• Journal of Animal Environmental Science
• /
• v.6 no.2
• /
• pp.91-96
• /
• 2000

This study was carried out to determine the effect of sound stimulation on growth performance, feeding behaviour and egg production of laying hens. A total of 180 laying hens(4 weeks old) were alloted to 18 cages with 10hens per cage and 6 cages per treatment. Laying hens were exposed to three sounds: control, Leq 50dB and Leq 75dB. The growth performance was measured fro m4 weeks to 17 weeks of age, feeding behaviour was observed at 5weeks, 7weeks, 10weeks and 50 weeks of age using data from real-time videotapes, while eg production was recorded from 20 weeks to 50 weeks of age. Growth performance was improved in the sound stimulated laying hens from 12 weeks to 17 weeks of age. In the 50dB simulated laying hens spent more longer time for feeding than others during the experimental period. Egg production of 50dB stimulated laying hens from 20 weeks to 50 weeks was higher than others, however 75dB stimulated laying hens were significantly lower than 50dB stimulated hens(P<0.05). The results indicated that the growth and egg production of egg type chicken can be influenced by sound stimulation through physiological rhythm.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.116-121
• /
• 2004

It is known that the transportation stress of market pigs can affect their carcass quality and that blood concentrations of glucose, creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) are indicators of the transportation stress. Fifty-seven gilts and 57 barrows weighing approximately 110 kg were randomly assigned into six groups in a 3 [high (0.31 $m^2/100$ kg BW)-, medium (0.35 $m^2$)- and low (0.39 $m^2$)-stocking densities]${\times}2$[1 h vs. 3 h transportation time] arrangement of treatments. Blood samples were taken during transportation and after 2 h lairage. The percentage of "standing" animals during transportation was less in the low- than in the mediumor high-stocking density; the opposite was true for the "sitting" posture. Plasma concentrations of glucose, CK and LDH increased after loading and declined to the resting levels after lairage. Concentrations of CK and LDH were greater in the 3 h vs. 1 h transportation group. Moreover, the LDH concentration was less in the low- than in the medium- or high-density group. Also detected was a significant interaction between the stocking density and transportation time in all of these blood variables. The incidence of pale, soft and exudative (PSE) carcass was greatest in the high-stocking density group. Interestingly, the PSE incidence increased following the 3 h vs. 1 h transportation at the low-density, but not at the medium-density. Results suggest that the medium-density may be preferable to the lowdensity in the long-distance transportation.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.22 no.5
• /
• pp.727-731
• /
• 2009

The aim of this study was to understand the effects of skin pigmentation on physiological parameters of thermoregulation and grazing behaviour of dairy goats in a hot and humid climate. The study used 26 crossbred Saanen yearling goats (95% Saanen+5% Local Hair Breed). The animals were raised at semi-intensive private farms in Adana (36 59'N, 35 18'E). Groups were selected 2 d before the start of observations. Goats were categorized as predominantly pigmented (P) skin and unpigmented (UP) skin. All observations and measurements were collected on grassland during the grazing period of June and July 2007 (60 d). Air temperature and relative humidity were recorded at 10 min intervals by a portable data logger. The physiological data (rectal temperature, respiration and pulse rate, and skin temperatures from head and udder) were recorded twice weekly in the morning (07:00-08:00); at midday (13:00-14:00); and in the evening (18:00-19:00). Additionally, the activity of the animals was observed and classified (eating, ruminating, drinking, standing, walking, lying) for 12 h during the day twice weekly, using a portable camera system linked directly to a computer. Panting behaviour was also observed. According to the THI values, the experimental goats were subjected to stressful conditions. The pigmented goats had significantly lower rectal temperatures (39.68 vs. $29.89^{\circ}C$), pulse rate (74.08 vs. 84.10 beat/min) and respiration rate (65.65 vs. 88.23 breath/min.) compared with unpigmented goats at midday when the THI exceeded 92. The rectal, head and udder temperatures, pulse and respiration rates of the non-pigmented group exceeded $40^{\circ}C$, $37^{\circ}C$, $37.5^{\circ}C$, 84 beats/min and 78 breaths/min, respectively. Higher activity was observed among pigmented compared with unpigmented goats. Unpigmented goats grazed (4.3 vs. 5.6 h), ruminated (2.0 vs. 2.4 h), and stood (0.8 vs. 1.2 h) less, but lay down (2.2 vs. 1.8 h) more than pigmented goats. The data obtained in this experiment support the hypothesis that unpigmented goats are more adversely affected by climatic stress, likely due to their decreased activity and increased water consumption, as demonstrated by previous studies.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.225-230
• /
• 1992

Many transgenic mice expressing human growth hormone gene were infertile. To investigate the infertility of these transfenic mice, it was looked into the estrus cycle and sexual behaviour and also tested through in vitro fertilization whether the germ cells of these mice normal or not. The infertile female transgenic mice were mated to the fertile males of ICR strain, but in almost all of them the vaginal plugs were not detected and their estrus cycles by vaginal smear were almost irregular which kept up estrus or diestrus stage. Many male transgenic mice did not have the ability of sexual behaviour. Therefore the viability of germ cells in infertile male transgenic mice was investigated by in vitro fertilization, but the sperm were normally fertilized with the eggs and the transgene of parent was passed on to the progeny. These results consequently suggest that the infertility of transgenic mice experssing human growth hormone gene may be due to the physiological activity of human growth hormone, not germ cells.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.9 no.4
• /
• pp.381-387
• /
• 1996

An experiment was carried out for 12 weeks to study the feeding behaviour, growth and carcass characteristics of cross-bred goats. Nine bucks with an average live weight of $18.02{\pm}0.9kg$ were allocated in a completely randomized block design arrangement, consisting of three feeding regimes and three blocks. The feeding regimes consisted of 100% natural grass (Treatment A), 100% gliricidia leaf (Treatment B) and 100% ficus leaf (Treatment C). Frequency of turning-over and sniffing the feed and duration and frequency of ruminating, defaecating, and urination of goats in treatment B were longer, while duration of masticating and jaw movement of chewing one bolus was shorter than those of goats in treatments C and A (p < 0.05). Furthermore, goats in treatment B gained more live weight, consumed more feed, consumed less water and was more efficient in utilizing the feed than goats in treatments C or A (p < 0.05). The dressing percentage, carcass length and carcass fat of goats in treatment B were higher and their bone percentages were lower than those in treatments C and A (p < 0.05). There is an indication that feeding gliricidia and ficus leaves during the dry season could not only increase the body weight and improve carcass quality of the goat but also save water for household needs.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.5 no.4
• /
• pp.681-685
• /
• 1992

Experiment involved range vegetation classified into three major classes: Xerophytic trees, shrubs and grasses. Among them samples of major plant species were collected and analysed for chemical composition. The experimental animals 20 each of Thalli sheep and Teddy goats, located at Livestock Experiment Station Rakh Kharewala district Layyah (Pakistan) were randomly drawn from the main flock. The grazing pattern data were collected from one animal of each species. The observations regarding the grazing behaviour, breeding efficiency and carcass quality were also determined. It was found that overall preference index of Teddy goats were higher for Khabble (Cynodon dactylon) indicated by percent of the total number of bites made on different plant species, while the bites on Lumb (Aristida plumose), Mahabbat booti (Cenchrus biflorus), Dhaman (Cenchrus ciliaris) and Karera (Elionorus hirsutus) were found to be 1.28, 6.74, 0.32 and 3.87 percents. The browsing species as a whole were utilized more during the draught period. Among the grasses, sheep heavily utilized Khabble grass, with overall bite percentage of 89.27. Within browsing species Wan (Salvadora oleoides) and wind fallen dry leaves of Wan were considerably picked by the sheep showing 1.19 and 3.49 overall bite percentage respectively. The overall daily growth rates & dressing percentage for Teddy goats and Thalli sheep were 48.33, 39.00 and 51.00, 46.00 percent respectively. Moreover, among the experimental animals 50 percent goats exhibited signs of oestrus where as none of the sheep came into heat during the study period.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.4 no.1
• /
• pp.7-14
• /
• 1991

An experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of change in length of hay offered on eating and rumination behaviour in sheep using three types of hay diets (L: long, M: 8.0-cm cut, S: 1.2-cm cut) and 3 Japanese Corriedale wethers, and the experiment was designed as $3{\times}3$ latine square. The time spent eating per 100 g hay was significantly shorter with long (L) hay (p < 0.05) than with chopped (M and S) hay, and therefore, the eating rate (g D.M./min.) was significantly higher in the former (p < 0.05) than in the latter. Rumination appearance (the lag time after eating) tended to be longer with long hay than with chopped hay, but not significantly (p > 0.05). Daily time spent ruminating, the actual chewing time and daily number of chews tended to be more in feeding long hay than in feeding chopped hay, but not significantly. Daily number of rumination periods was significantly more with long hay (p < 0.01) than with chopped hay. Cyclic rate tended to be longer with long hay than with chopped hay, in particular, the difference in values between long hay and 8.0-cm cut hay was significant statistically (p < 0.01). The rumination index (time spent ruminating/100 g D.M, eaten) tended to be higher with long hay than with chopped hay, and the difference in values between long hay and 1.2-cm cut hay was significant statistically (p < 0.05). Bolus time was significantly longer with long hay (p < 0.01) than that with 8.0-cm cut hay. The circadian pattern of ruminating time was not changed by the changes in length of hay eaten.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.32 no.5
• /
• pp.734-741
• /
• 2019

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the relationship between plasma and salivary cortisol concentrations in beef cattle that were subjected to handling prior to sampling. Methods: Twenty-one Nguni cows of three age categories; 5 to 7 yr (n = 7), 8 to 10 yr (n = 6), and 11 to 13 yr (n = 8) were handled for five consecutive weeks. In the pen, a human avoidance test was performed and cattle responses to restraint in the chute and crush were observed. In addition, rectal temperature readings were taken and, faecal samples were collected and analysed for glucocorticoid metabolites. Through the handling and restraint process, excretory and vocalisation behaviour, as a sign of stress were observed and recorded. Thereafter, six cows were randomly selected and subjected to an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) challenge. Blood and saliva samples were extracted to determine cortisol concentrations. Results: Repeated handling affected (p<0.05) faecal glucocorticoid metabolites, rectal temperatures, avoidance distance, crush scores as well as urination and defaecation behaviour. Acclimation to handling was variable based on each respective parameter. Saliva cortisol concentrations increased and decreased significantly (p<0.001). A peak value of $136.78{\pm}15.869nmol/L$ was observed 30min after administration of ACTH, from a baseline value of $8.75{\pm}15.869nmol/L$. Plasma cortisol concentrations did not differ (p>0.05) across the time of sampling. A low and insignificant correlation (r = 0.0131, p>0.05) between plasma and saliva cortisol was therefore observed. Conclusion: We conclude that if beef cows are subjected to handling prior to sampling, a weak relationship exists between plasma and salivary cortisol levels.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.12 no.4
• /
• pp.515-519
• /
• 1999

With the purpose of determining the influence of sexual partners on the oestrous behaviour and to evaluate the accuracy of predicting the time from implant withdrawal to sexual receptivity following a treatment with Synchromate B (SMB), 15 adult Brahman cows were used in each of three phases. During phase I and n, random pairs of animals were induced to display oestrus one pair after the other at daily intervals, while in phase III, cows were induced alternately, every other day, one cow on the 1st day, two on the 3rd, one on the 5th, two on the 7th until all cows were treated. Sixty six percent of the cows in phases I and II, and 80% in phase III came into oestrous after treatment. The interval between implant withdrawal and, expected and observed oestrous was statistically different in all phases. Clustering of oestrous was evident. Cows displayed sexual receptivity within a. range of -24 to +96; -24 to +72 and -216 to +192 hours after implant withdrawal for the three phases, respectively, with a tendency for cows treated first (within treatments), to delay their oestrus signs and vice versa. In phase III, four cows showed oestrous behaviour with the implant in place. These in spite of not observing pre-ovulatory follicles. Correlation values of 0.99, 0.93 and 0.90 (P<0.05) were found respectively among treatments, between the number of cows coming into oestrus and the number of mounts observed. These findings suggest that there are social and behavioural factors in a herd that may override exogenous synchronisation treatments.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.60 no.4
• /
• pp.7.1-7.5
• /
• 2018

Background: Mice are widely accepted research models of great clinical significance. Maintenance of laboratory mice breed is an essential aspect for performing research activities in various fields of science. Infanticide is one of the prominent causes of litter loss during maintenance of laboratory mice stock. The present study is an effort to monitor the effect of change in ambient temperature of female mice below the normal range on cannibalism and infanticide during early postparturition phase. Adult female Swiss albino mice have been divided into two groups of control and treatment. On the day of litter group one was maintained under controlled temperature conditions (minimum $20^{\circ}C$ to maximum $23^{\circ}C$) throughout, while female mice belong to group two have been exposed to variation of room temperature (maximum $15^{\circ}C$ to minimum $10^{\circ}C$ for two nights and one day) until 36 h postparturition. Results: The effects of temperature changes were observed on the infanticide behaviour of dams along with the survival of pups in early postparturition phase till 36 h after delivery. The significant statistical difference (P < 0.05) was reported in infanticide behaviour of dams when control and treatment group was compared. It is observed that decrement in surrounding temperature promotes decrement in the ambient body temperature of dams during early postparturition. It is proposed that alteration of hypothalamic homeostasis due to temperature change induces cannibalism and infanticide behaviour. Lack of thermoregulation during early postparturition creates the sense of insecurity, in-satiety, anxiety and stress. Conclusions: Authors strongly recommend the maintenance of body and surrounding temperature to prevent infanticidal behaviour and cannibalism within Swiss albino mice population. Further investigations are advisable to authenticate the active behavioural and biochemical pathway behind the phenomena.