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ThesisItem Open Access INCLUSION OF TASTE AND AROMA IN THE TOTAL MIXED RATION AND THEIR EFFECT ON DIETARY PREFERENCE AND GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF CALVES(ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2023) NALIYAPARA HARDIKKUMAR BHUPATBHAI; RAMAN MALIKThe present investigation was conducted to evaluate the inclusion of taste and aroma in the total mixed ration (TMR) and their effects on dietary preference and growth performance of calves. The study was divided into two phases. In Phase 1, three different levels of five tastes and five artificial feed aromas were added in paddy straw-based TMR’s and their effects on dietary preference and feed intake of growing KF calves were studied using a sequential elimination trial. Tastes include sweet (sucrose), umami (MSG), salty (NaCl), bitter (urea) and sour (citric acid). Whereas aromas include lacto-vanilla, maize, guar korma, green grass and silage. At inclusion level 1, TMR was mixed with i. Sucrose, ii. MSG, iii. Sodium chloride, iv. Urea, and v. Citric acid at rates of 50, 10, 15, 5 and 10 g/kg DM, respectively. However, rate of artificial feed aromas inclusion was 2.5 g/kg DM. Ingredient dose rates for tastes and feed aroma were further increased by 25% and 50%, respectively, at inclusion levels 2 and 3. All taste ingredients and feed aromas were dissolved in water and sprayed on paddy straw-based TMR (the ratio of roughage to concentrate was 70:30). For the animal trial, six healthy growing KF calves were selected and each kept in an individual pen. The sequential elimination trial was conducted in five slots. The duration of slots 1,2,3,4 and 5 was six, five, four, three, and two days, respectively. During the sequential elimination trial on tastes, six paddy straw-based TMR’s were offered to each calf, in which five TMR had a different taste and one was without taste. After completing slot 1 of six days, the most preferred diet with the highest DMI was eliminated. Likewise, the remaining five feed was fed for five days in 2nd slot, four feed was fed for four days in 3rd slot, three feed was fed for three days in 4th slot and two feed was fed for two days in 5th slot. The same trial was conducted for three different levels of inclusions of aroma. It was found that among the taste, sweet was the most preferred (p<0.01) taste, followed by umami, salty, bitter, sour and control. While, in inclusion level 3, DMI (kg/100kg BW; g/kg BW0.75) was decreased (p<0.01) and TMR without taste was more preferred than sour and salty in the 4th and 5th slot. Among the feed aromas, preference ranking, lacto-vanilla and maize were comparable, followed by guar korma, green grass, silage and control. In contrast, the level of aroma inclusion did not affect the DMI (kg/100kg BW; g/kg BW0.75). In Phase 2, a growth trial on 24 healthy KF calves was conducted to know the effects of the inclusion of sucrose as a sweet taste and lacto-vanilla aroma on feed intake, digestibility, blood biochemical parameters, and growth performance of animals. The selected animals were divided into four treatment groups based on their body weight. Each group had six animals. T1 was kept as a control, T2 was fed TMR having additional 62.5 g sucrose per kg DM, T3 was fed TMR by adding 3.125 g lacto-vanilla aroma per kg DM, and T4 was fed TMR with the combination of both sucrose and lactovanilla. The study revealed that net weight gain and average daily weight gain were higher (p<0.001) in the taste and aroma-supplemented groups. Significantly higher dry matter intake (kg/100kg BW; g/kg BW0.75) was observed in T2 and T4 groups, and DMI in T3 was at par with other groups. At the same time, digestibility and nitrogen balance were not affected by the taste and aroma supplementation. Significantly higher (p<0.01) ghrelin concentration in blood plasma was observed at 0 hr before and 4 hr after feeding, whereas leptin concentration was increased (p<0.01) 2 hours after feeding. Glucose, total protein, albumin and globulin level did not differ significantly among the groups. Creatinine, BUN, AST and ALT level were found within the normal range and also did not differ significantly among the groups.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF SILICON SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE MINERAL METABOLISM AND GROWTH PERFORMANCE IN CALVES(ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2023) LAMELLA OJHA; Raman MalikThe present study was carried out to see the effect of silicon supplementation on the mineral metabolism and growth performance in calves. The study was conducted in two phases. In the phase first, determined the silicon (Si) content of various feeds and fodders and analyzed their bioaccessibility (%) and also estimated the solubility (%) of 4 different Si containing salts at different pH. Results showed that dry as well as green fodders contained more silicon than concentrate feedstuffs, however, the highest percentage of bioaccessibility was seen in grains and grain by-products followed by unconventional feedstuffs and forages. The mean solubility was significantly higher for orthosilicic acid and the lower values were observed for sodium zeolite A while metasilicate and tetraethyl orthosilicate are intermediate. In 2nd phase two animal trials (pre ruminant and ruminant) were conducted in Karan Fries calves. In 1st animal trial, 24 calves (5-7 day) were selected on the basis of their BW and divided into 4 groups (T1, T2, T3 and T4) and fed as per ICAR (2013) feeding standards except that these were additionally supplemented with 0, 50, 100 and 150 ppm (as orthosilicic acid) in four respective groups for 90 days. Results revealed that growth performance, DMI were significantly increased in T2, T3 and T4 groups, whereas DMI (% BW), nutrient utilization, digestibility coefficient, N and minerals balance (P, Mg, Zn,Cu, Mn and Fe), haemato-biochemical parameters, immune response and antioxidant profiles were not altered due to Si supplementation. Silicon increased the balance as well as plasma levels of Si, Ca and B, concentration of plasma growth hormone, vitamin D3, bone alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin in T3 and T4 groups, but the levels of calcitonin, PTH and hydroxyproline were remain similar among all the groups. Thus, the inclusion of 100 and 150 ppm of Si was effective in improving the growth performance, mineral balance (Ca and B), growth hormone, vitamin D3 and bone health status in pre ruminant calves. In trial second, 24 calves (3.5 months) were randomly distributed in 4 groups (T1, T2, T3 and T4) and fed basal diet as per ICAR (2013) feeding standards. Silicon was additionally supplemented with 50, 100 and 150 ppm in T2, T3 and T4 groups for 120 days. Results revealed that BW, DMI, nutrient utilization, digestibility coefficient, N and minerals balance (P, Mg, Zn,Cu, Mn and Fe), haematobiochemical parameters, immunity, antioxidant status and hormonal profile were not influenced due to Si supplementation. However, Si increased the balance and plasma Si, Ca and B concentration, plasma levels of bone biomarkers (BALP and osteocalcin) in T3 and T4 groups, but hydroxyproline levels was not altered among all the groups. The results indicated that supplementation of Si at 100 and 150 ppm had increase the mineral balance (Ca and B) and bone biomarkers in ruminant calves. However, supplementation of 150 ppm had no additional benefit, therefore 100 ppm is the optimum level of Si supplementation, particularly in both pre-ruminant and ruminant calves.ThesisItem Open Access COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF TROPICAL RED SEAWEEDS AS FEED ADDITIVE FOR GROWING CROSSBRED CALVES(ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2022) PRESTON ANDERSON; RAMAN MALIKPresent research work was carried out to investigate the comparative evaluation of tropical red seaweeds as feed additive for growing crossbred calves. The experiment was comprised of two phases. In phase -1, an in vitro experiment was conducted with mixed substrates supplemented with ES, KA, and GS @ 0% (Control) 0.5%, 1.0%, 2.0% and 3.0% respectively. The in vitro study results showed that gas production was found to be increased at the level of 1% for Eucheuma spinosum (ES), and 3.0% for Kappaphycus alvarezii (KA) compared to the control. The lower methane gas production was observed in ES at 0.5, 2.0%, and 3.0% level, KA at 0.5, and 3.0% level and GS at 0.5, 2.0, and 3.0% level compared to the control. Supplementation at higher level (2-3%) of ES, KA, and GS in the substrate resulted increased IVGP, IVDMD, and individual VFA production. Inclusion of seaweed by-products on in vitro pH and NH3-N up to 24 h incubation was found similar among the different supplemented groups. In phase-II, a growth experiment was conducted on 24 growing crossbred female calves divided into four groups, T1, T2, T3, and T4 of six in each. T1 group was fed without seaweed inclusion, T2 group with KA, T3 with GS, and T4 with ES, each was supplemented at 2.5% of dietary concentrate mixture, respectively. No significant difference (p>0.05) was observed on body weight, ADG, DM intake, and FCR among the groups. There was no significant (p>0.05) effect on digestibility of nutrients and nitrogen balance. Rumen pH, ammonia nitrogen, individual VFA, and total VFA did not differ significantly (p>0.05) between the groups, however, increase was observed in overall mean of butyrate in the control group compared to that of the seaweed supplemented groups. Supplementation of red seaweed on WBC, RBC, Hb, and PCV was found non-significant (p>0.05) between the groups. Similarly, no significant effect was observed on serum biochemical like total protein, cholesterol, and enzymes profile such as AST, ALT, and ALP among groups. Serum level of SOD and catalase activity were similar among the groups. Likewise, serum concentration of GHS-Px activity was found similar among the different treatment groups. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in serum hormones like triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) when seaweeds (KA, GS, and ES) were supplemented. Serum concentration of immunoglobulin (IgG) was non-significant (p>0.05) between the groups. Therefore, based on the above findings, it can be concluded that the dietary supplementation with tropical red seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii, Gracilaria salicornia and Eucheuma spinosum at 2.5% in the concentrate mixture had no significant influence on antioxidant status in blood and immune system without any alteration in serum metabolites, enzymes and hormones in growing crossbred calves.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF NICKEL SUPPLEMENTATION ON NUTRIENT UTILIZATION, GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN CALVES(ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2022) SHAMBHVI; CHANDER DATTThe present study undertaken to investigate the effect of different levels of nickel (Ni) supplementation in diet on feed intake, nutrient utilisation, growth performance, rumen fermentation, mineral balance, blood biochemical and physiological parameters in Karan Fries male calves. Initially, the feed samples were collected from Karnal, Palampur, Udaipur and Jhansi areas and analysed for Ni contents. Thereafter, an in vitro trial was conducted to study the effect of Ni inclusion to the basal diet up to 20 ppm level on rumen fermentation parameters. For in vivo experiment, twenty four male KF calves of similar age (10.67 months) and body weight (137.09 kg) were selected from Livestock Research Centre, ICAR- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India and divided into 4 groups of 6 animals each. All the animals were fed to meet their nutrient requirements (ICAR, 2013), however, the animals in groups T2, T3 and T4 were supplemented with 5, 7.5 and 10 ppm level of Ni, respectively. Daily DM intake and fortnightly body weights were recorded. Rumen liquor samples were collected at 0, 90 and 150 day of experiment to analyse various rumen fermentation variables. Blood samples were collected at monthly intervals and analysed for minerals, haematological parameters, metabolites, TCA cycle enzymes, antioxidant, immunity parameters and hormones. A metabolic trial of 7 days was conducted at the end of feeding trial to find out digestibility of nutrients, balances of nitrogen and minerals. The samples of grains, by-products, oil seed cakes, non-leguminous fodders, leguminous fodders, dry roughages and concentrate mixture from Karnal area (Haryana) contained 1.71, 0.88, 4.35, 1.25, 1.29, 1.16 and 3.53 mg Ni/kg DM, respectively with corresponding concentration of 1.99, 1.04, 4.45, 1.48, 1.63, 1.30 and 3.21 mg Ni/kg in samples collected from Palampur (Himachal Pradesh); 1.44, 1.77, 4.40, 1.56, 1.51, 1.39 and 3.25 mg Ni/kg in samples from Udaipur (Rajasthan) and 1.81, 2.19, 4.71, 0.85, 1.57,1.67 and 3.45 mg Ni/kg DM in samples from and Jhansi (Uttar Pradesh). Mean Ni concentrations in oil seed cakes, oats, napier hybrid, soy based products and concentrate feed were found to be above average among all feedstuffs. The results of in vitro studies indicated that proportion of propionate increased while that of butyrate decreased at and above 10 ppm level of Ni. The in vivo trial on KF calves showed that dietary Ni up to 10 ppm level did not influence nutrient intake, digestibility of nutrients (DM, OM, CP, EE, NDF and ADF), nitrogen balance, growth rate and feed conversion ratio. The rumen fermentation parameters like pH, total volatile fatty acids, ammonia-N, TCA precipitable-N remained similar in all the groups however, urease activity in rumen liquor increased (P<0.05) in group T4. The proportion of propionate increased (P<0.05) while that of butyrate decreased in group T4,whereas, acetate: proportion ratio remained unchanged. Enteric methane production was not influenced by Ni supplementation up to 10 ppm level. Supplementation of Ni up to 10 ppm level of dietary DM did not show any significant effect on excretion, absorption and retention patterns of Ca, P and Mn and their levels in blood plasma were also similar in different groups. The retention of Ni and its level in blood plasma increased linearly with the increasing level of dietary nickel. The retention of Fe, Zn and their plasma concentrations increased with Ni supplementation and highest values were observed in groups T4. The retention of Cu and its plasma concentrations increased (P<0.05) in groups T3 and T4. The haematology parameters such as Hb, RBC count and haematocrit increased (P<0.05) with Ni supplementation and highest value were recorded in T4 group, however, WBC count was not affected by Ni addition in diet. The values of blood metabolites like plasma total protein, albumin, globulin, triglycerides, HDL, creatinine and plasma urea nitrogen were similar in all groups, however, plasma glucose concentration was the highest (P<0.05) and that of total cholesterol, LDL and NEFA lowest (P<0.05) in group T4 as compared to other groups. The activities of enzymes like AST, ALT, ICDH and MDH were not affected by Ni supplementation. The total antioxidant status, GPx, total immunoglobulin and IgG did not show any influence of Ni supplementation, however, activity of SOD and catalase was highest (P<0.05) in group T4 compared to other groups. Plasma concentration of hormones such as IGF-1, insulin, T3 and T4 was similar in all groups but concentration of cortisol was the lowest (P<0.05) in group T4. In conclusion, Ni supplementation up to 10 ppm level did not influence feed intake and growth performance, however, it improved rumen propionate proportion, haematology parameters, antioxidant enzyme activity, absorption and retention of trace minerals like Fe, Cu and Zn.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF ESSENTIAL OILS ON METHANOGENESIS, RUMEN MICROBIAL PROFILE AND LACTATION PERFORMANCE IN GOATS(ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2022) JAI KUMAR SINGH; RAVINDRA KUMARThe present study was conducted to screen essential oils (EOs), i.e., garlic oil (GO; from Allium sativum L.), clove oil (CO from Eugenia spp.) and peppermint oil (PO; from Mentha piperita L.) at different dose level and their combination for their effect on methane and fermentation metabolites and evaluation of selected combination for their effect on in vivo methane emission, rumen microbial profile and nutrient digestibility in lactating goats. During phase I or in vitro phase effect of supplementation of garlic oil (GO; from Allium sativum L.), clove oil (CO from Eugenia spp.) and peppermint oil (PO; from Mentha piperita L.) were evaluated in in vitro gas production test (IVGPT). They were used at a dose rate of 0.025, 0.05 and 0.1g/dl. During in vivo phase, on the basis of in vitro results a combination of garlic oil (GO; from Allium sativum L.) and peppermint oil (PO; from Mentha piperita L.) (CEO) were evaluated for their effect on body weight changes, rumen fermentation metabolites, nutrients digestibility, microbial profile, lactation performance and methane emission in lactating goats. The whole experimental feeding was divided into pre-kidding and post kidding phase. Sixteen apparently healthy, pregnant (about 4 months) female Barbari goats with an average parity of 2.5, were selected from the herd of Experimental goat farm, Animal Nutrition Division CIRG and divided into two groups of eight animals each as per completely randomized Design (CRD). During pre-kidding period DMI, fortnightly body weight changes, rumen fermentation metabolites and quantification of microbes were studied while in post kidding period along with above parameters, birth weight of kids, nutrient digestibility and lactation parameters were studied. Supplementation of garlic oil (GO; from Allium sativum L.), clove oil (CO from Eugenia spp.) and peppermint oil (PO; from Mentha piperita L.) led to decrease in total gas production, methane production and in vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibility. With increase in dose level there was increase in the reduction of total gas production, methane production and in vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibility. Maximum methane reduction was obtained with garlic oil at highest dose level. Combinations of garlic oil and peppermint oil in in vitro gas production test have maximum reduction in methane with change of fermentation towards propionic acid. There was no significant effect of combination of garlic oil (GO; from Allium sativum L.) and peppermint oil (PO; from Mentha piperita L.) (CEO) on dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility and fortnightly body weight change in prekidding and post kidding stage. There was no significant effect of combination of garlic oil (GO; from Allium sativum L.) and peppermint oil (PO; from Mentha piperita L.) (CEO) on milk yield and composition in lactating goats. There was reduction in ruminal ammonia nitrogen after supplementation of garlic oil (GO; from Allium sativum L.) and peppermint oil (PO; from Mentha piperita L.) (CEO) with no adverse effect on ruminal pH, total volatile fatty acid and its fractions. There was reduction in rumen fungi and no effect on rumen protozoa in respect of rumen bacteria after supplementation of garlic oil (GO; from Allium sativum L.) and peppermint oil (PO; from Mentha piperita L.) (CEO) in lactating goats. In vivo methane production was 18.42% less per day and 14.47% less on per kg dry matter intake in treatment group of lactating goats after supplementation of combination of essential oil (CEO). However more number of studies with a number of combination of essential oils are required before advocating it for famers and other stockholders.ThesisItem Open Access Modulation of Buffalo Milk Conjugated Linoleic Acid Content through Dietary Supplementation of Plant Secondary Metabolites(ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2022) Ram Kumar Singh; AVIJIT DEYThe present study entitled “Modulation of Buffalo Milk Conjugated Linoleic Acid Content through Dietary Supplementation of Plant Secondary Metabolites” was carried out in the Division of Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, ICAR- Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar, Haryana. The study was divided into two phases. Phase-I, a series of in vitro experiments (eight in no.) were conducted in ANKOM-RF automatic gas production system and analyzed for various rumen fermentation parameters and methane production with different types of additive rich in plant secondary metabolites (PSM) viz. essential oils, tannins and saponins. Dalchini (Cinnamomum verum) bark, Bargad (Ficus bengalensis) leaves, Gular (Ficus glomerata) leaves, Reetha (Sapindus mukorosii) fruits, Methi (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds extracts and pure garlic (Allium sativum) oil at various graded doses were examined for their effects in modulating rumen fermentation, gas production, feed degradability, methane production, ammonia production and fatty acids biohydrogenation. Various blends containing promising PSM were prepared to reduce the quantity of single PSM, required for in vivo trial as well as to examine synergistic effects, if any on modulation of rumen functions. The study described promising results on these parameters with supplementation of Blend- 2 (CV 0.2ml + SM 0.1ml + FB 0.1ml). Therefore, corresponding dose level of Blend-2 in terms of actual feed additive ingredients were taken up for in vivo experiments in lactating, and rumen fistulated buffaloes (Phase- II). Sixteen lactating (avg. milk yield 12.57± 1.13 kg) Murrah (Bubalus bubalis) buffaloes (avg. live weight, 581.11 ± 33.88 kg, parity, 2-5) at mid-stage ( 110 days) of lactation were selected from the herd maintained at ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes, Hisar under uniform managemental conditions and were divided into two groups (CON, PSM) of eight each in a completely randomized block design. All the experimental animals were offered a diet of wheat straw, oats (Avena sativa) green fodder and required quantity of concentrate mixture for maintenance and milk production for a period of 84 days. In treatment group (PSM- Group- II), along with the daily ration (CONGroup- I), the additives of PSM (54.6 g) blend (CV: SM: FB, 15:5:1) was fed by mixing with the concentrate mixture. The daily intake (kg/ d or kg/ kg W0.75 or % live weight) of wheat straw, oats green, concentrate mixture and cottonseed cake remained comparable (p>0.05) between the treatments. The digestibility coefficient of DM, OM, NDF, ADF showed no significant (p>0.05) variation between the groups, however, an increase (p<0.05) in CP digestibility was evident in PSM supplemented animals. The nutrient density of the total ration in terms of %DCP was increased (p<0.05) in PSM supplemented buffaloes. The overall effect revealed increase (p<0.05) in total milk yield (kg/d), 6% FCM yield, energy corrected milk (ECM) and fat-protein corrected milk (FPCM) yield in PSM supplemented buffaloes. The milk composition viz. fat (%) and solid not fat (%) remained comparable (p>0.05) between the groups, however, protein (%) was increased (p<0.05) in PSM group than the control. The milk fatty acids profile analysis at 0, 30, 60 and 84 days of feeding demonstrated a gradual reduction (p<0.05) in total saturated fatty acids with enhanced content of MUFA, PUFA and total unsaturated fatty acids as the lactation advanced. The concentration of cis 9 trans 11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was increased by 49% with an increase (p<0.05) of cell mediated immune response in PSM buffaloes. The PSM blend (@54.6 g/h/d) was fed to fistulated Murrah buffalo steers for a period of 30 days and the fermentation pattern revealed comparable (p>0.05) ruminal pH and total-N with reduced (p<0.01) ammonia-N. The increased (p<0.01) concentration of propionate with similar (p>0.05) acetate and butyrate concentrations, decrease (p<0.05) in stearic acid (C18:0) concentration with increased (p<0.01) t-vaccinic acid (TVA) content were demonstrated. A reduction (p<0.01) in the concentration of methane in exhaled air was evidenced. A reduction (p<0.01) in total archaeal population were documented without affecting fibrolytic microbes. Therefore, supplementation of PSM blend (54.6g/h/d) increased milk production, milk protein, unsaturated fatty acids including cis-9 t- 11 CLA, and CMI response with reduction in methane production without affecting feed intake in buffaloes. Key words: Plant Secondary metabolites, feed intake, milk production, rumen fermentation, methanogenesis, immune response, fatty acids profile, rumen microbiome, buffaloesThesisItem Open Access INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT SOURCES OF ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION ON ITS BIOAVAILABILITY IN LACTATING CATTLE(ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2019) MIR, SHAHID HASSAN; MANI, VEENAThe present study was conducted to determine the bioavailability of zinc from three different organic (zinc glycine (ZnG) and zinc propionate (ZnP), zinc hydroxy methionine (ZnM)) and one inorganic (zinc sulphate (ZnS)) sources. The experiment was carried on 30 KF lactating cattle for the period of 160 days starting from mid lactation (100 days) to end lactation (260 days). The animals were subjected to the pre-trial period (PT) of three weeks at the beginning of the trial. The animals were then grouped on the basis of body weight and milk yield into five (n=6 animals) groups viz control, zinc sulphate, zinc glycine, zinc propionate and zinc methionine. All the experimental animals were fed basal diets (32.2 ppm zinc) fulfilling their requirement in energy and protein as per ICAR (2013). The pre-trial period (PT) was followed by the periods of zinc supplementations except in control group (C). Animals were supplemented with the zinc three times (S1-50, S2-50 and S3-100) interspersed with the two nonsupplementation periods (NS1 and NS2). Low dose zinc (50 ppm) was supplemented in the first two supplementation periods (S1-50 and S2-50) and high dose (100ppm) zinc was supplemented in third period (S3-100). Samples were collected at the end of each period and in the middle of first supplementation period, each period was designated as PT, 21S1-50, 42S1-50, NS1, S2-50, NS2 and S3-100. In each supplementation period (21S1-50, 42S1- 50, S2-50 and S3-100) blood samples were collected at 0, 6, 12 and 24h post supplementation of zinc. Humoral and cell mediated immunity of the experimental animals were studied in the first (S1-50) and last (S3-100) supplementation periods. During first and last supplementation periods, two metabolic trials were conducted to determine digestibility, nutrient intake, nitrogen balance and mineral balance. Results revealed that zinc supplementation had no effect on dry matter and nutrient intake. Milk yield declined from mid to late lactation in all groups but the decline was least in zinc propionate correlating with the lowest somatic cell count. Plasma alkaline phosphatase activity increased significantly (P<0.05) in the zinc supplemented groups in all periods after 42S1-50 and it decreased linearly in control group. The plasma metallothionine-1A concentration increased significantly (P<0.05) in organic zinc supplemented groups at low dose level and in all groups at high dose level. Catalase, SOD and FRAP was higher while TBARS tend to be lower in organic zinc supplemented groups. Cortisol concentration decreased significantly (P<0.05) while Total Ig and IgG increased in organic zinc supplemented groups. The cell mediated immunity (percent change in skin thickness) increased nearly to its double after 6h of injection in all groups especially zinc propionate group thereafter it slowly reversed to normal levels at 48h. Humoral immunity determined by log2 titre against sheep RBC was significantly higher on 14 and 21 days in zinc propionate group at both low and high doses. Plasma zinc increased significantly (P<0.05) with the supplementation of zinc at day 42 (42S1-50) of supplementation irrespective of source. Plasma zinc concentration in the control group had shown a declining trend. Zinc supplementation had no effect on plasma calcium, iron and copper levels. Plasma zinc levels peak at 6h post supplementation and fell back to the basal level at 24h in all supplemented groups. However, in organic supplemented groups it tended to be higher during all the supplementation periods. RBC zinc was higher in organic supplemented groups at high dose supplementation during S3-100. Zinc supplementation irrespective of source and dose had no effect on digestibility of nutrients, nutrient intake, nitrogen balance and mineral balance (calcium, copper and iron). However, zinc absorption in all the supplemented groups was higher, the value being highest in zinc propionate group at both low and high dose supplementation. The retention of zinc was higher in zinc supplemented groups than the control group. The expression of MTI gene was significantly higher in zinc propionate group at higher dose of supplementation and the expression of ZnT1 gene was higher in organic zinc supplemented groups at higher dose of supplementation. Results indicate that zinc supplementation irrespective of source at 50ppm is essential for the lactating cattle and the duration of zinc supplementation had greater impact than the dose. Organic sources of zinc have higher bioavailability than the inorganic source and among the organic sources zinc propionate tend to have higher bioavailability probably due to different method of absorption and metabolism.ThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF HYDROXY ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION ON IMMUNITY, MINERAL BIOAVAILABILITY, AND GROWTH PERFORMANCE IN PRE AND POST RUMINANT CALVES(ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2019) Pal, Ravi Prakash; MANI, VEENAThe present study was designed to investigate the effect of hydroxy Zn supplementation on immunity, mineral bioavailability and growth performance in pre and post ruminant calves. The study was carried out in two-phase. In the phase first, an in vitro trial was carried out to see the effect of different levels of zinc hydroxy chloride and ZnSO4 (0, 40, 80, 160 ppm) on rumen fermentation parameters. The results of the experiment revealed no significant effect of the addition of hydroxy Zn (up to 160 ppm) on rumen fermentation parameters. In the second phase, two experiments were conducted in pre and post ruminant crossbred calves. In experiment first, twenty-four crossbred calves of about ten days of age were taken and distributed into four groups (C, T1, T2 and T3) to find out the effect of different levels of hydroxy Zn on immunity, mineral bioavailability and growth performance. All the four groups were fed as per ICAR (2013) feeding standards except that these were additionally supplemented with 0, 80 ppm Zn (as ZnSO4), 40 ppm Zn (as ZnOHCl) and 80 ppm Zn (as ZnOHCl) in the four respective groups for 90 days, thereafter were kept without supplementation of Zn for 30 days. Results revealed that daily DMI, growth performance were significantly (P<0.05) increased in the Zn supplemented groups. Hemato-biochemical parameters, digestibility of nutrients, mineral balance (Ca, Fe, Cu, Mn) and N balance were not affected due to Zn supplementation, however, total protein, globulin, ALP and retention of Zn were significantly (P<0.05) increased in Zn supplemented groups and among those the higher concentration of total protein and globulin, and retention of Zn were found in T3 as compared to T1 and T2. Plasma and erythrocyte Zn concentration, antioxidant enzyme, immune responses and plasma hormones were significantly increased (P<0.01) in supplemented groups and among those erythrocyte Zn and TAC concentration were higher in T3 group as compared to T1 and T2. Thus supplementation of hydroxy Zn even at 40 ppm improved feed intake, growth performance, antioxidant status, immune responses and biomarker of Zn status in pre ruminant calves, results being comparable among the treatment groups. In experiment second, twenty-four male crossbred calves of 5-7 month of age were randomly distributed in four groups (C, T1, T2 and T3) to find out the effect of hydroxy Zn on immunity, mineral bioavailability and growth performance in post ruminant calves. The experiment was conducted for 120 days. Results revealed that feed intake, growth performance, hemato-biochemical parameters, digestibility of nutrients, mineral balance (Ca, Fe, Cu, Mn) and N balance were not altered due to supplementation of Zn. However, globulin concentration, ALP activity and retention of Zn were significantly (P<0.05) increased in the Zn supplemented groups. Among different groups, higher ALP activity and retention of Zn was found in T3 group as compared to T1 and T2. Plasma as well as erythrocyte Zn concentration, antioxidant status, immune responses and thyroxin hormone were significantly (P<0.01) increased in the three Zn supplemented groups but CMI and SOD activity were higher in T3 as compared to T1 and T2. However, TAC and IgG concentration was higher in T2 and T3 groups as compared to T1. The results indicated that supplementation of 40 ppm Zn through Zn hydroxy chloride was comparable to 80 ppm Zn from ZnSO4 in terms of improvement in antioxidant status and immune responses with higher retention of Zn in post ruminant calves.ThesisItem Open Access INFLUENCE OF PLANE OF NUTRITION DURING PREPARTUM PERIOD ON BIRTH WEIGHT AND GROWTH PERFORMANCE IN MURRAH BUFFALO CALVES(ICAR-NDRI, KARNAL, 2019) DEY, DIPAK; MALIK, RAMANThe present study investigated the effect of feeding high plane of nutrition to prepartum Murrah buffaloes on birth weight of calves and their performance, nutrient utilization, and blood metabolites. The study comprised of three phases. In phase-I, Feed ingredients viz. grains like maize, oats, agro-industrial byproducts like wheat bran, deoiled rice bran, oil cakes namely mustard oil cake (MOC), groundnut cake (GNC) and soybean meal (SBM) and forages namely, maize, Oats, berseem, sugargraze and wheat straw were evaluated for their metabolizable protein (MP), metabolizable energy (ME), in addition to detailed composition. MP (%) was highest in maize grain (7.53), wheat bran (9.28) and groundnut cake (28.77) and was lowest in oats (7.02), deoiled rice bran (8.26) and mustard oil cake (21.26) among grains, byproducts and oil cakes groups, respectively. In phase-II, forty pregnant Murrah (4 months before parturition) buffaloes were divided into four experimental groups on the basis of parity, previous lactation yield and body weight. The feeding trial was conducted till the date of parturition. Four treatment groups were fed diets as control (MP and ME levels as per ICAR, 2013 requirements), high metabolizable energy (HME, 30% more ME than ICAR 2013 requirements), high metabolizable protein (HMP, 40% more MP than ICAR 2013 requirements) and high metabolizable protein and metabolizable energy (HMEMP, ME level 30% more and 40% more MP than ICAR 2013) ration respectively. Concentrate mixture, green fodder (maize) and dry roughage (wheat straw) were offered to individual animal as per experiment protocol. The DMI (kg/100 kg BW), MEI (Mcal/100 kg BW) and MPI (g/100 kg Body weight) during the prepartum differ significantly among the treatments. The mean MPI (g/100 kg BW), CPI (g/100 kg BW), TDNI (g/100 kg BW) during prepartum duration were 70.88, 74.93, 113.21 and 110.24; 132.62, 130.33, 197.96 and 191.74; and 914.93, 1115.80, 1031.55 and 1118.22 in control, HME, HMP and HMEMP, respectively. A metabolic trial of 7 days duration was carried one month before expected parturition to estimate the nutrient digestibility and nitrogen retention of the four experimental diets. DM digestibility was 62.87, 63.21, 66.81 and 68.28 in control, HME, HMP and HMEMP, groups respectively. The digestibility of OM, CP and EE, was 64.96, 65.94, 68.61, 69.72; 55.11, 59.69, 64.00 and 65.14; 67.29, 84.23, 68.32 and 80.79, respectively in control, HME, HMP and HMEMP, groups respectively. CP digestibility was higher (P<0.05) in HMP and HMEMP as compared to that of HME and control groups. The mean N intake, N outgo in faeces and urine, and nitrogen balance were affected by different level of MP and ME in the diet. There was significant change in blood biochemistry including, energy status (gluocse), protein status (total protein, albumin and globulin) ratio of energy and protein (BUN), immune status (IgG) and antioxidant activity (SOD). There was no significant change in liver function test (AST and ALT), kidney function test (creatinine) and lactate dehydrogenase. Average birth weight (kg) of calves was 29.36, 31.44, 33.33 and 36.44 in control, HME, HMP and HMEMP, respectively. The phase –III was again divided into study 1 and study 2. In study 1, Thirty six Murrah buffalo calves obtained from above mentioned groups were divided into four groups and fed as per their dams feeding protocol. The DMI (g/d), CPI (g/d)) and TDNI (g/d) during the preruminant period differ significantly among the treatments. The mean CPI (g/d), TDNI (g/d) during prepartum duration were 160.50, 165.61, 219.22 and 218.61; 741.43, 857.38, 876.22 and 990.98 in control, HME, HMP and HMEMP, respectively. Nutrient intake of CP, TDN and ME was above the ICAR (2013), recommendations in all groups. ADG was significantly high in HMEMP group (462.96 g/d). Digestibility of DM, OM and CP was significantly high HMEMP group. In study 2, Murrah buffalo calves were fed with control, HME, HMP and HMEMP diets from 91-240 days of age. DMI (kg/100 kg body weight) did not differ among different groups. ME intake (Mcal/100 kg body weight) and MP intake (g/100 kg body weight) differ significantly among different groups. The mean ME intake (Mcal/100 kg body weight) and MP intake (g/100 kg body weight) were 6.07, 8.36, 6.26 and 7.95; 243.68, 231.85, 331.77 and 318.06 in control, HME, HMP and HMEMP, respectively. DMI was less than ICAR (2013) recommendations in all experimental groups. Plane of nutrition affected the ADG which was significantly high in HMEMP group (633.85 g/d) however; FCE and FCR were not altered by plane of nutrition in Murrah buffalo calves. Digestibility of DM, OM and CP was significantly high HMEMP group. From the present study it was concluded that feeding 40 % more protein and 30% extra energy (ICAR, 2013) during last 4 months of pregnancy to Murrah buffaloes resulted in higher birth weight of calves. Similarly feeding of calves at higher plane of nutrition improved their growth performance without affecting their health.
