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L’élevage intensif de moutons Ladoum, race ovine considérée par les éleveurs comme étant la plus performante, connaît un essor considérable ces dernières décennies au Sénégal. Ce travail a eu pour objectif de comparer les performances d’embouche de trois principales races d’agneaux. Il a porté sur 31 agneaux (12 Ladoum, 8 Touabire et 11 Peul-peul) de trois mois d’âge ayant un poids vif (PV) initial de 25,4 kg et élevés durant sept mois où ils ont été alimentés ad libitum avec de la fane d’arachide, un concentré, de l’eau potable et des pierres à lécher. Les PV, consommations d’aliments (CAI) et d’eau (CE), gains moyens quotidiens (GMQ), indice de conversion alimentaire (IC), poids de carcasse chaude (PC), rendement commercial (RC) et des éléments du 5e quartier (REQ), proportions de viande maigre (PMC) et du gras (PGC) des carcasses par race ont été étudiés. Les résultats ont révélé que les PV, GMQ, CAI, IC, PC, RC, REQ, PMC et PGC ont été semblables (p > 0,05) entre les trois races d’agneaux. Les consommations de concentré par rapport au fourrage et les rendements des abats blancs chez les Ladoum (72,5 % CAI et 5,5 %) ont été plus faibles (p < 0,05) comparés à ceux des Touabire (77,14 % CAI et 6,77 %) et Peul-peul (78 % CAI et 6,1 %) qui sont restés identiques, contrairement à la CE (4 vs. 3 litres/j). Les épaisseurs de tissu total (GR), du longissimus dorsi, du gras dorsal mesurées de la 3e à la dernière semaine ante-mortem, ont été similaires (p > 0,05) pour ces trois races, excepté la GR qui a été significativement réduite à la 3e semaine ante-mortem chez les Ladoum. Il ressort que les races ovines sénégalaises disposent d’un réel potentiel génétique qui pourrait mieux s’extérioriser dans de bonnes conditions d’élevage, pour une amélioration du revenu des éleveurs au Sénégal.

The bacterial community of the forestomach plays important roles in the digestive processes of ruminants and pseudo-ruminants. To investigate the rumen microbiota in the pseudo-rumen of camels (Camelus dromedarius) raised in a natural environment in Algeria, bacterial diversity was determined from 25 dromedaries using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. A total of 25 bacterial phyla were identified across all the samples, including Firmicutes (close to 85℅), Bacteroidetes (about 12%) and to a lesser extent Proteobacteria (< 1%), with these three phyla together accounting for more than 97% of all sequences. Our results are consistent with previous observations of bacterial communities diversity and abundancy in the rumen or pseudo-rumen of other ruminant species (either domestic or wild), although the abundance of individual bacterial phyla showed remarkably high disparities. Links between the richness and type of diet and the composition of the rumen microbiome are discussed.

Background and Aim: Dietary supplementation with green tea by-product shows special effects on animal parameters. This study aimed to assess the effects of green tea by-products (GTBP) in the diet on some blood parameters, growth performance, and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs and on meat quality, and nutritional composition of pork. Materials and Methods: One hundred and sixty crossbred pigs with an initial body weight of 65.15 ± 0.38 kg, were distributed into four dietary treatments, with four replicates of 10 pigs each. The dietary treatments were a basal diet (control diet, CON), and three experimental diets (GTBP8, GTBP16, and GTBP24) based on the CON diet supplemented with GTBP at 8, 16, and 24 g/kg of feed. The studied parameters were examined during the experimental period of 10 weeks. Results: No statistical differences in average daily feed intake, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio were observed between the diet treatments (p > 0.05). Backfat thickness decreased (linear, p < 0.05) according to the GTBP levels but no other carcass parameters. Meat quality was not influenced by the GTBP levels (p > 0.05). However, pigs fed with GTBP had a decrease in cholesterol content and an increase in crude protein and total omega-3 content of pork compared to the CON diet (p < 0.05). Moreover, dietary supplementation with GTBP significantly decreased plasma cholesterol (p < 0.05), and trends for the decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and urea nitrogen were observed (linear, p = 0.08). Conclusion: Up to 24 g/kg GTBP in the diet for finishing pigs does not impair animal performance and makes carcass leaner with softer meat as well as positive effects on cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism. Further experiments are needed to determine the optimal levels of GTBP addition in finishing pig diet to produce higher meat quality.

Abstract Senegal, like the other Sahelian countries, remains an important livestock area, particularly for ruminants, with almost 36% of its livestock population was goat in 2016. The national herd increased from 2010 to 2016, from 3.32 to 3.54 million head of cattle, 5.6 to 6.68 million sheep and 4.8 to 5.7 million goats, i.e. annual growth rates of 1.1%, 3.2% and 3.13% respectively. Thus, due to diversification of local agricultural resources and the strengthening of goat breeding techniques in the Fatick area, a programme aiming to develop the local goat sector was set up in 2010. The programme focused on improving animal husbandry, providing new added values to goat products and structuring the goat sector. This study’s aim is to better understand goat rearing systems in the area, in order to propose, together with the herders, ways of improving these systems, taking into account family and socio-cultural considerations. To better evaluate the diversity in different production systems, a survey of animal rearing practices was carried out. The survey involved 45 farmers in four localities. It revealed that the farmers were all agro-pastoralists practising a mixed farming system. The majority (93%) supplemented their animals with agricultural by-products, agro-forestry and kitchen leftovers. A multiple correspondence analysis identified three groups: cluster 1 (milk producers and processors into traditional curdled milk, selling animals for household needs), cluster 2 (milk processors into yoghurt and cheese) and cluster 3 (goat vendors in pastoral and the agro-pastoral system). The study of the objectives and contexts of goat farming in the Fatick will enable policy-makers to design strategies for the sustainable development of family goat farming in the area.

Background and Aim: Alternative natural materials to antibiotics for improving digestive health and growth performance are needed due to strengthening regulations related to the use of antibiotic growth promoters. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of medicinal plants mixture (60% Bidens pilosa L., 15% Urena lobata L., 15% Pseuderanthemum palatiferum, 5% Ramulus cinnamomi, and 5% Star anise) as alternative growth promotors on animal health, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters, and growth performance of growing pigs. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted, from April 2020 to June 2020, at a private pig production farm located in Cam Giang district Hai Duong Province, Vietnam. Forty-eight 10-week-old crossbred (♂Duroc×♀ [Landrace×Yorkshire]) pigs, average initial body weight 30.3±1.42 kg, were randomly allocated to four dietary groups, three replicate pens per experimental group, with 4 pigs/pen. For 7 weeks, the pigs were fed a basal diet supplemented with the mixture at levels of 0, 20, 40, and 60 g/kg of feed. Results: Final body weight, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio, as well as apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, and gross energy were not significantly influenced by the diets (p>0.05). Inclusion of the plant mixture decreased significantly red blood cell count, blood cholesterol, urea nitrogen, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) concentrations (p

Sulla flexuosa (Hedysarum flexuosum L.) is an endemic legume growing in some Mediterranean areas in rainfed and cold mountainous conditions. It could be used in goat diets as an alternative protein source instead of alfalfa to supplement forest rangeland. This study aimed to test the effects of incorporating Sulla flexuosa (SF) hay in the diet of Beni Arouss goats on their milk production and quality. The hay was introduced at two levels, i.e., 35 or 70% (SF70), on a DM basis; it partially or totally replaced the alfalfa hay of the control diet. Sulla flexuosa incorporation did not affect milk production or physicochemical composition. However, milk FA content varied in proportion to the percentage of SF incorporation. The SF70 diet was associated with increased milk levels in C18:1n-9, C18:2n-6, C18:3n-3, and C22:6n-3 and total monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and n-3 fatty acids. As a consequence, atherogenic and thrombogenic indices were improved. Additionally, better antioxidant capacity was observed in SF70.

Background and Aim: This work presents the implementation of a course on animal husbandry in an interdisciplinary curriculum based on the One Health concept. The study describes learners' viewpoints about the course and its insertion in the curriculum. The study aimed at identifying avenues for improvement. Materials and Methods: Fourteen learners (health professionals) participated to individual semi-structured interviews lasting for 25-35 min each. Learners' opinions were extracted from the transcribed interviews and analysis themes were identified from recurrent narratives. Results: The learners perceived animal husbandry as relevant for One Health and potentially useful for their future practice. More precisely, learners were considering a future use of the newly acquired knowledge and skills in the advising of communities facing malnutrition and for the strategic planning at wider levels. Teaching methods were appreciated thanks to the active learning style. Unmet expectations concerned the coverage of impacts and relationships to other disciplines, the inclusion of viewpoints from other disciplines into the teaching, and the degree of contextualization of contents, e.g. through case studies. Accordingly, the main avenues for improvement, as identified by learners, were to give a prior focus on impacts (especially on human health) for all contents and to increase the number of case studies, but also to better address the questions of the usefulness of animal products in the management of malnutrition. Conclusion: The analysis of learners' expectations (met and unmet) and their recommendations regarding the future of the course helped identifying both successes and important challenges for teachers. Two main challenges are highlighted. First, increased interdisciplinarity is needed within the course to better cover the notion of impact of animal husbandry on health, society and environment. Second, the complexity of the domain under consideration will call for important efforts of clarification of the course structure and objectives in terms of skills acquisition.

Objective This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of diets containing different wet rice distillers’ by-product (RDP) levels on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles and gut microbiome of weaned piglets. Methods A total of 48 weaned castrated male crossbred pigs, initial body weight 7.54±0.97 kg, and age about 4 wks, were used in this experiment. The piglets were randomly allocated into three iso-nitrogenous diet groups that were fed either a control diet, a diet with 15% RDP, or a diet with 30% RDP for a total of 35 days. Chromium oxide was used for apparent digestibility measurements. On d 14 and d 35, half of the piglets were randomly selected for hemato-biochemical and gut microbiota evaluations. Results Increasing inclusion levels of RDP tended to linearly increase (p≤0.07) average daily gain on d 14 and d 35, and decreased (p = 0.08) feed conversion ratio on d 35. Empty stomach weight increased (p = 0.03) on d 35 while digestibility of diet components decreased. Serum globulin concentration decreased on d 14 (p = 0.003) and red blood cell count tended to decrease (p = 0.06) on d 35, parallel to increase RDP levels. Gene amplicon profiling of 16S rRNA revealed that the colonic microbiota composition of weaned pigs changed by inclusion of RDP over the period. On d 14, decreased proportions of Lachnospiraceae_ge, Ruminococcaceae_ge, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005, and Bacteroidales_ge, and increased proportions of Prevotellaceae_ge, Prevotella_2, and Prevotella_9 were found with inclusion of RDP, whereas opposite effect was found on d 35. Additionally, the proportion of Lachnospiraceae_ge, Ruminococcaceae_ge, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005, and Bacteroidales_ge in RDP diets decreased over periods in control diet but increased largely in diet with 30% RDP. Conclusion These results indicate that RDP in a favorable way modulate gastrointestinal microbiota composition and improve piglet performance despite a negative impact on digestibility of lipids and gross energy.

The effect of the use of Curcuma longa powder as phytobiotic on feed intake and in vivo digestibility of nutrients was studied in 40 guinea pigs of English breed. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of incorporating graded levels of Curcuma longa powder on feed intake and in vivo digestibility in Guinea pigs. Forty (40) Guinea pigs (20 males and 20 females) of English breed, mean weight 452 ± 75 g were allocated to four experimental treatments in a completely randomized design. Each treatment contains 10 Guinea pigs (5 males and 5 females). Three experimental rations were formulated from the basal diet (0%) by adding 0.25, 0.5 and 1% C. longa powder corresponding to R0%, R0.25%, R0.5% and R1% respectively. Digestibility test was carried out for a period of 17-days (10 days for adaptation and 7 days for data collection). The inclusion of Curcuma longa powder significantly improved (p

The recent development of advanced electronic sensors to monitor and record animal grazing activity provides a real opportunity to facilitate understanding of their behavioral responses. This study aimed to characterize the grazing activity and protein–energy requirements of grazing dairy goats in a Mediterranean woodland in northern Morocco by combining two sensors, the Global Positioning System (GPS) and three axis accelerometers. An experiment was conducted in a representative woodland with eight dairy goats. Measurements were undertaken during the three main grazing seasons (spring, summer, and autumn) for two consecutive and contrasting years. Grazing activity parameters were assessed using GPS collars and leg position sensors. The results showed that grazing time was higher in spring (57% and 59%) than in summer (39% and 36%) and autumn (41% and 45%), respectively, for the dry and wet years (p < 0.001). During the two studied years, the daily horizontal distance traveled by the goats increased from spring (about 4.5 km) to summer (about 6.5 km) and autumn (about 7.4 km), while greater daily vertical distances were recorded over similar distances during summer–autumn. Several protein–energy intakes that were insufficient to cover the requirements of the grazing goats were recorded, especially in summer. The combination of GPS collars and accelerometers contributed to a better understanding of the grazing activities of dairy goats in the studied Mediterranean woodland. These findings provide useful data on the protein–energy balances of dairy goats and offer additional information that could be useful for herders and managers to enhance goat-feeding strategies and guarantee high-performance in the semi-extensive traditional goat farming system.

In Senegal, sheep breeds have adapted to their environment and play a key socio-economic role. This study aimed to explore the genetic diversity and structure of four Senegalese sheep breeds (Peul-peul, Djallonke, Touabire, and Ladoum) and their relationships with global sheep breeds. To that end, forty-seven sheep were genotyped using the OvineSNP50 BeadChip, and these genotypic data were analysed with those of 73 sheep breeds representative of worldwide ovine diversity (2729 animals). The average observed heterozygosity (Ho) ranged from 0.293 in Djallonke sheep to 0.339 in Touabire sheep. The estimated Fis values were low, ranging from 0.019 for Ladoum to 0.034 for Peul-peul sheep. The estimated Fst values were low (0.003–0.044) among the trypanosusceptible breeds (Peul-peul, Touabire, and Ladoum) but high between the previous breeds and the trypanotolerant Djallonke breed (0.075–0.116), indicating better genetic conservation of the Djallonke sheep. A principal component analysis revealed clustering of the Senegalese sheep breeds according to their geographic distribution. However, owing to genetic improvement practices, the introgression of Touabire sheep blood seems to have reshaped the genetic landscape of the trypanosusceptible sheep breeds in Senegal. The Senegalese sheep breeds showed lower genetic diversity than their presumed ancestral sheep breeds of the Middle East. They also presented some relatedness with Caribbean sheep breeds, which reveals their contribution to the global genetic diversity and to the development of Caribbean sheep breeds.

In dairy farms automatic milking systems and grazing, traffic to the robot is the cornerstone of profitability as higher milking frequency enhances milk yield. In this study, we investigated whether shortening the minimum milking interval (MMI), i.e., the required time between two milkings for an animal to get access to the milking unit, coupled with high concentrate allocation, could increase the daily milking frequency (MF, milking/cow/day) and consequently the milk yield of grazing cows. Two groups of cows (n = 19 and n = 20) belonging to the same herd were discriminated based on concentrate supply (high vs. low: 4 vs. 2 kg/cow/day) and then further divided on the basis of MMI (4 h vs. 6 h) so that four groups were formed (HC4 h–HC6 h–LC4 h and finally LC6 h). Higher concentrate allocation induced a rise in milk yield (MY, kg/cow/day) and allowed to stabilize it in periods of grass shortage but did not influence milking frequency, while shorter MMI (4 h) was correlated with higher MF without effect on MY. A combination of both strategies (4 h and high concentrate) improved the traffic globally to the robot. This result was linked to a reduction of refused milking and, therefore, the decrease in returns to the robot. This strategy could be advised to maximize the system’s efficiency during periods of high milk sales. When the economic conditions do not favour the increase in concentrate supply, short MMI could facilitate the traffic and increase the efficiency of returns.

The earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae is a well-known source of protein in animal feeding but there is lack of information on its fatty acid profile. This study aimed to determine its nutrient components and fatty acid profile. Earthworms were bred in substrate containing organic matter; peanut powder was added in the experimental group diet. The nutrient components (protein, ash, and minerals) of the adult worms were determined according to the Kjeldahl method and by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The fatty acid profile was determined by gas chromatography / mass spectrometry. The dry-matter protein content significantly increased in worms fed peanut powder (p < 0.05) as did the minerals measured. The main fatty acid families had similar proportions in the groups. In the saturated fatty acids, C12:0 and C18:0 were present in higher proportions in both groups, whereas in monounsaturated fatty acids, C18:1ω9 prevailed. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in polyunsaturated fatty acids were observed between the two groups. An increase in the proportion of ω6 and ω3 was observed in the experimental group compared to the control. This study showed that peanut powder significantly influenced nutrient components of E. eugeniae. The fatty acid profile of this species was similar to that of most animals. Earthworms’ diet can be altered to improve the nutritional value of E. eugeniae.

Previous research has revealed the gut microbiota profile of several primate species, as well as the impact of a variety of anthropogenic factors, such as tourist food supply, on these bacterial communities. However, there is no information on the gut microbiota of the endangered wild Barbary macaque (Macaca sylvanus). The present study is the first to characterize the faecal microbiota of this species, as well as to investigate the impact of tourist food provisioning on it. A total of 12 faecal samples were collected in two groups of M. sylvanus in the region of Bejaia in Algeria. The first group—a tourist-provisioned one—was located in the tourist area of the Gouraya National Park and the second group—a wild-feeding one—was located in the proximity of the village of Mezouara in the forest of Akfadou. After DNA extraction, the faecal microbiota composition was analysed using 16S rDNA sequencing. Statistical tests were performed to compare alpha diversity and beta diversity between the two groups. Non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis (NMDS) was applied to visualize biodiversity between groups. Behaviour monitoring was also conducted to assess the time allocated to the consumption of anthropogenic food by the tourist-provisioned group. Our results revealed the presence of 209 bacterial genera from 17 phyla in the faecal microbiota of Barbary macaques. Firmicutes was the most abundant bacterial phylum, followed by Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia. On the other hand, the comparison between the faecal microbiota of the two study groups showed that tourism activity was associated with a significant change on the faecal microbiota of M.sylvanus, probably due to diet alteration (with 60% of feeding time allocated to the consumption of anthropogenic food). The potentially low-fibre diet at the tourist site adversely influenced the proliferation of bacterial genera found in abundance in the wild group such as Ruminococcaceae. Such an alteration of the faecal microbiota can have negative impacts on the health status of these animals by increasing the risk of obesity and illness and calls for special management measures to reduce the provisioning rate in tourist areas.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) and sensors technologies are increasingly used to study the grazing behavior of animals. This work was conducted to understand the grazing behavior and energy balance of goats browsing in forest rangeland using GPS and sensors technologies. Forage availability was estimated using the quadrat method during three grazing seasons. Simultaneously, eight indigenous goats were selected to explore their feeding behavior, grazing activities, and energy requirements. The experimental goats were fitted with GPS collars and leg sensors to monitor their grazing activities. At the same time, direct observation was used as a method to study their feeding behavior. Forage availability was higher during spring compared to the summer and autumn seasons. Goats recorded the highest biting rate during summer and autumn (about 22 bites/min). The highest intake rate was recorded during spring (5.6 g DM/min). During spring, goats spent most of their time on grazing (48%) in contrast to the summer and autumn (p < 0.001). They prolonged their lying down time in summer at the expense of standing duration. The time devoted exclusively to grazing (eating) was longer in spring. Walking time in summer and autumn was longer than in spring (p < 0.001). During summer and autumn, the energy balance of goats under grazing conditions was in deficit. Using GPS collars and leg sensors appears to be a useful and easily replicable method to explore and understand the seasonal changes in the grazing areas and activities of goats in a mountainous region. The results could help goat herders and managers to develop feeding and grazing systems while increasing the performance of goats in the Mediterranean forest rangeland.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the weight and reproductive performances of Girolando cattle at Kpinnou Breeding Farm (KBF) in the south western of Benin Republic. Materials and methods: The weight performance and body measurements were taken on a total of 150 Girolando cattle. The study of the reproductive traits was based on the recorded demographic indicators between 2012-2013 of 67 cows. Results: From calving to the age of 3 months, the monthly average weight of calves did not vary with the season of calving (P>0.05). Between the 4th and 9th month, the weight varied with the birth seasons and the sex of the calf. Beyond 9th month, the calfs average weight was the same regardless the calving season. At the age of 24 months, the highest weight (393.33 kg) was obtained during the long rainy season. The highest average weight was 398.22 Kg for males against 364.25 Kg for females at 24 months. The fertility rates ranged from 91.18% to 100% and the fecundity rate ranged from 85.29% to 103% during the study period. The apparent fertility rate was 91.18%. As for the calving and abortion rates, they were 93.55% and 6.45%, respectively. The mortality rate before weaning was 6.90% while the weaning viability was 93.10%. Calving occurred from January to June and from August to December. Conclusion: In overall, the Girolando performances are satisfactory and show a good adaptation at KBF. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2018; 5(2.000): 123-130]

In poultry, feed based on maggots, like larvae of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is an attractive option to substitute current ingredients which are expensive and often in direct or indirect competition with human food. Little information is currently available on the utility of these larvae in poultry feed, so goals of this study were to determine whether larvae could be reared on horse manure under traditional farming conditions and to evaluate the growth performances of a local poultry fed these larvae and the fatty acids profiles of their meat. After freezing and thawing, larvae were introduced in the feed of Ardennaise chickens between 30 and 80 days of age. Birds in the control group received a commercial standard feed, while those in the treatment group received the same commercial feed in which 8% was substituted with whole fresh larvae corresponding to 2% on a dry matter basis. Means ± standard errors of larval length and weight were 20.67 ± 2.21 mm and 0.14 ± 0.02 g, respectively. Mean larval percentages of dry matter and of substances extractable in diethyl ether were 24.6% and 23.1%, respectively. Larval fatty acids profiles were predominantly composed of lauric acid (28.1%) and palmitic acid (22.0%). Least squares means of weekly weights of chicken, adjusted for the effects of sex, replication and initial weights, were significantly higher (P

The olive cake (OC) and the cactus cladodes (CC) are two alternative feed resources widely available in the southern Mediterranean region that could be used in ruminants’ diet. Their impact on the rumen bacterial ecosystem is unknown. This work aims to evaluate their effects on the microbial community and meat fatty acids of goat’s kids. Forty-four goat kids were divided into four groups receiving diets with conventional concentrate, or 35% OC, or 30% CC, or 15% OC, and 15% CC. After 3 months, these animals were slaughtered, and the rumen liquor and longissimus dorsi and semimembranosus muscles samples were collected. Animals receiving a control diet had rumen liquor with high acidity than test groups (p < 0.001). Test rumen liquor was more adapted to digest efficiently their matching diet than control liquor (p < 0.05). These feedstuffs did not affect rumen bacteria abundance and alpha diversity (richness, evenness, and reciprocal Simpson indexes), and these results were confirmed by beta-diversity tests (NMDS plot, HOMOVA, PERMANOVA). The test diets slightly affected the individual fatty acids of meat (p < 0.05) without effect on fatty acids summaries, indexes, and ratios. Thus, these alternative feed resources could take place in goat kids’ diet to diversify their feed and to reduce feed costs.

Forest rangelands contribute largely to goat diets in the Mediterranean area. Information about browsed plant quality is essential for adequate feeding management. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the temporal changes in chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of the main plant species selected by goats in the Southern Mediterranean forest rangeland during two consecutive years; these were very contrasted (dry and wet). The browsed species were composed of herbaceous, eleven shrubs, and four tree species. Overall, large variability in chemical composition, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and metabolizable energy (ME) was observed among species, grazing season (spring, summer, and autumn), and years within each species. Crude protein (CP) content varied from 60 to 240 g/kg dry matter (DM). The fiber fractions, except for Quercus suber, increased significantly by advancing maturity. Due to the water stress, the lignin level presented a higher value during the spring of the dry year. Condensed tannin (CT) content varied from 2 to 184 g/kg DM. CP, IVOMD, and ME showed a negative correlation with lignin and CT. Based on the results presented herein, it is concluded that the nutritive value of the browsed plant species was highest in the spring and lowest during the summer and autumn of both studied years. With a good grazing management strategy, the selected plant species by goats could guarantee high-quality feeding resources throughout the year.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Tenebrio molitor meal (TM) and/or olive leaf powder (OL) supplementation to quail diet on animal performance, carcass yield and some blood parameters. One hundred and forty-four 1-day-old Japanese quails (body weight: 29.9 ± 0.46 g) were divided into four groups of 36 chicks, receiving four different diets, i.e., G1: Standard commercial (SCD); G2: SCD + 3% TM; G3: SCD + 3% OL; and G4: SCD + 3% TM + 2% OL. Feed and water were provided ad-libitum. The results showed that TM and OL inclusion promoted quail body weight at 5 weeks of age; p = 0.001. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) of G3 was significantly (p < 0.01) reduced compared to the other groups. Overall mortality was not different, at around 6.25%, between groups. Carcass [(71.5–74.3%)], gizzard [(2.5–2.7%)], heart [(1.1–1.2%)] and giblet [(6.8–6.9%)] yields were not influenced by the diet. No significant effect of the diet was observed for serum proteins, creatinine, urea and lipids. To conclude, the mixture of an incorporation of TM and OL in quail diet showed no adverse effects on growth performance, carcass constituent yields and serum constituents.

As part of the search for alternatives to antibiotics, several non-therapeutic alternative methods, including plant extracts are increasingly proposed and studied for increasing performance and control of coccidiosis in broiler chikens. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a supplementation with a natural plant extract of Origanum majorana to improve animal performance and control broiler coccidiosis. During 54 days, one experimental group A (1200 chicks) receiving water supplemented with an anticoccidial based plant extract (Orego-STEM, 150 ml to 1000 L) was compared with a control group C (1200 chicks) receiving in drinking water a chemical anticoccidial and a batch B (1200 chicks) receiving in drinking water both anticoccidials alternatives. The results for the animal performances have shown a weight difference in favor of Lot A (batch: 3182 g A, Lot B: 2610 g, lot C: 3050) at the end of the rearing period. Feed intake was similar at the 35th day. Thereafter, lot A showed a significant difference when compared to batch B and C. The cumulative mortality rate recorded at the end of rearing period was similar (5-6%) in three batches. The lesion scores in subjects of lot B at autopsy showed more important clues as those of Lot A and C indicative of clinical and subclinical forms of coccidiosis. Finally, under experimental conditions the addition of Origanum majorana extract in drinking water improved growth performance of broilers. Nevertheless, the impact of supplementation require further studies to confirm or refute their effectiveness in controlling coccidiosis.

L’objectif de l’étude était de déterminer les concentrations en minéraux et en oligoéléments de la viande de dromadaire en Algérie. Des échantillons de viande de 32 dromadaires ont été recueillis. Les dosages ont été réalisés par spectroscopie d’émission atomique. Les concentrations moyennes (± erreur type) en calcium et en phosphore ont été respectivement de 33,1 ± 6,1 et 655 ± 21,3 mg / 100 g. Les teneurs en oligoéléments ont été de 14 056 ± 831 µg / 100 g pour le zinc, 6100 ± 447 µg / 100 g pour le fer, et 1322 ± 43 µg / 100 g pour le cuivre. Le facteur race a eu un effet très significatif (p

In the Mediterranean area, the olive cake (OC) and cactus cladodes (CC) are two alternative resources widely available that could be used for ruminants’ feeding. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of OC and/or CC diet incorporation on the production performance and quality of goat milk. Forty-four lactating goats were randomly allocated to four groups. The control one (Co) received a conventional feed. Test groups (TOC; TCC and TOC+CC) received 20% OC, 30% CC, or 15% OC and 20% CC, respectively, on concentrate dry matter basis. Over three months, milk production was evaluated, and samples were collected to analyze the milk quality. No significant differences were observed between control and test groups for daily milk production, yield, composition and acidity. In milk fat, OC incorporation increased C18:1n-9, mono-unsaturated (MUFA) and n-9 fatty acid (FA), and decreased 9t-C18:1 and poly-unsaturated FA (PUFA) (p < 0.05). Significantly highest contents of C15:0, C18:1n-9, and C21:0, and lowest levels of C4:0, 9t-C18:1, 6t-C18:2, C20:0, and PUFA were obtained with cactus cladodes administration (p < 0.05). The TOC + CC diet reduced C4:0, 9t-C18:1, 6t-C18:2, C22:6n-3, and PUFA proportions, and increased C18:1n-9, MUFA/PUFA, and thrombogenic indexes. The incorporation rates of OC and CC that could reach 20% and 30%, respectively, had no major negative effects on milk production performance, composition, and quality. Thus, they could be introduced in the diets of lactating goats.

The objective of this paper is to study the influence of physiological factors that affect the energy balance, such as lactation stage and parity, on milk yield and composition, milk and blood fatty acid concentrations, blood metabolites and hormones in healthy early lactation cows. Thirty-two Holstein dairy cows from five Belgian commercial farms were followed. The grass silage-based diets fed to cows fell within normal composition ranges typically offered to dairy cows on commercial dairy farms in the region. Milk and blood were sampled at each official milk recording and used for the determination of milk fat and protein, milk and blood fatty acids, blood metabolites and hormones concentrations. The considered period was 7 to 150 days in milk. As lactation progressed, concentrations of milk 18:0 and 18:1c9, as well as blood non-esterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate, decreased, and those of milk C4–C14, blood cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin and IGF-I increased, agreeing with the extensive mobilization of body reserves in early lactation. Lower concentrations of milk C4–C14 and 16:0 and concomitant higher concentrations of milk 18:0 and 18:1c9 suggest a larger body reserve mobilization in first parity cows compared with greater than or equal to second parity cows. This study confirms that early lactation stage along with parity significantly influence milk fatty acids, such as 18:1, and blood metabolites and hormones, such as NEFA and insulin.

This study aimed at evaluating the impact of a diet supplemented with Guazuma ulmifolia leaves on the productive performance and gastrointestinal parasites (GI) eggs/oocysts shedding of sheep (Pelibuey breed). Twenty-two non-lactating ewes were used. They were randomly allocated to two similar groups in terms of age, weight, body condition score (BCS), and GI parasites status. For 30 days, while the control group (G0) was given basic forage hay of Cynodon nlemfuensis, the test group (G1) received a blend of G. ulmifolia fresh foliage and C. nlemfuensis hay (respectively 30 and 70% of the diet on a DM basis). Animals were housed in separate covered pens. Quantitative coprological analysis was performed. Weight and BCS were evaluated. The daily feed amounts given and refused were measured in order to assess nutrient components intake (minerals, energy, and nitrogen). The results showed no significant differences between G1 and G0 regarding the anthelmintic and anticoccidial effects (p = 0.57, p = 0.91, respectively). Similarly, no significant overall impact on weight and BCS during the experiment (p = 0.77, p = 0.32, respectively) was observed. Nevertheless, concerning the bromatological analysis of G. ulmifolia, its use as a diet supplement to address protein and mineral deficits due to a poor-quality diet is fully justified.

The objective of this work was to observe the effect of three different dry-period diets on blood metabolites (p = 9) and the production and fatty acid (FA) profile of milk (p = 19) in the peripartum period. In this study, 32 Holstein dairy cows, during their dry period, were divided in 3 different diet groups, as follows: the CONC diet (n = 11) was based on concentrate meal and straw, the CORN diet (n = 11) was based on corn silage, and the MIXED diet (n = 10) was based on corn and grass silages. According to our results, the variations of C18:2n-6, C18:3n-3, non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), NEFA/cholesterol ratio, and albumin were significantly (p < 0.05) different, according to the dry diet. The dry-period diet also had a significant effect on the concentrations of urea and vitamin B12 in the blood. In early lactation, this work showed that blood metabolites were more sensitive to changes in the dry diet than the production and FA profile of milk.

This study aimed to compare digestive and metabolic characteristics in Sahelian (S) and Majorera (M) goat breeds. Six lactating females from each breed, with an average weight 27.0 ± 1.93 and 23.7 ± 1.27 kg, respectively, were used. Cowpea hay, variety 58/74, was offered as sole feed ingredient, at a rate of 2 kg of fresh matter per animal per day. The animals were placed in metabolic cages and a digestibility test was conducted according to an adaptation period of 15 days and a collection period of 7 days. The daily chemical components offered and refused and recovered faeces, urine and milk were measured in order to assess energy and nitrogen utilization. The M and S goats had similar levels of dry matter (DM) intake as well as nutrient digestibility. On a metabolic weight basis, dry matter intake, gross energy intake, metabolizable and energy intake, digestible energy and energy lost as methane production were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in M than in S goats. Urinary energy excretion was similar (p = 0.9) between breeds, while faecal energy output was higher in M than in S goats. The milk energy output from the M goats was higher than that the S goats (p < 0.05). However, metabolizable to net energy conversion efficiency (klm) was not affected by breed (p = 0.37), while N intake, milk N yield and faecal N losses, relative to metabolic weight, were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in M than in S goats. Similarly, the percentage of dietary N intake excreted in urine (UNIN) was higher in S than in M breeds. The breed factor had no effect on N retained, N digestibility, urinary N and N use efficiency. In conclusion, the M and S goats were similar in terms of energy and nitrogen use efficiency, despite higher daily milk production and DM consumption in the M goat. This suggests that the M breed is possibly more dependent on a dense nutrition diet than the S breed but requires less maintenance nitrogen.

More dairy farms (up to more than one in four in some countries) are equipped with automatic milking systems (AMS) worldwide. Because of the positive impacts of grazing, e.g., on animal welfare or on production costs, numerous researchers have published papers on the combination of AMS with grazing. However, pasture-based AMS usually causes a reduction in milking frequency (MF) compared to indoors systems. The objectives of this meta-analysis were to review publications on the impacts of pasture-based AMS on MF and mitigation strategies. First, data from 43 selected studies were gathered in a dataset including 14 parameters, and on which a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed, leading to the description of four clusters summarizing different management practices. Multiple pairwise comparisons were performed to determine the relationship between the highlighted parameters of MF on milk yield (MY). From these different analyses, the relationship between MF and MY was confirmed, the systems, i.e., Clusters 1 and 2, that experienced the lowest MF also demonstrated the lowest MY/cow per day. In these clusters, grazed grass was an essential component of the cow’s diet and low feeding costs compensated MY reduction. The management options described in Clusters 3 and 4 allowed maintenance of MF and MY by complementing the cows’ diets with concentrates or partial mixed ration supplied at the AMS feeding bin or provided at barn. The chosen management options were closely linked to the geographical origin of the papers indicating that other factors (e.g., climatic conditions or available grasslands) could be decisional key points for AMS management strategies.

Mediterranean forest rangelands offer an important feed source for goats. Concerns about grazing strategies and management schemes in order to ensure the rangeland sustainability of Southern Mediterranean forest have revived interest in the foraging behavior of goats. This study was conducted to investigate the seasonal changes of feeding behavior of grazing goats in the Southern Mediterranean forest rangeland of Northern Morocco during two consecutive years beginning in 2016. The direct observation method was used to compare diet composition, intake rate, and diet selectivity of goats during three seasons (spring, summer, and fall). Bite mass of each plant species selected by goats was estimated using hand-plucked simulation. The optimal foraging theory was used as a tool to explain the goats foraging decisions. Bite mass range was extremely wide and varied seasonally. The goats’ diet was largely composed of Cistus spp., Lavandula stoechas, Quercus spp., and Myrtus communis. The result shows that the smaller the bite mass, the higher the biting rate, leading to increased short term intake rates. The selection of various plant species during fall and summer enlarged the diet diversity of goats. As expected, goats preferred trees and some shrubs despite their low availability. Consequently, the most available species is not necessarily the most positively selected. Particular high and positive selection of Quercus suber was observed over seasons. The outcomes confirm the high adaptability and ability of goats to select a woody species across seasons. Knowledge about forage availability and the feeding behavior of goats could be used as the first guide for rangeland managers to ensure herd and forest sustainability.

L’alimentation complémentaire des porcelets à la maternité est indispensable pour un sevrage tardif à 45 jours. L’objectif de cette étude a été de vérifier l’hypothèse selon laquelle une alimentation solide peut améliorer les performances zootechniques des porcelets au sevrage. Un échantillon de 36 porcelets a été réparti entre trois truies : les porcelets nourris uniquement au lait maternel par la truie A (lot 1, témoin), les porcelets sous la truie B et ayant consommé de l’aliment 2e âge à partir de 30 jours (lot 2), les porcelets sous la truie C, recevant les deux types d’aliments (1er et 2e âge) de 15 à 45 jours (lot 3). Des pesées individuelles ont été effectuées dès l’entrée à l’aliment 1er âge, à 15 jours puis à 30 jours et enfin à 45 jours. Au sevrage, les porcelets recevant les deux types d’aliments ont donné de meilleures performances (p < 0,05) sur le poids vif à 45 jours d’âge (11,2 ± 2,5 kg contre 8,0 ± 1,7 kg), la consommation d’aliment (292 ± 45 g/j contre 134 ± 45 g/j) et le gain de poids moyen quotidien (206 ± 49 g/j contre 101 ± 30 g/j). En conclusion, la distribution des aliments solides améliore significativement (p < 0,05) la prise alimentaire et la vitesse de croissance des porcelets au 45e jour. Cette étude a permis de montrer la nécessité de distribuer des aliments 1er et 2e âge dans les élevages pratiquant un sevrage tardif. Cette pratique ouvre des perspectives d’amélioration des performances zootechniques en élevage porcin en zone tropicale.

Aim: Monitoring was performed in order to determine the Selenium (Se) status of cattle herds in different agricultural areas in Wallonia (Belgium). Materials and Methods: The study included 114 heifers and 184 cows (82 dairy and 102 beef cows) from 66 cattle farms situated in Wallonia. The Se status was assessed by measuring the glutathion peroxydase in red cells and converting it to the equivalent Se blood content. Results: The average blood concentrations of Se were very low. The Ardennes region was an area where the lowest Se status was recorded. The highest levels of Se in dairy cows and beef cows were recorded respectively in the limoneuse region and Famenne areas. The Se content in beef herds was lower compared with that of dairy herds (35 vs. 56 μg/L, p

Selenium (Se34 79) is a metalloid which is close to sulfur (S) in terms of properties. The Se concentration in soil varies with type, texture and organic matter content of the soil and with rainfall. Its assimilation by plants is influenced by the physico-chemical properties of the soil (redox status, pH and microbial activity). The presence of Se in the atmosphere is linked to natural and anthropogenic activities. Selenoproteins, in which selenium is present as selenocysteine, present an important role in many body functions, such as antioxidant defense and the formation of thyroid hormones. Some selenoprotein metabolites play a role in cancer prevention. In the immune system, selenium stimulates antibody formation and activity of helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells and Natural Killer (NK) cells. The mechanisms of intestinal absorption of selenium differ depending on the chemical form of the element. Selenium is mainly absorbed in the duodenum and caecum by active transport through a sodium pump. The recommended daily intake of selenium varies from 60 μg/day for women, to 70 μg/day for men. In growing ruminants the requirements are estimated at 100 μg/kg dry matter and 200 μg/Kg for pregnant or lactating females. A deficiency can cause reproductive disorders in humans and animals.