Shalini Vaswani

Effect of Feeding Sugarcane Molasses Based Distilleries Raw Spent Wash on Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization and Blood Biochemical Parameters in Heifers

The objective of this study was to evaluate the molasses based raw spent wash as an alternative energy feed substitute in heifers. The study was conducted in two phases. In phase I, effect of replacement of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% of substrate with raw spent wash was studied on in vitro DM digestibility (IVTDMD), in vitro OM digestibility (IVTOMD), pH, in vitro gas production, partitioning factor (PF), total volatile fatty acid (TVFA), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and microbial biomass production (MBP). Results revealed that there was no significant effect of incorporation of different levels raw spent wash on gas production, TVFA production and NH3-N. IVTDMD and IVTOMD digestibility and MBP showed positive correlation with raw spent wash levels. In phase II, eighteen heifers were randomly allocated into three groups (n=6) for a period of 150 d on body weight basis. Feeding regimen was similar in all the groups except that the 10 and 20% barley grains of concentrate mixture were replaced with raw spent wash (RSW). Inclusion of 10 and 20% RSW did not alter feed intake, growth performance and nutrient digestibility among groups. The levels of haemoglobin, packed cell volume, total protein, globulin, alanine transaminase, aspartate amino transferase, alkaline phosphatase, plasma urea nitrogen, Ca, P, Mg, ferric reducing antioxidant power assay and non esterified fatty acids. A higher (P<0.05) concentration of white blood cells, albumin, cholesterol, glucose and immunoglobulin was detected in RSW included groups. In conclusion, upto 10% barley grain could be replaced by raw spent wash without any adverse effect on nutrients intake, nutrient utilization and blood metabolites.

Nutrient Digestibility and Plane of Nutrition of Different Varieties of Normal and High Quality Protein Maize (HQPM) Fodder at Pre-cob and Post-cob Stage in Lactating Sahiwal Cows

The objective of the study was to evaluate the nutrient intake and digestibility of four different varieties (HTHM 5101, DHM 117, HM 5 and Shaktiman/900M Gold) of normal and three (HQPM 5, HQPM 7, HQPM 9/ Vivek) HQPM fodder at pre-cob and post-cob stage in lactating sahiwal cows. Thirty-two multiparous Sahiwal cows in early to mid lactation were selected from herd maintained at ILFC, Mathura and were divided into eight group of four animal each. The seeds of experimental varieties were procured from International Maize and Wheat Centre (CIMMYT) New Delhi and the fodders were cultivated under identical conditions in different plots.. Each group was fed with different variety of maize along with basal diet.. Two digestibility trials of seven days were conducted both at the end of feeding of pre and post cob stages of fodder respectively.. The variety DHM 117 have shown higher (P<0.05) DCP and TDN intake at both pre and post-cob stages of the fodder. The digestibility of DM, OM and CP was significantly (P<0.05) higher for DHM 117 whereas, in post cobs stage the normal varieties (DHM 117, HM 5, and HTHM 5101) exhibited higher DM and OM digestibility. However, the digestibility of DM, OM and CP was lower for HQPM 9 and HQPM 5 varieties at both stages respectively. From the present study varietal effect was observed and the variety DHM 117 have shown higher intake and digestibility at both pre and post-cob stages however long-term study with large number of animals is advisable. for recommendation.

Evaluation of maize grain varieties for in vitro gas production and methane emission

Methane production potential of different varieties of maize grain was tested by in vitro gas production test. The seeds of four normal maize (HTHM 5101, DHM 117, HM 5 and Shaktiman/900 M Gold) and three high quality protein maize (HQPM 5, HQPM 7, HQPM 9/Vivek) varieties were tested for gas, methane production and digestibility using goat rumen fluid by in vitro gas production technique. Gas productions per g dry matter (ml/g DM) and per g digestible dry matter (ml/g DDM) did not show any significant difference among different varieties. Methane production was significantly (P<0.05) higher for HM 5 (11.55%) and lowest for DHM 117 (9.56%) variety. The net methane production per g dry matter (ml/g DM) and per g digestible dry matter (ml/g DDM) was significantly (P<0.05) highest for HTHM 5101 and lowest for DHM 117 variety. The in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD %) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD %) differed significantly (P<0.05) among the different varieties of maize grains. The results suggest that different maize grain varieties exhibited differences in their methane production potential and DHM 117 maize variety produced least methane.

In vitro evaluation of different varieties of maize fodder for their methane generation potential and digestibility with goat rumen liquor

Aim: To evaluate the methane generation potential and digestibility of different (normal and three high-quality protein maize [HQPM]) varieties of maize fodder with goat rumen liquor in vitro. Materials and Methods: Methane production potential and digestibility of different varieties of maize fodder were tested in in vitro gas production test. Seven varieties of maize, four normal (HTHM 5101, DHM 117, HM 5, and Shaktiman/900 M Gold), and three high-quality protein (HQPM 5, HQPM 7, and HQPM 9/Vivek) were grown in different plots under the same environmental and agro-climatic conditions. Fodders were harvested at 45-50 days of sowing, and the representative samples of fodder from different varieties of maize were collected for analysis. Dried and grinded form of these maize fodder varieties was tested for gas, methane, and digestibility using goat rumen microflora in in vitro gas syringes. Results: Gas production (ml/g dry matter [DM]) was highest for HM5 variety (97.66, whereas lowest for HQPM 9 variety (64.22). Gas production (ml/g degraded DM [DDM]) and methane (%) were statistically similar in different varieties of maize fodder. The methane production expressed as ml/g DM and ml/g DDM was significantly (p<0.05) highest for HM 5 (14.22 and 26.62) and lowest for DHM 117 variety (7.47 and 14.13). The in vitro DM digestibility (%) and in vitro organic matter digestibility (%) varied from 47.48 (HQPM 5) to 52.05 (HQPM 9) and 50.03 (HQPM 7) to 54.22 (HM 5), respectively. Conclusion: The present study concluded that DHM 117 maize variety fodder has lowest methane generation potential and incorporating it in the dietary regime of ruminants may contribute to lower methane production.

Effect of feeding different levels of Azolla pinnata on blood biochemicals, hematology and immunocompetence traits of Chabro chicken.

Aim: The present study was conducted to see the effect of feeding different levels of Azolla meal on blood biochemicals, hematology and immunocompetence traits of Chabro chicken. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 160 Chabro chicks, which were randomly divided into four treatment groups each with four replicates of 10 birds. The first treatment (T1) served as a control in which basal diets was offered without Azolla supplementation while in T2, T3, and T4 groups, basal diet was replaced with Azolla meal at 5%, 7.5%, and 10% levels, respectively. A feeding trial was conducted upto 8 weeks. At the last week of trial, blood samples were collected randomly from one bird of each replicate and plasma was separated to estimate certain biochemical parameters, some blood metabolites, minerals and enzymes like alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Hematological parameters such as hemoglobin, packed cell volume, total leukocytes count and differential leukocytes count were estimated in fresh blood just after collection. The humoral immune response was measured against sheep red blood cells,and cell-mediated immune response was measured against phyto hemagglutinin lectin from Phaseolus vulgaris (PHA-P). Results: The study showed that hematological profile of the Chabro bird was not affected by any treatment except heterophil and lymphocyte which was found higher in T2 and T3 groups and eosinophil was found higher in a T3 group than control. Blood glucose, creatinine, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, uric acid, and triglycerides were found similar in all the groups and within the normal values for broiler chicken. Liver enzymes and macro mineral content in blood were found similar in all the treatment groups and within normal physiological range. Although AST was found higher in 10% replacement group than control, the value was within normal range for broiler chicken. Although antibody titer was found similar in all the experimental groups in the present study, cell-mediate immune response (response to PHA-P) was found higher in 5%, 7.5%, and 10% replacement groups than control(p<0.05). Conclusion: Similar blood biochemical parameters and higher cell-mediated immune response in Azolla replacement group indicated immune-modulatory effect of Azolla meal without any toxicity.

Effect of feeding azolla (Azolla pinnata) meal on the performance, nutrient utilization and carcass characteristics of Chabro chicken

Present study was conducted to assess the effect of feeding azolla meal on growth performance, nutrient utilization and carcass characteristics of Chabro chicken in 8 week feeding trial. 160 Chabro chicks (1 week old) were randomly divided into four groups with four replicates and ten birds each. Control group (T1) was fed on basal diet without azolla supplementation and three experimental diets were prepared by replacing basal diet with azolla meal at 5% (T2), 7.5% (T3) and 10% (T4) levels. The diets were offered randomly to all the four groups (T1, T2, T3 & T4) for a period of 8 weeks. Live weight gain was significantly improved (P<0.05) in T2 and T3 groups. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein retentions were improved significantly (P<0.05) in chickens kept on T2 and T3. Supplementation of 5% azolla meal significantly increased relative weight of breast compared to control. Retentions of crude protein and Ca were significantly (P<0.05) higher in groups fed azolla meal. Cost of feed per kg live bird was significantly (P<0.05) lower in all the groups fed azolla meal compared to control group. It was concluded that dietary inclusion of azolla meal upto 7.5% was beneficial in terms of improved performance and nutrient utilization in Chabro chicken without any deleterious effect on carcass quality with reduced feed cost.

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) as cryoprotectant in semen extender : A new approach

Semen cryopreservation a technique for long-term storage of sperm cell supplements Artificial Insemination (AI) to enhances its efficiency for widespread dissipation of superior germplasm. These two techniques together open up new opportunities for breed improvement in country.Semen cryopreservation needs extender essential for sperm survival and storage at extreme low temperature (-196°C). Being an important component of cryopreservative process, semen extenders have been continuously studied and revised from time to time for improved post thaw semen quality. Egg yolk is a very well known cryoprotectant that protects plasma membrane during cryopreservation. Various components of EY have been investigated to identify the most active component(s) responsible for its protective effect and role of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in egg yolkhas been widely acceptedas membrane stabilizers. Simultaneously, there have been increasing demands to replace whole egg yolk in semen extenders because of the presence of substances in yolk that inhibit respiration of spermatozoa or diminish their motility, acrosomalintrigity and fertilizing ability. Based on the knowledge that the cryoprotectant effect of egg yolk is derived from the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) fraction, this component is now being extracted studied and added to the extender as an replacement of egg yolkand has shown promising results. So,taking into accountthe fact that LDL could be a better alternative for egg yolk as cryoprotectant in semen extenderfor better post thaw semen quality and improved conception rate in farm animals.