A. Sahoo

Effect of calcium salt of fatty acids supplementation on performance of Malpura lambs

Twenty-four Malpura lambs (28 days old) were distributed into three equal groups (four each from either sexes). They were fed ad libitum on three experimental diets containing graded levels of calcium salt of fatty acids (source: rice bran oil; Ca-FA) at 0 (T1), 20 (T2) and 40 (T3) g per kg of concentrate and dry roughage (Prosopis cineraria leaves) up to 6 months of age along with suckling of mother till weaning (3 months). Effect of Ca-FA supplementation on liveweight gain, feed and nutrient intake was not observed during pre-weaning (28–90 days), which however increased (P < 0.05) in T3 during post-weaning (90–180 days). There was an increase in organic matter intake and digestibility as well as metabolisable energy intake in Ca-FA-supplemented groups. Rumen ammonia-N and ciliate protozoa population was increased (P < 0.05) in T2 and T3 with a positive shift in rumen fermentation (increased propionate and decreased acetate). Blood biochemical analysis revealed effect of treatment and age (P < 0.05) for free fatty acids and cholesterol concentration. Ca-FA supplementation improved (P < 0.05) dressing percentage both at 2% and 4% CA-FA inclusions levels with no change in fat yield and composition. It is concluded that supplementation of Ca-FA prepared from industrial-grade rice bran oil in growing lamb rations improved gain, organic matter intake and digestibility during the post-weaning period and a linear response to the level of supplementation recommends Ca-FA at 40 g/kg for improved lamb performance.

Growth Performance of Lambs Fed Diet Supplemented with Rice Bran Oil as Such or as Calcium Soap

Forty two Malpura lambs (21 d old) were divided into three groups of 14 each consisting of 8 females and 6 males. Lambs were allowed to suckle their respective dams twice daily up to weaning (13 wks) and offered free choice concentrate and roughage in a cafeteria system. The lambs in control group were fed conventional concentrate mixture, in RBO group concentrate mixture fortified with 4% industrial grade rice bran oil and in Ca-soap rice bran oil (as in RBO group) was supplemented in the form of calcium soap. The concentrate intake decreased(p≤0.05) in RBO group as a result total dry matter, crude protein and metabolizable energy intake decreased compared to control whereas Ca-soap prepared from the same rice bran oil stimulated the concentrate intake leading to higher total dry matter, crude protein and energy intakes. The digestibility of dry matter (p≤0.05), organic matter (p≤0.05) and crude protein (p≤0.05) was higher in RBO group followed by Ca-soap and control whereas no effect was observed for ether extract digestibility. Higher cholesterol (p≤0.05) content was recorded in serum of oil supplemented groups (RBO and Ca-soap) while no effect was recorded for other blood parameters. Rice bran oil as such adversely affected and reduced the body weight gain (p≤0.001) of lambs in comparison to control whereas the Ca-soap of rice bran oil improved body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency in lambs. Fat supplementation decreased total volatile fatty acids (p≤0.05) and individual volatile fatty acid concentration which increased at 4 h post feeding. Fat supplementation also reduced (p≤0.05) total protozoa count. Ca-soap of rice bran oil improved pre slaughter weight (p≤0.05) and hot carcass weight (p≤0.05). It is concluded from the study that rice bran oil in the form of calcium soap at 40 g/kg of concentrate improved growth, feed conversion efficiency and carcass quality as compared to rice bran oil as such and control groups.

Re-alimentation strategy to manoeuvre body condition and carcass characteristics in cull ewes

Improvement in body condition and carcass traits through nutritional intervention was studied in cull ewes. Sixty-eight adult non-productive Malpura ewes (average body weight 26.7 ± 0.33 kg) were randomly divided into four equal groups: G0 maintained on free grazing for 8 h on protected natural rangeland with ad libitum guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) straw (GS) after grazing; G1, G2 and G3 fed with supplemental concentrate at the rate of 250 g, 2.5% of live weight (LW) and ad libitum, respectively. The experiment was continued for 90 days and daily feed intake, weekly LW and body condition score (BCS) were recorded. Intake and digestibility of nutrients were assessed by indicator method. Rumen fermentation attributes and blood biochemical profile were studied to assess the dietary effects and animals were slaughtered at the end of experiment for evaluation of carcass characteristics. Higher dry matter (DM) intake and improvement in plane of nutrition was observed in G2 and G3 with a higher LW gain (LWG) and improvement in BCS than in G0. The digestibility of DM, organic matter, CP, ADF and cellulose was higher (P < 0.05) in G2 and G3 than in G0. A lower ruminal pH and ammonia N but higher total N and trichloroacetic acid-precipitable N, an increase in holotrichs, spirotrichs and total protozoa population, increase in haemoglobin but decrease in serum total cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acids were observed in high-concentrate-fed groups. Carcass attributes revealed increase (P < 0.05) in empty LW, dressing yield, eye muscle area, subcutaneous and intramuscular fat, decrease in shear force value and higher (P < 0.05) protein content in Longissimus dorsi muscle in test groups than in the control. Above all, the G2 animals had better rumen environment and blood biochemical attributes and consumed more feed with enhanced digestibility that supported higher LWG at better feed conversion efficiency, improvement in BCS and carcass quality. Thus, re-alimentation of cull ewes with challenged feeding of concentrate at 2.5% of LW on a basal roughage diet for a period of 3 months may have promise for better economic return to the farmers with possibly meeting quality mutton for human consumption.

Phytochemicals and Gut Microbial Populations in Non-ruminants

Phytochemicals are bioactive non-nutrient plant compounds, which have been great interests to the researchers because of their potential effects as antioxidants, antiestrogenics, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anticarcinogenics. However, the bioavailability and effects of polyphenols greatly depend on their transformation by components of the gut microbiota. Phytochemicals and their metabolic products may also inhibit pathogenic bacteria while stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria, exerting prebiotic-like effects. Gut microbiota influences the development and maturation of the digestive and immune systems and is a source of regulatory signals, some of which may be suitable for exploitation for therapeutic purposes. This chapter focuses on interaction between phyto-metabolites or plant secondary metabolites and gut microbial population in non-ruminants and harvesting nutritional, health and environmental benefits, consequently in the interest of human population.

Replacement of mustard oil cake by urea in short-term strategic feeding of cull ewes to improve body condition and carcass traits

Strategic short-term feeding of culled Malpura ewes (age >6 years, average liveweight 26.8 ± 0.96 kg) was aimed at improving their body condition and increase marketability of their carcass following slaughter. Randomly, 8 out of 40 ewes were slaughtered to study initial (Day 0) carcass traits and the remaining ewes were equally divided into two groups: mustard cake (Control) and urea. They were stall fed with ad libitum guar straw (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) and concentrate mixture at 25 g/kg liveweight after 4 h of morning grazing in the pasture. The Control group was offered concentrate with solvent extracted mustard cake whereas it was replaced on an equivalent nitrogen (N) basis with urea in the concentrate offered to the other group. Daily feed intake and weekly change in ewe liveweight and body condition score were measured during the 91 days of the experiment. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference in digestibility of nutrients between the groups. Both groups had similar dry matter and metabolisable energy intake, but the mustard cake group recorded higher (P < 0.05) cumulative weight gain and body condition score. Ruminal fluid samples and blood biochemical measurements were analysed periodically (0, 45 and 91 days), with ruminal fluid samples during the post-feeding hours also analysed. There was periodic variation in rumen pH (P = 0.013), volatile fatty acid (P = 007), total N (P = 0.001) and ammonia-N (P = 0.025) concentration in both groups. Higher post-feeding volatile fatty acid (P = 0.031) and total N (P = 0.003) values were observed in the mustard cake group. Ruminal ciliate protozoal population showed a quadratic response over time after feeding with an initial decline post-grazing, but was not affected by treatment. Similar significant (P < 0.05) improvements in haemoglobin, glucose, total protein, urea and cholesterol levels were evident in both groups at 91 days. Both treatments showed similar improvement in carcass composition, distribution of fat and chemical composition of Longissimus dorsi after 91 days of realimentation compared with initial values. Short-term pre-slaughter feeding of cull ewes improved body condition, carcass traits and composition. Replacement of costly mustard cake with urea in the diet of cull ewes could be a means to improve profitability of this strategic feeding protocol, as well as enhancing their market value.

Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and rumen bypass-fat supplementation on growth, nutrient utilisation, rumen fermentation and carcass traits of lambs

Forty-eight weaned (3 months of age) lambs were randomly distributed in a 2 × 2 factorial design to assess the effect of rumen bypass-fat (RBF) feeding (with and without) and probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation (with and without) on growth, nutrient utilisation, rumen metabolic profile and carcass traits during the post-weaning phase (3–6 months of age) of life. The four experimental groups, each having 12 lambs (six male and six female), were thus designated as control (C, basic diet without RBF and probiotic), basic diet without RBF but with probiotic (C + P), basic diet with RBF but without probiotic (C + RBF) and basic diet with RBF and probiotic (C + P + RBF). The basic diet consisted of ad libitum concentrates and dry pala (Zizyphus nummularia) leaves. Additionally, each lamb received 500 g of green ardu (Ailanthus excelsa) leaves. The RBF was calcium salt of fatty acids (source: rice bran oil) and fed at 40 g per kg of concentrate and the probiotic was fed at 9.0 × 107 colony-forming units (CFU) per kg bodyweight. Weekly bodyweights were recorded to assess the growth performance of lambs and revealed significantly (P = 0.026) higher gain in weight and average daily gain in RBF-supplemented groups independent of probiotic supplementation. The intake of concentrate was higher (P = 0.025) in RBF-fed groups and lead to increased (P = 0.028) total daily dry-matter intake and higher (P < 0.05) plane of nutrition (more metabolisable energy and a higher digestible crude protein intake) irrespective of probiotic supplementation. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was narrower (P < 0.05) in RBF- and probiotic-supplemented animals. Digestibility of organic matter, ether extract and acid detergent fibre increased and higher nitrogen balance was observed in lambs fed with RBF. Probiotic supplementation showed a positive effect (P < 0.05) on digestibility of acid detergent fibre. Ruminal metabolic profile was assessed at the end of the experimental feeding and it showed higher pH and ciliate protozoa population with RBF, independent of probiotic supplementation. Urinary purine derivatives were measured during the metabolic trial at the end of the experiment, which showed higher allantoin excretion leading to increased microbial nitrogen flow with RBF supplementation. Pre-slaughter weight, loin eye area and lean percentage were higher with a lower bone percentage and cooking loss, showing positive carcass attributes in RBF-fed groups, and the effect of probiotic was non-significant. It is concluded that RBF supplementation enhanced higher intake and utilisation of nutrients that supported improved weight gain, FCR and carcass traits, while Saccharomyces cerevisiae feeding had a positive effect on fibre digestibility and FCR, possibly by modifying the gut environment.

Effect of altered ambient temperature through shelter modifications on physiological indicators of Malpura lambs reared in semi-arid region during winter

Microclimatic factors are of crucial aspect for the welfare of animals. Therefore, a study was conducted to assess the effect of altered ambient temperature through shelter modifications on physiological indicators of Malpura lambs reared in the semi-arid region during winter. Twenty-one Malpura lambs of 3-5 week age and average body weight 9.97 ± 0.51 kg were used in the present study. The lambs were divided into three groups (eg. G1, G2, and G3) and were kept in the different microenvironment by manipulation of shelter design. The G1 lambs were maintained at lower minimum temperature (8.59 ± 0.71 °C) in asbestos roofed shed, while G2 lambs were maintained at higher minimum temperature (14.59 ± 0.54 °C) in local handmade bamboo dome structure, and G3 lambs were kept at a medium minimum temperature (11.84 ± 0.64 °C) in thermocol insulated roofed shed from evening 18:30 h to morning 07:00 h. The study was carried out for one month between January and February. The parameters studied were physiological response (respiration rate, pulse rate, rectal temperature), skin temperature, blood metabolites and endocrine profile. The data were analyzed by general linear models. Higher average daily weight gain was recorded in the lambs kept in higher minimum temperature groups (20.54% higher in G2 and 24.68% higher in G3) as compared to G1 lambs. Microenvironment manipulation had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on most of the physiological response and skin temperature except morning respiration rate within low-temperature range. The present study reveals that Hb, PCV, T3, and cortisol level were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by microenvironment manipulation. The results of the study indicated that altered ambient temperature through altered shelter design of housing for raising of lambs in the semi-arid tropical region may support animal welfare during chilling nights of the winter.

Mitigation of Climatic Change Effect on Sheep Farming Under Arid Environment

Livestock is the integral part of agricultural systems all over the world. However, in India, climate change has become a serious concern for ensuring nutritional security for the growing population. Small ruminants, especially pastoral farming, serve a major livelihood option and are embedded deep in the culture of resource-poor small and marginal farmers of arid and semiarid western India. The breeds of these arid and semiarid region are well adapted to the local climatic condition and have amalgamated themselves to very harsh climatic factors in the region. The local native animals of this region have their own adaptive mechanism of altering physiological, neuroendocrine, biochemical, cellular, and molecular process to encounter the stress; still, they need to endure stressful conditions due to high temperature, low feed, and water scarcity. All these constraints expose the sheep production into heat stress, nutritional stress, water stress, walking stress, and their combinations. All the stress factors affecting sheep production directly and indirectly and ultimately lead to compromised performance, lower efficiency, and increased mortality and affect the immune system. Giving the poor farmer’s economic security, under changing climatic scenario, sheep production has to be sustainable by combating the detrimental effect of different mitigation strategies. In the present chapter, the mitigation strategies have been discussed which include genetic improvement, breeding management, grazing management, nutritional management, utilization of unconventional feed resources, antioxidant supplementation, water management, shelter management, and disease management. Basically, all these strategies are based on a physical modification of the environment, genetic modification, and improved nutritional management. To get optimum production under changing climatic scenario, holistic approach is needed as per the environmental conditions and available resources.