<div>The present study was carried out to ascertain the effect of dietary inclusion of a customised supplement to farmers&rsquo; based diet on voluntary feed intake and nutrient metabolism in crossbred calves. In order to carry out the experiment, fifteen crossbred calves (18 months old; 166.53&plusmn;4.93 kg mean BW) were randomly allocated to 3 groups (5 calves in each group) as CON, Treat and SBR, in a CRD for 30 days. The calves in CON (control) group were fed on cereal straw based diet with concentrate mixture as per the farmers&rsquo; practices, whereas, the calves in Treat were fed according to CON with additional customized supplement @ 0.25% of BW. The calves in SBR group were fed standard diet as per Kearl (1982). The intake (gd-1) of DM and OM was significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher in SBR than Treat and CON groups, while DM and OM intake as % of BW in Treat group has an intermediate position between SBR and CON groups. The concentrate intake (gd-1) was significantly (P&lt;0.001) higher in SBR followed by Treat and CON group, respectively. However, intake of wheat straw and green maize was found to be identical (P&gt;0.05) among all the groups. The digestibility coefficient of DM, OM, CP, NDF and ADF was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in Treat and SBR groups than CON. The N-retention as per cent of intake and absorbed-N was significantly (P&lt;0.001) higher in Treat and SBR groups than CON. The Ca and P retention (gd-1) was significantly (P&lt;0.001) higher in SBR group followed by Treat and CON groups. The intake (gd-1) and density (%) of DCP and TDN were significantly (P&lt;0.001) higher in SBR group followed by Treat and CON groups. Thus, it can be concluded that supplementation of the customised supplement (@ 0.25% of BW) to CON diet significantly improved the voluntary feed intake and nutrient metabolism in crossbred calves.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Influence of Customized Supplement on Voluntary Feed Intake and Nutrient Metabolism in Crossbred Calves</div>

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of supplementation of concentrate at different levels to sweet sorghum bagasse leaf residue (SSBLR) silage on nutrient utilization in growing lambs in a metabolism trial conducted after 120days of feeding. &nbsp;Sixteen growing Nellore ram lambs (18.3&plusmn;0.8) were randomly allotted to 4 dietary groups (4 in each group) &nbsp;and were inducted into metabolic cages five days prior to collection for acclimatization followed by a seven day collection period. The four dietary groups were SSBLR silage fed ad libitum and supplemented with concentrate mixture (CP 17% and ME 2.53 Mcal/kg DM) at 0.0 (R-I), 0.75 (R-II), 1.0 (R-III) and 1.25 (R-IV) per cent of their live Weight. Significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher total DMI (g/kg w0.75) was noticed in concentrate supplemented groups. The organic matter, crude protein and nitrogen free extract digestibility was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in lambs fed R-IV ration than those fed R-I ration. No significant difference in the digestibility of dry matter, ether extract and cell wall constituents was observed among the rations. The digestible crude protein (%) (P&lt;0.01) and metabolizable energy (Mcal/kg) values increased (P&gt;0.0) with increase in level of concentrate in the diet. Negative and lower (P&lt;0.01) nitrogen balance (g/d) was noticed in R-I ration. The N balance linearly increased with increase in level of concentrate supplementation. The study indicated feeding of sole SSBLR silage couldn&rsquo;t meet the nutrient requirements and Supplementation of concentrate mixture (0.75-1.25%) to SSBLR silage improved the nutrient &nbsp;digestibility and nitrogen balance in growing lambs.

Effect of supplementation of concentrate to sweet sorghum bagasse with leaf residue silage on nutrient utilization and nitrogen balance in native sheep

<div>Background: With the ban on the use of antibiotics as feed additives and growth promoters in animal nutrition, livestock scientists are now shifting their attention towards natural and safe products like organic acids, probiotics, prebiotics and herbal growth promoters. Plants containing essential compounds can be a cost-effective means of improving efficiency of nutrient utilization and growth performance of animals. Garlic (Allium sativum L.) belongs to the family Liliaceae, which is a genus of 500 species. The medicinal properties of garlic may have beneficial effects on nutrient utilization and health of animals. However, very few studies have been reported whereby garlic has been fed to ruminants. Therefore, the present study was design to investigate the effect of garlic supplementation on nutrient utilization, gastro intestinal parasites and haemato-biochemical profile in crossbred calves. 
 
Methods: Twelve crossbred male calves of similar age (3-6 months) were randomly allotted to two equal groups ((n=6) on basis of body weight. All animals were maintained on common feeding regime consisting of required concentrate mixture and roughage as per requirement given by ICAR (2013). Calves in experimental group were supplemented with garlic (Allium sativum) @ 250 mg per kg body weight whereas; the control group was remaining unsupplemented. The study was conducted for 90 days. After 60 days of experimental feeding a digestion trial of seven days was conducted to access the nutrient utilization of animals. The faecal sample of each animal was collected fortnightly for parasitological examination of helminthes eggs. Blood samples were collected from each animal at 0 and 90 days of feeding trial to assess the haemato biochemical profile of crossbred calves. 
 
Result:&nbsp;The results indicated that the intake and digestibility of DM, OM, CP, EE, ADF and NDF were statistically (P&gt;0.05) similar in both the groups. The haemato-biochemical parameters like Hb, PCV, RBC, WBC, glucose, TP, albumin, globulin and A:G ratio were statistically (P&gt;0.05) comparable among both the groups at 0 and 90 days of study. Similarly, the fortnightly faecal egg per gram (EPG) was also statically (P&gt;0.05) similar in both the groups. From the results it can be deduced that the garlic (Allium sativum) supplementation has no any effect on feed intake and digestibility of DM, OM, CP, EE, ADF, NDF and CP but significantly increases in digestibility of CF. Garlic powder supplementation did not have&nbsp; any appreciable effect on haemato-biochemical profile and faecal egg per gram (EPG) in crossbred calves.</div>

Effect of Garlic (Allium sativum) Supplementation on Nutrient Utilization, Gastrointestinal Parasites and Haemato-biochemical Profile of Crossbred Calves

Background: Enzyme stimulates metabolic and digestive processes leading to increased feed intake and improved nutrient availability in animals. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of enzyme supplementation on nutrient utilization and production performance in lactating Murrah Buffaloes during winter season. 
 
Methods: Twenty four lactating Murrah buffaloes were selected for the study from Livestock Research Centre, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Modipuram, Meerut (UP). All the selected animals were randomly allocated into four treatment groups having six animals in each group on the basis of body weight, lactation length and milk yield. The daily nutrient requirements of lactating Murrah buffaloes in term of DM, DCP and TDN were provided as per the feeding standards of Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi (2013). Total Mixed Ration for buffaloes was prepared by mixing of roughage and concentrates in the ratio of 60:40 after grinding/chaffing. Roughage part was consisting of available winter season green fodder e.g. oat and wheat straw available at research centre. Feeding trial was planned into four treatment groups viz. T1 (Basal diet without enzyme supplementation), T2 (Basal diet with supplementation of Xylanase @ 800000 IU), T3 (Basal diet with supplementation of Cellulase @ 240000 IU) and T4 (Basal diet with supplementation of Xylanase @ 800000 IU and Cellulase @ 240000 IU).&nbsp; 
 
Result: From the present study, it was observed that the average milk yield (5.34 litre/day) was higher in T4 as compared to other treatment groups, but the difference was non-significant. The average milk fat percent was recorded as 7.52, 7.58. 7.60 and 7.65 in T1, T2, T3 and T4 treatment groups, respectively. Although the results of T4 group animals were comparatively higher in all major milk constituents the differences were found to be statistically non-significant. The average DM intake (kg/d, kg/100 kg BW and g/kg W0.75) and CP intake (g/d, g/100 kg BW) were almost similar in all treatment groups. The TDN intake (kg/d, kg/100 kg BW and g/kg W0.75) was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in enzyme supplemented groups. The digestibility coefficient of CP, CF, NDF and ADF were higher (P&lt;0.05) in buffaloes of T4 over control (T1) group. So, it was concluded from the above study that the milk production and milk composition could be improved with the combine use of Xylanase and Cellulase enzyme in murrah buffaloes due to improved CP and fibre digestibility.

Effect of Enzyme Supplementation on Nutrient Utilization and Production Performance in Lactating Murrah Buffaloes

Background: Fibre is digested in the foregut of all ruminant animals by the microbes present. Digestibility of fibres of crop residues is low along with significant loss of feed energy as methane. Sulfate is reduced in the rumen by sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) and stimulates microbial growth with an increase in rumen microbial protein supply to the host animal. Essential oils (EOs) are among the most important plant-derived products, frequently responsible for the health-promoting qualities of various species. Both essential oils from fennel and clove exhibited pronounced and varying degree of growth inhibition against fungal and bacterial pathogens. Microbial digestion in the rumen can be improved by using these feed additives. Therefore, in the current study a combination of herbal feed additive and sulfate test in in vivo trial for their effect on nutrient utilization and performance of calves. 
 
Methods: Twenty four growing cattle calves (12 male Haryana, 8 male Sahiwal, 4 female Sahiwal calves) were distributed into four groups with six animals each in a randomized block design. Control (C) group was not supplemented with any extra things other than the present in the basal diet, T1 group was supplemented with herbal feed additive (Fennel + CLO; @ 1.0% of DMI), T2 group was supplemented with sulfate @ 0.075% of DMI and group T3 were supplemented with diet containing herbal feed additive (Fennel + CLO; @ 1.0% of DMI) and sulfate @ 0.075% of DMI. The basal diet offered to experimental groups contains 40% concentrate and 60% wheat straw. Body weight and dry matter intake were recorded fortnightly. 
 
Result: Overall body weight, DMI (kg/day), TDN intake (g/kg W0.75) and DCP intake (g/kg W) were found to be similar in the treatment as well as control group. Nutrient digestibility and digestible nutrient intake were not impacted by supplementation of either herbal feed additive and/or sulfate supplementation. ADGs were similar in all groups. FCR was not significantly different between the control and treatment groups. It may be concluded that supplementation of herbal feed additive (Fennel + CLO; @ 1.0% of DMI) may be used as an alternate electron acceptor and rumen modifier in high roughage-based ration as it does not have any harmful effect on growth and nutrient utilization on cattle calves. 
&nbsp;

Effect of Herbal Feed Additives and Sulfate Supplementation on Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilization of Cattle Calves

<div style="text-align: justify;">Effects of the supplementation of L. plantarum and L. casei based spray dried probiotic milk powder was investigated for growth performances, nutrient utilization and blood biochemistry including the cholesterol lowering effect in Charles Foster (CF) rats. Forty-eight male CF rats (21 day old) were divided into four groups and fed on basal diets supplemented with plane spray dried milk powder without any probiotic (control) and L. plantarum, L. casei and the mixed culture of L. plantarum and L. casei based spray dried probiotic milk powder, respectively in LP, LC and LPLC groups. Supplementation of diets with probiotic milk powder containing either the monoculture of L. plantarum or L. casei or their mixed culture improved growth, feed conversion ratio and nutrient utilization. Improved health performance was reflected in hemato-clinical chemistry including the hypocholesterolemic effect of the probiotic milk powder supplemented experimental rats. Although the improvement in growth, nutrient utilization and &nbsp;health of experimental rats was observed in all the three probiotic milk powder supplemented groups viz. LP, LC and LPLC; however these improvement was more in the L. plantarum or L. casei mixed culture supplemented group as compared to other two monoculture probiotic milk powder supplemented groups.&nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Effect of supplementation of L. plantarum and L.gv based probiotic milk powder on growth performances and nutrient utilization of Charles Foster rats</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">An experiment was conducted to examine the effect of dietary vanadium supplementation on feed intake, efficiency of nutrient utilization, growth performance, blood biochemical constituents and endocrine status in male Sahiwal calves. The vanadium concentration in some common feed ingredients was also estimated. Twenty male Sahiwal calves were randomly selected and divided on body weight (71&plusmn;8.06 kg) and age (6&plusmn;0.82 months) equalization into 4 different groups (n = 5). The treatments were given with 0, 2, 4 and 8 ppm of vanadium in GP-I, GP-II, GP-III and GP-IV, respectively for a duration of hundred and twenty days and subjected to analysis of variance in completely randomized design (CRD). Green fodder and deoiled seed cakes were found rich in vanadium content than grains and by-products. The dietary supplementation of vanadium did not affect the feed intake, digestibility of nutrients, average daily gain and feed efficiency. Plasma glucose level was increased (p &lt;0.05) in GP-III and GP-1V without (p&gt;0.05) affecting insulin level .The total protein, AST and ALT were unaffected by V supplementation. GP-IV showed higher (p &lt;0.05) IGF-1 levels, whereas GP-III and GP-1V recorded higher (p &lt; 0.05) ALP activity in comparison to GP-I (control) and GP-II. The level of triglycerides decreased in a dose dependent way, however, the cholesterol concentration showed a declining (p &lt; 0.05) trend with the increasing vanadium concentration in the diet. It may be concluded that the dietary vanadium supplementation elicits the metabolic profile specially glucose and lipid metabolism of growing calves which in turn may have implications on further growth performance.&nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Influence of Dietary Vanadium Supplementation on Nutrient Utilisation, Growth Performance and Blood Biochemical Parameters in Sahiwal Calves</div>

Background: Ban on utilization of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) in poultry diets has driven the implementation of alternative strategies to maintain gut health, optimal digestibility and performance in broiler production. Lauric acid (LA) is a medium chain fatty acids and could be used as a potential alternative to AGP in broiler diets. Hence, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of LA at graded levels on nutrient retention, blood biochemical constituents and gut microflora count. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: Three hundred, day old commercial broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 6 dietary treatments with 10 replicates of 5 chicks in each. Corn-soybean meal based basal diet (BD) was formulated for pre-starter (1-2weeks), starter (3-4 weeks) and finisher (5-6 weeks) phases without AGP (negative control). Positive control diet was the BD having 0.035% chlortetracycline as AGP. The remaining 4 experimental diets were formulated by supplementing LA to BD at rate of 0.05% (LA-50), 0.075% (LA-75), 0.1% (LA-100) and 0.2% (LA-200), respectively. Blood was collected from 1 bird per replicate on 35thd to estimate blood biochemical constituents. To assess the nutrient retention, metabolic trial of 3 d duration was conducted on one randomly selected bird per replicate after 42 d. On same day, 1 bird from each replicate was sacrificed for enumeration of&nbsp;total bacteria and Escherichia coli in gut. 
&nbsp; 
Result: The utilization of dry matter was higher (P&lt;0.05) in broilers fed on graded levels of LA than BD fed chicks and was comparable to that of AGP fed birds. Broilers supplemented with LA-200 and LA-75 diet had higher (P&lt;0.01) crude protein retention than those fed BD. Significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher ether extract retention was observed in LA-200 fed birds compared to those on BD, AGP, LA-50, LA-75 and LA-100. Replacement of AGP with LA (0.05 to 0.2%) in diets decreased (P&lt;0.05) total bacterial and E.coli count in gut. Serum glucose, cholesterol, albumin, globulin and its ratio were not affected while serum total protein was higher (P&lt;0.05) in LA-75 and LA-200 fed birds compared to BD birds. Based on the results it could be concluded that, lauric acid supplementation at 0.05% in diets improved nutrient retention and gut health and could be used as alternative to antibiotic growth promoter. 
&nbsp;

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Lauric Acid on Blood Biochemical Constituents, Nutrient Retention and Gut Microflora Count in Commercial Broilers

<div style="text-align: justify;">Background: In Southeast Asia a high level with the agricultural productivity, especially rice straw is produced for livestock feed such as buffalo and beef cattle. However rice straw is poor quality (low in protein and its high silica content). Subsequently, ruminant nutritionists have established to increase the potential of poor quality roughages for animal feeding such as Total mixed ration (TMR) using rice straw as a roughage source with vegetable oils to increase energy density in the diet, that can improve by produced for ruminant diet. Methods: In this field-laboratory investigation during 2017-2018. Three animals, one and half year old with live weight 120 &plusmn; 15.50 kg, were randomly assigned in 3 x 3 latin square design. Each period of feeding lasted for 21 days. During the experimental periods, all cattle were fed total mixed ration (TMR; containing rice straw: concentrate ratio as 40:60), adding soybean oil (SO), palm oil (PO) and sunflower oil (SFO) supplementations. Total fat in TMRs were at 3 percentages. &nbsp;&nbsp; Result: Our investigations were to evaluate the effect of soybean oil (SO), palm oil (PO) and sunflower oil (SFO) supplementations at 3 percentages of total fat in total mixed ration on voluntary feed intake, digestibility, blood profile and fatty acid compositions in the plasma of crossbred Thai native x American Brahman Cattle. The results revealed that treatments &nbsp;did not affect voluntary feed intake (kgDM/head/day; g/KgW0.75) (P&gt;0.05), but feeding with soybean oil, it was non significantly higher (2.94 kgDM/day). Additionally, nutrient intake and apparent digestibility of organic matter (OM),crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and rumen fermentation except total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) &nbsp;were not affected &nbsp;among all the three treatments, but dry matter (DM) digestibility in soybean and palm oil group animals were recorded significantly higher (P&lt;0.01) than sunflower oil. However blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen, cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein and fatty acid composition in plasma were not influenced due to treatments (P&gt;0.05). Based on this study, feeding beef cattle with SO, PO and SFO should not exceed 3%? in TMR to achieve 7% without any adverse effect on nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation, blood &nbsp;profile and fatty acid compositions in plasma.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Effect of Supplementation of Several Edible Plant Oils on Nutrient Utilization and Blood Profile of Beef Cattle</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">The present experiment was designed to evaluate the sweet sorghum (SS) silage which is both grain and forage yielding type, with or without supplementation in a 120 d growth-cum-digestion trial to develop SS silage based feeding system for growing ram lambs. Twenty four ram lambs (11.33 &plusmn;0.12 kg) were randomly divided into four groups of six each and fed SS silage, SS silage supplemented with dried subabul leaves, concentrate mixture and ground maize grain at 1% of their live weight. &nbsp;Digestibility study was conducted at the end of the growth trail following collection period of 7 days. The CP content of SS silage was 8.44%. ADG (g) was significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher in lambs fed SS silage with supplements than without supplements. &nbsp;Feed conversion ratio (DMI kg/kg gain) in Nellore growing ram lambs ranged from 6.56-9.02 and significant difference (P&lt;0.01) was observed among the experimental groups. Among the supplemental groups cost ()/kg live weight gain was significantly (P&lt;0.01) highest in ram lambs fed with concentrate followed by supplementation with dried subabul leaves and ground maize grain. No significant difference was found among the four groups for digestibility coefficients except for EE (P &lt;0.01). Lambs fed on sole SS silage had significantly lower DMI, DCP and TDN intake (P &lt;0.01) than those fed on SS silage with supplemental diets. Feeding sweet sorghum silage with supplements like top feeds, compound feed and maize grain at 1% of their body weight improved performance, nutrient digestibility and met energy/protein requirements in growing lambs. It is concluded that supplementation of SS silage with ground maize at 1% of their live weight is considered to be economical for rearing of growing ram lambs.&nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Effect of feeding sweet sorghum silage with or without supplementation on nutrient digestibilities and performance in Nellore brown ram lambs</div>