<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

The experiment was carried out in 12 local adult male goats of average body weights (26.49&plusmn;0.87, kg) and they were allocated in 3 groups (4 goats in each). Multi nutrient blocks (MNB) were supplemented in first two groups i.e. in T1 (no infection) and T2 (Haemonchus contortus infection @ 1500 larvae) group, while, condensed tannins (CT) containing multi nutrient blocks (MNB-CT) were supplemented in T3 (H. contortus infection @ 1500 larvae) group in completely randomized block design during a feeding trial of 75 days. All the animals were fed concentrate mixture @ 100g/ day, adlib wheat straw and MNB or MNB-CT to meet their maintenance requirement. Daily intakes (kg W0.75) of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), concentrate mixture, MNB, MNB-CT, wheat straw and digestibility of DM, OM, crude protein (CP) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) differed significantly

Effect of tanniferous leaf meal mixture based multi nutrient blocks on nutrient utilization and biochemical profile of Haemonchus contortus infected goats

<div>Background: Seaweeds are rich in complex carbohydrates, proteins and low molecular weight nitrogenous compounds, lipids, organic minerals, vitamins and pigments. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of seaweed formulations on nutrient utilization, growth performance, serum antioxidant activity and cell mediated immune response of crossbred calves.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Eighteen male crossbred calves (130&plusmn;7.56 kg body weight) were divided into 3 groups of 6 each based on complete randomized design. Concentrate mixture was formulated with crushed maize, de-oiled soybean meal, wheat bran, mineral mixture and common salt for feeding of calves in control (T0) group, while treatment groups T1 and T2 were supplemented with AF-KWP or AFRD-5 at the rate of 4% of concentrate mixture with 1% calcium carbonate and 1% dicalcium phosphate replacing mineral mixture and common salt offered in T0. Experiment was conducted for a period of 240 days. Blood was collected from each calve at 0, 100 and 200 days of experiment. At the end of the experimental feeding a metabolism trial was conducted and cell mediated immune response was asassed.&nbsp; 
 
Result: There was no significant difference between groups regarding nutrient utilization, total dry matter intake, gain in body weight and feed conversion ratio. However, significant (P&lt;0.001) differences were observed in serum antioxidants status. Moreover, the mean values for skin thickness differed significantly (P&lt;0.001) among different groups and values were 14.03, 15.54 and 16.62 in T0, T1 and T2 group, respectively. Hence seaweed formulations might improve antioxidant status and cell mediated immune response without affecting the nutrient utilization and growth performance of crossbred calves.</div>

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Seaweed Formulations on Nutrient Utilization, Growth Performance, Serum Antioxidant Activity and Immunity in Crossbred Calves

<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

<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>Background: Using crop residues in goat rations is essential to prevent the shortage of fodder for goats in rural areas. To overcome the problems of low acceptability, digestibility, low nutrient contents of crop residues, preparation of crop residue based complete feed pellets is the best way. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of feeding gram straw-based complete feed pellets on the growth performance, nutrient utilization and rumen fermentation of goats. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: The goats in groups I and II were fed ad lib supernapier hay + 300 gm concentrate daily and ad libitum gram straw-based complete feed pellets with roughage to concentrate ratio of 70:30, respectively. The growth performance, nutrient utilization and rumen fermentation study, along with an estimation of hematological and blood biochemical parameters, were carried out in this experiment. 
 
Result: Significantly better growth performance, nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation and low cost of production was found in goats of group II (fed gram straw-based complete feed pellets) with the non-significant difference in body condition score, rumen motility and hematological parameters in goats of group II than group I. The blood glucose values found significantly more in group II as compared to group I. Feeding gram straw-based complete feed pellets improved performance, nutrient utilization and proved to be economical.</div>

Effect of Feeding Gram Straw-based Complete Feed Pellets on the Performance, Nutrient Utilization and Rumen Fermentation of Goats

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

A study was carried on 24 piglets (Large White York Shire &times; Desi) of an average initial weight of 20 kg of three gender groups, barrows, boars and gilts consisted of eight pigs each, of comparable body weight fattened from 20-48 kilograms (growing) to 49-96 kilograms (finishing) to see the effect of gender on growth performance, nutrient utilization and carcass traits. When comparing feed intake at the growing stage, gilts consumed significantly more (P&lt;0.05) feed than boars and barrows. There was no significant difference in average daily weight gain among barrows, boars and gilts in growing and finishing stage. Gilts had significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) feed conversion ratio than boars in growing period and barrows in finishing period. Nutrient digestibility was similar except crude protein among groups. Fasting weight and weight after bleeding was significantly lower (P&lt;0.05) in gilts with nonsignificant difference between barrows and boars. Sex has no significant effect on evisceration weight, dressing percentage and carcass length in pigs. Carcass backfat of barrows was significantly thicker (P&lt;0.05) than that of boars and gilts, however, the loin eye area was significantly larger (P&lt;0.05) in gilts than boars and barrows. There were no significant differences among groups concerning the proportions of ham, under cut, bacon and rib chop &nbsp;however, shoulder and loin percentages were higher (P&lt;0.05) in gilts than boars and barrows.&nbsp; 
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Effect of sex on growth performance, nutrient utilization&nbsp;and carcass characteristics in cross bred pigs

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

<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>