Loading...
Thesis
Browse
12 results
Search Results
ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND IMMUNE RESPONSE IN BUFFALO CALVES(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2012-11) PARASHU RAMULU, S; NAGALAKSHMI, D(MAJOR); SRINIVASA RAO, D; KISHAN KUMAR, MABSTRACT: The present study was conducted with an aim to study effect of zinc (Zn) supplementation on nutrient utilization, growth performance and immune response in buffalo calves. The experiment was conducted in two phases i.e., in vitro and in vivo study in buffalo calves. During first phase graded doses (0 to 160 ppm) of zinc as ZnSO4.7H2O was supplemented to sorghum stover based complete diet and screened for in vitro DM digestibility and in vitro gas production technique. The in vitro dry matter (IVDMD) and cellulose (IVCD) digestibilities increased gradually from 80 to 140 ppm, highest (P<0.01) digestibilities were observed at 140 ppm and further no improvement was observed at 160 ppm of Zn supplementation. Similarly, mean gas volume, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and metabolizable energy (ME) content in Zn supplemented diets were higher (P<0.01) compared to BD and increased (P<0.01) up to 140 ppm Zn concentration in a dose dependent manner and then decreased at 160 ppm. The above in vitro attributes at 140 ppm were comparable with that of 80, 100 and 120 ppm Zn addition. Based on these observations, 80 and 140 ppm Zn supplementation was selected for in vivo experimentation in buffalo calves. During second phase, eighteen buffalo calves with an average body weight of 125±2.5 kg were randomly allotted to 3 groups in a completely randomized design. The dietary treatments were viz., Basal diet (BD; 29.72 ppm Zn from feed ingredients), BD supplemented with 80 and 140 ppm Zn as ZnSO4.7H2O (22 % Zn). Calves were fed the respective diets at 3 per cent of body weight to meet the nutrient requirements (NRC, 2001) of dairy cattle except Zn throughout 120 days of feeding trial. A digestibility trial of 7 days was carried out after 60 days of feeding trial. Blood was collected at 60, 90 and 120 days of feeding trial to determine the serum mineral status and at 90 d for haematological and serum biochemical constituents. Further, for estimating antioxidant enzyme activity in haemolysate, again blood was collected after 110 days of feeding trial. The humoral immune response against Brucella abortus and chicken RBC was assessed by administering suitable doses of these antigens on 95th d with a booster dose after 15 days and response was measured by standard tube agglutination test (STAT), Enzyme linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) and direct haemagglutination test (DHA) respectively in serum collected at 8, 15, 22 and 29 d post sensitization. At the end of experiment, cell mediated immune (CMI) response was determined by in vivo delayed type hyper sensitivity (DTH) reaction against phytohaemagglutinin-P (PHA-P). No effect of Zn supplementation was observed on DM, organic matter, crude protein, nitrogen free extract, neutral detergent fibre and hemicellulose digestibilities while digestibilities of crude fibre (P<0.05), ether extract (P<0.01), acid detergent fibre (P<0.01) and cellulose (P<0.01) increased with either 80 or 140 ppm Zn supplementation. Cellulose digestibility was highest with 80 ppm (62.17 %) compared to 140 ppm Zn supplementation (57.28 %) and lowest in unsupplemented calves (53.73 %). No effect of Zn supplementation (80 and 140 ppm) was observed on plane of nutrition and nutritive value of diets. The calves grew linearly with an average daily gain of 582.9, 546.9 and 525.6 g on 0, 80 and 140 ppm Zn supplementation and corresponding average daily dry matter intake were 3.97, 3.90 and 3.71 kg, respectively. Supplementation of Zn had no effect on fortnightly body weight, dry matter intake, nutrient intake and efficiency of nutrient utilization. Similarly, Zn supplementation at either 80 or 140 ppm had no influence on haematological constituents analysed viz., haemoglobin, total erythrocyte and leucocytes count, packed cell volume, MCV, lymphocytes, monocytes and granulocytes. Alkaline phosphatase activity and globulin concentration in serum increased (P<0.05) with Zn supplementation, but no effect of dose of Zn supplementation was observed. While serum total protein, albumin, cholesterol, glucose and albumin:globulin ratio were not affected by Zn supplementation. Lipid peroxidation (μmol MDA/mg Hb) was higher (P≤0.05) in calves fed BD (3.46) and its levels reduced with Zn supplementation and lowest level was observed with 140 ppm Zn supplementation (2.36). The antioxidant enzyme activities such as glutathione peroxidase (μmole NADPH oxidized/g Hb/min) and glutathione reductase (μmol/mg Hb) activities were higher (P<0.01) in 140 ppm supplemented calves (35.34, 10.80, respectively) while RBC catalse activity (mmol/mg Hb) was higher (P<0.05) in 80 ppm supplemented calves (1.90) compared to those fed BD (1.19). Humoral immune response against Brucella abortus was higher (P<0.05) in Zn supplemented calves (8, 15, 22 and 29 d post sensitization) and highest response was observed with 140 ppm Zn supplementation. The HA titers against chicken RBC did not vary significantly with variation in dietary Zn supplementation. The DTH response against PHA-P was maximum at 24 h post inoculation and maximum response was observed with 140 ppm Zn supplementation and lowest in those fed BD. The study indicated that Zn supplied through practical feed ingredients in diet (29.72 ppm Zn) was sufficient for buffalo calves with an average daily gain of 500 g, while ether extract and fibre digestibility enhanced with 80 ppm Zn supplementation. Further higher Zn concentration i.e., 140 ppm Zn was required for higher antioxidant activities and immune responses in buffalo calves.ThesisItem Open Access CHEMICAL AND IN VITRO EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT PULSE CHUNIES(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2012-11) PARTHA SARATHI, SWAIN; SRINIVASA RAO, D(MAJOR); NAGALAKSHMI, D; MAHENDER, MABSTRACT: The present study was planned to evaluate the chemical composition and nutritive values of commonly available pulse chunies viz. Green gram, Black gram, Bengal gram and Red gram chunies available in the local markets of Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. The samples procured from the local markets. Samples were pooled and ground to minimise the sampling errors prior to, laboratory evaluation. The pulse chunies collected were analysed for their chemical composition, fibre fractions, and Dry Matter (DM) degradability by two in vitro techniques, different fractions of protein and carbohydrate by CNCP (Cornell’s Net Protein and Carbohydrate) system. The Total Digestible Nutrient (TDN) and Metabolisable Energy (ME) content of the samples were calculated as per the equations suggested by Krishnamoorthy et al. (2005) and Menke and Steingass (1988), respectively. The chemical composition of Green gram chuni was found to be CP-22.33, EE-2.43, CF-15.92, TA-8.50, NFE-47.02, AIA-3.17, Ca-0.83 and P-0.38% and the fibre fractions were found to be NDF-46.49, ADF-22.78, cellulose-17.41, hemicellulose-23.71, lignin-4.26 and silica 1.10 % on DM basis. In Black gram chuni the chemical composition was found to be CP-20.66, EE-2.16, CF-13.14, TA-11.69, NFE-48.89, AIA-6.78, Ca-0.71 and P-0.33% and the fibre fractions were NDF-35.03, ADF-17.45, cellulose-13.44, hemicelluloses-17.58, lignin-3.05 and silica 0.96 % on DM basis. In Bengal gram chuni the chemical composition was found to be CP-9.58, EE-1.80, CF-40.69, TA-5.03, NFE-42.57, AIA-0.66, Ca-1.05 and P-0.55% and the fibre fractions were NDF-50.56, ADF-41.67, cellulose-40.08, hemicelluloses-8.90, lignin-1.60 and silica 0.17% on DM basis. The chemical compositions in Red gram chuni was found to be CP-16.22, EE-2.20, CF-30.97, TA-4.03, NFE-46.61, AIA-0.23, Ca-0.72 and P-0.42% and fibre fractions were NDF-46.63, ADF-32.49, cellulose-29.99, hemicelluloses-14.14, lignin-2.50 and silica-0.07% on DM basis. The DM degradability (%) of the chunies studied by Modified Tilley and Terry method (1963) and Rusitec were 77.62 and 75.29 for Green gram chuni, 80.39 and 77.81 for Black gram chuni, 52.80 and 51.61 for Bengal gram chuni and 55.11 and 50.06 for Red gram chuni, respectively indicating Black gram chuni was found to have highest DM degradability at 24 h of incubation. In Rusitec, the Black gram chuni and Green gram chuni produced less amount of gas at 24 hr incubation as compared to that of Bengal gram and Red gram chunies. The effective DM degradabilities % was 56.8, 58.8, 35.5, and 39.4% for Green gram, Black gram, Bengal gram and Red gram chuni, respectively. The gas produced in in vitro gas production technique (IVGP) from these pulse chunies varied significantly for the incubations of 0-2, 2-4, 4-6, 8-12, 18-24, 24-36 hr and non significant variation was observed for 6-8, 12-18, 36-48 and 48-72 h of incubation. The gas production was initially maximum from Black gram chuni then dominated by green gram chuni. But after 18 h of incubation, gas production was higher in Bengal gram and Red gram chuni probably due to high fibre content of the samples. Considering the cumulative gas production in IVGP, significant difference (P<0.01) was observed in 0-2, 0-4, 0-6, 0-8, 0-12 and 0-18 hr of incubation and thereafter, the difference in gas production became non significant for 0-24, 0-36, 0-48 and 0-72 hrs of incubation. But irrespective of chemical compositions, all the chunies produced almost similar amount of gas at the end of 72 h of incubation. Green gram chuni containing maximum ME (Mcal/kg DM) of 2.58 than other samples which were 2.50, 2.26, and 2.26, respectively for Black gram, Bengal gram and Red gram chuni. The TDN content (%) was found to be highest in Green gram chuni (68.11) which differed significantly from Bengal gram (2.26) and red gram chunies (2.26). In vitro organic matter degradability (IVOMD) in mg was found in the range of 103.17 (Red gram chuni) to 118.64 (Green gram chuni) with a non-significant difference (P>0.05). Protein Fraction A (% CP) was highest in Red gram chuni (37.72) followed by Bengal gram chuni (19.60), Black gram chuni (19.13) and lowest in Green gram chuni (17.89). Green gram chuni (10.26) was higher than other chunies in protein fraction B1 (% CP) and Red gram chuni was the lowest (7.78). Black gram chuni (46.28) has shown significantly higher (P<0.01) levels of fraction B2 (% CP) than Red gram and Bengal gram chunies and Red gram chuni (30.94) was again reported to have the least. Green gram chuni (7.73) was containing the highest protein fraction B3 (% CP) Black gram chuni (4.08) was having the least. Protein fraction C (% CP) was highest in Bengal gram chuni (28.15) and Red gram chuni was having minimum (18.57). Thus Bengal gram chuni is the least available protein source with low CP and high Fraction C of protein. The carbohydrate fraction A (% CHO) studied by CNCP system was maximum in Bengal gram chuni which varied significantly (P<0.01) with Red gram (15.28) and Green gram chunies (19.74). The carbohydrate fraction B1 (% CHO) was highest in Black gram (24.99) chuni and minimum in Green gram chuni (11.78). Considering carbohydrate fraction B2 Green gram chuni was found to contain maximum and Black gram chuni was minimum with values of 60.92 and 45.48 % CHO, respectively. The fraction C (% CHO) varied in the range of 4.61 in Bengal gram chuni to 15.34 in Green gram chuni which signified Bengal gram chuni was a good carbohydrate source with highest available carbohydrate. It can be concluded from the above study that Black gram and Green gram chunies can be considered as good non conventional feed resources with high CP, ME, TDN and high DM degradabilities than Bengal gram and Red gram chunies for ruminant feeding.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF FIBROLYTIC ENZYMES SUPPLEMENTATION ON NUTRIENT UTILIZATION AND RUMEN FERMENTATION PATTERN IN SHEEP FED STOVER BASED DIETS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2011) VIJAY BHASKER, TEKULAPALLY; NAGALAKSHMI, D(MAJOR); SRINIVASA RAO, D; RAGHUNANDAN, TABSTRACT : The present study was conducted to develop a suitable fibrolytic enzymes cocktail comprising cellulase, xylanase, β-D-glucanase for maize stover and sorghum stover by in vitro studies and to evaluate the effect of these fibrolytic enzyme combination by in vivo studies in sheep in terms of nutrient utilization and rumen fermentation pattern. The fibrolytic enzymes cellulase, xylanase and β-D glucanase, investigated had an activity of 10, 00,000, 16, 00,000 and 10, 00,000 IU/g, respectively. For in vitro studies the required quantity of the enzyme was manually mixed with stover which was ground through 1mm screen. At first, cellulase and xylanase were added individually to both the stovers at an increasing dose rates viz., 0, 100, 200, 400 , 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 25600, 32000, 38400, and 44800IU/g DM and screened for in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and in vitro total sugar release (mg/g DM). The IVDMD% was not affected with cellulase supplementation to sorghum stover from100 to 1600 IU/g DM, beyond which (32000-44800 IU/g), it gradually increased (P < 0. 001) in dose dependant manner and highest (P < 0. 01) IVDMD was observed for concentration of 44800 IU/g. Significant increase (P < 0. 01) in IVDMD was observed with xylanase supplementation to sorghum stover at concentration of 25600-44800 IU/g compared to control and highest IVDMD was observed for xylanase concentration of 44800 IU/g. The in vitro total sugar release from sorghum stover increased gradually in a dose dependant manner with increase in concentration of cellulase and xylanase supplementation from 0 to 44800 IU/g. Based on the in vitro studies the concentration of cellulase and xylanase selected for studying the combination (cellulase and xylanase) effect for sorghum stover were 32000, 38400 and 44800 IU/g of cellulase and 25600, 32000, 38400 and 44800 IU/g of xylanase. The in vitro sugar release was higher with enzyme supplemented singly or in all combinations (range: 35.78 – 57.66 mg/g DM) compared to un-supplemented stover (14.5 mg/g DM). The combination of cellulase-xylanase that gave higher IVDMD for sorghum stover than 38400-25600 (40.30%) followed by 32000 -38400 (42.50%), 44800-25600 (41.89%), 44800-44800 (40.89%), 44800- 32000 (40.82%) and 38400-32000 IU/g (40.30%). Except for combination 44800 cellulase-44800 xylanase, all other 5 combinations were selected to synergistic effect of β-D glucanase supplemented at 0, 100, 200 and 300 IU/g. In case of sorghum stover, no significant effect of β-D glucanase (100-300 IU/g) supplementation to selected cellulase-xylanase combinations were observed on IVDMD. The highest IVDMD was observed for cellulase-xylanase- β-D glucanase combination 44800-32000-0 followed by 44800-25600-0 IU/g. while the in vitro sugar release was higher in all enzyme supplemented stover (range: 48.46 to 56.77 mg/g DM) compared to un-supplemented stover (14.57 mg/g DM) and the increase in sugar release was according to concentration of enzymes. No correlation between IVDMD and in vitro sugar release was observed for the enzymes combinations. Based on IVDMD the best enzyme combination selected for in vivo studies in sheep was 38400 cellulase-25600 xylanase-0 β-D glucanase for sorghum stover. Similarly, for the maize stover, the IVDMD was affected by supplementing cellulase and xylanase up to 3200 and 800 IU/g respectively. The in vitro sugar release increased gradually with increase in cellulase or xylanase concentration. The highest IVDMD was observed for cellulase concentration 25600 IU/g (23.74%) followed by 12800 (21.99%), 32000 (21.66%) and 6400 (20.79%) IU/g. Similarly the IVDMD was highest for xylanase concentration of 25600 (24.48%) and 32000 (25.14%), followed by 38400 (23.77%), 44800 (23.97%) and 12800 (23.49%) IU/g. These above doses of cellulase and xylanase were selected for investigating the combination effect of these enzymes for maize stover. The ranking of cellulase-xylanase combination for maize stover based IVDMD was 12800-12800 IU/g (49.98%), followed by 25600-25600 (48.55%), 32000-25600 (46.00%) and 25600-12800 IU/g DM (45.89%). For cellulase-xylanase combination, at all cellulase concentration tested (6400, 12800, 25600 and 32000 IU/g), the amount of sugar release (P < 0. 001) with increasing in xylanase concentrations. No correlation between IVDMD and in vitro sugar release was observed, Hence based on the IVDMD, the enzyme combination selected for further in vitro studies with β-D glucanase (100-300 IU/g) was above 3, except the combination 32000 cellulae-25600 xylanase IU/g. Similar to that of sorghum stover, no beneficial effect of β-D glucanase was observed on IVDMD and the enzyme combination 12800 cellulase -12800 xylanase- 0 β-D glucanase was selected for maize stover for in vivo studies in sheep. The in vivo experiment in sheep with the selected exogenous fibrolytic enzyme (EFE) from in vitro studies for sorghum stover and maize stover was conducted by incorporating both these stovers as sole roughage source in total mixed ration (TMR) in roughage concentrate ratio of 50:50. The appropriate amount of enzyme required for each stover in TMR was added to concentrate mixture of TMR diet and later mixed with chopped stover in a large tub manually for about 10 minutes before feeding to sheep daily. The experiment was conducted on 24 ram lambs ( 6-8 months) 20.24 ± 1.442 kg body weight (BW) which were randomly allotted to 4 dietary groups i.e., sorghum stover based total mixed ration (TMR), sorghum stover based TMR supplemented with EFE , maize stover based TMR and maize stover based TMR supplemented with EFE . The lambs were fed with respective diets for a preliminary period of 21 days followed by 7 days collection period. The organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, nitrogen free extract, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre and cellulose contents were 87.52, 10.49, 2.47, 30.53, 44.02, 74.50, 47.11 and 35.76 % for sorghum stover based TMR and for maize stover based TMR, the corresponding values were 86.77, 10.84, 2.82, 28.25, 44.85, 74.43, 43.24, 31.19 % respectively. No effect of EFE supplementation was observed on chemical composition of diets. Supplementing EFE to sorghum stover or maize stover based TMR had no effect on DM, OM and hemicellulose digestibilities. The NFE digestibility improved (P < 0.05) by EFE supplementation to sorghum stover based diet, while such effect was not observed for maize stover based TMR. Though non significant, the EE and CF digestibility improved by EFE supplementation 7.35 and 8.32% by to sorghum based TMR and 5.82% and 5.76% The cellulase digestibility increased (P < 0.05) with addition of EFE for sorghum stover based TMR but not for maize stover TMR. The NDF and ADF digestibility increased by 8.57 and 6.14 % with EFE supplementation to sorghum stover based TMR. The TDN, DE and ME content significantly increased (P < 0.05) with EFE supplementation to sorghum stover based TMR which was a reflection of higher CF, NFE and EE digestibility, while no effect of EFE supplementation was observed for nutritive value of maize stover based TMR. Lower CP digestibility with EFE supplementation reduced the DCP content of sorghum stover based TMR. All the lambs of various dietary groups were on positive nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balances. No effect of EFE supplementation was observed on nitrogen and phosphorus balance while calcium balance increased (P < 0.05) with EFE supplementation. The rumen pH values decreased (P < 0.05) with increase in TVFA concentration (P < 0.01) with EFE supplementation, irrespective of roughage source in TMR. The total nitrogen was not affected with EFE addition, while ammonia nitrogen concentration in rumen liquor increased (P < 0.05) in lambs fed on rations supplemented with EFE. Irrespective of the roughage source and EFE supplementation in diet, the peak TVFA, total nitrogen and ammonia nitrogen concentration in rumen was observed at 4h post feeding. From the present study, it could be concluded that supplementation of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes comprising cellulase, xylanase and β-D glucanase developed from in vitro studies to sorghum stover based TMR improved the nutrient digestibility, ruminal ammonia nitrogen and TVFA concentration in sheep and also nutritive value of ration but such effect was not pronounced on maize stover based TMR, when β-D glucanase was zero it may be removed.ThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON ASSOCIATIVE EFFECT OF NON-STARCH POLYSACHARIDE DEGRADING ENZYMES WITH PHYTASE, PREBIOTICS AND PROBIOTICS ON PERFORMANCE IN BROILERS AND LAYERS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2011-09) NARASIMHA, JATOTH; NAGALAKSHMI, D(MAJOR); RAMANA REDDY, Y; RAJASEKHARA REDDY, A; SUDHAKAR, K; VIROJI RAO, S.TABSTRACT: A study was undertaken to develop a suitable NSP enzyme combination to improve nutrient utilization from corn-soybean meal based diets for broilers and layers by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Also the associative effect of NSP enzymes with prebiotics, probiotics and phytase was investigated. The broiler and layer diets were supplemented with eight concentrations of xylanase (1000, 2500, 5000, 7500, 10000, 20000, 40000 and 60000 IU/kg), cellulase (50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 and 6400 IU/kg) and β-D-glucanase (50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 and 6400 IU/kg), three best concentrations of each NSP enzyme was selected for both broiler and layer diets. With these enzyme concentrations, twenty seven (3x3x3) combinations were formulated and among them, the significantly (P<0.01) higher sugars release was recorded for combination of xylanase -7500, cellulase -100 and β-D-glucanase -100 IU/kg/diet for broiler diet and for layer, the NSP enzyme combination was xylanase-10000, cellulase-400 and β-D-glucanase-100 IU/kg and these were selected for conducting in vivo experiments in broilers and layers. The synergistic effect of NSP enzyme and protease was observed in broilers with supplementation of 2000 IU/kg diet. In broiler Experiment-I, 360 day old broiler chicks were weighed, wing banded and randomly distributed in to twelve experimental groups, six replicates per group and five birds per replicate and raised in electrically heated battery brooders to evaluate the effect of the NSP enzyme combination selected from in vitro studies along with or without protease supplemented to four corn-soybean meal based broiler diets varying in energy concentration i.e. standard energy (SD) and three low energy diets, [(-75 (LE1), -150 (LE2) and -225 (LE3) kcal lower ME than SD] on performance, nutrient retentions, carcass traits, gut conditions and cost economics. Significant (P<0.01) interaction of dietary energy concentration and NSP enzymes was observed for body weight gain from week 1 to 6, during starter (0-3 weeks), finisher (4-6 weeks) and total gain (0-6 weeks). The total weight gain was significantly (P<0.01) higher in enzyme supplemented groups in SD, LE1 and LE3. The total body weight gain reduced (P<0.01) with reduction of 225 kcal/ME in diet (LE3) compared to SD. No further improvement was observed with additional supplementation of protease. The feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) significantly (P<0.05) improved with supplementation of NSP enzymes, alone or in combination with protease, irrespective of level of energy. The supplementation of NSP enzymes increased (P<0.05) the organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE), nitrogen free extract (NFE) and gross energy (GE) retentions and further improvement was observed with addition of protease. Tibia ash content in broilers was not influenced by either the level energy or NSP enzymes supplementation. Irrespective of level of energy, enzyme supplementation with or without protease reduced (P<0.05) intestinal pH, viscosity and E. coli count (cfu/ml). Sections of intestines revealed elongated villi with uniform distribution of goblet cell in NSP enzyme supplemented diets fed birds, where as congested and moderately short ruptured villi were observed in no enzyme fed ones. Dressing and breast yield was un effected by dietary energy but NSP enzyme supplementation increased (P<0.01) the yields. Abdominal fat (%) was lower in LE2, LE3, but no effect of NSP enzyme and protease was observed. Feed cost of production per kg live weight gain for overall period was comparable in SD, LE1 and LE2 and decreased (P<0.01) in LE3. Supplementing NSP enzyme increased (P<0.01) the feed cost of production and further with addition of protease. Based on the Experiment-I findings, LE3 diet was selected for 2nd broiler experiment to study the associative effect of NSP enzymes with prebiotics, probiotics and phytase on broiler performance. Supplementing BD (LE3 diet of Experiment-I) with NSP enzymes with or without prebiotics and phytase had no effect on total body weight gain, while addition of probiotics or synbiotics along with NSP enzymes significantly (P<0.05) improved the total weight gain. Supplementing all feed additives to BD had increased the gain by 7.48%. The overall feed intake was not affected in broilers fed BD or BD supplemented with NSP enzymes along with either, prebiotics, probiotics, phytase or synbiotics. Similarly, supplementation of all feed additives had no effect on feed intake. The FCR improved with addition of NSP enzymes along with either, prebiotics, probiotics or synbiotics. While no associative effect of phytase was observed on FCR. The FCR improved with addition of all feed additives to BD compared to both BD and SD. The retention of OM, CP and GE was significantly (P<0.05) improved with addition of NSP enzymes along with either prebiotics, probiotics or phytase. NSP enzymes with synbiotics had no effect on nutrient retention except GE. BD supplemented with NSP enzymes with phytase and all feed additives improved the retention of OM, CP, NFE, GE and phosphorus indicating synergistic effect of these feed additives. Addition of either prebiotics, probiotics and phytase, individually or combination of all along with NSP enzymes to BD reduced (P<0.05) intestinal pH and viscosity, cost of feeding and cost of production per kg live weight gain compared to BD and SD. The selected enzyme combination for layers from in vitro studies was supplemented to four layer diets varying in dietary energy concentration to investigate the possibility of reducing the energy concentration in the diets with NSP enzymes supplementation. The diets were standard energy diet (2600 kcal ME/kg) (SD) and other three were low energy diets having 100 (LE1), 200 (LE2) and 300 (LE3) kcal lower ME/kg diet than the SD and were fed for three laying periods of twenty eight days. Significant (P<0.01) interaction of dietary energy concentration and NSP enzymes was observed on percent hen day production during 2nd period and such interaction was not observed for 1st and 3rd period. During 2nd period, NSP enzymes supplementation increased the percent hen day production for SD and LE2 and a trend of improvement was observed for LE1 diet with NSP enzymes supplementation. Feed intake was comparable among various groups, in 1st, 2nd and third period. The feed intake was higher (P<0.05) in LE3 compared to SD and LE1 and no effect of NSP enzyme supplementation was observed. No effect of dietary energy or NSP enzymes supplementation was observed on weight changes, dressing yield, abdominal fat, weight of liver and gizzard, tibia ash, egg weight, egg mass, shell thickness and specific gravity of egg. However, breast yield reduced (P<0.05) gradually with lowering of dietary energy and heart weight was higher in SD compared to low energy dietary groups. NSP enzyme supplementation increased (P<0.01) intestinal length. Albumen and yolk index was lower in (P<0.01) LE2 and LE3 groups compared to SD. The mean shell weight in birds fed LE2 or LE3 was significantly (P<0.05) higher than those fed SD and LE1. Irrespective of level of energy, NSP enzymes addition significantly (P<0.01) improved the utilization of DM, OM, CP, CF, EE, NFE and GE. Intestinal pH, viscosity and E. coli count was reduced (P<0.01) in NSP enzymes supplemented groups compared to un supplemented ones. The sections of intestines revealed elongated broad and dividing villi with increased number of goblet cell in NSP enzymes supplemented groups irrespective of level of energy. The feed cost to produce dozen eggs was higher (P<0.05) for LE3 compared to SD and irrespective of dietary energy, NSP enzymes supplementation reduced the feed cost of production. The LE3 diet was selected to test the additive effect of supplementing NSP enzymes with prebiotics or probiotics and phytase. The percent hen day production was not affected by supplementation of NSP enzymes along with prebiotics or probiotics but improved with addition of phytase or synbiotics with NSP enzymes. Feed intake (g/bird/day), FCR (g/feed/g egg) and egg quality traits and slaughter attributes were not affected by supplementation of various feed additives (NSP enzymes, prebiotics, probiotics and phytase) alone or their combination. The DM, OM and NFE retention was comparable among the experimental groups. Supplementation of NSP enzymes along with other feed additives, (probiotics and phytase) improved (P<0.05) retention of CP, CE, EE, GE and phosphorus and no associative effect of prebiotics was observed on nutrient retention. Intestinal pH, viscosity and E. coli count in feed additives supplemented groups was significantly (P<0.05) reduced compared to un supplemented ones. The feed cost per dozen eggs did not increase with supplementation of NSP enzymes alone or along with either of prebiotics, probiotics, phytase or synbiotics and was comparable to SD. While supplementing all the feed additives to BD significantly (P<0.05) reduced to the feed cost per dozen eggs compared to BD and SD. From this study, it can be concluded that supplementing NSP enzyme combinations developed from in vitro studies improved body weight gain feed conversion efficiency in broilers and egg production in layers fed corn-soybean meal based diets varying in energy concentration with improvement in nutrient retentions and gut health. Associative effect of NSP enzymes with either prebiotics, probiotics or phytase was observed for nutrient retentions and gut health at reduced cost of production in both broilers and layers.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTATION OF CONCENTRATE TO SWEET SORGHUM BAGASSE SILAGE ON NUTRIENT UTILIZATION AND PERFORMANCE IN NATIVE SHEEP(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2011-08) VIDYA, BADEKELA; RAMANA REDDY, Y(MAJOR); SRINIVASA RAO, D; RAVINDER REDDY, VABSTRACT: Sweet sorghum bagasse (SSB) is a by-product of ethanol industry and gaining importance in the country. The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the effect of supplementation of concentrate at different levels to SSB silage on the performance, nutrient utilization and carcass characteristics in Nellore growing ram lambs. A randomized design was applied with groups of seven growing ram lambs (14.05±0.61) and age (3month), blocked by weight, allocated to one of four treatments; SSB silage ad libitum (R-I), SSB silage + concentrate 170 g (R-II), SSB silage + concentrate 225 g (R-III) and SSB silage + concentrate 280 g (R-IV). The growth trial was conducted for a period of 120 days. At the end of the growth trial a metabolic trial was conducted to assess the nutrient utilization, plane of nutrition and nitrogen balance. Further three representative lambs for each group was slaughtered at the end of the growth trial to study the carcass characteristics and meat quality. Dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, nitrogen free extract, total ash, neutral detergent fibre, hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin content of SSB silage was 34.83, 92.46, 7.48, 1.99, 37.14, 45.30, 7.53, 71.81, 46.75, 25.06, 31.16 and 9.08 per cent, respectively. Growth trial was conducted for 120 days by feeding the respective rations to the ram lambs. The average daily gain (ADG) of ram lambs fed ration R-IV were significantly (P<0.01) higher than R-I and R-II, but the values was comparable with the R-III. Negative FCR was recorded in lambs fed sole SSB silage and FCR was improved with supplementation of concentrate from R-II to R-IV rations. Significant difference in FCR (P<0.05) was observed between lambs fed R-II and R-III, R-IV rations but there was no significant difference between the lambs fed R-III and R-IV rations. The lambs fed sole SSB silage lost their body weight of 2.14 kg during experimental period resulting in negative ADG and negative FCR. Supplementation of concentrate @ 280 g to SSB silage resulted in significantly lower cost/ kg gain than the other rations. During metabolic trial the lambs fed SSB silage supplemented with concentrate consumed dry matter significantly (P<0.01) higher when expressed in g/d (P<0.01) and per kg w 0.75 than the lambs fed sole SSB silage (R-I) but there was no significant difference among the concentrate supplemented groups. Dry matter digestibility was increased (P>0.05) progressively as the level of concentrate supplementation increased up to 280 g. The OM digestibility was significantly (P<0.05) higher in lambs fed R-IV ration than those fed R-I, R-II, R-III rations. Significantly (P<0.05) highest CP digestibility was found in lambs fed R-IV ration and lowest was found in those fed R-I ration. CP digestibility was linearly increased with increased supplementation of concentrate. Significantly (P<0.05) lower NFE digestibility was recorded in lambs fed R-I ration than those fed R-II, R-III and R-IV rations. There was no significant difference in the digestibility of ether extract, crude fibre, neutral detergent fibre, hemicellulose and cellulose among R-I, R-II, R-III and R-IV rations. N retention was negative for sheep offered only SSB silage, but positive with supplementation of concentrate and it was significantly (P<0.01) increased with increased supplementation of concentrate. Among the supplemented ram lambs the nitrogen balance was significantly (P<0.01) higher in R-IV than the R-II but there was no significant difference between R-III and R-IV. The DCP content of the rations exhibited significant (P<0.01) linear increase with increased proportion of concentrate in the ration. Lambs on sole SSB silage had significantly (P< 0.01) lower TDN value than those fed R-II, R-III and R-IV rations and there was no significant difference among R-II, R-III and R-IV rations. The TDN values were insignificantly increased from R-II to R-IV rations. The lambs fed sole SSB silage could not met the DCP and TDN requirements as stipulated by ICAR (1998) for lambs gaining at the rate of 50 g/d and weighing 15 kg body weight. Rations R-II, R-III and R-IV met the DCP and TDN requirements (ICAR, 1998) of lambs gaining 50 g/d and weighing 15-20 kg. Carcass weight and dressing percentage was linearly (P<0.01) increased as the proportion of concentrate increased in the diet. Supplementation of concentrate at different levels did not significantly influence the per cent whole sale cuts, yield of visceral organs and proportion of meat, bone and fat in whole carcass and chemical composition of meat. Fat percentage numerically increased from R-I to R-IV. The SSB silage on sole ration could not meet the nutrient requirements indicating that the supplementation with energy and protein rich feeds was necessary. Concentrate can be included at 280 g to SSB silage to obtain optimum growth rate, feed efficiency and meat quality with better nutrient utilization and plane of nutrition in growing Nellore ram lambs.ThesisItem Open Access DEVELOPMENT OF FEEDING PRACTICES FOR OPTIMUM GROWTH AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS IN WEANED/GROWING RAM LAMBS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2011-02) MALISETTY VENKATESWARLU, U; RAMANA REDDY, Y(MAJOR); NAGALAKSHMI, D; RAJASEKHAR KEDDY, A; MAHENDER, MABSTRACT: The first experiment was conducted to develop a suitable feeding system to early weaned Nellore ram lambs by feeding traditional creep (R-I), creep plus berseem hay (R-11) and sorghum straw (unconventional) based creep (R-111) for the first one month followed by sorghum straw based wmplete ration (50:50) for remaining four months period to all the three groups for obtaining optimum growth at lower cost. The second investigation was carried out by feeding sorghum straw (Sorghum bicolor) based wmplete rations at the ratio of 70:30 (CR-I), 60:40 (CR-II), 50:50 (CR-111) and 40:60 (CR-IV) for I80 days to find out suitable ratio of sorghum straw and concentrate feed in the economic wmplete ration (mash form) for optimum growth, production and carcass characteristics in Nellore ram lambs. The third experiment was conducted on-farm in Nellore ram lambs by feeding intensively for five months period with sole maize silage (R-I), silage + concentrate at 0.5 per cent body weight (R-11). silage + concentrate at 1.0 per cent body weight (R-III), silage + wncentrate at 1.5 per cent body weight (R-IV), silage + lucerne hay (R-V) and silage + GN haulms (R-VI) to develilp a feeding system based on maize (Zea mays) silage with supplementation of wncentrate mixture and or legume hay/straw at appropriate level for optimum growth, production and carcass characteristics and compared with the performance of ram lambs fed sweet sorghum bagasse based complete diet (R-VII). The first experiment with early weaned ram lambs. the weight gain (kg) and average daily gains (g) were non significantly different among the lambs fed different creep rations. The FCR was significantly (Pc0.01) higher by 9.17 and 19.98 per cent in ram lambs fed R-I and R-I1 rations, respectively in comparison to lambs fed R-111 ration (unconventional creep). Cost (Rs.)/kg live weight gain was significantly (P<0.01) lower by 14.60 and 16.56 per cent in lambs fed R-I and R-I11 rations, respectively in comparison to those fed R-I1 ration. The DCP intake (g/d or g/kg w0 ") was significantl y (P<0.05) higher by 1 1.9 1, 1 8.75 and 1 3.90 and 1 5.14 per cent in ram lambs fed R-I ration in comparison to those fed R-I1 and R-Ill rations, respectively. TDN (g/d) and ME (W/d) intake in early weaned ram lambs fed R-I, R-I1 and R-I11 rations were comparable among the creep rations. In the second growth trail with complete rations containing different ratios of sorghum straw and concentrate in Nellore ram lambs, the ADG was significantly (PK0.05) different among the four experimental complete rations. No difference was found in ADG between CR-I and CR-I1 rations and also between CR-111 and R-IV rations. There was 69.35, 39.58 and 17.72 per cent higher gain, respectively in lambs fed CR-IV ration than CR-I, CR-I1 and CR-I11 rations. The FCR was lower (P<0.01) by 1 1.87, 16.91 and 22.54 per cent with CR-111, CR-I1 and CR-I rations, respectively in comparison to CR-IV ration. Cost (Rs.) per kg live weight gain was significantly (P<0.01) highest in the ram lambs fed CR-rV ration and was lowest in CR-I and it was lower by 4.53, 14.33 and 20.84 per cent, respectively in comparison to CR-11, CR-I11 and CR-IV rations. The DM1 (g/d) increased significantly (P<0.05) as the level of concentrate increased in the complete rations. No significant difference was found in digestibilities of DM, OM, EE, CF and NFE. However, CP digestibility was higher either significantly or non significantly by 2.12, 5.50 and 9.36 per cent, respectively in lambs fed CR-I1 (P>0.05), CR-111 (P>0.05) and CR-IV (P4.05) rations in comparison to lambs fed CR-I ration. Further, CP digestibility was higher by 7.09 and 3.66 per cent in lambs fed CR-IV ration than those fed CR-I1 (P<0.05) and CR-I11 (PB0.05) ration. The average NDF, ADF, hemicelluloses and cellulose digestibility coefficients were non significantly different among the four rations. The DCP content of complete rations was progressively increased significantl y (P<0.05) by 19.49, 4 1.1 7 and 64.12 per cent in CR-11. CR-111 and CR-IV rations, respectively in comparison to CR-I ration as the level of concentrate increased from 30% to 60% in the diet. TDN (%), DE (MJkg DM) and ME (MJAcg DM) values were higher either significantl y or non significantly by 5.13-5.16, 9.39-9.51 and 14.65-14.67 per cent in lambs fed CR-I1 (P>O.OS), CR-I11 (Pc0.05) and CR-IV (Pc0.05) rations, respectively. The N intake (g/d) was significantly (PO.O5), 133.46 (P<0.01) and 198.87 (Pc0.01) per cent with CR-11, CR-I11 and CR-IV rations, respectively in comparison to CR-I ration. The N balance expressed as per cent intake or per cent absorbed was comparable among the four complete rations. The DCP intake (g/d) was significantly higher by 34.26, 56.80 and 99.86 per cent, respectively with CR-11, CR- 111 and CR-IV rations in wmparison to CR-I ration. Intakes of TDN (gld), DE (MJId) and ME (MJ/d) were significantly (PThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF FEEDING SWEET SORGHUM BAGASSE (SSB) BASED DIETS ON NUTRIENT UTILIZATION AND PERFORMANCE IN NATIVE SHEEP(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2011-02) NALINI KUMARI, N; RAMANA REDDY, Y(MAJOR); BLUMMEL, Y; NAGALAKSHMI, D; SUDHAKAR, K; RAVINDER REDDY, VABSTRACT: Sweet sorghum bagasse (SSB) is a by-product of ethanol industry and gaining importance in the country. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the nutritional value of SSB and SSB silage based rations, to optimize the SSB to concentrate ratio and evolve an economically viable and easily adaptable processed SSB based complete diet, documented with the performance of growing lambs in terms of growth rate, nutrient utilization and carcass characteristics. ' Dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, nitrogen free extract, total ash, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, hemicellulose, cellulose and lipin content of SSB was 92.5, 90.75, 3.94, 1.89, 37.58, 47.34, 9.25, 74.76, 42.93, 3 1.84, 37.75 and 4.24 per cent, respectively. The major elements calcium, phosphorus and trace elements like Cu, Mn, Zn and Fe content were 0.82, 0.47 per cent and 57.40, 47.67, 48.78 and 0.27 ppm, respectively. The IVDMD (%) of SSB was 40.27k1.68. The gas. volume (m1/200mg) produced during 24 hr of incubation of SSB was 42.67*0.17 and IVOMD (mg), ME (MJ/kg DM), PF, TDOM (mg), MBP (mg) and EMBP (%) were 93.87rt0.37, 8.13*0.02, 2.79*0.01, 1 19.08*0.34, 25.2 1*0.35, 2 1.1 7dz0.28, respectively. The bulk density of SSB was 4.W0.06 and 6.5 *0.25 kglcft, respectively for chopped and ground forms. The modulus of uniformity, modulus of fineness, particle size (p) and molasses absorbability (%) of SSB were 5:2:3, 5.33,665.303*1.52 and 33.0, respectively. The nutritive value of SSB was estimated in adult Deccani rams by using difference method of digestibility trial with sunflower cake. The digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CP, EE, CF and NFE of SSB were 52.57k0.93, 57.48h1.85, 47.2 1k2.50, 58.62*1.24, 50.83*1.09 and 57.32k3.86 per cent, respectively. The SSB contained 1.86*0.10 and 50.5W1.79 per cent DCP and TDN, respectively. The SSB was made into silage in chopped and unchopped forms and evaluated for nutrient utilization in Deccani ram lambs with concentrate supplementation. Chopping significantly (Pc0.05) depressed the DM and CF digestibility of SSB silage. There was no significant difference observed in the digestibility of CP, EE, NFE and fibre fractions, nitrogen balance, DCP and TDN intakes of ram lambs fed unchopped and chopped SSB silage. The optimum ratios of SSB to concentrate in complete feed were determined by using in vitro gas technique with eight SSB to concentrate ratios of 100:O (Ration I), 90:lO (Ration II), 80:20 (Ration 111), 70:3G (Ration TV), 60:40 (Ration V), 50:50 (Ration VI), 40:60 (RationVII) and 30:70 (Ration VIII), respectively. The in vitro gas production volume and IVOMD was significantly (Pc0.01) higher for the ration I11 to VIII. Among all the rations, VIII has shown higher (Pc0.01) ME and TDOM compared to other rations and the trend observed in ME, TDOM values reflected that, as the concentrates proportion increased, these values were also proportionately increased. The rations fiom I1 to VIII were significantly (Pc0.01) higher in PF, MBP and EMBP. However, no significant difference was observed for PF and EMBP among the rations from V to VIII. Based on the in vitro studies, rations containing 60 (CR-I), 50 (CR-11), 40 (CR-111) and 30 per cent (CR-IV) SSB were selected as best levels of inclusion in complete diets and evaluated in a growth trial (180 d) using twenty four Nellore x Deccani cross ram lambs. No significant difference was observed in total weight gain, ADG, FCR, whereas costlkg gain was significantly (P<0.01) higher in lambs fed CRIV ration. The digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CF, NFE and fibre fractions were not significantly different among the rations. The CP and EE digestibilities were significantly (Pc0.01) higher in CR-IV ration. The average daily intakes of GE, DE and ME were similar among the lambs fed experimental rations. The N balance was significantly (Pe0.05) lower in lambs fed CR-1 ration than CR-I11 and IV. All lambs were in positive Ca and P balance. The DCP content of the diets exhibited significant (P<0.01) linear increase with increased proportion of concentrate in the diet. The TDN values were similar among the experimental rations. No significant difference was observed in carcass characteristics and meat quality of experimental animals. In another growth trial, a complete ration with 50:50 SSB to concentrate was processed into mash (SSBM), expander extruded pellets (SSBP) and chopped SSB mixed with concentrate (SSBC) and evaluated in twenty four Nellore x Deccani cross ram lambs in comparison to sorghum stover based complete ration (50 SS: 50C) in mash (SSM) fonn. The total weight gain, ADG, FCR of ram lambs fed SSBP was sibaificantly (P<0.01) higher than SSM, SSBC, SSBM diets, but the values were comparable among the SSBM, SSM and SSBC diets. The SSBP diet was more (PcO.01) economical to gain one kg of body weight than the SSBC and SSM diet and it was comparable in ram lambs fed SSBM and SSM diets. The SSBP had significantly higher (P<0.01) DM, OM, CP, CF (Pc0.05) digestibility than the other three diets SSM, SSSBC and SSBM, but these were comparable between SSBM and SSM diets. The cellulose digestibility was significantly higher in lambs fed SSBP diet than SSM and SSBC diets. Significantly (P<0.01) higher ME was taken by the lambs fed SSBP than the other three diets. There was significantly higher N (P<0.05), Ca (P<0.01) and P (Pc0.05) balance in lambs fed SSBP diet compared to those fed the other three rations. SSBP was significantly (P<0.01) higher in DCP, TDN, DE and ME values compared to SSM, SSBC and SSBM rations. The DCP, DE and ME values were comparable between SSBM and SSM diets, but TDN was higher (Pc0.01) in SSBM diet. The average DCP and TDN intake (g/d and g/ kg wO.") of lambs fed SSBP diet was significantly (P<0.01) higher than those fed the other three rations, whereas these were comparable between SSBM and SSM diet. The pre slaughter weight was significantly (P<0.05) higher in SSBP ration compared to other three rations. Processing could not influence the other carcass characteristics and meat quality. The SSB can be included at 50-60 per cent level in the complete rations of growing ram lambs for economic meat production and it could be better utilized, if processed into expander extruder pellets.ThesisItem Open Access EVALUATION OF PROCESSED COMPLETE RATIONS CONTAINING VARIOUS ROUGHAGES IN GROWING MALE SHEEP(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2010-11) SUDHEER BABU, ARUMBAKA; SRINIVASA RAO, D(MAJOR); RAMANA REDDY, Y; NAGALAKSHMI, D; SUDHAKAR, KABSTRACT: Three complete rations (T1, T2 and T3) formulated, using jowar stover, maize stover and sweet sorghum bagasse (SSB) (at 50% level) processed into expander extruded pellets were evaluated in a completely randomized design (CRD) using 3 groups of growing ram lambs, each group comprising of 6 lambs in a growth cum metabolic trial for 120 days. DM intake was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T2 and T3 than T1. The nutrient digestibilities of DM, OM, CP, CF, EE, NFE were significantly (P<0.05) higher in T3 followed by T2 which was in turn higher (P<0.05) than T1. The digestibilities of NDF and cellulose were significantly (P<0.05) higher in T3 and T2 than T1. The ADF digestibility was significantly higher in T2 than T3 which was in turn higher (P<0.05) than T1.There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in hemi cellulose digestibility. All the lambs were on positive nitrogen, calcium and phosphorous balance. Nitrogen and phosphorous balance were comparable, while Ca balance was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T1 than T2.The DCP content of T2 was significantly higher (P<0.05) than T1 and T3. The TDN content of T3 was significantly (P<0.05) higher than T2 followed by T1. The lambs of T1, T2 and T3 grew with an average daily gain (ADG) of 70.16±9.83, 77.33±4.16 and 81.25±4.98 g, respectively and were statistically comparable. The feed conversion efficiency was also similar among groups and ranged between 9.51±0.69 to 10.15±1.26. Cost of feed/kg was lower for T3 due to the inclusion of SSB. The mean live weight (kg) at slaughter and empty body weight (kg) in different treatment groups were statistically non significant (P>0.05). No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed among the treatment groups for dressing percentage on live weight basis or on empty body weight basis, percentage of edible offals and non edible offals, proportion of different wholesale cuts, lean percent, bone percent and meat: bone ratio. The fat proportion in carcass of ram lambs fed with maize stover based expander extruded pellets (T2) was significantly (P<0.05) higher than lambs fed with T1 or T3. Thus, it can be concluded that sweet sorghum bagasse can be incorporated in the complete rations of sheep at 50 % level by replacing conventional roughages such as jowar stover and maize stover, processed as expander extruder pellets without affecting the performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics.ThesisItem Open Access EVALUATION OF COMPLETE RATIONS CONTAINING DIFFERENT LOCALLY AVAILABLE CROP RESIDUES ON NUTRIENT UTILIZATION IN GRADED MURRAH BUFFALO BULLS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI – 517 502. (A.P) INDIA, 2012-12) VENKATESWARLU, SWARNA; Srinivas Kumar, D; Raghava Rao, E; Narendra Nath, DABSTRACT : In 4 x 4 LSD, four rumen fistulated graded Murrah buffalo bulls were fed four iso-nitrogenous complete rations with roughage to concentrate ratio of 60:40 and comprising of locally available crop residues viz., Jowar stover (T1), Maize stover (T2), Red gram straw (T3) and Black gram straw (T4) to study the effect on nutrient utilization, balances and rumen fermentation pattern. CNCPS fractionation indicated that carbohydrate fraction C was lower, protein fraction B3 was higher and protein fraction C was lower in Maize stover and Maize stover based complete ration suggesting that it is superior compared to other crop residues and crop residue based complete rations. The in vitro digestibility (%) of DM (P<0.01), CP (P<0.05), NDF (P<0.05) and ADF (P<0.01) were significantly higher in T2 compared to other dietary treatments while lower digestibility (%) was observed in red gram straw based complete ration. In sacco study revealed that EDDM (%) was higher (P<0.01) in T2 compared to T1 and T3, EDNDF (%) was higher (P<0.01) in T2 compared to T3 and T4 while EDADF (%) was higher (P<0.01) in T2 when compared to either T1, T3 or T4. However, EDCP (%) was comparable among all the treatments. The rumen fermentation studies with fistulated buffalo bulls revealed that rumen pH and TVFA concentration peaked 4 h post feeding while nitrogen fractions viz. NH3-N, Total – N, TCA insoluble N, residual nitrogen and food and protozoal N reached the peak 2 h post feeding. The digestibility (%) of DM, OM, CP, EE, CF, NDF, ADF, hemi-cellulose and cellulose were significantly higher (P<0.01) in T2 compared to other treatments while NFE digestibility was significantly higher (P<0.5) in T3 compare to T1 or T4. All the buffalo bulls were in positive nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balance. The DMI expressed as kg/d or as % BW was similar among the different dietary treatments. The DCP and TDN content expressed as % in the diet consumed or kg/d was significantly higher (P<0.01) in Maize stover based complete ration (T2) compared to other crop residue based complete rations. The DE and ME intakes were higher (P<0.01) in T2 as compared to either T1, T3 or T4. The cost of complete rations containing different crop residues was 6.15, 6.09, 5.98 and 5.85 in T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. Based on the present study, it is concluded that locally available crop residues can be used in complete rations for graded Murrah buffalo bulls without any adverse effect. Further, it is concluded that Maize stover based complete ration is superior when compared to other crop residue based complete rations as evidenced by the better performance of animals.