Objective: To examine the effects of giardiasis on production and carcass quality, using growing lambs as a domestic ruminant model. Design: Randomized block. Animals: Giardia-free lambs: 23 in infected group, 24 in control group. Procedure: Six-week-old, specific-pathogen-free lambs were infected with Giardia trophozoites; control lambs received saline solution. Clinical signs of infection, body weight, and feed intake were determined for 10 weeks. Carcass weight and quality were determined at slaughter weight of 45 kg. Results: Giardia infection persisted from weeks 7 to 16. For 5 weeks after challenge exposure, abnormal feces were more frequently observed in infected lambs. Giardia infection was associated with a decrease in rate of weight gain and impairment in feed efficiency. Time to reach slaughter weight was extended in infected lambs, and the carcass weight of Giardia-infected lambs was lower than that of control lambs. Conclusion: Giardiasis has a negative effect on domestic ruminant production. Clinical Relevance: Giardiasis in domestic ruminants is an economically important disease, thus necessitating control or elimination of the infection.

Objective: Efficacy of AV/CSP/29 premix (Ca, P supplement with Vit. A and D3 along with synergistic herbs) (M/S Ayurvet Ltd.) was evaluated in commercial broiler chicks. Materials and methods: A total of 144 day-old chicks were randomly divided into three groups. Group T0 (n=48) control group, supplemented with basal diet without any additional source of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P). Group T1 (n=48) was administered with AV/CSP/29 premix at 500 gm/ton of feed and Group T2 birds (n=48) were supplemented with Brand A at 500 gm/ton of feed for 0 to 42 days. Parameters viz., growth, performance, serum biochemical and carcass quality traits were evaluated. Results: More gain in body weight was observed in the AV/CSP/29 premix supplemented group (T1) birds as compared to other groups. Similarly, FCR was improved in the AV/CSP/29 premix supplemented group (T1) birds. Blood Ca and P concentrations were comparatively improved in AV/CSP/29 premix supplemented birds. Parameters viz., carcass yield, dressing percentage, tibial mineralization, water holding capacity and extract release volume were also found to be better in AV/CSP/29 premix supplemented group (T1) birds. Conclusion: The results from the current study suggest that feeding of AV/CSP/29 premix to broiler chickens may have a beneficial effect on bone quality and in improving overall performance. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2016; 3(3.000): 268-273]