Effect of monensin supplementation on growth and bioavailability of minerals in kids
Loading...
Files
Date
2001
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy
Abstract
An investigation spread over a period of 13 weeks
was carried out to assess the effect of monensin on growth and
bioavailability of minerals in kids. Eighteen Malabari kids of
three to four months of age divided into three identical groups
formed the experimental subject. The kids in groups I, Il and III
were maintained on concentrate mixtures supplemented with 0,
20 and 30 ppm monensin respectively along with jack leaves fed
ad libitum as the sole source of roughage, for a period of 13
weeks. Increase in body weight, feed conversion efficiency, dry
matter intake, digestibility of nutrients, nitrogen balance,
mineral balance and serum mineral concentration of kids were
the criteria employed for evaluation.
The weight gained by the animals during the
experimental period was highest in group III followed by groups
II and I in the descending order, group II and III showing
significantly higher weight gain (p < 0.01) than group 1. This is
suggestive of the positive influence of monensin on the growth of
kids.
Maximum improvement in feed conversion efficiency
was shown by kids in group Ill, followed by group Il and group I.
Though there was no significant difference (p < 0.05) between
the two monensin supplemented groups (groups Il and Ill), both
had significant improvement (P < 0.01) over the controls.
The dry matter intake per 100 kg body weight was
significantly lower (p < 0.01) in groups Il and III than group I,
but no significant difference was recorded in a verage daily dry
matter intake between the three groups.
Regarding the nutrient digestibility an increasing
trend In the digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude
fibre, ether extract and nitrogen free extract• was noticed
(P > 0.05)• in monansm supplemented groups over the
non •supplemented control group.
Nitrogen retention (per cent of intake) was highest
In group IH and lowest in group I, with significant increase
(P < 0.01) in monensin supplemented groups (groups Il and Ill)
over group I.
Though there was no significant difference (P > 0.05)
in per cent retention of calcium, phosphorus, i r on, copper, zmc
and manganese between the monensin supplemented and
non-supplemented groups, an increasing trend was observed in
the percentage r eterrtion of major as well as trace minerals on
monensin supplementation.
The haematological constituents VIZ., haemoglobin,
plasma protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper, zinc and
manganese in kids of various groups were within the normal
range. There was no significant influence (P > 0.05) of monensin
on haematological values.
From an overall evaluation of the results obtained
during the course of the present investigation :it can be inferred
that supplementation of monensin at 20 and 30 ppm level
significantly (P < 0.01) improves the growth rate, feed efficiency
and nitrogen retention, reduces the dry matter consumption and
favours (P > 0.05) nutrient digestibility and utilization of major
as well as trace mi ner al s in kids reared under intensive system
of management.
Description
PG
Keywords
null