Feed consumption, nutrient utilization and serum metabolite profile of captive blackbucks (Antelope cervicapra) fed diets varying in crude protein content

Abstract

A feeding trial was conducted to determine the optimum level of crude protein (CP) in the diet of captive blackbuck (Antelope cervicapra) in which feed consumption and nutrient utilization are maximal. Fifteen blackbucks (BW 25-34 kg) were distributed into three groups of five each in an experiment of 75-days duration including a digestion trial of 5-day collection period. All the animals were offered 200 g of concentrates and fresh maize fodder ad libitum. The overall CP content of the three respective diets was 6.9%, 10.4% and 12.7%. Blood samples were collected on the last day of the experiment. Intake and digestibility of CP increased (p < 0.01) with the increased level of CP in the diet. Feed consumption and nutrient intake were not significantly different among the groups. However, digestibilities of most of the nutrients were higher in the 10.4% CP diet than in the 6.9% CP diet. The endogenous loss of nitrogen was similar among the groups. Based on the endogenous losses, minimum N requirement was calculated to be 776 mg/kg BW(0.75) /day, and to meet this requirement, diet must contain at least 8.27% CP. Serum urea nitrogen concentration increased (p < 0.01) with increased level of dietary CP. Serum level of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and glutamate pyruvate transaminase was higher (p < 0.05) in the group fed 6.9% CP diet. Animals in the group fed low protein diet also lost body mass during the experimental period. It was concluded that a diet containing 10.4% CP was optimum for maximizing nutrient utilization without any adverse effect on voluntary feed consumption and serum metabolite profile of blackbucks.

Feed consumption, diet digestibility and mineral utilization in captive blackbuck (Antelope cervicapra) fed different levels of concentrates

“…Total protein, albumin, globulin, serum urea nitrogen and creatinine concentrations were not affected by the level of concentrates in the diet. The values were comparable to those reported earlier for blackbuck (Das et al, 2011) and other antelopes (Ullrey and Allen, 1986). Activity of ALP, SGOT and SGPT was also similar among the groups.…”

“…Similar increase in blood glucose level consequent to concentrate supplementation has also been reported in other wild ungulates (Luna-Estrada et al, 2006). However, the values reported herein are within the normal range reported for blackbuck (Das et al, 2011) and other antelopes (Ullrey and Allen, 1986). Serum cholesterol levels increased with increased level of concentrate supplementation; however, the differences were significant only when concentrate was supplemented at 1% BW.…”

“…Where easily accessible, blackbuck also regularly raid on crops, such as peanut, wheat, barley, millet and black gram (Prasad, 1981; Jhala, 1997; Manakadan and Rahmani, 1998). Considerable attention has been paid on captive management of blackbucks (Johnson and Ransburg, 1992; Das et al., 2011). However, only limited information regarding the nutrition of this species in captivity is available, which mostly pertains to nutritive value of some cultivated pasture (Arora, 2001; Garg et al., 2002) and protein requirement of blackbucks (Das et al., 2011).…”

“…In nature, blackbucks can thrive well on various types of forages. In principle, it would be possible to meet the nutrient requirements of blackbucks (Lintzenich and Ward, 1997; Das et al., 2011) if varied forage diets are fed. However, variety of forage items would be required to follow such a feeding regime.…”

Effect of sex and seasons of the year on hematologic and serum biochemical variables of captive brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira)

“…Studies about variations in blood values related to seasonality and nutrition (DeLiberto et al 1989, Rawson et al 1992, Barrozo et al 2001, Santana et al 2008, Gaspar--López et al 2011, Das et al 2012, Park et al 2012, sex and age (Jain 1997, Santos 1999, Thorn 2000, Santana et al, 2008, Rafaj et al 2011, Alhuay et al 2011) and type of capture method and stress (Mautz et al 1980, Fernández-Morán et al 2000, Munerato et al 2010) have being performed, but only a few with Mazama gouazoubira (Barrozo et al 2001, Santana et al 2008, Munerato et al 2010.…”