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There are different agro climatic zones in the tropical countries hence seasonal change is most evident. Adverse climate might lead to environmental stress and changes of physiological and haemato-biochemical parameters in the body. Of the many types of stresses affecting rate and efficiency of animal productivity, most important are the thermal environment and associated factors of humidity, radiation and air movement than factors such as altitude, animal density, confinement etc. To reduce this condition, adequate nutrient requirement through diet should be fulfilled basically requirement for maintenance and production purpose. Nutrient requirements have been commonly esthablished in conditions presumed to be relatively free of environmental stress and animals are expected to perform near the genetic potential in the intensive production system. For that reason, such requirements are most relevent during optimum environmental conditions and are less appropriate when animals are exposed to stressful environments. Recently the feeding systems followed in tropical countries are ME and NE for energy feeding and for protein feeding CP along with MP system to meet the nutrient requirement. Here, an effort has been made to review the different modifications of feeding system over the earlier one along with influence of climate and related factors that affect nutrient requirement and utilization. The aim of the present manuscript is to modify the requirement with various climatic variables for augmenting production efficiency and cost effective farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed to evaluate chemical composition viz. carbohydrate and protein fractions of some forages and agro-industrial byproducts commonly used for ruminant ration in tropical countries. Five forage samples namely berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum), maize (Zea mays), oat (Avena sativa), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum); and four agro-industrial byproducts viz. sugarcane tops (Saccharum officinarum), oat hay, wheat straw (Triticum aestivum) and paddy (rice) straw (Oryza sativa) were evaluated by using Cornell net carbohydrate and protein (CNCP) system. Among various carbohydrate fractions, CA (Instantly/fast degradable fraction) was found highest in berseem (34.24%) and lowest in oat hay (2.63%); whereas CB1 values (Intermediately degradable fraction) ranged from 11.46% (berseem) to 3.73% (pearl millet). CB2 (Slowly degradable fraction) was highest in sugarcane tops (73.46%) and lowest in berseem (34.25%). CC which refers as undegradable carbohydrate fraction was found highest in oat hay (25.99%), but lowest in sugarcane tops (10.09%). On the other hand, protein fractions, PA (Instantaneously degradable) was found highest in sugarcane tops (39.79%) and the lowest value was there for paddy straw (9.79%). On the contrary, paddy straw contained highest PB3, which accounts for slowly degradable fraction of protein as 36.47% and the lowest value was in sugarcane tops (4.73%). Non-degradable fraction (PC) was found highest in wheat straw (30.66%) and lowest in oat (10.56%). The CNCP analysis dictated the nutrient utilization potential of the given forages and agro-industrial byproducts. Therefore, having lower CC fraction, sugarcane tops and sorghum may supply higher content of carbohydrates, however, lower PC content of oat and pearl millet make them good protein sources to ruminant ration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The term “transition” comprises the various important physiological, metabolic and nutritional changes in the productive cycle of the cattle. It influences lactation, nutritional status, postpartum diseases and reproductive performance of the animal. It is, therefore, important to elaborate various nutritional strategies in this phase for optimizing productivity and minimizing health problems. A preliminary study was conducted to evaluate the influence of fat and protein along with indigenous traditional knowledge-based polyherbal preparation supplementation on reproductive and immune parameters of periparturient crossbred cows. Methods: Twenty-seven pregnant Karan Fries cows, in their last trimester were selected and divided into 3 treatment groups (T1, T2 and T3) consisting of nine animals each, based on most probable production ability (MPPA; 3002 kg) and body weight (423 kg). Cows of groups T1 (control), T2 and T3 were given TMRs having 13.1, 13.1, 16.1% crude protein (CP) and 9.82, 9.82, 10.8 MJ/kg metabolizable energy (ME) respectively, during pre-partum period. Whereas, during post-partum period, cows were offered TMRs containing 14.0, 16.8, 16.8% CP and 10.2, 11.0, 11.0 (MJ/kg) ME, respectively. T2 and T3 groups were also supplemented with polyherbal preparation post-partum. Result: The results revealed that cows in T2 and T3 group had lower incidence of retained placenta, cervicitis, metritis and better conception rate than cows of control group. Also, dietary treatments facilitated early involution of pre gravid uterine horn (P<0.05). Plasma total immunoglobulins (mg/ml) concentration was found to be significantly (P<0.05) higher in T3 group followed by T2 group. Hence, it was concluded that increasing energy and protein levels along with polyherbal mixture supplementation during transition period reduced periparturient stress and improved reproductive performance of dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was carried out with the aim of determining water requirement of Murrah buffalo calves under saline water. Twenty male buffalo calves were divided into five different treatment groups (n = 4 each) with average body weight of 219.94 kg. The animals in T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 groups were offered water having total dissolved solids (TDS) 0.55, 2.57, 4.46, 6.11 and 8.78 parts per thousand, respectively for 180 days. Data regarding environmental factors (maximum ambient temperature (Tmax), relative humidity (RH), rainfall and sunshine hour), dry matter intake (DMI) and drinking water intake (DWI) of individual animals were recorded daily. Results showed that Tmax, DMI, body weight (BW), rainfall and sunshine hours were positively related (P<0.001) while, relative humidity (RH) and total dissolved solids (TDS) of water were negatively correlated (P<0.001) to DWI. Applying a multiple linear regression analysis to all independent variables yielded DWI prediction equation as: (DWI) (L/day) = - 7.81- 0.45 × TDS (parts per thousand) + 0.41 × Tmax (°C) + 2.97 × DMI (kg/day) - 0.004 × BW (kg) with coefficient of multiple determination (R2 = 0.80), which can be useful to predict DWI of buffalo calves reared on saline water under tropical climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twenty growing male Murrah calves, with average body weight (kg) 220±5, were randomly assigned to five treatments of water containing total dissolved solids (TDS; ppm) viz CON=500; T1=2,000; T2=4,000; T3=6,000 and T4=8,000 at National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Karnal India. Animals were arranged in a randomized block design with 120-day experimental period. Feed and water intake were measured daily, rumen fermentation parameters and blood profile were evaluated at monthly interval. Water intake was apparently higher in T1 (17.46 l/day) and T2 (16.77 l/day) as compared to CON (control; 14.07 l/day) but did not differ significantly. However, water intake was lower (P<0.05) in T3 (10.40 l/day) and T4 (8.18 l/day) as compared to group T1, T2 and T3CON. Except ammonia nitrogen which was decreased with increasing TDS of water, all other rumen liquor parameters were found similar. In blood parameters, there was significant decrease (P<0.05) in plasma glucose, total protein, and albumin while there was significant increase (P<0.05), in AST and ALT with increasing TDS of water. Blood Urea Nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid were not affected. On the basis of above results it was inferred that water intake was decreased at higher TDS (above 4000 ppm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present project was undertaken to study the methane producing potential of horse manure under indigenous condition. For this, 60 days of feeding trial was conducted on six thoroughbred horses of average 450 kg weight and fed with gram-oats-wheat based ration with ad lib access to local grass and water. The faeces was collected and heaped in closed flux chamber in 10 and 20 kg treatment groups for collection of methane gas. The gas was collected from the air tight gasket fitted to the chamber and analyzed in GLC. The average methane produced from both the groups of manure heaps was high in the first week which reduced drastically in the second week, thereafter the average methane production reduced gradually till 7th week. The methane production in the experiment was at par with the IPCC (1997) default value of 2 tier of horse (10 gCH4/day), with 20 kg manure, while 10 kg manure produced lower average methane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An attempt was made to evaluate the energy supplements for horses by gas production technique by taking 6 commonly available feeds. In the study NDF% was highest in pearl millet (32.24) and oats (32.07), followed by barley (17.93). ADF ranged from 3.42 (maize grain) to 16.45% (pearl millet); similarly maximum amount of cellulose was in pearl millet (13.90) and minimum in maize (2.88%). ADL content ranged from 0.24 (maize) to 2.98% (oats); and hemicellulos e content was highest in oats (18.27) and pearl millet (15.79). AIA content was lowest in sweet potato tuber, oats, maize, wheat and pearl millet. EE% of DM ranged from 1.73% in pearl millet to 4.03% in maize. Total ash (TA) content was highest in oats (2.83) and lowest in pearl millet (1.97). Starch% of NSC, ranged from 89.80% (wheat) to 99.43% (pearl millet). DE (Mcal/kg) varied from 3.17 (pearl millet) to 3.88 (maize). H owever, the NSC (%DM) was highest in wheat (70.17%) and l owest oats (52.78%). CP% DM varied from 24.36% (sweet potato) to 9.46% (barley). NDICP% of CP ranged from 4.16% (wheat) to 15.72% (maize). ADICP% of CP ranged from 2.05% (wheat) to 6.88% (pearl millet). SOLP % of CP was hig hest in oats (53.03), whereas lowest was in maize (13.88%). However, NPN% of SOLP was maximum in pearl millet grain (98.39%) and minimum in oats grain (20.94). In vitro true dry matter digestibility (%) was highest in sweet potato (83.94%) followed by pearl millet (83.23%), wheat grain (82.04%) and lowest in oats grain (70.44%). IVOMD followed the similar pattern as in IVDMD (%). CH4 production (g/ kg DM incubated) ranged from 6.30 (oats grain) to 12.6 (wheat). Highest methane production (g/kg TDMD and g/kg TOMD) was observed in wheat grain (14.54 and 15.30) and lowest in oats grain (10.10 and 10.62). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the results of a study examining the effect of leaves based diet from Dicanthium annulatum species on goats' eating pattern, rumen metabolites, and nutrient utilization. The authors performed a digestion and metabolism trial and rumen liquor collection to analyze the nitrogen balance, food intake, and nutrient utilization. The results showed that goats had higher eating pattern during the first and fourth hour of feeding. The water kinetics of goats is also analyzed.

The article discusses the results of a study that evaluates the carbohydrate and protein fractions of different tropical feedstuffs by Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS). The study observed the significant variation in proximate values of feed sources. Also, calcium (Ca) concentration in protein sources, energy sources and in roughages varied in carbohydrate and protein fractions.

The article presents a study in which protein requirements calculated using equations of NRC for small breed cattle calves gaining 0.4 kilograms/day were used to estimate its validity for Bhadawari calves. Selected calves were randomly distributed into three groups and animal's energy and protein requirements were met. The study found that the dry matter intake (DMI) of animals in dietary groups was statistically comparable, though it tended to be inferior in Group 2 than Group 1 and Group 3.

Keeping horses in mind, six legume and two non legume fodders were evaluated on the basis of CNCPS. The total CHO (%DM) was highest in berseem, moth and groundnut haulm (64.09, 69.1 and 66.81, respectively). CA fraction was highest in mustard (37.42%) and lowest fractions of CB1 and CB2 were found in cowpea straw (6.18%) and mustard (10.59%), whereas, highest fractions of both were found in lucerne (20.96% and 33.29%). The CHO (%DM) of non-legumes ranged from 73.44% (oats) to 70.58% (maize). CB1 fractions (%CHO) ranged from 17.30% (oats) to 22.73% (maize). CB2 fraction (%CHO) ranged from 53.60% in maize to 60.07% (oats). Fraction PA (%CP) was highest in lucerne, groundnut and mustard (17.75, 15.11 and 16.98, respectively) and lowest factions PB2 was found in moth bean straw and groundnut, respectively. PB3 fractions (%CP) were maximum in groundnut haulm (31.80%) and minimum in mustard fodder and lucerne. The PC fraction (%CP) ranged from 8.73% in berseem to 15.21% in groundnut haulm. The PA fraction (%CP) was maximum in maize (25.32%) and minimum in oats (14.19%). The fraction PB1 (%CP) ranged from 7.30% in maize to 25.92% in oats. The PB3 fraction (%CP) was highest in maize (13.09%) and lowest in oats (10.39) and lucerne (15.05 %). The PC fraction (%CP) ranged from 11.12 in oats to 15.47% in maize. In the present study, lucerne can be regarded as superior, as it has higher CP and bypass protein content and lower unavailable protein fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was compare the gas production and digestibility of ten forages, using rumen liquor and equine faecal liquor as the inoculum sources. The forages were lucerne, sewan hay, hedge lucerne, para grass, moth bean fodder, heteropogon, setaria grass, sugarcane tops, groundnut haulm and paddy straw. The forages were first pretreated with pepsin and amylase for 2 hr and 4 hr, respectively before incubating with equine faecal liquor for 48 hr, while the rumen liquor was directly inoculated with forages for 48 hr. The lowest IVDMD% and IVOMD% for both the species were found in case of paddy straw. The highest amount of net gas production (mM/0.2gDM) was observed in groundnut haulm by the rumen liquor, whereas lucerne produced highest net gas by equine faecal liquor and lowest net gas was recorded in hedge lucerne for both the species. Methane produced as percentage of total gas was highest in hedge lucerne in cattle, whereas lucerne produced highest methane in horses. Methane produced (g/kg DM digested) by the rumen liquor inoculation was found to be highest in lucerne and lowest was observed in moth bean straw, whereas, sugarcane tops produced the highest methane and lowest in hedge lucerne by the equine faecal liquor inoculation. The trial revealed that equines can digest low fibrous forages at par with cattle, while high fibrous forages with 90% efficiency of cattle. Moreover, the methane productions by the horses are about 1/ 3rd of that of cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which investigates the influence of feeding wild sotti rhizomes, Curcuma zedoaria, as replacement of corn in crossbred pigs on growth and feed efficiency. The results of the study suggested that wild sotti rhizomes could serve as replacement of corn to the extent of 50% in growing crossbred pigs with no effect on feed intake, growth and feed efficiency.

The article presents a study which examines the intake, eating pattern, nutrients digestibility, and growth of Tharparkar heifers fed with inorganic and organic produced feeds. Details about the methods and process of the research is given, which involves the execution of a feeding trial on Tharparkar heifers. The study indicates that nutrients digestibility and nitrogen balance is higher in animals that are fed organically grown fodder and feeds.

The article presents a study which examined the feed intake, nutrients utilization and rumen metabolites concentration in sheep fed dry grass-Securinega virosa diet. Securinega virosa is a dioecious large shrub distributed throughout India. Crossbred adult sheep were randomly distributed in two groups. Group one was offered Securinega virosa leaves in 50:50 dry mater percentage basis while Group two was offered sole S. virosa. The study found that cell wall content were higher in grass than S. virosa leaves. It concluded that sheep on grass had higher intake, more nutrients digestibility and optimum nitrogen metabolites concentration than sole feeding of S. virosa.