Wool characteristics of crossbred Baghdadi wild ram and Iran native sheep

Twenty mid side wool samples of crossbred sheep were collected and their characteristics were determined. Data analyzed by SAS software and Duncan’s multiple range tests was used for comparison of mean wool characteristics. Average fleece weight, yield, wool diameter, Fine fiber and staple length were: 431.59 ± 38.95 gr, 65.14%, 14.24 ± 0.67 μm, 48.67 ± 5.59, and 43.65 ± 4.15 mm respectively. Mean fleece weight was significantly affected (p 1 and F2 generation 11.84 ± 0.58, 16.27 ± 0.72 μm respectively. There were effective differences among ages (12.55 ± 0.74, 14.47 ± 0.58 and 13.11 ± 0.64 μm for 1, 2 and 3 yr old respectively). Wool diameter of younger animals, males and F1 was so fine (12.55, 12.87 and 11.84 μm respectively). Staple length of F2 crosses was significantly longer than F1 crosses (p 1 was significantly finer than F2, but length and down fiber percentage was less than second generation. As wild sheep shed his fiber in winter, the first filial crosses also shed their fibers from the end of winter to early spring. Shedding was seldom observed in F2 generations. It seems likely that wool from crossbred sheep could be used for those applications for which cashmere is suitable. This study indicates that, such crossbred sheep have a superfine wool and could be used in pure or blend for textile industry.

Effect of sex and rearing system on the quality and mineral content of fiber from raeini cashmere goats

The aim of this study was to compare the quality characteristics and mineral content of the fiber from male and female cashmere goats raised under different management systems. Male and female Raeini cashmere goats （〈1.5 years of age, n=48） were selected from flocks raised at a government breeding station or raised commercially under either rural or nomadic conditions. The staple length, cashmere fiber diameter, coefficient of variation for fiber diameter, percentage of cashmere in a fleece, percentage of guard hair in a fleece and cashmere tenacity averaged 4.6 ±0.1 cm, 18.0 ±0.1 um, 20.9±0.4%, 66.1 ± 1.5%, 33.8± 1.5% and 1.8±0.2 gf/tex, respectively. The sulfur, copper and zinc content of the cashmere averaged 2.8 ± 0.1%, 0.00065 ± 0.00002% and 0.01276 ± 0.00025%, respectively. Rearing method significantly affected staple length, coefficient of variation of fiber diameter, cashmere tenacity and copper content. Males had a higher coefficient of variation of fiber diameter and cashmere tenacity than females （P 〈 0.05）.

Effects of diverse doses of Lead (Pb) on different growth attributes of <i>Zea-Mays</i>L.

The aim of the investigation was to determine the potential effect of lead on maize growth. Lead is considered as important potent environmental contaminant. Various ecological, environmental and evolutionary processes in the microsphere are disrupted because of lead toxicity to the microbial community. The effects of Lead Nitrate (Pb(No3)2) as heavy metal on germination, early growth seedling, root-shoot length, root-shoot fresh and dry weights, total protein content and the uptake of lead by roots and shoots of Zea-mays were investigated. All of the parameters were reduced by the increased lead concentrations. Such growth retardation was due to metals toxicity that resulted in damages to various physiological and biochemical processes.

Minerals profile of forages for grazing ruminants in Pakistan

The current research was carried out at Rakh Khaire Wala, which is well known as one of the most developed animal husbandry in Punjab, Pakistan. This location in the arid region, where sheep farming is a common practice, was selected for this study. The aim of the study was to determine and collect data on the mineral contents of forages or feedstuffs that are harvested and used in animal nutrition in the region, in order to gain information on the deficiency and/or excess of mineral levels for ruminants grazing therein, fed mainly with these feedstuffs. These pastures were visited twice during the study, in summer and winter, to collect samples in order to determine the effect of seasonal changes on the mineral contents of forages. In each location, samples from the available forages were collected. Forage samples were analyzed in order to determine the Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn levels using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. These results show that pasture grasses/forages had sufficient levels of K, Ca, Mg, Mn and Zn to meet requirements of ruminant animals, but the occurrence of marginal to deficient supplies of Na, and Cu appear very likely. There is an urgent requirement for experimentation on supplementation regimes involving these minerals, so that appropriate recommendations can be formulated.

Influence of dietary Probiotic (Biomin IMBO) on performance of laying hen

240 laying birds were procured and distributed randomly into four treatments and four replicate (15 birds each) which was fed one of the following experimental diets containing different levels of probiotics (Biomin IMBO) for seven weeks. 1-Basel diet (control groups), 2-Basel diet + 250 g/t, 3-Basel diet +500 g/t, 4-Basel diet +750 g/t feed respectively. As results was revealed, feed efficiency were improved significantly throughout the production periods

Effects of different levels of feeding of pistachio epicarp silage on wool characteristics of growing Afshari lambs

Sixteen Afshari male lambs (mean live weight 35 ± 1.21 kg, 10 month of age) were used to study the effect of different levels of pistachio epicarp silage (0%, 8%, 17% and 25%) on wool characteristics. The fleece weight (FW), staple length on shoulder (STS), flank (STF), back (STB) and rump (STR), true wool fiber (TW), modulated fiber (MF), kemp fiber (KF) percentage, mean wool fiber diameter (MD) and its coefficient variation (CVMD), breaking load (BL), wool tenacity (WT) and extension (E) were measured. These data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA using SAS software package. The total mean of FW, STS, STB, STF STR;TW, MF, KF, MD, CVMD, BL, WT and E of wool were 1622.2 ± 0.2 gr, 6.20 ± 0.26 cm, 6.80 ± 0.20 cm, 6.50 ± 0.20 cm, 6.90 ± 0.20 cm, 63.30 ± 1.6 mu, 8.30 ± 1.6 mu, 28.40% ± 2.5%, 37.0 ± 0.9 mu, 47.02% ± 2.99%, 7.60 ± 0.3 kgf, 3.40 ± 0.2 gf/tex and 31.1% ± 1.7% respectively, although there was significant difference among treatments on FW, MF, KF, MD, BL and WT. The results showed that feeding lambs with 25% pistachio epicarp silage of total dry matter intake affected wool characteristics and its effect was similar with the control group.

Nickel, lead and manganese content of forages irrigated with different sewage water treatments: A case study of a semiarid region (Sargodha) in Pakistan

The use of sewage water for agricultural purpose has tremendously increased during the last few years due to shortage of water availability, especially in semi-arid regions. Despite of many nutrients recycling advantages of sewage water, farmers are not fully aware of its harmful chemical composition. Heavy metals toxicity in soil and crops results from the long term use of sewage effluent for irrigation purposes. The present study was conducted to assess effect of sewage water on the uptake of Ni, Pb and Mn in different forage species with respect to the nutrient requirement of the grazing ruminants inSargodha,Punjab,Pakistan. Five samples each of six fodder species viz., Trifolium alexandrinum, Cichorium intybus, Avena sativa, Medicago polymorpha, Brassica campestris and Medicago sativa were collected from three fields irrigated with canal water, mix water (canal plus sewage water) and sewage water respectively. Pb, Ni and Mn concentration in the forage species during different treatments varied from 0.624 to1.672 mg/g, 7.364 to 10.17 mg/g and 5.136 to 12.422 mg/kg respectively. High value of Pb and Mn concentrations was observed during sewage water treatment. Lead is a non-essential element and is a very toxic metal. But in the present investigation Ni and Pb level in forages were below the toxic level, so the ruminants feeding on these forage species had no chance of Pb and Ni toxicity. On the other hand, Mn concentration in the forage species under observation was below the critical level. So the grazing animals at this location need continued mineral supplementation of Mn to prevent diseases caused by Mn deficiency, and to support optimum animal productivity. The objective of this study was to examine the potential for forage analysis as indicators of likely mineral deficiencies or excesses of grazing livestock during different sewage water treatments.

Proximate analysis: Relative feed values of various forage plants for ruminants investigated in a semi-arid region of Punjab, Pakistan

The experimental site “Sial Morr Sugar mill, District Sargodha” Punjab, Pakistan was selected to carry out present investigation. The forage samples of Eragrostis pilosa, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Parthenium hysterophorus and Calotropis procera were collected from the three sites held in this area. The forage samples were cleaned with distilled water to rinse dust particles and other impurities. These forage samples were air dried, oven dried and ground for the assessment of proximate analysis. Proximate analysis procedures including the percentage of moisture content, crude protein, ash contents and crude fiber in the sample were determined by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods. The CP contents among different plant species ranged from 8.1% to 26.2% at all sites. The lowest CP value was found in Eragrostis pilosa at site III while the highest CP contents in Dactyloctenium aegyptium at site II. The CP content showed significant (p < 0.05) result among all species at all sites. There was consistence pattern of increase and decrease found during all plant species at all sites. Generally, CP concentration averaged high at site II. Our CP contents are above the critical value. Considering the overall percentage of moisture composition, it was highest at site II. However, the moisture was found more in Calotropis procera at site II. The Dactyloctenium aegyptium had the least moisture content of 3.9% while the highest water content of 7%. Ash contents varied from 7.2% to 17.9% among various plant species at all sampling sites. The lowest ash contents were recorded in Dactyloctenium aegyptium at site III. At site II, ash contents were highest in Eragrostis pilosa. The differences between ash contents of various plant species were significant (p < 0.05) at all sampling site. Generally, the ash contents were higher at site II. Crude fiber contents differed significantly (p Parthenium hysterophorus had greater crude fiber contents at site II while the lowest value of CF found in Dactyloctenium aegyptium at site I. The differences were significant between all plant species other than the Specie I at all sites. The values ranged from 1.2% to 4.1%. It was highest in Parthenium hysterophorus (4.1%) at site I and least in Dactyloctenium aegyptium (1.2%) at site III. Maximum ether extract value was achieved at site I.

Exploration of concentration of two macro-minerals in different wild forages in relation to nutrient requirements of livestock

The composition of two macro-minerals (Ca and Na) was examined in soil and forages in two fields of District Sargodha, Pakistan. During winter and summer season, soil and forage samples were collected. In both seasons, Na was sufficient in soil and forages. As compared to the winter season, the Na and Ca levels in soil were considerably higher in summer season. In forages, the level of Ca was deficient than the level which is essential for livestock growth. In the pastures, grazing livestock may be?deficient in these minerals as these pastures are not supplying sufficient minerals to the ruminants grazing therein. Supplementation of minerals is necessary to prevent the mineral imbalances and deficiency diseases in grazing livestock.

Approximation of some minerals in soil and forage as a function of non-conventional compost: A case study

In present study concentration of some metals (Magnesium, Nickel and Calcium) were determined in soil and different parts of Avena sativa treated with poultry waste grown in the pots. Nine different treatments of poultry waste were used: 0 (control), 60, 90, 120 and 150 kg/ha applied to soil as full doses before sowing, and 60, 90, 120, and 150 applied as two equal splits, 1st before sowing and the 2nd before flower instigation. The samples of soil were obtained after mixing the poultry waste with soil in each pot before sowing. Different parts (roots, leaves, and seeds) of plants were taken after 90 days of sowing and after grain filling. Samples of soil and forages were analyzed. Mg concentrations found both in soil and plants were non-significantly affected by treatments and were lower than the requirements of ruminants in forage crops, but above requirement of forages in soil. Soil and forage Ni was affected non-significantly from the treatments of poultry waste and soil and forage Ni levels were found to be lower than the toxic level for animals and forages. Soil Ca was affected non-significantly by treatments having far lower values than the requirements of both forage species and ruminants. The study showed that soil Mg was higher and Ca was lower than the requirements of forages, but forage Mg and Ca were not fulfilling the requirements of livestock indicating the non significant effect of poultry waste on their concentrations. From the results of this study it has been anticipated that various deficiency problems in livestock may be resulted as these elements play very important role in animals’ metabolic progression. Therefore, soil amendment with poultry manure along with other synthetic fertilizers for enhancing the levels of various minerals is acceptable. The soil amendment and specifically tailored mineral mixture with appropriate proportion of these elements is the dire needs for livestock consuming Avena sativa in pasture treated with poultry waste.

Colostrum and milk performance,and blood immunity indices and minerals of Holstein cows receiving organic Mn,Zn and Cu sources

Effects of supplementing the basal diets with Mn,Zn and Cu,as sulphate,glycine or methionine salts,on colostrum and milk performance,some blood immunity indices and blood minerals of pre-and postpartum Holstein cows were accessed.Forty cows in different groups received:1)a diet without supplementary Mn,Zn and Cu(control),2)a diet containing Mn,Zn and Cu sulphates,3)a diet containing Mn,Zn and Cu glycine,or 4)a diet containing Mn,Zn and Cu methionine with 10 cows per group from d 60 before calving(dry period)to d 100 of lactation.Dry matter intake(DMI),dry matter digestibility(DMD),colostrum and milk performance,milk somatic cell count(SCC),blood and milk total antioxidant capacity(TAC),immunoglobulin M(IgM)and immunoglobulin A(IgA),and blood Mn,Zn and Cu were determined.Dietary supplementation with Mn,Zn and Cu as methionine,glycine or sulphate salts had positive effects on DMD,DMI,colostrum and milk performance,milk SCC,and blood Mn and Zn.Addition of Mn,Zn and Cu in diets could increase(P<0.05)blood and milk TAC and blood IgA and IgM in the cows and their new-born calves.There were no differences in DMI,DMD,colostrum and milk yields,milk SCC,blood Mn(except d 50 postpartum),Zn and Cu and TAC(except d 50 postpartum)among the organic and inorganic minerals-supplemented groups(P>0.05),however,the blood concentrations of IgA(except d 1 postpartum)and IgM in the cows supplemented with organic Mn,Zn and Cu were higher(P<0.05)than those in the cows receiving the sulphate sources of minerals.Overall,dietary supplementation of Mn,Zn and Cu as methionine,glycine or sulphate salts can improve colostrum and milk performance,blood Zn and Mn and immunity indices in Holstein cows and their new-born calves.Moreover,the organic sources of Mn,Zn and Cu have advantage over the sulphate forms in terms of the blood immunoglobulins.