Alternative Feed Research Articles

Profitability of Broiler Production on Diets Containing Ground Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) Shell as a Potential Alternative Feed Ingredient

The study investigated the effects of incorporating ground peanut shells into broiler diets on growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, and production cost. The results showed that broilers fed diets with ground peanut shells had improved growth performance and body weight compared to those without. Moreover, the inclusion of ground peanut shells in broiler diets improved feed conversion efficiency, indicating a reduction in the amount of feed required for broiler growth. The findings suggest that ground peanut shells can be used as a safe and effective feed ingredient for broilers without compromising their health and survival. The utilization of agricultural by-products such as peanut shells in the poultry industry can have significant benefits. Incorporating ground peanut shells into broiler diets can reduce production expenses while providing essential nutrients for human consumption. This can result in an increase in income for households involved in poultry raising. Furthermore, the use of agricultural by-products can contribute to reducing environmental waste, leading to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly poultry industry. The study highlights the potential of utilizing agricultural by-products such as peanut shells in the poultry industry. Incorporating ground peanut shells into broiler diets can reduce production costs, increase income for households involved in poultry raising, and provide essential nutrients for human consumption.

The Use of Probiotics in the Fermentation Process of Feed (Silage) for Conservation of Timor Deer (Cervus Timorensis) by the Empowerment Group of Timor Deer Breeders (Mammettang) in Cakura Village

Timor Deer (Cervus timorensis) is a rare species of deer that is threatened with extinction. In order to maintain the sustainability of this species, effective conservation measures are necessary. One important aspect of Timor deer conservation is ensuring adequate feed supply in the captive environment. Silage feed has been identified as a potential alternative feed due to its availability and high nutritional value. This research aims to evaluate the effect of silage feed on the conservation of Timor deer and the community empowerment group of Timor deer breeders (Mammettang) in Cakura Village. The research methods used include collecting primary data through direct observation, measuring deer growth, and analyzing the quality of silage feed. Secondary data were also collected from previous studies and official documentation related to Timor deer conservation. The results of the research indicate that the use of silage feed in the captive environment for Timor deer in Cakura Village has a positive impact on the health and growth of the deer. Deer fed with silage showed a significant increase in body weight compared to those fed with conventional feed. Moreover, the quality of silage feed was proven to meet the nutritional requirements of Timor deer, with appropriate levels of crude fiber, protein, and energy. These findings have significant implications for Timor deer conservation efforts and community empowerment in Cakura Village. The use of silage feed can improve feed efficiency, reduce dependency on conventional feed, and provide a more economical and sustainable alternative. Additionally, community involvement in Timor deer breeding can bring about significant social and economic benefits, including increased income and preservation of local culture. In conclusion, the use of silage feed in Timor deer conservation in Cakura Village has a positive impact on the health and growth of the deer. This opens opportunities for further development in implementing silage feed as an effective and sustainable conservation strategy for Timor deer species. Furthermore, community empowerment in Timor deer breeding also provides sustainable social and economic benefits for the local community.

Single-Cell Protein Production from Industrial Off-Gas through Acetate: Techno-Economic Analysis for a Coupled Fermentation Approach

Third-generation (3G) biorefineries harnessing industrial off-gases have received significant attention in the transition towards a sustainable circular economy. However, uncertainties surrounding their techno-economic feasibility are hampering widespread commercialization to date. This study investigates the production of single-cell protein (SCP), a sustainable alternative food and feed protein, from steel mill off-gas through an efficient coupled fermentation approach utilizing acetate as an intermediate. A comprehensive model that comprises both the gas-to-acetate and the acetate-to-SCP fermentation processes, as well as gas pretreatment and downstream processing (DSP) operations, was developed and used to perform a techno-economic analysis (TEA). Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that significant cost reductions can be achieved by the process intensification of the gas-to-acetate fermentation. As such, an increase in the acetate concentration to 45 g/L and productivity to 4 g/L/h could lead to a potential cost reduction from 4.15 to 2.78 USD/kg. In addition, the influence of the production scale and other economic considerations towards the commercialization of off-gas-based SCPs are discussed. Conclusively, this research sheds light on the practical viability of a coupled fermentation process for SCP production by identifying key cost-influencing factors and providing targets for further optimization of the acetate platform, fostering sustainable and economically feasible bio-based innovations.

Fodder Radish as a Potential Alternative Feed Source for Livestock in South Africa

The agricultural sector receives substantial support from livestock, which greatly contributes to the well-being of rural communities. Livestock offers animal-derived products, such as meat and milk, which serve as abundant protein sources for human consumption. While the majority of South Africa’s agricultural land is suitable for livestock farming within the smallholder sector, these farmers often face a variety of challenges. Among these challenges, there is insufficient access to superior forage resources, resulting in the limited availability of high-quality feed. Traditional nutrient sources for ruminants, such as soybean meal, grain, sunflower meal, and fish meal, are employed as supplementary feeds to provide exceptional nutrition and improve animal performance. Nonetheless, they present logistical, economic, and environmental challenges. To circumvent these challenges, smallholder producers have turned to leguminous trees, including Vachellia species and other locally available feed resources. They are utilized as feasible and cost-effective alternatives to supplement livestock, especially during periods of extended drought. However, these locally available feed resources exhibit inherent limitations, including thorn presence, high fiber content, low digestibility, and the presence of anti-nutritional and toxic factors. Cool season forage crops such as fodder radish present promising alternatives as autumn and winter forages for these farmers. Despite being widely used globally as a supplement for livestock during winter, fodder radish remains relatively underutilized, particularly among smallholder farmers. There is a scarcity of comprehensive information regarding its chemical composition, nutrient utilization, and remarkable potential to revolutionize livestock production, especially within the smallholder sector. Most of the available literature demonstrates the positive effects of fodder radish on soil structure, soil carbon and nitrogen levels, weed suppression, and other benefits. This paper systematically reviews the current state of knowledge on the nutritive value, opportunities, and challenges associated with the utilization of this crop in the cooler eastern regions.

A Comparison of Slow Infusion Intermittent Feeding versus Gravity Feeding in Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The transition to full enteral feeding is important for ensuring adequate growth in preterm infants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of two different intermittent feeding methods on the transition to full enteral feeding in preterm infants. A prospective, randomized controlled study was conducted in a neonatology and perinatology center. Preterm infants with a gestational age between 24 + 0/7 and 31 + 6/7 were included in this study. They were divided into two groups: the SIF (slow infusion feeding) group and the IBF (intermittent bolus feeding) group. In the SIF group, feed volumes were administered over one hour using an infusion pump through an orogastric tube, with feeding occurring every three hours. The IBF group received enteral feeding using a gravity-based technique with a syringe through an orogastric tube, completed within 10 to 30 min. The primary outcome was the achievement of full enteral feeding and the occurrence of feeding intolerance. A total of 103 infants were enrolled in the study (50 in SIF and 53 in IBF). The time to achieve full enteral feeding did not differ significantly between the two groups (p = 0.20). The SIF group had significantly fewer occurrences in which gastric residual volume exceeded 50% (p = 0.01). Moreover, the SIF group had a significantly shorter duration of non-per-oral (NPO) status than the IBF group (p = 0.03). It is our contention that the use of the SIF method as an alternative feeding method is appropriate for infants with feeding intolerance and those at high risk of feeding intolerance.

Duckweed as an Underutilized Species Having Potential in Feed Sector

This study evaluated the importance of duckweed and compared it with soybean as an alternative feed. Determination of proximate composition of all samples was done in triplicate. Toasted soybean meal had significantly the highest protein content of 38.00% while raw duckweed meal recorded the least of 35.08%. The cost-benefit evaluation revealed that 75% blanched duckweed meal gave the highest net profit (₦3,682) and lowest incident cost (₦6.49). This study revealed that blanched duckweed meal has great potential in feed sector and can serves as an alternative to soybean and also will reduce the cost of feed production and maximize profit.

Biologi dan neraca kehidupan ulat grayak jagung, Spodoptera frugiperda Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) pada tongkol jagung muda (Zea mays Linn.) sebagai pakan alternatif

Penyediaan ulat Spodoptera frugiperda dalam jumlah banyak sebagai bahan penelitian memerlukan teknologi perbanyakan menggunakan pakan alternatif. Tongkol jagung muda memiliki potensi untuk dikembangkan sebagai pakan alternatif. Penelitian biologi dan neraca kehidupan S. frugiperda dengan pakan tongkol jagung muda sejauh ini belum pernah dilakukan. Penelitian ini bertujuan mendapatkan informasi biologi, morfologi, dan neraca kehidupan S. frugiperda dengan pakan tongkol jagung muda. Larva diperoleh dari pertanaman jagung di Bantarkambing, Bogor. Sebanyak 110 larva hasil F1 dipelihara secara individu dalam wadah berisi tongkol jagung muda sampai menjadi pupa, kemudian pupa dipindahkan ke wadah berisi tanah. Sebanyak 30 pasang imago dipelihara dalam kurungan berisi tanaman jagung. Pengamatan morfologi, biologi, dan neraca kehidupan dilakukan setiap hari, dimulai dari telur sampai imago mati. Hasil menunjukkan adanya variasi warna dan ukuran telur, larva, pupa, dan imago. Rata-rata lama stadia telur, larva, pra-pupa berturut-turut 2,47, 14,96, dan 1,83 hari. Lama stadium pupa 9,75 hari (jantan), dan 8,81 hari (betina). Siklus hidup berlangsung selama 37,69 (jantan), dan 37,7 (betina). Masa pra-oviposisi, oviposisi, dan pasca-oviposisi berlangsung selama 1,60, 7,90, dan 2,26 hari. Lama hidup imago adalah 11,34 hari (jantan) dan 11,76 hari (betina). Jumlah telur yang diletakkan rata-rata adalah 1.365,86/betina butir dengan tingkat penetasan 94,68%. Kurva kesintasan S. frugiperda termasuk tipe I, dengan laju reproduksi kotor (GRR) 1.442,49 individu/generasi dan laju reproduksi bersih (Ro) 1.342,77 individu/induk/generasi. Laju pertambahan intrinsik (r) 0,23 individu/induk/hari, rataan lama generasi (T) 31,23 hari, dan waktu yang dibutuhkan populasi untuk berlipat ganda (DT) 3,01 hari. Tongkol jagung muda dapat dijadikan pakan alternatif dalam perbanyakan S. frugiperda.

Evaluation of population growth of daphnia magna feeding Ulva lactuca

Success in the fish hatchery is influenced by natural feed. One of the natural freshwater feeds that have a high nutritional content and is easy to cultivate is Daphnia magna. The availability of D. magna at any time must be supported by daily feeding. Ulva lactuca macroalgae is one of the ingredients that have the potential to be used as D. magna feed because it has good nutrition and is abundantly available on the coast. This research was conducted for 17 days at the Integrated Laboratory of Madako Tolitoli University. The aim of the study was to determine the population growth of D. magna fed U. lactuca. D. magna was reared in a 25 x 25 x 30 cm aquarium containing 5 liters of green water and a stocking density of 20 individuals/L. The treatments tried were Treatment A = Without U. lactuca Soak (0 ml/L), Treatment B = U. lactuca Soak (3 ml/L), Treatment C = U. lactuca Soak (5 ml/L). The results showed that the administration of U. lactuca 5 ml/L (804.44 ind/L) had the highest population growth compared to the treatment of 3 ml/L immersion of U. lactuca (597.78 ind/L) and without administration of immersion of U. lactuca (482.22 ind/L). Treatment of U. Lactva 5 ml/L is effective in increasing Growth D. Magna and can be an alternative feed D. Magna whose availability is abundant in the coastal area.Keywords: Daphnia magna; growth; Ulva lactuca

Analysis of Crude Fiber and Crude Protein Fermented Corn Cob for Animal Feed

Low productivity of ruminants due to many factors and one of them is lack of feed ingredients in quality and sustainable in quantity. One of sources can be an alternative feed ingredients that containing fibers as a substitute of grass is corn cobs which becoming other earnings of corn farmers. The aim of this research is going to determine the effect of using EM4 on nutritional (contents of crude protein and crude fiber) fermentation quality of corncobs.
 The experimental design used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 3 times replication, treatment J0 = corncobs with no fermentation (control); J1 = fermentation corncobs with EM4 (500 ml); J2 = corncobs fermented with EM4 (700 ml); J3 = fermentation corncobs with EM4 (500 ml). Treatment effects was analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and followed by a test (DUNCAN) if only known there is a significant effect among the treatments.
 The results showed that the lowest crude fiber content in treatment J3 (38.41) and the highest in J0 (46.01) was significantly different with treatment J1 (42.49) and J2 (40.81). The Lowest of protein content is in treatment J0 (2.88) and the highest in J3 (8:02) significantly different with treatment J1 (3.65) and J2 (4:27). The best treatment of this research is contained in fermented corn cob with EM4 with the in 900 ml.

Fermented Elephant Grass in Anticipation of Climate Change

Various efforts that need to be made in anticipating climate change include increasing public awareness. Public awareness needs to be increased in society, especially by applying political pressure, changing transportation models, and changing diets both for humans and animals. Climate change has impacted almost all countries and regions, including Indonesia and the Sleman district, where Glagaharjo village is located. In dry climate conditions, it can be expected that cattle breeders will experience difficulties in obtaining fodder. Therefore, cattle breeders in Glaharajo village need an alternative feed other than fresh elephant grass. The manufacture of fermented feed or silage so that grass products that are abundant in the rainy season can be stored to anticipate the dry season

Nutrients Content of Polianthes tuberosa Plant Waste Fermentation with Aspergillus niger as Alternative Feed Ingredients for Ruminant

The purpose of this study was to analyze the nutritional content such as organic matter, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and non-nitrogen extract materials from the waste of the tuberose flower (Polianthes tuberosa) that was fermented by Aspergillus niger as ruminant feed. The materials used were Aspergillus niger with the availability of inoculant 2.46 x 108 CFU/g, tuberose flower waste, water and molasses. The research method uses the experimental method consisting of 5 treatments and 4 replications. Each treatment used a different dose of Aspergillus niger inoculant, namely (P0) control without fermentation, (P1) 1 x 107 CFU/g dry matter (DM) material, (P2) 3 x 107 CFU/g (DM) material, (P3) 6 x 107 CFU/g (DM) material and (P4) 9 x 107 CFU/g (DM) material, each treatment required 200 grams of tuberose flower waste.very significant (P<0.01) effect onnutritional content Polianthes tuberosa mfermented nature. The conclusion of the study was that the administration of Aspergillus niger at a dose of 9 x 107 CFU/g (DM) material was the best dose for Polianthes tuberosa fermentation with a content of 83,87±0,69 % organic matter, 11,50±0,01% crude protein, 0,31±0,08% CF, 18,62±0,23% crude fiber dan 69,57±0,18% non-nitrogen extract materials.

Black Soldier Fly Larva Oil in Diets with Roughage to Concentrate Ratios on Fermentation Characteristics, Degradability, and Methane Generation.

Currently, the scarcity of high-quality, expensive animal feed is a primary factor driving up the cost of animal husbandry. As a result, most researchers have focused on improving the potential of using alternative feed resources derived from the black soldier fly larva. In particular, the utilization of oil from black fly larvae is a byproduct of the industry. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of black soldier fly larva oils and the proportion of roughage-to-concentrate ratios on gas kinetics, rumen characteristics, degradability, and mitigate CH4 production by using in vitro gas production techniques. The in vitro investigation used a completely randomized design (CRD) with a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement. The level of R:C ratios (60:40 and 40:60) were factor A, while BSFO levels (0, 2, 4, and 6% of DM) were factor B. Under this investigation, the combined impact of R:C ratio and BSFO on the kinetics of gas and accumulative gas production was found to be significant (p < 0.01). After 4 h of incubation, the pH and ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration were found to be impacted by the inclusion of BSFO levels at different R:C-ratios (p < 0.01). Moreover, after 4 and 8 h of incubation, supplementing the BSFO at 4% with the level of R:C ratio at 40:60 resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of CH4 in the rumen (p < 0.05). However, the inclusion of BSFO levels at different R:C ratios had no effect on the degradability of DM after 12 and 24 h of incubation (p > 0.05), whereas increasing the concentration of BSFO in concentrate at 6% reduced the DM degradability after 24 h of incubation (p < 0.05). Furthermore, adding BSFO to the diet at various R:C ratios enhanced the propionate (C3) concentration, with the highest level observed with the level of R:C ratio at 40:60 and 4% BSFO inclusion (p < 0.05). To summarize, the addition of BSFO at 4% with a 40:60 of R:C ratio increased C3 levels, decreased CH4 emission, and preserved DM degradability. A R:C ratio of 40:60 could improve the total volatile fatty acids and digestibility. Moreover, the inclusion of 6% BSFO at different R:C ratios lowered the in vitro dry matter digestibility, in vitro organic matter digestibility, NH3-N, and protozoal populations.

Raw Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) Seedmeal: Effect on Growth Performance, Organ Weight, Carcass Yield, and Economic Production of Guinea Fowl Keets

Ensuring food security and sustainable agriculture is vital as the global population expands, leading to increased protein demand. However, competitive demand for feed ingredients such as maize and soybeans has driven up costs. As a result, alternative feed sources, including Jackfruit by-products like seeds, have been explored. This study aimed to assess the effects of incorporating raw jackfruit seedmeal (JSM) into the diet of guinea fowl keets, specifically regarding growth performance, carcass yield, organ weights, and economic production. The seven-week study involved 120 keets divided into different treatments, each replicated three times. Treatments 2, 3, and 4 included JSM at 10%, 15%, and 20%, respectively, while treatment one served as the control without JSM. Increasing the level of JSM resulted in a consistent decline in all relevant indicators, as observed through proximate analysis. Treatment four, which included 20% JSM, exhibited the best performance in terms of final weight (745g) and daily weight gain (15g). Notably, the gizzard was the most significant parameter among carcass features, with treatment four showing the highest value (3.95%), while the control diet had the lowest value (2.83%). Diets containing 15% and 20% JSM had the most favorable outcomes in terms of feed cost per weight gain, with the 20% JSM diet demonstrating the highest gross margin and revenue. Importantly, dietary inclusion of JSM did not significantly impact the performance of guinea fowl keets, and incorporating 20% JSM into their diet resulted in a significant increase in productivity and feed utilization.

Current Applications and Trends in Rabbit Nutraceuticals

To ensure the sustainability of rabbit production and protect the global rabbit industry, cost-effective and practical strategies for improving rabbit production and meat quality must be developed. Recently, rabbit farming, like other animal farming, has faced feed shortages due to the impact of climate change, high competition among livestock species, and war conditions. The continued use of conventional feed additives in rabbit diets, whether derived from plant or animal sources, has become a critical issue. Furthermore, there is a global trend toward finding natural alternatives to synthetic drugs, such as antibiotics, in rabbit farms. Finding readily available and alternative feed additives is therefore critical to protecting the rabbit industry, particularly in subtropical and Mediterranean-developing countries. Nutraceuticals positively influence several physiological and productive traits in animals, as well as enhancing their health and welfare. The present review aims to provide an overview of previous studies on the potential of using some plant and animal products as nutraceutical alternatives and feed additives in rabbit diets, separately or in combination, to act as natural growth promoters, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial agents, and immunostimulants in rabbit farms. From the results, some unconventional plant and animal products, such as spirulina, garden cress, milk whey, and bee venom, can be successfully used as dietary supplements and substitutes in rabbit farms to motivate rabbit growth and reproduction, as well as enhance immunity. These products are rich in minerals, vitamins, enzymes, organic acids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. These active substances benefit the animal’s digestive tract in different ways, including activating the digestive enzymes and maintaining microbial balance, promoting vitamin synthesis. They also improve rabbit production, reproduction, and health.

Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Supplementation on Growth Performance, Meat Quality and Serum Biochemical Parameters in Broiler Chicks.

The zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) have attracted exhilarating research interest due to their novel distinguishing characteristics such as size, shape, high surface activity, large surface area and biocompatibility. Being highly bioavailable and exerting a superior efficacy than conventional zinc sources, ZnONPs is emerging as an alternative feed supplement for poultry. The present study involves the synthesis of ZnONPs through a cost effective and eco-friendly method using planetary ball milling technique and characterized for its size, shape, optical property, functional group and elemental concentration using particle size analyzer, Transmission Electron Microscopy, X-Ray Diffraction analysis, Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy and Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy. In vitro cytotoxicity study using Baby Hamster kidney (BHK-21) cells, Vero cells and primary chick liver culture cells revealed that ZnONPs can be safely incorporated in the broiler chick's feed up to the concentration of 100mg/kg. To investigate the effects of ZnONPs on production performances in broiler chicks, a feeding trial was carried out using 150-day-old broiler chicks randomly allotted in five treatment groups. The dietary treatment groups were: T1 (80mg/kg of zinc oxide), T2 (60mg/kg of zinc methionine) and T3, T4 and T5 received 60, 40 and 20mg/kg of ZnONPs respectively. The results showed a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in the body weight gain and feed conversion ratio of broiler chicks supplemented with 20 and 40mg/kg of ZnONPs. The ZnONPs supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) increased the dressing percentage in addition to significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the meat pH compared to inorganic and organic zinc supplementation. Overall, an eco-friendly method for ZnONPs synthesis was demonstrated and the optimum dietary level (20mg/kg) of ZnONPs could enhance the growth, the meat quality and Zn uptake without any negative effects on selected serum biochemical parameters in the broiler chicks.

The impact of semi-continuous and alternating microbial feeding patterns on methane yield from UASB reactors

Feeding strategy represents one of the most important bioreactor operation parameters, however, how different feeding patterns impact reactor microbiome development and treatment performance in up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors has not been systematically investigated. In the present study, three feeding strategies, including continuous feeding, semi-continuous feeding (with starvation-feast cycles), and alternate feeding (with high loading-low loading cycles) were assessed and compared using three laboratory-scale UASB reactors. It was observed that both long and short starvation-feast cycles provided by a semi-continuous feeding strategy failed to sustain stable anaerobic digestion under the conditions examined in the present study, while alternate feeding with high and low loading cycles supported microbial development. This feeding pattern resulted in an average methane yield of 74 ± 8.5% and an effluent COD removal efficiency of 89 ± 2.8%, which is comparable to the reactor operated under a continuous feeding pattern (Methane yield of 72 ± 2.4% and a COD removal efficiency of 87 ± 7.7%). Interestingly, as compared to continuous operation, reactors experienced starvation/feast stress (i.e., semi-continuous feeding) developed significantly higher methanogenic activities once continuous feeding was presumed, with dominant methanogens shifted from Methanosaeta in continuous feeding UASB to Methanosarcina in reactors undergone semi-continuous feeding. It was concluded that reactor feeding strategies can significantly impact microbiome communities in UASB, and an alternate feeding pattern is preferred, as compared to semi-continuous operation when reactor feeding cannot be continuously supplied.

PERBAIKAN MANAJEMEN PAKAN DENGAN PENGGUNAAN LIMBAH PERTANIAN PADA USAHA PETERNAKAN BABI DI DESA KUTA, KECAMATAN KANATANG, KABUPATEN SUMBA TIMUR

The problem faced by pig farmers in Kuta Village, Kanatang District, East Sumba Regency in raising pigs was productivity and long rearing time. The cause of this problem was the high cost of feed due to relying on commercial feed which is relatively expensive and continues to increase. Community service activities are carried out for 1 month, namely from 01 to 30 November 2022. The purpose of this community service was to improve the management of pig feed in Kuta Village, Kanatang District. The community service method used socialization and counseling, problem identification, training implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and mentoring. The solution offered to pig farmers was to improve the management of raising pigs, namely a) how to process agricultural waste (banana stems and rice bran) into alternative feed ingredients, b) how to make rations and mix them into fermented feed, c) how to manage the environment of the cage and how to feeding. The evaluation carried out is the success rate of making feed, how to feed it, and managing the environmental health of the cage. The result of the Community Service Program that has been carried out was an increase in skills in raising livestock and providing quality feed that was economical.

Upcycling post-harvest biomass residues from native European Lupinus species: from straws and pod shells production to nutritive value and alkaloids content for ruminant animals.

The production of Lupinus seeds for food and feed is increasing worldwide, which results in large amounts of post-harvest biomass residues, considered of low value and left in the field to be burned or incorporated in the soil. To valorize these agricultural wastes, this work aimed to assess their potential as an alternative feed for ruminants. Thus, the production yield, nutritive value, and alkaloid content of straws and pod shells from three native European Lupinus species, L. albus 'Estoril' (white), L. angustifolius 'Tango' (narrow-leafed), and L. luteus 'Cardiga' (yellow), cultivated in two locations, were evaluated. The dry matter (DM) yield of straws and pod shells were the highest for L. albus 'Estoril' (4.10 t ha-1) and the lowest for L. angustifolius 'Tango' (1.78 t ha-1), suggesting a poor adaptation of narrow-leafed lupin to the particularly dry and warm agronomic year. Despite species-specific differences, lupin biomass residues presented higher crude protein (53.0-68.9 g kg-1 DM) and lignin (103-111 g kg-1 DM) content than cereal straws usually used in ruminant feeding, thus resulting in higher metabolizable energy (6.43-6.58 MJ kg-1 DM) content. In vitro digestibility was similar among lupin species (47.7-50.6%) and higher in pod shells (53.7%) than in straws (44.6%). Lupinus albus 'Estoril' and L. luteus 'Cardiga' presented considerable amounts of alkaloids in straws (23.9 and 119 mg kg-1 DM) and pod shells (20.5 and 298 mg kg-1 DM), while no alkaloids were detected in L. angustifolius 'Tango' biomass residues. Considering the combined production of straw and pod shells per lupin species, it is anticipated that lupin biomass residues produced per ha can fulfill 85% of the energy and nearly 50% of protein requirements of a flock of 4 to 9 dry and mid-pregnancy sheep with 50 kg body weight for one year. No negative effects on small (ovine) and large (bovine) ruminant species due to alkaloids are expected, even if biomass residues are consumed at up to 85% DM intake. The large production yield along with its nutritive value unveils the potential of lupin biomass residues valorization as alternative fodder for ruminants, promoting sustainability under a circular economy approach.

Development of a Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Intestinal In Vitro Platform for Profiling Amino Acid Digestion and Absorption of a Complete Diet.

The ever-increasing number and variation of raw materials utilized to provide alternative feed formulations continues to allow for a more sustainable and flexible approach. Testing all these options in vivo is still the most robust and reliable manner to pick the best raw material candidates, but it requires the use of large numbers of animals and is time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, we are developing an in vitro platform that can provide a reliable evaluation of new ingredients. The main aim of this work was to combine an in vitro digestion protocol of extruded, commercially relevant aquafeeds with the exposure of intestinal epithelial cells to the extracted bio-available fraction (BAF). The results show that 250,000 cells/cm2 represents the optimal seeding density and that up to 50% BAF concentration for up to 24 h had no negative effects on the epithelial barrier morphology and function. It is possible to determine amino acid digestibility and bioavailability in all the experimental conditions (with and without BSA, at 25% and 50% dilution) and at all time points (0, 6, and 24 h). However, BAF concentration, the medium used for its dilution, and the length of exposure to the different epithelial cell lines can all influence the results and, therefore, must be selected according to the final aim of the experiment.

Replacing silage with large amounts of concentrate and straw affects milk production, economics and climate differently in Holstein and Jersey Cows

With droughts becoming more frequent due to climate changes alternative feeding strategies are required. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of replacing all or part of the silage component with barley straw and concentrates for Holstein and Jersey cows. Forty-nine Holstein and 43 Jersey cows were fed either the C49 diet (Roughage-to-concentrate ratio [% of DM; dry matter] of 51:49), a diet where concentrate constituted 70% of DM (i.e., diet C70; 30:70), or the extreme diet (i.e., C91; 9:91), where 91% of DM was concentrate and 9% of DM was barley straw. Cows were allowed up to 2.65 kg DM per day from concentrate in the automatic milking system (AMS). Cows were fed their diets for 5 weeks. All diets were formulated to provide the same daily net energy intake. Daily feed intake and milk production responses were recorded. Volatile fatty acid profiles in rumen fluid were measured for Holstein cows. Impact on economy and carbon footprint were calculated. Data were analyzed using a general linear mixed model. For both breeds, total dry matter intake (i.e., AMS concentrate + partially mixed ration) decreased with increasing concentrate proportion. In neither Holstein nor Jersey, experimental diet affected milk yield. A decrease in fat percentage and ECM was observed for both breeds, when the level of concentrate was increased. However, there was an interaction between diet and breed for fat percentage and for energy-corrected milk yield (ECM), and there was an interaction for feed efficiency expressed as kg of ECM/kg of DM intake. For Holstein cows, acetate molar proportion in rumen liquid decreased and propionate molar proportion increased when silage was reduced. Regardless of breed, increasing concentrate in the ration did not affect carbon footprint per kg ECM, but caused a decrease per cow per day, and per kg DM intake. However, if the contribution from direct land use changes and soil C were taken into account, increasing concentrate in the ration reduced carbon footprint per kg ECM due to decreased proportion of soybean meal in C75 and C91 diets. Production of milk from predominantly concentrate based diets containing no grass silage reduced income over feed cost for both breeds but more for Holsteins. In conclusion, results showed that it is possible to keep dairy herds and produce milk even during extreme drought, when availability of silage is minimal, whereas such ration decreased income over feed cost.