Tropical Animal Science Journal

Selective Anthelmintic Treatment at Different Physiological Stages in Hair Sheep Under Humid Tropical Conditions

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 11:36:24 +0700

Ewes’ genotype and physiological stage are important factors associated with gastrointestinal nematode infection. The aims were to evaluate the parasitic (fecal eggs count, FEC), health (anemia level, FAMACHA; packed cell volume, PCV; hemoglobin, HGB), and productive response (live weight, LW; body condition score, BCS) of hair ewes managed under a selective deworming program with levamisole (7.5 mg/kg of live weight) at reproductive stages (not pregnant, NPW, n=17; ewes between the first and second third of gestation, 1-3PW, n=22; ewes in the last third of gestation and peripartum, 4-5PWN, n=16) and genotype groups (Pelibuey, PB, n=12; Katahdin, KT, n=12; Pelibuey × Katahdin, F1 PB×KT, n=16; and Pelibuey × Dorper F1 PB×DP, n=15). The effects of treatments were studied using analysis of variance, considering the reproductive stages and genotypes as treatments through 4 evaluation periods (days 20, 48, 76, and 104). FEC values were higher (p<0.01) for ewes at 4-5PW than 1-3PW and NPW. FAMACHA, PCV, LW, and BCS were similar in ewes regardless of the reproductive stage. On day 48 post-deworming (levamisole at 7.5 mg/kg of LW), the proportion of ewes with >800 e/g was higher (13.74%) at 4-5PW than at the peripartum stage. On day 76, the accumulated proportion of ewes that were dewormed was higher (p<0.05) at 4-5PW than at the peripartum stage. The accumulated total proportion revealed that the genotype F1 PB×DP ewes had the highest deworming requirement (p<0.05), being dewormed at least once (32.8%). According to the indicators of LW, BCS, FAMACHA, FEC, PCV, HGB, and proportion of dewormed animals, ewes with the F1 PB×KT genotype showed the best performance. Therefore, reproductive stage-orientated management and the use of the best genotype for grazing conditions combined with a selective deworming program can contribute significantly to the control of gastrointestinal nematodes.

Transcriptome Analysis and Sensory Evaluation of Thai Native Chicken Raised in Conventional and Free-Range Conditions

P. Seritrakul, P. Poommarin — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 11:37:25 +0700

Ethically raised animal products are believed to be better for both the environment and consumer health. Despite advances in chicken genetics and production systems, we still know little about how free-range condition affects the birds at a molecular level, specifically their gene expression and the resulting meat characteristics. This study aims to compare the transcriptome of Thai Praduhangdum, a native meat chicken raised in conventional floor pen and free-range systems, and investigate how these conditions cause gene expression changes at the molecular level and phenotypic changes in terms of meat sensory evaluation score. A total of 100 Thai Praduhangdum chickens were raised under a free-range system and a conventional floor pen system. At 6 months, blood samples were collected for transcriptome analysis and verified by quantitative real-time PCR. Additionally, meat samples were collected and sensory panel evaluation was performed. A total of 278 unique genes showed significantly different expression levels in either up-regulated or down-regulated direction. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that these genes are associated with multicellular organism processes, development, and cell differentiation. Meat sensory panel evaluation showed that consumers preferred the appearance of the breast meat from the free-range chicken over the conventional floor pen chicken. Overall, the free-range condition caused detectable differences in gene expression and meat quality of Thai native chicken. The genes and pathways identified in this study provide a starting point for further functional tests and investigations into the relationship between chicken welfare and the physiological response at a molecular level.

Expression of Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component 1 (PGRMC1) in Follicular and Luteal Tissues in Goats – Effect of Short-term Concentrate Supplementation

N. H. Mohammed, M. ShikhMaidin, C. S. Y. Yong, K. H. Ling, G. B. Martin — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 11:39:13 +0700

This study evaluated the effects of short-term supplementation with concentrate on ovulation rate, plasma progesterone concentrations and gene expression for Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component 1 (PGRMC1) in ovarian tissues of Boer goats. Twenty females were allocated to two groups: 1) Control, receiving a maintenance diet consisting of 70% Napier grass plus 30% concentrate (4.45 MJ/day); 2) Supplemented, receiving twice their required metabolizable energy for maintenance by adding extra concentrate (8.90 MJ/day). The dietary treatments were applied for 25 days, beginning 5 days before (Day 5) CIDR removal (Day 0). On Day 19, the ovulation rate was estimated by trans-rectal ultrasonographic scanning. Blood was sampled for progesterone (P4) analysis every 2 days, from Days 9 to 27. On Day 27, the level of expression of PGRMC1 was assessed in follicles and corpora lutea. The ovulation rate was not affected by treatment (Control 1.00 ± 0.24; Supplemented 1.25 ± 0.25). Over Days 13 to 27, plasma P4 concentrations were significantly (p<0.05) greater in the Supplemented group than in the Control group. The expression of PGRMC1 in follicular and luteal tissues was greater in the Supplemented group than in the Control group (p<0.05). There was a positive correlation between PGRMC1 expression and P4 concentration (r= 0.65, p<0.05). It was concluded that, in goats, short-term concentrate supplementation could increase P4 concentrations, at least in part, by influencing the expression of PGRMC1. This finding suggests that short-term concentrate supplementation can support embryo development during the luteal phase and early stages of pregnancy.

Shade Selection of Indigofera zollingeriana Miq Putative Mutant: Evaluation of Plant Growth, Biomass Production, Nutrient Contents, and In Vitro Digestibility

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 11:40:34 +0700

The use of gamma rays to improve Indigofera zollingeriana is beneficial for developing new superior varieties with genetic characteristics inheritable by other generations. During the development, selecting genotypes from I. zollingeriana putative mutant under shaded conditions can create stable shade-tolerant varieties, with the potential to be developed into new cultivars. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the selection of I. zollingeriana putative mutant in the M2 generation for assessing and evaluating plant growth performance, biomass production, as well as nutrient content and digestibility under shading. Seedlings of 10 I. zollingeriana putative mutants along with 2 control plants, were subjected to 5 levels of shade, namely 0%, 55%, 65%, 75%, and 85%, to identify genotypes with shade tolerance. The results showed that shading significantly (p<0.05) increased plant height, chlorophyll content, leaf length, and leaf width, but decreased the number of leaves, nodes, stem diameter, and branches, also leading to decreased biomass production, high nutritional content, and improved digestibility values. Genotypes R4.10 and R5.10 showed enhanced plant growth, stable biomass production, and increased nutritional content, with low digestible neutral detergent fiber (dNDF), and higher in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) values compared to control under shaded and unshaded conditions. The identified superior genotypes are promising for breeding programs and practical application in agroforestry or silvopasture systems.

Evaluation of Selected Intestinal Damage Biomarkers for the Determination of Intestinal Epithelial Damage in Neonatal Lambs with Diarrhea

A. Alhallaq, M. Ok — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 11:41:52 +0700

The aim of this study was to evaluate selected intestinal damage biomarkers for the determination of intestinal mucosal epithelial barrier damage in neonatal lambs with diarrhea. The study material consisted of 68 lambs with diarrhea (experimental group, 39 Escherichia coli infected lambs and 29 Cryptosporidium infected lambs) and 20 healthy lambs (control group) aged between 2 and 20 days. The diseases were diagnosed on the basis of a positive fecal antigen test for E. coli K 99, Rotavirus, Coronavirus, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia species in fecal samples obtained from lambs with diarrhea and clinical signs. In addition, Cryptosporidium oocysts were confirmed by light microscopic examination. Anticoagulated blood samples for hemogram measurements and non-anticoagulated blood samples for biomarker measurements were collected from all the lambs. Serum intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), trefoil factor-3 (TFF-3), intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP), and claudin-3 (CLDN-3) biomarkers were measured using sheep specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kits. Standard diarrhea treatment was applied to lambs with diarrhea. While 57 lambs recovered, 11 died. There was a significant increase in serum I-FABP, TFF-3, and IAP concentrations (p<0.001) and a decrease in serum CLDN-3 concentrations (p<0.001) in lambs with diarrhea compared to healthy lambs. Total white blood cell (WBC), granulocyte (GRA), and monocyte (MON) counts increased in lambs with diarrhea compared to healthy lambs (p<0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrated that I-FABP, TFF-3, IAP, and CLDN-3 were useful and reliable biomarkers to determine the presence and extent of intestinal mucosal epithelial damage in lambs with diarrhea.

The Improvement of Broiler Performance with Modification of Particle Size and Palm Kernel Meal Levels

I. Setiana, Nahrowi, Sumiati, S. Subekti — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 11:43:37 +0700

Palm kernel meal (PKM) is a by-product of palm oil production and can be used as an energy source in broiler feed. However, the utilization of PKM in broiler feed has yet to be optimal due to its low nutrient digestibility. This study aims to evaluate the particle size and the levels of PKM in the feed to increase broiler performance. The particle sizes used in this study were 2.5 and 1 mm, and the levels were 5%, 10%, and 15%. An in vivo study was conducted using 1,440 Ross 308 broilers day 0-35, with an average initial weight of 47 grams. The study employed a completely randomized factorial design of 2x3, divided into 6 treatments consisting of (T1) 2.5 mm at 5% PKM as a control, (T2) 1 mm at 5% PKM, (T3) 2.5 mm at 10% PKM, (T4) 1 mm at 10% PKM, (T5) 2.5 mm at 15% PKM, and (T6) 1 mm at 15% PKM on feed. The studied variables were body weight (BW), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), European production efficiency factor (EPEF), and carcass quality. Increasing PKM levels decreased the pellet durability index of broiler feed. During the starter stage (days 0-21), 1 mm PKM significantly improved FCR (p<0.05) compared to 2.5 mm, although PKM levels did not significantly affect broiler performances. In the finisher stage (days 22-35), 15% of PKM levels negatively impacted FCR and EPEF. Overall, from 0-35 days of age, the best broiler performances showed by treatment T2 with 1 mm particle size and 5% PKM.

Elephant Grass Silage with Pelleted Citrus Pulp: Chemical Composition, Digestibility, and Feedlot Costs

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 11:44:52 +0700

This study aimed to assess the effects of including pelleted citrus pulp (PCP) in BRS Capiaçu elephant grass silage on its chemical composition and digestibility and the production costs of feedlot diets for beef cattle. A completely randomized experimental design in a 2×5 factorial scheme was used considering 90- and 120-day harvesting intervals for ensiling and five inclusion levels of PCP (0%, 3%, 6%, 12%, or 24% as fed). The dry matter (DM) content of the silages increased with regrowth interval (p<0.01) and there was a quadratic response to the inclusion level of PCP (p<0.01). Total digestible nutrients of the silages decreased with increasing Capiaçu regrowth interval (p<0.01) but increased linearly with increasing inclusion levels of PCP during ensiling (p<0.01). The in vitro DM digestibility of silage increased linearly with the inclusion of PCP (p<0.01) and with increasing regrowth interval (p<0.01). The inclusion of PCP and grass regrowth interval linearly increased DM recovery from silage (p<0.01). Adding up to 24% PCP during the ensiling of Capiaçu improves the fermentation profile and nutritional value of the silage and digestibility parameters. Based on economic analysis, we recommend the use of silage prepared from Capiaçu harvested at 120 days and containing 6% to 12% PCP because of its lower cost per unit of gain ($/arroba produced), cost per animal, and total feedlot costs compared to the other treatments.

Early Gestation Feeding Method Improves Reproductive Performance of Sow

S. P. Su, L. C. Hsia, W. Jantasin, J. W. Lee, Y. D. Hsuuw — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 11:45:57 +0700

The relationship between feed intake during early gestation and sows’ reproductive performance is controversial. The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of different feeding strategies during early gestation on reproductive performance in sows. A total of 24 primiparous sows were randomly assigned to one of the following three treatments: Treatment 1: Feed 1.5 kg from mating to day 30 of gestation; Treatment 2: Feed 1.5 kg from mating to day 7, then feed 2.5 kg from days 8 to 30; Treatment 3: Feed 2.5 kg from days 0 to 30. Increased feed intake affected body weight during early gestation. The treatment provided 2.5 kg per day resulted in the highest litter size. While there was no significant difference in litter size between Treatment 2 and Treatment 3, the birth weight and weaning weight of piglets in Treatment 2 seemed better than those in Treatment 3. Increasing feed intake during early gestation (days 0–30) significantly increased litter size. However, Treatment 2, which increased feed intake from days 8 to 30, improved growth performance but did not enhance reproductive performance. In conclusion, high feed intake throughout early gestation significantly increased litter size but also had the potential to increase the number of stillbirths.

Growth Performance and Hematology of Khao Lamphun Calves with the Implementation of Creep Feeding

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 11:46:50 +0700

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of creep feeding on growth performance and the hematological and biochemical profiles of Khao Lamphun calves. Twenty Khao Lamphun cow-calf pairs were randomly allotted into two treatments: T1, no supplementation of creeping feed (n=10), and T2, with concentrates as creep-feeding (n=10). Production or growth performance was evaluated based on body weight gain (BWG), heart girth (HG), hip height (HH), and body length (BL) throughout the experimentation. By day 120, the final live weight of the creep-fed calves was greater than the non-creep-fed calves, p<0.01). The creep-fed calves also showed a higher average BWG than the non-creep-fed calves. The final body conformation indices, i.e., HG, HH, and BL of the creep-fed calves, were higher than the non-creep-fed p<0.05). The hematological profiles showed no difference in the plasma glucose levels between the two groups. The cholesterol level of the creep-fed calves was higher than the non-creep-fed calves (p<0.05). Similarly, no differences were found in calf's serum biochemical and differential leukocyte profiles between treatment groups. In conclusion, the implementation of creep feeding can lead to improved growth performance and health parameters of Khao Lamphun calves. Therefore, it is recommended as a routine practice to enhance the productivity of Khao Lamphun calves in Thailand and, presumably, in other cattle farms.

Logistic Regression Analysis of Factors Influencing Mobile Application Adoption in Smallholder Livestock Farming: A Case Study from Northern Thailand

S. Saengwong, N. Kongmuang, P. Intawicha, S. Sakphoowadon — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 11:47:57 +0700

This study examines the factors affecting the adoption of mobile farming management applications by smallholder livestock farmers in Northern Thailand. Data from 300 farmers were analyzed using binary logistic regression to evaluate 14 independent variables and their influence on application use. Four significant factors were identified: education level, participation in training programs, extension support, and membership in farmer associations. Education and participation in training programs were highly significant (p<0.001), whereas extension support and membership in farmer associations were both significantly associated with mobile application use (p<0.01 and p<0.05). Our findings indicate that educational initiatives, training programs, and strong extension support are crucial in enhancing mobile application adoption. Farmer associations also play a vital role in promoting technology use through peer influence and social networks. These insights highlight the importance of targeted strategies to improve mobile application adoption, thereby contributing to more efficient livestock management practices. To create practical and long-term digital solutions specifically designed to meet smallholder farmers’ requirements, it is essential to gain an in-depth understanding of these elements. The findings highlight the importance of addressing educational gaps, promoting training programs, and enhancing extension services to encourage technology adoption among smallholder farmers. By focusing on these critical factors, farmers can increase their adoption of mobile applications, thereby improving livestock management efficiency and enhancing the adaptability of smallholder farming systems in rural areas.

Front-matter

K. G. Wiryawan — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 11:17:13 +0700

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5398/tasj.2025.48.2.fm.i

Back-matter

K. G. Wiryawan — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 11:21:11 +0700

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5398/tasj.2025.48.2.bm.vi