fed diet without emulsifier during all phases. Relative organs weight like liver, heart, spleen and gizzard were not affected (P>0.05) by all dietary treatments while, dressing (%) and meat quality were better (P<0.05) by supplementation of emulsifier in diet during finisher phase and overall period. Profit percentage and feed economic efficiency per bird were increased (P<0.05) by emulsifier supplementation throughout the life of broilers and during finisher phase only. Based on the findings of current study it is recommended that natural emulsifier should be added in broilers diet during finisher phase for better growth performance, meat quality, digestibility, economics and dressing percentage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to check the effect of photoperiod (lightning duration) on dry matter intake (DMI), water intake, average daily gain (ADG) and body condition score of Sahiwal heifers. For this purpose, a total of nine yearling Sahiwal heifers having similar age, body weight and height were selected and divided into three groups (A, B and C) in such a way that each group had three heifers. Group A was allotted short day photoperiod (8 h Light: 16 h Dark), Group B was maintained on natural photoperiod and Group C was kept on long day photoperiod (16 h Light: 8 h Dark). The duration of experimental trial was from December to February (90 days) and during these months the duration of natural photoperiod varies from 8 to 12 hours. Results of this study showed that the photoperiod manipulation had a significant (p<0.05) effect on DMI, water intake and weight gain. The DMI in heifers of Group A, Group B and Group C were4.86, 4.76 and 5.33 kg day-1, respectively. Water intake in heifers of Group A, Group B and Group C was 2.68, 2.49 and 3.06 Lday-1, respectively. Average daily weight gain in Group A, Group B and Group C was 372.5, 338.1 and 435.4 g day-1, respectively. Body measurements were not statistically different (p >0.10) however, body measurements were numerically greater in heifers exposed to long-day photoperiod than those on short-day photoperiod. Based on results, it is concluded that supplemental lighting had a significant effect on the growth performance of Sahiwal cattle heifers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the molasses and bacterial inoculant effects on ensiled corn stover chemical composition, physical characteristics, aerobic stability and total microbial cell count. Corn stover (CS) was ensiled into 24 laboratory silos with molasses or without molasses (3 and 0%), with inoculant (10 and 0 ml/kg of CS) and air ingression (air ingressed or no air ingressed) for 60 days. On day 30 of ensiling, air ingressed treatments were exposed to air. A significant interaction was observed among molasses, inoculant and air ingressed for chemical composition of ensiled CS (P<0.05). Highest crude protein contents were present in non-air ingressed, molasses, without inoculant treated ensiled CS (P<0.05). The molasses and inoculant interaction showed lowest neutral detergent fibre contents in molasses and inoculant treated CS (P<0.05). The lowest acid detergent fibre contents were found in molasses treated CS compared to CS without molasses treatment (P<0.05). The molasses, inoculant and air ingressed interaction showed the lowest ash contents in air ingressed CS ensiled with inoculant and without molasses (P<0.05). While, this interaction showed highest ash contents by ensiled CS treated with molasses, without inoculant and air ingressed (P<0.05). The highest total lactobacillus cell load was expressed by Molasses with inoculant with air ingression (MIA), MA (Molasses with air ingression) treatments than MN (Molasses with non-air ingression), IN (Inoculant with non-air ingression), IA (Inoculant with air ingression), N (non-air ingression), A (air ingression) and MIN (Molasses with inoculant with non-air ingression) treatments (P<0.05). Lowest cell count of E.coli was expressed by IN treatments than MN, MA, MIA, IA, N, A and MIN treatments (P<0.05). Based on findings, it is concluded that bacterial inoculants (L. buchneri 40788 and L. plantarum MTD-1) along with molasses supplementation improves the physical characteristics, nutritional profile and aerobic stability of ensiled CS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of calf rearing methods in Sahiwal cows on milk and feed intake, weight gain, body condition score, and locomotion score. We randomly selected the eight Sahiwal cows just before their calving and divided into two groups. After parturition, claves from both groups were reared under natural restricted suckling (RS) and artificial rearing system (AR) at Livestock Experimental Station, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. Restricted suckling calves were allowed to suckle from cow's udder just before milking in the morning and evening (twice milking arrangement) up to weaning. In an artificial rearing system, calves were fed milk through bucket feeders @ 10% of their body weight up to weaning. Post-weaning data for two months were also conceded to complete the trial. The results for weight gain kg week-1 was significantly(P<0.05) higher in RS group (3.35± 0.15) than AR group (2.88 ± 0.31) calves. The average daily weight gain in RS (465 g) group was higher (P<0.05) as compared to AR group (332 g) in the pre-weaning phase (90 days). The average weekly weight gain was also higher (P<0.05) in RS group (3.26 ± 0.24) as compared to AR group (2.33 ± 0.36) up to weaning. There was no significant difference in weight gain of calves in RS group (3.64 ± 0.16) as compared to AR (3.23 ± 0.15) group in post-weaning. The results of milk composition did not show any difference (P>0.05), but the effect of the suckling method had demonstrated a positive impact on the performance of calves. A higher (P<0.05) level of cortisol concentration was found in AR group as compared to RS group. Based on results, it is concluded that natural milk feeding had a positive effect in preweaning on the growth and stress of Sahiwal calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of chop lengths of berseem fodder on dry matter intake (DMI), water intake, milk production, milk composition and nutrients digestibility in Sahiwal cows. For this purpose, twelve Sahiwal midlactating cows of almost same weight and milk production were randomly assigned to three treatments in such a way that each treatment contained four cows. Cows received ad-libitum berseem fodder with: whole plant (WP) and two different chop lengths: medium chop length (MCL) (3.8 cm) and small chop length (SCL) (1.9 cm). Experimental period was 40 d long and consisted of 14 d of adaptation. Daily feed intake and water intake of individual animal were measured. In the last week digestibility was determined by using internal marker (acid insoluble ash). Results delineated that reducing the chop length of berseem fodder increased (P<0.05) DMI 9.24 to 11.25 kg/day. However, milk production (7 L/day) was not affected (P>0.05) by the varying chop lengths of berseem. Feeding WP berseem fodder increased (P<0.05) percentage of fat, total solids and ash compared to other ones. The digestibility of DM, protein, fat and neutral detergent fiber was increased (P<0.05) by feeding SCL berseem. However, there was no significant difference in fiber and acid detergent fiber digestibility, with all groups having 71% (mean) and 69% (mean), respectively. In conclusion, feeding WP berseem fodder could increase milk quality in term of increased milk fat, total solids and ash contents. As fodder chop length had no impact on milk production, WP berseem can be a useful option for improving milk quality in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of energy and lysine on production performance of laying hens. For this purpose, 448 laying hens of body weight 1560±60 grams were used in 2×2 factorial arrangements with 14 replicates per treatment and 8 birds per replicate. The treatments were: standard energy (2800 kcal/kg) with standard lysine (0.67%), standard energy (2800 kcal/kg) with low lysine (0.65%), low energy (2750 kcal/kg) with standard lysine (0.67%) and low energy (2750 kcal/kg) with low lysine (0.65%). Feed intake, egg production, yolk height, albumin height, yolk diameter, egg specific gravity, egg breaking strength, eggshell thickness and blood metabolites were measured. Results showed that feed intake in first week was maximum (P<0.05) for diet with standard energy and low lysine while in last week feed intake was maximum (P<0.05) in low energy and low lysine diet. Results also showed that egg production, egg weight, egg quality parameters and blood metabolites were not affected (P>0.05) by dietary treatments. Nutrient digestibility was highest (P<0.05) for diet having low energy and standard lysine. It can be concluded that decreasing energy and lysine in late laying hens affects (P<0.05) feed intake and nutrient digestibility but had no effect (P>0.05) on egg production, egg weight, egg quality parameters and blood metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the comparative effects of various sources of vitamin D on growth and bone mineralization in broiler birds. For this purpose, vitamin D3 and its metabolites 25 (OH) D3 and 1a OH D3 were added to a basal diet containing CP (20%) and ME (2900 kcal/kg) without any animal protein source. In this study, four hundred and eighty day old Hubbard broiler chicks were randomly divided into 16 experimental units (30 birds/unit). Four experimental diets i.e. control (without vitamin D supplementation), VD3 (control + vitamin D3; 9g/ton of feed), HyD (control + HyD circulating form; 5.52 g/ton of feed) and Alpha D3 (control + Alpha D3 Hormonal form; 12.5g/ton of feed) were randomly assigned to the experimental units. The birds of each replicate were weighed to determine growth, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio for 35 days. On day-21 and day-35, two birds from each replicate were randomly selected and slaughtered for determining carcass yield, tibial density, ash, relative organ weights and calcium and phosphorus analysis (from sera). Data showed that supplementation of vitamin D sources improved the growth performance and feed efficiency (P<0.05). However, carcass characteristics and organ weights were not significantly different. Tibial ash, tibial calcium and phosphorus and toe ash were significantly improved in the birds fed by vitamin D supplemented diet (P<0.05). It is concluded that supplementation of vitamin D enhances the growth and feed efficiency in broilers, therefore vitamin D can be supplemented in the diet of broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]