Nutritional status and growth performance of Fijian non-descript local chickens and their crosses with broilers under different production systems.

The study compared nutrient intake and growth performance of local chickens to that of local x broiler crossbreds under scavenging and indoor conventional systems. A total of 48 male and 48 female chickens for each of the two chicken types were allocated to four outdoor free-range pens. The chickens were allowed to scavenge whilst being supplemented with sorghum plus kitchen waste and broiler growers from week 5 to week 13 of age.

Growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat sensory evaluation of broiler chickens fed diets with fermented cassava leaves.

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the effects of feeding fermented cassava leaf meal (FCLM) on growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat sensory evaluation of broiler chickens.

Methods: A total of 160 Cobb-500 chickens were used during the phases of growing (21 days of age; initial weight 0.39±0.

and molasses can alter the physicochemical properties of cassava leaf silage.

In developing countries where feed resources are scarce, cassava leaves can be used as feed for animals. However, the use of cassava leaves is limited mainly because of their high fibre content and overall acceptability by animals. The resolution to this problem is to process the cassava leaves by ensiling and using additives.

Meta-analysis of the inclusion of leaf meals in diets of broiler chickens.

The effects of leaf meals on growth performance of broiler chickens have been evaluated in different studies. However, no consensus has been obtained due to the variability of the results. The present study, therefore, aimed to provide a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials examining the effects of feeding leaf meals on growth performance of broiler chickens.

Do water shortages increase gastrointestinal nematode loads in Nguni does?

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the effects of water deprivation on the burden of gastrointestinal nematodes in Nguni does.

Methods: A survey was piloted on goat keepers in households where water was scarce (n = 143) and where it was available throughout the year (n = 142). In a controlled experiment, feed intake (ADFI), body condition score (BCS), FAMACHA score, packed cell volume (PCV) and faecal egg counts (FEC) were determined in does deprived of water for 24 and 48 h.

Indigenous chicken production in Fiji Islands: knowledge, constraints and opportunities.

Objective: The objective of the study was to understand and document socio-economic characteristics, production parameters, challenges and management practices used by Fijian households which keep indigenous chickens.

Methods: A survey involving 200 households was carried out in coastal and inland communities of Fiji's wet and semi-dry ecoregions. Data on the influence of ecoregion and location of households relative to the sea on management practices, challenges and productivity of indigenous chickens were analyzed using logistic regression and general linear model of SAS software.

Relationships between litter size, sex ratio and within-litter birth weight variation in a sow herd and consequences on weaning performance.

Routine selection for litter size has resulted in an increase in the proportion of lightweight piglets. There is a need to balance prolificacy with litter uniformity to maximize profit. A total of 3,465 piglets from 310 litter records obtained from 2016 until 2019 at the Pig Industry Board research unit, Arcturus, Zimbabwe were used to determine the relationships between litter size, sex ratio, and within-litter birth weight variation in the sow herd and consequences on performance at weaning.

A review of limitations to using cassava meal in poultry diets and the potential role of exogenous microbial enzymes.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta), a crop grown in the tropics, is increasingly becoming a vital feed resource for human beings and livestock. Traditionally, cassava has been used primarily as a source of food for humans. However, it is becoming an increasingly important ingredient in livestock feed.

Effect of Varying Inclusion Levels of Fossil Shell Flour on Growth Performance, Water Intake, Digestibility and N Retention in Dohne-Merino Wethers.

This study was carried out to determine the effect of varying levels of Fossil shell flour (FSF) supplementation on growth performance, water intake, digestibility and N retention in Dohne Merino sheep pursuant to establishing the optimum inclusion rate of this supplement in Dohne Merino diets. Sixteen Dohne-Merino wethers (18 ± 1.5 kg body weight) were used in a complete randomized design with four animals per treatment.

Mitigating the effects of drought on cattle production in communal rangelands of Zimbabwe.

The objective of the study was to examine strategies employed by farmers to mitigate the effects of drought on cattle production in communal rangelands of Zimbabwe. Data were collected from a total of 316 communal cattle farming households selected from semi-arid and sub-humid environments (158 each) using structured questionnaires. Farmers in sub-humid environments mostly resorted to controlled migration in search of pastures during drought whilst those in semi-arid environments mainly supplemented their cattle (P < 0.

Fossil Shell Flour in Livestock Production: A Review.

Fossil shell flour (FSF), also known as Diatomaceous earth, or diatomite, consists of amorphous silicates with important physical and chemical characteristics, including porosity and permeability, low density and thermal conductivity, tiny particle size, high surface area, solubility, hydrophobia, and absorption capabilities, which are molecular filter actors, substituting their integral cations without physical changes. The substance is nontoxic, cheap, and readily available in large quantity in many countries. Recently, FSF has been modified as additives for several uses.

Effects of drought on cattle production in sub-tropical environments.

The objective of the study was to assess farmer perceptions on effects of drought on cattle production in sub-tropical environments. Data was collected from a total of 314 cattle-owning households from semi-arid and sub-humid environments using pre-tested structured questionnaires. Drought was highly ranked common cause of cattle loss in semi-arid (ranked third) whilst in sub-humid conditions it was lowly ranked (ranked sixth; P < 0.

Feed intake and growth performance of growing pigs fed on Acacia tortilis leaf meal treated with polyethylene glycol.

The objective of the study was to determine the response in feed intake and performance of pigs fed on incremental levels of polyethylene glycol (PEG). Forty-eighty male F1 hybrid pigs were randomly allotted to six diets containing 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 g/kg of PEG, respectively. Acacia tortilis leaf meal was included at a rate of 150 g/kg.

Comparison of trait preferences of Nguni farmers located in semi-arid and sub-humid environments.

The objective of the study was to compare trait preferences of Nguni cattle owners located in semi-arid and sub-humid environments. Data were collected from a total of 300 Nguni cattle-owning households using structured questionnaires, 150 households from each environment. Stature, body depth and body length were preferred more in sub-humid areas than in semi-arid areas.