No abstract

The use of palm polysaccharides in broiler diet as a feed additive has recently been reported with promising results. A study was conducted to determine the use of palm polysaccharides in broiler diets when the birds were challenged with E. coli. A total of 32 unsexed broilers, with the similar body weight (1400-1480 g) was selected and used in this study as experimental birds. The birds were kept in the individually metabolism cages for 2 weeks. Feed and and water were available at all times. The diet was formulated to meet the nutrients need for grower chickens. Four different types of feed additives (Control, palm kernel polysaccharides, copra polysaccharides, antibiotic avilamycin), with and without E. coli challenge were used in this study. The birds were challenged with E.coli for three consecutive days (days 8 to 10), after a week of adaptation period. A completely randomised factorial design was used with the first factor is feed additive (Control, palm kernel polysaccharides, copra polysaccharides, antibiotic avilamycin), the second factor is two types of E. coli challenge (with or without E. coli challenge) and four replications. Differences among treatmens found were further tested with Tukey test. The results indicated that the supplementation of feed aditives (palm kernel polysaccharides, copra polysaccharides and avilamycine) improved body weight gain, FCR and excreta dry matter. The birds challenged with E. coli produced lower body weight gain and feed intake. Interaction between type of feed additives and E. coli challenge was found in body weight gain, feed intake, FCR and excreta dry matter. In conclusion, feed additives improved the quality of the diet and E. coli challenge had detrimental effect on bird performance. There was an interaction between type of feed additives and E. coli challenge on body weight gain, feed intake, FCR and excreta dry matter.

The aim of the study is to investigate condition and reproductive activity of Donggala cattles during post-puberty and post-partom periods. The study was carried out for 12 months at Donggala, Palu and Sigi Districts where major populations of Donggala cattles were kept by farmers. A total of 200 heads of Donggala cattles belonged to the local farmers were sampled. The animals were categorized as heifers when they were 10-18 months old and cows at 18-24 months old. Data colected inthis study were from structured interview and direct observation. Variables measured were body condition score, live body weight, age of puberty, age of first estrus and first mating, days open, service per conception rate, non return rate and conception rate either during post puberty or post partum. Data found in this study were describe descriptively. The results of the study indicated that the age of puberty was late as live body weight body condition score of Donggala were low. First mating of Donngala heifers was much dependant upon live body weight. Heavier cattles tended to mat earlier than the lighter cattles. Heavier catlles had better service per conception rate, non return rate and conception rate either at post puberty or post partum periods. In conclusion, the cows with high body weight had earlier first estrus, first mating and better service per conception rate, non return rate and conception rate than those cows with low live body weight.