THE EFFECT OF YEAR AND SEX ON WEIGHT CHANGES FROM BIRTH TO WEANING OF SWAMP BUFFALOES
AHMAD AMAN, SHOKRI OTHMAN AND J.B. LIANG
SUMMARY
An analysis of six year data (1976-1981) on birth, 3-month, 6-month and weaning weights of Malaysian swamp buffaloes were collected and analysed. Year had a significant effect on all the traits studied. Sex and year X sex interaction had no influence on these traits. The mean birth, 3-month, 6-month and weaning of females and males were 29.4 ± 2.0 vs 30.9 ± 2.0 kg, 91.6 ± 25.4 vs 93.1 ± 22.3 kg, 135.8 ± 18.0 vs 141.3 ± 13.0 kg, and 156.0 ± 37.5 kg vs 157.1 ± 30.9 k g respectively. The combined weights of both the sexes in these traits were 30.3 ± 5.9 kg, 92.3 ± 23.9 kg ,139.2 ± 23.0 kg and 156.5 ± 38.0 kg respectively.
Full Text (490 KB)
DETERMINATION OF OPTIMUM PLOT SIZE AND SUITABLE PLOT SHAPE FROM A SWEET CORN UNIFORMITY TRIAL
YAHYA BIN AWANG AND KHALID BIN MOHD. NOR.
SUMMARY
Data obtained from a sweet corn uniformity trial conducted at Agronomy Research Area, Universiti Pertanian Malaysia has been used for the determination of optimum plot size and suitable plot shape. The method proposed by SMITH (1938) was applied for these purposes. The results showed that the optimum plot size was estimated to be 9.0 sq m and can be arranged in any shape and direction.
Full Text (282 KB)
PERFORMANCE OF PEKIN DUCKS IN SMALL HOLDINGS UNDER DIFFERENT REARING SYSTEMS
ENGKU AZAHAN AND NORAZTAH MOKHTAR
SUMMARY
The performance of mixed sex Pekin ducks under two different rearing systems was investigated in a smallholder environment. The systems were the semi-intensive and the intensive. Growth parameters and carcass traits were determined over an 8-week trial period. Ducks raised under the intensive system of raised floor housing showed growth responses comparable to those of birds reared semi-intensively with the provision of a pool of water for swimming. Differences in the mean values of all the carcass traits examined were not significant between the two treatments. Results were discussed and it was concluded that the intensive full-confinement rearing system, similar to that used for chickens, could be adopted for growing Pekin ducks in smallholdings without bringing any adverse effect to the birds. The use of such a system however, would necessitate the modification of drinkers to provide a bigger water capacity, and a redesigning of feeders to minimise feed spillage.
Full Text (418 KB)
PHOSPHORIC ACID AS A PHOSPHORUS SUPPLEMENT FOR SWAMP BUFFALOES
WAN ZAHARI MOHAMED
SUMMARY
A study is reported on the evaluation of phosphoric acid (H3PO4) as a P supplement for adult swamp buffaloes. Ten bulls, about four years of age and weighing approximately 350 kg were divided into two treatments for an experimental period of 11 weeks. Feeding ad libitum Napier grass with H3PO4 at 9.9 g P/day/animal (equivalent to dietary P concentration of 0.49% D MI or 28.96 g P/day/animal) did not improve appetite and feed intake of the animals as compared to the control (receiving 19.5 g P/day/animal or 0.32% DMI). A significant depression of body weight changes (P<0.05) was observed in treatment animals with the mean of 21.0 kg and 12.0 kg for the control and treatment groups respectively. No difference in plasma P concentration was found between groups. Phosphoric acid supplementation insignificantly in creased the apparent digestibility of DM, OM, CP, CF, EE, E, Ca and Mg (except ash and P) but the retention of P was decrease (P<0.05). The dietary P concentratioonf 0.49% DMI with a Ca:P ratio of 1.68:1 caused a depression in feed conversion efficiency and body weight changes. It was concluded that H3PO4 is not an acceptable source of P for swamp buffaloes.
Full Text (371 KB)
PARASITISM BY TRICHOGRAMMA AUSTRALICUM GIR ON CORCYRA CEPHALONICA STAINTON EGGS OF VARIOUS AGES
SIVAPRAGASAM A. AND ASMA AHMAD
SUMMARY
Corcyra cephalonica Stainton eggs of various ages were tested for host parasitisation and suitability for the development of Trichogramma australicum Gir. With the exception of 2-hour-old eggs, host attractiveness, based on the number of host eggs attacked and number of parasite eggs oviposited, decreased with increasing age. The highest number attacked was at four hours and lowest at 72 hours. A significant difference was observed between host age and number of eggs parasitised. Suitability for development based on the percentage emergence of the parasitoids was found to show slight differences between eggs of different ages. However, no significant differences was observed between host age, the developmental period of the parasitoid and the sex ratto.
Full Text (371 KB)