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Research Paper

Short Communication

Status of Livestock and Feed Resources
of Malnad Region in Karnataka

S. Anandan*, S.S. Raju, U.B. Angadi and K.S. Ramachandra
National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology (ICAR)
Adugodi, Bangalore-560 030, India

(Received September 16, 2002)

ABSTRACT

Status of livestock and feed resources of Malnad region of Karnataka state of India comprising the districts of Chickmagalur, Hassan, Kodagu and Shimoga was assessed based on the secondary data of land utilization pattern, crop production and livestock census. The region, accounting for 15 per cent of the state’s geographical area, had 1.9 million cattle, 0.7 million buffaloes, 0.2 million sheep, 0.2 million goats and 0.7 million improved poultry. Goats and sheep population declined by 24 and 14 per cent, respectively, over the 1990 census while improved poultry population registered a 132 per cent increase. The region had a total dry matter availability of 4.2 million tonnes comprising chiefly of crop residues (65%) and green forages (30%). The potential dry matter availability of 6.78 kg per Ruminant Livestock Unit per day for the region was hardly sufficient to meet the dry matter requirement. Within the region the districts of Shimoga and Chickamagalur had adequate dry matter availability quantitatively (>7kg/day) while the dry matter availability in the districts of Kodagu and Hassan was inadequate. A two pronged approach of change in the cropping pattern and a reduction in the cattle population with low production potential would improve the overall feeding situation in the region.

Key words: Dry matter availability, Feed resources, Livestock, Karnataka

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Effect of Feeding Rumen Protected Protein on Milk Production in Low Yielding Crossbred Cows

M.R. Garg*, P.L. Sherasia, B.M. Bhanderi, S.K. Gulati1
and T.W. Scott
Productivity Enhancement Group
Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology Laboratory
National Dairy Development Board, Anand-388 001, India

(Received August 12, 2003)

ABSTRACT

Feeding trial using bypass protein supplement was conducted on 16 low yielding crossbred (Holstein-Friesian X Jersey) cows for 8 weeks. Cows yielding 4-5 kg milk per animal per day were divided into two groups of eight each, based on milk yield, fat percentage and stage of lactation. The animals in both the groups were fed basal diet, comprising of 9.0 kg green maize fodder and 5.0 kg paddy straw. In addition to the basal ration, animals in the two groups were fed 1.0 kg each of either untreated (Control) or formaldehyde treated (Experimented) rapeseed meal (Brassica campestris). The degree of protein protection in treated rapeseed meal was 76.5 per cent of CP compared to an equivalent value of 36.3 per cent in the untreated meal. Average increase in milk yield; fat, FCM and protein content in experimental group, over control, was 0.70 kg; 0.20, 1.0 and 0.20 per cent, respectively. Increase in milk yield in experimental group compared to control group was significantly (P<0.05) higher. However, no significant effect was observed on the level of fat, FCM and protein percent in milk. Average net daily income increased by Rs.6.49 on feeding protected rapeseed meal. It is concluded that supplementation of 1.0 kg protected protein in the form of formaldehyde treated rapeseed meal in the ration of low yielding cows was found to be economical, compared to feeding similar quantity of untreated protein meal.

Key words: Bypass protein, Rapeseed meal, Milk yield, Cows.

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Assessment of Adequacy of Macro and Micro-Mineral Content of Feedstuffs for Dairy Animals in Semi-Arid Zone of Rajasthan

M.R. Garg*, B.M. Bhanderi and P.L. Sherasia
Productivity Enhancement Group
Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology Laboratory
National Dairy Development Board, Anand-388 001, India

(Received September 12, 2003)

ABSTRACT

A study was carried out to assess macro and micro-minerals status of dairy animals in semi arid zone (Udaipur district) of Rajasthan, by analyzing feed and fodder samples. The average Ca content in straws (0.45%) was higher, whereas, concentrate ingredients were particularly low in Ca (0.23%), except sesame cake. The P content in crop residues (0.10%) and green fodders (0.30%) was lower in comparison to concentrate ingredients (0.57%). The Mg content of feeds and fodder was adequate (0.29%) to meet the requirement of animals (0.20%). The Na content was lower in concentrate ingredients (0.02%) and dry fodder (0.088%) than in green fodder (0.53%). The area under survey was found to be rich in K content (1.41%). The S content was adequate in concentrate ingredients (0.28%), whereas, crop residues were deficient in S (0.12%). Cobalt was occasionally deficient in the diet of animals, however, Fe level in most of the feed ingredients was adequate (average level>350 ppm). Manganese was deficient in concentrate ingredients (29.90 ppm) compared to crop residues and green forages (58.0 ppm). The average Cu content was low in straws (5.92 ppm) and moderate in green fodders (11.65 ppm), whereas, concentrate ingredients were better source of Cu (19.80 ppm), except grains. Molybdenum content in feeds was within safe limit (average level<0.77 ppm) exhibiting a Cu:Mo ratio wider than 5.0. Selenium content in most of the feeds and fodder samples was adequate (0.40ppm). Zinc was acutely deficient in most of the feedstuffs (average level<34.0 ppm). From the present study, it was apparent that the levels of certain minerals such as Ca, P, Na, S, Zn, Cu, Mn and Co were inadequate and much below the requirement of a buffalo yielding 8 kg milk (7% fat) per day.

Key words: Buffaloes, Major elements, Trace elements, Semi arid zone.

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Evaluation of Complete Diets with Different Levels of Deseeded Sunflower Heads and Concentrate by in vitro and in situ Techniques

D. Nagalakshmi*, D. Narsimha Reddy and M. Rajendra Prasad
Department of Animal Nutrition
College of Veterinary Science, ANGRAU, Rajendranagar
Hyderabad-500 030, India

(Received November 10, 2003)

ABSTRACT

Sixteen complete diets were formulated using sunflower heads (SFH) as sole roughage source or in combinations with sorghum straw (SS), sugarcane bagasse (SB) and maize cobs (MC) in four roughage concentrate ratio of 20:80, 30:70, 40:60 and 60:40. The crude protein (CP) in the diets containing up to 40% roughage was similar among all the diets (15.48 to 17.49%) except for lower (P<0.01) CP in diet containing 20% MC and 20% SFH (14.74%). The CP content reduced as the roughage content in diets increased beyond 40%. The ash content in diets was higher (P<0.05) when SFH was present as sole roughage. Incorporation of SB increased (P<0.01) the fibre content in diets, while it was reduced when SFH was present as sole roughage. Such differences in fibre content with regard to source of roughage disappeared at higher roughage (60%) concentration. The neutral detergent and acid detergent fibre content were similar among all the diets. The in vitro organic matter (IVOMD) and neutral detergent fibre (IVNDFD) digestibilities ranged from 50.40 to 69.49% and 11.84 to 52.35%, respectively. The roughage source was not affecting the IVOMD in diets containing either 20, 30 or 40% roughage, but at higher roughage concentration (60%) the IVOMD was higher in diets containing 50% SFH or 40% SFH in combination with MC. The IVNDFD lowered (P<0.01) as the SS or SB increased in diets beyond 10%, but such effect was not observed when SFH was present as sole roughage (20-40%) or at 50% level along with 10% SS. Similarly, the effective DM degradability (EDMD) was higher (P<0.01) when SFH was present as sole roughage source (69.04%) compared to other dietary combinations. The EDMD% was highest (P<0.05) for diet containing 50% SFH (69.70%) followed by diets with 40% SFH as sole roughage (69.04%). From the results it can be inferred that SFH can be incorporated in complete diets either as sole roughage source at 40% level or at 50% level in combination with 10% sorghum straw.

Key words: Sunflower heads, Complete diets, Chemical evaluation.

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Short Communication

Nutritive Value of Dried Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) Pomace in Cockerels
P. Kavitha, J.V. Ramana, J. Rama Prasad*, P.V.V.S. Reddy and P.S. Reddy
Department of Animal Nutrition
College of Veterinary Science
ANGRAU, Tirupati - 517 502, India

(Received February 19, 2004)

ABSTRACT

The percent dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, total ash, nitrogen free extract and acid insoluble ash of dried tomato pomace (DTP) were 89.56, 90.99, 22.39, 12.23, 40.1, 9.01, 16.27 and 3.63, respectively. The calcium and phosphorus content of the DTP was 0.56% and 0.48%, respectively. The tannin content of DTP was 2.09%. The percent neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, hemicellulose, cellulose, permanganate lignin and silica content of DTP were 66.5, 60.0, 6.5, 43.38, 13.1 and 3.52, respectively. The starch and soluble sugars content of DTP were estimated as 10.17% and 1.02%, respectively. Metabolizable energy content of DTP was calculated as 2172 kcal/kg. The true metabolizable energy content of DTP as estimated using adult cockerels was 2193 kcal/kg and the apparent metabolizable energy content was 2080 kcal/kg. The N utilization of DTP was 56.64%. The high protein and ME content of the DTP revealed that tomato pomace can be a potential feed ingredient for poultry.

Key words : Tomato pomace, Metabolizable energy, Nitrogen utilization, Cockerels.

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Evaluation of Legume Hay Based Complete Rations in Sheep

U.G. Krishna Murthy and J. Rama Prasad*
Department of Animal Nutrition
College of Veterinary Science,
Tirupati-517 502, India

(Received February 19, 2004)

Four isonitrogenous complete rations were formulated with stylo (Stylosanthus hemata; CR-1), horse gram (Dolichos biflorus; CR-2), cowpea (Vigna sinensis; CR-3) and sunhemp (Crotalaria juncea; CR-4) hays each at 70 percent level to compare their inclusion by using 6 lambs (3 months; average body weight 14 kg) for each diet. During the feeding trial of 91 days higher (P<0.01) ADG was observed with horse gram hay based complete ration (CR-2). Daily DM intake (g/d or g/kg W0.75/d) was significantly higher (P<0.05) with rations containing Stylosanthus as well as cowpea hay, where as higher feed efficiency was observed with ration containing horse gram hay compared to others. A metabolism trial conducted at the end of feeding trial revealed apparently higher digestibility coefficients of CP and EE accompanying higher (P<0.05) N retention (g/d) upon feeding of complete ration containing horse gram hay. Based on the present investigation it can be concluded that among the rations evaluated the complete ration containing horse gram hay at 70% level was considered to be superior for sheep.

Key words: Complete rations, Legume hays, Sheep, Growth, Nutrient utilization.

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Research Paper

Effect of Physical Processing Methods on Chemical Composition and in vitro Digestibility of Castor Cake (Ricinus communis)

S. Anandan*, G.K. Anil Kumar and K.S. Ramachandra
National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology
Adugodi, Bangalore-560 030, India

(Received June 01, 2004)


ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to determine the composition, in vitro OM digestibility and ricin content of the commercially available castor cake and to evolve simple processing methods to increase the nutritive value of the cake. The crude protein content in the differently processed castor cakes ranged from 29 to 35 % suggesting that they are good protein supplements. However crude fiber levels in all the samples were high (39-46%) and this resulted in low in-vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD<49%). The fiber fractions revealed that all the samples had high acid detergent lignin (ADL>35%) and this also could have contributed to the low IVOMD. The concentration of ricin in all the cakes ranged from 0.02% to 0.06%. Such lower levels could be attributed to the heat labile nature of the ricin as considerable amount of ricin gets destroyed during the extraction of the oil. Dehulling of the whole seeds or grinding of castor cake followed by sieving improved the quality of cake by reducing the fiber and ADL levels and increased protein content. Improvement in the quality of the cake was reflected in higher IVOMD values (>70%). The available castor cake can be graded as poor for livestock feeding in spite of the high protein content due to higher fiber levels, which adversely affects the utilization of the cake. By adopting simple processing techniques like dehulling or grinding and sieving, it is possible to reduce the fiber and lignin levels and increase the protein content of castor cake. Detoxifide cake would be a better protein supplement for the livestock would be more profitable to the endusers.

Key words: Castor cake, Ricin, Digestibility, Quality.

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In vitro Evaluation of Critical Supplementation of Wheat Straw with Graded Levels of Various Sources of Cobalt

V. Nagabhushana, K. Sharma, A.K. Pattanaik and Narayan Dutta
Centre of advanced Studies in Animal Nutrition
Indian Veterinary Research Institute,
Izatnagar-243 122, India

(Received September 29, 2004)

ABSTRACT

Wheat straw was supplemented with graded levels of cobalt from three sources, namely cobaltous chloride, cobaltous sulphate and cobalt acetate to study the effect on in vitro gas production parameters by Hohenheim gas test (HFT). The 24 hr gas production was not significantly affected by supplementation of cobalt as cobaltous chloride or cobaltous sulphate supplementation caused general decrease in gas volume. True substrate degradability of wheat straw in terms of DM and NDF significantly improved up to 6 ppm of cobalt as cobaltous chloride where as similar picture was not evident with cobalt as cobaltous sulphate or cobalt acetate. In vitro microbial biomass production increased when cobalt was supplemented as cobaltous chloride up to 6 ppm, while no such effect was evident from other two sources. Neither level nor source of cobalt supplementation affected the partition factor or ME content of wheat straw significantly in the present study. The results indicate that supplementation of wheat straw with cobaltous chloride up to 6 ppm appears to be effective as a divalent cation in enhancing microbial attachment to fibre particles, there by increasing the in vitro substrate degradability and microbial growth.

Key words: Cobalt, Wheat straw, In vitro gas production.

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Performance and Meat Quality of Broilers as Influenced by Dietary Vitamin E and Selenium During Different Phases of Life

Praveen K. Tyagi*, Pramod K. Tyagi, R.P. Singh,
A.V. Elangovan and A.B. Mandal
Division of Nutrition and Feed Technology
Central Avian Research Institute
Izatnagar-243 122, India

(Received July 27, 2004)

ABSTRACT

The effects of supplemental vitamin E and selenium fed through diet during various age periods on the growth performance and meat stability of broiler chicken were studied. Two separate basal diets for starting (0-3 wks) and finishing (4-7 wks) phases were formulated. To these basal diets, vitamin E (as ?-tocopherol acetate) and inorganic selenium (as sodium selenite) were added @ 225 IU and 0.5 mg per kg of diet, respectively during various age periods. Four dietary schedules (treatments) were adopted as per the following feeding regimen: (D1)-basal diet without supplemental vitamin E and selenium fed during 0-7 weeks of age (control), (D2)-basal diet supplemented with 225 IU vitamin E and 0.5 mg Se per kg of diet fed continuously during 0-7 weeks of age, (D3)-basal diet supplemented with 225 IU vitamin E and 0.5 mg Se per kg of diet fed during 0-3 weeks of age and unsupplemented basal diet fed during 4-7 weeks of age, and (D4)-unsupplemented basal diet fed during 0-3 weeks of age and basal diet supplemented with 225 IU vitamin E and 0.5 mg Se per kg diet fed during 4-7 weeks of age. Each of the four dietary regimens were offered ad libitum to four replicated groups of 10 chick. The growth performance of broilers during starting (0-3 wks), finishing (4-7 wks) and overall (0-7 wks) phases of growth did not differ significantly (P>0.05) by dietary treatments. Significantly (P<0.01) higher TBA values were observed in the stored meat samples on the unsupplemented (control) group in comparison to the three treatment groups. Upon 2 and 3 months storage, the stability of meat samples also deteriorated (P<0.01) in diet 3 wherein vitamin E/Se was added in diet during starting phase (0-3 wks of age) only. Similarly, drip loss was also significantly (P<0.01) higher in control diet than other diets. Sensory attributes done up to 2 months storage also showed deterioration in quality of meat of control diet than the other diets. It is concluded that supplementation of 225 IU vitamin E and 0.5 mg inorganic selenium per kg in diet of broiler chicken fed during 4-7 weeks of age before slaughter is sufficient for optimum meat stability.

Key words: Performance, Meat stability, Broilers, Vitamin E, Selenium.

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Effect of Supplemental Vitamin E and beta-Carotene on Cell-Mediated Immunity and Mastitis in Crossbred Cows

Rajiv Chawla and Harjit Kaur*
Dairy Cattle Nutrition Division
National Dairy Research Institute
Karnal-132001, India.

(Received September 06, 2004)

ABSTRACT

Crossbred pregnant cows (18) in their late lactation were divided into three equal groups and fed as per standard feeding practices. Cows of groups I, II and III were supplemented with 0, 1000 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate and 1000 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate plus 300 mg ß-carotene, respectively from 45 d prepartum to 120 d postpartum. Lymphocyte proliferation assay for evaluating the cell-mediated immunity (CMI) was carried at one week prepartum, calving and one week postpartum. Incidence of sub-clinical mastitis (SCM) was assessed before drying off and fortnightly during 120 d postpartum. Plasma alpha-tocopherol and retinol levels decreased significantly at calving in all the groups, but the decrease was less in cows of groups II and III as compared to group I. However, group II and III cows returned to normal levels earlier than control cows. Percent decrease in CMI was 47.9, 31.9 and 31.5 at parturition which increased by 41.2, 85.5 and 37.4% during postpartum period in the three groups respectively. Maximum increase in CMI after parturition was observed in vitamin E supplemented group II. The incidence of SCM before drying off was observed with percentage of infected teats as 36, 50 and 36 in the three groups, respectively. Within one week of parturition, percentage of infected teats was 52, 8 and 9 in groups I, II and III, respectively. The increase in the percent infected quarters at parturition in group I indicated the development of new infections besides persistence of previous infections during drying off period. Percent teat infection averaged 26.51, 20.41 and 12.49 in the three groups, respectively. The incidence of clinical mastitis within one week of parturition decreased by 66.6% in groups II and III. The results highligh the beneficial effects of supplementing vitamin E and ß-carotene on mastitis in periparturient cows.

Key words : Vitamin E, ß-carotene, Mastitis, Immunity, Cows.

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Research Paper

Effect of Partial Replacement of Groundnut Cake with Berseem
(Trifolium alexandrinum) on Intake, Rumen Fermentation Pattern, Blood Metabolites and Growth of Crossbred Calves

A. Das*1 and G.P. Singh2
Dairy Cattle Nutrition Division
National Dairy Research Institute
Karnal-132 001, India

(Received August 18, 2004)

ABSTRACT

Berseem (Trifolium alexendrinum) as a replacement for groundnut cake (GNC) in the ration of crossbred calves was studied. Fifteen crossbred (Sahiwal X Holstein Friesan) male calves of 3-6 m age with an average body weight of 75.6±3.4 kg were randomly distributed into 3 groups of 5 each in an experiment based on randomized block design and were randomly assigned to one of the three dietary treatments. Wheat straw was offered ad libitum to all the calves. In Group I, GNC (300 g/kg) was supplemented to fulfill the N requirement. However, amount of GNC was reduced to 150 and 100 g/kg in groups II and III, respectively. Further, to make the diets iso-nitrogenous 300 and 450 g/kg berseem was added in groups I and III, respectively, whereas group I contained no berseem. During 120 day study, body weight change and feed intake was recorded fortnightly, blood and rumen liquor samples were collected monthly and a metabolism trial of 7 day collection was conducted during days 94-100. Total dry matter intake (DMI) was significantly (P<0.01) higher in group II than groups III and I. Ammonia nitrogen concentration in rumen fluid, and urea level in serum reduced linearly (P<0.01) with increasing level of berseem in the diet. Total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) concentration in rumen fluid and blood glucose level were significantly (P<0.01) higher in group II in comparison to III and I, group III had higher value than group I. Replacing GNC with berseem resulted in a significant (P<0.01) decrease in the proportion of acetate and increase (P<0.05) in proportion of propionate. Digestibility of organic matter (OM) and fibre components was significantly (P<0.01) higher in groups II and III in comparison to group I. Differences in crude protein digestibility was not significant. However, there was significantly (P<0.05) higher N balance indicating better utilization in comparison to other groups. Digestible organic matter intake (DOMI) was significantly (P<0.01) higher in B30 than B45 and B0, resulting in similar trend of average daily gain. It was concluded that half of the GNC could be replaced with inclusion of 30% berseem in the diet of crossbred calves fed on wheat straw.

Key words: Berseem, Groundnut cake, Replacement, Growth, Calf.

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