Reena Kamal

Effect of live Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NCDC-49) supplementation on growth performance and rumen fermentation pattern in local goat

Twenty female kids of local goats (6.42±0.28 kg, 3-month-old) were divided into two equal groups. Kids in experimental group received Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCDC-49 (5.6×109 cells/head/day) whereas the control was unsupplemented. This study lasted for 120 days. Rumen liquor was collected for three consecutive days after two months and at the end of the experiment before offering feed. The body weight gain, height at withers and heart girth were higher with superior feed conversion in the treatment group. Colony forming units were higher with lower NH3 concentration in yeast culture fed kids. It is concluded that S. cerevisiae NCDC-49 supplementation improved growth and feed conversion efficiency and had some positive influence on the rumen fermentation parameters.

Behavioural, biochemical and hormonal responses of heat-stressed crossbred calves to different shade materials

ABSTRACT An attempt was made to study the effect of different shade materials on physiological, behavioural, biochemical and hormonal responses in crossbred Vrindavani calves during the summer seasons in the Cattle and Buffalo Farm of Indian veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India. During experiment, 28 crossbred calves were divided into four groups: thatch shading roof (T1), agro-net shading roof – 60% light diffusion (T2), asbestos with canvas shading roof (T3) and well-grown tree (T4). The daily macro- and microclimate data were recorded at 0900 and 1400 h. The data for each ongoing behavioural activity were recorded by closed circuit television consecutively for three days for each animal in each group from 1000 to 1700 h. Blood was also collected at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days of the experimental period for estimation of different biochemical parameters. The microclimate, that is, maximum and minimum temperatures, relative humidity and temperature humidity index of the roof, was lower in the T2 group. There was significantly more (P < .05) time spent in shade structure by the T2 group as compared to other groups. Among the behaviour, feeding, rumination, resting and sleeping activities were more in the T2 group, whereas standing, moving, drinking, time spent near water tank and abnormal behaviour (cross-sucking, licking) were more in T3 and T4. Among the blood parameters, haemoglobin was significantly higher (P < .05) while, Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase and Alkaline Phosphatase were significantly lower in the T2 group.

Non-genetic factors affecting birth weight of shahabadi lambs

A study was undertaken in 105 flocks in the breeding tract (Buxar, Bhojpur and Rohtas districts of Bihar) of Shahabadi sheep to analyse the effect of non-genetic factors (location, flock size, season, sex, and type of birth,) on birth weight. The overall least squares mean of birth weight in Shahabadi lambs was 2.34±0.03 kg. All the non-genetic factors except flock size had significant (P<0.01) effect on birth weight. Lambs reared at Buxar and Bihiya blocks of Buxar district, winter season, male lambs and lambs born as single, registered higher birth weights. The findings of the study could be useful to breeders for considering these factors which had significant effect on the birth weight during the selection of animals for future breeding programme.