Modern dairy cows are dependent on viable protein sources to maintain adequately high and persist... more Modern dairy cows are dependent on viable protein sources to maintain adequately high and persistent milk production. However, qualified protein sources, such as soybean meal are usually high and not easily available. Feed-grade urea (FGU) has been utilized in dairy diets for decades to help economically. Some portions of dietary nitrogen are a point in this case. Nonetheless, FGU can be considered a potential source of microbial protein, only if adequate timely fermentable nitrogen sources are supplied to the rumen microbes for successful microbial protein synthesis. In addition, FGU has a rapid degradation rate in the rumen, which may cause microbial toxicity and excessive ammonia and urea production, leading to environmental issues. It means that the effective use of FGU would be challenging. Accordingly, by improving rumen synchrony and metabolism and cow performance such limitations can be overcome through the development of slow-release urea (SRU). However, compared with FGU recent studies do not fully support the practical and economic effectiveness of SRU, towards improved cow metabolism and performance. More experiments particularly with varying dietary fermentable energy sources are required to conclusively decide if SRU may be a practical contemplation towards increased dairy production sustainability or it is just an expensive useless fantasy.
The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a decapeptide hormone released from basal neurons of... more The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a decapeptide hormone released from basal neurons of the hypothalamus. It stimulates the production of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone in the pituitary. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of a single injection of GnRH analog at the time of artificial insemination (AI) on buffalo estrus, conception, pregnancy, and calving rate. Materials and methods: The anestrus nulliparous Nili Ravi buffalo heifers (n=80) were divided into 4 groups randomly. Group A (n=20) received only a single injection of GnRH analog at start of the experiment (Day 0), group B (n=20) received a single injection of GnRH analog at Day 0 and prostaglandine (PGF2α) at Day 7, group C (n=20) received progesterone sponge for 7 days, and group D (n=20) received progesterone sponge for 7 days and PGF2α at Day 9. In the 2nd study, buffaloes (n=60) expressing first (n=20), second (n=20), and third (n=20) postpartum estrus were enrolled. Moreover, heifers (n=20), expressing estrus first time were also included. Animals (n=10) from each group, received a single injection of GnRH analog at the time of AI were named as treatment group and the control (n=10) did not receive any treatment. Pregnancy tests were performed with the help of ultrasound on days 35 and 65 post-AI. Results: The pregnancy and calving rates were lower in GnRH group compared to other treatments. Similarly, the administration of GnRH analog did not increase pregnancy rates in treatment groups. Conclusion: The single injection of GnRH analog alone at the time of AI did not improve the reproductive performance of buffaloes.
Introduction: Several studies have explored the impact of diet type on energy sources. The curren... more Introduction: Several studies have explored the impact of diet type on energy sources. The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of feeding glucogenic versus lipogenic diets to Holstein dairy cows during the close-up period on cows' performances and their calves' growth parameters. Materials and methods: Twenty-four Holstein dairy cows with an average parity of 3 selected for the study, starting 21 days before expected calving. The cows were divided into three groups based on a randomized complete block design including a control diet (glucogenic diet, Glu), a low lipogenic diet (Llip) with 25% barley grain replaced by beet pulp, and a high lipogenic diet (Hlip) with 50% barley grain replaced by beet pulp. Daily recording of dry matter intake (DMI) was conducted, with blood samples collected on the day of parturition in cows and days 1, 2, 7, and 21 of calves age. In dairy cows, both the quality and quantity of colostrum were determined. Additionally, performance variables including feed intake, average daily gain, and skeletal parameters such as shoulder height, hip height, and body length were measured. Blood parameters, such as glucose, triglyceride, and concentrations of certain liver enzymes, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) were recorded. Results: The increase of beet pulp in the prepartum diet led to a significant increase in DMI. Colostrum yield and constituents (protein, lactose, and solids nonfat percentage) decreased with an increase in beet pulp level and the differences between Glu and Hlip were significant. Performance parameters of the calves were similar across all treatments, except skeletal growth. Calves that were fed the Hlip diet showed a lower shoulder height compared to those fed the Glu diet. Blood glucose was significantly higher in cows and their offspring that were fed Llip diets compared to other groups. The concentration of liver enzymes, including ALP, SGPT, and SGOT was not affected by treatments. Conclusion: Substituting barley grain with beet pulp as a lipogenic component may enhance dry matter intake in periparturient dairy cows. However, it did not show a notable impact on offspring performance.
Introduction: Sheep play a crucial role in enhancing the socioeconomic welfare of individuals in ... more Introduction: Sheep play a crucial role in enhancing the socioeconomic welfare of individuals in numerous nations. Within sub-Saharan Africa, productivity levels are hindered by various factors, such as prevalent diseases, inadequate nutrition, climate variations, predators, severe weather, as well as infestations of both external and internal parasites. The purpose of the present study was to assess the extent of anthelmintic resistance (AR) observed on a sheep farm operating for commercial purposes in Zimbabwe. Materials and methods: Forty female weaner Dorper sheep, averaging 43 kg in body weight, were selected from Ballineety commercial sheep farm in Mashonaland Central, Zimbabwe. These sheep were then divided into four groups of ten each, receiving different treatments including Ivermectin, Albendazole, Levamisole, and no treatment as a control. Each treatment was administered according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Pre-treatment faecal samples (day 0) and post-treatment (day 14) were collected and subjected to the Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT). Anthelminthic resistance was suggested (AR) by the presence of faecal eggs after treatment. Results: All the drugs indicated a decrease in egg counts by less than 90%. The effectiveness of Ivermectin, Albendazole, and Levamisole was measured at 58.5%, 70.1%, and 85.8% respectively. These findings indicate that nematodes have developed resistance to all treatments. The larval cultures of the samples before and after treatment indicated a significant presence of Haemonchus spp. in the pooled samples. In contrast, the quantities of Trichostrongylus spp. and Oesophagostomum spp. were low but present in all treatments. Cooperia spp. was recovered in posttreatment larval cultures of groups that received anthelmintic. The present study reports lower-than-expected efficacy for Ivermectin, Albendazole, and Levamisole based on the reduction of egg excreted post-treatment. Conclusion: A common worms population in sheep are AR in the current study area. Therefore, comprehensive nematode management programs along with complementary eradication strategies are essential for sustainable sheep production.
Lack of awareness about reproductive disorders and their importance in the economic viability of ... more Lack of awareness about reproductive disorders and their importance in the economic viability of farms in Sudan causes challenges among the majority of small farmholders. The present study was conducted to investigate the risk factors of production and reproduction in Kuku and Saig dairy camps in Khartoum State, Sudan. Materials and methods: In December 2017, a random selection of 100 farms was carried out. The current cross-sectional study was based on a structural questionnaire and direct interviews with the farm owners. Results: Vaccination against contagious diseases was practiced in 80% of the farms in the Kuku and Saig dairy camps in Khartoum State, Sudan. Quarantine of sick animals and newly introduced cows to the herd was practiced only in 23% of the farms. The study found a high prevalence of mastitis (95 farms), the spread of tick infestation (86 farms), and theileriosis (53 farms). There have been 58 farms, where animals showed signs of lameness and 67 farms showed signs of jaundice disease. In the case of selected dairy camps, natural mating was predominant at 98% and bulls from outside the herd accounted for 89% of farms. Besides, 75% of the selected farms suffered from repeat breeders' syndrome. The culling strategy was used in 86% of the dairy farms. There was a low risk of association between the treatment of diseases by the veterinarian, washing labor's hands and udders of cows before and after the milking process, and between the type of mating and repeat breeders. In addition, there was a moderate risk of a correlation between the treatment of the disease by the veterinarian and the contact of other species of animals with the cows in the pen, monitoring of estrus and repeat breeders, abortions, and calving intervals as well. Moreover, a high risk of correlation was obtained between the isolation of animals and the use of vaccination. Conclusion: Control of the disease was unsatisfactory, especially in the Saig camp, with traditional basis management. Hence it is highly recommended to train the farm workers, improve their management, and enhance the animals' health level.
Introduction: Milk production from indigenous cattle breeds in Nigeria represents an important co... more Introduction: Milk production from indigenous cattle breeds in Nigeria represents an important component of the agribusiness sector of the smallholder economy with great economic, nutritional, and social implications. Materials and methods: Three farms in the study location were chosen and 90 cows of three breeds of Sokoto Gudali, White Fulani, and Red Bororo in each farm, were used for the present study (total 270 cows). The cows of each farm were chosen equally based on parity (1-3). In this study, 5 ml of milk sample was collected from each cow in the morning for analysis of milk proximate and mineral composition. The analytical parameters included protein, fat, ash, moisture, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and sodium in milk. Results: The results revealed that the parity of the three breeds significantly affected the milk proximate and mineral compositions. In the first parity, White Fulani cow milk was significantly higher in milk protein at 4.52%, followed by Red Bororo and Sokoto Gudali at 3.97% and 3.91%, respectively. Sokoto Gudali was significantly higher in milk fat at 3.18%, followed by Red Bororo at 2.89% and White Fulani at 2.76%. White Fulani was significantly higher in milk moisture at 84.56%, followed by Sokoto Gudali at 82.72% and Red Bororo at 81.13%. Red Bororo was significantly higher in milk phosphorus at 375.62 mg/L and sodium at 71.22 mg/L. In the second parity, only moisture, calcium, and sodium differed significantly among the breeds. White Fulani and Red Bororo were significantly higher in moisture at 83.75% and 83.43%, respectively. On the other hand, Sokoto Gudali were significantly higher in calcium at 614.94 mg/L and sodium at 68.76 mg/L. White Fulani and Red Bororo had significantly lower calcium levels at 560.50 mg/L and 555.42 mg/L, respectively. On the other hand, White Fulani had significantly lower levels of sodium at 61.25 mg/L. In the third parity, White Fulani was significantly higher in milk protein at 4.16%, calcium at 611.48 mg/L, and sodium at 75.33 mg/L. Red Bororo was significantly higher in fat at 3.75% and calcium at 626.99 mg/L. Sokoto Gudali was significantly higher in sodium at 75.36 mg/L. In overall, first parity cows were significantly higher in milk protein at 4.11%. Milk fat, ash, calcium, and sodium increased with number of parity. The third parity was significantly higher in milk fat (3.29%), ash (0.43%), calcium (599.58 mg/L), and sodium (71.77 mg/L) levels. Conclusion: By increasing parity in Nigerian cows, the chemical composition of milk will be improved which can be considered for future studies on these breeds.
Introduction: Animal health and productivity can be affected by Aflatoxin in feeds, which leads t... more Introduction: Animal health and productivity can be affected by Aflatoxin in feeds, which leads to reduced growth, decrease feed efficiency and potential contamination of animal-derived products. The current study investigated the influences of supplementing Nigella sativa (NS) seeds to an Aflatoxin-contaminated diet on rumen parameters, digestibility, and nitrogen balance of male Nubian goats. Materials and methods: A total number of 20 healthy male Nubian goat kids aged 8-9 months and an average weight of 11 ± 0.5 kg were randomly assigned to 5 equal groups. The control group (T1) received a basal diet. The second treatment group (T2) received the same diet contaminated with 150 ppb Aflatoxin and other treatments received an aflatoxin-contaminated diet supplemented with different levels of crushed NS seeds including 2% (T3), 4% (T4), and 6% (T5) of the total dry matter. Through using naturally infected groundnut cake, Aflatoxin was mixed with other ingredients of ration in different proportions to formulate treated diets. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine Aflatoxin concentration. Rumen liquor samples were collected after 40 days feeding period to evaluate rumen pH, volatile fatty acids (VFAs), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), rumen electrolytes, and protozoa count. Results: Rumen pH, ammonia nitrogen, ruminal sodium, and potassium were not significantly affected by the treatment groups. Rumen volatile fatty acids, protozoa count, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen retention were significantly reduced by an Aflatoxin-contaminated diet (T2) compared to other groups. Supplementation of NS seeds to an Aflatoxin-contaminated diet caused a significant increase in VFAs, decreased protozoa count, and improved digestibility and nitrogen retention in all treated groups compared to T2 and T1 groups. Conclusion: Supplementing NS seeds to an Aflatoxin-contaminated diet positively affected rumen ecology and improved digestibility and nitrogen retention. The study recommended supplementing 6% of NS seeds to goat diets can reduce the negative effects of Aflatoxin in the diet.
Improving agricultural productivity requires efficient production of feed ingredients and managem... more Improving agricultural productivity requires efficient production of feed ingredients and management of available resources. The primary objective of the current study was to create a classification system and management of available ingredients for sheep and cow farmers. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the techniques employed in production and the types of feed ingredients utilized, specifically focusing on those accessible within the local context in Benin. Materials and methods: An open-ended questionnaire was used for this study, followed by in-person interviews. A cross-sectional survey was carried out from March to April 2023, in three poles of development agriculture (PDA), including PDA2, PDA4, and PDA5, where the government projected to develop ruminant breeding. Data were collected from 450 sheep, and cow breeders selected based on the number of their animals and the breeding experience in the three PDAs. The breeders' socio-demographic characteristics, the feed supplementation practice, and the available feed resources were recorded. Results: The survey revealed that sheep and cows were bred more by men (54.67%), married people (78.57%), and illiterate individuals (64.74%). The average age of the breeders was 45.66 years. Only 9.83% received training in animal breeding, and their main activity was cropping production. Regardless of the PDA, commercial feeds were well known but rarely used by breeders due to their high cost. Some breeders used commercial feeds only in the dry season. The feed supplements included lick stones, multi-nutritional blocks, and pelleted and floury feeds. The most widely used ingredients were agricultural by-products (cereals and legumes) and agro-industrial by-products (maize bran, cottonseed cake, and palm kernel cake). Conclusion: The current study's findings have indicated a wide range of feed resources, such as agricultural and agro-industrial by-products in Benin, that can be exploited to produce efficient local feed supplements.
Introduction: Providing good quality forage in dairy cattle diet is vital for the dairy farm indu... more Introduction: Providing good quality forage in dairy cattle diet is vital for the dairy farm industry. Canola forage was newly added to dairy cows’ diet in Iran. The present study aimed to determine the effects of replacing corn silage with canola silage on feed intake, apparent digestibility, milk yield, milk composition, and thyroid hormone levels of dairy cattle in Mashhad, Iran. Materials and methods: Nine Holstein cows were used in this study and were allocated in a 3×3 change over Latin square design study. The trial consisted of 3 periods, each lasting for 20 days. The first 15 days were considered an adaptation period. Experimental diets were formulated to provide 33% of the total dry matter (DM) as forage. Canola silage was substituted with corn silage at levels of 0, 50, and 100% of DM. Results: Dietary concentrations of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber increased when corn silage was replaced by canola silage. Replacing corn silage with canola silage ...
The reproductive performance and management of three cattle breeds under extensive management stu... more The reproductive performance and management of three cattle breeds under extensive management study was investigated due to a lack of baseline data for animal husbandry practices and planning breeding programs in the study area. This study evaluated the productive and reproductive performance, feed resources, feed management, and major constraints of three breeds of cattle (White Fulani, Sokoto Gudali, and Red Bororo) production under an extensive system in Northern Nigeria. Materials and methods: A structured questionnaire survey and group discussion were used for collecting data. 60 farmers with 30 years of experience in cattle farming were selected to administer the questionnaire. Each breed (White Fulani, Sokoto Gudali, and Red Bororo) was grown by 20 farmers. Results: The results indicated that 70% of the farmers agreed with the first service at the age of 2.3-3 years in the three breeds. The first calving at the age of 3.3-4 years was 40% for White Fulani farmers, while 80% for Sokoto Gudali and Red Bororo farmers respectively. The calving interval in the range of 1-2 years was adequately observed in all three breeds. The age of 13-15 years was reported as the female reproductive period in this study. The total number of calves produced per cow's lifetime in the present study was estimated at 8-11 for White Fulani and Sokoto Gudali, and 4-7 for Red Bororo. Feed resources and management of three breeds of cattle under extensive management indicated that natural pasture was the most common source of feed for cattle in the rainy season. Besides, natural pasture, tree leaves, and shrubs were used as cattle feed in the dry season. The main cattle production constraints reported by the farmers included feed and water in the study area. However, the breeds could survive and produce under these major constraints. Conclusion: Alleviating these constraints could improve the productivity of White Fulani, Sokoto Gudali, and Red Bororo in their natural environment.
Introduction: Radiography can monitor bone healing to detect delayed healing, nonunion, and mal-u... more Introduction: Radiography can monitor bone healing to detect delayed healing, nonunion, and mal-union early. This study aimed to monitor bone healing, following oral administration of quail eggs and bone broth (BB) on a bone defect in the rabbit model. Materials and methods: A total of 24 adult white New Zealand rabbits were used in the study. They were divided into four six groups before creating a 3.5 mm bone defect. The first group received a daily oral dose of BB, the second group a daily oral dose of quail egg (QE), and the third group received a daily oral dose combination of BB and quail eggs (BQE). At the same time, the fourth group was given an oral daily dose of distilled water (CN) for 12 weeks. Radiographs were taken at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks postoperative. An experienced radiologist blinded to the groupings scored the radiographs on a scale of 0-4 based on mineral opacity. Results: At week 6, the BB and BQE groups differed significantly from the QE and CN groups. There was a significant difference between the treatments and the control group at weeks 8 and 10. The complete healing of BB and BQE groups occurred before week 10. The healing of two rabbits in the QE group was done before week 10 although the others completed healing before week 12. The CN group did not heal even after week 12. Conclusion: Using radiography, Monitoring the bone healing rate was done successfully. The BQE group showed the fastest healing, followed by BB, and QE groups.
Evaluation of using plants, such as Vitex doniana leaf meal as an alternative feed resource in br... more Evaluation of using plants, such as Vitex doniana leaf meal as an alternative feed resource in broiler diets decreases the feed costs. The current study examined how air-dried Vitex doniana, Black Plum Leaf Meal (BPLM) could affect broiler chicken growth performance, hematological parameters and serum biochemical indices, carcass yield, and relative organ weights. Materials and methods: In a completely randomized design, 54 Arbor Acre broiler chicks aged 28 days old were allocated to two treatments. Each group included 27 chickens with three replicates (nine chickens per replication). The chickens were fed two diets, including basal diet (control) and basal diet with 5% dry matter BPLM for two weeks. Results: The results of the nutrient composition of BPLM revealed 17.16% crude protein, 11.10% crude fiber, 1.70% ether extract, 7.10% ash, 39.0% nitrogen-free extract, 2413 metabolizable energy (kcal), 1.34% calcium, and 0.06% phosphorus. As a rich source of phytic acids, BPLM contains (14.69 mg/100g), tannins (3.23 mg/100 g), and oxalates (20 mg/100 g). The results showed that chickens fed a 5% BPLMsupplemented diet had lower feed intake but improved growth performance compared to the control. There was no significant difference in hematological and serum biochemical indices, carcass traits, cut-up parts, and relative organ weights. Conclusion: Incorporating BPLM into a finisher broiler diet decreases feed intake but improves growth performance. In addition, the results showed no effect on hematological and biochemical parameters or relative organ weights in chickens supplemented with BPLM.
The occurrence of several pandemics in recent decades has posed a significant threat to human and... more The occurrence of several pandemics in recent decades has posed a significant threat to human and animal health. The COVID-19 pandemic, which rapidly spread to 187 countries, has caused significant economic disruption in various industries, including the dairy industry. The dairy industry has been affected by supply chain disruptions, consumer behavior changes, and global demand shifts due to the pandemic. The present review aims to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly from the dairy farm level, and propose strategies for mitigating the effects of future global crisis events. The dairy industry, a major source of income for many dairy herds, was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The consumption patterns of milk and dairy products underwent substantial alterations, leading to decreased profitability of dairy farms due to disruptions in the supply chain, increased transportation costs resulting from transportation restrictions, and a shift in consumer pu...
Camel milk provides high nutrient content for people living in harsh environments. The current st... more Camel milk provides high nutrient content for people living in harsh environments. The current study evaluates levels of vitamins A and E in camel milk in different production systems. Materials and methods: The camel milk samples were gathered from a total of 42 lactating she-camels that were in varying phases of the nursing process at the second and third parties in the state of Khartoum, Sudan. Semi-closed and closed farms, as well as grazing ranges, were used for the rearing of she-camels (14 milk samples were collected from each production system). Results: The findings revealed that a high level of vitamin A was observed in the camel milk samples obtained from the she-camels at third parties in the grazing range. Second parties in the confined farm recorded highly significant amounts of vitamin E. The results demonstrated that the vitamin A content of camel milk was strongly impacted by both the types of production methods and parity orders. In contrast, vitamin E was only significantly affected by parity orders. Conclusion: In conclusion, the production system and parity orders significantly impact camel milk levels of vitamins A and E. However, further studies are needed to correlate all the contributing factors to the levels of camel milk vitamins.
Introduction: Monogastric animals, such as pigs and poultry, cannot handle cellulose, hemicellulo... more Introduction: Monogastric animals, such as pigs and poultry, cannot handle cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, which form the major components of agro-industrial products. This feeding trial was carried out to evaluate the responses of growing boarfed sundried cassava peel meal (CPM)-based diet supplemented with the enzyme. Materials and methods: Thirty-two growing boars (Large white x Landrace), eleven weeks old with an average weight of 25.00 ± 0.30 kg, were allocated randomly to dietary treatments. A basal diet was compounded containing 48% sundried CPM. The dietary treatments were T1 (control) supplemented with 0.0g/100g, and other treatments, including T2, T3, and T4, received 0.5g/100kg, 1.5g/100g, and 2.0g/100g levels of Quadraxyme® supplementation, respectively. Quadraxyme® is a product of Quadragen Veterinary Health Private Limited. Quadraxyme® contains amylase, cellulase, xylanase, pectinase, lipase, arabinose, α-galactosidase, and β-glucosidase. Results: This study showed significant differences in average feed intakes and daily weight gains across the dietary treatments. Pigs in the T4 group had the highest weight gain, followed by those in T2 and T3 groups, while the minor weight gain was in the diet with no enzyme supplementation. The dietary treatments significantly influenced hematological parameters in almost all the studied indices. The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values of pigs fed the T1 diet recorded significantly higher MCHC and a reduction in concentrations of packed cell volume, red blood cell counts, and a slight increase in mean corpuscular volume concentration. The dietary treatments did not affect the total blood protein and albumin levels of the growing pigs enrolled in this investigation. The result showed that the levels of enzyme supplementation to the SDCPM-based diet did not significantly influence the electrolytes of the growing boars. The PO4 2-increased in enzyme-supplemented diets, and group T4 supplemented with 0.20g/100kg of the enzyme recorded the highest PO4 2-value (6.79mg/100ml) among the other groups. Conclusion: It is concluded that including 0.20g/100kg in a 48% sundried CPM-based diet for growing pigs enhanced growth and feed conversion, improved phosphorus utilization, and had no adverse effects on growth and blood parameters.
The occurrence of several pandemics in recent decades has posed a significant threat to... more The occurrence of several pandemics in recent decades has posed a significant threat to human and animal health. The COVID-19 pandemic, which rapidly spread to 187 countries, has caused significant economic disruption in various industries, including the dairy industry.The dairy industry has been affected by supply chain disruptions, consumer behavior changes, and global demand shifts due to the pandemic. The present review aims to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly from the dairy farm level, and propose strategies for mitigating the effects of future global crisis events. The dairy industry, a major source of income for many dairy herds, was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The consumption patterns of milk and dairy products underwent substantial alterations, leading to decreased profitability of dairy farms due to disruptions in the supply chain, increased transportation costs resulting from transportation restrictions, and a shift in consumer purchasing behavior. These factors collectively resulted in reduced revenue from selling milk and dairy products. Heifer replacement considerations also impacted the economic viability of dairy farms. The pandemic caused a shortage of meat (beef, pork, poultry) and a surplus of milk.In addition to the abovementioned factors, the COVID-19 pandemic also impacted other economic indicators, such as gross returns from the sale of culled dairy animals and dairy feed costs. These impacts further amplified the financial challenges faced by the dairy industry and dairy farmers, underscoring the need for robust mitigation strategies and resilient policies to minimize the economic impact of pandemics and other crises.In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the dairy industry, affecting supply chains and international commerce. Governments are encouraged to implement measures to mitigate the impact of future pandemics on the dairy sector. The authors of this review propose several recommendations for dairy farmers and veterinarians to increase their resilience in the face of future outbreaks. These recommendations include sourcing feed from reliable local farms, acquiring internet connectivity equipment to facilitate communication during travel restrictions, maintaining a sufficient supply of personal protective equipment, incorporating mechanization in farm operations, stockpiling essential veterinary medications and vaccines, and training technicians to perform veterinary procedures in emergencies when veterinary services are unavailable.
Displacement of the abomasum (DA) frequently occurs in highproducing dairy cows. It is a multifac... more Displacement of the abomasum (DA) frequently occurs in highproducing dairy cows. It is a multifactorial disease and has an economic impact on dairy farms. This study aimed to investigate the levels of pepsinogen, Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1, and oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde and nitric oxide) in DA cases. Materials and methods: Blood samples were taken from 51 dairy cows suspected of DA, referring to the Veterinary Clinic of Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran, in the summer of 2021. Twenty of them had Left DA (LDA), 6 had Right DA (RDA), 13 had LDA with clinical signs of ulcer of the abomasum, 3 had RDA with clinical signs of ulcer of the abomasum, and 9 of them (3-5 years old) were clinically healthy as control. The serum concentration of pepsinogen, Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide were measured. Results: The result of the current study showed that the concentration of pepsinogen was higher in cows with DA compared to healthy cows. The concentrations of malonaldehyde, nitric oxide, and IGF-1 were higher in LDA with the abomasal ulcer, compared to other groups. Conclusion: Pepsinogen can be suggested as a predictor parameter for DA. Malonaldehyde, nitric oxide, and IGF-1 can be considered biomarkers in LDA with the abomasal ulcer. However, further studies are needed to find other effective parameters for predicting DA.
Providing good quality forage in dairy cattle diet is vital for the dairy farm industry. Canola f... more Providing good quality forage in dairy cattle diet is vital for the dairy farm industry. Canola forage was newly added to dairy cows' diet in Iran. The present study aimed to determine the effects of replacing corn silage with canola silage on feed intake, apparent digestibility, milk yield, milk composition, and thyroid hormone levels of dairy cattle in Mashhad, Iran. Materials and methods: Nine Holstein cows were used in this study and were allocated in a 3×3 change over Latin square design study. The trial consisted of 3 periods, each lasting for 20 days. The first 15 days were considered an adaptation period. Experimental diets were formulated to provide 33% of the total dry matter (DM) as forage. Canola silage was substituted with corn silage at levels of 0, 50, and 100% of DM. Results: Dietary concentrations of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber increased when corn silage was replaced by canola silage. Replacing corn silage with canola silage caused a significant decrease in DMI. The apparent digestibility of DM and crude protein were not affected by dietary replacement of corn silage with canola silage; however, organic matter and digestibility of NDF decreased significantly. When corn silage was replaced by canola silage, there were no significant changes in milk yield, fat corrected milk, and milk composition in the investigated cattle, but milk protein changed significantly. The results indicated that 50% substitution of canola silage caused higher milk protein. Rumen fluid pH and its ammonia nitrogen concentration increased significantly in experimental animals. The concentrations of T3 and T4 decreased, whereas blood urea nitrogen concentration increased by dietary replacement of corn silage with canola silage. Conclusion: Canola silage can be substituted with corn silage, and feeding canola silage can be beneficial in some aspects.
Modern dairy cows are dependent on viable protein sources to maintain adequately high and persist... more Modern dairy cows are dependent on viable protein sources to maintain adequately high and persistent milk production. However, qualified protein sources, such as soybean meal are usually high and not easily available. Feed-grade urea (FGU) has been utilized in dairy diets for decades to help economically. Some portions of dietary nitrogen are a point in this case. Nonetheless, FGU can be considered a potential source of microbial protein, only if adequate timely fermentable nitrogen sources are supplied to the rumen microbes for successful microbial protein synthesis. In addition, FGU has a rapid degradation rate in the rumen, which may cause microbial toxicity and excessive ammonia and urea production, leading to environmental issues. It means that the effective use of FGU would be challenging. Accordingly, by improving rumen synchrony and metabolism and cow performance such limitations can be overcome through the development of slow-release urea (SRU). However, compared with FGU recent studies do not fully support the practical and economic effectiveness of SRU, towards improved cow metabolism and performance. More experiments particularly with varying dietary fermentable energy sources are required to conclusively decide if SRU may be a practical contemplation towards increased dairy production sustainability or it is just an expensive useless fantasy.
The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a decapeptide hormone released from basal neurons of... more The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a decapeptide hormone released from basal neurons of the hypothalamus. It stimulates the production of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone in the pituitary. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of a single injection of GnRH analog at the time of artificial insemination (AI) on buffalo estrus, conception, pregnancy, and calving rate. Materials and methods: The anestrus nulliparous Nili Ravi buffalo heifers (n=80) were divided into 4 groups randomly. Group A (n=20) received only a single injection of GnRH analog at start of the experiment (Day 0), group B (n=20) received a single injection of GnRH analog at Day 0 and prostaglandine (PGF2α) at Day 7, group C (n=20) received progesterone sponge for 7 days, and group D (n=20) received progesterone sponge for 7 days and PGF2α at Day 9. In the 2nd study, buffaloes (n=60) expressing first (n=20), second (n=20), and third (n=20) postpartum estrus were enrolled. Moreover, heifers (n=20), expressing estrus first time were also included. Animals (n=10) from each group, received a single injection of GnRH analog at the time of AI were named as treatment group and the control (n=10) did not receive any treatment. Pregnancy tests were performed with the help of ultrasound on days 35 and 65 post-AI. Results: The pregnancy and calving rates were lower in GnRH group compared to other treatments. Similarly, the administration of GnRH analog did not increase pregnancy rates in treatment groups. Conclusion: The single injection of GnRH analog alone at the time of AI did not improve the reproductive performance of buffaloes.
Introduction: Several studies have explored the impact of diet type on energy sources. The curren... more Introduction: Several studies have explored the impact of diet type on energy sources. The current study aimed to evaluate the impact of feeding glucogenic versus lipogenic diets to Holstein dairy cows during the close-up period on cows' performances and their calves' growth parameters. Materials and methods: Twenty-four Holstein dairy cows with an average parity of 3 selected for the study, starting 21 days before expected calving. The cows were divided into three groups based on a randomized complete block design including a control diet (glucogenic diet, Glu), a low lipogenic diet (Llip) with 25% barley grain replaced by beet pulp, and a high lipogenic diet (Hlip) with 50% barley grain replaced by beet pulp. Daily recording of dry matter intake (DMI) was conducted, with blood samples collected on the day of parturition in cows and days 1, 2, 7, and 21 of calves age. In dairy cows, both the quality and quantity of colostrum were determined. Additionally, performance variables including feed intake, average daily gain, and skeletal parameters such as shoulder height, hip height, and body length were measured. Blood parameters, such as glucose, triglyceride, and concentrations of certain liver enzymes, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) were recorded. Results: The increase of beet pulp in the prepartum diet led to a significant increase in DMI. Colostrum yield and constituents (protein, lactose, and solids nonfat percentage) decreased with an increase in beet pulp level and the differences between Glu and Hlip were significant. Performance parameters of the calves were similar across all treatments, except skeletal growth. Calves that were fed the Hlip diet showed a lower shoulder height compared to those fed the Glu diet. Blood glucose was significantly higher in cows and their offspring that were fed Llip diets compared to other groups. The concentration of liver enzymes, including ALP, SGPT, and SGOT was not affected by treatments. Conclusion: Substituting barley grain with beet pulp as a lipogenic component may enhance dry matter intake in periparturient dairy cows. However, it did not show a notable impact on offspring performance.
Introduction: Sheep play a crucial role in enhancing the socioeconomic welfare of individuals in ... more Introduction: Sheep play a crucial role in enhancing the socioeconomic welfare of individuals in numerous nations. Within sub-Saharan Africa, productivity levels are hindered by various factors, such as prevalent diseases, inadequate nutrition, climate variations, predators, severe weather, as well as infestations of both external and internal parasites. The purpose of the present study was to assess the extent of anthelmintic resistance (AR) observed on a sheep farm operating for commercial purposes in Zimbabwe. Materials and methods: Forty female weaner Dorper sheep, averaging 43 kg in body weight, were selected from Ballineety commercial sheep farm in Mashonaland Central, Zimbabwe. These sheep were then divided into four groups of ten each, receiving different treatments including Ivermectin, Albendazole, Levamisole, and no treatment as a control. Each treatment was administered according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Pre-treatment faecal samples (day 0) and post-treatment (day 14) were collected and subjected to the Faecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT). Anthelminthic resistance was suggested (AR) by the presence of faecal eggs after treatment. Results: All the drugs indicated a decrease in egg counts by less than 90%. The effectiveness of Ivermectin, Albendazole, and Levamisole was measured at 58.5%, 70.1%, and 85.8% respectively. These findings indicate that nematodes have developed resistance to all treatments. The larval cultures of the samples before and after treatment indicated a significant presence of Haemonchus spp. in the pooled samples. In contrast, the quantities of Trichostrongylus spp. and Oesophagostomum spp. were low but present in all treatments. Cooperia spp. was recovered in posttreatment larval cultures of groups that received anthelmintic. The present study reports lower-than-expected efficacy for Ivermectin, Albendazole, and Levamisole based on the reduction of egg excreted post-treatment. Conclusion: A common worms population in sheep are AR in the current study area. Therefore, comprehensive nematode management programs along with complementary eradication strategies are essential for sustainable sheep production.
Lack of awareness about reproductive disorders and their importance in the economic viability of ... more Lack of awareness about reproductive disorders and their importance in the economic viability of farms in Sudan causes challenges among the majority of small farmholders. The present study was conducted to investigate the risk factors of production and reproduction in Kuku and Saig dairy camps in Khartoum State, Sudan. Materials and methods: In December 2017, a random selection of 100 farms was carried out. The current cross-sectional study was based on a structural questionnaire and direct interviews with the farm owners. Results: Vaccination against contagious diseases was practiced in 80% of the farms in the Kuku and Saig dairy camps in Khartoum State, Sudan. Quarantine of sick animals and newly introduced cows to the herd was practiced only in 23% of the farms. The study found a high prevalence of mastitis (95 farms), the spread of tick infestation (86 farms), and theileriosis (53 farms). There have been 58 farms, where animals showed signs of lameness and 67 farms showed signs of jaundice disease. In the case of selected dairy camps, natural mating was predominant at 98% and bulls from outside the herd accounted for 89% of farms. Besides, 75% of the selected farms suffered from repeat breeders' syndrome. The culling strategy was used in 86% of the dairy farms. There was a low risk of association between the treatment of diseases by the veterinarian, washing labor's hands and udders of cows before and after the milking process, and between the type of mating and repeat breeders. In addition, there was a moderate risk of a correlation between the treatment of the disease by the veterinarian and the contact of other species of animals with the cows in the pen, monitoring of estrus and repeat breeders, abortions, and calving intervals as well. Moreover, a high risk of correlation was obtained between the isolation of animals and the use of vaccination. Conclusion: Control of the disease was unsatisfactory, especially in the Saig camp, with traditional basis management. Hence it is highly recommended to train the farm workers, improve their management, and enhance the animals' health level.
Introduction: Milk production from indigenous cattle breeds in Nigeria represents an important co... more Introduction: Milk production from indigenous cattle breeds in Nigeria represents an important component of the agribusiness sector of the smallholder economy with great economic, nutritional, and social implications. Materials and methods: Three farms in the study location were chosen and 90 cows of three breeds of Sokoto Gudali, White Fulani, and Red Bororo in each farm, were used for the present study (total 270 cows). The cows of each farm were chosen equally based on parity (1-3). In this study, 5 ml of milk sample was collected from each cow in the morning for analysis of milk proximate and mineral composition. The analytical parameters included protein, fat, ash, moisture, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and sodium in milk. Results: The results revealed that the parity of the three breeds significantly affected the milk proximate and mineral compositions. In the first parity, White Fulani cow milk was significantly higher in milk protein at 4.52%, followed by Red Bororo and Sokoto Gudali at 3.97% and 3.91%, respectively. Sokoto Gudali was significantly higher in milk fat at 3.18%, followed by Red Bororo at 2.89% and White Fulani at 2.76%. White Fulani was significantly higher in milk moisture at 84.56%, followed by Sokoto Gudali at 82.72% and Red Bororo at 81.13%. Red Bororo was significantly higher in milk phosphorus at 375.62 mg/L and sodium at 71.22 mg/L. In the second parity, only moisture, calcium, and sodium differed significantly among the breeds. White Fulani and Red Bororo were significantly higher in moisture at 83.75% and 83.43%, respectively. On the other hand, Sokoto Gudali were significantly higher in calcium at 614.94 mg/L and sodium at 68.76 mg/L. White Fulani and Red Bororo had significantly lower calcium levels at 560.50 mg/L and 555.42 mg/L, respectively. On the other hand, White Fulani had significantly lower levels of sodium at 61.25 mg/L. In the third parity, White Fulani was significantly higher in milk protein at 4.16%, calcium at 611.48 mg/L, and sodium at 75.33 mg/L. Red Bororo was significantly higher in fat at 3.75% and calcium at 626.99 mg/L. Sokoto Gudali was significantly higher in sodium at 75.36 mg/L. In overall, first parity cows were significantly higher in milk protein at 4.11%. Milk fat, ash, calcium, and sodium increased with number of parity. The third parity was significantly higher in milk fat (3.29%), ash (0.43%), calcium (599.58 mg/L), and sodium (71.77 mg/L) levels. Conclusion: By increasing parity in Nigerian cows, the chemical composition of milk will be improved which can be considered for future studies on these breeds.
Introduction: Animal health and productivity can be affected by Aflatoxin in feeds, which leads t... more Introduction: Animal health and productivity can be affected by Aflatoxin in feeds, which leads to reduced growth, decrease feed efficiency and potential contamination of animal-derived products. The current study investigated the influences of supplementing Nigella sativa (NS) seeds to an Aflatoxin-contaminated diet on rumen parameters, digestibility, and nitrogen balance of male Nubian goats. Materials and methods: A total number of 20 healthy male Nubian goat kids aged 8-9 months and an average weight of 11 ± 0.5 kg were randomly assigned to 5 equal groups. The control group (T1) received a basal diet. The second treatment group (T2) received the same diet contaminated with 150 ppb Aflatoxin and other treatments received an aflatoxin-contaminated diet supplemented with different levels of crushed NS seeds including 2% (T3), 4% (T4), and 6% (T5) of the total dry matter. Through using naturally infected groundnut cake, Aflatoxin was mixed with other ingredients of ration in different proportions to formulate treated diets. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine Aflatoxin concentration. Rumen liquor samples were collected after 40 days feeding period to evaluate rumen pH, volatile fatty acids (VFAs), ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N), rumen electrolytes, and protozoa count. Results: Rumen pH, ammonia nitrogen, ruminal sodium, and potassium were not significantly affected by the treatment groups. Rumen volatile fatty acids, protozoa count, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen retention were significantly reduced by an Aflatoxin-contaminated diet (T2) compared to other groups. Supplementation of NS seeds to an Aflatoxin-contaminated diet caused a significant increase in VFAs, decreased protozoa count, and improved digestibility and nitrogen retention in all treated groups compared to T2 and T1 groups. Conclusion: Supplementing NS seeds to an Aflatoxin-contaminated diet positively affected rumen ecology and improved digestibility and nitrogen retention. The study recommended supplementing 6% of NS seeds to goat diets can reduce the negative effects of Aflatoxin in the diet.
Improving agricultural productivity requires efficient production of feed ingredients and managem... more Improving agricultural productivity requires efficient production of feed ingredients and management of available resources. The primary objective of the current study was to create a classification system and management of available ingredients for sheep and cow farmers. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the techniques employed in production and the types of feed ingredients utilized, specifically focusing on those accessible within the local context in Benin. Materials and methods: An open-ended questionnaire was used for this study, followed by in-person interviews. A cross-sectional survey was carried out from March to April 2023, in three poles of development agriculture (PDA), including PDA2, PDA4, and PDA5, where the government projected to develop ruminant breeding. Data were collected from 450 sheep, and cow breeders selected based on the number of their animals and the breeding experience in the three PDAs. The breeders' socio-demographic characteristics, the feed supplementation practice, and the available feed resources were recorded. Results: The survey revealed that sheep and cows were bred more by men (54.67%), married people (78.57%), and illiterate individuals (64.74%). The average age of the breeders was 45.66 years. Only 9.83% received training in animal breeding, and their main activity was cropping production. Regardless of the PDA, commercial feeds were well known but rarely used by breeders due to their high cost. Some breeders used commercial feeds only in the dry season. The feed supplements included lick stones, multi-nutritional blocks, and pelleted and floury feeds. The most widely used ingredients were agricultural by-products (cereals and legumes) and agro-industrial by-products (maize bran, cottonseed cake, and palm kernel cake). Conclusion: The current study's findings have indicated a wide range of feed resources, such as agricultural and agro-industrial by-products in Benin, that can be exploited to produce efficient local feed supplements.
Introduction: Providing good quality forage in dairy cattle diet is vital for the dairy farm indu... more Introduction: Providing good quality forage in dairy cattle diet is vital for the dairy farm industry. Canola forage was newly added to dairy cows’ diet in Iran. The present study aimed to determine the effects of replacing corn silage with canola silage on feed intake, apparent digestibility, milk yield, milk composition, and thyroid hormone levels of dairy cattle in Mashhad, Iran. Materials and methods: Nine Holstein cows were used in this study and were allocated in a 3×3 change over Latin square design study. The trial consisted of 3 periods, each lasting for 20 days. The first 15 days were considered an adaptation period. Experimental diets were formulated to provide 33% of the total dry matter (DM) as forage. Canola silage was substituted with corn silage at levels of 0, 50, and 100% of DM. Results: Dietary concentrations of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber increased when corn silage was replaced by canola silage. Replacing corn silage with canola silage ...
The reproductive performance and management of three cattle breeds under extensive management stu... more The reproductive performance and management of three cattle breeds under extensive management study was investigated due to a lack of baseline data for animal husbandry practices and planning breeding programs in the study area. This study evaluated the productive and reproductive performance, feed resources, feed management, and major constraints of three breeds of cattle (White Fulani, Sokoto Gudali, and Red Bororo) production under an extensive system in Northern Nigeria. Materials and methods: A structured questionnaire survey and group discussion were used for collecting data. 60 farmers with 30 years of experience in cattle farming were selected to administer the questionnaire. Each breed (White Fulani, Sokoto Gudali, and Red Bororo) was grown by 20 farmers. Results: The results indicated that 70% of the farmers agreed with the first service at the age of 2.3-3 years in the three breeds. The first calving at the age of 3.3-4 years was 40% for White Fulani farmers, while 80% for Sokoto Gudali and Red Bororo farmers respectively. The calving interval in the range of 1-2 years was adequately observed in all three breeds. The age of 13-15 years was reported as the female reproductive period in this study. The total number of calves produced per cow's lifetime in the present study was estimated at 8-11 for White Fulani and Sokoto Gudali, and 4-7 for Red Bororo. Feed resources and management of three breeds of cattle under extensive management indicated that natural pasture was the most common source of feed for cattle in the rainy season. Besides, natural pasture, tree leaves, and shrubs were used as cattle feed in the dry season. The main cattle production constraints reported by the farmers included feed and water in the study area. However, the breeds could survive and produce under these major constraints. Conclusion: Alleviating these constraints could improve the productivity of White Fulani, Sokoto Gudali, and Red Bororo in their natural environment.
Introduction: Radiography can monitor bone healing to detect delayed healing, nonunion, and mal-u... more Introduction: Radiography can monitor bone healing to detect delayed healing, nonunion, and mal-union early. This study aimed to monitor bone healing, following oral administration of quail eggs and bone broth (BB) on a bone defect in the rabbit model. Materials and methods: A total of 24 adult white New Zealand rabbits were used in the study. They were divided into four six groups before creating a 3.5 mm bone defect. The first group received a daily oral dose of BB, the second group a daily oral dose of quail egg (QE), and the third group received a daily oral dose combination of BB and quail eggs (BQE). At the same time, the fourth group was given an oral daily dose of distilled water (CN) for 12 weeks. Radiographs were taken at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks postoperative. An experienced radiologist blinded to the groupings scored the radiographs on a scale of 0-4 based on mineral opacity. Results: At week 6, the BB and BQE groups differed significantly from the QE and CN groups. There was a significant difference between the treatments and the control group at weeks 8 and 10. The complete healing of BB and BQE groups occurred before week 10. The healing of two rabbits in the QE group was done before week 10 although the others completed healing before week 12. The CN group did not heal even after week 12. Conclusion: Using radiography, Monitoring the bone healing rate was done successfully. The BQE group showed the fastest healing, followed by BB, and QE groups.
Evaluation of using plants, such as Vitex doniana leaf meal as an alternative feed resource in br... more Evaluation of using plants, such as Vitex doniana leaf meal as an alternative feed resource in broiler diets decreases the feed costs. The current study examined how air-dried Vitex doniana, Black Plum Leaf Meal (BPLM) could affect broiler chicken growth performance, hematological parameters and serum biochemical indices, carcass yield, and relative organ weights. Materials and methods: In a completely randomized design, 54 Arbor Acre broiler chicks aged 28 days old were allocated to two treatments. Each group included 27 chickens with three replicates (nine chickens per replication). The chickens were fed two diets, including basal diet (control) and basal diet with 5% dry matter BPLM for two weeks. Results: The results of the nutrient composition of BPLM revealed 17.16% crude protein, 11.10% crude fiber, 1.70% ether extract, 7.10% ash, 39.0% nitrogen-free extract, 2413 metabolizable energy (kcal), 1.34% calcium, and 0.06% phosphorus. As a rich source of phytic acids, BPLM contains (14.69 mg/100g), tannins (3.23 mg/100 g), and oxalates (20 mg/100 g). The results showed that chickens fed a 5% BPLMsupplemented diet had lower feed intake but improved growth performance compared to the control. There was no significant difference in hematological and serum biochemical indices, carcass traits, cut-up parts, and relative organ weights. Conclusion: Incorporating BPLM into a finisher broiler diet decreases feed intake but improves growth performance. In addition, the results showed no effect on hematological and biochemical parameters or relative organ weights in chickens supplemented with BPLM.
The occurrence of several pandemics in recent decades has posed a significant threat to human and... more The occurrence of several pandemics in recent decades has posed a significant threat to human and animal health. The COVID-19 pandemic, which rapidly spread to 187 countries, has caused significant economic disruption in various industries, including the dairy industry. The dairy industry has been affected by supply chain disruptions, consumer behavior changes, and global demand shifts due to the pandemic. The present review aims to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly from the dairy farm level, and propose strategies for mitigating the effects of future global crisis events. The dairy industry, a major source of income for many dairy herds, was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The consumption patterns of milk and dairy products underwent substantial alterations, leading to decreased profitability of dairy farms due to disruptions in the supply chain, increased transportation costs resulting from transportation restrictions, and a shift in consumer pu...
Camel milk provides high nutrient content for people living in harsh environments. The current st... more Camel milk provides high nutrient content for people living in harsh environments. The current study evaluates levels of vitamins A and E in camel milk in different production systems. Materials and methods: The camel milk samples were gathered from a total of 42 lactating she-camels that were in varying phases of the nursing process at the second and third parties in the state of Khartoum, Sudan. Semi-closed and closed farms, as well as grazing ranges, were used for the rearing of she-camels (14 milk samples were collected from each production system). Results: The findings revealed that a high level of vitamin A was observed in the camel milk samples obtained from the she-camels at third parties in the grazing range. Second parties in the confined farm recorded highly significant amounts of vitamin E. The results demonstrated that the vitamin A content of camel milk was strongly impacted by both the types of production methods and parity orders. In contrast, vitamin E was only significantly affected by parity orders. Conclusion: In conclusion, the production system and parity orders significantly impact camel milk levels of vitamins A and E. However, further studies are needed to correlate all the contributing factors to the levels of camel milk vitamins.
Introduction: Monogastric animals, such as pigs and poultry, cannot handle cellulose, hemicellulo... more Introduction: Monogastric animals, such as pigs and poultry, cannot handle cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, which form the major components of agro-industrial products. This feeding trial was carried out to evaluate the responses of growing boarfed sundried cassava peel meal (CPM)-based diet supplemented with the enzyme. Materials and methods: Thirty-two growing boars (Large white x Landrace), eleven weeks old with an average weight of 25.00 ± 0.30 kg, were allocated randomly to dietary treatments. A basal diet was compounded containing 48% sundried CPM. The dietary treatments were T1 (control) supplemented with 0.0g/100g, and other treatments, including T2, T3, and T4, received 0.5g/100kg, 1.5g/100g, and 2.0g/100g levels of Quadraxyme® supplementation, respectively. Quadraxyme® is a product of Quadragen Veterinary Health Private Limited. Quadraxyme® contains amylase, cellulase, xylanase, pectinase, lipase, arabinose, α-galactosidase, and β-glucosidase. Results: This study showed significant differences in average feed intakes and daily weight gains across the dietary treatments. Pigs in the T4 group had the highest weight gain, followed by those in T2 and T3 groups, while the minor weight gain was in the diet with no enzyme supplementation. The dietary treatments significantly influenced hematological parameters in almost all the studied indices. The mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values of pigs fed the T1 diet recorded significantly higher MCHC and a reduction in concentrations of packed cell volume, red blood cell counts, and a slight increase in mean corpuscular volume concentration. The dietary treatments did not affect the total blood protein and albumin levels of the growing pigs enrolled in this investigation. The result showed that the levels of enzyme supplementation to the SDCPM-based diet did not significantly influence the electrolytes of the growing boars. The PO4 2-increased in enzyme-supplemented diets, and group T4 supplemented with 0.20g/100kg of the enzyme recorded the highest PO4 2-value (6.79mg/100ml) among the other groups. Conclusion: It is concluded that including 0.20g/100kg in a 48% sundried CPM-based diet for growing pigs enhanced growth and feed conversion, improved phosphorus utilization, and had no adverse effects on growth and blood parameters.
The occurrence of several pandemics in recent decades has posed a significant threat to... more The occurrence of several pandemics in recent decades has posed a significant threat to human and animal health. The COVID-19 pandemic, which rapidly spread to 187 countries, has caused significant economic disruption in various industries, including the dairy industry.The dairy industry has been affected by supply chain disruptions, consumer behavior changes, and global demand shifts due to the pandemic. The present review aims to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly from the dairy farm level, and propose strategies for mitigating the effects of future global crisis events. The dairy industry, a major source of income for many dairy herds, was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The consumption patterns of milk and dairy products underwent substantial alterations, leading to decreased profitability of dairy farms due to disruptions in the supply chain, increased transportation costs resulting from transportation restrictions, and a shift in consumer purchasing behavior. These factors collectively resulted in reduced revenue from selling milk and dairy products. Heifer replacement considerations also impacted the economic viability of dairy farms. The pandemic caused a shortage of meat (beef, pork, poultry) and a surplus of milk.In addition to the abovementioned factors, the COVID-19 pandemic also impacted other economic indicators, such as gross returns from the sale of culled dairy animals and dairy feed costs. These impacts further amplified the financial challenges faced by the dairy industry and dairy farmers, underscoring the need for robust mitigation strategies and resilient policies to minimize the economic impact of pandemics and other crises.In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the dairy industry, affecting supply chains and international commerce. Governments are encouraged to implement measures to mitigate the impact of future pandemics on the dairy sector. The authors of this review propose several recommendations for dairy farmers and veterinarians to increase their resilience in the face of future outbreaks. These recommendations include sourcing feed from reliable local farms, acquiring internet connectivity equipment to facilitate communication during travel restrictions, maintaining a sufficient supply of personal protective equipment, incorporating mechanization in farm operations, stockpiling essential veterinary medications and vaccines, and training technicians to perform veterinary procedures in emergencies when veterinary services are unavailable.
Displacement of the abomasum (DA) frequently occurs in highproducing dairy cows. It is a multifac... more Displacement of the abomasum (DA) frequently occurs in highproducing dairy cows. It is a multifactorial disease and has an economic impact on dairy farms. This study aimed to investigate the levels of pepsinogen, Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1, and oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde and nitric oxide) in DA cases. Materials and methods: Blood samples were taken from 51 dairy cows suspected of DA, referring to the Veterinary Clinic of Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran, in the summer of 2021. Twenty of them had Left DA (LDA), 6 had Right DA (RDA), 13 had LDA with clinical signs of ulcer of the abomasum, 3 had RDA with clinical signs of ulcer of the abomasum, and 9 of them (3-5 years old) were clinically healthy as control. The serum concentration of pepsinogen, Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide were measured. Results: The result of the current study showed that the concentration of pepsinogen was higher in cows with DA compared to healthy cows. The concentrations of malonaldehyde, nitric oxide, and IGF-1 were higher in LDA with the abomasal ulcer, compared to other groups. Conclusion: Pepsinogen can be suggested as a predictor parameter for DA. Malonaldehyde, nitric oxide, and IGF-1 can be considered biomarkers in LDA with the abomasal ulcer. However, further studies are needed to find other effective parameters for predicting DA.
Providing good quality forage in dairy cattle diet is vital for the dairy farm industry. Canola f... more Providing good quality forage in dairy cattle diet is vital for the dairy farm industry. Canola forage was newly added to dairy cows' diet in Iran. The present study aimed to determine the effects of replacing corn silage with canola silage on feed intake, apparent digestibility, milk yield, milk composition, and thyroid hormone levels of dairy cattle in Mashhad, Iran. Materials and methods: Nine Holstein cows were used in this study and were allocated in a 3×3 change over Latin square design study. The trial consisted of 3 periods, each lasting for 20 days. The first 15 days were considered an adaptation period. Experimental diets were formulated to provide 33% of the total dry matter (DM) as forage. Canola silage was substituted with corn silage at levels of 0, 50, and 100% of DM. Results: Dietary concentrations of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber increased when corn silage was replaced by canola silage. Replacing corn silage with canola silage caused a significant decrease in DMI. The apparent digestibility of DM and crude protein were not affected by dietary replacement of corn silage with canola silage; however, organic matter and digestibility of NDF decreased significantly. When corn silage was replaced by canola silage, there were no significant changes in milk yield, fat corrected milk, and milk composition in the investigated cattle, but milk protein changed significantly. The results indicated that 50% substitution of canola silage caused higher milk protein. Rumen fluid pH and its ammonia nitrogen concentration increased significantly in experimental animals. The concentrations of T3 and T4 decreased, whereas blood urea nitrogen concentration increased by dietary replacement of corn silage with canola silage. Conclusion: Canola silage can be substituted with corn silage, and feeding canola silage can be beneficial in some aspects.
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