Haematological and serum chemistry reference intervals for categories of pigs in Trinidad and Tobago.

A study was done to establish haematological and serum chemistry reference intervals for nursery pigs (n=120), growers/finishers (n=120), adult non-pregnant, non- lactating female pigs (n=90), mature boars (n=63), pregnant female pigs (n=121), and lactating sows (n=120) in Trinidad and Tobago. Thirty-seven farms were randomly selected for the study. Physical examination was conducted on all animals in order to exclude animals that appeared unhealthy. Blood samples (640 in all) from the pigs were evaluated for haematological and serum chemistry parameters. Reference intervals for the blood parameters were defined by their mean values plus or minus two standard deviations (mean+/- 2 s.d.). The reference limits obtained showed differences among the various age groups and physiological states of the animals, therefore providing an alternative set of reference values to aid in interpretation of data at veterinary laboratories in Trinidad and Tobago.

Calving-to-conception interval of dairy cows in a farm in Trinidad and Tobago.

Factors affecting calving-to-conception interval (CCI) in dairy cows on a farm in Trinidad and Tobago were studied. Retrospective data from the period January 200 to December 2004 were collected from records (n=178) of the University Field Station dairy herd and analysed using a multivariable regression model. Predictor variables included: parity, season of calving [wet vs. dry- dry season (mean rainfall 48.8mm) runs from January to May and the wet season (mean rainfall 194.9mm) from June to December], presence or absence of periparturient disease (PPD), and milk yield. Milk production data were adjusted to an annual yield by correcting the yield between calving intervals to a 365-day production. The natural logarithm transformation of the CCI (LCCI) was fitted as the response of variable in a regression model. The regression coefficients for parity and season of calving were not significant and were 1.4 days longer than females without periparturient disease (P=0.04). Higher milk- producing cows had shorter CCIs. For each kilogramme increase in milk yield, there was a one-day decrease in CCI (P=0.0001). The adjusted R squared was 24% and the predictive regression equation was: LCCI=5.22+0.33 (PPD)-0.0001 (milk yield). The findings in this study support the need for more comprehensive investigations at national and regional levels in order to screen for other predictors in an effort to deliver better dairy herd programs health.

Haematological and serum chemistry reference intervals for categories of pigs in Trinidad and Tobago.

A study was done to establish haematological and serum chemistry reference intervals for nursery pigs (n=120), growers/finishers (n=120), adult non-pregnant, non- lactating female pigs (n=90), mature boars (n=63), pregnant female pigs (n=121), and lactating sows (n=120) in Trinidad and Tobago. Thirty-seven farms were randomly selected for the study. Physical examination was conducted on all animals in order to exclude animals that appeared unhealthy. Blood samples (640 in all) from the pigs were evaluated for haematological and serum chemistry parameters. Reference intervals for the blood parameters were defined by their mean values plus or minus two standard deviations (mean+/- 2 s.d.). The reference limits obtained showed differences among the various age groups and physiological states of the animals, therefore providing an alternative set of reference values to aid in interpretation of data at veterinary laboratories in Trinidad and Tobago.

Calving-to-conception interval of dairy cows in a farm in Trinidad and Tobago.

Factors affecting calving-to-conception interval (CCI) in dairy cows on a farm in Trinidad and Tobago were studied. Retrospective data from the period January 200 to December 2004 were collected from records (n=178) of the University Field Station dairy herd and analysed using a multivariable regression model. Predictor variables included: parity, season of calving [wet vs. dry- dry season (mean rainfall 48.8mm) runs from January to May and the wet season (mean rainfall 194.9mm) from June to December], presence or absence of periparturient disease (PPD), and milk yield. Milk production data were adjusted to an annual yield by correcting the yield between calving intervals to a 365-day production. The natural logarithm transformation of the CCI (LCCI) was fitted as the response of variable in a regression model. The regression coefficients for parity and season of calving were not significant and were 1.4 days longer than females without periparturient disease (P=0.04). Higher milk- producing cows had shorter CCIs. For each kilogramme increase in milk yield, there was a one-day decrease in CCI (P=0.0001). The adjusted R squared was 24% and the predictive regression equation was: LCCI=5.22+0.33 (PPD)-0.0001 (milk yield). The findings in this study support the need for more comprehensive investigations at national and regional levels in order to screen for other predictors in an effort to deliver better dairy herd programs health.

MEDCARIB Evaluation of performance indices for broiler raised in conventional versus tunnel-ventilated houses and the cost effectiveness of the two types of housing in Barbados.

Retrospective data from 18 tunnel-ventilated and 41 conventional houses in Barbados were evaluated in order to compare the effects of the two types of housing using the following indices: feed conversion ratio at 1500 grammes (FCR 1500), European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF), and net income per bird (NIPB). The data were obtained from the records of 200 and 282 grow-outs for tunnel-ventilated and conventional houses, respectively. The effects of season of placement and month of placement on the above performance variables were also evaluated. The analyses revealed that the performance variables NIPB, EPEF, and FCR 1500 were superior for tunnel -ventilated housing (P=0.02, 0.0001 respectively); were less variable from month to month for tunnel- ventilated housing; and except for NIPB, were better when birds were placed during the dry season (P=0.08, 0.0005 and 0.007 respectively). Financial anlaysis also showed that tunnel -ventilated house was more profitable venture than the conventional house. The net profit margin (15.38vs 3.59%) net profit per kg, (0.51 vs 0.12 BDS$, (BDS$1.00~ US $0.50)), and net profit per m squared (94.83vs13.13BDS$) were also higher for the tunnel-ventilated house.

MEDCARIB Evaluation of performance indices for broiler raised in conventional versus tunnel-ventilated houses and the cost effectiveness of the two types of housing in Barbados.

Retrospective data from 18 tunnel-ventilated and 41 conventional houses in Barbados were evaluated in order to compare the effects of the two types of housing using the following indices: feed conversion ratio at 1500 grammes (FCR 1500), European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF), and net income per bird (NIPB). The data were obtained from the records of 200 and 282 grow-outs for tunnel-ventilated and conventional houses, respectively. The effects of season of placement and month of placement on the above performance variables were also evaluated. The analyses revealed that the performance variables NIPB, EPEF, and FCR 1500 were superior for tunnel -ventilated housing (P=0.02, 0.0001 respectively); were less variable from month to month for tunnel- ventilated housing; and except for NIPB, were better when birds were placed during the dry season (P=0.08, 0.0005 and 0.007 respectively). Financial anlaysis also showed that tunnel -ventilated house was more profitable venture than the conventional house. The net profit margin (15.38vs 3.59%) net profit per kg, (0.51 vs 0.12 BDS$, (BDS$1.00~ US $0.50)), and net profit per m squared (94.83vs13.13BDS$) were also higher for the tunnel-ventilated house.