Resumo O búfalo é um dos principais animais produtores de leite. Sua produção e sua reprodução são afetadas por causa de alguns fatores, incluindo o monitoramento inadequado ao redor do parto, que causam perdas econômicas, como atraso no processo de parto, aumento do risco de natimorto, etc. O monitoramento adequado do parto é essencial para o manejo do rebanho leiteiro. Portanto, projetamos um estudo cujo objetivo foi prever o parto com base em comportamentos pré-parto medidos por máquina automatizada em búfalas. Os dados foram coletados de 40 búfalas prenhes de 2ª a 5ª paridade, que foi sincronizada. A etiqueta NEDAP de pescoço e perna foi fixada em cada búfala 30 dias antes do parto e coletava dados, automaticamente, durante a alimentação e a ruminação, em posição deitada e em pé, além do número de passos, número de mudanças de pé para deitado (período deitado) e atividade de movimento total. Todos os dados comportamentais foram reduzidos para -10 dias antes da data do parto para análise estatística usando o procedimento de modelo misto e ANOVA. Os resultados mostraram que o tempo de alimentação e de ruminação diminuiu significativamente (P < 0,05) de -10 dias para -1 dia antes do parto, indicando a previsão de parto. Além disso, o tempo de ruminação apresentou seu menor valor (P < 0,001) 2 horas antes do parto, e tais mudanças comportamentais podem ser úteis para predizer o parto em búfalas. Da mesma forma, o período deitado e o tempo em pé diminuíram abruptamente (P < 0,05) de -3 dias para -1 dia antes do parto, enquanto o tempo deitado aumentou abruptamente (P < 0,01) de -3 dias para -1 dia antes do parto (531,57 ± 23,65 para 665,62± 18,14, respectivamente). O número de passos dados e o movimento total aumentaram significativamente (P < 0,05) de -10 para -1 dias antes do parto. O tempo de alimentação foi significativamente (P < 0,02) reduzido em búfalas de 3ª paridade em comparação com búfalas de 2ª, 4ª e 5ª paridade, enquanto o tempo de espera de búfalas de 5ª paridade foi reduzido (P < 0,05) em comparação com búfalas de 2ª a 4ª paridade em -1 dia antes do parto. No entanto, ruminação, posição deitada, número de passos dados e atividade de movimento total em -1 dia antes do parto foram independentes (P > 0,05) da paridade em búfalas. A análise de rede neural para variáveis combinadas da tecnologia NEDAP no nível diário produziu 100% de sensibilidade e 98% de especificidade. Em conclusão, a tecnologia NEDAP pode ser usada para medir mudanças comportamentais -10 dias antes do parto, pois pode servir como um guia útil para prever a data do parto em búfalas.

Abstract Buffalo is one of the leading milk-producing dairy animals. Its production and reproduction are affected due to some factors including inadequate monitoring around parturition, which cause economic losses like delayed birth process, increased risk of stillbirth, etc. The appropriate calving monitoring is essential for dairy herd management. Therefore, we designed a study its aim was, to predict the calving based on automated machine measured prepartum behaviors in buffaloes. The data were collected from n=40 pregnant buffaloes of 2nd to 5th parity, which was synchronized. The NEDAP neck and leg logger tag was attached to each buffalo at 30 days before calving and automatically collected feeding, rumination, lying, standing, no. of steps, no. of switches from standing to lying (lying bouts) and total motion activity. All behavioral data were reduced to -10 days before the calving date for statistical analysis to use mixed model procedure and ANOVA. Results showed that feeding and rumination time significantly (P<0.05) decreased from -10 to -1 days before calving indicating calving prediction. Moreover, Rumination time was at lowest (P<0.001) value at 2h before the calving such behavioral changes may be useful to predict calving in buffaloes. Similarly, lying bouts and standing time abruptly decreased (P<0.05) from -3 to -1 days before calving, while lying time abruptly increased (P<0.01) from -3 to -1 days before calving (531.57±23.65 to 665.62±18.14, respectively). No. of steps taken and total motion significantly (P<0.05) increased from -10 to -1 days before calving. Feeding time was significantly (P<0.02) lowered in 3rd parity buffaloes compared with 2nd, 4th and 5th parity buffaloes, while standing time of 5th parity buffaloes were lowered (P<0.05) as compared to 2nd to 4th parity buffalos at -1 day of prepartum. However, rumination, lying, no. of steps taken and total motion activity at -1 day of prepartum was independent (P>0.05) of parity in buffaloes. Neural network analysis for combined variables from NEDAP technology at the daily level yielded 100.0% sensitivity and 98% specificity. In conclusion NEDAP technology can be used to measured behavioral changes -10 day before calving as it can serve as a useful guide in the prediction calving date in the buffaloes.

To evaluate the effect of a production system and feeding regimen on meat quality attributes of Naked Neck chickens, a total of 150 cockerels at 18 weeks old (1625 ± 70 g) were collected from 10 treatment groups with five replicates of three birds. The factorial arrangement of treatments consisted of two production systems (intensive and free-range) and five nutritional regimens, namely 100% commercial feed; 75% commercial feed plus 25% kitchen waste; 50% commercial feed plus 50% kitchen waste; 25% commercial feed plus 75% kitchen waste; and 100% kitchen waste. Carcass traits, meat quality, and meat organoleptic were found to differ significantly among production systems, feeding regimens, and their interaction. Higher liver weight was observed in birds reared under an intensive system. Higher gizzard weight was noted in birds fed with 100% kitchen waste, whereas lower gizzard weight was observed in birds fed the commercial diet. The meat from cockerels fed with 75% kitchen waste was most yellow, whereas the meat from the birds fed with 100% kitchen waste was least yellow. At two hours after slaughter, pH of the meat was highest in birds fed 50% kitchen waste and lowest in birds fed 100% kitchen waste. The interaction of production system and feeding regimen was significant for overall acceptability score. In conclusion, Naked Neck chickens performed equally well under intensive and free-range systems, irrespective of the level of kitchen waste that they were fed.

ABSTRACT The present study was planned to evaluate the growth performance, morphometrics, physiological and behavioral response of Naked Neck chicken under different production systems and nutritional regimens. For this, a total of 900 Naked Neck chickens of 6-weeks of age were used; the birds were divided into 10 treatment groups consisting of 5 replicates of 18 birds each. A 2×5 factorial arrangement of treatment was employed under Completely Randomized Design. Treatments were consisted of two production systems (intensive and free range) and five nutritional regimens (100% commercial feed, 75% commercial feed +25% kitchen waste, 50% commercial feed +50% kitchen waste, 25% commercial feed +75% kitchen waste and 100% kitchen waste). Body weight, heartbeat and respiration rate were higher in birds reared under intensive system and spent most of their time sitting whereas higher feed intake and increased pecking behavior were noted in birds reared under free range system. Regarding feeding regimens, higher feed intake, cloacal temperature, body and neck length were observed in birds fed with 100% kitchen waste whereas higher drumstick, shank and wing spread were observed in birds fed under 100% commercial feed. Furthermore, higher shank and neck length were observed in birds fed 75% kitchen waste and higher body weight was observed in birds fed 50% kitchen waste. Significant interactions were also observed regarding feed intake, cloacal temperature, drumstick circumference, shank length, feeding, sitting and walking behavior. In conclusion, Naked Neck chicken perform better in free range system whereas feeding kitchen waste up to 50% may enhance growth, morphometric, physiological traits and improve behavioral response.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of commercial toxin binders on growth performance, organ morphology, immunity and serum biochemistry in broilers. Dietary treatments consisted of the negative control (NC): experimental diet with aflatoxin B1 <20 parts per billion (ppb), ochratoxin A (OTA) <5 ppb; control (C) experimental diet without toxin binder; Z1: toxin binder 1 g/kg of zeta plus; Z2: toxin binder 2 g/kg of zeta plus; TX1: toxin binder 1 g/kg of Toxfin Dry; and TX2: toxin binder 2 g/kg of Toxfin Dry). Except for NC, all diets contained 57 ppb aflatoxin B1 and 23 ppb ochratoxin A. Feed intake was higher in the TX1, TX2, NC, Z2 and Z1 treatments than in the control. Weight gain was higher in Z2, TX2, Z1, TX1 and NC than in C. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was poor in C. The control had the highest liver weight, though the weights of the spleen, kidneys and hearts of the birds were similar in all treatments. Gizzard weight, thymus weight, and bursa of Fabricius were lowest in C. The weight of the pancreas was similar among treatments. The antibody titres against new castle disease were higher in treatments Z2, Z1, TX2, TX1 and NC than in C. Urea and creatinine concentrations, and aspartate aminotransferase activity in serum were similar among treatments, whereas the serum alanine transaminase activity was higher in C than in Z1, TX1, TX2, Z2 and NC. It was concluded that growth rate, FCR and immunity indices were improved in broilers fed toxin binder. At lower levels of mycotoxin in feed, 1 g/kg of toxin binder (clay based or yeast based) was sufficient to ameliorate the adverse effects of aflatoxin B1 and OTA, whereas at higher levels of mycotoxins, supplementation of toxin binder should be increased.

ABSTRACT Present study evaluated carcass and meat quality attributes of broilers, broiler breeders and Aseel chickens. Sixty birds from each chicken genotype (broiler, broiler breeder and Aseel chickens; five-wk-old broilers and 60-wk-old Aseel chickens and broiler breeders) were evaluated. Birds were maintained under similar environment for 21 days, and then slaughtered to analyze their carcass qualitative and organoleptic characteristics. No carcass yield differences were detected among genotypes. Aseel chickens had heavier neck, followed by broiler breeder and broiler (p<0.0001). Higher liver (p<0.0001), intestine (p<0.0001), ribs and back (p=0.0014) yields were obtained in broilers than in broiler breeders and Aseel chickens. Females showed higher gizzard (p=0.0107) and intestine (p=0.0170) yield than males, which presented higher carcass (p=0.0023), thigh (p=0.0039), drumstick (p<0.0001), neck (p=0.0003) and heart (p=0.0139) yields. Broiler meat was lighter (p<0.0001) whereas Broiler breeder meat were yellower (p<0.0001) and redder (p<0.0001), ultimate-pH was lower (p=0.0001) for broiler and Aseel meat. Female meat was yellower (p<0.0001) and reddish (p=0.0482). Aseel breast meat scored lower for flavor (p=0.0121), juiciness (p=0.0178) and tenderness (p=0.0477) compared with broiler breeders and broilers, although no differences among genotypes were detected for color, aroma, taste, and acceptability, whereas for thigh meat, Aseel chickens received lower color (p=0.0344) and acceptability (p=0.0398) scores. Interaction effect were significant for carcass, meat quality and sensory evaluation. Carcass characteristics of broilers were comparable with Aseel chickens, while broiler breeder showed better meat quality traits. Broiler and broiler breeder meat scored higher for sensory evaluation. Male birds had higher carcass yield and better meat quality traits compared with females. It is concluded that meat quality attributes vary among the three chicken genotypes.

ABSTRACT Phytogenic feed additives have been increasingly used in the last decade, and several plants and their metabolites have been investigated for the said purpose. In this context, present study aimed at evaluating the effects of Moringa oleifera as feed additive on layer performance, and egg bioactive compound levels and nutrient profile. HyLine W36 layers (n=200), 50 weeks of age, were randomly distributed in four treatments with five replicates of ten birds each. Four isocaloric (2725 kcal/kg) and isonitrogenous (CP 16%) diets were formulated and supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5% (w/w) of dried Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MLM). The results showed positive effects of MLM on egg production, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio, but negative effects on egg quality (p≤0.05). The contents of bioactive compounds, like β-carotene, quercetin, and selenium, in the diet and in the egg yolk were significantly (p≤0.05) higher in the group fed1.5% MLM, with values of 8.90, 48.88, and 0.54 mg/kg feed and 4906, 241 and 56.82 µg/100g yolk, respectively. Creatinine and glucose serum levels and cholesterol levels (serum and eggs) linearly increased as a function of increasing MLM dietary levels (p≤0.05). Antibody titers against Newcastle Disease significantly improved (p≤0.05) in the group fed the diet supplemented with 1.5% MLM. It was concluded that Moringa oleifera used as phytogenic feed additive enriches eggs with bioactive and functional compounds, and improves the production performance and the health status of layers.

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to investigate the effect of a commercial antioxidant (CAO; Rendox Plus®) treatment in stabilizing the poultry byproduct meal (PBPM) and then the subsequent effect of the treated PBPM on growth of broilers. Five batches A, B, C, D and E of PBPM were treated with CAO at 0, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 mL/ton, respectively and stored for 42 days. Oxidative stability of PBPM was estimated on day 0 and then weekly using Peroxide Value and Thiobarbituric Acid tests. PBPMs treated with 750 &1000 mL/ton presented the least oxidation and were selected to be included in broiler diets. A total of 240 one-day-old non-sexed Hubbard broilers were randomly divided into two flocks of 120 birds each. Each flock was further divided into four groups with three replicates of 10 birds each. The selected PBPMs (D and E) were added at 4%, 5%, 6% and 7% in the starter and grower diets. The experiment lasted for 35 days. The PBPM treated with 1000 mLCAO/ton exhibited the lowest (p<0.05) oxidation level compared to other treated PBPMs. PBPMs with up to 7% CAO inclusion rate did not influence (p>0.05) broiler feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, final body weight, carcass traits, or mortality rate. It was concluded that CAO was effective in stabilizing PBPM, and up to 7% (70 g/kg) of CAO-treated PBPM can be safely included in broiler diets without any harmful effect on their performance.

The present study was designed to investigate the influence of Moringa oleifera (Lam.) pod meal (MPM) on production, immunity, and functional food index of chicken eggs. Two hundred HyLine W36 layer birds aged 50 weeks, 1469 ± 46.63 g, were assigned to four treatments in a completely randomized design, with five replicates and ten birds each. Diets A, B, C, and D were formulated with the same caloric and protein levels, but with differing MPM dose levels of 0, 5, 10, and 15g MPM/kg finisher diet, respectively. Data for production performance, quality, and chemical composition of eggs were analysed by one-way ANOVA, and means were compared with Duncan's multiple range test. As a result of this study, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and egg mass (EM) were significantly decreased and recorded lowest in Group B, which was offered 5 g/kg above the basal diet. Bioactives such as β-carotene, quercetin, and selenium levels were increased (540, 121, & 72.21µg/100g of yolk, respectively), whereas cholesterol levels in egg yolk and serum were decreased significantly, that is, 201.87 mg/100g and 8.47 mg/dl, respectively. Serum biochemical indicators, including serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), glucose, creatinine and cholesterol levels, were lowered significantly. Proximate analysis of egg yolk showed that moisture and ether extract were decreased, whereas crude protein (CP), ash and minerals, sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and phosphorus (P) contents were increased. The outcomes of this study showed that MPM supplementation affects EM, serum biochemistry and bioactive compounds of the egg yolk positively.

Study was conducted to know the biological value of fish meal, meat meal, blood meal, sesame oil meal, cottonseed meal, and guar meal (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) in two different species (ten day old broiler chicks, n=96; and weaning albino rats, n=64). These protein sources were added into nitrogen free diet on protein equivalent basis to formulate eight different diets including six test diets, a basal and a standard diet. Results revealed that both chicks and rats showed significant differences (p< 0.05) in feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio for animal and protein feeds. Fish meal in most of the measurements was similar (p>0.05) to casein in chicks. Weight gain ranked in declining order for diets containing fish meal, meat meal, sesame oil meal, cotton seed meal, blood meal and guar meal in both species. On standard stock diet ad libitum after drastic restriction period, both species showed a compensatory growth and nitrogen retention.

El estudio fue dirigido para conocer el valor biológico de las harinas de pescado, carne, sangre, aceite de sésamo, semilla de algodón y guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) en dos diferentes especies animales (pollitos parrilleros de diez días de edad, n=96; ratas albinas destetadas, n=64). Estos recursos proteicos se agregaron a dietas libres de nitrógeno como base equivalente proteica, formulándose ocho dietas diferentes que incluyeron seis dietas de prueba, una dieta basal y otra estándar. Los resultados revelaron que los pollitos y las ratas mostraron diferencias significativas (p0,05) a la caseína en los pollitos. La ganancia de peso se ordenó en orden decreciente en dietas que contenían harinas de pescado, de carne, de aceite de sésamo, de semilla de algodón, de sangre y de guar, en ambas especies. Sobre el stock estándar, la dieta ad libitum después de un período de restricción drástico, mostró crecimiento compensatorio y retención de nitrógeno en ambas especies.

Limited use of cereal straws in livestock feeding is due to their low voluntary intake, low protein contents and low digestibility. Nutritional value of these roughages can be improved through chemical or physical methods. Efficacy of treating straw with urea for improving its nutritive value is considered equivalent to anhydrous or aqueous ammonia. However, the adoption rate of urea treatment by farmers is low, maybe due to relatively tedious technology and higher requirement of labour. There is need to simplify urea treatment methods. In the present study an effort has been made to simplify the existing urea treatment method so that farmers could easily adopt this technique. The new method involves weighing the required amount of urea (4% of straw), mixing it with double the amount of farm manure (as urease source), giving 30% moisture by adding water, putting this mixture in a bag, piling the straw on the bag, again moistening the straw with water (50% of straw) and incubating this material for a month under the cover of plastic sheet or mud plaster. In this method three steps including preparation of urea solution, sprinkling of solution on straw and pressing the straw during treatment process, have been eliminated which resulted in saving labour by 55%. The efficiency of the new method, however, is about 30% less than the conventional urea treatment method.