Effects of Diets with Different Corn-to-Soybean Ratios on Performance of Lactational Rex Rabbits

[ Objective] To study the effects of diets with different com-to-soybean ratios on production performance of lactational Rex rabbits and select the best feed formula. [Method] A total of 80 lactational healthy Rex rabbits （similar age, body weight and delivery time） were randomly divided into five groups, 16 in each group. The Rex rabbits in group I were fed with corn-based meal diet, group II with soybean-based meal diet, group III with the developed corn-soybean meal diet, group IV with corn-soybean meal free diet, and group CK with conventional corn-soybean meal diet. During the lactation period, the changes in the lactation performance, growth rate of baby rabbits, weight and feed costs were observed. [ Result] The lactation performance of mother rabbits and the growth rate of baby rabbits in the experimental groups were similar to that in the control group. The weaning survival rate of the group III was the highest, but it was not significantly higher than that of the control group. The weaning survival rate of the other three groups was lower than that of the control group （P〈0.05）. The weight loss of mother rabbits in the group I, II and III was not significantly different from that of the control group, but the weight loss of the group IV was higher than that of the control group （ P 〈 0.01 ）. [ Conclusion] Diets with appropriate corn-to-soybean ratios not only reduce feed costs but also give the best feeding effects.

Review on Using of Macro Algae (seaweeds) in Fish Nutrition

Currently,the search is on for alternative sources of feed ingredients,the main reasons being the increasing cost and uncertainty about the continuous supply of common feed ingredients especially fishmeal and soybean meal.The importance of macro algae or seaweeds as a potential substitute protein source for fish nutrition cultured has been documented in recent years.Macro algae are receiving consideration for their essential amino acid content and high protein value,trace metals and vitamins in fish nutrition.In addition,macro algae or seaweeds could be a potential low cost source of protein for fishes.Furthermore,the economic comparison of feed cost revealed that the increase in the level of dried and fresh seaweeds in alternative feeding treatments,and commercial diets used for fish growth have decreased which led to a significant decrease in the cost of feed.From the results of previous studies,using of macro algae(seaweeds)in fish diets may improves growth performance,feed efficiency,physiological activity,carcass quality,disease resistance and reduced stress response.This review describes effects of using of macro algae(seaweeds)in diets on growth performance of fish.

The effects of on-farm produced feeds on growth, survival, yield and feed cost of juvenile African sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

The culture of African sharptooth catfish(Clarias gariepinus)in most developing countries lacks suitable diets for semi-intensive production.The present study evaluated the growth performance,survival,nutrient utilization,hepatosomatic index(HSI),body composition,yield and feeding cost of African catfish fed on semi-intensive feeds 1(SMF1)and semi-intensive feed 2(SMF2)produced on-farm and an industrially manufactured(IM)feed as a control.Two hundred fish(14.95±0.24 g)were stocked in triplicate earthen ponds and fed the three diets at 5%of the body weight for eight weeks.The final weight,specific growth rate and yield of fish fed the SMF2 diet was significantly lower than SMF1 and IM diets.However,no significant differences were revelead in final weight,specific growth rate and yield between fish fed SMF1 and IM diets.The survival rate,feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio of fish did not differ among the diets.Apparent net protein utilization was significantly higher on fish fed the SMF2 and SMF1 diets than IM diet.The HSI of fish fed the IM diet was significantly higher and the livers were yellow-coloured compared to smaller and brownish/reddish livers of fish fed the SMF1 and SMF2 diets.The fish fed the IM diet had statistically lower ash content than SMF1 diet.The incidence cost of fish fed the IM diet was 35%higher,while its profit index was 31%lower than fish fed the SMF1 and SMF2 diets.Taken together,African catfish farmers can reduce feed cost up to 30%by using on-farm produced feeds when formulated properly and blended without affecting fish growth performance,survival and yield while obtaining better protein retention and healthier fish.