[en] Radiation disinfection of manure for animal feed supplement. Radiation treatment for disinfection of manure have been investigated on manure collected during the dry and rainy seasons. Total bacterial counts of non-irradiated dewatered manure with water content of around 13.44% were found to be 1.0x10⁶ up to 1.4x10⁸ per g during the dry season, and 2.0x10⁵ up to 1.7x10⁷ per g during the rainy season, while coliforms, enterobecteriacease, staphylococcus, streptococcus, and pseudomonas were found to be 1.0x10⁶ up to 1.4x10⁸ per g, 1.0x10⁴ up to 1.2x10⁶ per g, 4.0x10⁵ up to 2.2x10⁷ per g, 1.8x10³ per g, and 1.0x10² up to 5.4x10³ per g, respectively. About 30% of the total coliforms were found to be escherichia coli. Irradiation dose of 4 kGy eliminated salmonella from all samples observed. No. Shigella Vibrio, and parasites were detected in the samples. Total nitrogen of the dewatered manure ranged between 1.87 and 2.33%, phosphorus between 1.25 and 4.38%, and potassium between 0.66 and 2.18%. Heavy metal elements were found only in very small amounts, hence the dewatered manure could be applied as animal feed or soil conditioner. A combination of irradiation at 4 kGy and storage for 3 months was synergistically effective to eliminate coliform, E. coli, and salmonella in the dewatered manure. From nutritional point of view, the manure is still acceptable for animal feed supplement. (author). 13 refs

[en] In this paper, results of a two year experiment conducted with cross-bred cattle grazing natural herbage under coconut with the objective of alleviating feed shortage and improving the quality by feeding tree fodder and a low cost concentrate with critical nutrients are discussed. The experiment was conducted in a coconut plantation at Kotawila, Matara district (WIZ) of the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. There were four treatments, coconut only with out fertilizer (T1); coconut only + fertilizer (recommended levels) (T2); coconut + tethered cross-bred heifers (165 kg ± 25) grazed natural herbage + urea treated straw during dry period (T3); coconut + tethered cross-bred heifers grazed natural herbage +tree fodder (2 kg/d fresh) + concentrate supplement (250 g/d) +urea treated straw during dry season (T4) arranged in a randomized block design with 3 replicates with a stocking rate of 2 heifers / 0.4 ha. The concentrate supplement contained Rice bran 400 g, Molasses 400 g, urea 100 g and minerals 80 g per kg with minimum amount of water to dissolve as a paste. Herbage dry matter yields in all treatments were positively related to the seasonal rainfall. The highest and lowest average bi-monthly dry matter (DM) yields were 2296 kg/ha/yr for T2 and 1496 kg/ha/yr for T3 respectively. The herbage yields of grazed treatments were marginally sufficient to meet the feed requirements of grazing cattle during the wet season. Botanical composition of herbage increased with grazing due to improved ground cover. In grazing treatments horizontal species such as Axonopus affinis, A. compressus and Puraria were dominant while vertical species such as Veronica cinera and Lantana camara were dominant in ungrazed plots. The differences in dry matter yield between T3 and T4 increased towards the latter stage of the experimental period, probably due to low grazing pressure by animals in T4 receiving supplementation. Similarly, herbage nitrogen content increased in T4 but decreased in T3 due to overgrazing by animals with out supplementation. Depletion of soil and herbage nitrogen in T3 stimulated conservation of nitrogen through recirculation within the animal. It was also estimated that each coconut palm received 141 kg of fresh dung /year in T3 and 146 kg/year in T4 along with 66.6 kg/urine /year in T3 and 69.6 kg/yr in T4. The dung and urine could totally replace nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizers applied to coconuts. Also it could reduce the potassium fertilizer applied to coconut by 85% in T3 and 88% in T4 and magnesium fertilizer applied by 85% in T3 and 88% by T4. There was a marked increase (P < 0.05) in live weight gains of cattle recording 688 g/d for heifers in T4 and 349 g/d for heifers in T3. Heifers fed supplements were in oestrus significantly earlier and at a higher body weight than those fed on natural herbage only. Thus fairly evenly matched initial ages and live weights of T3 (145.5 ± 2.4) and T4 (144.2 ± 2.9) groups, respectively differed significantly in favour of T4 at first oestrus. Heifer fed supplements calved significantly earlier than the heifers fed only natural herbage. An additional benefit of the integrated system was the improvement (P < 0.05) of coconut and copra yield per palm in grazed plots over monoculture plots, especially in T4 plots with animals receiving supplements. Soil nitrogen content also increased (P < 0.05) in grazed plots (T3 - 0.964% and T4 -1.004%) plots as compared to monoculture plots (T1-0.839%, T2-0.859%) demonstrating further benefits on cattle integration. Results suggest that supplementation of tree fodder and low cost concentrate to heifer's grazed natural herbage under coconut alleviated seasonal feed shortages and improved cattle and coconut performance, which contributed to sustainability of the integrated system. Further investigations, would show the actual benefits with the passage of time. (author)

[en] The feed supply trends of three important browse species, Anogeissus leiocarpus, Balanites aegyptiaca and Sclerocarya birrea was monitored in the Zamfara reserve of north-western Nigeria (6 deg. 45' - 7 deg. 10' E and 12 deg. 00' - 13 deg. 10'N), between peak period of production (September) and peak period of the dry season (April). 36 trees, 12 of each species were randomly selected and marked on a 3000 x 500 m transect. On each tree 12 twigs of one centimeter diameter thick were randomly selected and their leaves harvested and weighed fresh. After weighing, samples from each species were thoroughly mixed and 100 g sub samples were collected for oven drying and dry matter (DM) determination. This procedure was repeated at an interval of five weeks between 2002 and 2003. The experiment was laid as a Randomized Complete Block Design. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), where there were significant differences between treatment means, Duncan Multiple Range Test method was used for comparison. Results were presented of the DM production of the different browse species at the different time intervals. Anogeissus leiocarpus produced the highest (P < 0.001) amount of DM at all the periods, except in the month of March. Dry matter yield of the specie declined progressively from September (33.0 g) to March (9.0 g). Dry matter yield of Balanites aegyptiaca and Sclerocarya birrea was not consistent throughout the study period, however the former produced more yield (P < 0.001) than the latter (13.3 vs. 8.4 g, respectively). In the month of March, Sclerocarya birrea produced no leaves at all. On the overall, the mean DM yield of all the species was highest in November (23.3g) and lowest in March (6.3 g). The decline in the DM yield of all the species during this period could be due to physiological stress resulting from lack of moisture. It could also be due to competition of the grazing animals that switch from grazing to browsing during this period, which was earlier reported by in the region. It can be concluded from the result of the study that although Anogeissus leiocarpus species produced the highest DM yield throughout the periods except in March, Balanites aegyptiaca species was fairly more consistent in DM production throughout the periods. It could also be concluded that Anogeissus leiocarpus and Balanites aegyptiaca seems to be more ecologically adapted to this semi-arid environment and to the animal browsing activities

[en] A major constraint to maximizing productivity in ruminants in most developing countries are mineral imbalances; specifically deficiencies and toxicities. This paper attempts to present a comprehensive account of their occurences and the severity of mineral deficiencies in grazing ruminants in Malaysia, based on studies under extensive management and improved feeding systems. The importance of minerals in the nutrition of these animals will be highlighted. Data of mineral levels in the blood and tissues of indigenous swamp buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis), Kedah-Kelantan cattle, sheep and goats will be presented. This paper will also review the mineral levels in animal tissues, plants and soil and usage of these data for predicting the mineral status of ruminants as well as the methods of mineral supplementation for deficient animals (author)

[en] Effects of packaging material on the quality of irradiated chicken feed. The study was carried out to determine the proper packaging materials to maintain the keeping quality of irradiated chicken feed. Four kinds of packaging materials, namely laminated woven plastic bag, polyethylene film of 0,085 mm thick, laminated cement paper, and plain cement paper were made into puches with size of 15 x 25 cm, filled with 0.5 kg chicken feed and then irradiated with doses of 0.5 and 10 kGy. Samples were kept in ambient temperatures and the examinations were carried out every 2 months from 0 to 6 months of storage on the chemical changes and microbial content. Parameters examined were moisture content, thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value, total microbial count, mould and yeast count, enterobacteraceae, coliformbacteria, and aerobic and anaerobic bacterial spores. The results showed that the four packaging material were able to protect the chicken feed from gaining or loosing moisture, but the TBA values of chicken feed in plain cement paper pouches were lower than those in the three other packaging materials. The four kinds of packaging materials used did not give any meaningful effect on the microbial content of chicken feed, and were able to protect the chicken feed from recontamination during storage. 8 refs

[en] Because of some fabrication errors, in the combined nutriments (for the reproduction hens' heavy breeds) an amount of Koccisan (drug for the meat chickens, used for their protection, on growing period, against parasites.) has been introduced. After this fabrication mistake an effective and egg loss estimated at 16 987 EURO has been recorded. The fabrication of combined nutriments necessary for hens feeding intended for meat and egg production was performed in the frame of unit of production 'A', unit specialized in combined nutriments production. The farm of hens heavy breeds reproduction 'B' was the only beneficiary of this producer, contracting an annual necessary about 18 000 tons, integral assuring the raw materials of fodder, inclusive the vitamin-minerals premixes and drugs, has establish the manufacture receptions and the amount of fodder input necessary. Unit of production 'A' , has received the manufacture receptions and the raw materials necessary for fabrication, achieving on their on responsibility the fodder quantity, programmed at quality parameters suiting the solicited prescription. On the nutriments fabrication route, the delegates from the farm of reproduction hens heavy breeds 'B' haven give the dispositions to the execution personal of the production unit 'A' and don't substituted him. The technologic process and the responsibility of combined nutriments fabrication has been taken only by the production unit 'A', which detain the installation and the qualified personal in this domain of activity. Because of some fabrication errors, in the feeds prescriptions intended to the reproduction hens heavy breeds effectives, it has been introduced a quantity of coccidiostatic (Kokcisan), drug intended to the meat chickens, for their protection on the growing period, against parazitoses (coccidiosis). The coccidiostatics substances administrated to the youth fowl until the age of sixteen weeks, after that they are interdicted totally, the limit of toxic sill being very diminished and having repercussions on fowls live an also in the reproduction activity. In the case of Kokcisan premix (which contain as active substance salmomicina) the restriction is totally regarding the reproduction youth and the adult fowls, being recommended only meat chickens. Analysis can be observed that between the commanded quantity by the farm of reproduction hens heavy breeds 'B'' and those delivery by production unit 'A' are some differences which dignify certain problems in the technologic flow of fabrication. After introducing in the poultry nutriments, the fabricated fodder from production unit 'B' in the framework farm of reproduction hens' heavy breeds 'B' has been take place intoxication with salinomycin to the effectives of hen and coconut. In the combined nutriments components, beside the basic raw materials (cereals, coarse-ground grist, protean flour) that are included fodder additives (methionine, lysine, hill, etc.), vitamin minerals concentrates, prepared medication, enzymes, bio stimulant. From the category of prepared medicated make part the antibiotics, vitamins, coccidiostatic substances. These products are presented in the concentrated shape or on the support, which can assure the possibility to be integrated in the final product. In the case of the kokcisan premix, utilized to prevent the meat chicken coccidiosis, the product contain salinomycin as active substance, being utilized by the producer firm already premixed in an granulated form of 12 % concentration, recommended to be technological processed only by the FNC units as an ingredient in the preparation of the combined nutriments. For the augmentation of the secure degree in the homogenization process of the nutriments component, S.C. Combivra S.A. Focsani has effectuated an premixed from this product with the incorporated rate of 1% from the Any of the fodder additives can generate serious intoxications. In case that the incorporating module is not respected. Pursuant to the result presented, can be observed the incorporating extreme high of salinomycin in the 21-7C si 21-7F prescription and inconclusive in the Kokcisan premix. As a result of the intoxication with salinomicina in the framework of the reproduction heavy breeds farm, many losses of effectives has been produced, of eggs for incubation, perturbation the activity due to losses of coconut effectives. Conclusions: 1. The fabrication of the Kokcisan premix on the technological fabrication line of combined nutriments and his storage in the bunker of final products was a very serious mistake. 2. The fabrication of the 21-7C prescriptions for coconut immediately after the premix fabrication resulting their contamination with salinomycin. 3. The quantity of 200 kg combined nutriments 21-7C, which result in plus following the fabrication compared with the effectuated command, demonstrated that she is emanated from the previous premixed

[en] In order to exploit the productive potential of milk producing animal, supplementation is a prerequisite. However due to low purchasing power of most small scale dairy farmers some farmers use what is locally available as supplements of Mondia whytei, maize germ, lucerne and dairy meal were fed to dual purpose lactating goats in a completely randomised design. The basal diet was Rhodes grass hay. Chemical composition of feeds was done. Crude protein, CP in Mondia leaves was 187 g kg^-1 DM while calcium was 69.1 g kg^-1 DM. Mondia whytei is a plant which mainly grows in forests and has many valuable uses including its use as a livestock feed. It has been claimed that when farmers in western Kenya feed Mondia roots to their lactating cows there is an increase in milk production. It is against this background that this work was undertaken to compare the potential of Mondia whytei roots and leaves with other conventional feed supplements. Response to Mondia roots was quite low. There was no significant difference in rumen pH levels over time between treatments. It is recommended that more work be done on Mondia whytei to determine its potential as a feed supplement and to continue monitoring its use on-farm including its feeding methods used by farmers in western Kenya

No abstract available

[en] Animal feed and water shortage is one of the main constraints for the livestock sector in arid and semi arid region of Eritrea. The major feed resource comes from the rangeland pasture and crop residue. The quality and availability of these feed resources decreases rapidly following the rainy season. This fluctuating pattern of animal feed supply results in a pattern of gain and loss in animal growth and performance. In a country like Eritrea where feed shortage is such a serious problem, utilization of multipurpose trees and shrubs such as cactus that can cope with low and erratic rain fall, high temperature poor soils, and required low energy inputs can serve as an alternative strategy to reduce the chronic animal feed and water shortage (Barbera et al., 1995). Therefore the aim of this research was to assess the potential of spineless cactus (Opuntia ficusindica) as an alternative source feed and water for ruminant animals fed poor quality crop residues during the dry season in Eritrea. A randomized complete block design was used to allocate 24 fat tailed Highland male sheep with initial mean live weight of 21.1kg in two replications and one of four feed treatment groups. Animal in T1 received ad libitum amount of urea treated barley straw alone, while those in T2, T3 and T4 received ad libitum urea treated barley straw supplemented with 175g, 350g and 525g of spineless cactus (DM basis), respectively. At the end of the feeding trial, four sheep were transferred to metabolic crates for the digestibility trial. Data were analyzed using standard analysis of variance (ANOVA) with help of GENSTAT statistical producer software. Spineless cactus cladodes were high in water and ash content but low in crude protein and low in crude fibre. The energy content of cactus was 65% more than the urea treated straw. The effect of increasing level of spineless cactus on feed and water intake and weight gain is presented. With increasing level of cactus, there were significant increases in DMI (P <0.001) and body weight performance (P <0.05) while deceased in water consumption (P <0.001). The highest DMI was found in the last two treatments (101.81 and 96.48 BW0.75/d, respectively), compared with the first two treatments (94.35 and 87.57 for g/kg BW0.75/d, respectively). The trend of water intake of sheep with increasing level of spineless cactus pear is presented. Sheep in T1 consume more water (2 litres/d) than the other treatments (0.85, 0.51, 0.15 litres per day for T2, T3 and T4, respectively). In East African countries, during the drought season animal daily travelled for more than 14 km to reach to watering point (Ndikumana, 2002). This justify cactus's extremely important role in saving drinking water for livestock during the dry season. The highest body weight gain (51.9g/d) was found when sheep received 350g DM of cactus (T3), while the lowest was in the control diet (26.8g/d). About a 22% body weight improvement was achieved in this study, which is quite interesting as animals loss body weight normally during the dry season, although cactus pear is abundant and succulent in this season. In this study it was evident that cactus pear supplementation improves diet digestibility. The metabolism trial demonstrated that available energy intake (DOMI or TDNI) was directly related to animal performance in the feeding trial. In conclusion, feeding cactus in combination with urea treated barley straw can significantly increased animal performance and feed intake, and significantly reduced water intake. Therefore, utilization of cactus pear as an animal feed could play a significant role in promoting sustainable livestock production by providing with an alternative feed as well as water source. (author)

No abstract available