Merit Research Journal of Agricultural Science and Soil Science

001-006

Authors: B. Devasena and S. Suneetha

A field experiment was conducted to study effect of different levels of RDP:UDP containing concentrate supplementation on production performance of crossbred dairy cattle under field conditions. Eighteen crossbred dairy cattle (JBX) were divided into three groups (RBD), T1 (60: 40) and T2 groups (55: 45). The animals in T1 and T2 groups were supplemented concentrate with different levels of degradable protein for 90 days, while in control (c) group feeding system traditionally adopted by the farmers was considered without any intervention. The impact of altered feeding on milk production, composition and efficiency of production of crossbred milch cows was studied. The intake of DM, CP, DCP and TDN were more (P< 0.05) in treatment groups (T1 and T2) as compared to the control group. There was increased (P< 0.05) FCM yield in T1 and T2 groups to the tune of 27.3% and 31.2% respectively. The fat (30.5 and 32.8%), SNF (21.3 and 30.5%), total solids (24.2 and 31.3%) and milk protein (40.8 and 42.7%) yield was more (P< 0.05) in T1 and T2 groups as compared to control during the period of 90 days, due to increased level of UDP in the rations. It can be concluded that altering the feeding systems traditionally adopted by the farmers in a scientific way improved milk production. Keywords: Feeding system, RDP, UDP rural farmers, cattle, crossbred.

070-073

Authors: R. K. Mathukia, K. B. Asodaria and B. K. Sagarka

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of farm waste recycling in comparison to chemical fertilizers on productivity, nutrient uptake, soil fertility and economics of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L. emend. Fiori and Paol.) cropping sequence at Junagadh (Gujarat, India) during kharif and rabi seasons of 2008-09 to 2010-11. The results revealed that application of enriched compost @ 5 t ha-1 to groundnut and recommended dose of fertilizer to wheat proved superior in respect of pod and haulm yield of groundnut, grain and straw yield of wheat, nutrient uptake (N, P and K) by groundnut and wheat, soil fertility (organic carbon, available N and P), net returns and B:C ratio over chemical fertilizer to both the crops. Farm waste incorporated in soil did not show direct effect on groundnut, however produced residual effect on wheat by improving soil fertility in comparison to chemical fertilizers. Keywords: Groundnut, Wheat, Compost, Fertilizer

064-069

Authors: Firas Mahmoud Faleh Hayajneh

Oxygen is a vital substrate for aerobic energy generation in the biological systems of higher animals. However, minimal quantities of some toxic substances referred to as free radicals are generated during this biochemical process. These compounds have large capacity to oxidize biological structures, especially membranes rich in lipids and proteins, causing cellular necrosis. The recent growth in knowledge of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in biology is producing a medical revolution that promises a new age of health. In fact, the discovery of the role of free radicals in chronic degenerative diseases is as important as the discovery of the role of micro-organisms in infectious diseases. Keywords: Antioxidants, Free radicals, Dairy cattle, Health.

057-063

Authors: Osman A. Dahab, Ibrahim A. Ishag and Mohamed-Khair A. Ahmed

The aim of this work is to study flock size, structure and management practices of Hamari sheep. The averages flock size were 217.2 and 268.8 heads in North Darfur and North Kordofan; respectively. The feeding management depended on natural pasture in addition to crops residues and minerals. The study found that the common diseases were Pneumonia and Mycoplasma. Mortality was high in the flocks and most animal died at age 6 – 12 months and the main causes of death were foreign bodies and lack of pasture. The breeding season started at the first of February to March. Breeding rams were selected from the flock at 6 months of age. The ewes gave the first lamb at age 12 months and gave one lamb every year. The main production constraints were lack of pasture and labor. The study concludes that flock size and structure of Hamari sheep varied between farmers. Breeding females constituted most of the flocks, and reproductive performance was average but can be enhanced through management and selection. The study suggested more detailed and larger studies are needed on Hamari sheep to characterize the reproductive and production systems. Keywords: Desert sheep, Sudan, production system, production constraint

053-056

Authors: Firas Mahmoud Faleh Hayajneh

In the current study attempts were made to test the effect of different temperatures on the stability of water soluble antioxidants (ACW) in the blood of dairy cattle, because sometimes it takes long time for the blood samples taken in the field to be transported to the laboratory where different biochemical tests are made, in this time during transport the samples underlies many factors that have an effect on the content of the samples under study like light, temperature, and time itself. Keywords: Antioxidant, Free radical, Serum, Refrigerator, Temperature