Effect of betaine supplementation on production performance and serum antioxidant indices of Nili-Ravi buffaloes during summer.

This study aimed to determine whether feeding betaine (Bet) to lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes elevates their production performance during the hot and humid climate. Sixty lactating Nili-Ravi buffaloes were randomly divided into four groups: the control group received a standard concentrates basal diet without Bet, whereas in the treated group the same diet was supplemented with Bet at 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6% on dry matter basis for 9 weeks. All animals received ad libitum amount of chopped green maize fodder. Milk production and its fat % were recorded twice daily, whereas for the remaining components samples were collected weekly. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment. The results showed that feeding Bet to buffaloes increased (p<0.05) milk yield, production efficiency, and nutrient utilization at all three inclusion levels; however, milk composition remained unaffected. A numerical but non-significant (p>0.05) increase in performance was noticed with higher doses of Bet. Superoxide dismutase in all three treatments and glutathione peroxidase in Bet 0.2% inclusion level were higher (p<0.05) as compared to the control. However, malondialdehyde was not significantly affected. Inclusion of Bet in the concentrate ration of lactating buffalos at 0.2% level on the dry matter basis is recommended as it positively influenced the production and also improved their antioxidant status during summer.

Ovine haemonchosis: a review.

Sheep farming is the backbone of a rural economy in developing countries, and haemonchosis is a major impediment in the way of its progress. Haemonchus contortus (H. contortus) infection persists all over the world particularly in the tropical and sub-tropical regions. Various review articles have been published to substantially cover one or more aspects of its morphology, prevalence, pathogenesis, symptoms, diagnosis, immune response, drug resistance, treatment, and control measure. The objective of this paper is to briefly review past and present information available in the aforementioned areas in one place to enable the readers to fully understand the problem from a broader perspective. H. contortus parasite harbours in abomasum of affected animal and feeds on its blood, producing mild to severe symptoms and even death in acute form. The parasite thus inflicts heavy production losses and is of economic importance. H. contortus has developed diverse characters over the years leading to limited success in the production of vaccines. Indiscriminate use of the anthelmintics has produced drug resistance against almost all conventional products. Efficacy of medicinal plants and non-conventional chemicals has been reported under controlled experiments; however, research on their adverse effects on growth and fertility is yet to be studied. Research on molecular tools for identification and introduction of resistant genes into the flock is also underway but still a long journey to find its field application. Crossbreeding may compromise the production traits of the existing flock. In given circumstances, a targeted selective treatment approach along with selective breeding, culling of more susceptible animals, and maintaining a good body condition score through the provision of a balanced diet remains a workable strategy to control haemonchosis in sheep.