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Volume 15 (6); November 2025 [Booklet]

Research Paper

Evaluation of Wedelia trilobata (L.) Hitchc. as a forage for reproductive rabbits does in a tropical environment

Mo D and Chau NTV.

Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 15(6): 320-327, 2025; pii: S222877012500036-15

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2025.36 

Abstract

In this study, Wedelia trilobata (L.) Hitchc. was evaluated as forage for reproductive rabbit does in a tropical environment. Eighteen crossbred does (New Zealand White × Local) were fed six dietary treatments in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications. Six diets were designated as W0, W25, W40, W50, W60, and Wa, corresponding to W. trilobata levels of 0, 25, 40, 50, and 60% of concentrate intake (dry matter, DM, basis), ad libitum. The trial lasted nine months, covering three reproductive cycles. Feed and nutrient intake, reproductive performance, and milk yield were measured. W. trilobata contained 9.25% crude protein (CP), similar to Brachiaria mutica, but had higher metabolizable energy (ME: 10.3 MJ/kg DM) and lower fiber (CF: 18.9%, NDF: 40.4%, and ADF: 27.9%). Nutrient intake peaked at moderate inclusion (W40-W60), with DM intake of 124-132 g/day compared with 113 g in the W0 and 103 g in the Wa (P < 0.05). The W50 group had the highest CP intake (23.7 g/day), while the greatest ME intake was 1.52 MJ/day. Rabbit does in the moderate groups were heavier before kindling (2957-2958 g) than the control (2736 g) and produced more milk (86.9-88.2 g/day) than the W25 group (74.7 g/day) (P < 0.05). Litter size and weights did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) among treatments. In conclusion, including W. trilobata at 40-60% of concentrate intake improved doe condition and milk yield without affecting litter size or weight. Its abundance makes it practical forage for smallholder rabbit production in tropical climates.

Keywords: Alternative forage, Rabbit does, Reproductive performance, Sustainable livestock breeding, Tropical climate, Wedelia trilobata.  

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Research Paper

Estimation of crossbreeding parameters and growth performance of Begait × Sekota sheep crossbred under on-farm conditions of Wag-himra, Northern Ethiopia

Gobeze M, Aklog W, Wondim B, Bahiru A, Walle Y, Gebremariam T, Limenh T, and Demlie A.

Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 15(6): 328-337, 2025; pii: S222877012500037-15

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2025.37 

Abstract

Crossbreeding programs using either exotic or indigenous sires are an appropriate and rapid way to improve productivity within a shorter generation interval. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the growth performance traits of individual crossbreeding parameters of Sekota x Begait sheep crossbred under on-farm conditions in the lowland areas of Wag-himra, Northern Ethiopia. The cross-breeding program was conducted from 2018 to 2022 in Kasayred village of Abergele district on 699 animals. Least-squares means for weight at different ages and average daily weight gains were obtained by fitting the general linear model procedure in the SAS software. Crossbreeding parameters, including additive, heterosis, and recombination loss, were derived by fitting them as fixed covariates. The overall least square means for birth weight (BWt), three-month weight (TMWt), six-month weight (SMWt), nine-month weight (NMWt), and yearling weight (YWt) of evaluated progenies were 2.49±0.02, 11.61±0.09, 15.66±0.17, 19.27±0.18, and 23.46±0.23 kg, respectively. The overall least square means for average daily weight gain up to weaning (ADG1), six-month (ADG2), nine-month (ADG3), and yearling (ADG4) were 101.03±1.00, 45.30±1.38, 40.93±1.20, and 46.07±0.90 g/day. Only the additive effect of BWt for the Begait sheep breed was significant and it was found as 0.35±0.13 kg. Heterosis contributed 27-39 % live body weight improvement for Sekota sheep at yearling and six-month weights. In general, this pilot crossbreeding program resulted in 24% to 53% yearling weight improvement of pure Sekota breed (50%,75%, and 25% blood levels, respectively), and participating farmers in the program witnessed that it was important in terms of improvement in phenotypic traits, growth rates, and market values. Based on the result of this study, we recommend establishing a 50% crossbred ram multiplication center in the area for long-term operation and further evaluating other blood levels by incorporating carcass and reproductive performance traits.

Keywords: Begait sheep, Crossbreeding, Farmers management practice, Phenotypic traits, Sekota sheep 

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Research Paper

Energy metabolism and performance of local sheep fed on ammoniated rice straw and concentrate supplemented with waru and bamboo leaf meals

Aisyah I, Bata M, Rahayu S, Rimbawanto EA, and Setyaningrum A.

Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 15(6): 338-344, 2025; pii: S222877012500038-15

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2025.38 

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of waru (Hibiscus tiliaceus) leaf meal (WLM) and bamboo (Gigantochloa apus) leaf meal (BLM) supplementation on energy metabolism and performance of local sheep fed on ammoniated rice straw and concentrate. Sixteen male local sheep aged 12–18 months with initial average body weight of 27.1 ± 2.11 kg (7.78% coefficient of variation) were completely randomized according to a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) to receive one of the following treatments: T0 (ammoniated rice straw + concentrate feed); T1 (T0 + 2.49 g WLM); T2 (T0 + 1.87 g WLM + 0.33 g BLM); and T3 (T0 + 1.25 g WLM + 0.65 g BLM). The concentrate was provided at 3% of live weight, and ammoniated rice straw was available on a controlled ad libitum. Analysis of variance indicated that WLM and BLM supplementation significantly increased digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), energy retention (ER), ER to EI efficiency, ER to DE efficiency, average daily gain (ADG), and consumption rate (CR), while significantly decreasing the feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P<0.01). However, the treatments had no significant effect (P>0.05) on dry matter intake (DMI) and energy intake (EI). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 1.87 g of WLM and 0.33 g of BLM per kg concentrate was more effective than the other combinations in improving energy metabolism and performance of local sheep.

Keywords: Energy, Feed conversion, Flavonoid, Metabolism, Sheep nutrition.

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Research Paper

Prevalence, epidemiology and histopathology of Ascaridia galli infections in backyard chickens in Gazipur district, Bangladesh

Khatun F, Al Mahmud MA, Akhi IA, Sadi RS, Das ZC, Islam MS, Islam MT.

Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 15(6): 345-353, 2025; pii: S222877012500039-15

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2025.39 

Abstract

Ascaridia galli is responsible for weight loss, emaciation, anemia, decreased egg production, and in severe cases, intestinal obstruction and death in chickens, resulting in significant economic losses for the poultry industry. This study aimed to assess the present status of Ascaridia galli in backyard chickens in Gazipur district. Additionally, the study examined histopathological changes in the intestines and livers of chickens heavily infested with this nematode. Postmortem examination, helminth collection and identification were conducted on 237 backyard chickens from March 2023 to February 2024. The overall prevalence was found to be 40.51%, with Kaliakair upazila showing the highest prevalence at 55.26%, while Sreepur upazila had the lowest at 27.08%. Factors such as season, sex, and age significantly influenced the incidence of ascariasis in backyard chickens. Adults exhibited the highest occurrence rate at 44.88%, with males (44.19%) showing a greater prevalence than females (36.22%). The highest incidence was recorded in the summer at 57.14%. In cases of severe infection, Ascaridia galli obstructs the small intestine, leading to inflamed, hemorrhagic intestines that produce excess mucus. The livers of the infected chickens appeared swollen, enlarged, and pale, with signs of congestion, hemorrhage, and inflammation. Histopathological analysis revealed hemorrhage and inflammatory cell infiltration in the intestines, along with damaged and lacerated intestinal tissues. The livers showed congestion, ruptured blood vessels, inflammation, hemorrhage, and necrosis. In conclusion, this study identifies potential risk factors associated with Ascaridia galli infection in backyard chickens in Gazipur district, offering insights that could aid in controlling and preventing such infections.

Keywords: Ascaridia galli, Domestic birds, Epidemiology, Histopathology, Poultry health.

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Research Paper

Chemical composition of soybean meal and its effects on nutrient density, egg production, and blood parameters in Bovans Brown layers

Yimer Y, Tegegne F, and Demeke S.

Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 15(6): 354-362, 2025; pii: S222877012500040-15

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2025.40 

Abstract

Soybean meal (SBM) is an essential protein source in poultry diets. However, data on the variability of its chemical composition from Ethiopian processing plants and its optimal inclusion levels in layer diets are limited. This study aimed to assess the nutritional quality of locally sourced SBM from the Amhara Region and evaluate the effects of different levels of SBM inclusion on production performance, egg quality, and blood parameters in laying hens. The chemical composition of SBM samples from 11 regional processing plants was initially analyzed. Subsequently, a 12-week feeding trial was conducted using 120, 34-week-old Bovans Brown layers. The hens were randomly assigned to one of five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD). The treatments consisted of a commercial control diet and four experimental diets containing 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% SBM. Each treatment was replicated three times, with eight hens per replicate. Significant variation (P < 0.05) was observed in the chemical composition of SBM samples from different processors. Crude protein ranged from 38.42 to 43.52%, ether extract (1.23 - 5.27%), crude fiber (5.58 - 7.35%), and metabolizable energy (3348.3 - 3594.8 kcal/kg DM). Dietary crude protein concentration increased with higher SBM inclusion from 14.74% to 17.56%. An inclusion level of 20% SBM was identified as optimal, resulting in the highest hen-day egg production (89.72%) and net return (446.63 ETB), with no adverse effects on egg quality and hematological parameters remaining within normal ranges. This study concludes that there is significant variation in the chemical composition of locally processed SBMs, highlighting the need for pre-use nutritional evaluation. Under the experimental conditions, a 20% SBM inclusion level is regarded as acceptable and optimal for mid-laying hens.
Keywords: Chemical composition, Egg production, Egg quality, Nutrient density, Soybean meal.

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Research Paper

Impact of pellet binder type on the quality and performance of pellet mills with different levels of oil and fat powder

Emadi M, Sephri Moghadam H, and Salehan M.

Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 15(6): 363-370, 2025; pii: S222877012500041-15

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2025.41 

Abstract

The current study aimed to assess the effects of fat powder levels, oil levels, and two types of pellet binders, including bentonite and gum Tragacanth on the physical quality and pellet durability index (PDI) over 75 days. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement. Experimental treatments included 5 to 10 kilograms of fat powder, 7 to 11 kilograms of oil, and pellet binders. The pellet binders consisted of bentonite, plant-based binders such as gum Tragacanth, and their combination. The present results indicated that using fat powder and oil levels, with pellet binders, significantly increased PDI in the starter period. The concentration and type of pellet binder were effective parameters in treatments during the experiment. Fat powder significantly improved the physical quality of the pellet on days 15, 30, 60, and 75, while oil notably improved the effects of the pellet on all days except day 0. Fat powder, oil, and pellet binder played crucial roles in determining the physical quality of pellets during the finisher period across all days. The interaction between fat powder and oil substantially affected finisher pellet quality on all days except days 15 and 45. Oil levels did not have impacts on the physical quality of the finisher pellets. Gum Tragacanth binder demonstrated the highest average physical pellet quality on days 0, 45, 60, and 75, while bentonite exhibited the best performance on days 15 and 30. The utilization of pellet binders combined with adding oil and fat powder to the diet, improve the physical qualities of the produced pellets.

Keywords: Pellet binder, Pellet durability index, Pellet hardness, Fat powder, Oil

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Research Paper

Influence of dietary supplemented glutamate on growth performance, haematological and serum indices of broiler chickens in hot tropical environment

Adeyemo AA, Abdulahi UO, Adeyemo AJ, Iyanda AI, Adekola TO and Adekunle EO.

Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 15(1): 371-377, 2025; pii: S222877012500042-15

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2025.42 

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of glutamate on growth, haematological and serum indices of broiler chickens in hot tropical environment (> 30ºc). One-hundred-and-sixty-day old Arbor acre male broiler chicks were randomly allotted into four dietary treatment groups of four replicates having 10 chicks per replicate in a completely randomized design. Dietary treatments groups contain different inclusion levels of glutamate (basal diet + 0%, 0.3%, 0.6% and 0.9% glutamate (G), in an open sided pen). The experiment lasted for seven weeks during which data were collected on growth, heamatological and serum indices. Result showed birds fed diet containing 0.9% G at the starter phase had (P < 0.05) increased feed intake compared to other treatment groups. Inclusion of 0.6% G at the finisher phase (P < 0.05) improved final weight and weight gain in birds compared to 0.3% G group. Best feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05) was obtained from birds fed diet containing 0.6% G compared to birds on 0.3% and 0.9% inclusion. Inclusion of 0.6% G at the starter phase (P < 0.05) improved total protein. Increased mean corpuscular haemoglobin (P < 0.05) was obtained from birds on 0.6% G compared to lower mean values obtained from birds on 0.3% G. The study concluded that inclusion of glutamate in the diet of broiler chickens at 0.6% improved final weight, weight gain and feed conversion ratio without causing any adverse effect on blood indices of broiler chickens as glutamate increased serum protein and mean corpuscular haemoglobin of broiler chickens.

Keywords: Blood profile, Broiler chickens, Essential nutrients, Glutamic acid, Growth response.

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Research Paper

The addition of pumpkin seed oil to common carp diets affects several physiological and productive characteristics

Alhamadani ASA-A, Negaud KZ, Fazaa HA, and Sayed-Lafi RM.

Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 15(6): 378-386, 2025; pii: S222877012500043-15

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.51227/ojafr.2025.43 

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding different levels of pumpkin seed oil (PSO) (Cucurbita pepo L.) on specific growth and immune blood parameters in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Six oil concentrations were tested, representing six treatments: PSO at 0% (control), 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, and 3%. All treatments were incorporated into a diet containing 29.14% protein. A total of 147 fish were divided into 21 cages, with three replicates per treatment, averaging 32±0.72 g in weight. The fish were fed at 3% of biomass per day, split into two meals; rations were adjusted biweekly according to measured biomass for 82 days. The 2% PSO treatment showed significantly better results (P<0.05) across all growth parameters studied, including Final Weight (FW), Weight Gain (WG), Daily Growth Rate (DGR), Relative Growth Rate (RGR), Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Food Intake (FI), Metabolic Growth Rate (MGR), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Feed Conversion Efficiency (FCE), and Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER). Followed by the PSO 1.5% treatment. In blood parameters, PSO 2% also performed best in all measured aspects—Red Blood Cells (RBCs), Hemoglobin (Hp), Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)—with 1.5% PSO closely behind. In immunological parameters, 2% PSO increased the value of WBCs, TPS, and IgM, with 1.5% PSO just behind. Blood performance, which assesses overall blood health as a single measure, showed the highest performance in the 2% PSO treatment, significantly surpassing other treatments (P<0.05). Overall, the results indicated that adding different levels of PSO to carp diets has positive effects at a rate not exceeding 2%.

Keywords: Common carp, Cucurbita pepo, Fatty acids, Fish nutrition, Pumpkin.

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