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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 study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementation of xylanase and phytase individually or in combination on the intestinal morphology and blood metabolites of broiler chickens fed a stored wheat-based diet. For this purpose, a total of 640, day-old broiler chicks were used with 8 replicates per treatment and 10 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. Wheat was used as a major energy ingredient, therefore, was designated as a 100% replacement of corn with wheat in the experimental treatments which was 57.52 kg/100 kg feed. Eight isocaloric and isonitrogenous basal diets were prepared based on 1.5-year and 2.5-year-old stored wheat and diets were supplemented with or without exogenous enzymes. Exogenous enzymes supplemented diets were either supplemented with phytase 500FTU or xylanase 500XU alone or in combination. At the end of the trial, the blood metabolites were measured as well as intestinal morphology was evaluated through routine histological examinations. The results showed that combined supplementation of xylanase and phytase in diets T4 and T8 significantly lowered the blood cholesterol, and blood urea nitrogen (P<0.05) as compared to treatments without enzymes or supplemented with xylanase or phytase alone. Low blood glucose was observed in the T1 diet (P<0.05). Better villus height was observed in birds fed with T4 and T8 diets (P<0.05). A decrease in villus height and villus surface area was observed in birds-fed diets without the supplementation of xylanase and phytase enzymes (P<0.05). In conclusion, the inclusion of xylanase and phytase in combination in wheat -based diets in broilers improves intestinal morphology and blood metabolites. [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 study was to evaluate the effects of energy level in starter ration on blood biochemical parameters, hormone profile, immune response and antioxidant status of calves. A total of eighteen angus calves were divided into three groups in such a way that each group had six calves. Three energy levels were {9 MJ/kg, low metabolizable energy (LME), 12.38 MJ/kg, medium metabolizable energy (MME) and 13.62 MJ/kg, high metabolizable energy (HME)} fed to experimental groups. Results showed that hemoglobin, red blood cells, hematocrit, thrombocytocrit and high-density lipoprotein was higher in HME diet (P<0.05). While, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width was higher in MME diet as compared to HME diet (P<0.05). Results of immunity revealed that IgA content were lowest in calves fed LME diet (P<0.05). Calves received different energy level in the diet had no effect on IgG, IgM and C4 (P>0.05). However, the calves on LME starter diet represented higher blood complement C3 contents (P<0.05). It is concluded that blood metabolites were influenced by energy level in Angus calves. [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]

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]

Objective: This study investigated the effect of dietary crude protein (CP) supplementation on nutrient intake, nitrogen (N) utilisation, blood metabolites, ruminal fermentation and growth performance of young Holstein bulls. Methods: Twenty-one young bulls weighing 277±11.2 kg were equally divided into three groups and were offered diets formulated with low CP (LCP; 10.21% CP and 4.22% rumen degradable protein [RDP]), medium CP (MCP; 12.35% CP and 5.17% RDP) and high CP (HCP; 14.24% CP and 6.03% RDP). Yellow corn silage was used as a unique forage source and was mixed with concentrate. This mixed feed was given ad libitum to the young bulls included in the study. Results: Results showed that CP intake, blood urea nitrogen, N intake, total N excretion and N balance increased linearly with an increase in dietary CP level (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in nutrient digestibility among the bulls receiving the different diets. Ruminal pH (p<0.05) and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration (p<0.01) were significantly higher in the bulls receiving the MCP and HCP diets than in those receiving the LCP diet. The bulls receiving the HCP diet showed significantly higher ruminal bacterial protein level, propionate, acetate and total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) concentrations than bulls receiving the LCP diet (p<0.05). Moreover, dietary CP level exerted a significant positive effect on the final body weight, average daily gain and gain-to-feed ratio of the bulls (p<0.05). Conclusion: High dietary CP level is optimal for achieving maximum growth and high profitability without exerting a negative effect on the physiology of growing Holstein bulls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current study was planned to evaluate supplementation of two different xylanase levels on digesta viscosity, blood metabolites and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens fed low energy wheat-based diet. A total of 480-day old broiler chicks were used in the current study with 8 replicates per treatment, and each replicate had ten birds. Six iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets were prepared according to strain recommendations. Wheat was used in all dietary treatments except control treatment in which corn-soybean was used. Experimental diets were formulated as, 1) =control, corn-soybean based diet 2) = wheat-based diet, 100% wheat, no corn, 3) = 100% wheats, ME lowered 75 Kcal with 1000XU/kg of feed, 4) = 100% wheats, ME lowered 75 Kcal with 1500XU/kg of feed, 5) = 100% wheats, ME lowered 150 Kcal with 1000XU/kg of feed, 6) = 100% wheats, ME lowered 150 Kcal with 1500XU/kg of feed. Less viscosity, cholesterol and urea nitrogen noted in birds fed control diet and 100% wheat-based diet without xylanase supplementation (P<0.05). Low blood glucose was observed in diets without supplementation of xylanase and without reduced energy levels (P<0.05). Better villus height, villus width and villus surface area were in birds fed control diet and wheat-based diet with no lowered energy level and without xylanase supplementation (P>0.05). Based on the findings of current study, the inclusion of xylanase in diets with 75 Kcal lowered energy perform better than diets with 150 Kcal lowered energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aim was to see the effects of different starter rations energy levels in the diet on ruminal microbial diversity, bacterial community structure and microbial diversity indices of rumen bacterial communities in Angus calves. For this, 18 suckling Angus calves were distributed into 3 different treatment groups. Dietary treatments were: Low metabolizable energy ration (LME); Medium metabolizable energy ration (MME) and High metabolizable energy ration (HME). Results of bacterial community revealed that most abundant phylum was Firmicute. At phyla level, TM7 and Fibrobacteres showed significant higher relative abundance in LME group than HME group. Under different dietary energy, 59 genera showed significant correlation with physiological production parameters. These results provide new information for the understanding of the dietary energy level effect on ruminal microbial community interactions and are of great importance for optimizing energy supply strategy for suckling calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]