Chemical composition and in vitro fermentation characteristics of high sugar forage sorghum as an alternative to forage maize for silage making in Tarim Basin, China

The chemical composition, mineral profile and in vitro fermentation characteristics of maize （MZ）, high sugar forage sorghum （HS） and forage sorghum （FS）, and silages made from each forage type were measured. The MZ and MZ silage （MZS） had higher crude protein, starch and ether extract contents than both sorghum forages and sorghum silages. HS had higher ash and water-soluble carbohydrate concentrations than FS and MZ. MZ, MZS, HS and HS silage （HSS） had lower neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and acid detergent lignin than FS and FS silage （FSS）. FSS had higher dry matter （DM） and pH than MZS and HSS. HSS contained higher concentrations of P and K than FSS and MZS. MZS and HSS had higher in vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibility, CH4 production, total volatile fatty acids, acetate and propionate than FSS. pH was higher for FSS than for HSS, and ammonia was lower for HSS than for MZS and FSS. HSS had higher gas production than MZS and FSS after 2, 4, 6 and 8 h incubation. MZS had higher gas production than HSS and FSS after 26 and 28 h of incubation. The results indicate that HS may substitute for MZ to make good quality silage. However, animal studies are needed to assess the acceptability and feeding values of HSS vs. MZS for ruminant production.

Improvement of the efficacy of influenza vaccination (H5N1) in chicken by using extract of Cochinchina momordica seed (ECMS)

Seeds of a Chinese traditional medicine plant, Cochinchina momordica were used in the present study for the improvement of influenza vaccine (H5N1) in chicken. Crude extraction from Cochinchina momordica seed (ECMS) was obtained by ethanol extraction method. In experiment No. 1, two weeks old chickens were immunized with influenza vaccine (H5N1) alone or combined with ECMS (5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 μg/dose). Serum IgG antibody levels (by ELISA) as well as effects on daily weight gain were measured on 0, 7, 14 and 28th day after immunization. Results revealed that all ECMS groups numerically increased the antibody levels while 10 and 20 μg/dose groups significantly (P<0.05) enhanced total IgG antibody on day 28, when compared with control. Average daily weight gain was also significantly higher in 20 μg/dose ECMS group. Adjuvant effect was also confirmed in experiment No. 2 when chickens were immunized with 20 μg/dose ECMS and antibody titer was measured through hemagglutination inhibition (HI). It is concluded that ECMS has potential to improve the immune responses and deserve further study as an adjuvant.

Effects of Nano Chinese Herbal Medicine Feed Additive on Growth Performance,Meat Quality and Disease Resistance of Chickens

[Objectives]To explore the effects of nano compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive on growth performance,meat quality and disease resistance of chickens.[Methods]Chickens were fed with nano compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive developed by Hunan Polytechnic of Environment and Biology,including 120 chickens in the treatment group and 120 chickens in the control group(CK).The growth performance indices(body weight gain,feed to gain ratio and slaughter index),meat quality indices(pH value,color,drip loss,shear force)and disease resistance indices(morbidity and mortality)of the chickens in the treatment and CK groups were recorded and determined,respectively.[Results]The inclusion of 2%nano compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive in the diet significantly increased the growth rate,reduced the feed-to-gain ratio and improved the meat quality of the chickens.Supplementing Chinese herbal medicine could increase the pH value and reduce the drip loss and shear force of chicken meat.At the same time,the body's immune function,antioxidant level and resistance against diseases of the chickens fed with nano compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive were improved.[Conclusions]The inclusion of nano compound Chinese herbal medicine feed additive in the diet can improve the growth performance,meat quality and disease resistance of chickens.

The Effect of Different Levels of Sesame Oil on Productive Performance, Egg Yolk and Blood Serum Lipid Profile in Laying Hens

Addition of sesame oil into layer diets has been proved to enrich the proportion of polyunsatu-rated fatty acids in animal’s products. In this study, the effects of different levels of sesame oil in the diets on the performance, egg yolk and blood serum lipid profile of Isa Brown laying hens were investigated. A total of 96 layers were assigned into 4 groups to receive either 1 of 4 different diets contained 0.0%, 1.5%, 3.0% and 4.5% sesame oil, respectively. Sample of 12 eggs obtained from each groups were assessed for egg quality. The egg yolk fatty acid profile was determined with gas chromatography. Results revealed that the higher levels of sesame oil in the diet decreased egg production, egg weight, and egg yolk color except feed conversion ratio. In addition, supplementation of sesame oil increased the flow index of the eggs and the Haugh unite. The egg yolk lipid profile was not significantly different in the sesame oil fed groups, whereas, compare to control, it decreased the level of cholesterol. The blood serum lipid profile decreased in the sesame oil groups compare to control group. Meanwhile, monoacildigliserol also decreased in the sesame addition groups. In parallel with increasing levels of sesame oil, monounsaturated fatty acid (oleic acid) in the egg yolks significantly increased compared to the control (37.00%, 42.89%, 42.20% and 43.48%, respectively). It can be implied that sesame oil supplementation into the laying hens diet is necessary to produce monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) enriched eggs.

Performance, Immune, and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens as Affected by Thyme and Licorice or Enzyme Supplemented Diets

Numbers of 300 day-old broiler chickens through a CRD design with 5 treatments, 3 replicates and 20 chicks in each pen were used to evaluate the effect of thyme (T), licorice (L), thyme + licorice (TL), and enzyme supplemented (E) diets on performance, immune and carcass characteristics. According to the results, performance traits, immune indices, and carcass traits in herbal medicine and enzyme supplemented diets were improved significantly than control diet (P < 0.05). Weight gain and FCR in T and E groups were significantly higher and lower than other groups respectively (P < 0.05). Internal organs such as abdominal fat and liver weight as indicators of lipogenesis rate were decreased in T, L, and TL diets than control or E diet significantly (P < 0.05). Immune organs such as burse and spleen weight as indicators of immune situation were increased in TL diet than other treatments significantly (P < 0.05). These findings indicated that thyme and licorice singly or in combination as organic herbal medicine can affect performance, carcass and immune characteristics. Also an improved immune organ such as burse or spleen in this study indicates that this herbal medicine can promote the immune situation and efficacy of health and livability.

Effect of Processing on the Oxalate and Calcium Concentrations of Two Local Dishes, C&#417;m H&#7871;n and Canh Chua B&#7841;c Hà, Prepared from Taro Stems

Stems of sweet taro (Colocasia esculenta) grown in Thua Thien Hu&#7871;Province in Vietnam and were used as an ingredient to prepare two local dishes, C&#417;m H&#7871;n and Canh Chua B&#7841;c Hà. This study investigated the effect of simple processing treatments used to prepare these popular dishes on the total, soluble and insoluble oxalate and calcium contents of the taro stems. Raw stems were used to prepare C&#417;m H&#7871;n. Three treatments, removing the skin then washing and slicing, slicing and washing, or slicing and then allowing the stems to wilt overnight were compared to the whole raw stems with the skin retained. Overall, processing the stems reduced the soluble oxalate contents by a mean of 8% when compared with the original raw stems. The mean total calcium bound in the insoluble oxalate fraction of the three processing treatments was 43.3% ± 2.0%. Canh Chua B&#7841;c Hà was prepared by boiling peeled taro stems. In this experiment the peeled stems were boiled for 10, 15 and 20 min and this resulted in 63.4%, 74.5% and 76.6% reductions in soluble oxalate content, respectively, when compared to the original peeled stems. Boiling for 20 min was the most effective way to reduce both the total and soluble oxalate contents of the stems. 39% of the total calcium in the raw taro stems was bound to the insoluble oxalate fraction and this was reduced to a mean of 17.2% ± 2.6% by the three cooking treatments.

Effect of short-term gavage of ethanolic extract of cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica L) root on the ovarian activity and estrus behavior of female mice

Objective:To assess the effect of short-term gavage of ethanolic extract of Imperata cylindrica L root on the ovarian activity and estrus behavior of female mice.Methods:Eighteen virgin female ddY mice,8 to 10 weeks of age,weighing 22-25 g with regular estrus cycle,were divided into three groups.Group 1 received 0.5%carboxymethylcellulose,whereas Groups 2 and 3 received the ethanolic extract of Imperata cylindrica L root at 90 and 115 mg/kg body weight(b.w.)per day by gavage for 20 days,respectively.All of the groups were checked before 9 a.m.daily for vaginal cytology to determine the estrus phase.On day 21,the mice were sacrificed to collect serum samples to quantify the concentrations of reproductive hormones using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and to determine changes in the reproductive organs based on their reproductive organ weight,histomorphology,and histomorphometry of ovarium and uterus.Results:The reproductive organ weight in the treatment groups was similar compared with that in the control group.The 90 mg/kg b.w.treatment group showed an increase in corpus luteum number when compared with the control group,with few degenerated follicles and diminished oocytes.Moreover,the 115 mg/kg b.w.treatment group showed fewer primordial and primary follicles and an increase in corpus luteum number and a prolonged diestrus phase compared to the control and 90 mg/kg b.w.treatment groups.The histomorphology examination of the uterus showed that the thickness of myometrium and epithelium in the treated animals was similar to the control group.In addition,there was a significant decrease in follicle-stimulating hormone level in the 115 mg/kg b.w.treatment group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Short-term gavage of ethanolic extract of Imperata cylindrica L root reduces the follicle-stimulating hormone serum level and folliculogenesis.

Effect of Phytase Enzyme on Organs Growth Performance and Blood Profile of Broiler

Enzymes which are biological catalyst composed of amino acids with minerals and vitamins. The use of enzymes has many benefits in poultry diets include not only enhanced feed conversion and bird performance but also reduced output of excreta problems of environment. The present research work was conducted to evaluate the effect of phytase enzyme on growth performance and blood profile of broiler. Birds were arbitrarily separated into four groups, i.e. Group A (control) was offered 0 g/kg, 0.05 g/kg (group B), 0.075 g/kg (group C) and 0.025 g/kg (group D) phytase enzyme provided in broiler feed. Parameters which were selected in present research work as, feed intake, live body weight, feed conversion ratio, growth performance and blood profile. Results showed that the maximum chicken body weight was noted in group C and feed intake was minimum in group C, as compared to other groups. Feed conversion ratio was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in group C, followed by other groups the non-significantly variance founded respectively, the highest weight of liver, gizzard, heart, intestine were noted in treated group C comparatively, highest spleen weight was in group B and in group A (control) the minimum weight of spleen was noted and the average blood profile of broiler chicks in different groups, the white blood cells was significantly higher in group D followed by group A, group B and C. Red blood cells was significantly (P < 0.05) better in group C. Haemoglobin was significant differences in different groups of trial. A significant (P < 0.05) difference in Packed cells volume in group A followed by group B, C and D. Total protein in group A was minimum followed by group B, C and D, respectively. From the present study, it was concluded that supplementation of 0.075 g/kg phytase enzyme has a better effect on growth performance and blood profile of broiler.

Effect of Additional Feed Supplement Fermentation Shrimp Waste Extract on Digestibility in Sentul Chicken Growth Phase

This study aims to determine the effect of adding feed supplements of fermented shrimp waste extract in the ration on the digestibility of local chicken rations in the growth phase.The research was carried out in Jatinangor District as well as the Laboratory of Ruminant Animal Nutrition and Animal Feed Chemistry,Faculty of Animal Husbandry,Padjadjaran University,Sumedang.The method used in this study was experimental with a Complete Randomized Design(RAL).The data were analyzed by fingerprint test(ANOVA)with further tests using the Dunnet test.The object of this study consisted of 20 Sentul chickens raised from the age of 1 day to 12 weeks,divided into 5 treatments and 4 tests.The treatment consists of P0=Basal ration without the addition of feed supplement fermented shrimp waste extract,P1=Basal ration+0.5%feed supplement fermented shrimp waste extract,P2=Basal ration+1.0%feed supplement fermented shrimp waste extract,P3=Basal ration+1.5%feed supplement fermented shrimp waste extract,and P4=Basal ration+2.0%feed supplement fermented shrimp waste extract.The changes observed are the digestibility of dry matter,the digestibility of organic matter,and the digestibility of proteins.The results showed that the addition of feed supplements for fermented shrimp waste extract had a significantly different influence on the digestibility of dry matter,the digestibility of organic matter,and the digestibility of protein.This study concludes that the addition of a feed supplement of 2%fermented shrimp waste extract in the ration can produce a high ration digestibility value for Sentul chicken in the growth phase.

Productive performance, egg quality, hematological parameters and serum chemistry of laying hens fed diets supplemented with certain fat-soluble vitamins, individually or combined, during summer season

This present study aimed to determine the efficacy of supplementing layer diets with vitamin A(0, 8,000 and16,000 IU/kg diet) and vitamin E(0, 250 and 500 mg/kg diet) either individually or in combination on egg production and quality, and blood hematology and chemistry of birds reared under summer conditions. A total of 135 Bovans Brown laying hens were distributed to 9 treatment groups with 5 replicates of 3 hens/pen in a 3 × 3 factorial design. A significant improvement in feed conversion ratio(FCR) was observed as supplementary vitamin A or E increased(P 0.01). Hens fed diets supplemented with 16,000 IU vitamin A plus 500 mg vitamin E/kg diet had the best FCR among all groups. Egg quality traits were not significantly affected by the interaction of vitamin A and vitamin E levels. There was a significant increase in monocytes(P ≤ 0.01)and a decrease in basophils counts(P ≤ 0.05) in response to vitamin E. Significant decreases were observed in packed cell volume(PCV), thyroxine(T_4), alanine transferase(ALT), albumin, total cholesterol and total lipids((P ≤ 0.05 or P ≤ 0.01) P 0.01), and increases were observed in serum concentrations of globulin(P ≤ 0.05)and calcium(P ≤ 0.01) due to vitamin A. The combination of 0 IU vitamin A and 500 mg vitamin E/kg diet had the highest values of PCV(40.09%) and hemoglobin(Hb)(10.33 mg/100 mL) among all groups. Vitamin E raised serum values of total protein, total cholesterol and total lipids(P ≤ 0.05 or P≤ 0.01). Feed intake, FCR,PCV, Hb, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, T_4, ALT and total protein were significantly affected by the interaction of vitamins A and E(P ≤ 0.05 or P ≤ 0.01). The interaction of vitamins A and E was only significant with respect to serum total protein(P ≤ 0.05). It can be concluded that layer diets supplemented with vitamins A and E had good results in alleviating the harmful impacts of high ambient temperature. The combination of 16,000 IU vitamin A and 500 mg vitamin E per kilogram diet is preferable for obtaining better production of laying hens reared under hot summer conditions.

Effects of zero burning waste on the quality of liquid fertilizer and vermicompost

Peatland is an important ecosystem in Indonesia.But in almost every dry season,drained peatlands have been subject to detrimental wildfires.As a response,the government has explicitly prohibited the burning of land since 2016.To clear the land of crop residues and conduct zero burning practices,one alternative method is to utilize the waste biomass to support the cultivation of earthworms(vermiculture).This study examined the quality of liquid fertilizers and compost produced from vermiculture using a completely randomized factorial design,consisting of two treatment factors.The first factor was worm type,with two species used in this research named Lumbricus rubellus and Eudrilus eugeniae.The second factor was the type of feed provided to the worms,comprising no feed(control),vegetable waste,and crop residue waste resulting from zero burning land preparation.The type of feed significantly affected the pH value of the liquid fertilizer produced by the vermiculture but did not significantly affect the nutrient contents(N,P,and K).The combination of the types of earthworms and types of feed significantly affected the pH value of the vermicompost.The combination of worm types and feed types had a significant effect on exchangeable Ca,but not on exchangeable Mg,Na,and K.In combination,green vegetable waste and Lumbricus rubellus produced the greatest effect on soil CEC.However,for Base Saturation,the control(no food)and Eudrilus eugeniae showed the highest value.Types of worms and types of feed had a significant effect on the exchangeable Mg,while the other three parameters made no significant differences.Zero burning waste and Eudrilus eugeniae provide a better exchangeable Ca and Mg.In contrast,no-feeding and Eudrilus eugeniae have a better effect on exchangeable Na and K.Types of worms and types of feed did not significantly affect the weight of worm colonies,but the addition of feed increased the weight of worms with the highest weight resulting from the use of zero burning waste feed.The results showed that crop residue wastes were potentially good as a feed for earthworms.