U. E. Mahrous
Anim. Husb. Dep., Fac. Vet. Med., Alex. Univ.
Summary
32 Fox lambs were allotted into two groups(n=16), each group including 8 males and 8 females. One group subjected to shearing by shearing machine and the other was kept as control.Behavioural observation was carried out by hanged video camera a day before shearing.
A complete day behavioural observation was carried out once weekly. Moreover, blood samples collected just before starting shearing and then every 30 minutes for 3 hourscontinuously.
The obtained resulted showed that shearing of lambs increased the ingestive behavior; resting behavior, movement activities (standing, walking and running); body care activities (scratching, rubbing and head shaking) and social activities as the butting frequency. On contrary the wall and other exploratory behaviors and jumping activities were decreased. Moreover, sheared males had the highest frequencies of feeding, standing, walking, running, rubbing, head shaking and butting frequency.
The unshorn lambs had highest frequencies of lying, standing time and mounting activities. Moreover, the shorn female lambs spent longer feeding periods than other groups.
Shearing and handling of sheep resulted in elevation in the blood serum cortisol of lambs reach its peaks after 90 min then decreased gradually to level lower than that obtained after 180 minutes from shearing and handling. Moreover, although shearing resulted in decreasing the body weight of the shorn lambs however, within 6 weeks after shearing the shorn lambs attained more body weight than unshorn ones.
30 White Leghorn commercial hens, (50 wk of age), belongs to Institute of Animal Breeding and Management, Martin Luther University, Germany, were allotted into two groups (fifteen bird each) to study the ammonia stress (80-100 ppm) for 4 weeks on the general health indicators (behavior, productive performance, blood picture and blood plasma content).
The results indicated that exposure of White Leghorn layers to high level of ammonia decreased significantly and progressively the feed and water intake, time spent and frequencies of feeding and drinking. Moreover, there was a reduction in the frequencies of the standing, walking, preening, body shaking, dust bathing and wall exploration which was accompanied by decrease in body weight and egg production. On the other hand, there were increase in the time spent lying and drowsy standing with higher frequencies of lying, ruffling and scratching.
Examination of blood picture revealed a significant decrease in the PCV, HB, MCHC, RBCs count, small lymphocytes, large lymphocytes and total lymphocytes. On the other hand, there were increase in monocytes, basophile, eosinophil, heterophil, and heterophil : lymphocyte ratio. The chemical analysis of blood plasma content showed low level of albumin, globulin, total protein, glucose, phosphorus, and magnesium, with high levels of catabolic by-product such as ammonia, uric acid, creatinine, and total bilirubin and stress hormones as cholesterol. Moreover, function of liver and kidney were affected severely this could be recognized by high level of GPT, GOT, amylase enzyme, creatinine kinase, lactose dehdrogenase, and lipase enzyme.
U. E. Mahrous1; I. S. Meneeh1 and Madeeha Darwish2
1 Fac. Vet. Med., Alex. Univ.
2 Fac. Vet. Med., Assuit. Univ.
Four ewes had 8 twin lambs and eight mothers had 8 single lambs were placed with their own lambs in a separate partitions for 2 weeks then grouped together in two rooms each one lodged 4 twin and 4 single lambs with their dam.
Lambs were identified by paint number on their backs and left to suckle their dam with daily supplying of the dam with concentrate ration at morning and evening and daily supplying with hay after concentrate ration ad-libitum, the water supplied ad libitum with water troughs.
Behavioural observation was carried out by video camera was hanged on the ceiling of the chamberfrom 3 weeks till weaning at 8th week.
The results observed indicated that twins lambs had higher frequencies of suckling, lying, standing, and spent longer time suckling and standing while, the single lambs had higher frequencies of feeding, drinking, walking, running, scratching, rubbing, stretching, exploratory behaviors and playing activities including butting and jumping and spent longer time feeding, drinking and lying.
The singleton lambs gained more weight than twins from 2 to 4 weeks, then the twins gained better till weaning, although however the overall body weight gain was higher in the singletons than twins lambs.
U.E.Mahrous1, Madeeha Darwish2 and I.S.Meneeh1
1. Anim. Husb. Dept. Fac. Vet. Med., Alex. Univ.
2. Anim. Health and Zoonosses Dept., Fac. Vet. Med., Assuit Univ.
88 White Leghorn birds were randomly allotted into three groups; hens' group; cocks' group and mixed sex group from 18 to 30 weeks of age. The behavioral patterns were observed from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and the weekly body weight, weight gain and feed conversion were recorded. Moreover, at the end of the experiment each cock was sexually tested against all hens.
The results showed that stocking hens with cocks increased their movement; resting; feather care and stretching activities, on contrary, reduced feeding; drinking; standing; exploratory activities; chasing and aggressive pecking than hens' group. On the other hand, stocking of cocks with hens increased their standing; movement; exploration; feather care activities; stretching and aggressive pecking, although however, reduced feeding; drinking; resting and chasing. Maturity resulted in an increasing in feeding, standing, movement and aggressive pecking in hens' group while, reduced resting, exploration, feather care and stretching. Similar trend exhibited by mixed-sex group hens but with reduced aggression activities. For cocks maturity reduced feeding, standing, resting, stretching and aggressive pecking and increased movement, exploration and feather care activities in cocks' group, while in mixed-sex group cocks decreased exploration and increased stretching. Sexual isolation of cocks resulted in very short reaction time and high percentage of complete mating only with hens' group and long reaction time with low complete mating percentage with sexually experienced hens and vice versa, with the shortest reaction time for sexually experienced cocks.
The weight gain during the last 6 weeks before maturity was higher in mixed group than hens' or cocks' group. While during the first 6 weeks after maturity the reverse trend was observed. Moreover, before maturity the feed conversion was better in mixed group (cocks and hens) than cocks' or hens' group, however, after maturity there was no significant difference between the two systems.
U. E. Mahrous1, I. S. Meneeh1 and Madeha Darwish2
Anim. Husb. Dep. & Anim. Wealth, Fac. Vet. Med., Alex. Univ. 1
Dept. Anim. Hygiene, Fac. Vet. Med., Assuit Univ. 2
Thirty dairy cows were housed in a loose-housing yard in six groups of 5 cows each, where the first 3 groups were fed 50% and the others were fed 70% concentrates. Within each concentrate level roughages fed were Barseem hay and/or Ammoniated straw rice. Cows were milked 2 times /day by machine milking. Milk samples were collected in small cups and transferred to chemical analysis. Milk yield was recorded daily. Focal sample behavioral observation was carried out by observer during the day time.
The analyzed data revealed that:
1. Increasing the level of concentrate in ration reduced feeding time, drinking time, rumination time, standing time, walking frequency and exploratory activities. On contrary increased lying time, standing idle time grooming and butting frequencies.
2. Feeding ammoniated straw rice reduced feeding time, rumination time, lying time, while, increased standing time and standing idle time.
3. Cows during mid lactation periods spent longer feeding time, rumination time, and standing time, while, they spent short time lying and grooming activities.
4. Late lactation period was associated with short drinking time, standing time and low grooming, exploratory and butting frequencies, they while, spent longer time lying.
5. Increase level of concentrates in ration increased milk yield, protein% while, reduced fat, lactose, total solid and solid not fat percentages.
6. Types of roughages in ration did not show obvious changes in the milk yield or composition.
7. Cows in mid lactation period secreted more milk but with low fat, protein, lactose total solid and solid not fat percentages.
U. E. Mahrous1, M. A. Mandour1 and S. M. M. Laithy2
1. Anim. Husb. and Animal Wealth Dep., Fac. Vet. Med., Alex. Univ.
2. Anim. Hygiene, Beh. and Manag. Dept, Fac. Vet. Med., Moshtohour Zagazig Univ.
Oreochromis niloticus frys were packed in polyethelene plastic bags 5 litre volume each at 4 densities 25, 50, 75 and 100 frys / package. The frys were three types A) Oreochromis niloticus, B) Androgen sex reversed and C) Genetic monosex, within each density. There were three sizes 200-300 mg, 500-800 mg and 900-1200 mg. The packaged frys were transported shaded from El-Behera to Alexandria about 60 km, then observed for the survival rate, nervous manifestation, biting dead frys and oxygen depletion from each package for four consecutive days.
Oreochromis niloticus exhibited the highest percentages for gasping air and whirling movements than androgen sex reversed and the genetic monosex. On the contrary, androgen sex reversed exhibited the highest percentage of feeding activity and survival rates than others. The large size frys exhibited the highest percentages of gasping air; whirling movement and the lowest biting activity and survival rate. The smallest size exhibited the lowest nervous manifestation and the medium sized frys showed the highest biting rate and survival rate.
Higher densities induced highly significant air gasping and whirling movement and reduced biting activity and survival rate. Moreover, the nervous manifestation increased gradually as the storage period increased to reach the peak at 66 hr of storage then declined again, while, the biting activity showed high rate after 6 hour then declined at a lower level at 12 hours of storage then gradually increased till reach the peak at 66 hours then declined again.
The survival rate declined during the first 24 hours of storage by 0.25 %, increased to 0.5% and 1% during the second day and third days of storage while during the 4th day reduced to 4% during first 6 hours and 6.5% during next 6 hours (84-90 hours of storage). The oxygen levels were higher in both air and water of androgen sex reversed frys followed by genetic monosex frys then the Oreochromis niloticus. Moreover, the oxygen levels lowered with increase fry size and density. The largest frys packages and higher densities ones had the lowest oxygen content in air and vice versa.
Some ethological and physiological investigations on White Leghorn hens under high and low ambient temperatures
U.E. Mahrous1, I.S. Meneeh1 and I.von Borell2,
2. Animal Breeding and Husb. Institute, Martin Luther Univ. Germany
A sample of 30 White Leghorn layers flock, 50 wk of age were allotted into two groups. The first was exposed to normal temperature 20°C while; the second was exposed to high temperature 35 °C in two environmentally controlled rooms in Martin Luther University, Germany. Birds were penned in individual laying cages. Hens were subjected to a 12-h light and 12-h dark photo cycle. Relative humidity during the experiment was ranged between 45-65%.
Behavioral observations were carried out spot observation after recorded the behavior on video tapes started from the second week till the end of the experiment, while, the productive traits were estimated by weekly weighing of the birds and daily weighing of the food intake and eggs produced. Moreover, Blood samples were collected just before and at the end of the experiment from the wing vein then subjected to analyses for estimation of the blood cell counts and blood plasma contents including some liver enzymes.
Results showed that rearing laying hens under high temperature significantly reduced feeding time; frequency and time of lying; frequencies of walking, preening, body shaking, wall exploration, wing and leg stretching and dust bathing activities. On contrary increased drinking frequency, standing time, panting, wing flapping and ruffling frequencies.
With heat stress feed intake reduced significantly and other productive traits indices were declined such as body weight; weight gain; hen day egg production; average egg weight and blood plasma content of glucose; albumin and globulin content. On contrary, red blood cell counts, basophil %, eosinophil %, heterophil %, small lymphocyte %; large lymphocyte %, and total white blood cell were increased and liver functions was affected which indicated by pronounced elevation in the liver enzymes such as ALT or Alanine aminotransferase and AST or Aspartate aminotansferase.
U. E. Mahrous1, H. Dahy2 and A. A. El-Sayed1
1- Anim. Husb. Dep. and Anim. Wealth, Fac. Vet. Med., Alex.Univ.
2- Anim. Husb. Dep., Fac. Vet. Med., MinufiaUniv
Twenty Friesian dairy cows were tied in a stall while, another twenty cows were kept free in a stall belonging to Alexandria University. Animals were fed in feeder bunk concentrated ration and berseem provided in three meals. Moreover, water was supplied ad-libitum. Behavioral observation carried out by focal sample observation while, claws measurements (claw angle, dorsal border length, heel depth and diagonal claws length) were measured from outer claw of the right hind limb. The animal was milked two times daily either by machine or by hand milking preceded by washing the udder.
The obtained results showed that housing dairy cows in free stalls resulted in longer feeding, drinking, rumination, idle standing time and high frequencies of scratching and licking while, reduced active standing, lying down. Not only the claw measurements also affected where dorsal border, heel depth, diagonal length and claws angles were greater than those in tied stalls but also daily milk production under free stall system was greater.
Non pregnant cows exhibited much active standing, large claws angle and less lying down, 1st trimester pregnant cows yield much milk and had longer border and heel depth; 2nd trimester of pregnancy cows exhibited much feeding time, while, 3rd trimester of pregnant cows exhibited shorter feeding and drinking time, while, exhibited longer rumination time, lying time, longer diagonal length of claws, small claws angle and lowest milk production.
Aged cows spent longer time feeding, lying down and total grooming activities; moreover, claws dorsal border and angle were also greater than younger cows, while, milk production was lower than mid-aged cows. Person's correlation data showed positive correlation between feeding time and active standing, while milk production has significant negative correlation with rumination; moreover, diagonal length of the claws has negative correlation with body care activities.
A. Abd El-Aziz1; S.Z. El-Kholya1 ;A.I.El-Shiekh2; and U.E.Mahrous1
1 Anim. Husb and Wealth Develop., Fac. Vet. Med., Damanhour Univ.
2Anim. Husb and Wealth Develop., Fac. Vet. Med., Alex. Univ.
Abstract
Twenty four New Zealand White rabbits (12 does and 12 bucks) and twenty four Flanders (12 does and 12 bucks) rabbits, allotted into two feeding regimes (6 for each breed, 3 males and 3 females) first one feed commercial ration and the second one fed commercial diet plus sodium butyrate (300 g/ton). The obtained results showed that at end of 8th week experimental period New Zealand white rabbits were heavier body weight than Flanders rabbits (1934.55+39.05 vs. 1802.5+30.99 g); significantly high body weight gain during experimental period especially during 8th week (136.1+3.5 vs. 126.8+1.8 g/week); better feed conversion ratio during all weeks of experiment from first week (3.07+0.16 vs. 3.12+0.10) till the 8th week of experiment (5.54+0.16 vs. 5.76+0.07) with significantly high dressing percentages (0.54+0.01 vs. 0.52+0.01). Also all carcass cuts were significantly high in New Zealand white rabbits than Flanders.
Females rabbits (at the same age) were lower body weight than males from start of experiment (941.1+39.8 vs.972.1+33.5 g) till the end of experiment (1833.64+37.69 vs. 1903.41+36.93 g); gained less during all weeks of experiment except during 8th week (132.1+2.3 vs. 130.9+3.4 g/week), with lower dressing percentage (0.52+0.01 vs. 0.53+0.01) and lighter carcass cuts than males, however, they had better feed conversion ratio during 1st week, 7th week and 8th week of experiment.
Addition of 300g sodium butyrate/ton of rabbit increased the body weight of rabbits at the end of experimental period (1882.71+26.45 vs. 1851.5+49.82 g); improve body weight gain 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th week of experiment and significantly improve feed conversion ratio during all weeks of the experiment from 1st week (2.85+0.07 vs. 3.30+0.15) till the 8th week of the experiment (5.51+0.12 vs. 5.77+0.12). Also, dressing percentage was higher in Sodium butyrate fed groups than those of the control one (0.53+0.01 vs. 0.52+0.01) and the most important results of feeding sodium butyrate is the reducing of the mortality percentage in rabbits during the 8 week period experiment to zero percentage as compared with 16% in the control group.
World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology 67 2012 1234-1244
S.A. Ibrahim1; S. Z. El Kholya1; A.H.El-Far2; and U.E.Mahrous1
1Anim. Husb and Wealth Develop. Dep., Fac. Vet. Med., Damanhour Univ.
2Biochemistry Dep., Fac. Vet. Med., Damanhour Univ.
One hundred and fifty Japanese quail chicks (2-weeks old) were allotted into five groups (n=30) in separate pens. Each pen was separated from others by light proof partitions and subjected to one lighting program (White, Yellow, Blue, Red and Green) by 60 watt colored reflector lamps.
The obtained results showed that rearing Japanese quail chicks under red light exhibited much drinking, running, crouching, huddling and aggressive pecking. While, birds reared under white color exhibited much wing and leg stretching, leg stretching, preening and wall exploratory activities and those Reared under yellow color exhibited much feeding, standing, wing stretch, leg stretch, ruffling, trough pecking,
During early morning quails chicks exhibited significantly higher feeding, drinking walking, frolicking, stretching activities, body care activities and investigatory activities while, during late afternoon these activities lowered to minimum levels. Moreover, during early afternoon these activities take an intermediate values. Birds usually drink more at the start of day, while it declined gradually towards the end of the day.
Rearing Japanese quails under green color light had highest body weight, weight gain during 3rd week of age while white light group showed the lowest. On contrary, birds reared under white color had lower feed conversion. Moreover, rearing Japanese quail under green color had significantly high T3 and T4 hormones than other groups. With concern to cortisol birds reared under white light color had the highest stress effect than others, while lowest level were for blue and yellow light as under green and blue color.
Green light group had significantly higher cholesterol level than birds exposed to yellow light color. On contrary, triacylglycerol level was significantly higher in yellow light group while lowest level was in case of birds reared under white color. Females had significantly high level of T3; T4, cortisol and triacylglycerol than males. On contrary, males had significant (P<0.01) high cholesterol level than females.
World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology 67 20121120-1125
M.M. Aboghanima1; M.A. Eledel1; H. S. Abd-Hamed2 and U.E. Mahrous1
1Dep. Husb. and Wealth Develop., Fac. Vet. Med., Damanhur Uni.,
2Dep. Of Poultry and fish disease, Fac. Vet. Med., Damanhour Univ.
160 KhakiCampbell and 160 Pekin obtained from El Fashny duck hatchery, Damanhur city, El Behira, Egypt. At age of 2 weeks birds were allotted according to level of blood triacylglycerolinto two groups, the highest blood triacylglycerol(n=40), and lowest (n=40). Each group thendivided into two groups either control (fed basal diet, n=20) or treated (fed basal diet supplemented with 0.3% Amla, powder of dried Emblica officinalis fruits, n=20) till 7th week of age. At the end of experiment random samples from each group were slaughtered for evaluation of carcass traits and estimation of triacylglycerol and cholesterol contents in ducks meat.
The obtained results showed that Pekin ducks had higher body weight and weight gain during all weeks of experiment. Moreover, at end of experiment, Pekin ducks had higher liver % (4.1 vs. 3.6%); abdominal fat % (2.5 vs. 2.3%); breast muscle % (30.1 vs. 29.5%); mea triacylglycerol and cholesterol content (125.32 and 133.97 vs. 120.87 and 126.98 mg/dl, respectively) than Kaki Campbell ducks.
Ducks selected for higher juvenile blood triacylglycerol levels had higher body weight (2796.82 vs. 2760.67 g); weight gain (160.89 vs. 155.83 g); carcass % (59.82 vs. 58.04%); abdominal fat % (2.9 vs. 1.9%); meat triacylglycerol (133.54 vs. 113.05 mg/dl meat extract) and cholesterol content (145.50 vs. 116.23 mg/dl meat extract).
Feeding ducks Amla played an important role in improvement of carcass quality by reducing fat content and so liver % (3.8 vs. 3.9%); abdominal fat % (2.90 vs. 1.90 %); breast muscle % (29.7 vs. 29.9%); meat triacylglycerol content (155.45 vs. 1.42 mg/dl of meat extract) and meat cholesterol content (163.26 vs. 101.33 mg/dl of meat extract).