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Growth patterns of Buffalo calves in relation to rumen development and growth promoters treatment.
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Abstract: The objective of this investigation was to study the normal growth patterns of buffalo calves and the concomitant alterations in metabolic activity. Additional study was conducted concerning with developmental changes of the alimentary tract and the effect of using hormonal or growth promoting substances on growth performance and metabolic function of buffalo calves. Total number of 76 new born male buffalo calves were chosen randomly to carry out this study. Thirty six calves were slaughtered in groups at successive ages to study the anatomical and histological development of the alimentary tract. Forty weaned buffalo calves were divided into four equal groups to study the effect of hormonal and growth promoter treatments on growth performance until 9 months of age. Result were indicate as follow:
1- Average body weight of calves at birth, weaning and 9 months of age were 34.2, 77.1 and 177.7 kg, respectively.
2- Daily weight gain (DWG) of calves during suckling and postweaning periods were 0.48 and 0.60 kg, respectively. The DWG reduced gradually withi the first four months then increased to reach its maximum at the 6th month of age.
3- Concentrations of blood total proteins and globulin showed marked decline during suckling period then increased to reach its maximum at the 5th month of age. Blood albumin content was almost constant throughout growth period.
4- Blood haemoglobin decreased during suckling stage then increased to reach its lue at the 7th month. Blood haemoglobin was significantly greater in the faster growing calves.
5- The rate of decline in blood glucose concentrations in the faster growing calves was greater than that in slow growing ones indicting rapidity of rumen development in the faster growing calves.
6- Blood leucocyte counts increased with the advance of calf age and with DWG as well.
7- In the faster growing calves, concentrations of thyroxin hormone (T4) and T4 /T3 ratio were higher than that in slow growing animals.
8- Efficiency of DCP utilization was greater during the 1st , 2nd and 5th months of calf age whereas, it decreased gradually in the other months.
9- Rumen fresh tissue was significantly affected by age advancement and the dry matter intake. The study revealed that rumen tissue was functionally developing during preweaning period since density of rumen papilla increased leading to increased total absorptive area of rumen wall.
10- Tissue weight of small intestine at calf weaning was double that at the 1st month of age. This tissue became double in weight once again at 12 months of age.
11- Tissue weights of abomasums and the large intestine was almost constant in proportion to metabolic body weight of the calf during growth period.
Using the growth promoter Nutregen® or thyroxin hormone led to increased final LBW of treated calves by 8.3% and 6% respectively, while glucocorticoid treatment reduced final LBW of calves by 21.6%. in comparison with control animals.
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| Publication year |
1992
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| Availability location |
مكتبة معهد بحوث الانتاج الحيوانى- شارع نادى الصيد - الدقى - الجيزة
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| Availability number |
399
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| Organization Name |
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| Department |
Buffalo Breeding Research Department
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| Author(s) from ARC |
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| Agris Categories |
Animal physiology - Nutrition
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AGROVOC
TERMS |
Buffalo meat.
Growth factors.
Hormones.
Metabolism.
Performance testing.
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| Publication Type |
PhD Thesis
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