Journal of Livestock Policy

Effect of Age and Physiological Status on Few Blood Biochemical Parameters of Apparently Healthy Nellore Sheep from Hot and Humid Areas of Andhra Pradesh

Ashok Chandra, Vasantha, Sujana, Nikhil kumar Tej, Srinivasa Prasad Ch — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0300

Nellore brown sheep are the most commonly reared in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The present study was conducted to report the affect of age and physiological status on few blood biochemical parameters of apparently healthy goats from the hot and humid areas of Andhra Pradesh. A total of 18 sheep of age 0-1 year, pregnant and lactating were used for our study. The results evidenced significantly higher RBC, Hb in pregnant group compared to others. The PCV were found to be significantly higher in 0-1 year group. The total protein, creatinine were significantly higher in lactating group compared to the other two. The albumin levels were found to be significantly higher in pregnant group. The cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus levels were found to be significantly higher in 0-1 year group and decreased in periparturient period. The study established baseline values of Nellore sheep in the hot and humid areas of Andhra Pradesh and therefore can be used as reference values for further studies on these species.

Potentials of Scent Leaves (O. gratissimum) as Feed Additive on Performance, Selected Blood Biochemicals and Helminthiasis in Weaner Pigs

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0300

Purpose: A study was conducted to examine the potentials of scent leaves (SL) (O. gratissimum) meal as a feed additive on performance, blood biochemicals and antihelmintic in weaner pigs.

Methodology: Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was adopted using 30 mixed breed of large-white and duroc weaner pigs, allocated to three treatments with ten pigs each, replicated five times with two pigs per replicate. Formulated diet (1) is a Positive Control (PC) – supplemented with Kepro-dewomer, diet 2 a Negative Control (NC) – without Kepro-dewomer and Scent Leaves (SL), while Diet 3 was supplemented with Scent Leaves (SL) at 1.0%. Data collected were analysed using ANOVA with SAS software. Treatment means were separated using Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test.

Findings: Results indicated that there were significant (p<0.05) differences among treatments in final body weight gain (FBWG). Highest daily weight gain (HDWG) (0.51kg) and highest daily feed intake (HDFI) (0.46kg) were recorded in pigs fed diet 3. Packed cell volume (PCV), Red blood cell (RBC), Haemoglobin (Hb) levels were not significantly (p>0.05) different among the experimental groups 1 and 3: (37.01) (26.7), (12.72) (39.11) (25.5) (12.88) respectively. Meanwhile, diets 1 and 3 were significantly (p<0.05) improved serum biochemicals parameters (Aspartate amino transferase – AST). (Alanine aminotransferase – ALT) and (Alkaline phosphate – ALP) compared with diet 2. Kepro dewomer and scent leaves dietary supplementation had a significant reduction on oocysts shedded per gram of feaces in diet 1 (30.42, 31.03, 32.96) and diet 3 (36.78, 35.89, 31.11) compared with diet 2 (61.3, 63.41, 68.01) respectively

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The idea of alternative medication theory to synthetic drug in livestock feeds was conceived and developed; towards solving the problem of resistance of microbial pathogens to synthetic antibiotic as a result of its continuous usage. Findings, therefore, showed that the strategic supplementation of scent leaves meal as an alternative deworner to synthetic deworner that poses health risks to consumers could be avoided. Also, the need to adapt a collection and processing strategy at many locations wherever the scent leaf plant is produced and are poorly utilized or being wasted.

Analysis of Government Subsidies on Livestock Farming Sustainability

Jasmine Isabella — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0300

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate the analysis of government subsidies on livestock farming sustainability.

Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries.

Findings: The findings revealed significant and concerning patterns. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and prolonged droughts are consistently linked to adverse health outcomes for livestock, including dairy cattle, sheep, poultry, and cattle, across various regions. These climate-induced stressors increase the incidence of heat-related health issues, malnutrition, dehydration, and the proliferation of vector-borne diseases among animals. Reduced milk production, higher mortality rates, and decreased grazing resources are common consequences.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Government subsidies play a crucial role in promoting sustainability in livestock farming. They bolster the economic viability of farms, particularly in resource-constrained environments, and encourage the adoption of sustainable practices, including improved animal welfare and reduced environmental impacts. The effectiveness of subsidies depends on their design, with direct payments to small-scale farmers proving more beneficial for sustainability. A balanced approach to subsidies, combining economic support with sustainability goals, enhances resilience in the livestock sector. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that subsidies align with long-term sustainability objectives and do not inadvertently encourage unsustainable practices or overproduction.

Impact of Feed Quality on Livestock Productivity

Ahmet Baris — Tue, 19 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0300

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate impact of feed quality on livestock productivity.

Findings: High-quality feed rich in essential nutrients, such as protein and energy, plays a crucial role in enhancing the growth, reproduction, and overall health of livestock. Research consistently demonstrates that access to nutritious feed leads to increased weight gain in meat-producing animals, higher milk yields in dairy cattle, and improved reproductive performance in breeding stock. Conversely, poor-quality feed or inadequate nutrition can lead to stunted growth, lower milk production, reduced fertility, and increased susceptibility to diseases. Therefore, optimizing feed quality through proper nutrition management is a fundamental factor in maximizing livestock productivity and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices.

Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Nutrient Utilization Theory, Liebig's Law of the Minimum and Optimal Foraging Theory may be used to anchor future studies on impact of feed quality on livestock productivity. Livestock producers should implement stringent quality control measures to ensure the consistency and safety of animal feeds. Government agencies and industry associations can develop educational programs and training initiatives for livestock farmers.