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The Pechora zonal type (PH-1) was obtained by absorbing crossbreeding of local Northern komolog cattle with the Kholmogorsky breed. Currently, Kholmogorsky cattle are on the verge of extinction, which is due to the widespread metisation of domestic Holstein breeds. The paper presents the characteristics of the allelofond of the Kholmogorsky herd of the Pechora type (n=66) by 11 polymorphic loci of microsatellites. It was found that the polymorphism of tandem repeats in the Pechora type of Kholmogorsky cattle is observed in all 11 loci, the most polymorphic is the tgla53 locus (10 alleles). The most common allele SPS115 248 occurs with a frequency of 0.606. The average number of alleles for 11 loci was 6.2, and the number of effective alleles was 3.4. the obtained indicators were compared with the values published for Yakut [1], Holstein [2, 3] and Ayrshire cattle [4]. It was found that the Pechora type of Kholmogorsky breed has a higher number of effective alleles than Yakut cattle (by 1.0), and lower than other breeds (by 0.3...1.6). Analysis of F-statistics showed that on average, the deviation of the actual heterozygosity from the expected one is insignificant Fis=-0.004, while other breeds, excluding the sample of Holstein bulls, had a more significant excess of heterozygotes. The smallest genetic distance of the studied population was established with the Holstein breed (d=0.221 to cows and d=0.200 to bulls). A more detailed genetic analysis of individual loci showed that the frequency of occurrence of alleles BM2113 Pechora type is closer to the Yakut (r=0.935) and Ayrshire (r=0.875) than to the Holstein breed (r=316...357).

Six generations of population selection from 2 lines of improved indigenous pigs *NIGER HUBS" comprising pigs born from the year 1984 - 1990 were evaluated. Continued selection for higher body size resulted in observed increases in 150 day body weight of 26% in the white line A and 41% in the black and white line B from the average weight of the foundation stock and 76 to 84 per cent at 12 month of age for these lines of pius respectively. Moderately high heritability estimates of 0.36 to 0.69 were reported for both lines for the 150 day weight and 0.58 to 0.76 for the yearling weight. Response to selection was highest in the first generation of the Bline and the third generation of the A line. Overall response value of 5.79±1.28kg during the first generation declined to 5.01kg±1.08 during the second generation although this subsequently increased from the third to fifth generations. With the plateau not reached within this 6 generation of selection, further response may still be expected in these lines of pigs

The relationships between egg weight, body weight and sexual maturity and their inheritance were studied in the Fl of two grandparent strains or laying birds. Each strain had two lines. Data used for analyses comprised bodyweight at firstegg,30weeks and 40 weeks of age (BFE, 830 and B40); weight of first egg (WFE), weight of egg at 30 weeks and 40 weeks (W30, W40) and age or birds at first egg (AFE). Phenotypic correlations between AFE and BFE, AFE and WFE and between WFE and BFE were 0.45 and 0.40; 0.96 and 0.11, 0.65 and 0.85 for male and female lines respectively. While AFE generally showed additive inheritance which was sire influenced, BFE and WFE were line dependent. The crossbred groups however, appeared to be at advantage over the purebreds in respect of these three traits. Key words : Parent stock, pullets, egg weight, body weight, sexuaJ maturity.

The prediction of pig liveweight from three body measurements was studied using crossbred (Landrace x Large White and Hampshire x Large White) barrows and gilts, there were 286 measurements for the different parameters studied (Chest girth, Body length and Lain girth). "There were no significant differences due to sex for all the parameters investigated. Pig liveweight was best predicted singly using chest girth measurement. However, with the use of a combination of chest girth and body length, the prediction efficiency was enhanced.

Milk production in Yankasa ewes and their crosses with sires of Suffolk/Wenselydale breed was measured at weekly intervals following oxytocin administration. The influence of age and breed of dam on yield and composition were investigated and the relationships between milk yield, milk composition and lamb weight gain were determined. Daily milk production in Yankasa and crossbred ewes averaged 348.1 and 505.7g respectively. The mean fat and protein content over the entire lactation were 5.86 and 5.07% for Yankasa and 6.19 and 4.96% for crossbreds, respectively. Crossbred ewes produced significantly bigher (P

The effect of genetic crossing and nutritional management on weight gain and the concentration of minerals and trace elements in the carcass, blood, leather, and viscera of sheep were evaluated. Several statistical strategies were used to evaluate the different elemental composition characteristics of pure breed animals, i.e., White Dorper (ODO), Ile de France (OIF), Texel (OTX), and Santa Ines (OSI), as well as their crossbreeds 1/2 White Dorper and 1/2 Santa Ines (ODS), 1/2 Ile de France, and 1/2 Santa Ines (OIS), 1/2 Texel × 1/2 Santa Ines (OTS). Three different diets were evaluated AL (ad libitum), R75, and R63 (75 and 63 g of dry matter/kg of the animal metabolic weight, respectively). Levels of Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, P, S, and Zn were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). The concentration of inorganic elements in the different body components was not affected by the diet (P > 0.05), and OTX and OTS were the breeds with the highest weight gain. Random forest importance models demonstrated that Zn in the carcass, K, Ca, and Zn in blood, and K in leather are most associated with separating the different evaluated sheep’s breeds. Crossbreeding the native Santa Ines breed with sheep of exotic breeds produces animals well adapted to confinement.

The in situ feeding behavior of pigs was studied for a period of 18 weeks using 3 different but clinically healthy crossbred pigs of varying genotypes. Results showed that there was no marked difference in the pre-feeding, feeding and post-feeding behaviors of the different hybrids used. Observation of feeding behavior showed that all animals fed (picked feed) very intensively during the first 35 minutes of introduction of feed Other activities observed include playing/bullying drinking wallowing, social and courtship behaviors. Rooting and other behaviors like climbing of pen walls were also observed There was no significant difference (P>O.05) in time spent during ingestion (picking of feed) between LW x LC and LC x L crosses. However there was significant difference (P< O. 05) in time spent during ingestion between LWxLC with LWxL crosses, and LCxL with LWxL crosses The total feeding time was slightly higher O. 05) in LWxL than, either of the Other groups. Rooting time was slightly lower in LWx L crosses than in any other group. Total time spent on other major activities like drinking wallowing, playing/ bullying, social/courtship behaviors was slightly higher (P < 0.05) in LWxLC and LWxL than LWxLC crosses. Knowledge of animal behavior is important for improved productivity as well as animal welfare since q deviation from the normal behavior is an indication of ill health.

Farmers play a key role in conserving native livestock breeds, but without economic support, farms with native breeds may not be viable. We hypothesized that terminal crossbreeding can improve herd economy and decrease the economic support needed from society. Three scenarios were simulated using SimHerd Crossbred: a herd of purebred Swedish Polled Cattle, a herd of purebred Swedish Red, and a herd of 75% Swedish Polled Cattle and 25% F1 crossbreds. The results showed annual contribution margin per cow in the herd can be increased by €181 by crossbreeding compared with pure-breeding with the native breed, giving a 13.6% growth in contribution margin. However, the needed cost in subsidies paid by the government will remain unchanged if the population size of the native breed is to be maintained. Combining a crossbreeding strategy with the marketing of niche products may facilitate the conservation of native cattle.

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of photoperiod and pen colouration on growth performance characteristics of grower gilts. Forty-eight crossbred (Large white x Landrace) grower gilts at 16 weeks of age with mean body weight of 16.82±0.26 kg were randomly allotted to four (4) treatments. Pens were painted with different colours: pantone441 (control), pantone293 (blue), pantone185 (red) and pantone361 (green) and exposed to photoperiods of 12, 15 and 18 hours (h). The experimental design was 4x3 factorial arrangement in a completely randomised design. Performance parameters measured were Feed Intake (FI), Final Weight (FW) and Weight Gain (WG), while Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) was calculated weekly throughout the 8 weeks of the experiment. Respiratory and rectal temperatures were monitored. The ambient temperature-humidity index (THI) was also monitored. The main effect of pen colour showed significant (p

Estimates of genetic parameters for economic traits are important to enable the breeder estimate the breeding value of individuals available for selection. Thus, this study was carried out to estimate genetic parameters namely heritability and genetic correlations among egg production traits in two strain crosses using bivariate animal model in Bayesian (MCMC) method. The egg production data were obtained from four generations which comprised the base population of two commercial egg strains and the local chicken, the inbred population derived from the base population, the F crossbred population obtained 1 from the crossing of the local and exotic inbred chickens and the backcross population obtained from the backcrossing of the crossbred to their parents. A total number of 1,138 daughters of 62 sires and 620 dams were used for the study. The autocorrelations among samples in the MCMC chain were less than 0.1 for all lag values indicating that all samples of the posterior distribution were independent. The estimated heritability for age at first egg, body weight at first egg, hen day egg number, weight of first egg, egg weight at thirty weekand egg weight at forty week were 0.62, 0.48, 0.47, 0.53, 0.54 and 0.56 for strain 1 crosses and 0.43, 0.48, 0.49, 0.52, 0.52 and 0.53 for strain 2 crosses. The corresponding highest posterior density interval ranged from 0.22 to 0.91 for strain 1 crosses and 0.07 to 0.83 for strain 2 crosses. The genetic correlations among egg production traits ranged from 0.06 to1.97 in strain 1 and 0.06 to 2.59 in strain 2 crosses. The estimates were within the range reported in literature for egg production traits in chicken and imply that appreciable amount of additive genes exist in the strain crosses which could be used for the selection of superior birds. The magnitude of genetic correlations implies that selection of one trait could lead to correlated response to the other traits.Keywords: Autocorrelations, egg production, genetic correlations, heritability, strain crosses.

Objective: Portable laser methane detectors (LMDs) may be an economical means of estimating CH4 emissions from ruminants. We validated an LMD-based approach and then used that approach to evaluate CH4 emissions from indigenous dairy cows in a dryland area of Ethiopia. Methods: First, we validated our LMD-based approach in Simmental crossbred beef cattle (n = 2) housed in respiration chambers and fed either a high- or low-concentrate diet. From the results of the validation, we constructed an estimation equation to determine CH4 emissions from LMD CH4 concentrations. Next, we used our validated LMD approach to examine CH4 emissions in Fogera dairy cows grazed for 8 h/d (GG, n = 4), fed indoors on natural-grassland hay (CG1, n = 4), or fed indoors on Napier-grass (Pennisetum purpureum) hay (CG2, n = 4). All the cows were supplemented with concentrate feed. Results: The exhaled CH4 concentrations measured by LMD were linearly correlated with the CH4 emissions determined by infrared-absorption-based gas analyzer (r2 = 0.55). The estimation equation used to determine CH4 emissions (y, mg/min) from LMD CH4 concentrations (x, ppm m) was y = 0.4259x+38.61. Daily CH4 emissions of Fogera cows estimated by using the equation did not differ among the three groups; however, a numerically greater milk yield was obtained from the CG2 cows than from the GG cows, suggesting that Napiergrass hay might be better than natural-grassland hay for indoor feeding. The CG1 cows had higher CH4 emissions per feed intake than the other groups, without significant increases in milk yield and body-weight gain, suggesting that natural-grassland hay cannot be recommended for indoor-fed cows. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the potential of using LMDs to valuate feeding regimens rapidly and economically for dairy cows in areas under financial constraint, while taking CH4 emissions into consideration.

The relevance of the survey is to explore the selection approaches to increasing the mass fraction of protein and its biological value in the milk produced by Black-and-White cows. The objective of the survey is to study the amino-acid composition and the biological value of protein in the milk produced by Black-and-White cows and their respective crosses with Montbeliarde in order to identify the prospects for this breed in the Black-and-White commercial herds. It was ascertained that the mass fraction of protein in milk of the half-blood crosses (1/2 MB × 1/2 BW) made up 3.50%, which was 0.26% higher than that in their Black-and-White peers. Despite full ranges and almost equal proportions of essential amino acids in the milk protein of crossbred and purebred cows, comprising 48.0% each, the crosses tended to have significantly higher contents of both the essential amino acids—isoleucine, lysine, tyrosine, and threonine—except an inferior concentration of tryptophan and the nonessential amino acids: alanine, arginine, and aspartic acid + asparagine. The results provide a profound basis for the evidence to recommend the use of Montbeliarde cows in the Black-and-White commercial herds in order to increase the mass fraction of milk protein and to improve its amino acid composition.

General Combining Ability (GCA) and Specific Combining Ability (SCA) were used to determine the influence of additive and non-additive gene effects on growth parameters, using 2 kits produced in full diallel crosses involving three breeds of rabbits namely, New Zealand White (NZW), Dutch (DT) and Chinchilla (CH). GCA was significant (P

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of crossbreeding on body weight and morphometric traits of crossbred buck kids produced from a mating of Red Sokoto(RS) and West African Dwarf(WAD) goats in a humid tropical environment. Results showed that the main crossbred (RS x WAD) buck kids had significantly higher body weight at 20 weeks (8.98 ± 0.43kg) than the reciprocal (WAD X RS) individuals (8.22± 0.12kg) . The Red Sokoto (RS X RS) buck kids maintained overall superiority for body weight (10.48 ±0.49kg) and other morphometric traits namely; body length (72.62 ± 3.18cm), height-at-withers (54.62 ± 3.10cm) and heart girth (63.20 ± 2.41cm)than other genetic groups. Direct and percentage heterosis for body weight and the morphometric traits were positive for the RS x WAD buck kids except for body length which was negative. The reciprocal WAD x RS buck kids had negative values for all measured parameters indicating that the WAD sired buck kids showed no improvement for these body traits following crossbreeding. It was therefore concluded that rapid improvement in growth traits of WAD goats could be achieved by main crossbreeding involving mating of RS bucks with WAD does. Keywords: Red Sokoto and WAD goats, crossbreeding, heterosis, body weight, morphometric traits.

Inbred lines generated from the native and exotic chickens were compared with their F1 and backcross populations for a range of short term egg production traits. The experimental birds were brooded for 8 weeks and raised on a deep litter pens from 8 to 40 weeks of age. Age at first eggs were longer in the crossbred groups and the delay was mostly caused by the dominant genes from the exotic parents. Highly significant (P>0.01) heterosis were obtained by the crossbred groups in hen day rate and total egg mass respectively. The heterosis observed in the crossbred groups for egg weight was low and mostly non significant. the backcross groups recorded residual heterosis in egg production traits ( hen day rate, total egg mass and egg weight) and the magnitude was higher in the exotic than the native backcrosses. The results further indicate that the egg production performance of the crossbred groups were mostly influenced by maternal, sex linked, dominance and epistatic gene effects. It was suggested that the egg production potential of the native chicken could be improved further by cross mating-selected native and exotic backcross groups. This should be followed by crisscrossing.

The study objective was to examine effect of age at castration on stress indicators and performance of 40 crossbred suckler beef calves. Calves were assigned to two age groups and two castration treatments; calves 2.5- or 5.0-mo-old (mean body weight (SD) = 120.8 (29.3), 218.1 (30.8) kg, respectively) were sham (control) or Burdizzo castrated (n = 10 per treatment) in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Following castration, peak plasma cortisol concentrations were greater in 2.5-mo-old and 5.0-mo-old calves compared with corresponding controls, while peak cortisol concentrations in control animals were greater in 5-mo-old compared with 2.5-mo-old calves. The integrated cortisol responses for the first 4 h after castration were not different between 2.5- and 5.0-mo-old calves. However, the integrated cortisol response was greater in 5.0-mo-old calves from 4 to 9 h post treatment. The increase in scrotal circumference after castration was greater in 5.0-mo-old calves, and abnormal postures were observed more often in 5-mo-old castrates. There was no effect of castration on haematology profiles, haptoglobin, metabolites, body temperature and growth performance. In conclusion, the physiological stress, inflammation and pain-related behaviours caused by Burdizzo castration were reduced when castrating calves at 2.5- than at 5.5-mo-old.

The buffalo is considered as fast-growing meat producing animal compare to cattle with lower cholesterol and higher nutrition content. This study was planned to elucidate the variation of body weight and average daily gain in both indigenous and F1 crossbred (Indigenous×Mediterranean) buffalo. Body weight was measured every three months from birth up to yearling stage for both indigenous (28-195 kg) and F1 crossbred (35-220 kg) buffalo progenies during the year 2011-2014. It was observed that body weight of indigenous buffalo significantly (p 0.05) found for body weight in crossbred buffaloes except differences (p

This study determined the effects of deep bedding floor and fermented feed supplement on the growth performance, carcase, meat quality, and fatty acid profile of crossbred pigs. Thirty-two ((Thai native × Meishan) × Duroc) crossbreds were organised in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomised design. Factor A was a deep bedding floor (DB) or solid bedding of concrete floor (SB). Factor B was a feed type of concentrate feed supplemented with a fresh banana stem (BF + CON) or fermented banana stem (FF + CON). Growth performance, carcase traits, chemical composition, meat quality, and fatty acid profile were determined. The final weight, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio of pigs reared on SB were significantly higher than those of pigs raised on DB. The backfat thickness and loin eye area of SB pork were also higher than those of DB pork (p

X-chromatin (drumstick) screening evaluated through the identification of the drumstick appendages of neutrophilis was carried on Nigerian goat breeds. 150 weaner bucks and 150 weaner does were used for the study. Some of the animals exhibited aberrant x-chromatin while some showed normal percentage of incidence of the drumstick. Both genotype and sex differences had significant effect (P>0.05) on the x-chromatin in genotype III (RSG * WAD), Genotype III design should not be used for reproductive purpose except on the ground of fattening for slaughter

International audience; The objective of this study was to evaluate the level of concentrate supplementation on the production and chemical composition of milk from 12 crossbred F1 dual-purpose cows (½ Bos taurus – ½ Bos indicus) and estimate the emission of CH4, N2O, and CO2 gases. The study included 12 crossbred F1 dual-purpose cows over 60 days of lactation. The cows grazed on 28% tropical native grassland and 72% Brachiaria spp. and Cynodon neumfluensis, supplemented with 0, 150, 300, and 450g of concentrate per kg daily milk production, during three experimental periods of 15 days each in a crossover design. Pasture and concentrate samples were collected and were analyzed for dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber. Milk production (kg d-1) was recorded daily, nitrous oxide (N2O), and emissions from excreta and daily CH4 production were calculated. Results were analyzed with the SAS MIXED procedure. Concentrate supplementation in tropical crossbred dairy cows did not improve milk yield but increased CH4 and N2O production (P < 0.0001) per cow as the concentrate increased in the diet; the Ym factor from the tropical region yielded less CH4 than the IPCC Ym model (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, the calculation of CH4 using specific emission factors for the tropical climate region is better than the IPCC default emission factors in order not to overestimate the CH4 emissions.

Since changes in linear measurements and the live weight of animals are manifested in a very multifaceted way, it is difficult to imagine their study and accounting using a single universal method. This problem can be solved by using a variety of methods and techniques for studying the individual development of the body. This article is devoted to the study of the features of growth and development in purebred breeding and interbreed hybridization based on the study of the intensity of live weight growth, the dynamics of average daily increases in relative growth rate and linear measurements of experimental animals.

Presently, there is an increased demand for livestock products all over the world which has led to more devotion on improving livestock population. Although goats have been bred for a long time in Korea, but there is not much research conducted on traditional Korean black goat (Capra hircus coreanae) compared to other livestock populations. Mutton consumption has been dramatically changing from medicinal use to edible meat and this trend directs the black goat populations declining and also mutton import quantities are increasing consistently. The present study introduced a new estrus synchronizing technique with subsequent artificial insemination (AI) for Korean black goats to enable crossbreeding with non-native breeds for the small or subsistent farmers. Our data highlighted that, the percentage of motile sperm from the electro-ejaculated samples declined significantly after freezing and melting. In addition, the sperm motility significantly declined with regard to sperm incubation period (0, 5, 60, and 120 min at 37°C) and was negatively correlated (64.2 ± 7.9%, 63.3 ± 5.8%, 49.9 ± 6.3%, and 35.9 ± 7.6%, respectively) in frozen-thawed sperm samples. Moreover, the E2 levels were unchanged even 24 h after controlled internal drug releas (CIDR) withdrawal. But, 48 h and 72 h after CIDR removal, E2 levels increased significantly. These data helps us to consider the two time points for AI; CIDR removal after 24 h, at which E2 decreases, and after 48 h, as the time at which progesterone increases. Additionally, the AI after 48 h of CIDR removal group exhibited significantly higher pregnancy and parturition rates (42.9%) compared to AI after 24 h after CIDR removal 28.6% group. In conclusion, these studies will propose an optimal estrus synchronisation process with subsequent timing of AI and also will promote the Korean black goat breeding industry.

We compared cow-calf contacts, as well as movement, activity, and pasture use patterns of heritage Raramuri Criollo (RC) and desert-adapted commercial Angus Hereford crossbred (AH) beef cattle grazing Chihuahuan Desert pastures during 4 wk in the summers of 2016 and 2017. Within each herd of 11 cow-calf pairs, a group of 7−9 randomly selected cows were fitted with Global Positioning System collars that recorded animal position at 10-min intervals. Proximity loggers configured to record contact events (

This study was carried out at different villages of Palash Upazila under the Narsingdi district in Bangladesh to envisage the storage system of straw, feeding system, genotype distribution, productive and reproductive performances of dairy cows. Hence, a total of 100 small-scale dairy farm owners were randomly selected and interviewed with a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Overall, 40% of farmers were raised indigenous cows in the studied villages, while 60% were reared Holstein crossbred cows. Around 75 and 25% farmers were collected green grass from the arable and non-arable lands, respectively. Results revealed that 11.43% farmers from each village of Balucharpara, Kandapara, Gazaria, Sultanpur, and Malita were stored straw as a stack on the field, and the lowest percentage (4.29%) farmers of Sanerbari village were followed this system of storage. About 14.81% farmers of each Paiksha and Sanerbari villages were stored straw inside their houses. Calving interval (P=0.04) of indigenous cows and milk yield (P=0.05) of Holstein crossbred cows were both differed significantly among the studied villages. Overall, both indigenous and Holstein crossbred cows performances were observed better in Balucharpara village than that of other villages. However, farmers should be motivated and given training on fodder cultivation, feed processing, and preservation to accelerate the sustainable production and reproduction of cows.

The article presents the results of studies of reproductive performance, safety and average daily milk yield of first-calf cows of the Ukrainian Red-and-White dairy breed, obtained from the Montbeliard and Holstein sire bulls in the SE "Gontarivka", Kharkiv region. It was found that the weight at the first fertilization in heifers obtained from bulls of different breeds did not practically differ, and averaged 470 kg. At the same time, the age of the first insemination and calving of the daughters obtained from the Montbeliard bulls was significantly less than of the daughters obtained from the Holstein bulls, which indicates a greater intensity of growth of crossbred heifers. The average daily milk yield of daughters of Montbeliard breed bulls for the first two months of lactation was 1.6 kg and 0.5 kg less than that of their counterparts. In the third month of lactation, the average daily milk yield of first calving cows obtained from Holstein bulls became 0.2 kg less than that of crossbred ones, and later this trend of the advantage in daily milk yield of the daughters of Holstein bulls continued. For 8 months of lactation, the milk yield of the daughters of the Montbeliard bulls was slightly less by 201.4 kg than their peers. There were no significant differences in the content of fat, protein and the somatic cells count.

We compared the dry matter intake (DMI), body condition score (BCS), body weight (BW), beta-hydroxy-butyrate (BHB), milk yield, and milk composition during the transition period of Holstein and crossbred Holstein x Simmental cows. Thirty cows were used in the study. Each cow entered the study 21 days before their expected calving day (prepartum) and remained in the study until day 21 after calving (postpartum). DMI, and milk yield were recorded daily. Once a week, BW and BCS were recorded and blood was collected to measure the BHB. The SAS software was used for the statistical analysis. Holstein and crossbred Holstein x Simmental cows had similar DMI during the prepartum and postpartum periods with higher intakes after calving. Crossbred Holstein x Simmental cows had a higher BCS than Holstein cows during the prepartum and postpartum periods. BHB does not differ between genetic groups, but between periods – with lower values in the prepartum period. The genetic groups had similar milk yield and composition. Both genetic groups lost BCS after calving, but Holstein cows showed a greater decrease in BCS. The use of a crossbreeding programme with Simmental has no negative effect on the performance during the transition period in Holstein herds.

The dynamics of body weight from birth to 8 months of age are considered; indicators of slaughter and shearing of wool from Kuibyshev and crossbred rams of different origins: ½ (Kuibyshev x Soviet meat-wool) and ½ Kuibyshev + ¼ blood of the Volgograd breed and ¼ Suff olk.

The influence of â -mannanase supplementation and feed presentation of palm kernel cake (PKC) based diets were assessed on grower rabbits. Twenty crossbred grower rabbits (757.5 ± 65g) of mixed sex aged between eight to ten weeks old were used during the trial in 2 X 2 factorial design conducted in a completely randomized experimental design giving four treatment interactions with five replicates of one rabbit per replicate. The treatments were; T1- diet in mash form without enzyme; T2- diet in pellet form without enzyme; T3- diet in mash form with â-mannanase (0.5g/kg) and T4- diet in pellet form with mannanase (0.5g/kg). The trial lasted for six weeks. The animals were weighed individually at the beginning of the study and weekly thereafter. At the end of the study period the feacal samples were collected and animals were slaughtered and measurements taken from the carcasses. The carcass yield showed no interaction, though full GIT weights (g) were significantly influenced (T1-23.04, T2-17.67, T3-19.99 and T4- 18.74. Enzyme inclusion and feed form elicited significant effects on carcass characteristics, with varying improvements observed. Enzyme inclusion on the mash diet gave lower organ weights compared to other diets. Feed form and enzyme inclusion influenced lengths of the segments of the GIT, with rabbit on Diet 3 having the longest length. Pelleting influenced ileum lengths positively. Rabbits fed pelleted or mash diets whether supplemented or non-supplemented with â-mannanase digested dry matter, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in the same level. In conclusion, supplementation of diets with â-mannanase and pelleting of diets improved phosphorus digestibility in palm kernel cake based diets. In addition, rabbits feed mash and pelleted rations with addition of â-mannanase had improved loins as opposed to those fed mash and non-supplemented rabbits while other carcass and visceral organ characteristics were not significantly affected. Keywords: â-mannanase, palm kernel cake, feed presentation, macro minerals, carcass characteristics, rabbits

A study of 3 months duration was conducted in coastal belt of Odisha to assess the effect of supplemental mineral mixture on productive performance of lactating crossbred cows. Twenty crossbred cows were divided into two groups (T1 and T2) consisting of ten animals each. Animals in group T1(control) were fed on homemade concentrate mixture in fodder based diet consisting of concentrate and roughage (40:60), whereas the animals in group T2 were additionally supplemented with mineral mixture at 2% of concentrate mixture. Average daily dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, milk composition were recorded at fortnight intervals during the trial. A digestibility trial of six days duration was conducted at the end of experimental feeding. DMI was not influenced by mineral mixture supplementation. Apparent digestibility of crude protein and ether extract were higher (P

This research assessed the effect of incorporating condensed tannin-rich pine bark (PB) and sericea lespedeza (SL) into meat goats’ diets on carcass traits, chemical composition, and meat quality of goat meat (chevon). Meat goats were supplemented with bermudagrass hay (BG-diet, control), SL, PB, or 1:1 mixture of SL and PB (SL + PB-diet), with the remainder of each diet made uCIE ap of 70% alfalfa pellets mixed with a commercial corn-based sweet feed. Furthermore, four experimental diets provided a total of 4.9, 40.1, 49.0, or 45.0 g of condensed tannins, CT/kg DM, respectively. Carcass traits were assessed after the slaughter at the end of 50 d feeding period. After 24 h cooler storage (2˚C), edible tissues were collected from each carcass for analyzing meat quality parameters. No significant differences were found in carcass traits and primal cuts among goats fed the experimental diets. Supplementing goats with wood-derived condensed tannins (pine bark) produced redder (higher CIE a* values; P P P < 0.03) chevon than that from goats fed either forage-derived (sericea lespedeza) or combined condensed tannins (1:1 mixture of sericea lespedeza and pine bark). Our findings indicate that either forage-, wood-derived condensed tannins, or their combined one can be used as a dietary supplement since they do not have any detrimental effect on meat goats’ performances and meat quality characteristics of chevon. Furthermore, feeding meat goats with wood-derived condensed tannins probably produced tenderer and healthier chevon than that from meat goats fed either forage-derived only or combined with forage and wood derived-condensed tannins.

An experiment was made to examine the effect of feeding three forages (Pacicum maximum) pawpaw leaves and (Tridax procumbens) in addition to concentrateon the performance and nutrient digestibility of crossbred weaned rabbits. Four rabbits were assigned to each dietary treatment in a completely randomized arrangement. The study lasted for 8 weeks. the forage and concentrate had moderate to high crude protein contents (12 to 33%). The DM intake were very high P. maximum and T. procumbens treatment (av. 108g/day). Forage constituted about 75% of the intakes. Dry matter intake on pawpaw leaves treatment (47.31g/day)was the weight gain (10.94g'day) and feed converion ratio (4.3) were best on the pawpoaw leaves the treatment. Tridax procumbens had the highest nutrient digestibility and significant difference (P

This study is a report of part of a planned breeding programme to evaluate the performance of pure and crossbred progenies of Red Sokoto (RS) and West African Dwarf (WAD) goats in a rainforest zone of South Eastern Nigeria. A total of 56 kids produced by four breeding goat units consisting of pure Red Sokoto (RS x RS), pure West African Dwarf (WAD X WAD), main cross (RS x WAD), and reciprocal cross (WAD X RS) were used to investigate performance and cost benefit of producing progenies of these indigenous goats. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with genetic group and sex as the factors of interest. Results showed that at birth, the male RS X RS kids weighed significantly (P

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:29:29Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 This work aimed to evaluate the effects of sire's and dam's biological type, dam's age class at calving and individual heterozygosis, and to estimate variance components for weaning weight adjusted to 210 days (WW210) in beef cattle of different breed groups. Records of 13 687 animals, obtained from 2000 to 2007, were used. Bulls from the biological types Zebu (N), Adapted (A), British (B), Continental (C) and 1/4N|1/4A|1/4B|1/4C were mated with purebred zebu (N) and crossbred females (1/2C|1/2N and 1/2B|1/2N). Dam age at calving was 3-12 years. The influence of several effects on WW210 was tested using the least square method. Variance component analysis was performed using a Bayesian approach. The model included contemporary group, dam's age class at calving, sire's and dam's biological types as systematic effects, animal's age and individual heterozygosis as linear covariates, and direct and maternal additive genetic, maternal permanent environmental and residual effects as random effects. The progeny of bulls from biological type B and the crossbred cows showed higher WW210 means. Cows at 6-7 years old weaned heavier calves. Direct and maternal heritability estimates for WW210 were 0.5 ± 0.04 and 0.1 ± 0.02, respectively. Calves with 100% individual heterozygosis weighed on average 25.98 kg more at weaning compared to progenies from pure breeds. Sire's and dam's biological types influence the WW210 of the crossed progenies. Crossbred cows produce heavier calves compared to biological type N cows. These results and the obtained direct and maternal heritabilities suggest it is possible to choose the lines of sires and dams that could be used to make the crosses to obtain progenies with better performance for WW210. Departamento de Zootecnia Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias Universidade Estadual Paulista Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria Fundación Universitaria Agraria de Colombia Departamento de Melhoramento e Nutrição Animal Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia Universidade Estadual Paulista Departamento de Zootecnia Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias Universidade Estadual Paulista Departamento de Melhoramento e Nutrição Animal Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia Universidade Estadual Paulista

The objective of the work was to study the beef production efficiency through intensive rearing and fattening of Simmental and crossbred bull calves. The bull calves were divided into three groups of 15 animals each in order to carry out the survey. The first (control) group involved purebred Simmental bull calves. The second group consisted of young stock produced via crossbreeding Simmental cows with German Simmental beef bulls. The third group was formed from crosses of Simmental cows with Charolais bulls. The animals of the second and third groups were characterized by lower feed costs per 1 kg liveweight gain, comprising 8.5 and 8.1 EFU, respectively, while the feed utilization efficiency for the bull calves of the first group comprised 8.7 EFU. These factors affected the profitability of beef production. Thus, the level of profitability of rearing the Charolais crosses reached 20.7%, which was 6.8 and 3% higher than that in the bull calves of groups one and two, respectively. Fattening to the age of 18 months contributed to a significant increase in the carcass fat mass. Therefore, the protein-to-fat ratio comprised 1 : 084, 1 : 0.75, and 1 : 068 for the groups in ascending order of their numbers. Under intensive rearing and fattening systems, Simmental bull calves of group one gained the target beef quality up to the age of 15 months. The practice of fattening the crossbred bull calves of groups two and three up to the age of 18 months has proved that their meat gains the target protein-to-fat ratio, while the meat of bull calves of the maternal breed should be considered over-fat beef, since the fat content exceeds the standard recommendations. The intensive system of rearing and fattening the Simmental bull calves up to the age of 15 months and the Simmental crosses with the German Simmental beef breed and the Charolais breed up to the age of 18 months can ensure the production of heavy carcasses with the target quality beef.

The aim of the present experiment was to assess the potential of rice bran crude lecithin (RBCL) as an alternative energy source in the diet of growing cattle. Two experiment was conducted: in the first experiment total gas and methane production along with digestibility of dry and organic matter was measured in vitro ; in the second experiment two different experimental levels of RBCL was tested on eighteen crossbred calves. Six substrate comprising of either 0 (T 1 ), 4 (T 2 ), 8 (T 3 ), 12 (T 4 ), 16 ( 5 ) or 20 (T 6 ) % RBCL, replacing equal amount of maize grain of control were tested. Response criteria during in vitro evaluation was gas and methane production, and digestibility of dry matter and organic matter. During the second experiment, eighteen crossbred calves were randomly distributed into three groups of six each in an experiment based on completely randomized design. Calves of control group (GI) were fed a standard dietary concentrate and wheat straw to meet their nutrient requirements (ICAR, 2013). However, 8 and 12% of maize of the concentrate mixture of control group was replaced with RBCL in groups GII and GIII, respectively. The net gas production and methane production (ml/200mg), in vitro true dry matter and organic matter digestibility (%) decreased (P 0.05) among the groups. Although body weight gain apparently seemed to decrease with increased levels of RBCL values were comparable among the groups. Clinical chemistry profile was comparable among the groups. It was concluded that RCBL can replace up to 12% of maize grain of the concentrate mixture without any adverse impact on plane of nutrition, clinical chemistry and performance of crossbred calves.

This study compared the detailed mineral profiles of milk from purebred Holstein (HO) and four generations (F1 to F4) of crossbred cows (CR) derived from a 3-breed rotational crossbreeding system involving Viking Red (VR) and Montbéliarde (MO) sires. Purebred and CR were kept and fed together in the same herd. Individual milk samples were collected once per cow from 120 multiparous cows (40 HO and 20 for each generation of CR from F1 to F4). The milk samples were analysed for macrominerals (Na, Mg, P, S, K, Ca), essential (Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mo), and environmental microminerals (Li, B, Ba) using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. The coefficients of variation ranged from 11 to 28% for macrominerals and from 17 to 40% for microminerals. The mineral composition of milk from purebred HO and CR were mostly comparable. Conversely, it differed in different breed combinations of CR: VR-sired cows had the greatest macromineral contents, MO-sired cows the lowest, while HO-sired CR was intermediate. The milk from MO-sired crossbreds had lower contents of some microminerals (Mo, Zn, and Ba), while the milk from HO-sired crossbreds had greater contents (Fe and Mo). We conclude that the mineral profile of milk of CR derived from different combinations of VR, MO and HO breeds was comparable to that of milk from HO cows kept in the same herd, and that the variations in the macro- and micromineral profiles were greater among CR than between purebreds and crossbreds.Highlights The mineral composition affects the nutritional and technological properties of milk, and it is influenced by breed effect. Macro- and micromineral compositions of milk from Holstein and crossbred cows from a 3-breed rotational crossbreeding system were mostly comparable. Crossbred cows of different generations showed great variations in the macro- and micromineral profiles.

Pig plays a major role in socio economical by serving as a source of income for rural population and fulfilling an important role in culture and food security. Neutrophillymphocyte ratio (NLR) can be defined as the ratio of absolute neutrophil count to the absolute lymphocyte count. Fifty-one weaners were randomly selected at 9, 17 and 25 weeks of age for haematological analysis. Blood from the jugular veins of these pigs were collected into anti-coagulant bottles and taken to the laboratory for analysis. The blood parameters taken were leukocyte traits represented by neutrophilic count (NEU %) and lymphocyte percentage (LYM %). NLR was calculated by dividing the mean neutrophil counts by the mean lymphocyte count. Haematological data recorded were analyzed by using Analysis ofvariance (ANOVA) and means were separated by DuncanMultiple Range Test (DMRT). The NLR values were significant between the two breeds where NIP NLR was higher throughout the ages.

In this research, a face-to-face survey was conducted with 368 farmers in Muş province in order to determine some structural characteristics of fattening farms. Results indicated that the average farmers age was 44.74, the experience in animal husbandry was 20.0 years and the average number of animals in the farms were 41.72 head. The level of education of the farmers was generally determined as primary school (45.8%) and secondary school (33.6%). Combined farms account for 86% of fattening farms in the province. Of the farmers, 39.3% were members of the union and 15.9% were members of the cooperative. Overall, 77.5% of the farmers thought province of Muş was suitable for cattle fattening, while 64% of whom did not. It Concentrated feed and roughage are reported to be too expensive in the region. The ratios of native, crossbreed and cultural breeds raised in the farms were 26.6%, 45.6% and 47.7% respectively. Among the hybrid races in the farms were the most Simental and Swiss Brown hybrids. The most mentioned problems in farms were high feed prices, low support premium and expensive veterinary services. The expectations of the farmers from the authorities were to have low costed credits, increase the number of breeding animals and support premiums., Bu araştırmada, sığır besi işletmelerinin bazı yapısal özelliklerini belirlemek amacıyla Muş İlinde 368 işletme sahibiyle yüz yüze anket çalışması yapılmıştır. Buna göre, işletmecilerin ortalama yaşı 44.74 yıl, hayvancılık yaptığı süre 20.0 yıl ve işletmelerde bulunan hayvan sayısı ortalama 41.72 baş olarak belirlenmiştir. İşletmecilerin eğitim düzeyi genellikle ilkokul (%45.8) ve ortaokul (%33.6) olarak tespit edilmiştir. Okuryazar olmayan işletmecilerin oranı %4.1 ve üniversite mezunu olanların oranı ise sadece %1.7 olarak bulunmuştur. İldeki besi işletmelerinin %86’sını kombine işletmeler oluşturmaktadır. İşletmecilerin %39.3’ünün birliğe ve %15.9’unun kooperatife üye oldukları belirlenmiştir. İşletmecilerin %77.5’i Muş ilinin besiciliğe uygun olduğunu düşünürken, besiciliğe uygun olmadığını düşünen işletmecilerin %64’ü kesif ve yem kaba yemin pahalı olmasını ileri sürmüşlerdir. İşletmelerde yetiştirilen yerli, melez ve kültür ırklarının oranları sırasıyla %26.6, %45.6 ve %47.7 şeklindedir. İşletmelerde melez ırklar içerisinde en fazla Simental ve Esmer melezleri bulunmaktadır. İşletmelerde en çok belirtilen sorunlar, yem fiyatlarının yüksek ve destek priminin az olması ile veteriner hizmetlerinin pahalı olması şeklinde sıralanmaktadır. İşletmecilerin yetkililerden en çok beklentileri ise, ucuz maliyetli kredi temini, damızlık hayvan ve destek primlerinin arttırılması olarak belirlenmiştir.

This study was conducted to determine the fertility of Chios x Kıvırcık and Chios x Cine Caparı crossbreed sheep (94 ewes) and the growth characteristics and liveability values of crossbred lambs (62 male kids) under local breeder conditions. The birth and lamb rate and litter size values of Chios x Kıvırcık ewes and Chios x Cine Caparı ewes were detected as 93%, 1.21 and 1.29; 93%, 1.12 and 1.20. respectively. The liveability traits of crossbred lamb for each genotype on the 120th day of age were 81.06% and 84.00%, respectively. The average live weights on birth and 120th day of age were detected as 3.97 kg and 26.89 kg; 3.86 kg and 25.86 kg, respectively. For the same periods, the average of body measurements such as height at withers, rump height, body length and chest girth were detected as 38.08 cm, 38.27 cm, 35.79 cm and 37.76 cm; 59.67 cm, 59.61 cm, 57.18 cm and 74.71 cm respectively for Chios x Kıvırcık lambs and also determined as 37.18 cm, 37.49 cm, 35.36 cm and 36.59 cm; 59.44 cm, 59.30 cm, 56.68 cm and 74.43 cm, respectively for Chios x Cine Caparı lambs. While flocks had an statistically significant effect in generally on all growth periods, except birth; differences between genotypes were statistically significant for the last two measurement periods. It was thought that the animals having higher production levels and also adaptability could be reared in the region with suitable management, breeding and crossbreding systems.

This research aimed to determine the profiles of total leukocytes and neutrophil -lymphocyte ratio (N/L) in pregnant etawah crossbreed goats. Six etawah crossbreed goats around 3-6 years old and body weight around 30-50 kg were used in this study. Blood samples were taken from jugulars vein in non pregnant (K), and at gestational age 12, 14, 16 and 18 weeks. Blood is inserted into a tube that contains EDTA (Ethylene Diamine Tetraacetic Acid) anticoagulant to obtain whole blood. Whole blood were analyzed to total leukocyte cells and leukocyte types. The results showed that total leukocytes profiles tend to increase during pregnancy. Lymphocytes stable until 16 weeks of pregnancy and tends to decrease at the end of pregnancy. The N/L ratio increase at the end of pregnancy, this condition indicates an increase in the number of neutrophils accompanied by decreased lymphocyte cells and can be found in etawah crossbreed at 18 weeks of gestation.

A cross sectional study was conducted between November 2015 and February 2016 in Hawassa town, SNNPR, Ethiopia to determine the overall mastitis prevalence and identify the role of some selected risk factors in 183 randomly selected small holder lactating dairy cows of 53 high grade Holstein Friesian, 113 Holstein indigenous zebu cross and 17 indigenous zebu breeds. The prevalence of clinical mastitis was determined through examination of abnormalities of milk, udder or cow. The prevalence of subclinical mastitis determined by using indicator paper test. From total 183 lactating dairy cows examined for bovine mastitis 9(4.9%) had clinical mastitis, while 56(30.6%) subclinical mastitis. Out of 9(4.9%) clinical mastitis, 9.43 and 3.53% occurred in high grade Holstein and Holstein indigenous zebu, respectively, but indigenous zebu breed was found not affected. Subclinical mastitis at cow level based on indicator paper test was significantly high (32.07%) in Holstein, (30.9%) in cross breed and (23.5%) in indigenous zebu (p

Nulliparous crossbred does were used to study the effects of concentrate:lablab ratio (CL) and stage of pregnancy on nutrient intake and digestibility. Treatments consisted of four concentrate and lablab combinations on a gram:gram basis: 20:130, 40: 110, 80:70 and 100:50 and two stages of pregnancy: second and fourth week of pregnancy Concentrate intake increased as level increased up to 80g/day offered while lablab intake increased from 50 to 130g/day offered. Doe weight and metabolic size were similar for all treatments. Total feed intake was not affected by concentrate and lablab levels. Dry matter intake was lower for 100:50 CL than other treatments. Ether extract and crude fibre intakes decreased with increase in concentrate levels. Dry matter and nitrogen free extract digestibility were higher for 80:70 CL than other combinations. Crude fibre digestibility was higher for 80:70 than 40:110 and 100:50 CL Crude protein retention was higher for 80:70 than 20:130 and 100:50 CL. Fetal growth requirement, total protein requirement and balance of protein were high at 80:70 and 100:50 CL. During pregnancy, dry matter and all nutrients intake were higher in the second than fourth week. Ether extract, crude protein and nitrogen free extract digestibilities were lower in the second than fourth week of pregnancy. Fetal growth requirement and balance of protein were higher in the second than fourth week of pregnancy relationship between feed intake (g DM/day) and nutrient digestibility was negative. The relationship between feed intake (g DM/kg body weight/day) and feed intake (g DM/kg LW0.75/day) was however, positive for all the nutrients except crude protein. For the small scale rabbit producer in developing countries, it is feasible to maintain rabbits on combinations of concentrate and lablab during pregnancy

Forty eight crossbred rabbits were used to study the performance of different age groups of rabbits fed stylo and groundnut haulms supplemented with 50g concentrate. The rabbits were allocated to three treatments: Stylosanthes hamata (stylo), Arachis hypogea (groundnut) haulms and 50.50 mixture (stygnut) of stylo and groundnut haulms, and four age groups: weaner, grower pubertal and adult in a 3 x 4 factorial experiment in a randomized complete block design for six weeks. 150g forage and 50g concentrate were supplied to the rabbits in separate feeders in the morning at 08. 00hr. Initial and final weight of rabbits fed stylo, groundnut haulms and combination of stylo and groundnut haulms was similar. Concentrate, forage and total feed intake of rabbits were similar for the treatments, however, total weight gain was higher for combination of stylo and groundnut haulms and lowest on stylo. Rabbit performance on sole and combination forages was similar except for feed conversion ratio which was significantly higher for stylo. Though feed cost was similar for the treatments, cost/kg gain was higher for stylo than combination of stylo and groundnut haulms. For the rabbit groups, concentrate, forage and total feed intake were similar however; total weight gain was double for weaners than growers, pubertal and adult rabbits. Weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly higher for weaners than growers, pubertal and adult rabbits. Feed cost and cost/kg gain was significantly higher for adult rabbits than weaners but similar with growers and pubertal rabbits. This study shows the potential of feeding several legumes to rabbits and also implies that studies with feed resources should extend beyond weaner and/or grower phase to give practical insight into the performance of rabbits up to market weight.

This experiment was conducted to assess the effect of chicken genotype on the growth performance, feed intake and feed efficiency of the progenies resulting from pure, straight and reciprocal cross of Giriraja (Gr) and Alpha chickens. Data obtained on body weight, body length, breast girth, keel length, feed intake and feed efficiency were analyzed using general linear models analysis of variance. Generally, all growth traits and feed consumption characteristics were significantly affected (P < 0.05) by chicken genotype. Growth traits and feed intake increased as birds advanced in age. Giriraja X Giriraja purebred chickens had the highest body weight, breast girth, feed intake and feed conversion efficiency through out the experimental period. However, the progenies resulting from the reciprocal crosses of Alpha X Gr had significant higher body weight and keel. Also, the feed conversion efficiency of the reciprocal crosses were better than the dihybrid cross progenies. The results therefore suggest that the superiority exhibited by the Giriraja could be utilized to improve the growth performance of the indigenous chicken thereby speed up desirable progress in the improvement of the indigenous broiler line. Key words: Chicken, Crossbred, Feed consumption, Genotype, Growth trait, Purebred

Forty eight crossbred (California X New Zealand White) rabbits were used to evaluate energy partitioning of rabbits fed forages supplemented with concentrate. The rabbits were randomly allocated to three treatments consisting of sole Stylosanthes hamata (stylo),sole Arachis hypogea (groundnut) haulms and 50:50 mixture of both forages (mixed), and four class groups: weaners, 6-8 weeks old (0.79kg), growers, 11-12 weeks old (1.15kg), pubertal, 15-16 weeks old (1.36kg) and adult, >16 weeks old (1.55kg) in a completely randomized design (3 x 4 factorial experiment). The rabbits were individually housed and offered 150g forage and 50g concentrate diet in separate feeders at 08.00hr. Feeding sole or mixed forages did not significantly affect daily gain or body composition of rabbits. DE intake, DE retention as protein, fat and growth, DE requirement for maintenance, protein synthesis, fat synthesis and for growth were similar for sole and mixed forages. Efficiency of utilization of DE for growth was significantly higher for mixed forage than sole stylo and ranged between 0.41-0.43. DE intake was similar for all classes of rabbits. Weaners had significantly higher retained energy as protein, fat and growth, DE requirement for protein and fat synthesis and for growth and efficiency of DE utilization for growth than growing, pubertal and adult rabbits. Efficiency of DE utilization for growth ranged between 0.39-0.47. Retained energy as protein, fat and for growth were similar for weaner and grower rabbits on mixed forage but higher than for pubertal and adult rabbits. For sole stylo, weaner rabbits retained more energy as protein, fat and growth than grower, pubertal and adult rabbits while for sole groundnut haulms, weaner and pubertal rabbits retained more energy as protein, fat and growth than grower and adult rabbits. DE utilization was better for mixed than stylo. It is concluded that feeding a mixture of groundnut and stylo forages slightly increased gain and improved efficiency of DE utilization resulting in better performance of the abbits. Keywords : concentrate, energy, forages, groundnut, partitioning, rabbit, Stylosanthes.

This study was undertaken to compare growth performance and economics of production of two Nigerian indigenous chicken strains andtheircrossbred.The parent lines of theNigerian indigenous chicken population used consisted of two strains, the normal feather (NF)and the naked neck(NN),obtained from pure bred strains of Nigerian indigenous chickens maintained at the Directorate of University farm, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. Three genetic groups comprising a combination of NF male X NN female (GG1), NN male X NN female (GG2) and NN male X NF female (GG3) were used for the study. The results revealed that though chicks from GG2 were heavier (P0.05) among the three groups. Birds from GG3 were however, able to utilize feed consumed by 11.21 and 12.93% more efficiently than GG1 and GG2 respectively. Feed cost per kg weight gain was least for GG3 ( 520) with gross margin of 132.35 and 133.43 above GG1 and GG2 respectively. GG3 had the best profitability index and return on investment. Crossbreeding naked neck and normal feather showed superiority in growth and economic returns and is therefore recommended in breeding/production programmes targeted at expanding Nigerian indigenous chicken production.

High cost of conventional feedstuffs has resulted to the need to exploit the diverse feed resources for improved sustainability in swine production. Hydroponic sprouts which undergo nutritional modification during the sprouting process are a good source of nutrients that could improve the performance of pigs. Hence, nutrient digestibility, performance, haematological and serum biochemical parameters of weaned pigs fed hydroponic maize fodder (HMF) and conventional basal based diets were studied. Thirty-six (36) crossbred weaned pigs were randomly allotted to three treatments with four replicates each in a completely randomized design. Treatment 1 (T1) had 50% hydroponically grown maize sprouts + 50% concentrate, Treatment 2 (T2) had 100% hydroponically grown maize sprouts and Treatment 3 (T3) had 100% basal diet (cassava peel +palm kernel cake +brewery dried grain). The experiment lasted 6 weeks. Significant differences (P0.05). All values obtained for haematology and serum biochemical parameters were within the normal physiological range of the animals.In conclusion, hydroponics maize fodder when combined with concentrate feed had a positive impact on nutrient digestibility and performance of pigs. Also, haematological and serum biochemical indices of pigs were not negatively affected.