1.
Effect Of Long Term Use Of Bovine Somatotropic Hormone On Milk Production ,Production Nutrient
by Iftikhar Ahmad | Makdoom Abdul Jabbar | Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha.
Material type: ; Format:
print
; Literary form:
not fiction
Publisher: 2009Dissertation note: Use of bovine somatotropic hormone (bST) for increased milk production has been widely investigated in dairy cattle, whereas very little work has been done in buffaloes. To observe the effect of bST on buffalo for long term duration study was planned with the objectives to investigate the effects of long term use of bST on milk production, milk composition, reproduction, hematological and biochemical parameters in Nili-Ravi buffaloes. For this study 30 lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes with similar milk production and stage of lactation were selected and randomly divided in to two groups A and B with 15 animals in each group. The group A (0 bST) served as control while animals in group B (+bST) were given injection of bST (250 mg Boostin-250/animal) at 14d interval. Nutritional requirements of experimental animals were met through available green fodder (45-50kg/day) supplemented with concentrate ration @ half of milk production. The milk production was significantly (P<0.05) increased by 18.04 % in treated group compared with control. The results showed that there was no significantly variations in parameters like milk composition, dry period and lactation length, calving interval in both the groups. The postpartum estrous period and service period were significantly (P< 0.05) improved which reflected positive effect of bST on reproductive parameters. However, the difference in services per conception was non-significant. Small variations were found in the prevalence of contagious and non contagious diseases in both experimental groups during the study period. The differences among body weights, hematological and biochemical parameters were also non-significant expect blood urea nitrogen (p< 0.05). The proceeds over a lactation period of 305 days was PKR. 4227.0 with the use of bST.
Second trial was conducted to study the effect of dose interval of bST in Nili-Ravi buffaloes. For the proposed study 21 Nili-Ravi lactating buffaloes with similar milk production and stage of lactation were randomly divided into three groups A, B and C with 7 animals in each group. The group A was injected with full dose of bST hormone (250 mg/animal) with trade name of Boostin-250 at an interval of 14 days, while animals in group B were given injection on alternate days with divided dose of 36 mg/animal. Group C was kept as control. Duration of study was 5 months and the animals were kept on green fodder supplemented with concentrate ration half of milk production. The concentrate ration had 17.2% CP and 72.0% TDN. The milk production increased by 18.35% and 15.27% in-group A and B compared with group C (control) but increase was non-significant (P>0.05) . Similarly data revealed that dose interval had no affect on milk contents, reproductive and hematological parameters in all the experimental groups.
In a third trial feed digestibility and efficiency for milk production was studied. For the study fourteen Nili-Ravi buffaloes at their mid lactation with almost same level of milk production were randomly divided into two groups A and B with seven animals in each group. The group A was kept as control, while group B was injected bST hormone (250 mg/animal) at an interval of 14 days and continued for 60 days. The nutritional requirements of animals in both the groups were met through TMR according to NRC recommendations. The milk production was increased by 7.0% in. treated group (B) as compared with control group (A) and the increase was statistically non-significant (P>0.05). However, the feed efficiency for milk production was significantly improved (P< 0.05) in treated group. The differences in milk composition (Fat, SNF, TS and Protein percent) body weight gain digestibility of dry matter and other nutrients in treated and control groups were found non-significant (P>0.05).
The fourth trial was conducted to determine the effect of energy on milk production and its quality under the influence of bST hormone in Nili-Ravi buffaloes. Multiparous (n12) buffaloes with mid lactation and similar level of milk yield were selected and randomly divided in to three groups i.e. A, B and C with four animals in each group. All the experimental animals were injected bST with trade name of Boostin - 250. The dose level was 250 mg per animal and injection was given at fortnightly interval during study period. The nutritional requirements of three groups animals were met through TMR with varying levels of energy (15% low and 15% above the recommendations of NRC). The milk yield was significantly higher (p<O.O5) on medium and high energy ration but the difference of milk yield was non significant (p>O.O5) between medium and low energy diets. The milk components and body weight gain were similar on all rations, while feed efficiency and nutrient intake (except ether extract) in low energy diet was significantly higher (p<O.O5) from two other rations. It may be concluded that 15% higher energy than recommended by NRC favoured milk production in Nih Ravi buffaloes when they were injected bST hormone.
Conclusion
On the over all there was consistency of results for milk production and milk composition with reference to available literature. However, some reproductive parameters including postpartum estrus and service period were significantly improved with the use of bST hormone. This effect has not been reported in the previous literature which needs to be further investigated and verified. Similarly the dose level in buffaloes needs to be further studied.
Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 0999,T] (1).
2.
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).
3.
Evaluation Of Different Strategies To Improve The Dietary Nitrogen Efficiency In Lactating Dairy Cows In Pakistan
by Muhammad Imran (2005-VA-09) | Prof. Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha | Dr. Muhammad Naveed ul Haque | Dr. Muhammad Qamer Shahid.
Material type: ; Literary form:
not fiction
Publisher: 2017Dissertation note: The objectives of this study were to optimize the protein supplies and replacement of SBM with locally available ingredients in the rations of high producing Holstein Friesian cows at mid lactation. On the basis of these objectives, three experiments were conducted. Multiparous cows in mid-lactation received three treatments in a 3×3 Latin square design with a period length of 20 d. Number of animals used were nine in 1st and 3rd experiments and 12 in 2nd experiment (Table 6.1). The trials were conducted at a corporate dairy farm. When we compare the initial and final values of milk yield, milk fat and milk protein contents, there is not a big difference of our diets with that currently being practiced in Pakistan (Table 6.1). This also reveals that the experimental milk production was close to pre-experimental milk production indicating that a successful dietary transition was achieved. Table 6.1: Demonstration of parameters before and during the experiments Exp.
Cows
No.
Initial Parameters During Experiment Parameters
DIM Milk
yield (kg)
Milk
fat (%)
Milk
protein (%)
Milk
yield (kg)
Milk fat
(%)
Milk
protein (%)
1 9 113±25 32±4.1 3.65 3.25 29.7±3.1 3.70 3.27
2 12 153±44 23.3±2.1 3.99 3.34 24.7±1.8 3.98 3.31
3 9 109±19 34±3.7 3.71 3.19 30.7±2.5 3.64 3.21
Exp., experiment; DIM, days in milk In the 1st experiment, three dietary treatments were designed to provide similar energy and increasing supply of MP (g/d)—2371 (low), 2561 (medium), and 2711 (high). Increasing the MP supplies did not modify DMI; however, it increased milk protein, fat, and lactose yield linearly. Similarly, FCM increased (9.3%) linearly due to an increase in both milk yield (5.2%) and milk fat content (7.8%). Milk nitrogen efficiency decreased from 0.26 to 0.20, whereas, the
Summary
102
metabolic efficiency of MP decreased from 0.70 to 0.60 at low to high MP supplies and it average value across the treatments was 0.64 (Table 6.2). In conclusion, increasing the MP supplies resulted in increased milk protein yield; however, a higher BUN and low MNE indicated an efficient utilization of dietary protein in low MP supplies. Milk nitrogen efficiency ranges from 20 to 30% in dairy cows at mid stage of lactation. Milk nitrogen efficiency increases slightly but linearly with the increase of dietary protein up to a certain level of supply of protein. At high protein levels of dietary protein MNE is low and vice versa. In the 2nd experiment, the response of balancing metabolizable Lys to Met ratio (3:1) in low protein diets was investigated. Three experimental diets; 1) LP−: low protein diet (13.6% CP) with imbalanced Lys to Met ratio (3.33), 2) LP+: low protein diet (13.5% CP) with balanced Lys to Met ratio (2.94) through HMBi; and 3) HP−: high protein diet (14.7% CP) without balancing Lys to Met ratio (3.39) in a 3×3 Latin square design were designed. Milk yield of LP- was 0.85 kg/d less as compared with the average milk yield of LP+ and HP-. Dry matter intake decreased by 0.7 kg/d in LP+ compared to HP- treatment whereas milk yield tended to be higher by 0.7 kg/d and protein yield by 23 g/d. Balancing the Lys to Met ratio by supplementing HMBi through feed increased feed, N, and MP conversion efficiencies to milk by 4.4, 1.6, and 13.1% respectively compared to the HP- diet. Similarly, 4% FCM was increased by 4.4% in LP+ diet as compared to HP- diet. Moreover, plasma urea concentration was numerically less in LP+ compared to LP- and HP- treatments whereas no effect was observed on plasma glucose and TG concentrations. In the 3rd experiment, three diets 1) Control: with low protein with SMB as a protein source, 2) SBMD: high protein diet with SBM as a major protein source and 3) CGMD: high
Summary
103
protein diet with CGM as a major protein source. Increasing the protein supplies did not affect DMI, milk fat yield, and milk fat and lactose contents in SBMD and CGMD diets compared to the control diet. Similarly, MP balance and MP/NEL increased by 31.5 and 9.1%, respectively. Increasing the protein supplies tended to increase milk yield. Similarly, milk protein and lactose yield increased by 3.5 and 3.3%, respectively. Milk protein contents tended to increase by 1.5% in SBMD and CGMD treatments compared to the control. Increasing the dietary protein supplies increased FE in SBMD and CGMD treatments compared to control, whereas, MNE decreased by 10.9%. No effect was observed on DM, N and NEL intakes when SBM was partially replaced with CGM. Consequently, milk yield, milk components’ yield, milk composition and feed efficiency remained unaffected. Contrary to this, MNE decreased by 5% in CGM treatment compared to SBM. There were no dietary treatment effects on blood metabolites including BUN, glucose and TG concentrations, which means neither replacement of SBM nor concentration of protein in the diet affected the blood metabolites profile. There was no change in lactation performance of cows by the partial replacement of SBM with CGM. Therefore, SMB could be partially replaced with CGM with urea without affecting animal performance, and saving the feed cost. Table 6.2: Effects of experimental diets on different parameters Exp.
MP
efficiencies
Δ MP
efficiencies (%)
Δ MY
(kg)
Δ DMI
(kg)
Δ milk
fat (%)
Δ milk
protein (%)
1 0.64 14.3 5.20 0.10 7.80 5.30
2 0.65 11.6 1.20 0.70 3.93 1.50
3 0.68 9.85 1.10 0.20 2.18 1.10
Exp., experiment; MP, metabolizable protein; MY, milk yield; DMI, dry matter intake
Summary
104
In conclusion, balancing Lys to Met ratio at low protein diets and partial replacement of SMB with CGM is a mean to improve the MNE and reduce feed costs. 6.1 Conclusion and Recommendations Diets with low MP supply result in high MNE and better utilization with low levels of BUN. Although there was less milk yield in low protein diets but utilizing efficiency was high. Low protein corn-soy-based diets supplemented with rumen protected Met (HMBi) result in increased utilization of protein and low levels of BUN. Partial replacement of SBM with CGM plus urea showed no change in DMI, milk yield. Milk nitrogen efficiency was slightly decreased in CGM diet as compared to SBM diet. Feed cost could be saved by replacing 35% SBM with CGM provided that RDP is balanced by using NPN sources. Diets should be given with possible lowest protein levels having balanced AA particularly Lys and Met, which should be 3:1. High levels of protein could result into increased emission of gases to the environment. Soybean meal replacement with CGM along with some NPN source results in similar outcomes. First strategy is the best out of three currently tested and it can save money. 6.2 Future Perspectives Studies must be conducted to investigate the effects of further lowering the dietary protein levels without affecting milk production in Holstein cows. It will help to improve the dietary N utilization for milk synthesis. The above-mentioned strategies can also be tried simultaneously for improved protein/N utilization in dairy cows. Lysine can also be tried along with Met to balance the low protein corn-soy-based diets. On the basis of RDP and RUP values, other ingredients can also be tried to partially replace SMB. Availability: Items available for loan: UVAS Library [Call number: 2920-T] (1).
4.
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).
