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Simple Summary: Lameness is an important welfare issue in dairy farming that is causing substantial economic losses. This study aims to determine the association of potential risk factors with farm-level lameness in German dairy herds, including cubicle design and cubicle bedding, feeding management, lameness assessment, claw health management, stocking density, and floor design. Risk factors were identified for all cows regardless of the number of calvings (primiparous and multiparous cows) and for first lactation cows separately. Results of the present study showed that larger cubicle width and deep bedded cubicles are associated with a lower risk of being lame. In farms feeding a total mixed ration, the risk of being lame was lower than in farms with other feeding routines (partial mixed ration or single components). For first lactation cows, the way and frequency of lameness assessment were associated with lameness. Many of the factors revealed by this study are related to cow comfort, especially the comfort when lying down. More attention is needed here to reduce lameness in German dairy cows. Six hundred fifty-nine farms in three regions of Germany (North: n = 240, East: n = 247, and South: n = 172) were included in the study, which aims at determining the association of management-related risk factors with farm-level lameness in German dairy herds. For each risk factor, a generalised linear regression model with negative binomial distribution and logit link was built. Results showed that cows housed in deep-bedded cubicles had a lower risk of being lame than cows housed in other cubicle types. A larger cubicle width was associated with a lower risk of being lame. Feeding a total mixed ration was associated with lower lameness prevalence (compared to feeding a partial mixed ration or single components). For first lactation cows, lameness assessment performed daily (compared to less than daily) and during other work tasks (compared to lameness assessment as a separate work task) were associated with lower risk for lameness. Finally, the present study provided evidence for crucial associations of management-related risk factors with lameness in German dairy cows, especially in the fields of cubicle design, feeding management, and lameness assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of offering (OSF) or not (NSF) supplemental feed at milking on temperament (TS), udder hygiene (UHS) and body condition (BCS) scores, and milk yield per milking (MYM), milk quality traits, and profitability of primiparous Anatolian buffalo cows at 90 days of lactation confined in closed-tied (CB) or semi-open free-stall (OB) barns. Methods In Experiment I, 108 cows were selected to encompass four treatments (OB-OSF, OB-NSF, CB-OSF, and CB-NSF) of 27 cows, considering barn type (OB and CB) and supplementary feed (OSF and NSF) at milking. In Experiment II, 60 OB cows were selected to encompass one of five groups of 12 cows each: i) no supplemental feed (CON), ii) commercial concentrate (CC), iii) CC + corn silage (CCS), iv) CCS + alfalfa hay (CSA), or v) CC + ryegrass silage (CRS) at milking. Results The TS and UHS of the OB and OSF cows were lower (better) than those of the CB and NSF cows, respectively. The OSF increased milk protein, lactose, and solids-not-fat but decreased milk freezing point and electrical conductivity compared with the NSF. The MYM and milk fat of the OB-OSF cows were higher than those of the OB-NSF and CB-NSF cows. The TS and UHS of the cows negatively correlated with MYM and some milk chemicals (fat, protein, and solids-not-fat), but BCS correlated positively. The TS and milk electrical conductivity of the CCS, CSA, and CRS cows were lower than those of the CON and CC cows, but BCS, MYM, and milk fat were higher. Partial budget analysis identified a higher net profit for supplemental feed-offered groups (OB-OSF, CCS, CSA, and CRS). Conclusion Offering roughage with concentrates at milking for indoor primiparous buffalo cows is more conducive to well-being, milk yield, milk quality, and economy.

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of offering (OSF) or not (NSF) supplemental feed at milking on temperament (TS), udder hygiene (UHS) and body condition (BCS) scores, and milk yield per milking (MYM), milk quality traits, and profitability of primiparous Anatolian buffalo cows at 90 days of lactation confined in closed-tied (CB) or semi-open free-stall (OB) barns. Methods: In Experiment I, 108 cows were selected to encompass four treatments (OBOSF, OB-NSF, CB-OSF, and CB-NSF) of 27 cows, considering barn type (OB and CB) and supplementary feed (OSF and NSF) at milking. In Experiment II, 60 OB cows were selected to encompass one of five groups of 12 cows each: i) no supplemental feed (CON), ii) commercial concentrate (CC), iii) CC + corn silage (CCS), iv) CCS + alfalfa hay (CSA), or v) CC + ryegrass silage (CRS) at milking. Results: The TS and UHS of the OB and OSF cows were lower (better) than those of the CB and NSF cows, respectively. The OSF increased milk protein, lactose, and solids-not-fat but decreased milk freezing point and electrical conductivity compared with the NSF. The MYM and milk fat of the OB-OSF cows were higher than those of the OB-NSF and CBNSF cows. The TS and UHS of the cows negatively correlated with MYM and some milk chemicals (fat, protein, and solids-not-fat), but BCS correlated positively. The TS and milk electrical conductivity of the CCS, CSA, and CRS cows were lower than those of the CON and CC cows, but BCS, MYM, and milk fat were higher. Partial budget analysis identified a higher net profit for supplemental feed-offered groups (OB-OSF, CCS, CSA, and CRS). Conclusion: Offering roughage with concentrates at milking for indoor primiparous buffalo cows is more conducive to well-being, milk yield, milk quality, and economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the possible effect of different feed ration levels on the growth, welfare, and early maturation of juvenile Atlantic salmon, 450 salmon parr with a mean (±standard error) initial weight of 51.6 g (±0.8) were reared in triplicate under three different feed ration levels for five months. The control group (100r) was fed every day, the 50r group was fed every other day, and the 33r group was fed every third day. In every group, 75 fish (half of the group) were individually tagged for monitoring of growth. The number of fin wounds was used as the welfare indicator, and to inspect the development of maturation, all fish were euthanized, and development of the gonads was monitored by visual inspection at the termination of the trial. The control group (100r) showed a significantly higher specific growth rate (0.90% day−1) compared to the lower fed groups (50r, 0.67% day−1 and 33r, 0.49% day−1); however, the growth difference was 21–24% less than expected solely on the difference in the amount of feed given to each group. The 100r group showed the highest welfare rating, and the 33r group the lowest possible, indicating more aggressive behaviour and fin biting due to feed restriction in the 33r group. No difference (p > 0.45) was found in the development of maturation in females, but the combined numbers of males in maturity stages 2–5 showed an overall trend towards slower maturation in the 33r group compared to the 100r group. Although the present findings on the development of sexual maturation were subtle due to the limited time frame of the trial, the findings offer a foundation for future investigation into the relationship between the feed ration level and the development of sexual maturation in the rearing of juvenile Atlantic salmon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We recently reported the ubiquitous occurrence of mycotoxins and their secondary metabolites in dairy rations and a substantial variation in the feeding management among Austrian dairy farms. The present study aimed to characterize to which extent these factors contribute to the fertility, udder health traits, and performance of dairy herds. During 2019 and 2020, we surveyed 100 dairy farms, visiting each farm 2 times and collecting data and feed samples. Data collection involved information on the main feed ingredients, nutrient composition, and the levels of mycotoxin and other metabolites in the diet. The annual fertility and milk data of the herds were obtained from the national reporting agency. Calving interval was the target criterion for fertility performance, whereas the percentage of primiparous and multiparous cows in the herd with somatic cell counts above 200,000 cells/mL was the criterion for impaired udder health. For each criterion, herds were classified into 3 groups: high/long, mid, and low/short, with the cut-off corresponding to the <25th and >75th percentiles and the rest of the data, respectively. Accordingly, for the calving interval, the cut-offs for the long and short groups were ≥400 and ≤380 d, for the udder health in primiparous cows were ≥20% and ≤8% of the herd, and for the udder health in multiparous cows were ≥35% and ≤20% of the herd, respectively. Quantitative approaches were further performed to define potential risk factors in the herds. The high somatic cell count group had higher dietary exposure to enniatins (2.8 vs. 1.62 mg/cow per d), deoxynivalenol (4.91 vs. 2.3 mg/cow per d), culmorin (9.48 vs. 5.72 mg/cow per d), beauvericin (0.32 vs. 0.18 mg/cow per d), and siccanol (13.3 vs. 5.15 mg/cow per d), and total Fusarium metabolites (42.8 vs. 23.2 mg/cow per d) and used more corn silage in the ration (26.9% vs. 17.3% diet DM) compared with the low counterparts. Beauvericin was the most substantial contributing variable among the Fusarium metabolites, as indicated by logistic regression and modeling analyses. Logistic analysis indicated that herds with high proportions of cows with milk fat-to-protein ratio >1.5 had an increased odds for a longer calving interval, which was found to be significant for primiparous cows (odds ratio = 5.5, 95% confidence interval = 1.65–21.7). As well, herds with high proportions of multiparous cows showing levels of milk urea nitrogen >30 mg/dL had an increased odds for longer calving intervals (odds ratio = 2.96, 95% confidence interval = 1.22–7.87). In conclusion, the present findings suggest that dietary contamination of Fusarium mycotoxins (especially emerging ones), likely due to increased use of corn silage in the diet, seems to be a risk factor for impairing the udder health of primiparous cows. Mismatching dietary energy and protein supply of multiparous cows contributed to reduced herd fertility performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feline obesity continues to be a priority health and welfare issue. Most research surrounding obesity currently focuses on obesity treatment. However, treatment for feline obesity is slow, often unsuccessful and not without consequences. Identifying high-risk populations for obesity onset is crucial for developing and implementing preventive strategies. This review identifies post-gonadectomy kittens aged 5–12 months as the primary target population for obesity prevention in domestic cats and highlights dietary and feeding management strategies to be implemented for obesity prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six hundred fifty-nine farms in three regions of Germany (North: n = 240, East: n = 247, and South: n = 172) were included in the study, which aims at determining the association of management-related risk factors with farm-level lameness in German dairy herds. For each risk factor, a generalised linear regression model with negative binomial distribution and logit link was built. Results showed that cows housed in deep-bedded cubicles had a lower risk of being lame than cows housed in other cubicle types. A larger cubicle width was associated with a lower risk of being lame. Feeding a total mixed ration was associated with lower lameness prevalence (compared to feeding a partial mixed ration or single components). For first lactation cows, lameness assessment performed daily (compared to less than daily) and during other work tasks (compared to lameness assessment as a separate work task) were associated with lower risk for lameness. Finally, the present study provided evidence for crucial associations of management-related risk factors with lameness in German dairy cows, especially in the fields of cubicle design, feeding management, and lameness assessment.

Adequate feeding protocols are extremely important for the technical and economic feasibility of fish production systems. Two feeding rates, 3% and 4% body weight per day (3%BW and 4%BW), and two feeding frequencies, twice and three times a day, were tested during 84 days at the initial grow-out phase of tambaqui (94.5 ± 6.4 g) in earthen ponds. No mortalities or difference in growth between treatments were observed during the trial. Total feed intake and feed conversion ratio were low in the fish fed at 3%BW. Fat deposition in the fish carcass and concentration of glycogen and lipid vacuoles in the hepatocytes were also low in fish fed at 3%BW. Plasma cholesterol and triglycerides were higher in the fish fed three times a day at 4%BW. Increased concentration of malonaldehyde was observed in the carcass of fish fed three times a day at 4%BW at the end of the storage period. Fish fed twice a day presented higher total feed intake per meal than fish fed three times a day, demonstrating that tambaqui was able to regulate the feed intake to benefit from a low feeding frequency. No difference was observed in pond phytoplankton and zooplankton concentration or sediment chemistry. Fish fed at 3%BW presented higher stomach content weight, demonstrating the contribution of the natural food as a complementary nutrition to tambaqui. Based on the results, tambaqui of 95–350 g reared in earthen ponds may be fed twice a day at 3%BW.

Dysphagia is a common complication after stroke, and early screening, correct assessment, and timely intervention can improve patient outcomes. This article reviews the research progress affecting the outcomes of patients with stroke dysphagia from the aspects of swallowing function screening and evaluation, and feeding management. (吞咽障碍是脑卒中患者常见并发症, 早期筛查、正确评估、及时干预可改善患者结局。本文从吞咽筛查和评估、进食管理等内容对影响脑卒中吞咽障碍患者结局的研究进展进行综述。)

This study aimed to determine nutrient consumption, body weight gain, feed conversion, and feed efficiency of Simmental crossbred bulls through different feeding management specifically for levels of time on feed offered. Nine bulls were allocated on three different level treatments and three replicates. They were T0=feeding whole concentrate first in the morning then offering whole chopped forages after 6 hours later; T1=feeding half of the concentrate first then offering half of the chopped forages after 2 hours later in the morning and afternoon; T2=feeding half of the concentrate and chopped forages simultaneously in the morning and afternoon. Bulls were fed twice daily and had free access to drinking water ad libitum. Parameters observed were nutrient consumption, daily gain, feed conversion and efficiency. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and further analysis by DMRT for the significant parameter. The results showed that the treatment of different feeding management presented significantly different (P0.05) on daily gain, feed conversion, and feed efficiency. Feed-offered time differences affected nutrient consumption but did not alter the concentrate and forage ratio consumed or cattle performances.

ABSTRACT: Hormone-free (HF) reproduction in dairy sheep is a way to meet current societal demands, but it requires being prepared for collateral impacts on related system components. The efficiency of HF practices (e.g., using the male effect for estrus induction and synchronization) is uncertain compared with hormonal treatment (HT). For example, these practices can lead to higher variability in the flock physiological stage patterns throughout the year, which has direct consequences for feeding regimens. The objective of this work was to simulate the impacts of HF reproduction management, including artificial insemination (AI), on the temporal distribution of productive performance and nutritional requirements of a conventional dairy sheep flock. Using the REPROsheep2.0 model, 6 scenarios were compared over one typical production season for the same flock (n = 597 Lacaune ewes) intensively reared in the Roquefort region of France. These scenarios depicted reproduction with HT and AI in mid-May (Early); HT and AI in July (Summer Late); HT and AI in November (Autumn Late); and their HF versions (HF-Early; HF-Summer Late, and HF-Autumn Late, respectively). In all HF scenarios, a reduction in the number of ewes lambing and consequently in the annual milk production of the farm was observed (−1 to −7%). This affected annual performance with a subsequent decrease of total annual nutritional requirements (−2 to −6%). The HF scenarios resulted in a staggering of lambing events with a 7- to 14-d shift in the appearance of milk production peaks and related nutritional requirements compared with the HT scenarios. Transitioning from conventional to HF reproduction management, while preserving AI, would increase farm workload, lengthen milking period operations, and necessitate a readjustment of feeding management strategies with regard to available feed resources. Depending on the production season, the observed delay in the distribution of nutritional requirements could be either an attractive or an unfavorable outcome for farmers. The delay may be concordant, for example, with the recently observed impacts of climate change on seasonal forage availability in Mediterranean regions (less spring herbage production and warmer temperatures) that are affecting farmers' decision-making about the most efficient use of forage and feed resources.

Simple Summary: Calves, and particularly heifers, play a crucial role in the future of any herd, making them an essential component of dairy farms. Rearing calves, especially those intended for replacement, involves a significant investment of resources and time to achieve profitability. Therefore, ensuring the optimal health and performance of calves is of the utmost importance on dairy farms. One effective approach is to provide calves with a hay-based ration, which promotes better intakes, reduces the sorting of forage and concentrates, and ultimately enhances their overall health and welfare. This study evaluates the growth parameters of calves fed on a hay-based ration, and it also proposes a preliminary prediction model that could help farmers to make informed management decisions and select the best animals for the replacement of culled cows, thereby improving the overall productivity and efficiency of the herd. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a complete hay-based total mixed ration (TMR) for calves, focusing on their feed intake, animal growth performance, and fecal output, and to develop a preliminary estimation equation for solid feed intake and body weight in Holstein heifer calves. Twenty female Italian Holstein calves (37.14 ± 2.72 kg) born between February and July were studied from the day of birth until 77 days of age. From the fourth day of life, they were fed 3 L/day of pasteurized milk twice daily and supplemented with the same hay-based TMR. The data on feed intake, fecal characteristics, and growth performances were collected and showed that these calves had adequate parameters. Moreover, the data collected was used to create equations to predict body weight and solid feed intake using a mixed model. The goodness of fit of the developed equations was evaluated by coefficients of determinations (R2). The equation obtained shows high R2 (0.98 for solid feed intake and 0.99 for calf weight), indicating the satisfactory precision and accuracy needed to predict female calves' body weight and solid feed intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the possible effect of different feed ration levels on the growth, welfare, and early maturation of juvenile Atlantic salmon, 450 salmon parr with a mean (±standard error) initial weight of 51.6 g (±0.8) were reared in triplicate under three different feed ration levels for five months. The control group (100r) was fed every day, the 50r group was fed every other day, and the 33r group was fed every third day. In every group, 75 fish (half of the group) were individually tagged for monitoring of growth. The number of fin wounds was used as the welfare indicator, and to inspect the development of maturation, all fish were euthanized, and development of the gonads was monitored by visual inspection at the termination of the trial. The control group (100r) showed a significantly higher specific growth rate (0.90% day−1) compared to the lower fed groups (50r, 0.67% day−1 and 33r, 0.49% day−1); however, the growth difference was 21–24% less than expected solely on the difference in the amount of feed given to each group. The 100r group showed the highest welfare rating, and the 33r group the lowest possible, indicating more aggressive behaviour and fin biting due to feed restriction in the 33r group. No difference (p > 0.45) was found in the development of maturation in females, but the combined numbers of males in maturity stages 2–5 showed an overall trend towards slower maturation in the 33r group compared to the 100r group. Although the present findings on the development of sexual maturation were subtle due to the limited time frame of the trial, the findings offer a foundation for future investigation into the relationship between the feed ration level and the development of sexual maturation in the rearing of juvenile Atlantic salmon.

Hormone-free (HF) reproduction in dairy sheep is a way to meet current societal demands, but it requires being prepared for collateral impacts on related system components. The efficiency of HF practices (e.g., using the male effect for estrus induction and synchronization) is uncertain compared with hormonal treatment (HT). For example, these practices can lead to higher variability in the flock physiological stage patterns throughout the year, which has direct consequences for feeding regimens. The objective of this work was to simulate the impacts of HF reproduction management, including artificial insemination (AI), on the temporal distribution of productive performance and nutritional requirements of a conventional dairy sheep flock. Using the REPROsheep2.0 model, 6 scenarios were compared over one typical production season for the same flock (n = 597 Lacaune ewes) intensively reared in the Roquefort region of France. These scenarios depicted reproduction with HT and AI in mid-May (Early); HT and AI in July (Summer Late); HT and AI in November (Autumn Late); and their HF versions (HF-Early; HF-Summer Late, and HF-Autumn Late, respectively). In all HF scenarios, a reduction in the number of ewes lambing and consequently in the annual milk production of the farm was observed (−1 to −7%). This affected annual performance with a subsequent decrease of total annual nutritional requirements (−2 to −6%). The HF scenarios resulted in a staggering of lambing events with a 7- to 14-d shift in the appearance of milk production peaks and related nutritional requirements compared with the HT scenarios. Transitioning from conventional to HF reproduction management, while preserving AI, would increase farm workload, lengthen milking period operations, and necessitate a readjustment of feeding management strategies with regard to available feed resources. Depending on the production season, the observed delay in the distribution of nutritional requirements could be either an attractive or an unfavorable outcome for farmers. The delay may be concordant, for example, with the recently observed impacts of climate change on seasonal forage availability in Mediterranean regions (less spring herbage production and warmer temperatures) that are affecting farmers' decision-making about the most efficient use of forage and feed resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skye Nandi Adams Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South AfricaCorrespondence: Skye Nandi Adams, Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, School of Human and Community Development, University of Witwatersrand, 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa, Email skye.adams@wits.ac.zaAbstract: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience difficulties related to communication and behaviour. However, their feeding issues are most distressing to their families and healthcare professionals as they impact on the children’s adaptive function and health. In comparison to typically developing children, those with ASD experience significantly more feeding difficulties. Children with ASD may display distinctive feeding difficulties and atypical feeding behaviours that include picky eating, limited independent feeding, need for increased feeding times, and a highly restrictive food repertoire. Many of these feeding difficulties continue into childhood, persist in adolescence, and even spill over into adulthood. This proves to be a formidable challenge, as feeding is an essential component for healthy nutrition, growth, and development. This article will highlight how particular food items that are eaten and preferred by affected children may be contributing to their exhibited feeding difficulties. Next, it will be shown how the children’s restrictive diets supplant more healthy food options. When this is combined with the children’s noted reduced physical activity, the consequences are especially serious, as they include not only malnutrition but also give rise to childhood obesity. In sum, it will be demonstrated that feeding difficulties in young children with ASD are not well understood nor managed. The dearth of knowledge about feeding issues in this population affects both assessment choices and, specifically, management practices – aspects that will be elaborated on in this article. Conclusions will include suggested future directions for enhancing and complementing knowledge of these issues for stakeholders.Keywords: autism, Covid-19, feeding management, fussy eating

Goat kid rearing is a key profit driver and the cornerstone of future herd productivity in dairy systems. As goat kids get older, and progress from liquid (i.e., colostrum, milk) to solid feed (i.e., concentrate, hay, pasture), there is a reduction not only in feed cost but also in labour cost, disease susceptibility and mortality rates. Hence, research on rearing dairy goats has traditionally focused on improving early neonatal performance. However, recent research reveals that early-life nutrition may have long-term effects, and consequently, impact the lifetime productive performance and health of dairy goats. Therefore, this literature review has collected research on the various aspects of rearing replacement dairy goat kids in different production systems. It summarises research on areas such as colostrum management (i.e., colostrum quality, time, volume and frequency of colostrum feeding), liquid feeding in preweaned kids (i.e., maternal suckling vs artificial, restricted vs unrestricted), weaning strategies (i.e., abrupt vs step-down), and postweaning to postpubertal nutrition in replacement dairy goats, whilst highlighting gaps in the existing literature, and areas where it would be beneficial to refine and validate current recommendations. Such information can be used in the development of management plans to maximise the benefits of early-life nutrition on the long-term productivity of dairy goats.

IntroductionCalves are very susceptible to stress in the early stages of life, and it is necessary to ensure maximum welfare. Feeding management has been identified as a major risk factor for calf health and welfare at this stage. However, the management protocol for calf rearing and its impact on animal welfare is unclear. A systematic review of different management strategies for rearing dairy calves according to the three spheres of animal welfare was conducted using an electronic search strategy. In this review, management strategies were studied to identify scientific gaps, to know the welfare problems of these animals in order to prioritize actions and future research and to study the interpretive approach of this management from the three welfare spheres.MethodsA protocol was used to analyze and extract information from the studies. Of the 1,783 publications screened, only 351 met the inclusion criteria for the management or welfare of calves' items.ResultsThe publications identified in the search can be divided into two main groups feeding and socialization, based on the main topic of the publication. The main topics that emerged from the search in the feeding management group were milk replacer, colostrum, and weaning, divided into the three main areas of biological functioning and health, natural life and affective states or cognitive judgement.DiscussionThe main issues to be addressed were the different types of feed consumed by animals from birth to weaning and the weaning management. It has been found that the most researched issues are colostrum and solid starter feed management. Unresolved issues were highlighted, such as the lack of a clear protocol for the administration of milk replacers to reduce hunger and the best management of weaning to reduce stress.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a complete hay-based total mixed ration (TMR) for calves, focusing on their feed intake, animal growth performance, and fecal output, and to develop a preliminary estimation equation for solid feed intake and body weight in Holstein heifer calves. Twenty female Italian Holstein calves (37.14 ± 2.72 kg) born between February and July were studied from the day of birth until 77 days of age. From the fourth day of life, they were fed 3 L/day of pasteurized milk twice daily and supplemented with the same hay-based TMR. The data on feed intake, fecal characteristics, and growth performances were collected and showed that these calves had adequate parameters. Moreover, the data collected was used to create equations to predict body weight and solid feed intake using a mixed model. The goodness of fit of the developed equations was evaluated by coefficients of determinations (R2). The equation obtained shows high R2 (0.98 for solid feed intake and 0.99 for calf weight), indicating the satisfactory precision and accuracy needed to predict female calves’ body weight and solid feed intake.

This study aims to investigate the effect of different periods of fasting and re-feeding on compensatory responses in Nile tilapia fingerlings and the frequency of muscle fiber distribution. A total of 108 Nile tilapia fingerlings with initial weight of 1.64 ± 0.41 g and mean initial length of 3.60 ± 0.39 cm were used for 55 days. The fish were distributed in a water recirculation system in a completely randomized design with three treatments and four replications: Control - CO - (fish fed until apparent satiation throughout the experimental period); fasting 10 - J10 - (fish fed to apparent satiation for 15 days, followed by 10 days of fasting and re-feeding to satiation for 30 days); and fasting 15 - J15 - (fish fed to apparent satiation for 15 days, followed by 15 days of fasting and re-feeding to satiation for 25 days). Fish from the J15 treatment showed unsatisfactory results in terms of productive performance (p<0.05), such as lower final weight, apparent feed conversion, protein efficiency ratio, and survival, while fish from the J10 treatment achieved the same results as those animals kept in the CO treatment with the exception of the variables of relative weight gain and feed intake. Furthermore, food restriction directly influenced the growth of muscle fibers with a diameter smaller than 20 µm (p<0.05), and fish from the J15 treatment had the lowest frequency of fibers in this diameter class. Therefore, this study concludes that food restriction in short periods (10 days) and at low temperatures can present a compensatory growth, as they alter the process of hyperplasia and hypertrophy of muscle fibers without affecting the morphology of the fibers; however, 15 days of fasting under low temperatures do not compensate for growth and delays the hypertrophic growth of muscle fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to study the impact of environmental factors on adult weight and assess the impact of their use from a genetic point of view to set up the basis for the future improvement of this important component of efficient production. A total of 3000 records of 104 goats were collected over a period of 3 years in the caprine herd of the Arid Areas Institute of Médenine (South East of Tunisia). Significance of environmental effects was tested with ANOVA procedure. The adult weight mean estimated in this study was 24.69kg with a coefficient of variation of 24.34%. Local breed was characterized by a low weight. Such a low weight corresponds to low energetic needs, which could be considered as an epigenetic strategy of adaptation to the difficult environmental conditions. Effects reflecting environmental and management conditions along time were highly significant in studied trait. This effect is especially due to the variations of climate, food nutritional quality and herd management along time which change greatly in extensive conditions. Difficult years do not allow the distinction of the best goats, and this is important for breeders who aim to improve the performance of their herds. In order to optimize the productive potential of the local goat population, it is essential to adopt an appropriate feeding management program addressing the most important individual trait which was directly involved in increasing lifetime productivity. The variability detected in local goat population allows to hold expectations for the implementation of selection programmes for productive traits in arid regions.

A number of management issues can be used as drivers for change in order to improve animal welfare and nursing capacity of the hyperprolific sow. Group housing of sows during gestation is a recommended practice from the perspective of animal welfare. Related health issues include reproductive health and the locomotor system. It appears that management of pregnant sows in groups is challenging for a producer and considerable skill is required. We explored the benefits and challenges of group housing, including feeding issues. Increasing litter size requires additional attention to the mammary gland and its ability to provide sufficient nursing for the growing litter. We discuss the fundamentals of mammary development and the specific challenges related to the hyperprolific sow. We also address challenges with the farrowing environment. It appears that the old-fashioned farrowing crate is not only outdated in terms of welfare from the public’s perspective, but also fails to provide the environment that the sow needs to support her physiology of farrowing, nursing, and maternal behaviour. Studies from our group and others indicate that providing the sow with a loose housing system adequate in space and nesting material, along with reasonable chance for isolation, can be considered as fundamental for successful farrowing of the hyperprolific sow. It has also been shown that management strategies, such as split suckling and cross fostering, are necessary to ensure proper colostrum intake for all piglets born alive in a large litter. We thus conclude that welfare and nursing capacity of the sow can be improved by management. However, current megatrends such as the climate change may change sow management and force the industry to rethink goals of breeding and, for instance, breeding for better resilience may need to be included as goals for the future.

Biogas plants have the great advantage that they produce electricity according to demand and can thus compensate for fluctuating production from weather-dependent sources such as wind power and photovoltaics. A prerequisite for flexible biogas plant operation is a suitable feeding strategy for an adjusted conversion of biomass into biogas. This research work is the first to demonstrate a practical, integrated model predictive control (MPC) for load-flexible, demand-orientated biogas production and the results show promising options for practical application on almost all full-scale biogas plants with no or only minor adjustments to the standardly existing measurement technology. Over an experimental period of 36 days, the biogas production of a full-scale plant was adjusted to the predicted electricity demand of a "real-world laboratory". Results with a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of less than 20% when comparing biogas demand and production were consistently obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the possible interaction between feeding frequency (FF) and feeding rate (FR) on growth, nutrient utilization, body composition, and plasma metabolites of juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (6.57 g). We tested three FFs: two, four, and six times a day, and two FRs: apparent satiation (AS) or restricted regime (RR), following a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement, in quadruplicate. The daily weight gain and specific growth rate were 56 and 19% higher in fish fed to AS than in fish fed under the RR, respectively. However, feed efficiency was 14% higher in fish fed in the RR. Fish fed to AS presented the highest body lipid (8.92%), whereas the fish fed in the RR showed the lowest (6.64%). Glucose and triglycerides were also higher in fish fed to AS. The protein retention ratio was highest in the RR (49.17% vs. 42.51%, respectively). Fish fed to AS showed 34% more body protein but 62% more body fat than the fish fed in the RR. There was no difference in feed efficiency or weight gain regarding FF, regardless of the FR. Therefore, feeding Nile tilapia juveniles twice a day is enough to achieve optimum growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analysed potential associations between the prevalence of rumen, abomasum, liver, and claw disorders detected in 26 batches of Holstein veal calves through a post-mortem inspection at the slaughterhouse, and on-farm mortality and feeding management data. Organs of 15–16 calves per batch (16.5 rumens, 15.9 abomasa, 15.1 livers, and 31.1 claws) were inspected by 3 veterinarians in the slaughter-line. ‘Batch’ refers to group of calves belonging to the same farm and slaughter group. Hyperkeratosis and plaques were detected in over 60% of rumens per batch, and some cases, in all rumens. More than 85% of abomasa showed ulcerations. Sole haemorrhages were detected in 64 to 97% of claws. During fattening, calves received on average 312 kg of milk-replacer (MR) and 162 kg of solid feed (SF), composed mainly of corn grain (85–93% as-fed basis). Rumens with hyperkeratosis were positively correlated to the percentage of corn grain. Abomasa with large-sized-lesions in the pyloric area were positively correlated to the SF amount. Ulcerated abomasa were positively correlated to calves’ mortality reported by farmers. Cluster analysis identified 3 feeding plans. The first, based on MR administration and moderate SF amount, produced lighter carcasses and low-developed rumens, but reduced the prevalence of rumen hyperkeratosis and sole haemorrhages; the other two, more ‘aggressive’ by increasing the amount of SF or both SF and MR, produced heavier carcasses but worsened rumen and claw conditions. This study suggests the existence of different feeding practices used by veal producers that should be reviewed to improve calves’ welfare.Highlights Feeding plans based on moderate amount of solid feed together with the liquid diet reduce the prevalence of rumen alterations and sole haemorrhages The provision of greater amount of high-grain solid feed throughout the fattening rises the prevalence of rumen hyperkeratosis and sole haemorrhages None of the feeding plans were capable of decreasing the occurrence of abomasal ulcerations, which were positively associated with on-farm mortality

Abstract Background In the past years, it became apparent that health status and performance differ considerably within dairy farms in Northern Germany. In order to obtain clues with respect to possible causes of these differences, a case-control study was performed. Case farms, which showed signs of health and performance problems, and control farms, which had none of these signs, were compared. Risk factors from different areas such as health management, housing, hygiene and nutrition were investigated as these are known to be highly influential. The aim of this study was to identify major factors within these areas that have the strongest association with health and performance problems of dairy herds in Northern Germany. Results In the final model, a lower energy density in the roughage fraction of the diet, more pens with dirty lying areas and a low ratio of cows per watering spaces were associated with a higher risk for herd health problems. Moreover, case farms were affected by infections with intestinal parasites, lungworms, liver flukes and Johne’s Disease numerically more often than control farms. Case farms more often had pens with raised cubicles compared to the deep bedded stalls or straw yards found in control farms. In general, the hygiene of the floors and beddings was worse in case farms. Concerning nutrition, the microbiological and sensory quality of the provided silages was often insufficient, even in control farms. Less roughage was provided to early lactating cows and the feed was pushed to the feeding fence less frequently in case farms than in control farms. Conclusions The results show that milk yield and health status were associated with various factors from different areas stressing the importance of all aspects of management for good animal health and performance. Moreover, this study confirmed well-known risk factors for health problems and performance losses. These should better be taken heed of in herd health management.

The purpose of this service activity was the implementation of socialization and training on environmental modification and feed management to overcome heat stress in goat cattle at the dairy goat farm of the Lamlumpu Village Community, Peukan Bada Sub-District, Aceh Besar District. The method of implementing this activity are in the form of socialization, counseling, and training on a scheduled basis with material on dairy goat farming patterns in the tropics, modifying the environment to create a microclimate condition that is in accordance with the comfort zone for dairy cattle, and introduction of feed ingredients that have the potential to overcome heat stress. in the livestock. The results of this community service activity indicate that the implementation of environmental and feed modifications to overcome heat stress in goat cattle shows an increase in livestock production in the form of increased milk production, more comfortable environmental conditions, and a decrease in heat stress threshold in the livestock. In conclusion, environmental and feed modifications for dairy goats in Lamplumpu Village can improve microclimate conditions so that they are more comfortable and can cope with heat stress.

Urea addition into feed to some extent has been shown to increase crude protein content and improve feed efficiency. However, its addition in Total Mix Ration (TMR) and also TMR silage on calves' growth performance is yet to be elaborated. Therefore, the effect urea addition on TMR and its silage on performance of Friesian Holstein (FH) male calves were evaluated. The calves (n = 27; 5 mo to 7 mo, mo = month old) were divided into three groups, each group consisted of nine calves, based on age: 5 mo (100 kg to 105 kg), 6 mo (111 kg to 116 kg), and 7 mo (123 kg to 133 kg). All groups were divided into three types of feed, namely: conventional feed containing concentrate and forage without urea (CON), TMR, and TMR silage containing 1.5 % urea. The variables have been observed were feed intake and digestibility of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) and average daily gain (ADG). The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and followed by Least Significant Difference (LSD) test. The average DM intake (kg head-1 day-1) for CON, TMR, and TMR silages were 5.15; 6.79; and 4.14 meanwhile OM intakes were 4.68; 6.04; and 3.94 respectively, TMR significantly higher than others (P < 0.05). Digestibility of DM and OM (%) showed the same pattern, TMR followed by CON then TMR silage (64.09; 62.98; 54.21 for DMD) and 73.92; 75.99; 63.78 for OMD. The age has non-significant effect into digestibility. Highest ADG (kg head-1 day-1) were was obtained from TMR feed (0.70), followed by CON (0.65) and TMR silages (0.45). The older calves the higher ADG reached (0.65; 0.60 and 0.55). It could be concluded that addition urea 1.5 % in TMR could increase calves' performances, but on the contrary when it added to TMR silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two Hanwoo steers were emergency-slaughtered due to symptoms of urethral obstruction. The steers were of the same age and were raised using the same feed management. The remaining 22 cattle in the finishing period showed no symptoms of urinary calculi until 30 months of age and were examined for the presence of bladder calculi when slaughtered. Bladder calculi were observed in 11 of 22 steers at slaughter (50%) and cystitis occurred in 13 of 22 steers (59.1%). There was a significant relationship between the presence of bladder calculi and the incidence of cystitis (P < 0.05).

Biogas plants have the great advantage that they produce electricity according to demand and can thus compensate for fluctuating production from weather-dependent sources such as wind power and photovoltaics. A prerequisite for flexible biogas plant operation is a suitable feeding strategy for an adjusted conversion of biomass into biogas. This research work is the first to demonstrate a practical, integrated model predictive control (MPC) for load-flexible, demand-orientated biogas production and the results show promising options for practical application on almost all full-scale biogas plants with no or only minor adjustments to the standardly existing measurement technology. Over an experimental period of 36 days, the biogas production of a full-scale plant was adjusted to the predicted electricity demand of a “real-world laboratory”. Results with a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of less than 20% when comparing biogas demand and production were consistently obtained.

In this study, we investigated the regional differences in the composition of farm bulk milk produced at three different dairy areas in Hokkaido, Japan. A field survey was conducted at Central, Tokachi, and North areas of Hokkaido, three or four times a year. At each farm, an interview questionnaire for farm basal data was conducted, and 500 ml of bulk tank milk sample was obtained. Fatty acid composition, and vitamin and carotenoid concentrations in the milk samples were determined. In Central and Tokachi areas, corn silage was used as the main forage. In North area, fresh herbage was the dominant feed in the summer season, and grass hay was the main feed in the winter season. Discriminant analysis revealed that the composition of milk samples differed among the areas and seasons. Milk from Central and Tokachi areas contained a higher ratio of linoleic acid compared with that from North area, but there were only slight differences in the composition of milk between Central and Tokachi areas. The concentrations of carotenoids and α-tocopherol were higher in samples from North area and the ratios of trans-vaccenic acid and conjugated linoleic acid were higher in the summer season than in the indoor season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analysed potential associations between the prevalence of rumen, abomasum, liver, and claw disorders detected in 26 batches of Holstein veal calves through a post-mortem inspection at the slaughterhouse, and on-farm mortality and feeding management data. Organs of 15–16 calves per batch (16.5 rumens, 15.9 abomasa, 15.1 livers, and 31.1 claws) were inspected by 3 veterinarians in the slaughter-line. 'Batch' refers to group of calves belonging to the same farm and slaughter group. Hyperkeratosis and plaques were detected in over 60% of rumens per batch, and some cases, in all rumens. More than 85% of abomasa showed ulcerations. Sole haemorrhages were detected in 64 to 97% of claws. During fattening, calves received on average 312 kg of milk-replacer (MR) and 162 kg of solid feed (SF), composed mainly of corn grain (85–93% as-fed basis). Rumens with hyperkeratosis were positively correlated to the percentage of corn grain. Abomasa with large-sized-lesions in the pyloric area were positively correlated to the SF amount. Ulcerated abomasa were positively correlated to calves' mortality reported by farmers. Cluster analysis identified 3 feeding plans. The first, based on MR administration and moderate SF amount, produced lighter carcasses and low-developed rumens, but reduced the prevalence of rumen hyperkeratosis and sole haemorrhages; the other two, more 'aggressive' by increasing the amount of SF or both SF and MR, produced heavier carcasses but worsened rumen and claw conditions. This study suggests the existence of different feeding practices used by veal producers that should be reviewed to improve calves' welfare. Feeding plans based on moderate amount of solid feed together with the liquid diet reduce the prevalence of rumen alterations and sole haemorrhages The provision of greater amount of high-grain solid feed throughout the fattening rises the prevalence of rumen hyperkeratosis and sole haemorrhages None of the feeding plans were capable of decreasing the occurrence of abomasal ulcerations, which were positively associated with on-farm mortality [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The aim was to test two strategies to improve the growth rate of the slow-growth pigs and to increase the batch’s homogeneity at slaughter. In Trial 1 a total of 264 weaned piglets were distributed into 24 pens (11 piglets/pen) according to sex and initial body weight (BW) for the transition period (T; 28 d to 64 d). During the T period, a commercial lidded feeder hopper was used (3.7 pigs/feeder space). When moving to the growing facilities, the 24 pens were maintained and split into two groups of 12 according to sex, feeder type (HD or 5.5 pigs/feeder space and LD or 2.2 pigs/feeder space). In Trial 2 a total of 1067 piglets were used and classified, when leaving the nursery at 63d of age, as Heavy (Hp, n = 524) and Light (Lp, n = 543) pigs. Along the growing period, Hp and half of the Lp pigs were fed with four consecutive feeds, following a standard feeding program (Std). Alternatively, the other half of the Lp pigs were fed according to a budget approach, changing the first three feeds on the basis of an equivalent feed consumption instead of age (Sp). Results In Trial 1, higher BW (80.2 kg vs. 82.1 kg; P = 0.02), ADG (704 g/d vs. 725 g/d; P = 0.02) and lower number of lesions were observed for pigs raised in the LD treatment, compared to the HD treatment at d 154 (P

This study was conducted to determine the effects of spraying oregano essential oil (OEO) onto sugar beet pulp silage (SBPS) on silage quality and aerobic stability after opening. A factorial experiment with three replicates of three treatments and four time periods was conducted using laboratory-type plastic silos. The treatments were an untreated control, silage sprayed with 10 ml/75 cm2 OEO, and silage sprayed with 20 ml/75 cm2 OEO. The silages were sampled at 0, 72, 120, and 168 hours after spraying. Temperature, L*, a*, and b* colour values, pH, water-soluble carbohydrates, crude nutrient contents, Fleig score, metabolizable energy (ME) value, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), total live bacteria (TLB), yeast, and mould formation were assessed. Spraying OEO onto SBPS did not affect L*, a*, and b* values, pH, water-soluble carbohydrates, and Fleig score values, but decreased temperature. Spraying OEO onto the silage increased organic matter, ether extract, acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent lignin contents without affecting crude protein, crude fibre, nitrogen free extract, and ME contents. Irrespective of treatment, crude protein, ether extract, acid detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin, nitrogen free extract, Fleig score, and ME contents of silages increased with time after spraying. The OEO spraying reduced LAB, TLB, and yeast contents in silages. In conclusion, OEO spraying onto opened SBPS reduced LAB, TLB, and yeast formation and stopped mould growth up to 72 hours without affecting their nutritional properties, suggesting that OEO could be used to ensure the stability of SBPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine whether the amount of concentrate allowance in an automated milking system (AMS) affects partial mixed ration (PMR) sorting behavior, milking activity, and production of lactating dairy cows fed isocaloric diets. Fifteen primiparous Holstein cows were used in a crossover design with 28-d periods, including 14 d of adaptation and 14 d of data collection. The cows were housed in a freestall pen with free-traffic access to the AMS. Treatments consisted of a higher-concentrate PMR (H-PMR) with a pelleted concentrate allowance of 3.0 kg/d on a dry matter (DM) basis in the AMS, or a lower-concentrate PMR (L-PMR) with a pelleted concentrate allowance of 6.0 kg/d in the AMS. As designed, cows on the L-PMR had greater AMS concentrate intake (6.3 vs. 3.1 kg/d of DM) compared with the H-PMR. The standard deviation for mean concentrate intake among days increased from 0.38 to 1.0 kg/d with greater targeted AMS concentrate intake. When fed the L-PMR diet, PMR intake was reduced compared with when cows were fed the H-PMR diet (17.1 vs. 19.1 kg/d of DM). The reduction in PMR intake was compensated for by greater AMS concentrate intake; thus, cows on the L-PMR had greater total dry matter intake (DMI; 23.6 vs. 22.3 kg/d). Cows sorted against long (>19 mm) and fine (<4 mm) PMR particle fractions, and in favor of medium (8 to 19 mm) and short (4 to 8 mm) PMR fractions when on the H-PMR treatment, but only sorted against the medium and in favor of the short PMR fractions on the L-PMR treatment. PMR eating rate and total time spent eating PMR did not differ significantly between the 2 treatments; however, meal size tended to be larger when cows were fed the H-PMR compared with the L-PMR (2.2 vs. 2.1 kg DM/meal). Cows tended to spend 30.8 min/d more time lying down when fed the L-PMR. On the L-PMR treatment, cows tended to have more voluntary AMS visits (5.9 vs. 4.6 visits/d), were fetched less (0.1 vs. 0.5 times daily), and had a greater milking frequency (3.5 vs. 3.0 milkings/d) compared with when they were on the H-PMR treatment. However, milk yield was not affected by treatment. These data suggest that allocating a greater proportion of total dietary concentrate to the AMS, in a free-traffic setup, may improve milking activity and decrease the need for fetching, as well as promoting greater amounts of and maintaining consistency in total dry matter consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate different feeding rates on the productive performance of cobia (Rachycentron canadum) grown in brackish waters. For the experiment, 1,600 juveniles were distributed in 16 enclosures installed in an estuarine pond. Four different feeding rates were evaluated: 1, 3, 5, and 7% live weight (LW) per day. The following performance parameters were assessed: survival, final biomass, specific growth rate, daily weight gain, apparent feed conversion, protein efficiency rate, lipid efficiency rate, and hepatosomatic index. Survival was greater than 80% at all feeding rates. The most efficient feed conversion rate was obtained with the feeding rate of 5% LW per day, which also resulted in better values for the hepatosomatic index. The rate of 5% LW per day provides a better productive performance for cobia in brackish waters.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the growth performance of common snook (Centropomus undecimalis) subjected to different feeding rates and frequencies using automatic feeders. Two experiments of 60 days each were carried out. In the first one, 20 fishes per tank were distributed in three feeding rates of: 5, 10, and 15% body weight per day. In the second experiment, 20 fishes per tank were distributed in nine tanks, in three feeding frequency: once a day, three times a day, and six times a day. Water parameters were maintained at the recommended level for the species. Final weight, body weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed conversion rate did not differ significantly between the 10 and 15% feeding rates. However, both rates differed from the 5% one. The feeding frequency of six times a day resulted in better values for final weight, final biomass, body weight gain, and specific growth rate. Therefore, common snook fingerlings should be fed at the feeding rate of 10% body weight per day, six times a day, in order to achieve the best growth performance.

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Animal Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The objective of this study was to determine if the quantity of concentrate provided in an automated milking system (AMS) affects dry matter intake (DMI), attendance to the AMS, milk and milk component yield, feeding behavior, cow activity, and ruminal fermentation of lactating dairy cows fed isocaloric diets. Eight ruminally cannulated primiparous Holstein cows were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 28-d periods. Cows were housed in a freestall facility with a guided-traffic (feed-first) flow barn design. Treatments included 0.5, 2.0, 3.5, or 5.0 kg/d of dry matter of pellet in the AMS with an equivalent reduction of the same pellet in the partial mixed ration (PMR). Days 21 to 24 of each treatment period were used for DMI, milking performance (visits, yield, and composition), behavior, and ruminal pH determination, and d 25 to 28 were used for ruminal short-chain fatty acid and ammonia concentrations as well as total-tract digestibility. As imposed, consumption of AMS pellet linearly increased, equating to 0.50, 2.00, 3.49, and 4.93 kg of dry matter/d for the 0.5, 2.0, 3.5, and 5.0 kg/d treatments, respectively. Correspondingly, the standard deviation in AMS pellet intake among days linearly increased from 0.06 to 0.85 kg of dry matter/d as the quantity of concentrate in the AMS increased from 0.5 to 5.0 kg. The PMR DMI decreased linearly with increasing AMS concentrate allocation, but total DMI (PMR + AMS) was not affected (25.3 kg/d). As the AMS concentrate allocation increased, the selection against particles retained on an 18-mm sieve linearly increased and selection against particles retained on the pan decreased. Milking frequency (3.22 milkings/d), milk yield (37.5 kg/d), milk fat yield (1.43 kg/d), and milk protein yield (1.22 kg/d) were not affected; however, milk urea nitrogen concentration decreased linearly with increasing AMS concentrate. Ruminal pH averaged 6.18 and was not affected by AMS concentrate. Total ruminal short-chain fatty acid concentration was greatest when 3.5 kg of concentrate was allocated in the AMS and ruminal ammonia decreased linearly with increasing AMS concentrate. Time spent lying, the number of lying bouts, and average bout duration were not affected by treatment. These data indicate that increasing the quantity of concentrate in the AMS increases daily variability in AMS concentrate intake while decreasing PMR intake without affecting voluntary visits to the AMS and milk or milk component yield. As such, under isocaloric dietary settings, increasing the supply of pellet in the AMS is not likely to affect voluntary visits to the AMS, milk and milk component yields, or ruminal fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Macrobrachium carcinus is a Brazilian native prawn with recognized potential for use in aquaculture activities. The aim of this study was to describe and illustrate in detail the morphology of the M. carcinus foregut. The foregut comprises the mouth, esophagus and stomach. It is lined by a simple cylindrical epithelium overlain by chitinous cuticle. The cardiac chamber is well supplied with muscles and lined with chitin thickened in places to form a complex, articulating set of ossicles. The ossicles and setae inside the cardiac chamber seem to direct the food movement through the cardiac chamber and sort the food according to particle size as digestion takes place. Twenty-one basic ossicles were observed in the stomach ofM. carcinus and are divided into seven categories, reflecting their presumed functional roles. The significance of these morphological features is discussed in terms of its implication in feeding management that can support future commercial farms of this important fishery resource.

ABSTRACT Forty male Naemi lambs were used to evaluate the effect of total mixed rations (TMR) alone or in combination with supplementation of alfalfa hay offered at different schedules on growth, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Lambs at the age of three months, with an average weight of 28.85±1.09 kg, were randomly selected and distributed into four different feeding systems, 10 lambs each, as follows: TMR diet (control); TMR plus 100 g alfalfa hay; TMR plus 200 g alfalfa hay every two days; and TMR plus 300 g alfalfa hay every three days. The TMR and fresh drinking water were offered ad libitum. Lambs in the treated groups (with alfalfa hay) had significantly higher body weight, body weight change, dry matter intake, and feed conversion ratio compared with the control. Similarly, slaughter weight, carcass weight (hot and cold), and internal organs weight significantly increased in the treated groups, except for dressing weight percentage, which improved only in the treatment with TMR plus 300 g alfalfa hay. By contrast, mesentery fat, back fat, and body wall fat decreased in treated groups. Meat quality characteristics indicated that cooking loss and pH values did not differ between the control and treated groups; however, meat colour (lightness, yellowness, and redness) and pH (1 and 24 h) improved in post-slaughter treated groups. Furthermore, no difference was found in texture profile analysis (hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, and chewiness), although the shear force decreased significantly in treated groups. Addition of alfalfa hay offered at the present plan may not only improve the growth and carcass characteristics, but also enhance the meat quality of Naemi lambs. From the labour and economic point of view, TMR plus 300 g alfalfa hay every three days may be adopted while taking into account the management decision.

Horses kept for meat production are reared in intensive breeding farms. We employed a checklist adapted from the Animal Welfare Indicators (AWIN) assessment protocol. Our evaluation aims to assess whether welfare indicators are influenced by stocking densities (m2/horse) and feeding strategies applied. An analysis was carried out on the data obtained from 7 surveys conducted at a single horse farm designed for meat production. In each survey, the same 12 pens were assessed, but on each occasion, the horses in the pens had been changed as had the stocking densities. Briefly, 561 horses aged 16 ± 8 months (mean ± standard deviation) were evaluated. Two stocking density cut-off values (median and 75th percentile: 3.95 and 4.75 m2/horse, respectively) were applied to investigate the effect of stocking density on horse welfare. Data were analysed using Mann–Whitney U and Fisher’s exact tests (p < 0.05). When cut-off was set as the median percentile, lower stocking density was associated with improvements in body condition score (BCS), coat cleanliness and bedding quantity, less coughing, less resting in a standing position, and less feeding related to the greater space available at the feed bunk. When the 75th percentile cut-off was used, indicators that improved were coat cleanliness, bedding quantity and mane and tail condition, as well as less resting in standing position and less feeding related to the greater space available at the feed bunk. Accordingly, the use of two different stocking density cut-off values showed that the increase of space allowance affected specific welfare indicators. Further increment of space and/or changes in management regimes should be investigated to improve all the indicators. Moreover, results related to feeding indicated the need to intervene as starch intakes exceeded recommended safe levels, negatively affecting horse welfare.

The effects of microcapsule diet as co-feeding for early weaning phase of gourami larvae where evaluated in terms of ingestion rate of microcapsule, growth, and survival rate. The availability of tubifex worms as natural food is uncertain and can introduce pathogens to fish culture from outside environment. Therefore, the attempt to replace or substitute this natural food continues in order to reduce the level of dependence. This research used Complete Randomized Designed (CRD) with four treatments based on a different protocol feeding management. Gourami larvae should be started with the co-feeding on day 12 until day 17 and they are more receptive to microcapsule diets after day 17. The ingestion rate of microcapsule which consumed by the larvae during the period of rearing was 48.33, 68.33, and 88.33%. This study indicated that larvae started co-feeding day 22 showed highest of ingestion rate of the microcapsule, survival rate, specific growth rate and weight gain.

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Saúde e Produção Animal (RBSPA) is the property of Revista Brasileira de Saude e Producao Animal (RBSPA) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of protein supplementation and feeding management on the growth performance of Sahiwal female calves.A total of 45 Sahiwal female calves were randomly divided into three groups: Group A (control), Group B (protein supplementation), and Group C (ad libitum green fodder + protein supplementation). The study spanned a period of 90 days, during which the calves' feed intake, weight gain, and body measurements were assessed.The results indicated that protein supplementation had a significant impact on various aspects of calf development. Calves in Group B and Group C showed improved feed intake compared to the control group. Furthermore, the weight gain of calves in the supplemented groups was significantly higher than that of the control group. The body measurements, including height at withers, body length, heart girth, and hip width, also varied among the different treatment groups, with the control group generally exhibiting smaller me surements.These findings suggest that protein supplementation positively influenced the growth performance of Sahiwal female calves. The study highlights the importance of considering protein supplementation as a part of feeding management strategies for optimizing the growth of calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Kid-rearing benchmarks are essential for developing effective management plans. • Kid immunity hinges on colostrum feeding time, quantity, quality, and frequency. • Research is needed on group-level strategies to optimise goat-rearing practices. • The long-term effects of prepubertal nutrition may vary between calves and kids. • Combining maternal suckling and artificial feeding may reduce total rearing costs. Goat kid rearing is a key profit driver and the cornerstone of future herd productivity in dairy systems. As goat kids get older, and progress from liquid (i.e., colostrum, milk) to solid feed (i.e., concentrate, hay, pasture), there is a reduction not only in feed cost but also in labour cost, disease susceptibility and mortality rates. Hence, research on rearing dairy goats has traditionally focused on improving early neonatal performance. However, recent research reveals that early-life nutrition may have long-term effects, and consequently, impact the lifetime productive performance and health of dairy goats. Therefore, this literature review has collected research on the various aspects of rearing replacement dairy goat kids in different production systems. It summarises research on areas such as colostrum management (i.e., colostrum quality, time, volume and frequency of colostrum feeding), liquid feeding in preweaned kids (i.e., maternal suckling vs artificial, restricted vs unrestricted), weaning strategies (i.e., abrupt vs step-down), and postweaning to postpubertal nutrition in replacement dairy goats, whilst highlighting gaps in the existing literature, and areas where it would be beneficial to refine and validate current recommendations. Such information can be used in the development of management plans to maximise the benefits of early-life nutrition on the long-term productivity of dairy goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]