Notice a Reprendre pas de Clé UT au 5 Mai 2017 | The purpose of this trial was to study the possibility of a total replacement of the soya bean meal by the seeds of bean ( Vicia faba major L) in the feed of the fattening rabbit. From 42 days (weaning) old and for 5 weeks, 68 rabbits of white Algerian population were housed in collective cages (4 rabbits / cage) and were allotted in two groups: 34 rabbits of the control group received ad libitum a pelleted feed with soya bean meal (15 %), and 34 rabbits of the experimental group received a feed with 15 % of beans seeds as a total replacement of the soya meal. The performances were not significantly influenced by the type of feed. From 42 to 77 days of age, the growth was 25.6 g / day, the feed intake was 97 g / day and the feed conversion ratio was 3,75. Yield and carcass characteristics were not influenced by the type of feed. In conclusion, the substitution of soya meal by bean seeds in the classical feed (alfalfa 32%, barley 25%, wheat bran 20%, soybean meal 15%, straw 6%, vitamins and minerals 2%) did not influenced the performances of the growing rabbit. The seeds of broad bean is an alternative source of proteins to soya bean meal for the growing rabbit. Choosing this option would contribute to food self-sufficiency in Algerian rabbit breeding and would reduce the feed costs. | Le but de cet essai est d’étudier l’effet d’un remplacement total du tourteau de soja par des graines de fève (Vicia faba major L) dans l’alimentation du lapin en croissance. A partir de l’âge de 42 jours (sevrage) et durant 5 semaines, 68 lapereaux de population algérienne blanche élevés en cages collectives (4 lapins/cage) ont été répartis en deux lots : 34 lapereaux du lot témoin ont reçu ad libitum un aliment granulé équilibré à base de soja (15%), et 34 lapereaux du lot expérimental ont reçu un aliment à base de 15% de fèves en remplacement total du tourteau de soja. Les performances n’ont pas été influencées (P˃0,05) par le type d’aliment. De 42 à 77 jours d’âge, la vitesse de croissance a été de 25,6 g par jour, la prise alimentaire 97 g par jour et l'indice de consommation de 3,75. Les rendements et paramètres de la carcasse n’ont pas été influencés par le type d’aliment.En conclusion, la substitution du tourteau par de soja par des graines de fève de l’aliment classique (luzerne 32%, orge 25%, son de blé 20%, tourteau de soja 15%, paille 6%, vitamines et minéraux 2%) n’a influencé ni la croissance, ni les performances à l’abattage des lapins. La fève s’avère une source protéique alternative au tourteau de soja dans un aliment équilibré pour le lapin en croissance. Le choix de cette option contribuerait à l’autonomie alimentaire en cuniculture algérienne et réduirait le coût de l’alimentation

A cross-sectional survey on fasciolosis was conducted in March 2009 in Taveta Division. Bura Ndogo, Challa, Kiwalwa, Kitogoto and Lake Jipe Gicheha settlements participated in the study. A total of 338 (197 cattle, 111 goats and 30 sheep) faecal samples from 42 herds were examined using the sedimentation technique. Similarly, husbandry practices and aspects of herd owner education in the same settlements were captured using a standard questionnaire. Selective deworming targeted at the sick and /or weak looking animals was done by some herd owners interviewed. Fasciolosis prevalence in cattle, goats and sheep was 25.9%, 23.4% and 33.3%, respectively. Extensive grazing and age stratum 7 - 12 months were identified as potential fasciolosis risk factors with the latter being significantly (p<0.05) associated with the disease. On the contrary, home watering, training on livestock husbandry practices and deworming were significant (p< 0.05) protective factors of fasciolosis. Improved husbandry practices assisted by the selective anthelmintic treatments targeting the young animals were identified as feasible fasciolosis control options for Taveta division. In conclusion, the results of the study have clearly shown that fasciolosis is widespread in Taveta Division making it necessary for further longitudinal studies on the disease for establishment of an effective control programme

The current study optimised breeding schemes for litter size (LS), lambing interval (LI), body weight (BW) and gastrointestinal parasite resistance for sheep in Kenya. Selection for the breeding goal traits was performed in a conventional way using information on phenotypes only. For gastrointestinal parasite resistance, information on genetic makers was used, with faecal egg count (FEC) as an indicator trait. Selection for parasite resistance was partly based on field measurements and the possibilities for marker-assisted selection (MAS) were explored. Several selection schemes were defined based on whether a classical selection only was used (Latin number 1), a quantitative trait loci (QTL) for FEC was assumed to be available (2), that the correlation between FEC and BW was assumed to be positive (unfavourable-Roman I) or negative (favourable- II) and finally how FEC was included in the index (i.e., no inclusion (A), with FEC (B) or with FEC QTL (C-F)). The schemes with overlapping generations were evaluated using the computer program SelAction. Rams, ewes and total selection responses in US dollars ($) per animal, and rams' and ewes' accuracies for each scheme with a favourable or unfavourable correlation were estimated. The differences in total selection responses between schemes that did not include FEC in the selection index resulted in a response of $0.16 in scheme 1AI and $0.20 in scheme 1AII. In schemes 1BI and 1BII, FEC was included in the index. The responses in scheme 1BI and 1BII were $0.165 and $0.217, respectively. The increase in response in schemes II compared with schemes I was due to a favourable correlation between BW and FEC. The different FEC index traits had a different effect on economic response. It should be noted that increased emphasis on selection for FEC will reduce the relative responses to the breeding goal traits BW, LS and LI. Consequently, the goal of selection for FEC should be to maintain acceptable levels of gastro-intestinal parasite resistance as well as sufficient improvement of LS and BW.

Grazing management and seasonality strongly influence the recovery potential of herbaceous vegetation in semi-arid rangelands of southern Ethiopia after history of heavy grazing. We investigated effects of management (enclosures versus grazed landscapes), age of enclosures and seasonality related to rainfall (i.e., independent variables) on herbaceous biomass, grass basal cover, herbaceous species abundance, species richness and diversity in a savanna rangeland of southern Ethiopia. We further assessed the relationship between the herbaceous biomass and species richness. Management significantly affected most of the herbaceous response variables (i.e., comparing enclosures and open grazed). Herbaceous biomass, grass basal cover, herbaceous species richness and diversity were greater in enclosures than in grazed areas. Rainfall was also influential on herbaceous biomass, grass basal cover, abundance of herbaceous species, herbaceous species richness and diversity. Herbaceous biomass, abundance and diversity did not however vary with the age of enclosures, while herbaceous species richness appeared to decrease as the age of enclosures advanced. Grass basal cover initially decreased and later on increased with the age of enclosures, so that the older enclosures disclosed improvement of grass basal cover.

Grazing management and seasonality strongly influence the recovery potential of herbaceous vegetation in semi-arid rangelands of southern Ethiopia after history of heavy grazing. We investigated effects of management (enclosures versus grazed landscapes), age of enclosures and seasonality related to rainfall (i.e., independent variables) on herbaceous biomass, grass basal cover, herbaceous species abundance, species richness and diversity in a savanna rangeland of southern Ethiopia. We further assessed the relationship between the herbaceous biomass and species richness. Management significantly affected most of the herbaceous response variables (i.e., comparing enclosures and open grazed). Herbaceous biomass, grass basal cover, herbaceous species richness and diversity were greater in enclosures than in grazed areas. Rainfall was also influential on herbaceous biomass, grass basal cover, abundance of herbaceous species, herbaceous species richness and diversity. Herbaceous biomass, abundance and diversity did not however vary with the age of enclosures, while herbaceous species richness appeared to decrease as the age of enclosures advanced. Grass basal cover initially decreased and later on increased with the age of enclosures, so that the older enclosures disclosed improvement of grass basal cover.

Data from the nucleus herd at the International Trypanotolerance Centre (ITC) in The Gambia were used to evaluate the current N'Dama cattle breeding scheme implemented in a low input production system. Opportunities were investigated to further improve the breeding scheme through a comparison of alternatives to the current selection strategy. A deterministic simulation model was used to demonstrate the genetic and economic benefits of the different schemes. The breeding goal consisted of daily weight gain (from 15 to 36 months of age under high tsetse challenge conditions, DWG, g/day) and milk yield (milk off-take in the first 100 days of lactation, MY, kg). Substantial genetic response per year of 3.40 kg in MY and 0.25 g/day in DWG could be achieved. Simulation results showed that early selection of nucleus sires resulted in relatively higher genetic and economic responses compared to all other schemes investigated. For a practical breeding scheme (low input system), the scheme based on early selection of nucleus sires should be recommended since this leads to the best improvements in the overall breeding goal

Given the high amounts of apple rejected for commercialization its use as alternative feed for ruminants should be considered. This study was designed to investigate the nutritive value of apple pulp-wheat straw mixtures. Chemical composition, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and gas production profiles of ensiled mixtures containing 85 (M85), 70 (M70), and 50% (M50) of apple pulp were studied at 0, 15, 30 and 45 days. Fermentation quality was assessed by pH, lactic acid, ethanol and acetate. The results showed that non fibre carbohydrates (NFC) decreased along the storage period while DM stabilized after 30 days. It was also shown that pH increased along the storage period and the highest values for ethanol and acetic acid concentrations were observed in the apple pulp mixtures (Apple). Within mixtures, IVOMD decreased along the storage period, being however similar across mixtures after long periods of storage. Gas production analysis indicated that easily fermentable components (VFA) and the less easily fermentable constituents (VFB) decreased along the storage period, but VFB showed no differences between mixtures for the first two storage periods. Results suggest the possibility of reducing ethanol concentration of apple pulp silages through the incorporation of fibrous components; however silage additives to limit fermentation of sugars into ethanol should be used to ensure the course of the conservation process.

This study aimed at better understanding of the characteristics of feeding and breeding practices smallholder farmers adopt in intensifying their dairy production. Use of hired labour for fodder gathering, growing of fodder crops and purchase of feeds increased with increasing intensification, but Bos taurus breeds did not respond to increasing feeding intensification while Bos indicus cattle responded, calving at earlier age and yielding more milk. Overall, first calving occurred at 32 months, but days open prolonged to 250 days with milk yield of 4 litres per day of calving interval. A principal component analysis extracted six feeding and breeding components, explaining 71.79% of the total variations in feeding and breeding practices for dairy intensification. The six components were labelled: non- intensified feeding and breeding; breeding decisions based-intensification; high external resource based-intensification; moderate resource based-intensification; resource poor based-intensification; and moderate external resource based-intensification. These characteristics points to some `evolutionary process¿ of intensification involving feeding and breeding decisions, depending on the risk-bearing capacity of the household. Intensification enhancing interventions for smallholders need be considered in the context of the household economy. Interventions on feeding and breeding have to be packaged together holistically if intensification is to enhance productivity. A selective intervention on only one of these is associated with low productivity levels, only contributing to sustaining family subsistence livelihoods