AQUACULTURE Generating family farming revenue through juvenile fish production: a case study in native species Barros, Adriana Fernandes de Vieira, Angélica Neves Silva, Rafael Alexandre Costa e Farias, Caio Francisco Santana Marques, Soraia Andressa Dall’Agnol Martins, Maurício Laterça Abstract in English: ABSTRACT. In view of the need to improve the development of family production enterprises, zootechnical and economic planning were conducted in a rural settlement in 0.78 ha of water depth for the rearing and marketing of juveniles of the tambatinga hybrid (♀ tambaqui Colossoma macropomum x ♂ pirapitinga Piaractus brachypomus) to verify its economic viability. For the zootechnical indicators, a 16-month production cycle was determined, with three juvenile production cycles and two fattening cycles. For the remaining fish that were not sold, the quantity of initial and final fish, stock biomass, average initial and final weight, apparent feed conversion, and mortality rate were determined. For economic planning, a total operating cost methodology was adopted to determine the costs per unit of production, gross revenue, gross margin, net profit, and profitability index. The production of juveniles of many sizes is economically viable for family farming, showing attractive profitability indicators even under adverse zootechnical conditions. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of zootechnical and economic planning on a property that can optimize production and use of the area, as well as showing producers how rewarding it is to farm fish. |
PASTURE AND FORAGE UTILIZATION Assessment of the agronomic and nutritional characteristics of sorghum genotypes with and without brown midrib Moura, Marielly Maria Almeida Mizobutsi, Edson Hiydu Pires, Daniel Ananias de Assis Campos, Marcos Lopes de Costa, Renê Ferreira Pires Neto, Otaviano de Souza Santos, Leandra Cristina Soares Fernandes, Martielle Batista Abstract in English: ABSTRACT. The objective was to assess the agronomic characteristics and nutritional value of silages from sorghum genotypes without bmr mutation and carrying the bmr mutation. A total of 14 genotypes were used, 7 of which were conventional (BRS 655, BRS 658, BRS 659, BRS 610, VOLUMAX, 156x947216 and 156x947030) and 7 carrying the bmr6 gene (2014F15641, 2014F15645, 2014F15649, 2014F15653, 2014F15661, 2014F15681 and 2014F15685). The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks - 4 blocks and 14 treatments, totaling 56 experimental plots. The means of the variables were subject to ANOVA through SISVAR; when significant was found, the treatments were compared using the Scott-Knott test at a 5% probability level. There was a difference (p < 0.05) for flowering days and height between genotypes. As for crude protein, mean levels ranged from 11.10 to 14.66% for 2014F15645 and BRS 610. Regardless of the mutation, there was no difference (p > 0.05) between the genotypes carrying the mutation and those not carrying the mutation for lignin and in situ dry matter digestibility. Genotypes BRS 655, BRS 658, BRS 659, BRS 610, VOLUMAX, 2014F15645, 2014F15649, 2014F15661, 2014F15681 and 2014F15685 are more suitable for silage production, as they present higher dry matter production. Regarding ISDMD, all genotypes can be used for silage production. |
NONRUMINANT NUTRITION Effect of β-mannanase enzyme supplementation on the diet of broilers fed full-fat deactivated soy Silva, Vitor Colossal da Valentim, Jean Kaique Araújo, Wagner Azis Garcia de Silva, Bruno Alexander Nunes Almeida, Alexander Alexandre de Abstract in English: ABSTRACT. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the performance of broiler chickens fed a diet containing deactivated soy supplemented with the enzyme β-mannanase. A total of 1,152 broiler chickens, one day old and from the COOB 500 lineage, were used in a completely randomized design with a 4x2 factorial scheme. Four levels of β-mannanase (0, 80, 160, and 240 g ton-1) and the presence or absence of deactivated soy were tested, with eight repetitions, each with 18 birds per experimental unit. On the 1st, 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, 35th, and 42nd days of life, the birds were weighed, and the feed leftovers were measured to obtain performance variables. From days 1 to 21, weight gain, feed conversion, and average weight were significantly affected by the addition of β-mannanase to the diet. The use of deactivated soy in combination with enzyme levels in mg kg-1 of metabolizable energy resulted in greater gains than did the use of soybean meal combined with the same levels of metabolizable energy. The use of deactivated soy along with 240 mg of β-mannanase enzyme supplementation in broiler diets from 1--42 days of age is recommended, as this supplementation improves bird performance. |
NONRUMINANT NUTRITION Dietary supplementation with mango leaf powder influences broiler chickens’ growth characteristics, blood parameters, and carcass Oloruntola, Olugbenga David Adeyeye, Samuel Adebowale Olarotimi, Olumuyiwa Joseph Akinduro, Victor Olabisi Adu, Olufemi Adesanya Gbore, Francis Ayodeji Ayodele, Ojurereoluwa Adebimpe Abstract in English: ABSTRACT. This study examined the impact of mango leaf powder supplementation on broiler chickens’ growth, blood parameters, and carcass of broiler chickens. Two hundred (200) day-old broilers were divided into four groups: Control (CONT), 200 mg kg-1 Vitamin C (VITC), 250 mg kg-1 mango leaf powder (MLP2), and 500 mg kg-1 mango leaf powder (MLP3). VITC, MLP2, and MLP3 groups showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) body weight gain than CONT, with similar feed intake and conversion ratios (p > 0.05). Organ weights (heart, lung, liver, spleen) were unaffected (p > 0.05), except for the pancreas in MLP2, which was lower (p < 0.05) than CONT. Hematological indices exhibited no significant differences (p > 0.05). Serum total protein, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, cholesterol, and creatinine remained stable (p > 0.05). However, serum catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and lipid peroxidase levels were significantly (p < 0.05) increased with mango leaf powder supplementation. Mango leaf powder supplementation improved body weight gain, dressed percentage, and oxidative status of broiler chickens. |
RUMINANT NUTRITION Effectiveness of using mixed ligand complexes of Zinc, Manganese and Cobalt in feeding dry stable cows Kropyvka, Yurij Bomko, Vitalii Tytariova, Olena Smetanina, Olena Abstract in English: ABSTRACT. The purpose of the investigation was to determine the optimal dose of mixed ligand complexes of zinc, manganese, and cobalt in the ration of dry stable cows in the first and second dry periods. To cover the deficiency of Zinc, Manganese and Cobalt, different levels of mixed ligand complexes of Zinc, Manganese and Cobalt were introduced into the premix. During the dry period, the feeding of cows undergoes changes. During the early dry stable period in cows, feed mixtures with the lowest content of biologically active substances should be used for their feeding, namely, in 1 kg of DM, mg: Zinc and Manganese - 31.5; Cobalt - 0.41 due to mixed ligand complexes. Instead, during the late dry period, they need a higher concentration of these trace elements due to mixed ligand complexes in dry matter: Zinc and Manganese - 35 mg; Cobalt - 0.49 mg. A mandatory condition is to ensure the indicated level of trace elements due to their mixed-ligand complexes. With such feeding, a decrease in the need for labor assistance, the length of the service period and the number of inseminations per successful fertilization, an increase in the productivity. |
RUMINANT NUTRITION The efficiency of rumen microbial nitrogen and biomass synthesis of some indigenous range plants using 15N-tracer technique Al-Masri, Mohamad Rateb Abstract in English: ABSTRACT. This study was performed to evaluate, by the use of in vitro incubation technique with ruminal liquid and 15N-tracer for 96 h, some perennial range plants (Artemisia herba-alba Asso, Noaea mucronata Forssk, Lavandula angustifolia Mill, Astragalus spinosus Forssk, Capparis spinosa L.) grown naturally on dry rangelands, in terms of rumen microbial nitrogen (M.N), microbial biomass (M.BM), true fermented organic matter (T.F.OM) and quantification of the efficiency of M.N and M.BM synthesis (M.N or M.BM / T.F.OM), and study the effect of polyethylene glycol (P.E.G) on the aforementioned parameters. C. spinosa had the highest (p < 0.05) values of T.F.OM, M.N and M.BM. Microbial N and M.BM values ranged from 0.57 to 0.82 mg g-1 DM and from 6.13 to 9.46 mg g-1 DM, respectively. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences among plant species in terms of the efficiency of M.N and M.BM synthesis, and the average amounted to 0.282 g and 3.25 g 100 g-1 of truly fermented organic matter, respectively. M.BM and M.N values were negatively correlated with lignin but positively correlated with soluble nitrogen. P.E.G supplementation and the interaction between P.E.G treatment and plant species had no significant (p > 0.05) effect on the estimated parameters. |
ANIMAL PRODUCTION Validation of enteric methane emissions by cattle estimated from mathematical models using data from in vivo experiments Molina-Botero, Isabel Díaz-Céspedes, Medardo Mayorga-Mogollón, Olga Ku-Vera, Juan Arceo-Castillo, Jeyder Montoya-Flores, María Denisse Arango, Jacobo Gómez-Bravo, Carlos Abstract in English: ABSTRACT. Several authors have developed equations to estimate methane (CH4) emissions by cattle according to variables such as dry matter and nutrient intake, live weight, or weight gain. Mathematical models using these variables show a large variability of results, being necessary to identify those which provide more precise and accurate predictions. For this reason, the objective of this study was to validate enteric CH4 emissions estimated from mathematical models through a comparison with a database of CH4 emissions obtained from cattle experiments carried out in tropical regions. A database of 495 individual cattle CH4 emissions data (g day-1) obtained from 19 studies in three tropical Latin American countries was built for this study. Results showed that mathematical models developed for cattle in tropical production systems overestimated CH4 emissions when they were compared with our database. The mathematical model with higher precision and accuracy was the one that included dry matter intake and organic matter digestibility in the equation (Equation 7. R2=0.34, Cb=0.94, CCC=0.55, RMSE=60.8%, r=0.58), followed by models that included neutral detergent fiber intake data (Equation 5). Our data did not show a relationship between CH4 emissions and gross energy intake or live weight. |
ANIMAL PRODUCTION No effects of tactile stimulation on welfare indicators of Saanen goat kids: a pilot study Andrioli, Mayara Grajales-Cedeño, Joseph Kaled Carvalhal, Monique Valéria de Lima Costa, Mateus José Rodrigues Paranhos da Abstract in English: ABSTRACT. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of tactile stimulation on the welfare of goat kids. Thirty-six goat kids were allocated into three treatments as follows: TSG = taking the goat kids out of the cage every day when they received tactile stimulation, RCG = taking the goat kids out of the cage for 5 s, and NRS = not taking the goat kids out of the cage nor receiving tactile stimulation. TSG goat kids received tactile stimulation once a day, for two minutes, from the 3rd to the 40th day. Goat kids' welfare was assessed by considering performance, health, and behavioral indicators. During the voluntary approach test, 96.5% of the goat kids voluntarily approached familiar and unfamiliar humans. There were significant effects only on the interaction between treatment and age on time spent in the corners and time playing (KW = 27.54 and 47.83, p < 0.01, respectively). We conclude that tactile stimulation did not affect any of the welfare indicators addressed in this study. |
ANIMAL PRODUCTION Testicular histomorphology, sperm and testicular morphometric evaluation of glyphosate exposed rabbit bucks treated with hydro-alcoholic leaf extract of Newbouldia laevis Ansa, Anietie Archibong Odegbunam, Chioma Vivian John, Ogechi Grace Obidike, Favour Ifeoma Abstract in English: ABSTRACT. This study investigated the effect of glyphosate exposure on some male reproductive parameters and the potential protective effects of Newbouldia laevis leaf (NBL) extract. The 36 rabbits used for the study were randomized into four treatment groups (control, glyphosate-only, glyphosate + NBL 100 mg and glyphosate + NBL 200 mg) in a completely randomized design. From the results, glyphosate was found to significantly impair all measured semen parameters. Testicular morphometric analysis revealed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in some testicular parameters due to glyphosate exposure. Histological examination of testes in the glyphosate-only group revealed severe disruptions in testicular architecture, likely contributing to the observed decrease in semen quality. Conversely, NBL treatment led to significant enhancement in spermatogenic activity, resulting in higher sperm count, motility, volume, libido, live sperm, and improved sperm morphology when compared to the herbicide-exposed group. NBL-treated groups exhibited significant (p < 0.05) increase in testicular circumference, width, and epididymal length. NBL extract also restored testicular architecture and ameliorated herbicide-induced histological changes. Therefore, the potential protective effects of Newbouldia laevis leaf extract on herbicide-induced reproductive dysfunction could pave the way for novel natural interventions to counteract the negative consequences of herbicide exposure. |
ANIMAL PRODUCTION Jamun (Syzygium cumini) seed and orange (Citrus sinensis) peel extracts ameliorates toxic effects of lead on kidney biomarkers in rats Yadav, Ram Prataap Srivastav, Sunil Kumar Suzuki, Nobuo Srivastav, Ajai Kumar Abstract in English: ABSTRACT. Wistar rats were treated as Group A: Control; Group B: Lead (50 mg kg-1 b wt.); Group C: Lead (50 mg kg-1 b wt.) and jamun seed extract (JSE) (200 mg kg-1 b wt.); Group D: Lead (50 mg kg-1 b wt.) and orange peel extract (OPE) (200 mg kg-1 b wt.); Group E: OPE (200 mg kg-1 b wt.) and Group F: JSE (200 mg kg-1 b wt.). Serum urea, creatinine and serum uric acid levels were analyzed on days 7 and 14. Rats from Group B showed increased serum creatinine from days 7 to 14. Creatinine level decreased in group C and group D at days 7 and 14 as compared to group B. Increased serum urea was recorded in group B rats from 7 days. Rat from group C or group D showed decreased serum urea after days 7 day and 14 as compared to Group B. Lead exposure to rats provoked increased serum uric acid on days 7 and 14. Uric acid decreased in group C and group D on days 7 and 14 as compared to rats of group B. No alteration in creatinine, urea and uric acid level was seen in OPE and JSE treated rats at days 7 and 14. |
ANIMAL PRODUCTION Assessing strategy to improve dairy production and milk quality under smallholder dairying: Evidence from Ethiopia Mengesha, Eyob Didanna, Habtamu Lemma Ayza, Asrat Abstract in English: ABSTRACT. Little information exists on effectiveness of the approach in the intervention programme delivered to smallholder dairy farmers. A comparative study was conducted to assess milk production and composition in two districts (Doyogena project area and Angacha as a control) and the associated dairy intervention. Data were collected through household survey and milk testing. The average daily milk yield of crossbred dairy cows was 6.91±1.14 litres, which was significantly (p < 0.05) different across districts. The overall mean fat, solids-not-fat, lactose, salts, protein, and total solids (TS) contents of crossbred cows’ milk were 4.71±0.83, 8.85±0.36, 4.87±0.19, 0.72±0.03, 3.23±0.13 and 13.55±0.19 percent, respectively. The milk composition was significantly (p < 0.05) different across the study areas. Milk fat content is higher than the Ethiopian standard (ES); protein is also comparable. The major constraints for dairy production in the study areas were, in descending order, feed shortage in the dry season, land scarcity, lack of improved breeds, market access, and disease prevalence. To make livestock programs more impactful, strong extension and an integrated approach that encompasses improved feeds, breeding, marketing, and better health management are crucial to alleviate the diverse constraints of smallholder dairying while enhancing productivity and the associated food and nutrition security and livelihoods. |
ANIMAL PRODUCTION Influence of red and white led lamps on the productive performance and egg quality of commercial laying hens Moreira, Larissa Faria Silveira Miguel, Lázaro Luan Santos, Maria Isabel Ferreira Vieira Filho, Javer Alves Camargos, Rosiane de Souza Machado, Luiz Carlos Geraldo, Adriano Abstract in English: ABSTRACT. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of different LED lamp colors (red and white) on the productive performance and egg quality of light laying hens. A total of 144 birds of the commercial strain Hy-Line® W-36 aged 44 weeks were distributed in a completely randomized design with two treatments (red and white LEDs) and 12 replicates, totaling 24 experimental plots with six birds each. Treatment means were compared by the F Test (5% probability) on the statistical software SISVAR. This study found that laying hens under red LED lamps showed a trend of greater egg production bird-1 day-1 (%) (p = 0.084), average egg weight (g) (p = 0.0826), egg mass (p < 0.05), and shell thickness (mm) and height (mm) (p < 0.01), whereas birds under white LED light showed better yolk color (p < 0.05). It is concluded that red LED illumination increases egg production and quality in light laying hens. |
ANIMAL PRODUCTION Evaluating interventions on broiler chicken health using blood indices and graphical representation Ghaleghafi, Abolfazl Khorshidi, Kaveh Jafari Jafari, Mohammad Ali Abstract in English: ABSTRACT. Heat stress significantly affects the physiological and performance aspects of broiler chickens, leading to reduced growth, feed intake, and feed efficiency. This research investigates the impact of various dietary additives and supplements on blood serum components in heat-stressed Ross 308 broiler chickens. A completely randomized design with eight treatment groups, each with four replications and 12 birds per replication, was used. Significant differences were found in blood parameters such as glucose, total protein, albumin, uric acid, and AST, as well as in heterophil percentage, lymphocyte count, heterophil to lymphocyte ratio, and bronchitis antibody titers (p < 0.05). Dietary interventions also significantly altered the E. coli population in the cecum (p < 0.05). Diets enriched with coenzyme Q10 and vitamin C notably reduced E. coli populations under heat-stress. However, no significant differences were observed in tibia characteristics (p > 0.05). These results demonstrate the effectiveness of feed additives in mitigating heat stress effects in broiler chickens. We recommend incorporating vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, and Eubiotic supplements to enhance the well-being and performance of broiler chickens under heat stress conditions. |
ANIMAL PRODUCTION The effects of fenugreek seeds on the albino rat male reproductive system, MDA and SOD levels, and CD16 responses to Al2O3 NPs administration Hameed, Zainab Rasheed Zabbon, Areej Al-Bairuty, Genan Abstract in English: ABSTRACT. Aluminum is widely distributed in the environment and enters the body via air, water, food, medications, and manmade objects. Some studies suggest that aluminum toxicity increases the rate of lipid peroxidation and consequently the generation of free radicals. However, the impact of nanoparticles on human health is still not fully understood. An indicator of lipid peroxidation in serum and tissues is an increased MDA. At the same time, there was a decrease in the level SOD and detection CD16 using the immunohistochemistry technique, objectives evaluating the impact of Al₂O₃ NPs on oxidative stress markers (MDA and SOD) and immune responses (CD16) in the testes, as well as the protective effects of fenugreek seed extract it was observed that these changes in levels recovered when given the plant extract of fenugreek seeds,65 albino rats were divided into 13 groups, including the control group Two concentrations of fenugreek extract (2 and 4 gm kg-1) and two concentrations of Al₂O₃ NPs solution (70 and 140 mg kg-1) were given orally to the rats for 21 and 35 days, respectively. The amino-histochemistry method was used to detect CD16, and its presence was checked along with the concentrations of oxidative stress markers like SOD and MDA. Immunohistochemical findings revealed a significant increase in CD16 in testicular cells; fenugreek extract doses significantly decreased MDA and slightly raised SOD. Al₂O₃ NPs. were shown to significantly raise MDA and decrease SOD at (p ≤ 0.05), according to the study's findings. and Immunohistochemical results detected a significant increase in CD16 in testicular cells, and doses of fenugreek extract reduced the MDA was significant, and a slightly significant increase in SOD. The study concluded Al₂O₃ NPs led to an imbalance in the testicle by generating oxidative stress and the fenugreek extract succeeded in alleviating the harmful effects of Al₂O₃ and by curbing MOD and strengthening the antioxidant defense system SOD, at the same time significantly influenced the histopathological and toxicological change responses through expression CD16. |
ANIMAL PRODUCTION Molecular identification and phylogenetic study of Toxocara canis in domestic and stray dogs from Karbala, Iraq Al-Daamy, Bahaa Alaa Farhan Al-Khaled, Mansoor Jadaan Ali Abstract in English: ABSTRACT. The ascarid nematode, Toxocara canis, which causes Toxocariasis in dogs, is a member of the Toxocaridae family and genus Toxocara, and that is accidentally infects humans. The study was conducted to investigate the presence of T. canis in dogs in Karbala, Iraq. The study extended from January to October, 2023. This project is the first of its kind in Iraq to molecularly detect the parasite in stray dogs in Karbala and to report its prevalence in domestic and stray dogs by utilizing conventional PCR and fecal flotation techniques while controlling for risk factors. One hundred (50 stray and 50 domestic) dog fecal samples were included. The findings revealed that 26 (26%) of the total dog fecal samples were tested positive using the PCR method. In details, the infection rate was 10% in domestic dogs and 42% in stray dogs. Moreover, the rate was 9.3 in adult dogs and 38.5% in puppies. The results showed that age, lifestyle, and infection rate all showed significantly (p < 0.01) correlated relationships in dogs. The correlation between T. canis infection rates and sex was not statistically significant (p > 0.01). The PCR-based sequencing of T. canis isolates indicated a high percentage of similarities with strains from different geographical regions. The study findings indicate higher rates of T. canis infection in adult and puppy stray dogs, explaining the extent of the infection among domestic dogs and stray dogs, using the latest laboratory methods for diagnosis PCR with the use of the phylogenetic tree to show the extent of similarity with species found in neighboring countries. The study findings are important by giving initial epidemiological data for future studies and control of the parasite. |