Effect of Sapindus mukorossi Extracts on in vitro Methanogenesis and Fermentation Characteristics in Buffalo Rumen Liquor

Neeta Agarwal, D.N. Kamra*, L.C. Chaudhary, A.K. Patra

Rumen Microbiology Laboratory
Centre of Advanced Studies in Animal Nutrition
Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar-243 122, India

(Received December 6, 2005; accepted July 4, 2006)

Abstract

Agarwal, N., Kamra, D.N., Chaudhary, L.C. and Patra, A.K. 2006. Effect of Sapindus mukorossi extracts on in vitro methanogenesis and fermentation characteristics in buffalo rumen liquor. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 30: 1-4.

The berries of Sapindus mukorossi (soap nut) extracted in water, methanol and ethanol were tested for their effects on methanogenesis and fermentation of feed with buffalo rumen liquor in in vitro gas production test. The depression in methane and gas production was 96% and 39.4%, 20% and 11.5%, 22.7% and 0% with ethanol, water and methanol extracts, respectively, as compared to respective controls. The extracts also exhibited antiprotozoal activity resulting in 70-90% lesser protozoa count in the treated samples. The proportion of acetate was lower (P<0.05) and that of propionate higher (P<0.05) resulting in a decrease in acetate/propionate ratio with all the three extracts tested. The pH of incubation medium containing extract was significantly lower as compared with the medium without any extract. There was a significant depression in in vitro dry matter degradability of feed with all the three extracts. The data indicated that soapnut extracts appear to have a potential to be used as antimethanogenic and antiprotozoal agents.

Key words: Sapindus mukurossi, soap nut, methanogenesis, buffalo, fermentation.

Performance and Harvest Measures of Somali and Arsi-Bale Goats Managed Under Three Feeding Systems in Ethiopia

G. Legesse¹, G. Abebe¹, A. L. Goetsch²

¹Department of Animal and Range Sciences
Awassa College of Agriculture
Debub University, P. O. Box 5, Awassa, Ethiopia

²E (Kika) de la Garza American Institute for Goat Research
Langston University,
P. O. Box 730, Langston, OK 73050, USA

(Received March 29, 2006; accepted June 22, 2006)

Abstract

Legesse, G., Abebe, G. and Goetsch, A.L. 2006. Performance and harvest measures of Somali and Arsi-Bale goats managed under three feeding systems in Ethiopia. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 30: 5-12.

Forty-eight intact male goats, approximately 9 months of age, were used in an 84-day experiment to determine effects and interactions of genotype [27 Arsi-Bale and 21 Somali, with mean initial body weight (BW) of 14.1 and 15.9 kg, respectively (SE=0.39)] and feeding system (intensive, semi-intensive and extensive) on growth performance and harvest measures. Goats on the intensive (I) treatment were confined in individual pens and fed Rhodesgrass hay supplemented with 300 g/day (air-dry) of a concentrate mixture; semi-intensive (S) goats grazed grass pasture for 7 h/day and were supplemented with 300 g/day of concentrate; and goats on the extensive (E) treatment grazed grass pasture for 8 h daily. There were no significant interactions between genotype and feeding system. Average daily gain (ADG) ranked (P<0.05) S > I > E (54, 32, and 5 g) and was greater (P<0.06) for Somali than for Arsi-Bale goats (34 vs 27 g). Hot carcass dressing percentage among feeding systems was lowest (P<0.05) for E (42.6, 43.3 and 38.8% for I, S and E, respectively). Carcasses of Somali goats were lower (P<0.05) in separable lean tissue (55.3 vs 58.9%) and higher in fat (P<0.05; 14.0 vs 11.0%) compared with Arsi-Bale carcasses. Carcass separable lean concentration ranked (P<0.05) S (62.2%) > I (57.5%) > E (51.6%), fat among feeding systems was greatest (P<0.05) for I (15.3, 11.2 and 10.9% for I, S and E, respectively) and bone was greatest (P<0.05) for E (27.3, 26.6 and 37.5% for I, S and E, respectively). In conclusion, ADG of male Somali and Arsi-Bale goats was similarly affected by the different feeding systems, with Somali goats yielding greater final BW than Arsi-Bale as a function of both greater initial BW and ADG during the experiment. Feeding system can impact not only growth performance but also carcass characteristics that may influence consumer appeal.

Key words: Goats, feeding system, performance, body composition.

Effect of Species and Age on Nutrient Content and in vitro Digestibility of Opuntia spp.

J.M. Pinos-Rodríguez^a, R. Duque-Briones^a, J.A. Reyes-Agüero^a,
J.R. Aguirre-Rivera^a, J. C. García-López^a, S. González-Muñoz^b

^aInstituto de Investigación de Zonas Desérticas
Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí. Altair 200
Fracc. Del Llano San Luis Potosí, S.L.P. 78377

^bColegio de Postgraduados
México Campus Montecillo, Montecillo
Edo. de México

(Received December 9, 2005; accepted June 1, 2006)

Abstract

Pinos-Rodríguez, J.M., Duque-Briones, R., Reyes-Agüero, J.A., Aguirre-Rivera, J.R., García-López, J.C. and González-Muñoz, S. 2006. Effect of species and age on nutrient content and digestibility of Opuntia spp. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 30: 13-17.

Proximal and cell wall analysis, as well as in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of Opuntia robusta, O. ficus-indica and O. rastrera (one, two and three years old cladodes) were performed in order to evaluate the effect of species and age on nutrients contents and dry matter digestibility. The CP was higher (P<0.05) for O. ficus-indica and O. robusta than for O. rastrera, which showed the highest levels of ash. There were no differences (P>0.05) for NDF and ADF among the three species of cactus pear; besides, the age of the cladodes did not affect (P>0.05) the DM, CP, ADF and ash content. IVDMD for O. ficus-indica and O. robusta was generally higher than that for O. rastrera. The one year old cladodes showed a higher (P<0.05) IVDMD up to 12 h of incubation. O. ficus-indica and O. robusta showed a higher (P<0.05) nutrients content than O. rastrera.

Key words: Nopal, in vitro digestibility, nutrients, Opuntia spp., cactus pear.

Rapid Detection of Brucella Species in Cattle Semen by PCR

P. Kaushik, D.K. Singh*, A.K. Tiwari¹, R.S. Kataria¹

Division of Veterinary Public Health
Indian Veterinary Research Institute
Izatnagar-243 122, India

(Received December 29, 2005; accepted June 30, 2006)

Abstract

Kaushik, P., Singh, D.K., Tiwari, A.K. and Kataria, R.S., 2006. Rapid detection of Brucella species in cattle semen by PCR. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 30: 25-28.

To overcome the problems of sensitivity and specificity associated with serological tests and difficulty in isolation of bacteria for diagnosing brucellosis, a PCR assay was standardized using specific primer from the gene encoding 31 kDa protein for Brucella species with genomic DNA isolated from the overnight grown cultures of B. abortus S99. The PCR could detect the Brucella organism up to 40 cfu per ml in cattle semen. Reprecipitation of DNA with butanol increased sensitivity of PCR.

Key words: Brucella, cattle, PCR, semen.

Effect of Molasses and Sulphuric Acid Addition to Barley/Hungarian Vetch Bi-Crop Silages

N. Tugba Bingol*, M. Akif Karsli, Duran Bolat, Ismail Akca

Yuzuncu Yil University
Department of Animal Nutrition
Faculty of Veterinary Science
Van-Turkey

(Received June 2, 2005; accepted February 27, 2006)

Abstract

Bingol, N.T., Karsli, M.A., Bolat, D. and Akca, I. 2006. Effect of molasses and sulphuric acid addition to barley/Hungarian vetch bi-crop silages. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 30: 29-32.

To determine the effects of sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) and molasses (M) on silage quality and in vitro dry matter digestibility, barley (157/37 Tokak) and Hungarian vetch (Vicia pannonica Crantz) were planted together at the rate of 3:1 and harvested at the milk stage of barley and conserved in 1 kg jar, laboratory silos. Silages were treated with no additive (control silage), 6% M, 0.3% 2N H₂SO₄, 0.3% 4N H₂SO₄, 0.3% 2N H₂SO₄ + 6% M and 0.3% 4N H₂SO₄ + 6% M. Dry matter was significantly higher in silages treated with molasses and with 4N H₂SO₄ + M (P<0.05). Ash, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber concentrations were not affected by additives. The pH values were significantly lower in silages treated with 2N H₂SO₄ and 4N H₂SO₄ (P<0.05). Silages treated with molasses, 2N H₂SO₄ and 2N H₂SO₄ + M had significantly higher lactic acid concentrations (P<0.05). The addition of 2N H₂SO₄ + M and 4N H₂SO₄ + M into silages increased silage propionic acid levels (P<0.05). In vitro dry matter digestibility of silages with additives, except 4N H₂SO₄ + M, were significantly higher compared with control (P<0.05). Addition of molasses and 2N H₂SO₄ may be considered to improve quality of barley + Hungarian vetch bi crop silage.

Key words: Barely/Hungarian vetch silage, silage additives, molasses, sulphuric acid, in vitro digestibility.

Changes in Blood Metabolites, Endocrines and Milk Yield of Crossbred Cows Treated with Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin

Ashish Mishra^*, R.K. Mahapatra, D.C. Shukla

Centre of Advanced Studies
Division of Physiology and Climatology
Indian Veterinary Research Institute
Izatnagar-243 122, India

(Received June 24, 2005; accepted April 15, 2006)

Abstract

Mishra, A., Mahapatra, R.K. and Shukla, D.C. 2006. Changes in blood metabolites, endocrines and milk yield of crossbred cows treated with recombinant bovine somatotropin. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 30: 33-36.

In order to investigate the effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST; Boostin-250) on blood metabolites, certain endocrines and milk yield of lactating crossbred cows, 30 lactating cows were divided into 2 groups as control (n=10) and experimental (n=20). Experimental animals were injected 250 mg of rbST on 0, 14 and 28 day subcutaneously at ischiorectal fosse and control animals were given placebo of 2 ml normal saline. Blood metabolites (glucose, BUN, triglycerides, total proteins, albumin, globulin, sodium and potassium) and hormones T₄ and insulin were not altered by rbST injection. Serum growth hormone (GH) increased significantly (P<0.001) due to rbST injection but not milk GH. However, there was a significant (P<0.001) decrease in T₃ level in rbST treated group over control group. The weekly average milk yield showed a significant (P<0.001) increase of 33% in rbST treated group over the control group. It is concluded that 250 mg rbST can be used for short duration to increase the milk yield of crossbred cows.

Key words: Blood metabolites, cows, endocrines, milk yield, rbST.

Histological Study of Lung Parenchyma of the One_humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Ahmad Reza Raji

Department of Basic Sciences
School of Veterinary Medicine
Ferdowsi University of Mashhad
Mashhad 91775-1793, Iran

(Received July 26, 2005; accepted April 28, 2006)

Abstract

Raji, A.R. 2006. Histological study of lung parenchyma of the one_humped camel (Camelus dromedarius). J. Appl. Anim. Res., 30: 37-40.

Histology of lung parenchyma of camel (Camelus dromedarius) was studied by using light microscopy. Intrapulmonary bronchi in lung of camel were lined by a respiratory epithelium. The tela submucosa of bronchi of camel was loose connective tissue with many elastic fibers, smooth muscle and cartilage. No cartilage and gland were present in bronchioles of camel. Respiratory bronchioles were absent in camel. Pores of kohn were found in alveolar wall in camel. The visceral pleura completely covered both lungs. It consisted of squamous mesothelial cells with varying amounts of elastic fibers and dense irregular connective tissue.

Key words: Histology, camel, lung parenchyma.

A Comparative Study on the Structural Features of Muscle Fibers in Intrinsic Lingual Muscles of 21 Day Old and 9 Month Old Mice Using Light and Electron Microscopy

Aysel Temelli¹, Fatime Geyikolu²

¹Department of Biology
Kâzim Karabekir Education Faculty

²Department of Biology
Faculty of Arts and Science
Atatürk University
Erzurum, Turkey

(Revised received March 25, 2006; accepted June 6, 2006)

Abstract

Temelli, A. and Geyikolu, F. 2006. A comparative study on the structural features of muscle fibers in intrinsic lingual muscles of 21 day old and 9 month old mice using light and electron microscopy. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 30: 47-51.

To compare structural features of muscle fibers in intrinsic lingual muscles of 21 day old and 9 month old mice, the semi-thin sections stained with toluidine blue were examined under light microscope and the thin sections stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate were examined under JEOL 100SX electron microscope. Two types of fibers in both groups of mice were distinguished (Type 2A, Type 2B). When intrinsic lingual muscles of 21 day old and 9 month old mice were compared, differentiations were observed in distribution of muscle fibers, their compositions and the size and shape of sarcosomes. In addition, the sarcoplasmic reticulum tubules were different between two groups. These differences may be the results of the adaptations of intrinsic lingual muscles of mice in different age groups to feeding behaviours.

Key words: Tongue, intrinsic muscles, fiber, mouse, electron microscopy.

Efficacy of Barley Flour as Extender in Chicken Patties from Spent Hen Meat

R.R. Kumar, B.D. Sharma

Division of Livestock Products Technology
Indian Veterinary Research Institute
Izatnagar-243 122, India

(Received July 16, 2005; accepted March 26, 2006)

Abstract

Kumar, R.R. and Sharma, B.D. 2006. Efficacy of barley flour as extender in chicken patties from spent hen meat. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 30: 53-55.

Chicken patties from spent hen meat were prepared from a standardized formulation and were extended with barley flour (hydrated 1:1) at 0, 5, 10 and 15% levels replacing the corresponding amount of lean meat. At 15% replacement level, pH, moisture, protein and fat percentage of raw as well as cooked patties decreased as compared to 0% level (P<0.05). A significant decrease (P<0.05) in shear force value and per cent shrinkage of the product was recorded. The emulsion stability and cooking yield improved significantly (P<0.05) with the level of extension with barley flour. The findings indicated that chicken patties from spent hen meat can be extended with upto 10 per cent barley flour (hydrated 1:1) in an economic formulation.

Key words: Chicken patties, spent hen, extender, barley flour.

Evaluation of Cultivated Summer Pastures for Meat Goats in Tennessee

M. Lema, S. Kebe, R. Opio, C. Fenderson

Department of Agricultural Sciences
Tennessee State University
3500, John A. Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37209, USA

(Received February 1, 2006; accepted July 1, 2006)

Abstract

Lema, M., Kebe, S., Opio, R. and Fenderson, C. 2006. Evaluation of cultivated summer pastures for meat goats in Tennessee. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 30: 57-62.

A grazing trial was conducted to evaluate Puna forage chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), hybrid Penleaf pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) and Sahara bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) as summer pasture for meat goats. Puna chicory was 28.3 and 67.7% higher (P<0.05) in crude protein (CP), 28.1 and 35.4% lower (P<0.05) in acid detergent fiber (ADF) and 40.0 and 46.0% lower (P<0.05) in neutral detergent fiber (NDF) than Penleaf pearl millet and Sahara bermudagrass, respectively. Relative feed value (RFV), Ca, P, Mg and K contents were significantly higher (P<0.01) for Puna chicory than for Penleaf pearl millet and Sahara bermudagrass. Penleaf pearl millet was higher (P<0.01) than Sahara bermudagrass in P, K and Mg content. Puna chicory and Pearl millet produced 73 and 70% higher (P<0.05) forage CP per ha, respectively than Sahara bermudagrass. Average daily gain (ADG) and live weight gain per ha of does grazing Puna chicory were significantly higher (P<0.05) than those grazing Sahara bermudagrass does and Penleaf pearl millet. It is concluded that Puna chicory is a better fodder than Penleaf pearlmillet and Sahara bermudagrass.

Keywords : Chicory, pearl millet, bermudagrass, summer pasture, forage quality, forage production, meat goat.

Evaluation of Genetic Variability in Ponwar Cattle by Microsatellite Markers

Rekha Sharma*, A.K. Pandey, Yatender Singh, B. Prakash

National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources
Karnal-132 001, India

(Received June 30, 2005; accepted May 4, 2006)

Abstract

Sharma, R., Pandey, A.K., Singh, Y. and Prakash, B. 2006. Evaluation of genetic variability in Ponwar cattle by microsatellite markers. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 30: 63-67.

This study was conducted to determine the genetic variation of Ponwar cattle, a draft purpose breed, presently in small number. A total of 141 alleles were detected by 24 microsatellite markers. Microsatellites were highly polymorphic with mean allelic number 5.875±1.727 (ranging from 3-10 per locus). Observed heterozygosity, expected heterozygosity and observed and effective number of alleles were used to estimate the genetic variation of the breed. The observed heterozygosity in the population was 0.497±0.177, reflecting less genetic variation in this population. Population showed inbreeding (f=0.262) and heterozygote deficit. Genetic bottleneck was absent. The study revealed that breed needs immediate genetic management for the conservation and improvement.

Key words: Cattle, genetic variation, microsatellite, Ponwar.

Bone Marrow Transplantation and Autogenic Cancellous Bone Grafting in Healing of Segmental Radial Defects: An Animal Study

M.J. Emami^*, A. Oryan¹, A. Meimandi-Parizi ², R. Kasraee,
N. Tanideh³, D. Mehrabani⁴

Department of Orthopedic Surgery
School of Medicine
Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
P.O.Box 71345-1744, Shiraz, Iran

(Received June 17, 2005; accepted May 14, 2006)

Abstract

Emami, M.J., Oryan, A., Meimandi-Parizi, A.M., Kasraee, R., Tanideh, N. and Mehrabani, D. 2006. Bone marrow transplantation and autogenic cancellous bone grafting in healing of segmental radial defects: an animal study. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 30: 69-72.

To compare the healing effect of bone marrow (BM) injection with the effects of autogenic cancellous bone graft (ABG), eighteen female and male New Zealand White rabbits (1 year, 2 kg) were randomly divided into three equal groups and osteotomy and extraction of a 5 mm piece of bone was done in the mid-portion of the right radius of all rabbits. In group A, 2 ml of BM was injected in the proximal femur for five consecutive days. Group B received autogenic cancellous bone graft from ileum and group C was the control group and received no intervention. After 45 days, in group A, 83% and 17% of rabbits showed good and medium healings, respectively, while in group B, 40% showed good and 60% medium healings. In control group, medium healing was 17% and poor healing was 83%. The mean healing score was significantly higher in BM injection group, compared with B and C groups (17.1, 15.2 and 6, respectively; P<0.05). BM injection could increase the quality of healing and was much more effective than bone grafting.

Key words: Healing, bone marrow injection, bone graft, rabbit.

Growth of Trout Juveniles (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Salvelinus fontinalis and Salmo trutta fario) under Uniform Cultural Conditions

E.M. Kocaman^*, A. Bay2r, A.N. Sirkeciolu, M. Cengiz Bay2r, T. Yan2k

Department of Fishery Science
Agricultural Faculty
Atatürk University
25240 Erzurum, Turkey

(Received June 24, 2005; accepted May 1, 2006)

Abstract

Kocaman, E.M., Bay2r, A., Sirkeciolu, A.N., Cengiz Bay2r, M. and Yan2k, T. 2006. Growth of trout juveniles (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Salvelinus fontinalis and Salmo trutta fario) under uniform cultural conditions. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 30: 73-75.

Growth of trout juveniles namely rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), brown trout (Salmo trutta faria) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) were determined under same environmental conditions. Although the initial average weights of the three trouts were similar, the average final weights, rate of weight gain and feed per unit gain were superior in rainbow and brook trouts as compared to brown trout. Survival rate during the 140 d experimental period was 100% in all species. Thus faster and economic growth of rainbow trout over other cultured trouts is demonstrated.

Key words: Oncorhynchus mykiss, Salmo trutta fario, Solvelinus fontinalis, growth, survival, weight gain.

Karyological Analysis of Iranian Cichlid Fish, Iranocichla hormuzensis Coad, 1982 (Perciformes, Cichlidae) from Southern Iran

H.R. Esmaeili*, Z. Piravar, M. Ebrahimi

Department of Biology
College of Sciences, Shiraz University
Shiraz, 71454, Iran

(Received June 24, 2005; accepted March 10, 2006)

Abstract

Esmaeili, H.R., Piravar, Z. and Ebrahimi, M. 2006. Karyological analysis of Iranian cichlid fish, Iranocichla hormuzensis Coad, 1982 (Perciformes, Cichlidae) from southern Iran. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 30: 77-79.

The diploid chromosome number of Iranocichla hormuzensis Coad, 1982 was 2n=44, comprising 25 submetacentric,18 subtelocentric and 1 metacentric. The arm number was 70. Detailed karyotypes of this endemic cichlid fish of southern Iran may confirm its relationship to Tristramella.

Key words: Cichlid karyology, Iranocichla hormuzensis, endemic, Iran.

Productive Performance and Digestive Tract Size of Broiler Chicks Fed a Conventional or an all Vegetable Ingredients Diet

M.R. Al-Masri

Department of Agriculture
Atomic Energy Commission
P.O. Box 6091, Damascus, Syria

(Received August 22, 2005; accepted April 25, 2006)

Abstract

Al-Masri, M.R. 2006. Productive performance and digestive tract size of broiler chicks fed a conventional or an all vegetable ingredients diet. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 30: 81-84.

Experiments were carried out to study the effect of feeding broiler chicks with added meat-bone meal (conventional diet) or without (vegetable diet) on feed efficiency (FE), metabolizable energy efficiency (MEE) and biological aspects of digestive organs during 1-53 days of chicks' age. The two diets had no significant (P>0.05) effects on FE and MEE. The FE values were positively correlated to the metabolizable energy consumption values (R=0.77). Changing from a diet containing meat-bone meal to an all vegetable ingredients had no negative effect on the biological aspects of broilers' digestive tract (relative weights of crop, proventriculus, gizzard, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caeca, colon, pancreas and liver). An all vegetable diet is recommended for broiler production.

Key words: Broiler, vegetable, diet performance, digestive tract.

Effect of Restricted Feeding, Breed and Diet on Sheep Milk Yield

M.Y. Al-Saiady

ARASCO Research
Nutrition & Technical Services Department
Riyadh 11593-53845, Saudi Arabia-53845

(Received October 25, 2005; accepted April 10, 2006)

Abstract

Al-Saiady, M.Y. 2006. Effect of restricted feeding, breed and diet on sheep milk yield. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 30: 85-88.

Seventy-two lactating ewes (36 Awasee and 36 Sawakny^*) were used to determine the effects of restriction of dry matter intake, breed and diet on performance. Ewes were fed dry matter either at normal level (3% of body weight) or 15% less. Three treatment A, B, C had 80, 70 or 60% complete feed with remaining Rhodes grass hay (Chlorus gayana), respectively. Daily milk yield was significantly (P<0.01) higher in Awasee ewes on diet A and on normal dry matter intake. Feeding ewes on complete feed with Rhodes grass hay in ratio of 80 to 20 produced more milk with less feed dry matter intake and better feed efficiency.

Key words: Dairy sheep, milk production, feed intake, feed efficiency.

Electrocardiographic Parameters of the Kurd Horse using Base Apex Lead

M.R. Mokhber Dezfouli¹, S. Fakor², A.A. Bahari³, N. Alidadi¹, A. Rezakhani⁴

¹Department of Clinical Studies
School of Veterinary Medicine, Tehran University
Tehran 14155-6453, Iran

²Department of Clinical Studies
Junior School of Veterinary Medicine
Sanandaj, Kurdistan

³Department of Animal Sciences
College of Agriculture, Razi University
Kermanshah, Iran

⁴Department of Clinical Studies
School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University
Shiraz, Iran

(Received August 8, 2005; accepted April 20, 2006)

Abstract

Mokhber Dezfouli, M.R., Fakor, S., Bahari, A.A., Alidadi, N. and Rezakhani, A. 2006. Electrocardiographic parameters of the Kurd horse using base apex lead. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 30: 89-92.

Forty five normal Kurd horses (18 females, 27 males; 6 months to 10 years) were used to determine the electrocardiographic parameters of base apex lead. Wandering pacemaker (6%) and sinus arrhythmia (12%) were two physiological irregularities observed. Heart rate was 37.87±5.06/min and duration of the P, QRS, T, P-R and Q-T were 0.130±0.017, 0.128±0.014, 0.163±0.040, 0.288±0.041 and 0.486±0.047 seconds, respectively. Amplitudes were 0.384±0.047, 0.058±0.047, 0.375±0.312, 2.152±0.669 and -0.120±0.77 mV for the P, Q, R, S and T waves. All the P waves had positive direction and 83.33% were bifid configuration. No differences were found among the sex and age groups (P>0.05). It is concluded that the base apex lead is a suitable lead for ECG recording for cardiac arrhythmias and measuring ECG amplitudes and durations.

Key words: ECG, base apex, Kurd, horse.

Relation among Blood Profiles and Goat Diets on Rangeland

M. Mellado^*, L. Olivares, A. Rodriguez, J. Mellado

Department of Nutrition
University Autonoma Agraria Antonic Narro
Saltillo, Coah. 25315, Mexico

(Received September 7, 2005; accepted February 28, 2006)

Abstract

Mellado, M., Olivares, L., Rodriguez, A. and Mellado, J. 2006. Relation among blood profiles and goat diets on rangeland. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 30: 93-98.

In this study the hypothesis that botanical composition of goat diets are related to metabolites and mineral levels in blood serum was tested. Diet composition (microhistological analysis of fecal samples) was investigated among adult mixed-breed goats grazing on rangeland during the dry (n=20) and wet (n=20) periods. In the dry period levels of serum creatinine decreased with increasing proportions of Acacia farnesiana in goat diets. Serum levels of urea increased with the consumption of Parthenium incanum while goats consuming high levels of Larrea tridentata had decreased serum cholesterol level. Serum phosphorus showed a positive correlation with Atriplex canescens but a negative association with Buddleja scordioides. In the rainy season ascending levels of Croton dioicus in the diet were related to higher serum urea, Cu and Mg. Increased consumption of Buchloe dactyloides was positively related to serum urea and creatinine. The results of this study may help in evolving supplementary feeding strategies based on nutritional status of goats, particularly during the lean period.

Key words: Botanical composition, serum metabolites, serum minerals, fecal phosphorus.