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. 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 designed to investigate the effect of dietary inclusion of garlic (Allium sativum) on feed intake, growth performance and feed conversion efficiency in goat kids. 
 
Methods: Twelve kids of similar age 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). Kids in experimental group were supplemented with garlic @ 250 mg per kg body weight whereas; the control group was remaining unsupplemented. The study was conducted for 90 days. Animals were weighed fortnightly in the morning before offering feed and water. The data on growth rate in terms of body weight, average daily gain, feed intake and feed conversion efficiency were analysed as per standard procedures.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The results indicated that overall mean body weight and average dry matter intake were statistically (P&gt;0.05) similar in both the groups. No significant difference was observed in feed conversion efficiency between the treatment groups. The average daily gain was statistically similar in both the groups, but numerically 5.31 per cent increased ADG was observed in garlic fed group. From the results it can be deduced that the garlic supplementation improves average daily gain by 5.31%. However, it has no effect on feed intake and feed conversion efficiency of goat kids.&nbsp;

Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Garlic (Allium Sativum) on Feed Intake, Growth Performance and Feed Conversion Efficiency in Goat Kids

Background: Residual feed intake (RFI) is the discrepancy between an animal&rsquo;s actual feed consumption and the anticipated feed intake, determined by its body weight and growth rate during a specific period of time. It may serve as an effective selection criterion for enhancing feed efficiency in Barbari goats. 
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Methods: Barbari goats (24) of similar age group were taken from Livestock farm complex II (LFC II), SVPUAT, Uttar Pradesh. All the investigational Barbari goats were fed ad libitum on TMR based diet involved of concentrate mixture: green maize fodder: wheat straw in the ratio of 50: 20:30 (on DM basis) for a period of 120 days. TMR were prepared daily by hand mixing separate for each animal and contained 13.96% CP and an estimated metabolizable energy (ME) concentration of 2.41 Mcal/kg DM. Nutrient requirement of Barbari goats were met by feeding as per guidelines of NRC (2001). The TMR were offered at 09:00 h and 18:00 h. The Barbari goats were fed the TMR in such an amount that at minimum 250 g refusals were left daily per goats. 
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Result: It were concluded that Body weight were found to be significant. Expected DMI in low and high RFI goat kids were -0.029 and 0.028 kg/day whereas observed DMI in low and high RFI goat kids were 0.38 and 0.47 kg/day, respectively. ADG were not found non-significant. Out of 24 experimental Barbari goats, 13 Barbari goats were having negative RFI and rest 11 Barbari goats were having positive RFI. The digestibility coefficients for most nutrients were elevated in the low RFI group with respect to high RFI group, the mean values exhibited significant differences across the groups. Significant differences between RFI classes were observed for FCR, FCE, KR and RGR.&nbsp; All the parametres showed that low RFI Barbari goats were more effective in feed utilization than high RFI Barbari goats. With respect to ingestive behaviour FT (min/kg DM), RT (min/kg DM) and CT (min/kg DM) shows significant variation between low and high RFI. So, it can be concluded that low RFI Barbari goats exhibit greater efficiency as they consume less feed, spend reduced time in feeding events and need less metabolisable energy for body maintenance.

Growth Performance, Feed Efficiency and Ingestive Behaviour of Barbari Goats Divergently Selected for Residual Feed Intake

<div>Background: Supplementation of urea molasses mineral block (UMMB) showed promising results in improving the nutrient utilization and the productivity of animals. This offers several advantages such as easy transport, storage and handling and reduced risks of poisoning as compared with other approaches, such as giving a small amount of urea in drinking water, sprinkling of urea solution on fibrous feeds before feeding, or urea-ammonization of crop residues. These advantages of solid multi-nutrient blocks (SMB) opened up new vista to enhance productivity in terms of increased milk and meat production and higher reproductive efficiency in ruminant animal species. Keeping the above facts in view, this study was undertaken to determine the effect of feeding solid multinutrient blocks on feed intake, nutrient utilization and haemato-biochemical profile of crossbred calves 
 
Methods: In this study twenty four crossbred male calves of about 14-17 months of age were divided into four groups of six animals in each group. All animals were supplied wheat straw ad lib. In addition, animals in all groups were fed a concentrate mixture to meet out their nutrient requirement. Additionally, 30 % of concentrate mixture (on CP basis) was replaced by solid multi-nutrient blocks (SMB-I), SMB-II and SMB-III in groups T1, T2 and T3, respectively. After 60 days of feeding a metabolism trial of 6 days was conducted to assess the nutrient utilization of animals. Blood samples were collected at 0, 75, 150 day of experimental feeding to determine hematological parameters, enzymes, biochemical parameters and serum mineral concentration. 
 
Result: The intake and digestibility of DM, OM, EE, NDF and ADF were comparable among 4 groups. The CP intake was significantly higher in SMB supplemented groups as compared to control but there was no significant difference in CP digestibility among 4 groups. All the animals in four groups were on positive nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balance. Haematobiochemical parameters like Hb, PCV, glucose, total protein, globulin, A:G, SGOT and SGPT showed non-significant differences (p&gt;0.05) among the groups, however, periodical serum concentrations of albumin, urea and creatinine was higher in crossbred calves at 75 and 150 days of experiment in comparison to 0 day. On basis of present results, it may be concluded that supplementation of SMB can replace 30% crude protein of concentrate mixture without any adverse effect on feed intake, digestibility, nutrient utilization and blood biochemical profile of crossbred calves.</div>

Effect of Feeding Solid Multi-Nutrient Blocks on Feed Intake, Nutrient Utilization and Haemato-Biochemical Profile of Crossbred Calves

<div>Background: Agricultural productivity in Southeast Asian countries are important to produce food for human, thus the first priority to improve agricultural productivity is feed and feeding in livestock, especially in ruminants when rice straw and Napier grass are used as the roughage sources; in addition, cassava leaves and Leucaena leaves can be used as the protein sources. Interestingly, the strategy to improve feed in ruminant is through the use of total mixed rations (TMR) which are produced by combination of roughages, concentrates, minerals, vitamins and additives.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Methods: During the period 2020-2021 a study with 2 &times; 2 factorial, in 4 &times; 4 Latin square design with 21 days per period tested the following TMR&rsquo;s T1- 5% urea treated rice straw with dried Leucaena leaves, T2- 5% urea treated rice with dried cassava leaves, T3- fermented napier grass with dried Leucaena leaves and the T4- fermented napier grass with dried cassava leaves on voluntary feed intake, nutrient intake and blood metabolites in Black Bengal goats.&nbsp; 
 
Result: All treatments did not affect voluntary feed intake (kgDM/head/day and % BW) (P&gt;0.05), but feeding with 5% urea treated rice with dried cassava leaves, it was non significantly higher (0.71 kgDM/day). Furthermore, nutrient intake of organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and rumination were not affected among all the four treatments (P&gt;0.05). Additionally, blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen and triglyceride concentrations in plasma were not influenced due to treatments (P&gt;0.05). Nevertheless, Feed cost (USD/kg) was reduced T3 and T4. In conclusion, feeding Black Bengal goat with fermented napier grass with dried Leucaena leaves and fermented napier grass with dried cassava leaves in the TMR were suitable because of the lowest price (0.13 USD/kg) when compared to the other treatments.</div>

Effects of Protein and Roughage Sources in Total Mixed Ration on Voluntary Feed Intake, Nutrient Intake and Blood Metabolites in Black Bengal Goats

<div style="text-align: justify;">Background: Current research was carried out at Red Sindhi farm, Tando Muhammad Khan, during the year 2018, in order to manipulate the diet intake and milk production of Red Sindhi cows by varying the water and feeding frequencies. Methods: A total of 300 Red Sindhi cows under 3rd lactation were selected and were divided into 5 groups. Cows in group A (control) were offered ad-libitum feed and water, in group B; 2 time feed (Morning 6:00AM and 6:00PM) and ad-libitum water, in group C; 3 times feed (6:00AM, 2:00 Noon and 10:00PM) and ad-libitum water, in group D, ad libitum feed and 2 times water (6:00AM and 6:00PM), in group E; ad libitum feed and 3 times water (6:00AM, 2:00 Noon and 10:00PM).&nbsp; Result: Results of present study indicated that the daily water intake was found significantly maximum (47.00&plusmn;1.45) in group B and minimum (43.33&plusmn;0.88) in group D. Statistically significant difference was seen in group D compared to other groups, while no significant difference among groups A, B, C and E. Maximum daily feed intake (19.66&plusmn;2.40) was recorded in group A and minimum daily feed intake (15.00&plusmn;0.57) was recorded in group B. There was significant difference in daily feed intake in group E with groups A and B. However there was no significant difference in daily feed intake between groups A and B as well as groups C, D and E, correspondingly. Maximum weekly milk production (40.00&plusmn;1.45 kg) was recorded in group A and minimum milk production (34.00&plusmn;0.88 kg) was recorded in group B. However there was significant difference in milk production among groups A and B, while non-significant difference between groups C and D as well as A and E, correspondingly. Conclusion: In conclusion, Red Sindhi cows produced significantly higher milk under group A (control) offered 24 hours water and ad-libitum feed compared to all other groups.&nbsp;</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Manipulation of Diet Intake and Milk Production of Red Sindhi Cows by Varying the Water and Feeding Frequencies</div>

<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>

Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) has been used in animal production, not only as an energy substance, but also as a kind of functional material, especially in pig production. At present, however, the action mechanism of MCFAs on ingestion and growth is not fully clear. In addition, there is no consensus for effect of MCFAs on feed intake and weight gain in animals. In this review, we summarized the information from comprehensive and rational arguments for the role of MCFAs on feed intake and weight gain in monogastric animal studies(mainly in rats and pigs). As a result, the supplementation level of MCFAs in diet is a key influence factor on animal ingestion, of which underlying action mechanism may be attributed to influence of MCFAs on appetite hormones (mainly, insulin and Acyl ghrelin) and fluctuation of energy balance. Additionally, the influence of MCFAs on growth performance is related to addition level of MCFAs, the types of MCFAs, characteristics of based diet, as well as the physiological status of animal. The effectiveness of MCFAs on ingestion and weight gain depend on the balance of the various influence factors.&nbsp;

Effectiveness of medium-chain fatty acids on feed intake&nbsp;and weight gain in animal: Depending on balance

Background: There is a current lack of research on the molecular pathways by which lysine regulates feed intake in chicks. Regulation is controlled by the hypothalamus and lysine metabolism links the availability of amino acids and nutritional perception with food intake. The mechanism underlying this phenomenon remains unclear. To investigate the regulatory mechanism of lysine on feed intake in chicks, this study used Yao chickens as a research model. The levels of lysine in the feed of chicks were adjusted to determine the effect on feed intake. The hypothalamus tissue of the chicks was analyzed using RNA-seq and metabolomics to identify the relevant genes. We employed Gene Ontology and identification of signaling pathways to characterize the molecular regulatory biological pathways of lysine in poultry feeding. 
 
Methods: This study used RNA-seq technology to investigate the genes and marker metabolites involved in lysine regulation of feed intake in chickens. The study explored the molecular mechanism by which dietary lysine regulates feed intake in chickens via the hypothalamus. Four hundred healthy 1-day-old chicks (Yao chickens) were randomly divided&nbsp; into four groups, with five replicates in each group (n = 20). 
 
Result: There was a significant difference in feed intake among chicks fed with diets containing 0.65% (abbreviated as MGO), 0.85% (FIH), 1.0% (MGS) and 1.2% (FIL) lysine levels. The group with the highest feed intake was FIH, while the group with the lowest feed intake was FIL. By conducting RNA-seq of the hypothalamic tissue of chickens in both the highest and lowest feed intake groups, we obtained 2006 differentially expressed genes, comprising 1275 upregulated genes and 731 downregulated genes. Fourteen genes were related to food intake, including growth hormone, recombinant glutamate receptor, metabotropic 1&nbsp;(GRM1) and recombinant glutamate receptor, metabotropic 3&nbsp;(GRM3). Using liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer (LC-MS) metabolomics, we identified 25 differential metabolites. Nine metabolites, including C3H5NO4, C10H15NO2&nbsp;and C13H14N203, were downregulated, while 16 metabolites, including C2H8NO3P, C3H7NO3&nbsp;and C7H7NO2, were upregulated. Marker metabolites included 5-hydroxytryptophan and L-valine. A KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that the differential metabolites between the FIH and FIL groups were enriched in 26 pathways, with the significantly enriched pathway being the ABC transporter protein pathway (ID: map02010). RNA-seq and LC-MS analyses revealed that in chicks, the expression of the neuropeptides cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript Protein (CARTPT) and neuropeptide Y (NPY)/agouti-related protein (AGRP), along with genes such as sucrose synthase (SS 2), &nbsp;recombinant cholecystokinin A receptor (CCKAR) and recombinant cholecystokinin B receptor (CCKBR), was regulated by the hypothalamic feeding regulation center that senses the level of lysine in the feed. These molecules bind to specific receptors and initiate a signaling cascade in specific hypothalamic neuronal groups, thereby regulating chick feed intake and in turn affecting growth, development and production performance. 
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Investigating the Molecular Mechanisms of Lysine&rsquo;s Effect on Feed Intake in Chicks Through the Hypothalamus using RNA-seq and Metabolomics

Background: With diminishing communal grazing lands, cost-effective protein supplementation for ruminant livestock is crucial. Utilizing nano-formed urea and a novel nano-formed nitrogen source, in conjunction with balanced energy sources, is anticipated to decrease the feeding costs for ruminant livestock. Nano-urea alone or with neem-coated urea supplementation may be used as good economic source of nitrogen, if found suitable. 
 
Methods: Two doses of Nano-urea (160 &micro;L Nu) and combined with neem-coated urea (160 &micro;L Nu+1% Ncu) were selected for lactation trial based upon in vitro rumen fermentation system. 
 
Result: Addition of Nano-urea and combination of Nano-urea and neem-coated urea enhanced voluntary intake of different nutrients and increased DCP value in crossbred dairy cows. TDN intake pattern was similar among all treatment groups. However, DCP intake was greater (p&lt;0.001) and&nbsp; increased blood urea nitrogen&nbsp; in T1 and T2 compared to T0 groups. However, Feeding nano-urea and combination of nano-urea + neem-coated urea marginally benefitted in terms of feeding economics for milk production. 
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Effect of Feeding Nano and Neem Coated Urea on Nutrient Intake, Digestibility and Blood Chemistry of Lactating Crossbred Cow

Acid ensilage was prepared from the gut and gills of freshwater carps. Isonitrogenous diets containing 0%, 2.5%, 5% and 10% acid ensilage was fed to rohu (Labeo rohita) fingerlings to study the effect on the growth performance, feed utilization, blood biochemistry and hematology of the fingerlings. The results of the study for 60 days indicated no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) in the weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), percentage survival and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in L. rohita fingerlings by the dietary intake of acid ensilage. The apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of dry matter and protein was significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) for feed with 10% silage. Dietary intake of acid ensilage resulted in significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) fat and protein in the tissues of the fingerlings. In blood hematology, total leucocyte count in the blood of fishes fed acid fish ensilage was found to be significantly higher (p&lt;0.05). Significant increase (p&lt;0.05) in total serum protein was observed in 2.5% silage and 5% silage fed fishes. The serum glucose, triglyceride and total cholesterol was not altered significantly by the intake of acid ensilage. The inclusion of fish silage at 5% level resulted in a 14.31% reduction in feed cost/kg weight gain in rohu fingerlings.

Effect of dietary intake of acid ensiled fish waste on the growth, feed utilization, hematology and serum biochemistry of rohu Labeo rohita,&nbsp;(Hamilton, 1822) fingerlings

Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Garlic (Allium Sativum) on Feed Intake, Growth Performance and Feed Conversion Efficiency in Goat Kids

Growth Performance, Feed Efficiency and Ingestive Behaviour of Barbari Goats Divergently Selected for Residual Feed Intake

Effect of Feeding Solid Multi-Nutrient Blocks on Feed Intake, Nutrient Utilization and Haemato-Biochemical Profile of Crossbred Calves

Effects of Protein and Roughage Sources in Total Mixed Ration on Voluntary Feed Intake, Nutrient Intake and Blood Metabolites in Black Bengal Goats

Manipulation of Diet Intake and Milk Production of Red Sindhi Cows by Varying the Water and Feeding Frequencies

Influence of Customized Supplement on Voluntary Feed Intake and Nutrient Metabolism in Crossbred Calves

Effectiveness of medium-chain fatty acids on feed intake and weight gain in animal: Depending on balance

Investigating the Molecular Mechanisms of Lysine’s Effect on Feed Intake in Chicks Through the Hypothalamus using RNA-seq and Metabolomics

Effect of Feeding Nano and Neem Coated Urea on Nutrient Intake, Digestibility and Blood Chemistry of Lactating Crossbred Cow

Effect of dietary intake of acid ensiled fish waste on the growth, feed utilization, hematology and serum biochemistry of rohu Labeo rohita, (Hamilton, 1822) fingerlings