scholarly journals Postweaning Performance of the Agouti (Dasyprocta leporina): A Neotropical Rodent with Potential for Domestication

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Hannah-Marie Samantha Singh ◽  
Kegan Romelle Jones
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
The Other ◽  
Field Station ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Production Animals ◽  
Neotropical Rodent ◽  
The University

This project aimed to observe the effect of different weaning times on the weight gain in agouti (Dasyprocta leporina). The goal was to acquire an appropriate weaning time for offsprings. The experiment was performed at the University of the West Indies Field Station Farm (UFS) where animals were divided into four treatment groups, with each treatment group consisted of four animals. Treatment 1 offsprings were weaned at four weeks, treatment 2 offsprings were weaned at three weeks, treatment 3 offsprings were weaned at two weeks, and treatment 4 offsprings were weaned at one week. The offsprings were raised experimentally for their first seven weeks. There was no significant difference ( p > 0.05 ) recorded in offsprings live weight and average daily gain (ADG) for treatments 1, 2, and 3. However, offsprings reared in treatment 4 had significantly ( p < 0.05 ) less live weight and weight gain in comparison to the other groups at seven weeks. Offsprings in treatment 4 also experienced 50% mortality (2/4 animals died), one animal removed from the experiment due to progressive weight loss, and one offspring remained in the experiment for its duration. The other treatment experienced no loss (0% mortality). Based on the results of the experiment, agouti offsprings should not be weaned at one week due to high mortality and low live weight at the end of seven weeks. Animals can be weaned between 2 and 4 weeks of age with no detrimental effects. Dependent on the level of production, animals can be weaned at 2 or 4 weeks depending on the operators desired litters per year.

scholarly journals Effect of testosterone enanthate on the growth rate of large white pigs reared in South-West Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-23
Author(s):  
A. O. Ladokun
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Feed Intake ◽  
Corn Oil ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Testosterone Enanthate ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Large White ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Total Weight Gain

A total of 48 large white pigs were used in an experiment to investigate the use of exogenous testosterone on the growth of pigs. The pigs were randomly selected as day old piglets, balanced for weight with equal number for each sex, and allotted to two treatment groups, T1, which received Testosterone Enanthate (TE), intramuscularly, weekly, for 24 weeks and T2, the control, which received no hormone but blank injections. Dosage was based on live weight (1.2mg/kg live weight). Corn oil served as the vehicle. The parameters measured include Total weight gain (TWG), Average Daily Gain (ADG), Average Daily Feed Intake (ADFI) and Feed Conversion Ratio. The results obtained showed that exogenous testosterone increased weight gain significantly (p<0.05) in both sexes than their respective controls. The same trend was observed for feed intake and feed conversion. Exogenous testosterone also indicated pronounced sex effect on the pigs in this study with males having significantly (p<0.05) higher values than females. It can be concluded from this study that exogenous testosterone can be used to accelerate growth thereby finishing the pigs early. A withdrawal period of 4 weeks before slaughter is however recommended.

Evaluation of hydroponics fodder as a partial feed substitute in the ration of crossbred calves

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Rajkumar ◽  
M. T. Dipu ◽  
K. Lalu ◽  
K. Shyama ◽  
P. S. Banakar
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Total Body Weight ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Green Fodder ◽  
Total Body

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of maize green fodder produced by hydroponics system on the performance of eighteen weaned crossbred calves and Calves were divided into three groups T1, T2 and T3 of six each as uniformly. The calf starter in dietary treatments T1, T2 and T3 contained 24, 20 and 17 per cent of Crude Protein (CP), respectively and 70 per cent Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN). The T2 and T3 treatments were made iso-nitrogenous with T1 by supplementing hydroponics maize fodder. The results obtained in the present study showed significant difference among different treatment groups regarding Dry matter intake (DM), total body weight gain, Average daily gain (ADG) and Feed conversion ratio (FCR) with a higher (P less than 0.05) values observed for calves belonging to T3 than groups T1 and T2. Data on digestibility of nutrients does not reveal any difference (P>0.05) among treatment groups. Cost per kg gain was significantly (P less than 0.05) lower in T3 (Rs.102.14) than groups T2 (Rs. 111.64) and T1 (Rs. 119.82). On conclusion, feeding of hydroponics maize fodder as a partial feed substitute of calf starter on protein basis at seven per cent level improves the DM intake, total body weight gain, ADG and lowers the cost per kg body weight gain.

scholarly journals Effect of rbST on weight gain and fat cover of heifers in semiconfinement

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 43
Author(s):  
B. R. Fonseca ◽  
R. C. A. Berber ◽  
P. S. A. Moreira
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Animal Feed ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Final Body Weight ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Brachiaria Ruziziensis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Daily Gain

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on average total weight gain, average daily gain, muscularity and finishing. 24 Nellore heifers were used, up to two years of age and weighing 307.4 kg. The animals were semi-confined in Brachiaria ruziziensis and were supplemented per day, with 1.5% kg live weight per animal feed. Heifers were divided into 2 groups, T1: with the use of rbST and T2: unused rbST (control). The rbST was applied every 14 days at a dose of 500 mg per animal. For the statistical analysis, the results were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% significance level. There was no significant difference (p> 0.05) for average initial body weight, average final body weight, total average gain and average daily gain, and ribeye area (REA) adipose tissue thickness. Therefore the use of rbST did not promote change in performance characteristics in Nellore heifers 2 years old.

scholarly journals Performance, carcass characteristics, and centesimal composition of meat from Santa Inês lambs and Texel crossbred lambs (Santa Inês × Texel)

2019 ◽  
Vol 99 (2) ◽  
pp. 228-236
Author(s):  
Iolanda Aparecida Nunes ◽  
Ricardo Alessandro Martins Brito ◽  
Letícia Aparecida de Morais ◽  
Vanessa Souza Silva ◽  
Marco Antônio Pereira da Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Carcass Traits ◽  
Great Influence ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Santa Inês ◽  
Daily Gain

This study evaluated the performance, carcass characteristics, and centesimal composition of the meat of intact and castrated lambs of the Santa Inês breed and of the crossbred animals: one-half Santa Inês × one-half Texel. Thirty-four lambs were used, nine intact and nine castrated males of the Santa Inês breed, and seven intact and nine castrated crossbred males, all aged between 6 and 7 mo and with an average live weight of 18.2 kg. The design was completely randomized in a 2 × 2 factorial (two crossing and two sexual conditions), with statistical analyses performed in the STAT version 9.4 program. There was a significant difference the Santa Inês and the Texel and Santa Inês crossbred animals in feed conversion and average daily gain, with superiority of the latter group. Castration of animals aged <12 mo had no significant effect on the performance and on the carcass traits of the Texel and Santa Inês crossbred animals, whereas the genotype had a great influence on weight gain and on subjective and quantitative carcass characteristics, demonstrating that crosses in sheep are needed to explore the complementarity of breeds, and heterosis is needed to achieve better performances and carcass characteristics.

The effect of rate of gain during the growing and finishing periods on the feed efficiency and carcass composition of the pig: II. Contrasting patterns of growth produced by different rates of gain from 20 to 55 kg and 55 to 87 kg live weight

1968 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 319-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Walker ◽  
D. W. Holme ◽  
T. J. Forbes
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Subcutaneous Fat ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Growth Period ◽  
Experimental Period ◽  
Carcass Composition ◽  
The Other ◽  
Feed Conversion ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Significant Difference

SUMMARYPigs were grown at controlled rates of live-weight gain from 20 to 55 kg and from 55 to 87 kg live weight, at which weight they were slaughtered. Six growth-rate treatments were compared and were referred to as High-High (HH), High-Moderate (HM), High-Low (HL), Moderate-High (MH), Moderate-Moderate (MM) and Low-High (LH). The right-hand side of each carcass was divided into the four primary jointsand each joint was physically dissected into bone, skin, subcutaneous fat and lean meat. The boneless tissue of each joint was analyzed for moisture, ether extractable fat and nitrogen.It was found that an increase in the rate of live-weight gain in the first growth period, tended toimprove the efficiency with which feed was converted into live weight. In the second growth period the efficiency of feed conversion was dependent on the rate of gain both in that period and in the preceding period. Restricted growth in the first period improved the efficiency of feed conversion both in the second period and over the entire experimental period compared with rapid early growth. The implications of compensatory growth are discussed.There was no treatment effect on carcass length, but hindleg length and ham circumference measurements showed that the proportion of gammon in the side was lower in the HH pigs compared with the other five treatments. This was confirmed by the weight of the gammon joint expressed as a percentage of the trimmed side. There was also a decrease in the proportion of shoulder and an increase in the proportion of middle in the HH pigs. Differences between the other five treatments were small. The changes in conformation were due largely to the effect on fat distribution throughout the side particularly in the gammon and back regions.The HH treatment resulted in a significant increase in the percentage fat in the side compared witheach of the other five treatments. Within these five treatments there was no significant difference in the percentage fat in the side. This suggests that equal importance may be attached to the rate of live-weight gain in both the growing (20–55 kg) and finishing (55–87 kg) periods in determining the fatnessof the bacon weight carcass.The treatments had little effect on the chemical composition of the fat-free boneless meat.The results are discussed in relation to current growth theory.

scholarly journals Reduction of body-weight gain enhances in vitro embryo production in overfed superovulated dairy heifers

Reproduction ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 131 (4) ◽  
pp. 783-794 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Freret ◽  
B Grimard ◽  
A A Ponter ◽  
C Joly ◽  
C Ponsart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Embryo Production ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Dairy Heifers ◽  
Period 2 ◽  
Significant Difference

The aim of our study was to test whether a reduction in dietary intake could improve in vitro embryo production in superovulated overfed dairy heifers. Cumulus–oocyte complexes of 16 Prim’ Holstein heifers (14 ± 1 months old) were collected by ovum pick-up (OPU), every 2 weeks following superovulation treatment with 250 μg FSH, before being matured and fertilized in vitro. Embryos were cultured in Synthetic Oviduct Fluid medium for 7 days. Heifers were fed with hay, soybean meal, barley, minerals and vitamins. From OPU 1 to 4 (period 1), all heifers received individually for 8 weeks a diet formulated for a 1000 g/day live-weight gain. From OPU 5 to 8 (period 2), the heifers were allocated to one of two diets (1000 or 600 g/day) for 8 weeks. Heifers’ growth rates were monitored and plasma concentrations of metabolites, metabolic and reproductive hormones were measured each week. Mean live-weight gain observed during period 1 was 950 ± 80 g/day (n = 16). In period 2 it was 730 ± 70 (n = 8) and 1300 ± 70 g/day (n = 8) for restricted and overfed groups respectively. When comparing period 1 and period 2 within groups, significant differences were found. In the restricted group, a higher blastocyst rate, greater proportions of grade 1–3 and grade 1 embryos, associated with higher estradiol at OPU and lower glucose and β-hydroxybutyrate, were observed in period 2 compared with period 1. Moreover, after 6 weeks of dietary restriction (OPU 7), numbers of day 7 total embryos, blastocysts and grade 1–3 embryos had significantly increased. On the contrary, in the overfed group, we observed more <8 mm follicles 2 days before superovulation treatment, higher insulin and IGF-I and lower nonesterified fatty acids in period 2 compared with period 1 (no significant difference between periods for embryo production). After 6 weeks of 1300 g/day live-weight gain (OPU 7), embryo production began to decrease. Whatever the group, oocyte collection did not differ between period 1 and 2. These data suggest that following a period of overfeeding, a short-term dietary intake restriction (6 weeks in our study) may improve blastocyst production and embryo quality when they are low. However, nutritional recommendations aiming to optimize both follicular growth and embryonic development may be different.

scholarly journals PSX-7 Effect of varying levels of hempseed meal supplementation on animal performance, rumen fermentation, and blood metabolites of growing meat goats

2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽  
pp. 459-460
Author(s):  
Frank W Abrahamsen ◽  
Nar Gurung ◽  
Woubit Abdela ◽  
Gopal Reddy ◽  
Kim Mullenix
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Average Daily Gain ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Blood Chemistry ◽  
Optimal Level ◽  
Rumen Fermentation ◽  
Serum Glucose ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Meat Goats ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract Hempseed meal (HSM) is a byproduct of hemp oil production and is high in crude protein, fiber, and fat, making it a potential feedstuff for ruminants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of HSM supplementation on growth performance, rumen fermentation and blood chemistry profile of growing meat goats. Forty castrated, Boer cross goats were randomly assigned to one of the four treatments (n = 10): control, 10%, 20%, and 30% HSM supplementation. Data collected over a period of a 60-day feeding trial were analyzed utilizing the mixed model analysis function of SYSTAT, version 13. The result revealed total live weight gain decreased with the increasing levels of HSM supplementation 10.75, 9.53, 8.48, and 7.80 kg, for 0, 10, 20, and 30%, respectively. Average daily gain followed the same trend 0.179, 0.159, 0.141, and 0.13 kg, with a significant difference (P &lt; 0.05) observed between the control and 30 % supplementation. Conversely, feed to gain ratio increased with the increasing levels of supplementation 9.0, 10.2, 11.9, 12.2, likewise a significant difference was observed (P &lt; 0.05) between the control and 30% supplementation. Acetic, propionic, butyric, valeric, iso-valeric, and iso-butyric acid concentrations as well as the total VFA concentration decreased significantly (P &lt; 0.05) with the increasing level of supplementation. Acetic to propionic acid ratios increased with increasing level of supplementation 3.43, 4.36, 4.52, and 4.59, significant differences (P &lt; 0.05) were observed between control-20% and 30% HSM group. Serum glucose concentration decreased with an increasing rate of HSM supplementation while BUN concentration increased with no significant differences. These findings provide new insights into the feeding value of HSM for meat goats; however, further research needs to be conducted to determine the optimal level of supplementation.

A comparison of the Charolais, British Friesian and Hereford breeds as sires of crossbred singlesuckled calves for beef production

1973 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 267-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. E. Haycock ◽  
D. A. Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
The Other ◽  
Cattle Production ◽  
Significant Relationships ◽  
Grazing Period ◽  
Beef Cattle Production ◽  
Breed Crosses ◽  
Selection Of

SUMMARYIn three successive years cows from an Aberdeen Angus cross Shorthorn herd were mated to pedigree Charolais, British Friesian and Hereford bulls. A comparison of the progeny of the three breeds of sire under controlled conditions was therefore possible using a random selection of dams for mating, and identical rearing of the calves. Results for live-weight gain of the suckled progeny were analysed and showed superiority of the Charolais breed over the other two when used in this form of beef cattle production.For birth weights and daily live-weight gains, particularly during the grazing period, the Charolais cross progeny showed superiority over the other two. There was a consistent although not always statistically significant tendency for these differences between the breed crosses to occur in the male calves only, the females showing little difference between breeds. The data also showed highly significant relationships between gestation period and birth weight, both within and between breed crosses.

Comparison of the productivity of Texel and Rouge de l’Ouest ewes and their crosses

2002 ◽  
Vol 75 (3) ◽  
pp. 459-468 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. E. R. Dawson ◽  
A. F. Carson ◽  
L. O. W. McClinton
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
The Other ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Lamb Growth ◽  
Average Figure

AbstractAn experiment was undertaken to compare the productivity of crossbred ewes, produced by crossing Texel sires with Rouge de l’Ouest (Rouge) dams and Rouge sires with Texel dams, relative to purebred Texel and Rouge ewes. The purebred and crossbred ewes were crossed with Rouge and Texel sires. The proportion of productive ewes was similar in the purebred and crossbred ewes with an average figure of 0·92. Irrespective of crossing sire, Rouge ewes produced 0·48 more lambs per ewe lambed than Texel ewes (P < 0·001). The two crossbred ewe types (Texel ✕ Rouge and Rouge ✕ Texel) each produced similar numbers of lambs (on average 1·92 lambs per ewe lambed). Individual heterosis values for ewe fertility and prolificacy were small and not significant (–1·67 for the proportion of productive ewes and –3·14 for the number of lambs born per ewe lambed). Maternal heterosis values were also not significant but were of larger magnitude (6·26 for ewe fertility and 3·12 for prolificacy). Lamb mortality (number of lambs born dead per ewe lambed) at birth was similar for purebred Rouge (0·44) and Texel (0·30) ewes and was significantly reduced by crossbred matings and mating the crossbred ewes (individual heterosis –30·68, P < 0·10; maternal heterosis –80·23, P < 0·001). Individual and maternal heterosis values for lamb growth rate from birth to six weeks were 8 (P < 0·05) and 4 (P > 0·05) respectively. Lamb growth rate from birth to weaning was significantly lower in lambs from Texel ewes compared with those from the other genotypes (P < 0·05). Individual and maternal heterosis values for live-weight gain from birth to weaning were 5 (P < 0·10) and 5 (P < 0·01). The results of the current study demonstrate the superior performance of purebred Rouge ewes compared with purebred Texel ewes in terms of prolificacy and lamb growth rate from birth to weaning. However, both breeds had high lamb mortality at birth. Crossbreeding led to the production of hybrid ewes which had relatively high prolificacy with low levels of dystocia and lamb mortality.

scholarly journals Use of coccidiostat in mineral salt and study on ovine eimeriosis

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Luiz Freire de Andrade Júnior ◽  
Patrícia Costa da Silva ◽  
Emerson Moreira de Aguiar ◽  
Francisco Glauco de Araújo Santos
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Eimeria Species ◽  
The State ◽  
Mineral Salt ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Parasitological Diagnosis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Sheep Production

Coccidiosis is a serious obstacle to sheep production, which is becoming a limiting factor, especially with regard to lamb production. However, there are few studies on this parasite in the State of Rio Grande do Norte. The aim of this study was to evaluate the action of decoquinate, added to mineral salt, for controlling Eimeria infection in lambs, and to identify which species are infecting sheep in the eastern region of the state. This study was carried out from August 2009 to January 2010, and used 76 animals. These were divided into two treatment groups: one with common mineral salt, and the other with mineral salt enriched with 6% micronized decoquinate. Fecal samples and body weight measurements were taken every 14 days for parasitological diagnosis, weight gain follow-up and quantitative analysis. The study showed that there was a significant difference in OPG only at the 7th collection, but no significant difference in weight gain. The Eimeria species found were E. ahsata. E. crandallis. E. granulosa. E. intrincata. E. ovina. E. faurei. E. ovinoidalis. E. pallida and E. parva. It was concluded that addition of decoquinate to mineral salt gave rise to lower oocyst elimination, thus favoring eimeriosis control in sheep.

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