title: Effect of Varying the Energy Density of Protein-adequate Diets on Nutrient Metabolism, Clinical Chemistry, Immune Response and Growth of Muzaffarnagari Lambs.
abstract: Effects of varied dietary energy densities on immune response and performance of Muzzafarnagari lambs were ascertained in a 180-d study. Animals (n = 24), in three groups, were fed diets providing 100% (100E), 80% (80E) or 70% (70E) of their metabolizable energy requirement. Mean nutrient digestibilities varied significantly among treatments. Nitrogen intake was lower (p<0.01) in the 70E. Nitrogen retention, was reduced (p<0.001) in 80E and 70E vs 100E. The average daily gain (p<0.001) was 47.01±4.23, 13.54±1.72 and -16.67±8.24 g for 100E, 80E and 70E, respectively. Hemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, total and differential leukocyte counts were lower (p<0.001) for 80E and 70E than for 100E with a similar trend (p<0.05) for serum glucose and total protein. Serum cortisol was reduced (p<0.001) with decreased energy availability. Antibody titre to Brucella abortus S19 showed an initial reduction in 80E and 70E vs 100E. Delayed-type hypersensitivity response was lower (p<0.001) in 80E and 70E vs 100E, accompanying a lower (p<0.001) nitric oxide production by the peripheral lymphocytes. It is concluded that the reduced dietary energy density significantly affects the growth performance and immune response of lambs.
authors: Centre of Advanced Studies in Animal Nutrition, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India.
authors: V K
authors: VK
authors: Singh
authors: Centre of Advanced Studies in Animal Nutrition, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India.
authors: A K
authors: AK
authors: Pattanaik
authors: Centre of Advanced Studies in Animal Nutrition, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India.
authors: T K
authors: TK
authors: Goswami
authors: Centre of Advanced Studies in Animal Nutrition, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India.
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Sharma
keywords: Clinical Chemistry; Cortisol; Energy; Immunity; Lambs; Nutrient Utilization