Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation

Natural abundances of stable nitrogen and carbon isotopes (δ15N and δ13C) can vary with both dietary intake and metabolic (specifically catabolic) state. In low-income countries, weaning is a period of dietary transition from milk to plant-based foods and a high-risk period for malnutrition. We explored how diet and malnutrition impact hair δ15N and δ13C in young children by an observational, cross-sectional study in Cox’s Bazar District, Bangladesh [255 children, 6–59 months with 19.6% wasted (7.1% severely) and 36% stunted (9.8% severely)]. Hair δ15N and δ13C exhibited exponential decreases with age, with the loss of one trophic level (3.3‰ and 0.8‰, respectively) from 6 to 48 months, which we associate with the shift from exclusive breastfeeding to complete weaning. After adjustment for age and breastfeeding status, hair isotopic values were unaffected by wasting but lower in severe stunting (−0.45‰ to −0.6‰, P < 0.01). In this population of young children, whose isotopic values in hair primarily depended on age, we failed to observe any effect of wasting, likely due to opposite, compensating effects between dietary and metabolic changes involved. In contrast, we evidenced low δ15N and δ13C values in severely stunted children that likely indicate chronic exposure to diets low in animal products.

The effect of replacing soybean meal with feeding of different levels of degummed fenugreek seed meal (DSFM) in the concentrate mixture on palatability, nutrient utilization and milk yield in lactating crossbred cows was investigated. Eighteen lactating Karan Fries cows were divided into three groups based on milk yield and body weight. All the cows were offered a diet consisting of conventional concentrate mixture in the control group, replacing 33% of soybean meal (SBM) by DFSM for T1 and replacing 50% of soybean meal by DFSM for T2. All cows were fed concentrate mixture, green maize fodder and wheat straw in the ratio of 60:30:10 on DM basis, respectively. The duration of study was 150 days. Average dry matter intake and total milk yield was higher (P<0.05) in T1 and T2 groups as compared to control group even though the nutritive evaluation of rations in terms of %DCP and %TDN were same. The digestibility coefficiencies of DM, OM, EE, CF and ADF increased significantly (P<0.05) in treatment groups than control, although the digestibility of CP and NFE were remained similar. It was concluded that 50% replacement of SBM with DFSM in concentrate mixture having cost effectiveness and did not have any adverse effect on palatability, productive performance and nutrient digestibility in lactating cows.

Twenty four castrated native sheep were grouped (six/group) into four: T1 &gt;3 to ≤ 6; T2 &gt; 6 to ≤ 9; T3 &gt;9 to ≤12 and T4 &gt;12 to ≤ 15 months. Through out the 63 days of experimental period, animals were offered ad libitum urea (3%), molasses (15%) and straw (82%) as a basal diet with concentrate mixture [14% crude protein (CP) &amp; 11.5 MJ metabolizing energy (ME) per kg Dry Matter (DM)] @ 1% of live weight. Five days metabolic trial was conducted towards the end of the feeding trial. Besides, fortnightly live weight change, daily nutrient intake, carcass yield and carcass characteristics were studied. Daily weight gain decreased (P&lt;0.05) with the increasing in age and the growth rate were 79, 63, 55 and 44g/day for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. Higher growth rate in T1 was due to animal's inherent self-accelerated phase of growth. Feed conversion ratio (FCR; kg feed/kg live weight gain) was significantly (P&lt;0.001) better in T1 (9.2) followed by T2 (13.8), T3 (17.7) and T4 (21.7). Cost per kg of carcass production was lower in T1 (Taka: 239), but the production cost increased in T2 (Taka: 357), T3 (Taka: 440) and T4 (Taka: 515). DM intake (g/kg W0.75) decreased with the increase in age and weight. For each gram increased in live weight gain, it required 7.7 kJ ME and animals achieved zero live weight gain (maintenance energy level) at 377 kJ/kg W0.75/d ME intake. Slaughtered weight, warmed carcass weight and dressing yield (%) of native sheep increased with advancement of age. Dressing yields were 48.5, 49, 51.4 and 55.5% for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively. Fat percent increased with increasing age and body fat as percent of live weight were 5.6, 7.7 15.5 and 20.6, respectively for the T1, T2, T3 and T4. As a part of total carcass, the proportional yield of tender loin and hind leg chump, most valued retail cut, decreased with the increased animal age. In the present trial, body weight gain at early stage (6-8 months of age) of life was more economical than at the later stage of life. It is suggests that the optimum market/slaughter age for native sheep maintained under these feeding and management would be at around eight months of age. DOI: 10.3329/bvet.v27i2.7556 Bangl. vet. 2010. Vol. 27, No. 2, 62-73