Effect of Work Stress and Supplementary Feeding on Body Conformation, Ovarian Activity and Blood Parameters in Mashona Cows in a Smallholder Farming System

Chimonyo, M.,Kusina, N.T.,Hamudikuwauda, H.,Nyoni, O. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2000 Animal Bioscience Vol.13 No.8

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of draught stress on certain haemograms and ovarian activity and the influence of dietary supplementation on the negative effects of draught in cows. Blood parameters and ovarian activity were assessed in supplemented non-working (SNW), supplemented working (SW) and non-supplemented non-working (NSNW) cows. Body weights and body condition scores were recorded fortnightly. Blood samples were collected through jugular venipuncture in December, February and April to determine the contents of haematocrit, erythrocyte, haemoglobin and white blood cells. Ovarian palpations were carried out in October, January and April. The SW cows maintained body weights (p>0.05) during the monitoring period whereas both SNW and NSNW cows gained (p<0.05) body weights. Body condition scores were similar between SW and NSNW cows. Cows in the NSNW group had lower (p<0.05) haematocrit concentrations in April than both supplemented groups. In December, erythrocyte concentrations were similar (p>0.05) among all treatment groups. Haemoglobin concentrations were higher (p<0.05) in SW and SNW cows in February and April than in December. The SW cows had higher leucocyte contents (p<0.05) in February than the other groups of cows. All treatment groups showed similar (p>0.05) ovarian activity in January. However, the NSNW group showed a lower proportion (p<0.05) of cows that exhibited normal ovarian activity in April. The results suggest that dietary supplementation of cows increases haematocrit and haemoglobin contents. In addition, supplementary feeding during the period of draught power provision maintains ovarian activity in cows.

Influence of Maize Cob Inclusion Level in Pig Diets on Growth Performance and Carcass Traits of Mukota × Large White F₁ Crossbred Male Pigs

Chimonyo, M.,Kanengoni, A.T.,Dzama, K. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2001 Animal Bioscience Vol.14 No.12

A trial was conducted to evaluate the growth performance and carcass characteristics of LW ${\times}$ Mukota $F_1$ crosses when fed diets containing graded levels of maize cob meal. Sixteen LW ${\times}$ Mukota $F_1$ crossbred pigs of approximately 4.5 months of age, were randomly allocated to four diets that contained 0, 100, 200 and 300 g maize cobs/kg, which corresponded to 276.4, 360.3, 402.9 and 523.5 g NDF/kg, respectively. The pigs were fed ad libitum for 14 weeks. The diets were formulated to contain similar levels of energy (ca. 9MJ ME/kg) and protein (ca.160 g CP/kg). Average daily feed intake (ADFI), daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were monitored for 14 weeks. At slaughter, the cold dressed weight (CDM) and backfat thickness (BFT) were determined. There was no significant linear relationship (p>0.05) between level of cob inclusion and ADFI. The ADG decreased as level of maize cobs increased (p<0.001). The pigs that were on 300 g cobs/kg had the highest FCR (p<0.05) as compared to pigs on the other three diets. No differences (p>0.05) were observed in the CDM between pigs that were fed diets that had 0 and 100 g maize cobs/kg. In addition, pigs on 100 and 200 g cobs/kg diets had the same CDM (p>0.05). The diet that contained 300 g cobs/kg gave the lowest (p< 0.001) CDM. Both BFT parameters showed a decrease (p<0.05) as level of maize cobs increased. An increase in CDM was associated with an increase in BFT (p<0.001), with the correlation coefficient between K7.5 and CDM being 0.84 (p<0.001). It can, therefore, be concluded that crossbred pigs perform well on diets containing up to 200 g/kg maize cobs.

Effects of Water Restriction on the Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Organ Weights of Naked Neck and Ovambo Chickens of Southern Africa

Chikumba, N.,Chimonyo, M. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2014 Animal Bioscience Vol.27 No.7

In semi-arid areas of Southern Africa, dehydration can compromise the performance and welfare of local chickens, particularly during the growing period when confinement is curtailed and birds are left to scavenge for feed and water. The effect of water restriction on the growth performance was compared in Naked Neck (NNK) and Ovambo (OVB) chickens that are predominant in Southern Africa. A total of 54 eight-wk-old pullets each of NNK and OVB chickens with an initial average weight of $641{\pm}10g/bird$ were randomly assigned to three water intake treatments, each having six birds for 8 wk. The water restriction treatments were ad libitum, 70% of ad libitum and 40% of ad libitum intake. Nine experimental pens with a floor space of $3.3m^2$ per strain were used. The pens were housed in an open-sided house with cement floor deep littered with a 20 cm layer of untreated wood shavings. Feed was provided ad libitum. Average daily water intake (ADWI), BW at 16 weeks of age (FBW), ADG, ADFI, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and water to feed ratios (WFR) were determined. Ovambo chickens had superior (p<0.05) FBW, ADG and ADWI than NNK chickens. Body weight of birds at 16 weeks of age, ADG, ADFI, ADWI, and WFR declined progressively (p<0.05) with increasing severity of water restriction while FCR values increased (p<0.05) as the severity of water restriction increased. Naked Neck chickens had better FCR at the 40% of ad libitum water intake level than Ovambo chickens. The dressing percentage per bird was higher in water restricted birds than those on ad libitum water consumption, irrespective of strain. Heart weight was significantly lower in birds on 40% of ad libitum water intake than those on ad libitum and 70% of ad libitum water intake, respectively. In conclusion, NNK chickens performed better than OVB chickens under conditions of water restriction and would be ideal to raise for meat and egg production in locations where water shortages are a major challenge.

Seasonal Changes in Energy-related Blood Metabolites and Mineral Profiles of Nguni and Crossbred Cattle on Communal Rangelands in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Mapiye, C.,Chimonyo, M.,Dzama, K.,Marufu, M.C. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2010 Animal Bioscience Vol.23 No.6

The objective of the current study was to determine seasonal changes in glucose, cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), serum inorganic phosphorous (SIP), calcium, magnesium and iron concentrations in Nguni and crossbred cattle on the sweet and sour rangelands of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Body weights, body condition scores (BCS) and serum concentrations of energy-related metabolites and mineral profiles were determined in late cool-dry, hot-dry, hot-wet, post-rainy and early cool-dry seasons in 100 cattle raised on communal rangelands from August 2007 to May 2008. Nguni cattle had lower (p<0.05) and higher (p<0.05) serum concentrations of glucose in the hot-wet and post-rainy seasons, respectively, compared to crossbreds in the same seasons. Serum cholesterol and NEFA concentrations in Nguni were lower (p<0.05) than in the crossbreds. Nguni and crossbred cattle had higher (p<0.05) serum NEFA concentrations on the sweet rangeland during the late cool-dry season than on sour rangeland. Nguni cattle had higher (p<0.05) SIP concentration in the hot-wet season than the crossbreds. Generally, both breeds had lowest SIP concentration during the hot-wet season on the sour rangeland. The lowest magnesium and highest iron concentrations were observed in the hot-wet and post-rainy seasons, respectively, compared to other seasons. Cattle on the sour rangeland had lower (p<0.05) iron concentrations than those on the sweet rangeland. It was concluded that Nguni cattle had lower cholesterol and NEFA, and higher SIP concentrations in the hot-wet season than crossbreds and energy deficits mostly occurred during the late cool-dry season on the sweet rangeland.

Protein Status of Indigenous Nguni and Crossbred Cattle in the Semi-arid Communal Rangelands in South Africa

Mapiye, C.,Chimonyo, M.,Dzama, K.,Marufu, M.C. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2010 Animal Bioscience Vol.23 No.2

The objective of the current study was to determine factors influencing concentrations of protein-related blood metabolites in indigenous Nguni and crossbred cattle in the semi-arid communal rangelands in South Africa. The body condition scores (BCS), packed cell volume (PCV) and serum concentrations of protein-related metabolites were determined seasonally in 100 cattle raised on communal rangelands from August 2007 to May 2008. Nguni cattle had lower (p<0.05) albumin-globulin ratio, albumin, urea and creatinine, and higher (p<0.05) globulin concentrations than the local crossbreds. Local crossbreds had higher (p<0.05) alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase concentrations and lower (p<0.05) aspartate aminotransferase concentrations in the postrainy season than Nguni cattle. The creatinine concentrations of Nguni and crossbred cattle were lowest in the sour rangeland during the hot-wet season. The albumin concentrations of Nguni and crossbred cattle were higher (p<0.05) whilst PCV, albumin-globulin ratio and creatine kinase concentration were lower (p<0.05) in the sour rangeland than in the sweet rangeland. Total protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase concentrations of Nguni and crossbred cattle were lower (p<0.05) in the hot-wet and late cool-dry seasons than in other seasons across rangeland types. Urea concentrations in both breeds were highest in the sweet rangeland in the hot-dry season compared to other seasons. It was concluded that Nguni cattle had lower concentrations of protein metabolites than local crossbreds and protein deficiencies were most prominent in the sweet rangeland during the cool-dry seasons.

Potential of Using Maize Cobs in Pig Diets - A Review

Kanengoni, A.T.,Chimonyo, M.,Ndimba, B.K.,Dzama, K. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2015 Animal Bioscience Vol.28 No.12

The quest to broaden the narrow range of feed ingredients available to pig producers has prompted research on the use of low cost, unconventional feedstuffs, which are typically fibrous and abundant. Maize cobs, a by-product of a major cereal grown worldwide, have potential to be used as a pig feed ingredient. Presently, maize cobs are either dumped or burnt for fuel. The major challenge in using maize cobs in pig diets is their lignocellulosic nature (45% to 55% cellulose, 25% to 35% hemicellulose, and 20% to 30% lignin) which is resistant to pigs' digestive enzymes. The high fiber in maize cobs (930 g neutral detergent fiber/kg dry matter [DM]; 573 g acid detergent fiber/kg DM) increases rate of passage and sequestration of nutrients in the fiber reducing their digestion. However, grinding, heating and fermentation can modify the structure of the fibrous components in the maize cobs and improve their utilization. Pigs can also extract up to 25% of energy maintenance requirements from fermentation products. In addition, dietary fiber improves pig intestinal health by promoting the growth of lactic acid bacteria, which suppress proliferation of pathogenic bacteria in the intestines. This paper reviews maize cob composition and the effect on digestibility of nutrients, intestinal microflora and growth performance and proposes the use of ensiling using exogenous enzymes to enhance utilization in diets of pigs.

Changes in Metabolites Concentration in Nguni and Crossbred Calves on Natural Pasture

Mapekula, M.,Mapiye, C.,Chimonyo, M. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2011 Animal Bioscience Vol.24 No.11

Accurate assessment of the nutritional status of Nguni cattle is becoming increasingly important in determining their mechanism for adaptation to challenging environments. Changes in body weights and concentrations of total protein (TP), albumin, globulin, glucose, cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), phosphorus (SIP), calcium and magnesium were determined in Nguni and crossbred calves raised on natural pasture from birth until weaning. At an early age, TP concentration in crossbreds was higher (p<0.05) than that of Nguni calves. However, TP levels increased with age in Nguni calves so that Nguni's had higher (p<0.05) TP levels than crossbreds at weaning. Nguni calves had higher (p<0.05) glucose concentrations than crossbreds in all the ages except in the third month. Serum NEFA levels in Nguni calves were higher (p<0.05) than in crossbreds at all ages except for the second month. Calcium levels decreased (p<0.05) with age in both genotypes. The blood TP concentrations tended to decrease (p<0.05) as body weight increased up to 80 kg, thereafter blood TP concentration increased (p<0.05) as body weight increased. Calcium concentrations in crossbred calves decreased (p<0.05) quadratically as the body weight increased. There was, however, a linear increase (p<0.05) in calcium concentrations in Nguni calves. The higher NEFA and TP concentrations at weaning and the TP increase in Nguni calves beyond 80 kg suggest that Nguni's utilise fibrous feeds better than crossbreds.

Fiber source and inclusion level affects characteristics of excreta from growing pigs

Mpendulo, Conference Thando,Chimonyo, Michael,Ndou, Saymore Petros,Bakare, Archibold Garikayi Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2018 Animal Bioscience Vol.31 No.5

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the influence of varying fibrous diets on fecal characteristics of growing pigs. Methods: A total of 104 pigs (initial weight $18{\pm}2.0kg$) were used in the study. They were housed in individual pens and fed on diets containing maize cob, grass hay, lucerne hay, maize stover, and sunflower husk. These fibers were included at 0, 80, 160, 240, 320 and 400 g/kg. Fecal and urine samples were collected. Results: Fecal output was largest amongst pigs fed on diets containing grass hay and maize stover (p<0.05). Nitrogen content was highest in feces from pigs fed on sunflower husk (p<0.05). Pigs fed on diets containing maize stover and maize cobs produced the largest concentrations of short chain fatty acids. Acetate concentration was high in feces of pigs fed maize stover than those fed grass hay and lucerne hay (p<0.05). As the level of fiber inclusion increased, fecal consistency and nitrogen content increased linearly (p<0.05). Urea nitrogen decreased as the inclusion level increased across all the fibers (p<0.05), with maize cobs containing the largest content of urea nitrogen. As dietary fiber content increased, fecal nitrogen content also increased (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was concluded that different fiber sources influence fecal characteristics, thereby having different implications on pig waste management. It is vital to monitor fiber inclusion thresholds so as to easily manage environmental pollutants such as butyrate that contribute to odors.

Relationship between Nutritionally-related Blood Metabolites and Gastrointestinal Parasites in Nguni Goats of South Africa

Gwaze, F. Rumosa,Chimonyo, M.,Dzama, K. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2010 Animal Bioscience Vol.23 No.9

The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between faecal egg counts and nutritionally-related blood metabolites in Nguni goats of South Africa. Body weights, body condition scores (BCS), FAMACHA scores, faecal and blood samples were collected from 96 Nguni castrates. Faecal samples were analysed using the modified McMaster technique for nematodes and the sedimentation method for trematodes. Blood was analysed for packed cell volume (PCV), glucose, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, urea and creatinine. Season had an effect on glucose, globulin, total protein, creatinine, PCV and faecal egg counts (FEC). Globulin, PCV, creatinine and FEC were significantly higher in the wet season compared to the dry season. A quadratic relationship existed between faecal egg count loads and BCS whilst negative linear relationships were observed between faecal egg counts and creatinine, albumin and cholesterol levels of Nguni goats.

Relationship between inclusion level of Vachellia tortilis leaf meal and behavioral activities of finishing pigs

Thabethe, Fortune,Khanyile, Mbongeni,Ncobela, Cyprial Ndumiso,Chimonyo, Michael Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2020 Animal Bioscience Vol.33 No.1

Objective: The study was conducted to establish a relationship between inclusion level of Vachellia tortilis (V. tortilis) leaf meal and time spent on different behavioral activities by finishing pigs. Methods: A total of forty-eight male Large White×Landrace finishing pigs with a mean (±standard deviation) body weight of 63.8±3.28 kg aged 14 wks were assigned to individual pens in a completely randomized design. Pigs were fed on diets containing 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 g/kg dry matter of V. tortilis leaf meal ad libitum with fresh water provided throughout the trial. There were eight pigs in each experimental diet. The behavior of pigs was observed for three wks twice a wk from 0600 to 1800 h using six closed circuit television cameras. Results: Increasing levels of V. tortilis leaf meal caused a linear decrease (p<0.05) in time spent eating, lying down and the number of visit to the feeder. Time spent standing and biting objects increased linearly (p<0.05) with increasing inclusion level of V. tortilis leaf meal. The was a negative linear relationship (p<0.05) between condensed tannins versus time spent eating, lying down and number of feeder visits. Condensed tannins showed a positive linear relationship (p<0.05) with time spent standing and biting objects. Neutral detergent fiber caused a linear decrease (p<0.05) in number of feeder visits, time spent eating, time spent standing. Conclusion: Inclusion level of V. tortilis leaf meal reduces time spent eating, lying down and the number of feeder visit while prolonging time spent standing and biting of objects. Condensed tannins and dietary fiber are among nutritional factors affecting behavioral activities displayed by finishing pigs.