In order to find out the optimum level of crude protein (CP) in the diet of captive Lady Amherst's pheasants (LAP) on molt, 18 male birds were randomly distributed into three groups of six each in an experiment based on completely randomized block design. The CP content of the diets of birds in groups I, II, and III was 13.4, 16.5, and 19.1%, respectively. Intake and apparent balance of nitrogen increased linearly (P < 0.001) as CP content of the diet increased. Intake and utilization of energy, calcium, and phosphorous were similar among groups. Body mass change and growth rate of feathers were significantly (P < 0.01) lower in group I as compared to groups II and III. There was a positive co-relationship between ME intake and change in body weight (R(2) = 0.89, F = 126.4, P < 0.001). Regression analysis indicates that LAP can maintain body mass when ME supply is 122.2 Kcal/kg BW(0.75)/d. Linear relationships between intake and apparent retention of N, Ca, and P as expressed on mg/kg BW(0.75)/d were all significant. Apparent nitrogen retention, and mean feather growth rate was lower in birds fed diet containing 13.4% CP. Feeding of the diets containing 16.5% CP resulted in improved retention of nitrogen, and mean feather growth rate. Further increase in dietary concentration of CP to 19.1% showed no further improvement. It was concluded that a diet containing 16.5% CP would be optimum for Lady Amherst's pheasants during molt.

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of gradual replacement of dietary buffalo meat on the bone (BMB) with chicken carcass (CC) on nutrient utilization, serum cortisol, and total serum antioxidant profile of zoo‐housed Indian leopard. Twelve adult leopards were randomly distributed into a replicated Latin square design comprising three treatments, three periods, four animals, and three sequences. Leopards in group T1 were fed normal zoo diet of BMB. On the basis of dry matter, 10% and 20% of BMB was replaced with CC in groups T2 and T3, respectively. Each experimental period comprised 21 days. During each period, a digestion trial of 4‐day collection period was conducted after an adaptation period of 17 days. On Day 21 of each experimental period, blood was collected from all the animals by puncturing the ventral coccygial vein. Intake and apparent digestibility of major nutrients were similar among the groups. Replacement of 20% BMB with addition of CC increased (p < 0.001) the calculated supply of I, niacin, and vitamin A. Carotenoid intake increased (p < 0.01) with increased level of CC in the diet. Serum concentration of cortisol decreased (p < 0.01) whereas serum concentration of total carotenoids increased (p < 0.001) with increased level of CC in the diet. Serum concentration of antioxidant enzymes increased (p < 0.001) with increased level of CC in the diet. It was concluded that replacement of 20% of BMB with CC increased antioxidant profile. This may reduce oxidative stress in zoo‐housed Indian leopards without any adverse effect on nutrient utilization.

A study was undertaken to investigate the effect of melatonin supplementation on thyroid hormones (T3, T4) and cortisol in buffalo calves under summer stress. Twelve healthy Murrah buffalo male calves of 6 month to 1 year age group were taken for the study. Buffalo calves were divided into control (CG) and treatment (TG) group. In TG, Melatonin (18mg/50 kg BW) was injected subcutaneously, two times at 1 st and 20 th day. Hormones like T3, T4 and cortisol were estimated by Gamma coat TM (125I) RIA kits. Within and between the groups serum T3 and T4 level did not differ significantly (P>0.05), but higher level of serum T3 and T4 was observed in CG than TG. The significant (P<0.05) difference observed in serum cortisol level between the groups and within CG. In conclusion, melatonin used to have its effect on thyroid hormone response and level of cortisol secretion during summer stress. It decreases T3, T4 and cortisol levels in the animals and helps them to cope with adverse effect of summer stress.

No abstract

No abstract