Genetic response to growth rate selection in pigs measured on two feeding levels

From the findings of McPhee et al. (1988), there is an expectation that selection in the growing pig for bodyweight gain measured on restricted feeding will result in favourable responses in the rate and efficiency of growth of lean pork on different levels of feeding. This paper examines this in two lines of Australian Large White pigs which have undergone 3 years of selection for high and for low growth rate over a 6-week period starting at 50 kg liveweight. Over this test period, pigs of both lines are all fed the same total amount of grower food, restricted to an estimated 80% of average ad libitum intake. 'Animal production for a consuming world': proceedings of 9th Congress of the AAAAP Societies and 23rd Biennial Conference of the ASAP and 17th Annual Symposium of the University of Sydney, Dairy Research Foundation, (DRF). Sydney, Australia.

Effect of different feeding levels on the production of Heterobranchus bidorsalis in outdoor concrete tanks

Fry of Heterobranchus bidorsalis (mean weight, 0.03g) were fed at 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50% of their body weight (bw)/day in outdoor concrete tanks in New Bussa, Nigeria. The fry attained the highest average weight of 6.66g in 10 weeks when fed at 40% bw/day. Feed conversion ratio ranged from 2.13 to 9.65, the protein efficiency ratio from 1.33 to 5.93. Results indicated that H. bidorsalis are efficient feed converters. Feed intake was significantly different (p<0.05) between the treatments, specific growth rate (SGR), daily growth rate (DGR), production and average weight gain indicated that 40% of fish biomass was the optimum feeding level

Winter feeding strategies for suckler cows in cold climatic conditions

In Finland, suckler cow production is carried out in circumstances characterized by a long winter period and a short grazing period. The traditional winter housing system for suckler cows has been insulated or uninsulated buildings, but there is a demand for developing less expensive housing systems. In addition, more information is needed on new winter feeding strategies, carried out in inexpensive winter facilities with conventional (hay, grass silage, straw) or alternative (treated straw, industrial by-product, whole-crop silage) feeds. The new feeding techniques should not have any detrimental effects on animal welfare in order to be acceptable to both farmers and consumers. Furthermore, no official feeding recommendations for suckler cows are available in Finland and, thus, recommendations for dairy cows have been used. However, this may lead to over- or underfeeding of suckler cows and, finally, to decreased economic output. In Experiment I, second-calf beef-dairy suckler cows were used to compare the effects of diets based on hay (H) or urea-treated straw (US) at two feeding levels (Moderate; M vs. Low; L) on the performance of cows and calves. Live weight (LW) gain during the indoor feeding was lower for cows on level L than on level M. Cows on diet US lost more LW indoors than those on diet H. The cows replenished the LW losses on good pasture. Calf LW gain and cow milk production were unaffected by the treatments. Conception rate was unaffected by the treatments but was only 69%. Urea-treated straw proved to be a suitable winter feed for spring-calving suckler cows. Experiment II studied the effects of feeding accuracy on the performance of first- and second-calf beef-dairy cows and calves. In II-1, the day-to-day variation in the roughage offered ranged up to ± 40%. In II-2, the same variation was used in two-week periods. Variation of the roughages offered had minor effects on cow performance. Reproduction was unaffected by the feeding accuracy. Accurate feeding is not necessary for young beef-dairy crosses, if the total amount of energy offered over a period of a few weeks fulfills the energy requirements. Effects of feeding strategies with alternative feeds on the performance of mature beef-dairy and beef cows and calves were evaluated in Experiment III. Two studies consisted of two feeding strategies (Step-up vs. Flat-rate) and two diets (Control vs. Alternative). There were no differences between treatments in the cow LW, body condition score (BCS), calf pre-weaning LW gain and cow reproduction. A flat-rate strategy can be practised in the nutrition of mature suckler cows. Oat hull based flour-mill by product can partly replace grass silage and straw in the winter diet. Whole-crop barley silage can be offered as a sole feed to suckler cows. Experiment IV evaluated during the winter feeding period the effects of replacing grass silage with whole-crop barley or oat silage on mature beef cow and calf performance. Both whole-crop silages were suitable winter feeds for suckler cows in cold outdoor winter conditions. Experiment V aimed at assessing the effects of daily feeding vs. feeding every third day on the performance of mature beef cows and calves. No differences between the treatments were observed in cow LW, BCS, milk production and calf LW. The serum concentrations of urea and long-chain fatty acids were increased on the third day after feeding in the cows fed every third day. Despite of that the feeding every third day is an acceptable feeding strategy for mature suckler cows. Experiment VI studied the effects of feeding levels and long-term cold climatic conditions on mature beef cows and calves. The cows were overwintered in outdoor facilities or in an uninsulated indoor facility. Whole-crop barley silage was offered either ad libitum or restricted. All the facilities offered adequate shelter for the cows. The restricted offering of whole-crop barley silage provided enough energy for the cows. The Finnish energy recommendations for dairy cows were too high for mature beef breed suckler cows in good body condition at housing, even in cold conditions. Therefore, there is need to determine feeding recommendations for suckler cows in Finland. The results showed that the required amount of energy can be offered to the cows using conventional or alternative feeds provided at a lower feeding level, with an inaccurate feeding, flat-rate feeding or feeding every third day strategy. The cows must have an opportunity to replenish the LW and BCS losses at pasture before the next winter. Production in cold conditions can be practised in inexpensive facilities when shelter against rain and wind, a dry resting place, adequate amounts of feed suitable for cold conditions and water are provided for the animals as was done in the present study.

Feeding level-scaled retention efficiency, growth and energy partitioning of a marine detritivorous fish, redlip mullet (Liza haematocheila T. & S.)

The effects of feeding level on growth, retention efficiency, faeces production and energy partitioning of redlip mullet were studied. A practical diet was used and fed at six levels from starvation, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% of body weight (BW) to satiation for 3 weeks. The temperature was kept at 24 +/- 1 degrees C. Reducing the feeding amount resulted in significantly lower weight gain, and retention efficiency was significantly affected by feeding levels and attained the maximum at maximum feeding intake. Feeding 2% BW was the minimum required for fish to maintain growth. Fish carcass composition under different feeding levels could be divided into three groups: (1) starvation and FL1; (2) FL2 and FL3 and (3) FL4 and satiation, with significant differences among the groups but no differences in the groups except that ash content remained at constant value. Body composition of fish of group 2 was close to initial fish. The thermal-unit coefficient was 0.0381 at satiation, and significantly increased with increasing feeding levels. In order to accurately estimate basal metabolism (HeE), another trial on the relationship between HeE (kJ) and BW (g) was carried out. An exponential curve as HeE=0.1255BW(0.8386) explained this relationship. Intake energy (IE) increased from 11.30 to 63.08 kJ per fish, matching with different feeding levels. Energy allocated to growth of IE decreased with reducing feeding amount. There was a linear relationship between metabolism energy and retention energy in percentage.

Feeding level and frequency for freshwater angelfish

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Feeding level and frequency for freshwater angelfish

The objective of this study was to determine the optimal feeding level and feeding frequency for the culture of freshwater angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare). A randomized block design in a factorial scheme (3 × 2) with three feeding levels (30, 60 and 90 g/kg of body weight (BW)/day) and two feeding frequencies (1x and 2x/day) was set up in duplicate, representing 24 experimental units. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and the Tukey test for comparison between means. After 84 days, results indicated that both factors influenced fish performance. No interaction between these factors was, however, observed. Increased feeding level and feeding frequency resulted in increased feed intake. The feed conversion ratio was negatively affected by feeding level, but not affected by feeding frequency. Final weights were higher when fish were fed twice daily, at levels of 60 or 90 g/kg BW/day. Specific growth rate was higher when fish received 60 or 90 g/kg BW/day, regardless of the feeding frequency. Survival was not affected by any treatment, with mean survival rates higher than 90%. It is recommended that juveniles be fed at a level of 60 g/kg BW/day with a minimum of two meals per day, to attain optimal survival, growth and feed efficiency.

Production attributes of Merino sheep genetically divergent for wool growth are reflected in differing rumen microbiotas

Divergent genetic selection for wool growth as a single trait has led to major changes in sheep physiology and metabolism, including variations in rumen microbial protein production and uptake of α-amino nitrogen in portal blood. This study was conducted to determine if sheep with different genetic merit for wool growth exhibit distinct rumen bacterial diversity. Eighteen Merino wethers were separated into groups of contrasting genetic merit for clean fleece weight (CFW; low: WG− and high: WG+) and fed a blend of oaten and lucerne chaff diet at two levels of intake (LOI; 1 or 1.5 times maintenance energy requirements) for two seven-week periods in a crossover design. Bacterial diversity in rumen fluid collected by esophageal intubation was characterized using 454 amplicon pyrosequencing of the V3/V4 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. Bacterial diversity estimated by Phylogenetic distance, Chao1 and observed species did not differ significantly with CFW or LOI; however, the Shannon diversity index differed (P=0.04) between WG+ (7.67) and WG− sheep (8.02). WG+ animals had a higher (P=0.03) proportion of Bacteroidetes (71.9% vs 66.5%) and a lower (P=0.04) proportion of Firmicutes (26.6% vs 31.6%) than WG− animals. Twenty-four specific operational taxonomic units (OTUs), belonging to the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla, were shared among all the samples, whereas specific OTUs varied significantly in presence/abundance (P<0.05) between wool genotypes and 50 varied (P<0.05) with LOI. It appears that genetic selection for fleece weight is associated with differences in rumen bacterial diversity that persist across different feeding levels. Moderate correlations between seven continuous traits, such as methane production or microbial protein production, and the presence and abundance of 17 OTUs were found, indicating scope for targeted modification of the microbiome to improve the energetic efficiency of rumen microbial synthesis and reduce the greenhouse gas footprint of ruminants.

Reproductive physiology of indian species of the genus perna (family mytilidae)

This thesis deals with the reproductive physiology of the two species of Indian sea mussels, namely the brown mussel perna indica and the green mussel p viridis .The major aspects of the study include ecophysiology of reproduction linking up the animal reproductive cycle of the animals with the ecological conditions of the natural mussel beds, biochemical and histochemical changes associated with reproduction and neurosecretory cycle in synchrony with the reproductive cycle. Some basic studies on gamete morphology and certain aspects of gamete physiology have been taken up. The experimental work deals with the influence of different feeding levels on gamatogenesis and maturation and the effect of ganglia ablation on spawning. The material for the investigation on perna indica were collected from the natural mussel beds at Vizhinjam near Trivandrum and on p.viridic from Elathur, near Calicut. The period of observation extended from October 1981 to December 1982.

Induction of cytochrome P-450 activity in individual Chironomus riparius Meigen larvae exposed to xenobiotics

Cytochrome P450 activity in individual Chironomus riparius larvae was measured using a microtiter plate adaptation of the ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) assay. The sensitivity of this biomarker was tested by exposing larvae to phenobarbital (0.5 and 1.0 mM) and permethrin (1 and 10 mug/g). Both chemicals induced EROD activity in C. riparius larvae by up to 1.58-fold with PB and 2.47-fold with permethrin. EROD induction was more pronounced after 48 h. The initially high EROD activity in the controls suggested that P450s are induced by stress. Feeding levels prior to exposure also had a significant effect on EROD activity. EROD activity compared to the control was highest when larvae were fed double the normal ration. These results indicate that EROD activity in individual C. riparius may be a useful biomarker to add to a suite of biomarkers for the detection of freshwater pollution. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.

Equations to predict methane emissions from cows fed at maintenance energy level in pasture-based systems

Ruminant production is a vital part of food industry but it raises environmental concerns, partly due to the associated methane outputs. Efficient methane mitigation and estimation of emissions from ruminants requires accurate prediction tools. Equations recommended by international organizations or scientific studies have been developed with animals fed conserved forages and concentrates and may be used with caution for grazing cattle. The aim of the current study was to develop prediction equations with animals fed fresh grass in order to be more suitable to pasture-based systems and for animals at lower feeding levels. A study with 25 nonpregnant nonlactating cows fed solely fresh-cut grass at maintenance energy level was performed over two consecutive grazing seasons. Grass of broad feeding quality, due to contrasting harvest dates, maturity, fertilisation and grass varieties, from eight swards was offered. Cows were offered the experimental diets for at least 2 weeks before housed in calorimetric chambers over 3 consecutive days with feed intake measurements and total urine and faeces collections performed daily. Methane emissions were measured over the last 2 days. Prediction models were developed from 100 3-day averaged records. Internal validation of these equations, and those recommended in literature, was performed. The existing in greenhouse gas inventories models under-estimated methane emissions from animals fed fresh-cut grass at maintenance while the new models, using the same predictors, improved prediction accuracy. Error in methane outputs prediction was decreased when grass nutrient, metabolisable energy and digestible organic matter concentrations were added as predictors to equations already containing dry matter or energy intakes, possibly because they explain feed digestibility and the type of energy-supplying nutrients more efficiently. Predictions based on readily available farm-level data, such as liveweight and grass nutrient concentrations were also generated and performed satisfactorily. New models may be recommended for predictions of methane emissions from grazing cattle at maintenance or low feeding levels.

Triptofano na alimentação de codornas japonesas nas fases de recria e postura

Objetivou-se estudar o efeito de diferentes planos alimentares, de acordo com os níveis de triptofano, sobre o desempenho e estresse (pela avaliação de parâmetros fisiológicos) de codornas japonesas (Coturnix coturnix japonica) nas fases de recria e postura. Cento e noventa e duas codornas japonesas na fase de recria (30 a 44 dias de idade) foram alojadas em gaiolas e distribuídas em um delineamento em blocos casualizados, com quatro planos de nutrição [0,27 (controle); 0,52; 0,77 ou 1,02% de triptofano], seis repetições e oito aves por parcela. Foram avaliados os parâmetros de desempenho (consumo de ração, ganho de médio peso, conversão alimentar e taxa de mortalidade) e os parâmetros fisiológicos das aves (relação heterófilo/linfócito e concentração de corticosterona no plasma sangüíneo). Outras 192 codornas japonesas na fase de postura (45 a 146 dias) foram distribuídas em delineamento de blocos ao acaso e submetidas a quatro planos de nutrição (0,23 [controle]; 0,48; 0,73 ou 0,98% de triptofano), com seis repetições e oito aves por parcela. Foram avaliados o consumo de ração, a produção de ovos, a conversão alimentar por dúzia de ovos, a taxa de mortalidade, a relação heterófilo/linfócito e a concentração de corticosterona no plasma. Os níveis de triptofano testados não afetaram o desempenho e os parâmetros fisiológicos de codornas japonesas nas fases de recria e postura.

Atributos estruturais e produtivos de capim-marandu em resposta à suplementação alimentar de bovinos e a ciclos de pastejo

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as alterações estruturais e produtivas de capim-marandu (Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu) em resposta à suplementação alimentar de bovinos e a ciclos de pastejo. Os níveis de suplementação com concentrado à base de polpa cítrica, milho, farelo de soja e ureia foram 0,2, 0,6 e 1% do peso vivo. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso, com arranjo em parcelas subdivididas no tempo, com os níveis de suplementação nas parcelas e os ciclos de pastejo nas subparcelas. Os efeitos da suplementação alimentar dos animais sobre o pasto foram detectados sobre o índice de área foliar, interceptação luminosa e relação folha/colmo, em pré-pastejo. Os menores valores foram observados na suplementação de 0,2% do peso vivo. No pós-pastejo, a massa de folhas e a relação folha/colmo foram menores com a menor suplementação (0,2%). Os ciclos de pastejo afetaram as características produtivas e estruturais do pasto, bem como os índices morfogênicos do capim-marandu. Apenas a massa de material morto aumentou, enquanto o número e o peso de perfilhos não foi afetado pelos ciclos de pastejo. O pasto de capim-marandu foi influenciado pela suplementação alimentar dos bovinos. Com o suceder dos ciclos de pastejo, do verão para o outono, há redução do crescimento do pasto, com prejuízos à sua estrutura.

Desempenho de tricogaster (Trichogaster trichopterus) submetido a diferentes níveis de arraçoamento e densidades de estocagem

O potencial genético para o crescimento de qualquer espécie animal depende das condições ambientais em que são cultivados, como competição por espaço, alimentos e oxigênio. O presente experimento foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar o desempenho produtivo de alevinos de tricogaster (Trichogaster trichopterus), uma espécie de peixe ornamental, submetidos a diferentes densidades de estocagem e índices alimentares. Os peixes (com peso médio de 0,56 g ± 0,09 e 0,96 g ± 0,13) foram divididos em dois blocos, submetidos às densidades de 5, 10 e 15 peixes/aquário e alimentados a taxas de 3, 6 e 9% do peso vivo/dia. Os peixes foram alimentados, uma vez ao dia, com ração comercial moída e mantidos em aquários (com capacidade para 100 L) dotados de filtro biológico e aeração, com renovação parcial da água. Os parâmetros físico-químicos da água mantiveram-se dentro da faixa de conforto para a espécie, com diminuição do pH e da condutividade no final do período experimental, para a maior densidade (15 peixes/aquário) e índice alimentar mais elevado (9% p.v./dia). A taxa de arraçoamento afetou significativamente o comprimento final, peso final, ganho de peso, a taxa de crescimento específico e o fator de condição. Os peixes alimentados à base de 9% p.v./dia apresentaram os melhores resultados. Para as diferentes densidades de estocagem, apenas o fator de condição apresentou diferença significativa, com os melhores resultados para os peixes cultivados à densidade de 10 peixes/aquário, em relação aos cultivados à densidade de 15 peixes/aquário. Não foram observadas interações significativas entre os índices alimentares e as densidades de estocagem.

Níveis de arraçoamento para juvenis de trairão (Hoplias lacerdae)

Com esta pesquisa buscou-se avaliar diferentes níveis de arraçoamento, em porcentagem de peso corporal (PC), para juvenis de trairão em início do período de engorda. Peixes com comprimento de 15,0 ± 1,0 cm e peso de 38,5 ± 8,2 g foram distribuídos em seis aquários com 250 litros de água cada, em densidade de cinco juvenis/aquário. Utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente casualisado com três tratamentos (níveis de arraçoamento diário: 2, 4 e 6% PC) e duas repetições. Os juvenis foram alimentados com ração comercial extrusada (42% PB), às 8 e 13 h. Ao final de 45 dias, avaliaram-se a sobrevivência, a conversão alimentar aparente e os ganhos em biomassa, peso diário e comprimento. Não houve diferença para sobrevivência e ganhos em biomassa, peso diário e comprimento. Houve diferença para a conversão alimentar aparente em função do manejo adotado. Os melhores resultados de desempenho foram encontrados nos peixes alimentados com níveis de 2 e 4% PC de ração por dia. Conclui-se que a melhor taxa de arraçoamento para juvenis de trairão é de 4% PC.

Exigências de energia metabolizável para frangas de postura de 1 a 18 semanas de idade

The trials were conduced to determine the energy requirements of growing pullets from 1 to 18 weeks of age,by means of the factorial method, using the comparative slaughter technique. The energy requirements for maintenance were determined utilizing the following feeding levels: ad libitum, 80% and 60% of ad libitum and sufficient for maintenance. Heat production was determined as a function of metabolizable energy intake (MEI) and the retained energy, which, when extrapolated to zero of ME intake, indicated net energy (NE) for maintenance of 63.6; 71.24 and 76.78 kcal/kg0.75/day, for the periods from 1 to 6, 7 to 12 and 13 to 18 weeks of age, respectively. ME requirements for maintenance were determined by ME intake regression as a function of the retained energy, which, when extrapolated to zero retained energy, resulted in 86.12; 98.95 and 116.24 kcal/kg0.75 per day for the periods from 1 to 6, 7 to 12 and 13 to 18 weeks of age, respectively. ME requirements for weight gain were determined through regression analysis of the energy present in the body as a function of body weight, obtained by means of weekly slaughtering during the period from 1 to 18 weeks old. The regression coefficients of energy present in the body as a function of the body weight were used for the determination of the NE requirements for gain. By taking into account the conversion efficiencies of ME to NE for gain, the requirements for weight gain were: 4.11, 5.78 and 7.32 kcal/g ME for the periods 1 to 6, 7 to 12, and 12 to 18 weeks of age, respectively.