Bhutan Journal of Animal Science

Effects of Different Feeds on Body Weight Gain and Profitability of Pig Production in Subtropical Bhutan

2024-07-04T03:44:52+00:00

A feeding trial was conducted with the objectives to evaluate the body weight gain of improved pigs fed with three different feeds and determine the cost of production for each feed. The feeds were commercial feed, thin stillage of the Army Welfare Project and locally formulated feed. Twenty-four weaners, each weighing 8.21 kg with an average age of 40.17 days were used for the study. The weaners were divided into three groups [group A, B and C]. Each group was allotted eight weaners with uniform breed and sex ratio. Pigs in group A, B and C were fed with commercial feed, formulated feed and thin stillage, respectively. Pigs were weighed individually using digital weighing scale and a crate once every Monday for 30 times in seven months study period. The amount of feed fed to each group and the leftover feed were recorded daily during the entire study period. The Average Daily Gain [ADG] of pigs in group A, B and C were 0.518 kg, 0.118 kg and 0.299 kg, respectively. The average final weight of group A, B and C were 117.27 kg, 32.45 kg and 70.86 kg, respectively. Differences in both ADG and final weight gain between group A, B and C were highly significant. The costs incurred to produce a kilogram of pork were Nu. 180.93, Nu. 324.97 and Nu. 169.63 for group A, B and C, respectively. The cost of producing one-kilogram pork was cheaper by Nu.11.30 for group C than A. The study concluded that the high body weight gain in pigs does not necessarily lead to high income.

Performance of Exotic Breeds of White Pig under Bhutanese Farmers’ Management Conditions

2024-07-04T03:24:35+00:00

We assessed the growth performances and disease susceptibility of exotic white pigs under farmers’ management conditions in Bhutan. Twelve low homogenous weanlings of Large White and Landrace were randomly selected. The mean age of weanlings was about 53 days with mean body weight of about 11 kg. The white pigs were housed in available sheds and managed under normal routine feeding followed by farmers, and weighed 14 days apart for 17 times. The growth rates of exotic white pigs Large White and Landrace, and male and female were 0.35 kg and 0.41 kg, 0.34 kg and 0.44 kg, and 0.34 kg and 0.41 kg, respectively. The majority [67%] of pigs showed clinical signs of diseases such as tiny redness on their white skin, diarrhea, cough and anorexia. Of that, 75% occasionally indicated skin problem with tiny redness on their white skin. The growth rate of exotic white pigs that did not suffer from any disease was significantly greater than the pigs that suffered from diseases. To optimize the growth rates of exotic white pigs, the overall management conditions of Bhutanese farmers must be improved. An intensive care and higher inputs such as feed, housing and health services may help to realize greater genetic potentials of exotic white pigs.

Adoption of Improved Dairy Production Practices by Dairy and Non-Dairy Farmers’ Groups

2024-07-04T07:48:30+00:00

A study was conducted to understand the farmers ‘knowledge on adoption of dairy technologies, comparing dairy farmers groups [DFG] and non-dairy group members. Over 167 farmers were interviewed in three Dzongkhags in Low altitude [Sarpang], Mid-Altitude [Tsirang] and high altitude [Haa]. Ninety-seven were respondents of dairy farmers’ groups and 70 were respondents of non-dairy farmers’ group. The questionnaire sought information on farmers’ knowledge on dairy technology, household profile, feeding practices, dairy husbandry practices, breeding practices and health practices. Dairy farmers’ group respondents had a high level of adoption in feeding practices with 84.92 percent, dairy husbandry practices with 80.15 percent and health care practices with 77.30 percent. However, the non-dairy farmers’ group respondents had medium level of adoption of feeding practices with 69.20 percent, dairy husbandry practices with 54.92 respondent and health care practices with 69.87 percent. Breeding practice adoption among dairy farmers’ group respondents was medium with 43 percent and non-dairy farmers group respondents with 28 percent. There is a big scope for strengthening the farmers’ knowledge on dairy technology adoption among dairy and non-dairy farmers groups, particularly in breeding practices through awareness creation and training of farmers on emerging technologies.

Effect of Parity on Milk Yield and Calving Interval of Thrabam Cattle at Nucleus Herd, Tashiyangphu, Bhutan

2024-07-04T08:02:40+00:00

A study was carried out to understand the productive and reproductive performances in local Nublang/Thrabam cattle managed at the nucleus herd, Tashiyangphu, Bhutan. Data on performances were accessed and analyzed from 3794 individual animal records maintained at the farm for 21 years [1997 to 2018]. The record covered 1st to 8th parity for individual animals. The nucleus herd had a fair balance of young and old stock for regular replacement. Overall average daily milk yield of local Thrabam cows [all parity] was 3.54±0.23 kg [n=436] and take-home milk was 2.04±0.23 kg day-1 , excluding 1.5 kg day-1 estimated to be spared to suckling calves. The average daily milk yield increased from 3.11 kg day-1 in first parity to 3.78 kg day-1 in fourth parity. Similarly, the average lactation milk yield increased from 708±215 kg in first parity to 889±190 kg in fourth parity. Lactation yield in fourth parity was significantly higher than yields in all other parity. The average lactation length was 230.9±5.4 days [7.7 months], which had little or no improvement with advancing parity. Notably, calving interval had decreased from 16.1±3.6 months [n=173] in 1st/2nd parity to 12.1±1.1 months in 7th/8th parity [n=165], indicating improvement in reproductive efficiency of the nucleus herd. The study concluded that the highest milk yield [daily and lactation yield] of Thrabam cattle is in fourth parity with no drastic decline till seventh parity, suggesting that cows fit for breeding can be retained in the nucleus herd beyond seventh parity based on their productivity. Further, Thrabam being draught purpose breed with short lactation length and low milk yield, it is unlikely to compete in milk production with recognized dairy breeds even if they are rigorously selected. Hence, apart from improvement in milk production, traits for diseases resistance, adaptability/ foraging ability] need to be given equal weightage while selecting this cattle breed.

Karan Fries vs. Jersey Cattle in Southern Foothills of Bhutan

2024-07-04T08:13:56+00:00

A study was conducted to evaluate the performances of Karan Fries [KF] and Jersey Pure [JP] dairy cattle breeds managed at the government farm in the sub-tropical environment of Samtse, Bhutan. Quantitative data on production and reproduction were retrieved from 320 individual cow/calf performance records maintained at the farm from July 2014 to March 2018. Qualitative data on adaptability were congregated through key informant interviews. The mean birth weight and monthly weight gain in KF calves were significantly higher than JP. Mean age at first service and age at first calving for JP were 24.6 months and 33.9 months, respectively, which were significantly lower than KF. Mean daily milk yield [kg] in 1st lactation was significantly higher in JP than KF, but there was no yield variation in subsequent lactations. Mean lactation yield [305 days] for KF cows increased to 3823.9 kg in 4thlactation, which was 371 kg higher than JP, but not statistically significant. Milk production was closely associated with season in a year with higher production for both the breeds in winter. KF had good foraging ability and was surefooted to survive in the rugged terrain. However, bad temperament and high quantity forage requirement for animals are the disadvantages. The study concluded that JP breed attains production at younger age and has medium body size requiring lesser fodder intake. Thus, JP and its crosses shall continue to be a breed of choice for the subsistence and semi-commercial dairy farms with limited fodder resources. KF may be recommended in commercial farm with adequate facilities and resources at hand to sustain them.

Performance of Two Commercial Broiler Strains in Subtropical Environment of Bhutan

2024-07-04T08:26:53+00:00

A study was conducted with an objective to determine the growth performance and Feed Conversion Ratio [FCR] of two commercial broiler strains [Cobb 400y and Ross 308]. The study used a total of 330 unsexed Day-Old Chicks [165 of each strain]. Fifty-five numbers of each strain were randomly allocated to three replications. At the end of the experiment [42 days], the result showed that the final live body weight of Cobb 400y was better than Ross 308. There was a significant difference in the live weights between two broiler strains. There was no significant difference in the mortality trend between two broiler strains. The significant difference was also not observed in terms of average daily weight gain, FCR and dressing percentage of two commercial broilers. The study results suggest that the performance of Cobb 400y and Ross 308 are comparable under sub-tropical environmental conditions in winter.

Comparative Reproductive Efficiencies of Cows and Heifers Artificially Inseminated with Sex-Sorted and Conventional Semen in Bhutan

2024-07-04T08:31:30+00:00

The study objective was to compare conception rates and sex of calf at birth from Artificial Insemination [AI] of cows and heifers, using sex-sorted [sexed] and conventional [unsexed] semen. Imported frozen semen from two sire lines for both sexed and conventional semen that had equivalent Post Thaw Motility of 40% was used. Predictors of conception rates and sex of calf at birth were semen type, animal type, insemination sire, number of AI per conception, AI Technician and breed. In total, 422 AI was done in 160 heifers and 130 cows of Jersey pure, Jersey cross and local cattle, of which 151 and 271 were sexed semen and conventional semen, respectively. The conception rates of 44% and 48% were recorded for sexed and unsexed semen, respectively. Although, the conception rate was higher in conventional semen, difference was not statically significant. Sexed sorted semen gave birth to 89.6% female calves as compared to 51.5% for conventional semen, indicating a strong influence of semen type on birth of female calves. Conception rate was significantly influenced by animal type; cow and heifer and not by other predictors. Conception rate was significantly lower in cows than in heifers. Hence, expensive sexed semen can be recommended for use in first-service heifers than in cows for optimizing conception rates.

Cold Tolerant Oats as Summer Forage in Temperate Environment of Bhutan

2024-07-04T08:39:00+00:00

The number of oat varieties used in extension program is limited and there is a need to provide more options to the dairy farmers by identifying additional oat varieties with good yield and quality. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to evaluate forage yield and nutrient content of new oat [Avena sativa L.] varieties in comparison with the varieties currently used in extension. The new oat varieties were: Gansu oat 1, Gansu oat 2, Gansu oat 3, Lina oat, and Qingyin oat. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with six replications and measuring plot size of 4.5 m2 [1.5×3 m]. The variety Gansu oat 2 and Qingyin oat produced significantly higher green forage and dry matter yield than variety stampede. However, there was no significance difference in essential nutrient [Crude protein] content between new and existing oat varieties. The study concluded that variety Gansu 2 and Qyingyin oat can be suitable for forage production in summer under temperate climatic condition of Bhutan.

Is Poultry Egg Production Profitable in West-Central Bhutan?

2024-07-04T08:45:00+00:00

The study objective was to determine the Cost of Production [COP] per egg, Break-Even Point [BEP], Marginal Safety Ratio [MSR] and Payback Period [PBP] of layer farms in the west-central region of Bhutan. Forty-layer farms having stock size of 100 and more birds from four districts were surveyed. Information from these farms was collected using semi[1]structured questionnaires and field observations were recorded to complement the questionnaire. Results showed that 93.8% of farms with the estimated mean stock size of 540 birds had obtained an estimated mean profit percentage of 32.2% from a batch of layer stock. The estimated mean COP per egg was Nu. 6.79 and mean selling price per egg was Nu.8.85 in the study area. An increase in size of the farm by 100 birds was associated with an estimated mean decrease in COP per egg by Nu. 0.12. The farms that stock in pullets had an estimated mean COP per egg of Nu. 1.22, which was higher than those that stock in Day-Old[1]Chicks [DOC]. An estimated mean BEP of Nu. 1,96,483.9 and 22,383 eggs or units were recorded in the region. The estimated mean margin of safety of Nu. 17,49,785 or 85.4%, indicated a high level of safety in the enterprise. Revenue-Cost ratio of 1.3 indicated that the enterprise would earn revenue of Nu. 1.3 for every ngultrum invested. The estimated mean payback period for 93.8% farms were 0.59 batches, indicating that the capital investment can be recovered from a single batch of layer stock. The general results show that the poultry egg production in the region is a profitable and sustainable venture in terms of economics. Technical assistances and improved managerial skills in poultry egg production are some areas of future support from government.

Impediments of Yak Farming: Opinions of Brokpas from Sakteng

2024-07-04T08:48:14+00:00

This study was conducted to understand and document different factors affecting yak rearing practices in Sakteng block under Tashigang district. In total, 60 yak rearing households were randomly selected and interviewed, using a semi-structured questionnaire to gather desired information. The results indicated a decline in yak rearing households by about 38% over the past five years. The major factors reported were high incidence of mortality from a locally known disease called “Rhimney”, inadequate pastures, and labor shortages to manage the herd that contributed to the decline in yak farming. About 90% of yak mortality as reported by 40% of respondents was attributed to Rhimney. About 40% of respondents reported inadequate pastures as a cause of decline in yak population and yak farming, and the remaining 20% of respondents reported labor shortage to manage herd as the major concern affecting yak rearing. There was a contradicting response from the respondents on the average yak herd size maintained at the household. It was recorded that about 60% of respondents reported a decline in yak herd size, 23.4% of respondents reported yak herd size to be static, and 15% of respondents reported an increase in yak herd size over the years. Considering a decline in yak population and yak farming households over the period, it is time to undertake appropriate policy interventions to make yak farming attractive and sustainable.

Treatment effects on Hematological Parameters and Serum Biochemical Profile of Lulu Cattle Infected with Bovine Anaplasmosis

2024-07-04T09:02:37+00:00

Anaplasmosis is a vector-borne, infectious blood disease of cattle caused by the rickettsial parasites, Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma centrale. This parasite infects the red blood cells and causes severe anemia. Ticks are a common vector of this disease. The estimates of biochemical constituents are the prerequisites to diagnose patho-physiological disorders in cattle. This study aimed to compare the hematological and serum biochemical parameters aftereffect of treatment of antibiotics on infected Lulu cattle [Bos taurus]. This study further investigated the effectiveness of antibiotics with different routes of administration: intramuscular and intravenous. Hematological and serum biochemical profiles were taken from 31 Lulu cattle infected with Bovine Anaplasmosis and 14 treated Lulu cattle. Due to blood parasitic infestation, white blood cells increased to 17.8 and dropped significantly to normal value 12.7 after treatment. Lymphocyte levels significantly decreased after treatment from a diseased condition of 13.3 down to 7.92. Other hematological parameters such as Neutrophil, Eosinophil and Basophil were not significantly different before and after treatment. Serum biochemical profiles including glucose, total protein, albumin, calcium and phosphorous were affected by Bovine Anaplasmosis but values were not significantly different before and after treatment. Further, we found that intravenous administration of antibiotics is more effective over intramuscular administration route as blood smear showed clear up parasites after 10 days treatment by administration of drug by I/V mode. Our results indicate that hematological values return to normal levels after effective treatment using antibiotic.

Rabies Prevention and Control Program in Bhutan: Self-assessment using SARE Tool

2024-07-04T09:13:42+00:00

Free-roaming dogs and dog bites are a common public health problem in Bhutan. Several control measures were implemented during 1980s including mass killing of dogs by shooting and poisoning. Other control measures such as ad-hoc sterilization and vaccination against rabies, translocation and impounding of dogs were also implemented to reduce dog population and control rabies in the country. From 2009, catch-neuter-vaccinate-release program was initiated to manage dog population and control rabies in the country. Currently rabies outbreaks in animals are commonly reported in southern parts of the country with sporadic incursion into interior rabies free areas. However, no human rabies deaths were reported since 2017. The country is on track to achieve its target to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030 through One health approach. In this study, we reviewed rabies situation in Bhutan in terms of past and current control measures, gaps and future needs for rabies control using a “Stepwise Approach towards Rabies Elimination [SARE] tool”. We highlighted the areas where more attention is required in order to eliminate rabies in Bhutan. The SARE output was used to develop a “Strategic plan for elimination of dog-mediated rabies in Bhutan by 2023” by incorporating all the agreed activities of Global framework for the elimination of dog-mediated human rabies.

Comparison of Antibody Responses after Vaccination with Two Inactivated Rabies Vaccines in Thimphu Dogs

2024-07-04T09:22:35+00:00

We compared the antibody responses after vaccination with two commercially available inactivated rabies vaccines – Rabisin (Merial, France) and Raksharab (Indian Immunologicals) in dogs in Thimphu city, Bhutan. Fifty puppies were randomly assigned to two groups of 25 each and one group was subcutaneously vaccinated with a single dose of Rabisin and other group with Raksharab rabies vaccines as primary vaccination on day 0. Similarly, 50 adult dogs were also randomly assigned to two groups of 25 each and each group wassubcutaneously vaccinated with a single dose of Rabisin and Raksharab vaccines as booster vaccination. Serum samples were collected on day 0 (prior to vaccination), 14 and 28 from all the dogs. Rabies antibodies were measured over a period of 28 days using SERELISA® Rabies Ab Mono Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 198 blood samples from 66 dogs (3 sample each on day 0, 14 and 28) were collected and analyzed. Eight puppies (8/35; 22.86% belonging to Raksharab (n=7) and Rabisin vaccination group (n=1) demonstrated a minimum protective antibody titre (≥0.5 IU/ml) ranging from 0.6 to 2.75 IU/ml while the remaining puppies (n=27) demonstrated an antibody titre ranging from 0.1 to 0.45 IU/ml on day 0 (prior to primary vaccination). The antibody titre level increased after primary vaccination ranging from 0.21 to 4.78 IU/ml and 0.16 to 7.38 IU/ml under Rabisin group on day 14 and 28, respectively, and from 0.59 to 5.80 IU/ml and 1.19 to 6.76 IU/ml under Raksharab group on day 14 and 28, respectively. In adult dogs under Rabisin booster vaccination group, 56% (9/16) of the dogs had ≥0.5 IU/ml of antibody titre (ranges: 0.25 to 6.45 IU/ml) on day 0 (before vaccination) and all dogs attained protective titre on day 14 (ranges: 1.07 to 6.46 IU/ml) and on day 28 (ranges: 2.22 to 10.26 IU/ml). Similarly, under Raksharab booster vaccination group, 56% (9/16) of the dogs had ≥0.5 IU/ml of antibody titre (ranges: 0.27 to 5.39 IU/ml) on day 0 (before vaccination). Excepting one adult male dog, all other dogs attained protective titre (≥0.5 IU/ml) on day 14 (ranges: 0.62 to 5.59 IU/ml) and on day 28 (ranges: 1.86 to 6.66 IU/ml). The findings showed that both the inactivated vaccines have elicited minimum threshold level for protection (≥0.50 IU/ml) responses as per the recommendation of the World Animal Health Organization (OIE) and World Health Organization (WHO), indicating that the vaccines used in Bhutan are potent and efficient and thus, acceptable for primary and booster vaccination against rabies in dogs.