Research Article
Survival and Development of in Vivo Produced Boran and Boran* Holstein Cross Embryos
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, June 2024
Pages:
14-20
Received:
12 March 2024
Accepted:
29 March 2024
Published:
17 April 2024
Abstract: One of biotechnology technique that is frequently used to enhance the number of animals with superior genetic ability and high productivity is embryo transfer. Embryos can be obtained in vivo or in vitro, and they can be frozen and then thawed before being delivered to the recipient animals. Conception rates are influenced by a number of variables, including the quality and developmental stage of the embryo, the location of the embryo's deposit in the uterus, the degree of difficulty of the transfer, whether to use a fresh or frozen embryo, the operator's experience, the corpus luteum's quality, whether to use a heifer or a cow, and the time of year the transfer occurs. The fertility of domestic animals is severely impacted by early embryonic death. For this reason, this study was carried out to gather data on early embryonic development that is normal, the amount and timing of embryonic mortality, potential endogenous and exogenous causes of embryonic loss, and to develop strategies to lower embryonic mortality. A total of 40 embryos (20 fresh and 20 frozen, 26 quality grade 1 and 14 quality grade 2, 29 compact Morula stage and 11 early Blastocyst stage) were transferred to 40 recipient cows (22 Boran and 18 H-B cross) with different body condition score. Return to heat was used as method of pregnancy diagnosis and all recipients were followed around day 14 post embryo transfer and 14 animals were shown heat sign, the rest 26 animals were suspected for pregnancy (65%). Using ultrasound, a pregnancy diagnosis was made on day 45, and 20 recipient animals were found to be 50% positive for PD. On day 60, PD positive animals were re-examined with ultrasound and only 10 were confirmed as PD positive (25%). The PD negative on day 45 and day 60 were suspected to be early embryonic mortality. Other pregnancy loss occurred in this study was abortion nearly after five month of pregnancy. It is not doubtful that, the technique of embryo transfer is utilized to increase the reproductive rates of important female animals. However, it needs proper management for both donor and recipient animals. Therefore, for the successful application of the technology optimum level of feeding both quantity and quality, health management and conducive environment should be fulfilled for all animals.
Abstract: One of biotechnology technique that is frequently used to enhance the number of animals with superior genetic ability and high productivity is embryo transfer. Embryos can be obtained in vivo or in vitro, and they can be frozen and then thawed before being delivered to the recipient animals. Conception rates are influenced by a number of variables,...
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Research Article
Performance of Boran and Two Strains of Tanzania Short Horn Zebu Cattle Fed on Three Different Diets
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 2, June 2024
Pages:
21-29
Received:
13 April 2024
Accepted:
28 April 2024
Published:
17 May 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijast.20240802.12
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Abstract: A 3x3 factorial experiment was carried out to assess the performance of Boran breed (BRN), Iringa Red (IRR) and Singida White (SWT) strains of cattle fed on three different diets (D1, D2, and D3) under a feedlot condition. The diets contained hominy feed plus molasses (D1 or control), molasses and cassava meal (D2) and rice polishing (D3) as main energy sources. In addition, they contained sunflower seed cake as protein source, minerals and vitamins premix. Fifty-four (54) bulls of equal numbers of each strain, aged between 2 and 2.5 years and average initial weight of 194 ± 12.6 kg were randomly allocated in the three diets and housed in a feedlot structure. They were fed individually with their respective dietary treatments for 80 days, during which data on feed intake and growth performance were recorded. Thereafter 45 bulls with equal number of strains were slaughtered, and carcass characteristics were assessed and gross margins computed. The CP contents (g/kg) in the diets were highest in D2 (155), followed by D1 (141.7) and lowest (130) in D3. There were no significant (P>0.05) interaction effect of diet and breed/strain in all the parameters assessed on performance. Bulls fed on D2 grew faster (0.99 kg/d) and attained greater final weight (269.9 kg) and heavier carcasses (140.8 kg) followed by those fed on D1 with mean values of (0.92 kg/d), (258.1 kg) and (131.5 kg), respectively. The average dressing percentage followed a similar trend, being higher (P<0.05) in bulls fed on D2 (52.4) compared to those on D1 (51.7) and D3 (51.1). The BRN bulls had faster growth rates (1.04 kg/d) followed by the IRR (0.83 g/d), which had similar (P>0.05) average daily gain to that of SWT (0.83 g/d). The final weight of BRN bulls (267.4 kg) was not different (P>0.05) from that of IRR (257.5 kg), which was also found to be similar (P>0.05) to that of SWT (251.2 kg). The hot carcass weights followed similar trend, BRN having carcass weight (138.2 kg) similar (P>0.05) to IRR (130.4 kg), which happened to be not different (P>0.05) from that of SWT (129.3 kg). The mean dressing percentage was higher (P<0.05) for BRN (52.2) than other strains. It is concluded that value of weight gains and slaughter characteristics of Iringa red are comparable to those of Boran, thus for feedlot finishing farmers should be advised to select and use Iringa red bulls to obtain high carcass and large profit.
Abstract: A 3x3 factorial experiment was carried out to assess the performance of Boran breed (BRN), Iringa Red (IRR) and Singida White (SWT) strains of cattle fed on three different diets (D1, D2, and D3) under a feedlot condition. The diets contained hominy feed plus molasses (D1 or control), molasses and cassava meal (D2) and rice polishing (D3) as main e...
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