• Journal of Animal Environmental Science
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.157-164
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• 2012

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different farrowing space, narrow and wide, on the sow performances and piglet growth performances. The $1.5m^2$ of narrow farrowing space was determined as the size of farrowing crate. The $3.0m^2$ of wide space for farrowing sow was the same of farrowing pen to allow the behavior freedom of sow. Baby piglets in the wide farrowing space was protected from crushing of sow by installation of safety bar. The pregnant sows used in this study were stall-housed during gestation and moved to each farrowing spaces on 8 d before parturition. Feed intake, backfat thickness and body condition score of sow were not affected by both farrowing spaces. However, the changes in backfat thickness and body condition score between farrowing and weaning in wide farrowing space were lower (p<0.05) than in narrow farrowing space. The return to estrus of sow was remarkably decreased in wide farrowing space compared to sows in narrow farrowing space. The lower number of stillbirth and higher mortality of piglets were observed in wide farrowing space. From the results, although wide farrowing space could be practically acceptable in terms of sow performances, possible cause of mortality of piglets should be scrutinized through observation of piglet and sow behaviors.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.650-657
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• 2002

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of forage:concentrate ratios and feeding principles on milk yield, milk composition, body weight change, postpartum oestrus and feed cost. A total of 36 crossbred F1 cows (Holstein Friesian${\times}$Local Yellow) in the 8th week of lactation were used. In each experiment, animals were divided into three groups using a randomized block design according to the milk yield of the previous eight weeks. Cows were fed 30, 50 and 70% concentrate in the diet based on DM. In experiment 1 (Fc), cows were given the same amount of DM with constant ratios of forage and concentrate within treatments. In experiment 2 (Fa), cows were given the same constant amounts of concentrate as in experiment 1 and ad libitum forage. The forage consisted of a natural grass mixture based on 5 species of grasses with high nutritive values. There was no difference in total DM intake between treatments within experiments. However, cows fed forage ad libitum had higher DM intakes compared to cows fed constant forage (1.6, 4.5 and 9.5% for cows fed 70, 50 and 30% forage, respectively). Daily milk yield of cows fed forage ad libitum was higher than that of cows fed constant forage:concentrate ratio. Within experiment, milk yield was highest for cows fed 30% DM forage, followed by cows fed 50% and then cows fed 70% forage (11.17, 10.98 and 10.71 for the 30Fc, 50Fc and 70Fc cows; 11.73, 11.16 and 10.81 kg for the 30Fa, 50Fa and 70Fa cows, respectively). Decreased forage ratio in the diets resulted in decreased milk fat content and tended to increase milk protein. Increased concentrate ratio in the diet and feeding forage ad libitum increased body weight gain. The effect of forage:concentrate ratio on postpartum oestrus was not significant. The feed cost per kg milk produced was lowest for the cows fed 70% forage. It is concluded that increased ratio of concentrate resulted in increased body weight gain, milk yield, milk protein, and decreased milk fat. Feeding forage ad libitum increased feed intake, milk yield and body weight gain. The ratio of 50% forage is more suitable for milk production and animal condition, but in terms of feed cost and under the conditions of small dairy farmers, the 70% ad libitum forage feeding is recommended.

• Journal of agriculture & life science
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.153-162
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• 2016

This study was conducted to investigate a proper management and nutrient supply for raising replacement heifers to improve lactating performance. In order to determine a proper TDN/CP ratio that would be suitable for domestic use, 13-month-old replacement heifers were fed in the ratios of 4.6:1(T1) and 4.3:1(T2), respectively, to examine the changes in nutritional intake, digestibility, characteristics of rumen fluid and blood compositions. While dry matter intake was same at 9.0kg/day, CP intake did not show any significant difference, though T2(1.45kg/day) was slightly higher than T1(1.34kg/day). In fiber intake and digestibility, two results showed no significant difference, though T1 was slightly higher than T2. The pH, NH3-N and VFA densities in rumen fluid examined at the fourth hour after feed intake did not show any significant difference either. Overall level of VFA was not influenced largely by the TDN/CP ratio, but the iso-butyrate and iso-valerate levels and the A/P ratio were significantly high in T1(p<0.05). In blood characteristics, the treatments showed no significant difference. In conclusion, the TDN/CP ratios of 4.3:1 and 4.6:1 did not significantly affect the characteristics of the ruminant stomach, but in comparison with digestibility of 13-month-old heifers, the ratio of 4.6:1 was more appropriate for increased intake of fiber and higher digestibility.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.66 no.1
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• pp.135-144
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• 2024

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of feeding frequency on a sow's reproductive performance and stress response during gestation. A total of twenty multiparous sows (Yorkshire × Landrace) were used in a completely randomized design based on their parity, body weight (BW), and backfat thickness (BFT), and the sows were allotted to two different feeding systems: 1) once daily feeding (OF) and 2) twice daily feeding (TF) in corn-soybean meal based diets. The gestation diet was formulated to contain 3,265 kcal of metabolizable energy (ME) / kg, 12.90% of crude protein (CP), and 0.75 % of total lysine. The lactation diet was formulated to contain 3,265 kcal of ME / kg, 16.80% of CP, and 1.08% of total lysine and provided ad libitum during lactation. In gestation, sow BFT and BF changes were not affected by feeding frequency, but higher BW and BW gain from day 35 to 90 and day 35 to 110 were observed in OF sow (p < 0.10). In lactation, feeding frequency did not influence on BW, BW gain, BFT, BF changes, average daily feed intake, and wean-to-estrus interval. Also, there were no differences in litter size, litter weight and piglet weight in lactating sows. OF sows had higher (p < 0.05; p < 0.10) protein, solid-not-fat, and total solid concentrations in colostrum compared to TF sows, while OF sows had a lower (p < 0.05) lactose concentration in colostrum compared to TF sows. Sows in OF showed significantly lower average daily water consumption (ADWC) from day 35 to 110 of gestation (p < 0.05). While there were no significant differences in stereotypic behaviors and salivary cortisol levels during gestation between treatments, the OF sows showed less time spending on the activity at day 105 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, reduced feeding frequency increased BW gain during gestation, decreased activation time, and changed the colostrum composition. This information may contribute to the understanding of the physiological and behavioral change of gestating sows by manipulating feeding frequency.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.625-636
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• 2005

This study was conducted to determine effects of different ratios (3.5, 3.0 and 2.5) of nonfibrous carbohydrate (NFC) to ruminally degradable protein (RDP) on in vitro fermentation and lactation performance of dairy cows and optimum ratio of NFC to RDP in dairy rations. In vitro trial was conducted up to 12 hr with ruminal fluidtaken from ruminally cannulated Holstein cows. The level of dietary NFC did not affect ruminal pH. The ammonia-N concentration was not significantly different among treatments until 6 hr incubation, however, it was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased as the ratio of dietary NFC to RDP increased on 9 and 12 hr incubation. For volatile fatty acids, concentrations of both acetate and propionate were significantly (P < 0.05) increased on 3 hr incubation as dietary NFC contents of treatments increased, in other incubation times, they had no significant differences among treatments. Valerate and A:P ratio were not affected by the ratio of NFC to RDP. Isoacids and total VFAs were significantly (P < 0.05) increased with increasing dietary NFC contents and their values were highest in the treatment of 3.0 ratio. Meanwhile, for in vivo trial, 18 Holstein lactating cows were allotted to treatments in three groups of 6 cows. They were employed for 24 weeks to investigate nutrient intakes, and milk yield and composition according to different ratios of dietary NFC to RDP. Intakes of dry matter and energy were significantly (P < 0.01) increased, but NDF intake was significantly (P < 0.01) decreased as the ratio of dietary NFC to RDP increased. Milk yield for the ratio of 3.5 (32.7 kg) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of other treatments. Milk fat (%) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher for the treatments of 3.0 (3.79 %) and 2.5 (3.79 %) than that (3.48 %) for the ratio of 3.5, but milk fat yield was not different among treatments. Contents and yields for milk protein and solids-not fat were linearly (P < 0.01) increased as the ratio of dietary NFC to RDP increased. However, milk urea nitrogen concentration was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with increasing dietary NFC levels. Our results showed that the increasing level of NFC in the diet of dairy cows enhanced ruminal fermentation, N utilization and milk production and suggested that maximal fermentation and lactation performance were achieved when the dietary ratio of NFC to RDP was more than 3.0 in dairy rations.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.16 no.7
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• pp.983-987
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• 2003

Malpura and Kheri ewes (76) in their late gestation, weighing $34.40{\pm}0.95kg$ were randomly selected and divided into 4 groups of 19 each (G1, G2, G3 and G4). Ewes in all the groups were grazed on natural rangeland from 07.00 h to 18.00 h. Ewes in G1were maintained on sole grazing while ewes in G2, G3 and G4, in addition to grazing received concentrate mixture at the rate of 1% of their body weight during late gestation, early lactation and entire last quarter of pregnancy to early quarter of lactation, respectively. The herbage yield of the community rangeland was 0.82 metric ton dry matter/hectare. The diet consisted of (%) Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) bhusa, (59.2), Babool pods and leaves (17.2), Bajra (Pennisetum typhoides) stubbles (8.8), Doob (5.3), Aak (4.2) and others (5.3). The nutrient intake and its digestibility were higher (p<0.01) in G2, G3 and G4 as compared to G1 because of concentrate supplementation. The intakes of DM ($g/kg\;W{^0.75}$), DCP ($g/kg\;W{^0.75}$) and ME ($MJ/kg\;W{^0.75}$) were 56.7, 5.3 and 0.83; 82.7, 12.2 and 1.16; 82.7, 12.1 and 1.17 and 83.1, 12.3 and 1.18 in G1, G2, G3 and G4, respectively. The per cent digestibility of DM, OM, CP, NDF, ADF and cellulose was 57.9, 68.8, 68.7, 52.3, 37.5 and 68.4; 67.6, 76.1, 82.3, 60.6, 44.5 and 73.4; 67.6, 76.1, 81.5, 60.6, 44.8 and 74.5 and 67.6, 76.1, 82.3, 60.6, 44.7 and 73.3 in G1, G2, G3 and G4, respectively. The nutrient intake of G2, G3 and G4 ewes was sufficient to meet their requirements. The ewes raised on sole grazing lost weight at lambing in comparison to advanced pregnancy. However, ewes raised on supplementary feeding gained 1.9-2.5 kg at lambing. The birth weight of lambs in G2 (3.92) and G4 (4.07) was higher (p<0.01) than G1 (2.98), where as in G1 and G3 it was similar. The weight of lambs at 15, 45 and 60 days of age were higher in G2, G3 and G4 than in G1. Similarly, the average daily gain (ADG) after 60 days was also higher in G2, G3 and G4 than in G1. The milk-yield of lactating ewes in G2, G3 and G4 increased up to 150-250 g per day in comparison to G1. The birth weight, weight at 15, 30, 45 and 60 days, weight gain and ADG at 30 or 60 days was similar both in male and female lambs. It is concluded from this study that the biomass yield of the community rangeland is low and insufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of ewes during late gestation and early lactation. Therefore, it is recommended concentrate supplementation at the rate of 1% of body weight to ewes during these critical stages to enhance their production performance, general condition as well as birth weight and growth rate of lambs.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.773-782
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• 2007

A total of thirty sows(Landrace×Yorkshire) were used to determine the effects of plant protein source containing multienzyme on performance, nutrients digestibility and milk characteristics. A feeding trial was conducted for 21 days from parturition to weaning. Experimental diets were supplied for 1 week before the parturition day and throughout the experimental period. Dietary treatments included: 1) Control(CON; basal diet), 2) CGLT(included corn gluten) and 3) FSPM(included fermented soy protein containing multienzyme). Through the entire experimental period, backfat loss and return-to-estrus intervals were not affected by the treatments(P>0.05). Nitrogen digestibility was increased significantly(P<0.05) in FSPM treatment compared to CON treatment. Blood urea nitrogen(BUN) concentration was increased significantly (P<0.05) in FSPM treatment compared to CON treatment. At the initial  period, total protein content of milk was higher significantly(P<0.05) in FSPM treatment compared to CGLT treatment and at the final period, total fat content of milk was higher significantly(P<0.05) in FM treatment compared to CON treatment. Rectal temperature showed similar tendency of change among treatments. The final piglet body weight, weight gain and ADG were higher significantly in FSPM treatment compared to CON treatment. On diarrhea rate in piglet, just one piglet occurred in CGLT treatement. In conclusion, 2.5% dietary plant protein source containing multienzyme suppelmentation improved N digestibility, BUN concentration, fat and protein contents in milk and weight gain in piglet.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.839-846
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• 2006

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary addition of sucrose, propylene glycol and Tween 80 (Polysorbate 80 : Non-ionic Surfactants) on pre-partum (21 d) and post-partum (21 d) nutrients intake, blood metabolites, occurrence of metabolic disorders, milk yield and its composition in Holstein cows. Two basal diets were formulated each for pre- and post-partum period. The diets were mixed daily and fed at ad libitum to transitional cows. Forty cows of similar parity and milk yield were randomly divided into four groups (ten animals in each). The cows in three groups were supplemented either with 280g of sucrose/day (SU), SU+64g propylene glycol/day (SUP) or SUP+50g Tween80/day (SUPT). The feed for the fourth group was not supplemented and this group served as control (C). Pre-partum DM, total digestible nutrients (TDN), and crude protein (CP) intake was similar in cows fed C, SU, SUP, and SUPT diets. Post-partum DM, TDN, and CP intakes were the highest with SUPT diet followed by SU, SUP and control diets. Pre-partum blood non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration was noticed significantly higher in cows fed control diet compared to those fed SU, SUP and SUPT diets. The concentration of NEFA was similar at calving and during post-partum period across cows fed different experimental diets. Blood glucose and Ca concentration during pre- and post-partum periods were not significantly different in cows fed C, SU, SUP and SUPT diets. Milk yield (kg/day) was similar in cows fed different experimental diets. However, milk fat percent and 4% fat corrected milk yield were higher in cows fed SU diet (p<0.05) followed by SUP, SUPT and C diets. One case of ketosis was recorded in cows fed control diet however its occurrence was not observed in cows fed other diets. Occurrence of retained placenta and mastitis was numerically higher in cows fed control diet compared with those fed SU, SUP and SUPT diets. In conclusion, the NIS and propylene glycol feeding along with sucrose could improve the 4% fat corrected milk and fat yield in early lactating cows with significant reduction in NEFA and metabolic disorders during transitional period.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.573-582
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• 2005

This study was conducted to investigate effects of the brown seaweed waste(BSW) supplementation on milk production and related endocrine response in serum in Holstein dairy cows. A total of 14 Holstein dairy cows(initial mean live weight 625kg, average lactation days 225, Reproduction 2.4) were randomly allocated into control(basal diet) and treatment groups (4% BSW/basal diet) with 7 replications for 90 days. Dry matter intake was not affected by brown seaweed waste supplementation, but daily milk yield(kg) at the last experiment significantly increased (6.25kg) in treatment group compared with control group(p<0.05) at the last experiment. The plasma insulin-like growth factor(IGF)-1, triiodothyronine($T_3$) and thyroxine($T_4$) levels were significantly increased in treatment group compared with control group(p<0.05), although the concentration of plasma growth hormone(GH) was not significantly different. Milk composition was not significantly different between groups. The somatic cell count(SCC) in milk were significantly reduced in treatment group compared with control group(p<0.05), but antibodies(total IgG, G1, G2) were not significantly different between groups. Therefore we strongly believe that the increased milk yield is related to metabolic hormones as IGF-1, $T_3$ and $T_4$ and the mechanism of reducing SCC in milk must do more study related nonspecific immunsystem in the future.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.131-142
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• 2003

We evaluated the effects of adding fibrolytic enzyme into ruminant diets on ruminal fermentation (in vitro) and lactational performances of dairy cows (in vivo). Through the in vitro experiment that was carried out with different contents of NDF (34, 38, 43%) in diets, digestibilities of NDF in the rumen appeared not significantly different by the addition of enzyme but were different by NDF content in diets showing higher digestibility in NDF 43% diet. It could be attributed by the relatively higher amount of hemicellulose in the current experimental diets than in conventional diets that might have been digested easily by the addition of fibrolytic enzyme in the rumen. The addition of fibrolytic enzyme tended to increase NDF digestibilities to a little extent both in 0.05 and 0.1% enzyme levels. Ruminal pH, NH3-N concentrations and VFA production in the rumen were not affected by the addition of fibrolytic enzyme. Activities of CMCase and xylanase were higher in enzyme treated diets of both NDF 34 and 38%. In particular, the activities of xylanase that slowly decreased from 0 to 12 hr but rapidly after 24 hr indicates that the major action of the enzyme in the rumen occurs in early period of incubation. Through an in vivo experiment, fibrolytic enzyme addition into the diets of dairy cows indeed affected lactational performance of milk yield. The cows fed enzyme treated diets produced 8% (1.9kg/d) more amounts of milk than with no enzyme addition. Milk composition of milk fat and protein was not affected by enzyme addition. Overall, the results of this in vivo study indicates that fibrolytic enzyme can be used to improve milk production in lactating cows. In respect that animals in different treatments of this study had the same amounts of intake, the increased milk yield with enzyme addition may be attributed to the improved utilization of nutrients in the digestive tract.