1.
Impact Of Various Feeding Regimes On Growth Performance Of Male Buffalo Calves
by Rashid Iqbal | Prof. Dr. Makhdoom Abdul Jabbar | Prof. Dr | Prof. Dr. Anjum Khalique.
Material type: ; Format:
print
Publisher: 2011Dissertation note: There has been a gradual decline in per capita availability of proteinous food particularly of animal origin for human consumption in our country. The feasible solution of the problem is to increase the production of meat. The potential of buffalo as a food animal to meet present and future demands of rapidly growing population deserves special attention because of its capacity to economically convert course roughages and other cereal by products into meat.
Pakistan is second largest buffalo holding country in the world having 29 million buffalo. Traditional system of buffalo meat production is inefficient; animals destined for slaughter are mostly culled and old stock. Male calves are not reared specifically for producing meat but they are kept only for milk let down in villages and are slaughtered even at 6-7 days of age in pen-urban areas. So far very little work has been done to evaluate the tremendous meat production potential of buffalo calves with a particular plan of nutrition.
Present study consisted of a feeding trial of about three months in duration. Fifteen Nih Ravi calves of approximately the same age and weight were selected for the subject study. The animals were randomly divided into three equal groups which were reared on three different feeding regimes. Group I was fed TMR ad-libitum and 2 kg of green fodder. Group II was fed available green fodder ad-libitum and concentrate ration
@ 1% of body weight. Group III was fed Lucerne hay ad-libitum and concentrate ration @ 1% of body weight. . Weighed quantity of feed was offer to every animal on individual feeding basis in a group and refusal was also recorded individually.
The results of study revealed that animals fed on TMBR performed better as compared to other feeding regimes. Among three feeding groups, highest (124.60 ± 7.82 kg) weight gain was observed in TMBR group while, lowest (108.20 + 5.80 kg) weight gain was found in Hay group. As far as feed intake is concerned, highest (777.42 + 8.87 kg) feed intake was observed in fodder group while, lowest (755.10 ± 16.61 kg) feed intake was found in TMBR group. Out of three feeding groups, calves fed on TMBR showed best feed conversion ratio (6.07 ± 0.47) while, the feed conversion ratio in calves fed on hay and fodder was 7.04 ± 0.39 and 7.01 ± 0.32 respectively. Economic analysis per kg weight gain revealed that TMBR group had the lowest cost of production in rupees (101.43 ± 7.92) per kg weight gain, where as highest cost of production (130.40± 7.40) was found in hay group. Analysis of variance of serum chemistry means revealed that no significant differences were found in total protein, urea, glucose, and creatinine values for all three feeding regimes.
On the basis of results of this study it is concluded that TMBR can be utilized as an alternate for our conventional feeding practices as it can meet all nutritional requirements of the animal. It is easy to handle, transport and store besides having a longer shelf life.
It is suggested that further trials with TMBR be carried out on different age and sex groups of buffalo and cattle in order to evaluate its effects on the performance of the animals.
Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 1227,T] (1).
2.
Comparative Performance Of Cattle Calves Fattened On Different Levels Of Lucerne Hay Based Total Mixed Ration
by Rana Asif Iqbal (2002-VA-102) | Dr. Jalees Ahmad Bhatti | Mr. Hifz-Ul-Rehman | Prof. Dr. Anjum Khalique.
Material type: ; Literary form:
not fiction
Publisher: 2015Dissertation note: Feeding management trial of 90 days was conducted to evaluate the growth performance and production economics of cattle calves fattened on different levels of Lucerne hay based mixed ration. Twenty four (24) cattle calves approximately of two years age and same weight were selected from the available young stock and was randomly allocated to three groups i.e. A, B and C, Fattening rations comprising concentrate TMR, LHMR-15(15% hay) and LHMR-25(25% hay) for the calves belonging to group A, B and C was offered @1 % of the body weight on dry matter basis, respectively. Mean daily DMI was 20.62±0.17, 20.66±0.18 and 20.74±0.17 kg per calf on TMR, LHMR-15 and LHMR-25, respectively. Highest dry matter intake (20.74±0.17 kg) was recorded in calves on LHMR-25 diet followed by calves on LHMR-15 and TMR. The data on body weight was recorded on weekly basis during the trial period of 12 weeks. Mean daily body weight gain was 0.82±0.042, 0.77±0.051and 0.70±0.046 kg per calf on TMR, LHMR-15 and LHMR-25, respectively. Highest (0.82±0.042 kg) daily weight gain was recorded in calves on TMR diet followed by calves on LHMR-15 and LHMR-25 diet, respectively. Daily weight gain in calves showed an increasing trend on overall basis in all the treatments during different weeks. The calves on TMR diet comparatively reported higher gain during different weeks and between treatments. Statistically non-significant was observed in mean daily weight gain among different treatments and also during different weeks.The differences in body height, body length and heart girth measurements were statistically non-significant between treatments. Statistically body mass index was non-significant among the all treatments. Feed conversion ratio in calves was highest (9.16±2.231) on TMR diet followed by LHMR-15 (11.18±4.192) and LHMR-25(11.64±2.025), respectively. Statistically feed conversion ratio differences were non-significant between treatments and also during different weeks. The economics of calves fattening was calculated at the end of twelve weeks experiment by using costs of production and value of gain. Gross margin analyses showed statistically non-significant difference between treatments and also during different weeks.
Key words: cattle, fattening, lucerne hay, daily weight gain
Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 2307-T] (1).
3.
Comparative Evaluation Of Effect Of Selenium Sources On Growth, Production And Reproduction In Different Varieties Of Indigenous Aseel Chicken
by Muhammad Waseem Zia (2012-VA-652) | Prof. Dr. Anjum khalique | Prof. Dr, Saima | Dr. Jibran Hussain.
Material type: ; Literary form:
not fiction
Publisher: 2017Dissertation note: Universally, domestic chickens are considered very important due to their better adaptability to the local climatic conditions. Among native poultry breeds of Pakistan, Aseel is a recognized native breed used mostly for backyard poultry production and is famous for its appreciable degree of resistance to various diseases as compared with commercial exotic poultry breeds. In many communities, native chickens are considered very important in breaking the vicious poverty cycle. This breed contains genes and alleles appropriate to their adaptation to the specific environment. On the basis of its characteristic of producing good quality meat, Aseel chicken can be used and further improved as a meat type bird. However, the main limitation in its propagation is its slower growth rate, poorer egg production, smaller egg size, lower fertility and hatchability.Selenium (Se) is an essential micro-mineral for poultry which exists in organic and inorganic forms. Organic Se is reported to be more bio-available which improves the growth performance, productive and reproductive potential of poultry resulting in better egg and meat production as well as the quality. Despite having considerable capabilities, inadequate research work has been so far conducted on Aseel that may be the main bottleneck towards increasing its overall production. In this study, there was a focus on the improvement of growth, productive and reproductive potential of Aseel; also for the development of functional poultry products (eggs and meat, enriched with Se). The present study was planned with the main objectives to investigate the influence of organic (Se-enriched yeast: SY) and inorganic (sodium selenite: SS) Se dietary supplements on growth performance, nutrient utilization, blood biochemical profile, slaughter characteristics, tissue Se concentration, rearing expenditures andmortality as well as the production traits including egg production, egg quality/geometry, hatching traits and egg Se concentration in four recognized varieties namely Lakha, Mushki, Peshaweri and Mianwaliof indigenous Aseel chicken. The study comprised two main experiments conducted at the Indigenous Chicken Genetic Resource Centre (ICGRC), Department of Poultry Production, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Ravi campus, Block-C, Pattoki with the objectives to explore theimpact of dietary Se addition, influence of varieties and their interaction on overall performance of Aseel chickens. For this purpose, in the first experiment, 240 three-week-aged birds (120 males and 120 females) were distributed in a randomized complete block design into four groups, 60/variety (30 males + 30 females). These birds of either sex were further subdivided into three treatment groups A, B and C according to the nature of diet (SY added, SS added and without Se added) with 10 birds/treatment and each treatment was replicated 10 times with one bird in each replicate. Data thus collected were subjected to analysis of variance techniques in a randomized complete block design and means were compared using Duncan’s Multiple Range test. The studies regarding overall response to Se supplementation for growth performance depicted substantial influence. Dietary addition with SY increased the nutrient retention, feed conversion, body weight and decreased the mortality and rearing expenditures, especially in the males of Lakha variety. All body measurementswere improved in the birds received SY supplemented diet, the SY-fed males of Lakha exhibited better response compared to rest of the treatments.SY addition significantly increased the values of glucose, triglyceride, globulin, glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in blood serum, while significantly decreased levels of urea, creatinine, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol, and thyroxine (T4) in the serum were observed in SY-fed birds, especially in the birds of Lakha and Peshaweri varieties. However, total protein and albumin values in the serumwere foundunaffected by Se supplementation. The significant variations in the slaughtering traits were observed; SY inclusion presented improved live final body weight, dressing weight, dressing percent, eviscerated weight, eviscerated percent and giblet weight. Selenium uptake by the chest and thigh muscles was also enhanced in the male birds of Lakha and Mushki varieties exposed to SY added diet. The rearing cost of the birds in SY-fedgroup was noticed lower than the cost recorded for those got SS supplemented or control diet. The males of Lakha in this regard presented the least rearing cost on receiving SY supplemented diet.
The second experiment was also conducted with the objectives to compare the influence of organic and inorganic Se inclusion, varieties and their interaction on productive performance, egg geometry/quality traits, reproductive performance and the egg Se contents in Aseel. For this purpose, 96 twenty-one-weeks old birds (84 females and 12 Males) from Lakha, Mushki, Peshaweri and Mianwali varieties of Aseel were selected and distributed under randomized complete block design into three groups, 24/variety (21 females + 3 males); further subdivided into three treatment groups, 7 females and 1 male in each treatment according to Se treatments (SY, SS and control) and each treatment was replicated 7 times with one bird in each replicate. Each bird was regarded as an experimental unit. The data thus collected were subjected to analysis of variance in a randomized complete block design and means were compared using Duncan’s Multiple Range test. The results showed that the females of Mianwali variety fed with SY supplemented ration exhibited higher feed intake, enhanced body weight and gained sexual maturity earlier; furthermore, Mianwali variety exhibited better egg production, showed higher egg weight and egg mass. FCR/dozen eggs, FCR/kg egg mass were as observed to be higher in the females of Peshaweri variety. Egg Se concentration was higher in the SY supplemented group as compared with SS or control groups.Dietary Se supplementation significantly influenced the shape index, yolk index, Haugh Units and eggshell thickness. However, non-significant variations were observed in Haugh Units among the females of all varieties. Interaction results presented the significant differences in egg breadth, egg length, egg volume, egg weight, egg shape index, egg shell thickness, yolk index and Haugh Units in the females of all varieties; with significantly higher values in the females of Mianwali variety exposed to SY added ration.The reproductive performance pertaining to hatching traits depicted that the Se supplements, varieties and their interaction influenced the hatching traitssignificantly. The SY-fed females of Peshaweri presented the decreased dead germ percent, dead in shell percent and clear egg percent compared with the females got SS supplemented ration or unsupplemented control ration. Improved hatchability percent and the hatch of fertile percent were noticed in the females of SY supplemented group than those of SS or control groups and the greatest increase was recorded in the females of Peshaweri variety. Similarly, enhanced body weights by the newly hatched chicks of Peshaweri and Mianwali varieties were observed fed with SY supplemented ration and also in the interaction, significant results were recorded.
9.1 CONCLUSIONS
Based upon the findings of the present study, it can be concluded that all four varieties of indigenous Aseel responded positively to the dietary addition with SY supplements of Se regarding growth performance of Aseel, especially in the male birds of Lakha variety. SY supplementation also showed the better results regarding productive and reproductive performance, especiallyin the females of Mianwali and Peshaweri varieties with more promising results. Moreover, SY addition displayed the substantial results in shape of production of functional foods such as Se-enriched eggs and meat.
9.2 SUGGESTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
In future, indigenous Aseel chicken raising programs should be given due emphasis while proceeding for poultry farming by using native breeds of poultry.
9.2.1 Recommendations for the farmers
Keeping in mind the results of this study, here are some recommendations for the poultry farmers.
1. Due to the large body size of Aseel and a good ability to show resistance against a variety of infectious diseases, many poultry farmers want to rear and use Aseel as a parent flock for further breeding but are hesitant to go for that because of its slow growth. Slow growth is due to its low feed nutrient utilization and consequently slow gain in body weight. Lower production performance is mainly due to its late sexual maturity, long pauses and short clutch size.In the current situation,the strategic inclusion of Se in the diets of Aseel, being the effective technology, can help the farmers overcome the problems of slow growth and low productive performance in Aseel by synchronizing and consequently bringing the Aseel birds into better growth and production. It can help the farmers to get the production of the Aseel birds, according to their need and situations.
2. In the current study, SY has been substantiated to improve the reproductive performance of Aseel, hence can be used further to elucidate the very old concern of lower fertility and hatchability in Aseel parent flock consequently improving progeny size.
3. Keeping in view the above, the Aseel can be used as a feasible option for the poultry business by enhancing its sluggish growth rate and lower production potential through Se supplementation as well as to lower fertility and hatchability through the supplementation of organic Se supplement (SY) in the diet. Ultimately, it will be remained supportive towards the revival of open- sided poultry farms that have become closed after the trend to establish the environmentally controlled sheds and are lying vacant from a long time.
9.2.2 Suggestions for the researchers
1. In the current study, the fixed levels ofSe supplements were used for supplementation, whereas future researchers can work on different levels of it.
2. Further trials may be planned to check the subsequent effects of different sources of Se supplements on the biochemical profile of meat and eggs; also the immune response in the chicks from hens reared on Se supplemented diets.
3. The evaluation of semen quality in Aseel males and the impact of artificial insemination in the hens by the semen received from Se treated males of Aseel can also be studied.
Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 2780-T] (1).
4.
Comparison Of Carcass Traits And Meat Quality Characteristics Of Four Commercial Broiler Strains Available In Pakistan
by Iftikhar Hussain Badar (2004-VA-38) | Dr. Muhammad Hayat Jaspal | Dr. Sher Ali | Prof. Dr. Anjum Khalique.
Material type: ; Literary form:
not fiction
Publisher: 2017Dissertation note: During the last five decades intensive research in the genetic selection resulted in significant improvement in broiler performance. Modern trends in poultry processing lead to a point where success is based on better cut up yield, as a result breeding companies have developed several marketable broiler strains .In Pakistan there are four broiler strains i.e. Hubbard®, Arbor acre®, Ross® and Cobb®. Presently general perception in the industry is that Ross and Cobb strains have higher boneless yield owing to relatively heavy breast as compared to Hubbard. In a country like Pakistan, where only imported strains of broiler are being used, comparative evaluation of different broiler strains and expression of their potential under climatic condition of Pakistan is necessary for mutual benefit of farmers, processors and consumers.
The present study was conducted at department of Meat Science and Technology, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore.Total 360 birds from four broiler strains were divided into three body weight categories (Low 1800±50 g, Medium 2100±50 g, and Heavy 2400±50).These birds were procured from R&D Farm, Hi-Tech Pvt. Ltd. 18 km Raiwind Road, Lahore for slaughtering under Randomized Complete Block Design.
For slaughtering, each bird was tagged and transported in specific crates. After bleeding, birds were de-feathered, deskinned and weighed to record deskinned weight. The birds were eviscerated and after removal of heads and shanks birds weighed again to record the carcass weight. After Chilling the carcasses were processed in deboning hall, the birds were weighed and cut in to major parts i.e. first as legs, whole breast, neck, back and wings. Then legs were further cut into drumsticks and thighs.Then each part was deboned to get weight of boneless meat of each cut. Percentage of boneless meat of specific part on the basis of carcass weight was calculated.
The pH of the meat was recorded from pectoralis major muscle with the help of pH meter.Color wasmeasured from the same breast fillet used to measure pH, for drip loss percentage six breast fillet were randomly selected from each strain and each body weight category after deboning.For marination total 18 breast fillet were selected randomly of each body weight category of every strain.
The Cobb broilers showed highest dressing (%). The skin and feathers (%), offals (%), legs (%), drumstick (%), back (%), neck (%), wings (%), leg meat (%) and drumstick boneless (%) were highest in Hubbard broilers. The Hubbard and Arbor acre broilers showed highest thigh (%) and boneless thigh meat (%). The Ross broilers had highest whole breast (%), outer fillet (%), inner fillet (%), wing boneless (%) and total boneless meat (%).Among different broiler strains, Cobb broilers showed significantly higher pH at 4hr and Hubbard showed highest pH after 24 hour .The Ross broilers had significantly higher L* as compared to the other strains.Among different broiler strains Cobb and Ross showed significantly higher drip loss (%),marinade uptake (%) and brine loss (%) as compared to Arbor acre and Hubbard. Whereas, cooking loss (%) and shear force value with marination was significantly higher in Ross broilers.Among different strains, Hubbard broilers had highest cooking yield after marination as compared to rest of strains.
Conclusion
Based on the findings of the present study it can be concluded that:
1. Ross, Cobb and Arbor Acre strains showed better dressing percentage as compared to Hubbard.
2. The Ross broilers has highest whole breast (%) followed by those of Cobb, Arbor acre and Hubbard and among different body weight categories lowest body weight broilers (1800g) has highest breast (%).
3. The Ross broilers showed highest fillet (%) followed by those of Cobb, Arbor acre and Hubbard and among different body weight categories highestbody weight broilers (2400g) has highest breast fillet (%).
4. The Hubbard broilers showed highest whole legs and boneless leg meat (%) followed by those of Arbor Acre and least in Ross and Cobb broilers.
5. The Ross broilers had highest total boneless (%) followed by those of Arbor acre, Cobb, and Hubbard.
6. Hubbard broilers has highest cooking yield after marination as compared to rest of strains.
7. Marination has improved cooking yield and tenderness of meat in all strains.
8. Yellow shank strains ( Ross and Cobb) showed better dressing percentage, whole breast yield, fillet yield and total boneless yield as compared to the white shank strain ( Hubbard)
9. White shank strain (Hubbard) showed better legs meat yield and cooking yield after marination as compared to yellow shank strains (Ross and Cobb).
Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 2794-T] (1).
5.
Moringa Oleifera As Feed Additive In Poultry: Influence On Production Efficiency, Meat And Egg Profile
by Shakeel Ahmad (2011-VA-542) | Prof. Dr. Anjum Khalique | Prof. Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha | Dr. Shahid Mehmood.
Material type: ; Literary form:
not fiction
Publisher: 2017Dissertation note: Phytogenic feed additives gained considerable interest in the strategic replacement of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) after European regulations for animal feed production which imposed a complete ban on antibiotics in animal feed used as growth promoters. Natural phytogenic growth promoters modify animal metabolism and gut microbiota population and positively affect the production and growth performance. Research in the animal feed production has established the basis for better feed efficiency, desired carcass traits and manipulation of bioactive compounds in the poultry eggs and meat, which resulted in the idea of functional foods and phytogenic feeds additives. In response to the above challenges a lot of research on aromatic plants, herbs, and spices was conducted in comparison with conventional antibiotic growth promoters. The data were recorded and analysed regarding gut morphology, gut ecology, feed digestibility, nutrients availability and meat and eggs bioactive compounds index of meat and eggs. Moringa oleifera might be used as phytogenic feed additives on the basis of diverse volatile compounds present in its leaves, pods and roots. Moringa belongs to family Moringaceae and is commercially grown in many tropics and subtropics countries globally. Moringa oleifera leaves and pods are very nutritious and retain their nutrients even when dried and converted to leaf powder. They can be utilized in both fresh as well as dried forms. Moringa leaves contain bioactive compounds like β-carotene, Quercetin and selenium in addition to basic nutrients (crude protein, metabolizable energy, ether extract, and ash). Moringa leaf meal contains 29.7, 22.5, 14.7, 4.3, 2.7, 0.26, 10.6% and 7.86Mj/Kg of CP, CF, Ash, EE, Ca, P, NFE and ME respectively. On the basis of above nutritional and bioactive compounds Moringa oleifera leaves meet the needs of a growth promoter and phytogenic feed additive as lot of studies on antimicrobial, anti-coccidial, AGP replacer and feed ingredient attributes have been conducted. Even then, very limited data was available regarding its phytogenic feed additive attributes. On the basis of above addressed issues the below experiments were designed. For this purpose following experiments were planned and executed. In the first experiment, authors took 200 day old broiler chicks and assigned to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized design replicated five times having ten birds each. Four iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets were formulated for both the starter as well as finisher phases of production and four levels (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%) of Moringa leaf meal (MLM) were used over and above. Data regarding growth performance were collected and subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) techniques under Completely Randomized Design and means were compared using Duncan’s Multiple Range (DMR) test. Growth was monitored by feed intake, body weight, total gain, FCR and liveability. Feed intake was linearly decreased whereas quadratic response was observed in FCR (P≤0.05). Body weight, total gain and liveability remained same among the treatment groups. Dressing percentage showed quadratic response and highest values was observed in the group offered 0.5% of supplementation, whereas all other parameters including live weight, carcass weight, digestive organs (liver, gizzard) and heart size showed no effect. Bioactive compounds β-carotene, Quercetin and selenium in breast meat samples were lineally increased resulting in higher DPPH values (P≤0.05). Cholesterol, SGPT, creatinine and glucose levels in serum and breast meat samples were linearly decreased resulting in improved animal as well as consumer health. Moisture level of breast meat samples was linearly decreased whereas all other nutrients including Crude protein (CP), Ash, Ether extract (EE) and all minerals were linearly increased with the supplementation level (P≤0.05). Newcastle dis□ease titers remained unchanged while linear increase in IBD titers was observed. In second trial Moringa oleifera pods meal was added in the diet (starter and finisher) with same levels 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%. Two hundred broiler birds were purchased from commercial market and assigned to four treatments with five replicates and ten birds per replicate. Feed conversion ratio and feed intake was decreased (P≤0.05) with the increase in the supplementation level, whereas total gain was improved. Dressing percentage was negatively affected (P≤0.05), whereas organs weights (liver, hear & gizzard) were improved with the supplementation levels. β-carotene and Quercetin content of broiler breast meat were respectively 0.08μg/100g and 8μg/100g breast meat samples. Cholesterol level was decreased whereas selenium content was significantly increased (P≤0.05) in the treatment groups. Highest DPPH radicals scavenging activity was recorded in the treatment groups. When proximate analysis of meat was done, the moisture, ether extract, crude protein and ash contents were decreased (P≤0.05). Moreover biochemical indicators SGPT, Creatinine, Glucose and cholesterol were recorded significantly lowest (P≤0.05) in the treatment groups. In the third experiment Moringa oleifera leaf meal was used as feed additive in layers diet to its impact on performance, bioactive compounds and nutrient profile of eggs. For this purpose two hundred, fifty weeks (50) old, HyLine W36 layers were purchased from the commercial market and assigned to four treatments in a completely randomized design with five replicates and ten birds per replicate. Four iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets were formulated and Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MLM) was supplemented at 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% over and above of basal diet. Results of this experiment significantly affected the production. Egg mass, production percentage and FCR were significantly affected whereas total feed intake and egg weight remained unchanged (P≤0.05). Egg shape and yolk index showed a quadratic response, whereas Haugh units and shell thickness was linearly decreased (P≤0.05). Bioactive compounds like β-carotene, Quercetin and Selenium content were enriched up to the levels 4906 and 241 and 56.82 μg/100g of egg yolk respectively (P≤0.05). Linear decrease in the serum biochemical compounds SGPT, Glucose, Creatinine and cholesterol
SUMMARY
143
levels (serum and eggs) at 4th and 6th week of supplementation was recorded (P≤0.05). Antibody titers against Newcastle disease were also significantly improved
(P≤0.05). Nutrients and minerals profile of egg yolk was also significantly changed (P≤0.05). In experiment No 4, effect of Moringa oleifera pods meal was investigated on 200 HyLine W36 layer birds of 50 weeks age. Diets were formulated having same caloric and protein levels and Moringa oleifera pods meal was added at top with the dose levels of 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% of basal diet. The results of this study showed quadratic response on egg mass and FCR per dozen eggs whereas feed intake, egg weight and production percentage remained same. Haugh unit showed a quadratic response whereas shell thickness was decreased linearly in the treatment groups (P≤0.05). Antioxidants like, β-carotene, Quercetin and Selenium showed same trend as in the previous experiment. Serum biochemical profile (SGPT, Glucose, Creatinine and cholesterol) were improved along with lower cholesterol content in egg yolk (P≤0.05). Proximate analysis of egg yolk showed that moisture and ether extract was decreased whereas CP, Ash and minerals (Na, K, Ca, Mg, P) profile was improved with the supplementation (P≤0.05). Results of all these four experiments support our hypothesis that Moringa oleifera can be a good phytogenic functional feed additive and can even perform at these lower supplementation levels. Moreover it can also be stated that eggs and meat produced from Moringa oleifera leaf and pods supplemented birds may serve as a functional food.
Conclusion
SUMMARY
144
On the basis of above experiments, it can be concluded that Moringa oleifera leaf and pods meal could be used to enhance the growth and production performance of broilers and layer bird along with bioactive compounds, like antioxidants, minerals and vitamins index of meat and eggs which could meet the advance concept of phytogenic feed additives.
Suggestions and recommendations
Outcomes of the present study including positive impact on growth performance, carcass traits, serum biochemical profile, immunity in broilers, and production percentage, egg geometry, and egg quality in layers in addition to enrichment of β-carotene, Quercetin and selenium in meat eggs suggest that Moringa oleifera can be considered as phytogenic feed additive.
Recommendations for the farmers
Keeping in view the above study following recommendation are given for the poultry producers
1. Moringa oleifera on the basis of its availability and nutrient profile can be a good phytogenic feed additive but there are multiple limitations most important are anti-nutritional compounds like saponins, phytosterols and high fibre and ash content in the leaves and pods meal inclusion in the feed.
2. Moringa pods are available once in a year and its availability is scarce so proper storage should be monitored.
3. Depending on the soil composition and climatic condition and varieties the nutrient especially ash content and bioactive compounds differ in its concentration so proper validation of nutrients is required before supplementation.
4. Supplementation is dependent on the nutrient profile so proper protocol and care must be considered while its use.
SUMMARY
145
5. In present study it is suggested that Moringa oleifera could be an option to be used as phytogenic feed additives to meet the condition including ban on AGP, better growth, production performance and safe and healthy meat and eggs.
Suggestions for the researchers
1. In the present study four levels of supplementation were used but future researchers can explore different levels in their studies.
2. Comparative studies with synthetic antioxidants, carotenoids and organic selenium can be designed.
3. Effect on shelf life can be studied in the animal products can be investigated in future studies.
Subsequent effect on acceptability of consumers regarding effect on the health including cholesterol levels, hypertension and cancer diseases can be studied. Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 2940-T] (1).
