ABSTRACT
Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the antifungal activity of different extracts of Aloe vera plant on the growth of Aspergillus flavus. Study Design: Considering the wide dispersal of Aspergillus flavus across the globe and its massive contamination on feed and food stuff of animal and human beings, it is inevitable to find a solution to inhibit the growth of this fungus and subsequently production of aflatoxin. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Science, Malayer University, between August 2012 and March 2013. Methodology: Six different solvents such as acetone, ethanol, water, methanol, chloroform and ethyl ether were employed for extraction from Aloe Vera fresh leaves. Antifungal activity of the extracts was evaluated by Agar Plate Diffusion Plate method. Results: The maximum antifungal activity (100%) observed was in acetone extract group in concentration of 2000μL; the complete inhibition of fungus growth was found (100%). Conclusion: The acetone extract of Aloe vera can be used as an effective antifungal agent to inhibit the growth of A. flavus compared to other solvents.
ABSTRACT
Aims: Use of natural feed additives to improve the milk production of buffalos. Place and Duration of Study: National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, India between May 2011 and July 2012. Methodology: Garlic Powder (GRP) at 2, 4, and 6% of DMI was incubated for 24h in diluted ruminal fluid with a 50:50 roughage: concentrate wheat straw based diet. GRP at 2 and 6% DMI have resulted in decrease of molar proportion of acetate and butyrate but it has not effected on in vitro true dry matter digestibility and propionate production. Results: Methane emission was significantly (P<0.05) decreased in presence of GRP. Further, GRP (at the rate 2% of DMI) was evaluated under in vivo conditions in Ten lactating Murrah buffaloes divided into two groups i.e. Control and Treatment group , and it shown very promising results on methane reduction. Methane was reduced up to 31% in case of GRP, without affecting digestibility of nutrients and milk composition in comparison to control group. Conclusion: Overall milk production was remained similar in all groups but just after supplementation of GRP, and up to 12 weeks of supplementation, it remained significantly higher in treatment group as compared to control group.