Tropical animal health and production最新文献

{"title":"Genetic spatialization in Montana cattle breed.","authors":"Nathalia da Silva Costa, Renato Fontes Guimarães, José Bento Sterman Ferraz, Felipe Pimentel, Daniel Pimentel, Tiago do Prado Paim, Luís Telo da Gama, Rafael Núñez-Domínguez, Vanessa Peripolli, Concepta McManus","doi":"10.1007/s11250-024-04186-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11250-024-04186-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Brazil is among the world's top beef producers and exporters, and the Montana breed of livestock has gained popularity due to its exceptional meat quality and ability to adapt to the tropical climate. This differentiates it from other breeds, such as the Zebu and Taurine. A methodology that mapped sixteen farms across five Brazilian states was adopted to investigate the link between SNP genetic data and animal collection location. The data was georeferenced using the Geographic Information System and the ArcGIS 10.3 software, considering a geographic coordinate system and the WGS 84 datum. The Alleles in Space (AIS) software was used to study the relationship between the SNP genetic data and the animal collection location. Various analyses were conducted, including the Mantel correlation, genetic barrier identification, and spatial autocorrelation. The results suggest that there is a correlation between genetic and geographical distances, supporting the idea that geographical distance can affect genetic diversity. This information is vital to understand the genetic structure of populations concerning geographical space and is crucial for optimizing Brazilian agricultural production.</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"56 8","pages":"360"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142523217","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Intake, digestibility, and behavior of horses fed açaí kernel (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) as a substitute of Mombaça grass (Megathyrsus maximus).","authors":"Rafael Campelo Silva, Gabriela de Jesus Coelho, Márcio Bruno Ferreira Sousa, Claúdia Siqueira Caldas, Raylon Pereira Maciel, Rafael Mezzomo, Daiany Íris Gomes, Ernestina Ribeiro Dos Santos Neta, Fernando Barbosa Tavares, Kaliandra Souza Alves, Luis Rennan Sampaio Oliveira","doi":"10.1007/s11250-024-04203-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11250-024-04203-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this study, we analyzed the effects of including açaí kernel, in the experimental diets fed to horses on the intake and digestibility of their nutrient and the resultant effects on the behavior of horses. The experiments were conducted in Federal Rural University of Amazonia. Five mares with no defined breeds, were allocated to five treatments (the replacement of Mombaça grass (Megathyrsus maximus) with crushed açaí kernel at 0, 18.75, 37.50, 56.25, and 75% levels of dry matter), in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. The animals were housed in covered stalls with concrete floors, equipped with individual troughs and drinkers, and fed 80% roughage and 20% concentrate. The inclusion of açaí kernel altered the intake and digestibility of a few nutritional components and the feeding behavior of mares. Increasing levels of the substitution of Mombaça grass with crushed açaí kernel in the experimental diets increased the nutrient intake and digestibility of neutral detergent fiber, total carbohydrates, and non-fibrous carbohydrates (P < 0.05) while reducing the time spent on feeding by the animals. Crushed açaí kernel can, therefore, be included as a substitute for Mombaça grass at up to 37.5% in equine diets.</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"56 8","pages":"361"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142523218","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seroprevalence of avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) among pullet and layer hens in Northern Thailand.","authors":"Nisachon Apinda, Kriangkrai Witoonsatian, Kanokwan Sangkakam, Anucha Muenthaisong, Nattawooti Sthitmatee, Pakpoom Tadee","doi":"10.1007/s11250-024-04202-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11250-024-04202-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) poses a significant global threat to the respiratory and reproductive systems of poultry, yet its prevalence and impact in specific regions, such as northern Thailand, remain understudied. This study is the first comprehensive assessment of aMPV seroprevalence among layer hens in the region. By the application of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), our findings reveal a high overall seroprevalence of 60.78%, with significantly higher rates among post-laying hens (70.87%) compared to pre-laying hens (47.02%). Regional variations were noted, Uttaradit province showing the highest seroprevalence at 74%. Factors such as overcrowded conditions and poor farm hygiene were implied as contributors to increased seropositivity. Comparison with global studies highlights aMPV's endemicity and emphasizes the need for targeted surveillance and biosecurity measures. Migratory birds were inferred as potential vectors, contributing to the spread of aMPV across different regions. This study provides crucial epidemiological data essential for optimizing vaccination strategies and enhancing disease management practices to safeguard poultry health and sustainable production in northern Thailand.</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"56 8","pages":"362"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142523219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of male reproductive hormones of Kalahari Red and Kalawad goat bucks as affected by age and season under tropical conditions.","authors":"A J Odeyemi, O O Shittu, A Y Odeyemi, O O Adelusi, V O A Ojo, O F Smith, R Y Aderinboye, R A Sobayo","doi":"10.1007/s11250-024-04215-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11250-024-04215-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Comprehensive understanding of reproductive hormones and environmental cues with their relationship is essential for efficient production in livestock sectors involving either assisted or natural reproductive methods. This study evaluated the effects of age and seasonal-associated changes in the blood concentrations of testosterone and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) of male Kalahari Red (KR) and Kalawad (KW)-crossbred goats. Based on a 2 × 3 × 4 factorial arrangement, a total of 42 bucks (KR n = 21 and KW n = 21) were allotted into three age groups (> 1 ≤ 2 years, > 2 ≤ 3 years and > 3 ≤ 4 years) with seven KR bucks and seven KW bucks each per age group; reared under different seasons (early rainy, late rainy, early dry and late dry). The animals were managed semi-intensively, kept in an open-ventilated pen and subjected to same nutritional regime throughout the one-year experimental period. Follicle stimulating hormone and testosterone concentrations were analyzed in serum samples. Data obtained reproductive hormones were subjected to three-way Analysis of Variance using SAS 1999. Results show that breed had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on both serum FSH and testosterone concentrations. The highest FSH (0.49 ± 0.02 ng/mL, 0.45 ± 0.01 ng/mL, 0.41 ± 0.1 ng/mL and 0.47 ± 0.07 ng/mL) mean values (P > 0.05) were observed in KR in September, October, November and May, respectively while the highest (2.6 ± 0.02 ng/mL) testosterone concentration in KW (p < 0.05) was obtained in December. Testosterone had irregular patterns between breeds and months of sampling. FSH was at peak (p > 0.05) in KR during the late rainy season at all ages while the values of FSH concentration in KW were not significantly different at all ages and seasons. The highest (2.05 ± 0.11 ng/mL) serum testosterone mean value in KW peaked (p < 0.05) age > 3 ≤ 4 years during the late rainy season. Testosterone concentration was lower and steady at all ages during rainy seasons in KR but started fluctuating during the early dry season. The least mean (0.62 ± 0.07 ng/mL and 0.68 ± 0.05 ng/mL) were recorded (p > 0.05) in KW during the late dry season at age > 2 ≤ 3 and > 3 ≤ 4 years respectively. In KR and KW goat breeds raised under tropical condition, the high seasonal variations were responsible for the fluctuations in the reproductive hormones which resultantly altered or lowered the sexual activity of the animals at certain season(s).</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"56 8","pages":"364"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142523215","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Strengthening research-extension-farmer-input linkage system for sustainable smallholder livestock farming in Africa: progress and prospects.","authors":"Obvious Mapiye, Kennedy Dzama","doi":"10.1007/s11250-024-04210-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11250-024-04210-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The drive to hasten the development of smallholder livestock farming through research-extension-farmer-input linkage systems (REFILS) is being promoted in African countries. Resource-constrained smallholders face various challenges including poor access to timely and relevant research-based innovations. Weak research-extension-farmer-input linkages exacerbate this issue. This review explores the evolution of Knowledge Transfer and Agricultural Extension Theories, emphasising the shift from centralised top-down dissemination to participatory and user-driven models. The paper characterises \"research\", \"extension\", \"farmer\", and \"input\" as the main pillars of agricultural knowledge systems and how their lack of interconnectedness impacts their effectiveness. Examining the dynamics of these pillars provides a comprehensive rationale for strengthening REFILS. Also, REFILS adoption disparities such as limited funding and investment, institutional and organisational inefficiencies, and social and cultural factors were discussed. The identified key challenges form an intricate web of interconnected issues which should not be addressed in isolation but collectively. The proposed measures for REFILS enhancement include building strong public-private partnerships, full participation and collaboration by all key actors including farmers, digitalisation of smallholder agriculture, and policy and institutional reorganisation towards a stronger REFILS. Moreover, the study acts as a foundational guide for strengthening REFILS at national, regional, and continental levels to foster economic, environmental, and social sustainability in Africa's livestock industry.</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"56 8","pages":"363"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11519287/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142523220","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identification of quantitative trait locus and positional candidate loci influencing chicken egg quality under tropical conditions.","authors":"C Y Lien, M Tixier-Boichard, S W Wu, C F Chen","doi":"10.1007/s11250-024-04197-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11250-024-04197-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Egg quality is a vital factor in the poultry industry. High-quality eggs not only meet consumer expectations for appearance, taste, and nutritional value but also have high marketability, profitability, and consumer satisfaction. Accordingly, we executed our research with the purpose of determining chromosomal regions and genetic markers associated with egg quality in an F2 cross-bred chicken population under tropical conditions; we determined these through a genome-wide association study and quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping. This population was created by cross-breeding the L2 line of Taiwan Country chickens, which is adapted to local conditions in Taiwan, with an experimental line (R-line) of Rhode Island Red layer chickens, which was developed by the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment. A 60 K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping array for chickens was employed to execute the analysis. Our analysis revealed 40 QTLs associated with egg quality under tropical conditions, namely 20 QTLs with genome-wide statistical significance and 20 QTLs with chromosome-wide statistical significance. Furthermore, we identified 93 SNPs exerting discernible effects on egg quality, with 10 of these effects exhibiting genome-wide significance and 83 exhibiting potential significance. The majority of the detected QTL regions and SNPs agreed with those identified as having an association with egg quality or production traits in previous studies, thus supporting the interrelationships determined between the studied characteristics. The findings of this study enhance the understanding regarding the genetic regulation governing chicken egg quality, thereby serving as a valuable reference for future functional investigations.</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"56 8","pages":"359"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142508810","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Injectable progesterone in 13-month-old prepubertal Nellore heifers: effects on in vitro embryo production and pregnancy rate.","authors":"Letícia Padovani da Silva, Marina de Oliveira Silva, Marcelo Sant'Ana Borges, Jaine Martelo Pagoto, Yeda Fumie Watanabe, Clara Slade Oliveira, Maria Eugênia Zerlotti Mercadante, Fabio Morato Monteiro","doi":"10.1007/s11250-024-04205-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11250-024-04205-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of injectable progesterone administration before ovum pick-up (OPU) on in vitro embryo production (IVEP) and pregnancy rate in prepubertal Nellore heifers. Twenty-three Nellore females, 13.04 ± 0.8 months of age, were randomly assigned to two groups: control group (no progesterone application) and progesterone group (intramuscular administration of 1 mL [150 mg/mL] progesterone 7 days before OPU). The second OPU was performed after 28 days (crossover between groups). After OPU, oocytes were selected for IVEP and a sample was fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde. Viable oocytes were subjected to immunofluorescence staining for IGFBP2 and caspase-3. For each oocyte, one image was generated per channel (A555 and A488 filters) and analyzed with the ImageJ program for the quantification of fluorescence intensity (in pixels). The produced embryos were transferred to multiparous Nellore cows and pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasound 30 days after transfer. Data were analyzed using the MIXED and GLIMMIX procedure of SAS^®. Treatment with injectable progesterone had no effect on the number or size of the antral follicles of heifers. No differences between the control and progesterone groups were observed for total number of aspirated oocytes (P = 0.78), viable oocytes (P = 0.80), cleavage rate (P = 0.60), or blastocyst rate (P = 0.56). There were no differences in pixel intensity between the two groups, nor in the levels of IGFBP2 or caspase-3. However, a difference was observed in the pregnancy rate of embryos produced from heifers of the progesterone group (42.1%; 32/76) when compared to the rate of embryos produced from control heifers (28.4%; 23/81) (P = 0.02). The use of injectable progesterone before OPU in prepubertal Nellore heifers does not improve IVEP but increases the pregnancy rate after transfer.</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"56 8","pages":"357"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142508811","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Growth performance and ruminal fermentation characteristics of Thai-native beef cattle fed cassava pulp fermented with Lactobacillus casei TH14 and additives.","authors":"Sunisa Pongsub, Chaichana Suriyapha, Waewaree Boontiam, Anusorn Cherdthong","doi":"10.1007/s11250-024-04200-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11250-024-04200-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Raw cassava pulp is a low-nutritional agro-industry residue with a high moist content that is susceptible to rot. Biodegradation of cassava pulp by adding Lactobacillus spp. plus stimulants could boost bio-acidity to preserve cassava pulp as ruminant feed. This investigation assessed the effect of ensiled cassava pulp without or with Lactobacillus casei TH14 (LTH14), urea, and molasses on the intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, and growth performance of native Thai beef cattle. Eight Thai-native beef bulls (170.3 ± 20.2 kg of initial body weight) were randomly assigned to two treatment groups in a completely randomized design: cassava pulp ensiled without additives (CPFNO; n = 4) and cassava pulp ensiled with the combination of LTH14 (2.5 g per ton of fresh material), urea (4% DM), and molasses (4% DM) (CPFWA; n = 4). The intake of the concentrate diet and ensiled cassava pulp did not differ (p > 0.05) between the CPFNO and CPFWA groups, including final body weight, average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (p > 0.05). However, CPFWA affected higher rice straw intake compared to the CPFNO group (p < 0.05). The intake and digestibility of crude protein (CP) were greater for the CPFWA group at 43.86% and 30.87%, respectively, compared to the CPFNO group (p < 0.05). Ruminal ammonia-nitrogen (NH₃-N) and blood urea-nitrogen (BUN) were increased when animals were fed with CPFWA (p < 0.05). The average total volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration of CPFWA was greater than that of CPFNO by 27.49% (p < 0.05). In conclusion, CPFWA supplementation can enhance rice straw intake, CP intake and digestion, total ruminal VFA concentration, and BUN levels, without adversely affecting growth performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"56 8","pages":"356"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142508808","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"History of a dairy camel (NAQA) and machine milking in Saudi Arabia; challenges and prospective.","authors":"Hashim Mohamed Abdullah, Abdullah Sheikh","doi":"10.1007/s11250-024-04211-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11250-024-04211-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Over the past two decades, there has been a noteworthy surge in the attention and interest surrounding camel rearing and camel milk production in Saudi Arabia. This focus has emanated from diverse stakeholders including the general public, camel breeders, and researchers. While limited quantities of camel pasteurized milk currently available in selected showrooms, the sale of raw milk near camel enclosures remains prevalent. Recent developments include the inauguration of a modernized, opulent showroom in Riyadh exclusively dedicated to showcasing camel milk and its derivatives. The commencement of machine camel milking trials in Saudi Arabia traces back to 2003 when a portable single-bucket cow milking machine was initially tested at the Al-Jouf Range and Camel Research Center in Sakaka city. Subsequently, a company in the northern region of Saudi Arabia emerged the nation's first semi-automatic camel milking line in 2008, which continues to operate to this day. However, these endeavors, while pioneering, lag behind contemporary milking technologies prevalent in dairy farms focused on cows. Despite these strides, there exists a notable dearth of comprehensive data encompassing critical aspects of dairy camel farming. Absence of information on dairy camel and total seasonal milk yields, scientific data on machine milkability, and established production standards and characteristics for female camel milk hinders the sector's progress. This review endeavors to elucidate the obstacles and challenges hindering the widespread adoption of camel machine milking and the implementation of good camel management practices. It also outlines prospective measures aimed at overcoming these challenges for a more robust future for camel as a productive livestock in Saudi Arabia. With global climate changes, crises of protein and water shortages worldwide, and the remarkable production potentials of camels, this exploration aims to contribute to the sustainable development of camel farming in the context of evolving global challenges and opportunities.</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"56 8","pages":"352"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11502539/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142508809","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of coated calcium feeding on growth performance, carcass traits, immunity, blood biochemistry and tibial bone morphometry in commercial broiler chicken.","authors":"Balaji Sanjayrao Dongare, Ram Chandrakant Kulkarni, Balan Vasanthi, Sudhakar Pralhad Awandkar, Nandkumar Zatingrao Gaikwad, Ganesh Mahadeo Gadegaonkar, Mohammad Raziuddin, Akash More","doi":"10.1007/s11250-024-04199-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11250-024-04199-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The bone abnormalities pose great concern in heavy, rapidly growing broilers, resulting in significant economic loss, and health issues in birds. To address these problems and prevent unnecessary mineral excretion into environment, it is crucial to optimise the inclusion level of dietary calcium in broiler's diet. The calcium utilisation by the bird is also affected by its source, particle size, bioavailability etc. Hence this study aimed to study the effect of partially replacing conventional dietary calcium source with coated calcium on growth performance, immune response, carcass traits, blood calcium and phosphorus, and mineral retention in broilers. About 416 broiler chicks were randomly distributed into four treatments, each with eight replicates of 13 birds and fed with iso-calcium, isocaloric, and isonitrogenous diet for 42 days. The T₀ (control) was a basal diet while the T₁, T₂, and T₃, were treatment diets in which conventional calcium source (limestone) was partially replaced with coated calcium by 10, 20, and 30% respectively. The birds of T₃ group showed higher (P < 0.05) body weight gain, better feed conversion ratio and higher carcass yields compared to T₀, T₁, and T₂ diet fed birds. Further the treatment groups exhibited higher (P < 0.05) cell-mediated and humoral immune responses and immune organ weights compared to control. The tibial bone weight, length and average diameter was highest (P < 0.05) in T₃. Moreover, the T₃ diet fed group also showed higher (P < 0.05) calcium and phosphorus content in serum and bone and lowest content of these minerals in the excreta followed by T₂, T₁ and control. These findings suggest that a 30% conventional calcium source with coated calcium may be used as a high-grade mineral source for broiler chicken feed.</p>","PeriodicalId":23329,"journal":{"name":"Tropical animal health and production","volume":"56 8","pages":"355"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2024-10-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142508807","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}