Livestock Research for Rural Development

Volume 12, Number 1, 2000

Abstracts of papers in LRRD, Volume 12,
Number 1

 

The development of multi-nutrient blocks for the domestic rabbit in Mauritius

R Ramchurn and J Raggoo

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mauritius, Réduit, Mauritius; 

Abstract

This paper reviews the development of multi-nutrient blocks (MNB) for rabbits in Mauritius  with special emphasis on the choice of ingredients, formulation and preparation.  In Mauritius, the most appropriate ingredients are: molasses, wheat bran, cottonseed meal, cement, mineral mixtures and common salt.  Selection of the final formula and casting procedure was arrived at by an empirical method of trial and error. The final product was a mini-block weighing 15 g.

Keywords : rabbit, multi-nutrient block, mould, molasses, wheat bran, cottonseed meal, cement, mineral mixture, common salt.

 

Digestibility and growth in the domestic rabbit 
using multi-nutrient blocks as a feed supplement 

R Ramchurn, J Raggoo and A Ruggoo

Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mauritius, Réduit,  Mauritius
devr@uom.ac.mu


Abstract:

This paper reports digestibility coefficients and growth and conversion parameters in rabbits fed with commercial rabbit pellets supplemented by 15 or 30 g daily of multi-nutrient mini-blocks (MNB).  The treatments consisted of a control (commercial rabbit pellets), a treatment using 15 g/day MNB + pellets ad libitum and another using 30 g/day of MNB + pellets ad libitum. Eighteen rabbits were kept in individual cages and were randomly allocated to the three treatments. The parameters investigated were digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), protein, ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and energy during a period of 11 days.  Subsequently, growth rates were measured over a 55 day period. 

Compared to the pellets, the MNB had a higher amount of ash and fibre but were lower in crude protein and energy. Digestibility of dry matter and organic matter was highest for rabbits supplemented with 30 g MNB followed by those with 15 g MNB. The crude protein and ether extract digestibility did not differ significantly. There was a difference (P<0.05) in the NDF digestibility in favour of the diets with supplementary MNB. 

In the growth trial, rabbits in treatments MNB15 and MNB30 had higher (P<0.05) dry matter (DM) intake (127 ± 18.8 and 125 ± 9.86 g/head/day, respectively) than those on the control treatment (104 ± 11.4 g/head/day).  The average weight gains for rabbits fed only pellets was 14.8 ± 5.82 g/head/day, significantly  less than for the MNB15 and MNB30 treatments (23.4 ± 3.5 and 26.4 ± 6.3 g/head/day, respectively). There were no differences in feed conversion among the treatments.  

The beneficial effect of the multi-nutrient blocks was reflected in the improved growth rate, reduction in the time required to reach slaughter live weight and lower cost of production. 

Keywords: Multi-nutrient blocks, rabbit, digestibility, growth, conversion

 

Impacto del uso de niveles elevados de excretas animales en la alimentación de ovinos

Emperatriz C Padilla Goyo, Arturo F Castellanos Ruelas*,
Javier G Cantón Castillo** y Yolanda B Moguel Ordoñez**

Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado. Núcleo Obelisco. 
Decanato de Ciencias Veterinarias. Barquisimeto, Lara. Venezuela.
*Facultad de Ingeniería Química. Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán. 
Av. Juarez 421. Ciudad Industrial. C.P. 97288. Mérida, Yuc. México. 
cruelas@tunku.uady.mx

**Campo Experimental Mocochá. Centro de Investigación Regional de la Península de Yucatán. Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales y Agropecuarias. Secretaría de Agricultura y Desarrollo Rural. Apartado postal 100-D Mérida, Yucatán. C.P. 97000, México.


High levels of animal excreta in feed for sheep

Abstract

Some Latin-American countries do not use animal excreta to feed ruminants. An experiment was carried out to study the feasibility to feed Pelibuey ovines with high levels of pig manure and poultry manure in their diet during the finishing period. Emphasis was made to evaluate their productivity, health, body composition and copper in the liver. Fifteen animals with 22 months age and 20.7 kg body weight were fed 31 days a feed based on pig manure and then 28 days with a poultry manure based diet. After slaughter, the internal organs and the kidney fat were recorded. The left carcass was divided into neck, thorax, abdomen, arm and leg. Each part was dissected into soft tissues and bone. Daily weight gain (0.155 kg), carcass yield (41.8%), the proportion of each part of the left carcass and the ratio of soft-to-bone tissue, were found to be normal in comparison with other reports. Copper in the liver was also found to be in a normal range. Animals remained healthy during the experiment. It is concluded that, in the conditions of the present experiment, pig and poultry manure were suitable and safe ingredients to be incorporated in sheep diets since they did not affect in a negative way their productivity or health.

Key words: Pig manure, poultry manure, Pelibuey sheep, copper, tropics.

Resumen

Algunos países latinoamericanos no utilizan las excretas animales para alimentar rumiantes. Se llevó a cabo un estudio con el objetivo de estudiar la factibilidad de alimentar ovinos Pelibuey durante la finalización de su engorda con niveles elevados en la dieta de cerdaza y pollinaza, midiendo el impacto sobre su productividad, estado de salud, composición corporal y la presencia de Cu en el hígado. Se utilizaron 15 borregos con una edad de 22 meses y un peso inicial de 20.7 kg. Los animales permanecieron durante 31 días consumiendo una alimentación basándose en cerdaza y 28 días la alimentación se basó en suministro de pollinaza. Después de su sacrificio, se pesaron las vísceras y la grasa perirenal. La canal izquierda, fue subdividida en las siguientes regiones: cuello, tórax, abdomen, brazo y pierna. Se disecó cada parte en tejido blandos y hueso. La ganancia de peso (0.155 kg), el rendimiento en canal (41.8 %), la proporción de cada uno de los cortes y la relación entre tejido blando y hueso obtenidos, se consideran apropiados. La concentración de cobre en hígado se encontró dentro de los rangos normales. No se registró ningún tipo de padecimiento patológico en los animales durante la prueba. Se concluye que, en las condiciones de este experiencia, es factible utilizar cerdaza y pollinaza en la alimentación de borregos Pelibuey sin afectar negativamente su productividad y manteniendo su estado de salud.

Palabras clave: Cerdaza, pollinaza, borrego Pelibuey, cobre, trópico.

 

Review: Treatment and utilization of crop straw and stover in China

Gao Tengyun

Animal and Veterinary Science College, Henan Agricultural University,
Zhengzhou 450002, P.R.China

Abstract

China produces more than 500 million tonnes of crop straw and stover every year .By promoting feeding of herbivorous animals with crop straw and stover, the beef and mutton output could be increased markedly and a great amount of feed grain would be saved. This paper reviews the different techniques for the utilization of crop straw and stover, and highlights the achievements in the 1990's.The techniques that have been used include physical treatment, chemical treatment and microbial treatment methods. Data are given on the actual rate of use in China of these crop residues.

Key words: Straw, stover, ammoniation, ensiling, animals, feeding

 

Rasgos de apariencia fenotipica en la avicultura rural de los municipios de la Ribera del Lago de Patzcuaro, Michoacan, Mexico

  C A Juárez, A J A Manríquez y C J C Segura*

 Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo (FMVZ), 
Apdo. 613, Morelia, Mich., México. C.P. 58,000.  
* Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán (FMVZ), Apdo. 4-116, Mérida, Yucatán, México. C.P. 97,100

Abstract

Phenotypic appearance traits in rural poultry in municipalities of Riberal del Lago de Patzcuaro

The aim of the research was to estimate the frequency of traits of phenotypic appearance that are exhibited by local "Creole" hens. The methodology consisted of weekly surveys in different parts of the municipality of Ribera del Lago de Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, México. The results were (n = 6,000) for feathers: 24.9% red,  21.3% black, 16.8% brown, 11.1% grey, 19.1% other colours and 7.2% with colour typical of commercial breeds (Barred Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red and White Leghorn).  For type of crest: 98% simple, 2% crinkled.  Colour of the legs: 36.8% yellow, 29.7% pink, 22.1% black, 9.2% blue, 2.2% green; without feathers 99.5; 0.45% with feathers. Type of plumage: normal 88.2%, naked neck 10.9%, curled 1.3%. Ornamental traits  were present in 34% (28% with white ears, 3% with "beards" and 3% with crests). It is postulated that these results indicate, in part,  the origin of the "Creole" hens in Mexico and the degree of penetration of  genes from "commercial" breeds.  The findings also indicate potential areas of research oriented towards studies of productive adaptability and possible relationships with the phenotypic appearance traits identified in this study.

Key words: Creole hens, phenotypic traits, physical appearance, plumage, crossbreeding, commercial strains, backyard poultry


 Resumen

El objetivo del trabajo fue estimar la frecuencia de los rasgos de apariencia fenotípica que exhiben las gallinas criollas. La metodología consistió en realizar monitoreos semanales en localidades de los municipios de la Ribera del Lago de Pátzcuaro, Michoacán, México. Los resultados fueron: n=6,000; 24.9% con plumaje rojo; 21.3% negro; 16.8% pardas; 11.1% gris; 19.1% de otros colores menos frecuentes y 7.2% de colores propios de estirpes comerciales (Plymouth Rock Barred, Rhode Island Red y White Leghorn). En relación con el tipo de cresta: 98% simple y 2% en rosa. Características de los tarsos: 36.8% amarillos; 29.7% rosados; 22.1% negros; 9.2% azúles; 2.2% verdes; 99.5% sin plumas y 0.45% emplumados. Tipo de plumaje: 88.2% normal; 10.9% de cuello desnudo y 1.3% rizado. El 34% presentan aditamentos ornamentales (28% orejillas blancas; 3% barbudas y 3% copetonas). Se discute la posibilidad de que estos resultados sugieran, al menos en parte, el origen de la parvada criolla mexicana, el grado de penetración de las estirpes comerciales y el desarrollo de trabajos de investigación posteriores, orientados al estudio de la adaptabilidad productiva y su posible asociación con los rasgos de apariencia fenotípica aquí detectados.

Palabras claves: Ribera del Lago de Pátzcuaro, avicultura de traspatio, gallinas criollas, rasgos fenotípicos, rasgos de adaptación.  

 

The institutional marginality of Livestock production extension: the case of Burkina-Faso

John Morton  and R Trevor Wilson*

Social Sciences Department, Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK,
Fax: 44 1634 883706  
*
Bartridge Partners, Umberleigh, North Devon EX37 9AS UK,
Fax: 01769 560601  

Abstract

The article uses a case study of Burkina Faso to examine the problems involved in assigning institutional responsibility for livestock production extension, and the improvised and hybrid solutions that may be adopted at local level. In Burkina Faso, as in other developing countries, changes in livestock production systems, especially processes of intensification and crop-livestock integration, and increasing peri-urban production, create new demands for livestock production information.  However, the national extension system, designed on Training and Visit lines, does not assign a role in extension (i.e. information transfer) to the Provincial Services for Animal Resources.  Livestock production extension is mainly delivered by generalist frontline staff, some progress has been made in overcoming problems associated with this.  In practice, middle-level livestock specialists are to be found working in extension in “Pastoral Zones” and enclave projects, and with selected mixed farmers and peri-urban producers.  This self-selection of clientele and involvement of middle level staff in frontline extension has negative equity implications which need addressing through cost-recovery.  

Key words: Extension, livestock, Africa, equity, training, information

 

Effect of tethering feeding system 
on the performance of West African dwarf goats

P O Ogebe, A O Ogwu, B S Mustafa and L R McDowell*

Department of Animal Production, University of Agriculture, Makurdi
* Animal Science Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA 32611


Abstract

An experiment was conducted for 56 days with growing West African Dwarf goats to evaluate the effects of tethering feeding management on body weight and development during the 1998 cropping season in Benue State, Nigeria. Changes (mm\kgW.75\day) in withers height were similar (P>0.05) in male (0.12±0.04) and female (0.15±0.05) goats. Female animals showed superior body weight changes (2.70±0.95g\kgW.75\day), and in overall better thoracic girth (0.17±0.06) compared to the values of 0.84±0.30g\kgW.75\day and 0.04±0.01 for the males, respectively. Both male and female goats showed a high degree of selectivity, observed by the goats smelling forage species with the nose.

The goats did not thrive exclusively on grass, but fed also on browse. Peak grazing activities were between 0800-1000 hours, while at noon (1200-1400 hours), light browsing, resting or rumination were observed. In the evening (1400-1600 hours), light grazing predominated. Light rains did not affect grazing behavior of the goats but foraging behavior was affected by heavy rains and excessively sunny days.

Close observation or supervision were found to disturb the grazing habit of the goats, with males more easily frightened than the females. Both sexes have a marked ability to identify pasture species of high palatability. Forage species not more than 45 cm tall were most preferred as the goats spent more time grazing them.

For optimum productivity, West African Dwarf goats managed under tethering may be tethered in locations of both grass and browse plants. Also, to minimize the adverse effect of heat or heavy rain, it is suggested that tethered animals be left at the grazing area for only their active grazing hours.

Keywords: West African Dwarf goats, grazing, browsing, tethering, foraging behavior, Nigeria

Fresh water fish silage as protein source
for growing-fattening pigs fed
sugar palm juice

Khieu Borin, Sim Chou and T R Preston*

Department of Animal Production and Health, 
Ministry of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries, 
Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
borin@forum.org.kh
* University of Tropical Agriculture Foundation
PO Box 2423, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
trpreston@email.com

Abstract

Eighteen families who owned at least 10 sugar palm trees and were interested to rear pigs participated in this study which was carried out in Kandal village, Ang Snoul district in Kandal province, 40 km west of Phnom Penh city. The juice from 157 sugar palm trees of both sexes (119 males and 38 females) was used as the principal energy source for fattening pigs.   

The average daily juice yield varied among families (P=0.001) in the range of 3.00 to 4.92 kg/day with a median value of 3.89 kg/day. The corresponding values for the Brix (total sugars) content were a range of 11.6 to 12.8% (P=0.001) and a median value of 12.3%. 

Seventy two pigs (23 males and 49 females) of different crossbreeds were reared during 5 months on a diet of ad libitum sugar palm juice, 500 g/day of rice bran and 400 g/day of fresh water fish silage which was made by mixing the partly eviscerated fish with sugar palm syrup and rice bran (Fresh weight ratios were: Fish, rice bran, sugar palm syrup; 50:10:40) and storing anaerobically in sealed plastic bags. The average daily intake of sugar palm juice was 8 kg.  The protein intake was estimated to be 130 g/pig/day. The growth rates of the pigs varied among families in the range of 325 to 476 g/day with an average of 405±47 g/day. 

Keywords: Silage, Fresh water fish, sugar palm juice, pigs, protein

 

Evaluación productiva, de efecto ambiental y de problemas relevantes en explotaciones lecheras de pequeña escala

Manuel Darío Méndez y Cazarín , Rafael Tzintzun Rascó*
y Daniel Val Arreola*

División de Estudios de Posgrado. Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia. Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo. Telefax (43)12-52-36.  Av. Acueducto y Tzintzuntzan, Col. Matamoros, Morelia. Mich. México.  Correo electrónico:   mmendez@zeus.ccu.umich.mx
*Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias y Forestales. Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Av. Acueducto y Tzintzuntzan, Col. Matamoros, Morelia, Mich. México.
 rtzintzun@zeus.ccu.umich.mx 


Production evaluation, environmental effect and problems  in small scale dairy farms

Abstract

The small-scale dairy farms have not been  much studied in México even though they provide 35% of the national milk production. In the Morelia-Querendaro valley in Michoacan, there are about 7 thousand of these farms. A methodology was developed to evaluate production, environmental effects and recognition of the main problems in nine of these farms. The SILFIRA computerised program was used to analyse the data and the Mexican quality water norms were used to evaluate the environmental effect. The system was characterised as having 16.5 animal units in 6.4 ha of useful agricultural land, seeded mainly with alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and maize (Zea mays) for grain. The milk production per cow was from 3,500 to 4,500 kg in 305 days, with a 13.8 month period between calvings. There were 88.8% of the farms with subclinical mastitis with over 20% of prevalence. The tuberculosis and brucelosis prevalence was 6.8 and 3.3%. The relation between fresh excreta production and milk production was 4.7:1 (fresh basis). As contaminants there were phosphates derived from detergents in drinking water sources and in an irrigation channel. They were detected too in the wells supplying water to the livestock on each farm and were apparently derived from faeces. Nitrates were found in water from one of the wells and faecal coliforms were found in all of them, derived from excreta of the milking cattle. There was no standard manure management on the croplands. It is concluded that the methodology was useful for evaluating the production in the small-scale farms and the environmental effect on the sources of  water. Arising from the study, six Master theses were initiated.

Key words: Dairy farms, small scale, production, environmental effect, manure, contamination

Resumen

Las explotaciones lecheras de pequeña escala han sido poco estudiadas aunque aportan el 35% de la producción nacional de leche. En el Valle Morelia-Queréndaro, Mich, existen unas 7000 explotaciones de este tipo, por ello se instauró una metodología de evaluación de producción, efecto ambiental y problemas relevantes en nueve de éstas. Se alimentó el programa computarizado SILFIRA con datos de producción y se usaron las normas oficiales de calidad de agua para valorar efecto ambiental. Se caracterizó el sistema por sostener 16.5 unidades animal, en 6.4 ha de superficie agrícola útil, sembradas de alfalfa (Medicago sativa) y maíz (Zea mays) para grano preponderantemente. La producción de leche por lactancia/vaca varía de 3,500 a 4,500 kg en 305 días, con un período interparto promedio de 13.8 meses. La comercialización se realiza a través de intermediario y es un factor determinante en la toma de decisiones. De las explotaciones, 88.8% mostró prevalencia de mastitis subclínica por arriba de 20%. Hubo una prevalencia de 6.8 y 3.3% por el número de animales reactores positivos para brucelosis y tuberculosis, respectivamente, con una focalidad de 33% y 67%. La relación de producción de excretas en fresco por kg de leche fue 4.7 kg. Se encontraron como contaminantes fosfatos atribuibles a detergentes en pozos de suministro de agua potable y en un canal de riego. También se detectaron en norias de productores, atribuibles a excretas. Se encontraron nitratos en una de las norias y coliformes fecales en todas las norias de los productores, atribuibles a las excretas del ganado lechero. Se carece de una tecnología estandarizada para el manejo de excretas al aplicarlas en áreas agrícolas. La metodología permitió evaluar la producción en las explotaciones en pequeña escala y su efecto ambiental en el agua. La problemática sirvió para iniciar seis tesis de maestría.

Palabras clave: explotaciones lecheras, pequeña escala, producción, efecto ambiental

 

Effects of different levels of dietary calcium and supplemental Vitamin C on growth, survivability, leg abnormalities, total ash in the tibia, serum calcium and phosphorus in 0-4 week-old chicks under tropical conditions

Bui Huu Doan

Hanoi Agricultural University, Gialam, Hanoi, Vietnam


Abstract

A 2x2 factorial experiment was carried out to determine the effects of two levels of dietary calcium (0.85% vs.1.10%) in combination with Vitamin C supplementation (0 vs. 150ppm) on growth, survivability, leg abnormalities, total ash in the tibia bone, serum calcium and phosphorus in 0-4 week-old chicks. Results showed that the experimental factors did not significantly affect the growth rate of chicks (P>0.05). However, the diet containing 1.10% Ca supplemented with 150 ppm Vitamin C resulted in the lowest mortality (2.4%), incidence of crooked legs (2.2%) and serum P (but not statistically significant (P >0.05)). This diet also brought about the highest concentration of total ash in the tibia bone. The group fed on 0.85% Ca without supplemental Vitamin C had the highest mortality (4.3%) and incidence of crooked legs (6.34%). It is therefore suggested that the diet containing 1.10% Ca supplemented with 150 ppm Vitamin C is good for increased survivability and reduced leg abnormalities.

Keywords: Chicken, calcium, vitamin C, growth, survivability, leg abnormality,  tibia, serum calcium, serum phosphorus

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