M. Dario

A survey of chemical and nutritional characteristics of halophytes plants used by camels in Southern Tunisia

The camel (Camelus dromedarius) is well adapted to the utilization of vegetation of low nutritional value in its natural habitat zone, thanks to its aptitude to vary food and to search plants that are rich in water content and that can make up for its nutritional deficits, particularly as concerns mineral elements. Therefore, a survey was carried out to determine camels pasture quality, dietary preference and to characterize the chemical characteristics and nutritional value of different halophytes plants in a region of Southern Tunisia during spring season. Laboratory analysis were conducted on fourteen vegetable species appertained to seven different botanical families: Chenopodiaceae, Graminaceae, Tamaricaceae, Zygophyllaceae, Asteraceae, Frankeniaceae and Plumbaginaceae. Data obtained indicate an high variability of nutritional content of halophytes plants preferred by camels, specially for dry matter, crude protein, fiber fractions, ash and mineral elements.

Growth performance and carcass characteristics of female turkeys as affected by feeding programs

A trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of different feeding programs on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Nicholas Large White female turkeys. Three different feeding programs were considered for a 12-wk period: 1) 3 diets fed for 4 wk each (starter 24% CP, grower 20% CP, and finisher diet 16% CP), 2) 2 diets fed for 6 wk each (starter-grower 22% CP and grower-finisher diet 18% CP), and 3) no change of diet for 12 wk (starter-grower-finisher diet 20% CP). From 0 to 4 wk of age, birds were fed an ad libitum common starter diet. Each dietary treatment was replicated 3 times, and feed and water were provided ad libitum. Body weight and feed consumption were measured every 2 wk, whereas carcass characteristics were evaluated at 16 wk of age. Feed intake increased as the frequency of dietary changes decreased, and feed conversion was not different between programs 1 and 3. There were no significant differences in final BW among experimental groups. For a single feeding program, the proportion of neck, bone, and feet decreased, and a greater percentage of edible meat was registered as compared with the other 2 groups. Mean carcass, breast, and thigh weights of turkeys reared under multiple diets were not different compared with other groups. Positive correlations were noted between live weight and weight of carcass, breast, thigh, drumstick, wing, and abdominal fat of turkeys. Thus, a single cycle feeding regimen in Nicholas Large White female turkeys results in similar growth performance and carcass characteristics compared with other conventional feeding programs considered in the present study.

Forage to concentrate ratio in Jonica breed goats: influence on lactation curve and milk composition.

The aim of the work is to evaluate the effects of different forage to concentrate rations on milk yield, composition and renneting properties of milk of Jonica breed goats. Twenty-four Jonica goats received diets with forage to concentrate ratio of 35/65, 50/50 or 65/35, providing respectively a low, medium and high energy level. Goats were divided into three homogenous groups and confined in individual pens for 152 days to assess the daily feed intake and milk yield and composition. The main conclusions show that animal body weight did not change significantly with the increasing levels of forage, whereas significant differences (P<0.05) for daily dry matter intake were observed in relation to the evolution of lactation. Milk production was influenced (P<0.05) by dietary treatments and was higher in the diet with the greatest energy level. Forage to concentrate ratios did not significantly affect milk characteristics, milk renneting properties, initial production, rate of increase until reaching the peak and rate of decline after peak production. However, the day of peak production and peak production of goats were linearly reduced when the level of forage increased within the diet. In conclusion, the results indicate that both forage to concentrate ratio and energy level improve goats production without influencing the milk composition.

Nutritional composition of three fodder species browsed by camels (Camelus dromedarius) on arid area of Tunisia.

Browsing camels have access to different plant species in relation to the kind of pasture they can reach. A study was conducted in an arid region of Southern Tunisia to determine the dietary preference and forage quality of free ranging camels. Foliage consisting of leaves from Limonium pruinosum, Retama raetam and Stipa tenacissima, was collected during the dry season to evaluate the chemical characteristics and nutritional value of these browse fodder species. The dietary preference was studied using 15 adult camels which were selected from a herd of 50 animals appropriately marked for identification. There was a significant difference in the chemical composition and nutritional value of plant species collected. Based on crude protein (CP) content and nutritional value, the three fodder species browsed can be recommended as good-quality food source for camels under pastoral management.