Alternative Protein Source In Diets Research Articles

Lactation performance of dairy cows fed increasing concentrations of wheat dried distillers grains with solubles

In Western Canada, dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) is produced from mixtures of corn and wheat at variable ratios, and used as a source of dietary crude protein (CP) in diets of lactating dairy cows. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of increasing dietary allocation of wheat DDGS on dry matter intake, milk production, milk composition, feed efficiency, plasma metabolites, and ruminal fermentation of dairy cows in midlactation. Sixteen multiparous and 16 primiparous lactating Holstein cows were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin square design with 3-wk periods. Dietary treatments were a control diet containing canola meal as the primary protein source (CON) and diets containing increasing concentrations of wheat DDGS in place of corn DDGS (0, 50, and 100% of dietary DDGS allocation). The treatment protein sources supplied approximately 35% of dietary CP. Yields of milk, milk fat, lactose, and energy-corrected milk were greater for diets containing DDGS compared with the CON diet. Although cows fed the DDGS diets tended to have lower CP digestibility compared with those fed the CON diet, concentrations of ruminal ammonia nitrogen, plasma urea nitrogen, and milk urea nitrogen were higher, but milk protein concentration was lower for cows fed the DDGS diets. Although dry matter intake increased linearly as the dietary allocation of wheat DDGS increased, milk yield was not affected, thus decreasing feed efficiency linearly. Feeding increasing levels of wheat DDGS tended to decrease plasma glucose concentration linearly. Plasma Leu concentration decreased linearly and plasma Gln concentration increased linearly as dietary inclusion of wheat DDGS increased. Apparent total-tract digestibility of nutrients except for CP was not affected by dietary treatments. A mixture of wheat and corn DDGS seems to have similar feeding values to both DDGS sources and it can be used as an alternative protein source in diets for lactating dairy cows. However, replacing corn DDGS with wheat DDGS might decrease feed efficiency.

Nutritional evaluation of protein from Clanis bilineata (Lepidoptera), an edible insect

This study was carried out to determine the nutritive quality of protein from Clanis bilineata (CB), an edible insect. The protein content of dried CB was 685.3 g kg(-1) and its essential amino acid content was 528.4 g kg(-1), both of which are comparable to those of milk and eggs. Three groups of rats were fed diets containing either casein or CB protein (CBP) as protein source or a protein-free diet for 10 days. The nutritional parameters measured for the group fed the diet containing CBP showed a positive nitrogen balance of 1.37, a net protein retention of 2.9 and a true digestibility of 95.8%, comparable to those measured for the group fed the casein diet. The results suggest that CBP may be a suitable alternative dietary protein source for humans.

Distiller’s dried grains with solubles as an alternative protein source in diets of tilapia

AbstractDistiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a dried residue that remains after the fermentation of grain mash by selected yeasts and enzymes to produce ethanol and carbon dioxide, is currently readily available and less expensive than other conventional protein sources on a per unit protein basis. The nutrient content and nutritional value of DDGS varies with the source and quality of the grains, fermentation time and efficiency, the drying process and the quantity of distiller’s solubles added. In general, corn and wheat DDGS are deficient in lysine and methionine for tilapia, with lysine being the most limiting. Research evaluating the nutritional value of DDGS showed that 20–30% DDGS derived from corn or wheat can be included in tilapia diets without requiring lysine supplementation. With supplementation of lysine, DDGS at levels of 40% or higher can be used without affecting growth performance and feed utilization efficiency. Distiller’s dried grains with solubles also contain yeast, a rich source of beta glucan and nucleotides that have been reported to enhance immunity and disease resistance in fish. Corn DDGS, owing to its high oil content, is rich in linoleic acid and is an excellent source of energy and essential fatty acids for tilapia. High concentrations of xanthophylls present in corn DDGS may impart yellow pigment in fish flesh if included at high levels. Taking into consideration various factors affecting the nutritional value of diets and the quality of pellet and fish products, 15–20% DDGS appears to be optimum in the diets of tilapia.

Effect of salmon protein hydrolysate and spray-dried plasma protein on growth performance of weanling pigs1

Two experiments, each consisting of 2 trials, were conducted to determine the effect of salmon protein hydrolysate (SPH) and spray-dried plasma protein (SDPP) fed during the first week postweaning and their subsequent effect on the growth performance of weanling pigs. Pigs were fed in a 3-phase feeding program with durations of 7 d for phase 1 in both Exp. 1 and 2; 14 or 15 d for phase 2 in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively; and 7 or 8 d for phase 3 in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively. Dietary treatments were fed only during phase 1, whereas the same diet was fed to all pigs in phases 2 and 3. Pigs were blocked by initial BW and sex, and littermates were balanced across treatments. Data from the 2 trials within each experiment were combined and analyzed together; no treatment × trial interactions (P > 0.10) were observed. In Exp. 1, a total of 324 weanling pigs (10 replications of 5 or 6 pigs per pen) with an average initial BW of 6.4 ± 1.3 kg were assigned to 1) a control diet with no SPH or SDPP, 2) 1.5% SPH, 3) 3.0% SPH, 4) 1.5% SDPP, 5) 3.0% SDPP, or 6) 1.5% SPH + 1.5% SDPP. Experiment 2 was similar to Exp. 1, but red blood cells were removed from all diets to reduce diet complexity. In Exp. 2, weanling pigs (n = 320, 14 replications of 5 or 6 pigs per pen) with an average initial BW of 5.4 ± 1.2 kg were assigned to 1) a control diet with no SPH or SDPP, 2) 1.5% SPH, 3) 1.5% SDPP, or 4) 1.5% SPH + 1.5% SDPP. Three batches of SPH were used, and each batch was analyzed for AA composition. In Exp. 1, the inclusion of SDPP or SPH during phase 1 did not affect (P > 0.10) ADG, ADFI, or G:F compared with those of pigs fed the control diet. No carryover effects on growth performance were observed in any of the subsequent phases. Overall, G:F was greater (P = 0.08) in pigs fed the 1.5% diets compared with those fed the 3.0% diets. In Exp. 2, no differences (P > 0.10) were observed in ADG, ADFI, or G:F among pigs fed the SPH or SDPP diets compared with those of pigs fed the control diet. Pigs fed the combined diet had greater (P < 0.10) overall ADFI compared with that of pigs fed the control diet, but ADFI was similar to that of pigs fed the SPH and SDPP diets. These results indicate that inclusion of up to 3% SDPP or SPH in diets fed during the first week postweaning did not affect the growth performance of weanling pigs, and no subsequent carryover effects were observed. Salmon protein hydrolysate did not affect the growth performance of weanling pigs and may be considered an alternative protein source in diets for weanling pigs.

Pea (Pisumsativum L.) Seeds as an Alternative Dietary Protein Source for Broilers: Influence on Fatty Acid Composition, Lipid and Protein Oxidation of Dark and White Meats

AbstractAn experiment was conducted to evaluate the production parameters, breast and leg muscle fatty acid composition and lipid and protein oxidative stability of broilers fed peas (Pisum sativum L.). The trial involved 120 birds (Hubbard strain) allotted to two groups: group I—control group, fed a basal diet containing soybean meal (195 g kg−1) as the main protein source; whereas group II—experimental group fed diet containing peas (400 g kg−1) as a substitute for conventional soybean. No significant differences were observed for body weight, feed intake or feed conversion ratio (P &gt; 0.05). The total lipids were lower (P &lt; 0.05) in the breast and leg muscles of broilers fed peas. The content of total n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids were higher (P &lt; 0.05) in the white and dark meat of birds fed the pea diet compared with soybean control diet. After 7 days of refrigerated storage, the levels of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances, lipid hydroperoxides and carbonyl proteins expressed as dinitrophenylhydrazine were similar (P &gt; 0.05) in white and dark meat of chicks fed either diet. The data indicates that dietary pea inclusion does not cause detrimental changes in lipid and protein oxidation of poultry dark and white meats, suggesting the possibility of replacing soybean meal with peas.

Physiological response and performance of tambaqui fed with diets supplemented with Amazonian nut

The present study evaluated the effectiveness of Amazonian nut (Bertholletia excelsa) as an alternative source of vegetal protein in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) diet. Performance and physiological status of fish fed for 60 days were evaluated. Four experimental isonitrogenous diets with 36% crude protein were formulated with increasing levels of nut meal (0, 10, 20 and 30%). Results showed the same growth performance for fish fed with diet with different levels of Amazonian nut than that without this ingredient (control). Analysis of physiological parameters (hematocrit, erythrocyte number, hemoglobin concentration, hematimetric indexes, total plasma protein and plasma glucose) corroborate these results, with no significant differences among treatments. Therefore, adding up to 30% of Amazonian nut in tambaqui diet there is no negative effect on physiological homeostasis and growth performance, indicating that the Amazonian nut is a promising alternative dietary protein source ingredient for tambaqui.

Alternative protein sources in diets for Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus (Temminck and Schlegel): II. Effects on nutrient digestibility and digestive enzyme activity

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to compare the effects of dietary protein sources on nutrient digestibility and digestive enzyme activity. Four experimental diets were formulated to contain one of the following as the sole protein source: fish meal (FM), fish protein concentrate (FPC), soy protein concentrate (SPC) and soy protein isolate (SPI). Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate aquaria stocked with 25 Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) each. The dry matter, crude protein and energy digestibility and individual amino acid availability of the SPC-based diet were significantly lower than those of the other diets. The crude lipid digestibility of soy protein-based diets was significantly lower than that of the FM-based diet. The pepsin/protease activity was significantly higher in fish fed fish protein-based diets compared with fish fed soy protein-based diets. The lipase activity in fish fed the SPI-based diet was the highest among the dietary treatments. These results indicate that P. olivaceus can effectively digest the protein from FPC and SPI (but not SPC) as well as FM. The low protein digestibility and amino acid availability of the SPC-based diet may be related to the non-protein compounds present in SPC, whereas the low-lipid digestibility of soy protein-based diets may contribute to the undigested soy protein fractions and/or the alcohol-soluble components.

Canola Meal as an Alternative Protein Source in Diets for Fry of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Canola meal was used to replace fishmeal protein in diets for fry of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L. 1758) at rates of 0 (control), 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%. The diets contained approximately 30% crude protein and 3000 kcal/kg digestible energy. The fry were fed 90 days and the growth, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, hepatosomatic index, reno- somatic index, and body composition were determined. The final weight (5.12 g) and feed intake (7.99 g) of fry fed the 10% diet did not significantly differ from those of the control. Weight gains declined beyond this replace- ment level, probably because of increased levels of antinutritional factors, particularly glucosinolates. Whole body percentages for moisture, crude lipid, crude protein, and ash were unaffected by the dietary treatment. Re- sults indicate that protein from canola meal can replace up to 10% of protein from fishmeal in diets for tilapia fry.

Influence of diet and rearing system on heavy pig performance, carcass and meat quality

Identifying alternative dietary protein sources and new types of outdoor rearing techniques that enhance animal welfare, thus optimising costs and production performance, are among the main objectives of nutritionists and breeders. The aim of this study was to compare two types of rations where pea and potato concentrate completely substituted soybean in intensively and extensively bred swine.Forty Large White × Duroc piglets weighing about 40 kg were divided into 4 groups of 10 sex- and weight-matched individuals: Indoor rearing + Control diet, Indoor rearing + Experimental diet, Outdoor rearing + Control diet, Outdoor rearing + Experimental diet. Different diets were formulated for the growing phase (40-100 kg) and the fattening period (100-slaughter); pigs, weighed individually every 40 days to estimate the average daily gain and feed conversion rate, were slaughtered when they reached the weight for Italian ham production. The following measurements were obtained: carcass weight, slaughtered yield, weight of lean cuts, pH 45 minutes and 24 hours post mortem. 40 semimembranosus muscle samples were analysed for colour parameters (L*, a* and b*), moisture, fat, protein and ash while the energy values were calculated. Semimembranosus intramuscular fat and ham backfat were analysed for fatty acid profile.Statistical analysis of performances data was conducted using design with repeated measures and the slaughterhouse, meat and fat composition data were subjected to ANOVA. The results show that soybean can be completely substituted with other protein crops. Rearing and slaughterhouse performances were not affected by the diet, whereas significant differences emerged with the rearing system. Diet composition significantly affected lean meat proportion (50.0 vs 48.2) and fat thickness of 3/4 Thoracic Vertebra (25.3 vs 28.3 mm), while the rearing system significantly affected all carcass quality measures. Some parameters were better in outdoorthan indoor-subjects. Meat colour was also significantly influenced by the rearing effect, being less light and yellow in the former subjects (L* 49.9 vs 37.3; b* 3.7 vs 2.3). Chemical analysis demonstrated that the meat of outdoor-reared subjects was leaner (1.96% vs 1.38% fat) and had a lower water content (72.8% vs 71.8%).The complete replacement of soybean is thus compatible with a strong characterization and an enhancement of the value of swine products. In addition, the rearing system can result in distinctive quality features, such as ham colour and fat content, allowing products from outdoor rearing to be clearly recognized from those obtained from intensive rearing.

Dietary Glycomacropeptide Supports Growth and Reduces the Concentrations of Phenylalanine in Plasma and Brain in a Murine Model of Phenylketonuria ,

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder caused by deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) that requires life-long adherence to a low-phenylalanine (Phe) diet. Glycomacropeptide (GMP) is uniquely suited to the nutritional management of PKU, because pure GMP contains no Phe. Our aim was to assess how ingestion of diets containing GMP support growth and affect the concentrations of amino acids in plasma and brains of mice with a deficiency of PAH, the Pahenu2 mouse (PKU mouse). Experiments were conducted in 4- to 6-wk-old wild-type (WT) (C57Bl/6) and PKU mice fed diets containing 20% protein from casein, amino acids, or GMP supplemented with limiting indispensable amino acids (IAA). PKU mice fed the GMP diet showed gains in body weight, feed efficiency, and a protein efficiency ratio that did not differ from the amino acid diet. The concentrations of isoleucine and threonine in plasma showed a significant 2- to 3-fold increase for WT and PKU mice fed GMP compared with casein or amino acid diets, respectively. PKU mice fed the GMP diet had decreased concentrations of Phe in plasma (11% decrease) and in 5 regions of the brain (20% decrease) compared with the amino acid diet. The concentration of Phe in the brain was inversely correlated with the concentrations of isoleucine, threonine, and valine in plasma (R2 = 0.74; P < 0.0001), suggesting competitive inhibition of Phe transport into the brain. In summary, PKU mice fed GMP showed comparable growth and reduced concentrations of Phe in plasma and the brain compared with an amino acid diet. These data support the use of GMP supplemented with IAA as an alternative source of dietary protein for individuals with PKU.

Evaluation of two soybean meals fed to yellow perch (Perca flavescens)

Aquaculture of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) has been increasing, yet there have been few nutritional studies and no evaluations of alternative protein sources in diets. Solvent-extracted, dehulled soybean meal (SBM) and expelled-extruded soybean meal (exSBM) were fed to yellow perch to evaluate their effectiveness in replacing dietary fish meal (FM) in isonitrogenous practical feed formulations. Both soy ingredients were incorporated in graded amounts from 100 to 730 g kg−1 of the diet. Feed consumption, weight gain, feed efficiency (FE) and survival were significantly affected by type of soy ingredient, concentration and the interaction of the two main effects. Consumption was significantly lower in fish fed diets containing 400, 600 and 730 g kg−1 compared to fish fed diets containing lower concentrations. Weight gain was significantly lower in fish fed diets containing 600 g kg−1 and FE significantly lower in fish fed diets containing 500 g kg−1 compared to fish fed the control diet or lower concentrations of soy ingredients. Most fatty acid concentrations were affected by feeding exSBM compared to fish fed the control diet, but long chain fatty acids remained at relatively high concentrations. Based on feed consumption, weight gain and FE data, yellow perch are able to effectively utilize both soy ingredients in practical diets. A conservative recommendation of 300 g kg−1 diet appears appropriate for growout diets.

Evaluation of pea protein isolate as alternative protein source in diets for juvenile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

To evaluate isolated pea protein as feed ingredient for tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) juveniles, triplicate groups were fed with four isonitrogenous [crude protein: 421.1–427.5 g kg−1 in dry matter (d.m.)] and isoenergetic (gross energy: 20.46–21.06 MJ kg−1 d.m.) diets with varying protein sources for 8 weeks. Fish meal-based protein content of diets was substituted with 0% (diet 100/0=control group), 30% (diet 70/30), 45% (diet 55/45) and 60% (diet 40/60) isolated pea protein. Tilapia juveniles with an initial body weight of 2.23–2.27 g were fed in average at a level of 5% of their body weight per day. Highest individual weight gain (WG: 21.39 g) and specific growth rate (SGR: 4.21% day−1) and best feed conversion ratio (FCR: 0.90) were observed in tilapia fed diet 100/0, followed by fish-fed diet 70/30 (WG: 19.09 g; SGR: 4.03% day−1; FCR: 0.98), diet 55/45 (WG: 16.69 g; SGR: 3.80% day−1; FCR: 1.06) and diet 40/60 (WG: 16.18 g; SGR: 3.74% day−1; FCR: 1.06). Although fish fed diet 100/0 showed the best performance, inclusion of 30% protein derived from pea protein isolate resulted in a growth performance (in terms of WG and SGR) that did not differ significantly from diet 100/0 in contrast to fish fed diet 55/45 and 40/60. Crude ash content in the final body composition of the experimental fish decreased with increasing dietary pea protein content, while crude protein and lipid content remained equal between the groups. Significant decreasing growth performance and body ash incorporation of tilapia at higher inclusion levels seem to be mainly related to the dietary amino acid profile and phytic acid contents.

Use of sweet lupin (Lupinus albus L.) as alternative protein source in diets for podolian young bulls

The Podolian bovine represents an important example of Italian rustic breed, since it is able to live under difficult environmental conditions and it takes advantage of sources that could not be otherwise used, producing meat and secondarily milk. The “Podolica” breed is diffused in the marginal areas of the south of Italy and it is especially reared in Lucania and also Apulia. It could be improved by means of a rearing management set up in agreement with the traditional systems, using the pastures and feeding schemes aimed to increase meat productions.This trial was carried out on sixteen podolian young bulls of about 9 months of age that were transferred from the pasture to the box and after that divided into two homogeneous groups of 8 subjects each. Then the young bulls had been fed ad libitum for about 180 days on straw and a complete feed containing either extruded soybean meal s.e. (group Soybean, S) or sweet lupine (Lupinus albus L., var. Multitalia) (group Lupine, L).The two different pelleted feeds were planned in order to be approximately isoproteic (17% DM) and isoenergetic (1 Feed Unit for meat production/kg DM).The feeding sources had been consumed by the two groups in the order of 63% feed and 37% straw.Feed intake within each group was also calculated. The L group feed intake was 8.47 kg DM/day against 8.82 kg DM/day evaluated for the S group.All the relives and the analysis were performed according to the ASPA methodologies.The productive performances did not showed significant differences between the two groups during the experimentation. In fact, the results concerning the daily weight gain (1.110 vs 1.171 kg/day of L and S groups, respectively) were satisfactory as well as the feed conversion ratio (7.63 vs 7.54 kg DM as fed/kg, obtained respectively for the L and S groups).The slaughter took place when bulls were 15 months old. As for the slaughtering data no statistical differences were found, evidencing good cold dressing percentage on empty body weight with values close to 65% in both theses. With regard to the cutting yield, the weights of the right half carcass were comparable in the two groups, however a higher, but not significantly, incidence of the Lumbar region was recorded in the L than the S.Subsequently, at the dissection of the Lumbar region into the tissue components, the incidences (%) of lean were similar between the two groups, even if lightly higher in the L with respect to S; moreover, L group showed a significantly lower fat amount in comparison with the S one (5.68% vs 7.89%, P<0.05). Such trend was evidenced for the values concerning the intramuscular fat content (3.22 of L vs 3.34% of S) of the Longissimus lumborum assessed by the chemical analysis.We may conclude that sweet lupine, as alternative protein source in diets for Podolian young bulls, can overall provide productive performances as well as meat production and quality characteristics that are comparable with the soybean.Moreover, the lower percentage of fat recorded in the Lumbar region from the animals fed sweet lupine could be a positive outcome, in accordance with the dietetic guidelines for human health.

Evaluation of micronized lupin seed meal as an alternative protein source in diets for gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata L. juveniles

A 12-week growth trial was performed to evaluate the effect of lupin seed meal as a protein source in diets for gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) juveniles. Six experimental diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isoenergetic and to contain 10%, 20% and 30% of raw lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) seed meal protein or 20% and 30% lupin (L. angustifolius) seed meal processed by infrared radiation (micronized) in place of fish meal protein, the only protein source of the control diet. Fish accepted all diets well and no significant differences in feed utilization among groups were noticed during the trial. Final weight of fish fed the experimental diets was identical or higher than the control group. Final weight of fish fed diets including 20% micronized lupin protein was even significantly higher than that of fish fed the fish meal-based control diet. Moreover, at the same dietary lupin seed meal protein inclusion levels, final weight of fish fed diets including micronized lupin was significantly higher than with raw lupin. A trend was also noticed for a decrease of final weight with the increase in lupin seed meal in the diets. At the end of the trial no significant differences in proximate whole-body composition, hepatosomatic and visceral indices were observed among groups. It is concluded that lupin seed meal can replace up to 30% fish meal protein in diets for gilthead sea bream juveniles with no negative effects on growth performance. Furthermore, micronization of lupin seeds improves its dietary value for gilthead sea bream juveniles. At the same dietary lupin inclusion levels, diets including micronized lupin seeds promote significantly higher growth rates than raw lupin seeds.

Effect of replacement of fish meal by meat and bone meal and poultry by-product meal in diets on the growth and immune response of Macrobrachium nipponense

The potential use of poultry by-product meal (PBM) and meat and bone meal (MBM) as alternative dietary protein sources for juvenile Macrobrachium nipponense was studied by a 70-day growth trial. Triplicate groups of M. nipponense (initial body weight: 0.37 g) were fed at 20.7–22.4 °C on each of the five isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets (protein content about 38%) with different replacement of fish meal by MBM or PBM. The control diet used white fish meal as the sole protein source, the other four diets were prepared with 15% or 50% fish meal protein substituted by either MBM (MBM 15, MBM 50) or PBM (PBM 15, PBM 50). The results showed that replacement of fish meal by MBM in diets did not affect growth performance of M. nipponense ( P>0.05), while specific growth rate in PBM 15 was significantly higher than that in other groups ( P<0.05). Survival rates of shrimp fed with MBM 15 diet were significantly higher than that in other groups ( P<0.05). No significant differences in immunological parameters, including total haemocyte count (THC), phenoloxidase activity (PO) and respiratory burst (O 2 −), were observed between the shrimps that were fed five experimental diets, and all determined immunological parameters in control groups were slightly higher than those in replacement groups. In conclusion, either MBM or PBM investigated could replace up to 50% fish meal protein in diets for M. nipponense.

Traditional Values of Caterpillars (Insecta: Lepidoptera) Among the Bisa People of Zambia

—The traditional values of caterpillars to the Bisa people of northern Zambia were assessed through a questionnaire survey involving 104 households from 24 villages. Information validation was by Participatory Rural Appraisal, Focus Group Discussions, caterpillar collection and identification. Caterpillars of eight Saturniidae moth species are valued very highly by the Bisa. Six of these were collected and identified from the miombo woodlands of the study area. The harvesting of Gynanisa maja (Klug), Gonimbrasia belina (Westwood), China forda (Westwood), Imbrasia epimethea (Drury), I. rubra (Bouvier) and Imbrasia sp.3 caterpillars by local people, provides an alternative source of dietary animal protein and is associated with several cultural and spiritual processes and beliefs which bind the people together as one tribe. Edible caterpillars are bartered and sold at markets, enabling the local people to gain access to goods and services that normally are out of their reach. An individual collector processed 11.5 kg of sun-dried edible caterpillars worth Zambian Kwacha (ZK) 172,600 (US$ 52) during the caterpillar-harvesting period in 1999, while a household averaging six members processed 69.1 kg caterpillars worth ZK 1,036,098 (US$ 309). The income generated from sales of edible caterpillars far outstripped that generated from the sale of agricultural produce. Estimates of household incomes for 1999, an edible-caterpillar bumper harvest year, and the Bisa traditional edible-caterpillar management system are discussed.

Effects of dietary protein source on growth, immune function, blood chemistry and disease resistance of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salarL.) parr

AbstractMany studies with fin fish have demonstrated the potential to use alternative dietary protein sources to fish meal based on growth responses, although these trials mostly neglect to determine if such protein sources affect immune function. This study investigated the effect of fish meal replacement with dehulled lupin meal (LPN) or hydrolysed poultry feather meal (FTH). Atlantic salmon (Salmo salarL.) parr were supplied isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets with 40% of the dietary protein provided by LPN or FTH, or 400 g/kg of the dietary protein provided equally by LPN and FTH (MIX). A diet mainly containing fish-meal protein acted as a control (CON). Growth, immune function, blood chemistry and disease resistance were assessed after 56 days. Significant differences (P&lt; 0·05) in weight gain were detected between Atlantic salmon given the CON and FTH diets, whilst those salmon given LPN and MIX did not differ from any other. Productive protein values were significantly lower (P&lt; 0·01) for salmon on FTH compared with those on CON and MIX. Immune function (as assessed by lysozyme, antiprotease, neutrophil oxygen radical production and plasma total immunoglobulin) and blood chemistry (as assessed by plasma total protein and glucose) were not significantly (P&gt; 0·05) affected by any diet. Mortality rates of Atlantic salmon challenged with Vibrio anguillarum were not influenced by diet. These data suggest Atlantic salmon could be supplied diets with the fish meal component reduced to supply approximately 600 g/kg of the total protein, with the remaining 400 g/kg supplied by dehulled lupin meal or a combined dehulled lupin and hydrolysed poultry feather meal without any adverse effects on growth, immune function or blood chemistry.

Field Peas (Pisum sativum) as Protein Source in Diets of Growing-Finishing Pigs

Brand, T.S., Brandt, D.A., van der Merwe, J.P. and Cruywagen, C.W. 2000. Field peas (Pisum sativum) as protein source in diets of growing-finishing pigs. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 18: 159–164. The field pea (Pisum sativum) cultivar Glenroy (187g/kg CP) was evaluated as an alternative protein source in diets of grower-finisher pigs. Four diets were formulated on iso-nutrient basis (≈14.4 MJ/kg DE, 160 g/kg CP, 9.3 g/kg lysine, 5.3g/kg methionine and cystine, 2.1g/kg tryptophan) so that soybean oilcake meal and maize meal were substituted by increasing levels of fieldpeas (16%, 32%, 48% and 64%). Forty castrated pigs (78 d, 21.7±2.6 kg) were individually housed and 10 pigs were fed on each diet ad libitum for 84 days. DM intake, average daily gain and feed conversion efficiency, all depressed on the highest peas level in the diet. The DE content and N-retention of the 64% peas diet were significantly (P<0.05) lower than those of the 16% and 32% pea diets. Though dressing percentage was not affected by dietary treatment, P2 back fat thickness was significantly decreased in the 64%peas inclusion group resulting in leaner carcasses. This was mainly due to lower slaughter weights. It was concluded that up to 32% of the field pea cultivar Glenroy in the diets of growing pigs can be recommended.

Full-fat canola seed meal as a protein source for weaner and grower - finisher pig

Summary. Full-fat canola seed (Brassica napus cv. Oscar) (260 g/kg crude protein and 410 g/kg ether extract) was evaluated as an alternative protein source in diets fed to weaner and grower–finisher pigs. Four diets for weaner pigs were formulated on an iso-nutrient (about 198.9 g/kg crude protein, 15.2 g/kg lysine, 8.3 g/kg methionine and cystine and 2.4 g/kg tryptophan on a dry matter basis) and iso-energy basis (16.2 MJ/kg dry matter digestible energy) to substitute full-fat soybean with increasing levels of full-fat canola seed meal (0, 8, 16 and 24%). Similarly, 4 diets for grower–finisher pigs were formulated on an iso-energy and iso-nutrient basis (about 14.9 MJ/kg dry matter digestible energy, 178 g/kg crude protein, 10 g/kg lysine, 6.8 g/kg methionine and cystine and 2.2 g/kg tryptophan on a dry matter basis), where soybean oilcake meal was similarly substituted. Weaner pigs (n = 80) were fed ad libitum from 9.6 to 26.7 kg liveweight. Piglets were kept in groups of 4 (2 gilts and 2 castrated boars combined at random) in cages (1.5 by 1 m) with solid floors, fitted with a self-feeder and equipped with an automatic water nipple. Grower–finisher pigs (n = 52), individually housed in flat deck-type cages (1.6 by 1.0 m), fitted with a self-feeder and equipped with an automatic water nipple, were fed ad libitum from 22.9 to 91.1 kg, whereafter pigs were slaughtered, carcass characteristics determined and back-fat samples taken. Energy and nitrogen metabolism data were evaluated in a digestion and metabolism trial for the 4 grower–finisher diets. No significant difference in the intake, growth rate or feed conversion of weaner pigs was observed. The dry matter digestibility of the grower–finisher diet differed significantly (P&lt;0.05) between diets and decreased linearly by 4.5% (P&lt;0.01; SEb = 0.36) for each incremental increase in the canola inclusion level. The digestible energy content of the diets was not affected. Regression analysis revealed a linear decrease [2 g N/day (P&lt;0.01; SEb = 0.18)] in nitrogen retention rate for each increment increase in canola inclusion. The inclusion of up to 24% canola had no significant effect on feed intake, liveweight gain or feed conversion ratio of grower–finisher pigs, although regression analysis revealed a linear decrease of 21.7 (SEb = 5.9) g/day in growth rate with increasing canola levels. Inclusion levels of 16% in diets for grower–finisher pigs were recommended for maximum efficiency. The back-fat of pigs consuming diets with 16 and 24% full-fat canola in their diets had 13% (P&lt;0.05) higher iodine numbers than pigs that received 0 and 8% full-fat canola in their diets. Generally, all saturated fatty acids decreased while monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids increased, with increasing levels of canola in the diets.

Soybean and lupin seed meals as protein sources in diets for gilthead seabream ( Sparus aurata): nutritional and histological implications

The use of vegetable protein sources in diets for freshwater fish has been studied in more detail than for marine fish species. Two experiments were conducted to compare the effect of the partial substitution of fish meal by two different vegetable protein sources, soybean and lupin seed meals. Mean feed intake and growth were not significantly influenced by type or level of plant protein in the diet. Feed utilization indexes such as feed efficiency, protein efficiency ratio and protein productive values were not significantly affected by the type of plant protein in the diet, although a general reduction of these values was observed with increased inclusion of soybean meal. Histological studies showed an increased deposition of lipid and decreased glycogen deposits in the liver with increased levels of dietary soybean meal. Protein digestibility coefficients for lupin seed meal diets were similar to the control and 10% higher than those for the soybean meal diets. A significant reduction in trypsin activity was observed in fish fed the lupin seed meal diets, and for soybean meal diets when the substitution level reached 30%. Diets including plant protein showed a higher peak of ammonia excretion rate, which appeared 2 h later than that of the fish meal diet. Highest values of dissolved ammonia were registered in fish fed a soybean meal-based diet. These results suggest that properly treated lupin meals could be an important alternative dietary protein source for gilthead seabream.