Objective: This study investigated the effectiveness of different physical forms of feed containing Ipomoea aquatica waste and concentrate feed on the rumen characteristics, chewing activity, and performance of sheep. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four rams (19.87 ± 2.19 kg) were arranged in a completely randomized design. Rams were fed dried I. aquatica waste and concentrate feed provided separately (RCF) (conventional feeding system), and total mixed ration consisted of mash complete feed (MCF), and pelleted complete feed (PCF). The data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance. Results: The dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio of rams fed different physical forms of feed containing I. aquatica waste in their diet were similar between the treatments, ranging from 4.08% to 4.29% of body weight, 120–180 gm, and 6.32–9.17, respectively. Different physical feeds did not affect microbial synthesis in the rumen. Methane emissions per unit of production were similar between the groups. The PCF sheep ate faster (0.24 min/gm DMI) than the MCF sheep (0.38 min/gm DMI), but similar to the RCF sheep (0.31 min/gm DMI). Conclusion: Dried I. aquatica waste was useful as an alternative lamb feed roughage during the dry season. The pelleted mixed ration was more efficient than mash in increasing DMI. The dried I. aquatica waste was environmentally friendly for mitigating enteric methane emissions by sheep. [J Adv Vet Anim Res 2023; 10(4.000): 677-684]

Scientific experiments on determination of the optimal doses kizelgur for import substitution of shells in poultry diets was realized in the conditions of the Republic of Belarusby an example of 4 groups of laying hens of Khajseks korichnevyj cross. Hens of the first (controlled) group were given full ration applied at the tested poultry farm which included 5% of shells. Hens of the other three experimental groups were given complete feedstuffs with inclusion of mineral feed kizelgur: hens of the second group – in dose 2% out of dry matter mass; third group - 3%; for the fourth group - 4%. The research results showed that application of mineral feed additive kizelgur increased hen productivity in experimental groups on 2,8%; 5,9%; 7,2%, respectively. In the experimental groups there was an increasing of egg yields on 2,8%; 5,9%; 7,2%, respectively. The best indexes of poultry livability were stated in the third group (on 5,5% higher than in control). The similar tendency was stated in course of analysis of egg weight, shell thickness and calcium content of shell. Kizelgur application led to increasing of egg mass in tested groups: on 0,46% (2 group), 1,6% (3 group) and 2,4 % (4 group). At the age of 340 days shell thickness in experimental groups was on higher 3,3% (2 group), 0,7% (3 group) and 8,7 % (4 group) than in control. The analyzed additive increased the natural resistance of hens that was proved by indexes of bacterial growth-inhibitory activity of blood serum and lysozyme activity. There noted tendency of total protein increasing. Studying of immunological indexes showed that they were the most evident in the fourth experimental group