Animal Feed Research Articles

The ethnobotanical heritage of Lotkuh, a high-altitude tribal haven of Chitral, the Eastern Hindu Kush, Pakistan.

In northwestern Pakistan, Lotkuh is a high-altitude terrain nestled within the eastern Hindu Kush region. Enclaved by towering peaks and harboring a unique culture, the region mirrors the geographical and cultural diversity of Pakistan. In this geographically isolated region, a treasure trove of ethnobotanical knowledge unfolds through generations of interaction between the inhabitants and indigenous plants, resulting in a profound understanding of the plant uses in nutritional, medicinal, cultural, and ritual contexts. Thus, the study seeks to gather, analyze, and document the indigenous knowledge of plant utilization of the distinct tribal culture. Through semi-structured questionnaires, inventory interviews, and participatory workshops, data were collected by engaging a cohort of 120 local respondents. The collected data were then classified into nine distinct use categories, following which quantitative indices were calculated. The research identified a total of 150 plant species spanning across 59 different families and categorized them into 9 distinct usage groups. Among these, Astragalus oihorensis, Astragalus owirensis, Cicer nuristanicum, Geranium parmiricum, and Rochelia chitralensis stand out as novel species with distinctive applications. Notably, medicinal use garnered 600 reports, while animal feed, veterinary applications, human consumption, and toxicity recorded 500, 450, 425, and 104 reports, respectively. Informant consensus was high ranging between 0.8 and 0.9 with most agreement on human food and animal feed category. Platanus orientalis and Juglans regia, with RFC 0.91, were the most cited. The Family Importance Value (FIV) of Juglandaceae and Platanaceae, each with an FIV of 0.91, and Capparidaceae with an FIV of 0.83 indicate the intricate role the families play. In this study, we explore 150 ethnobotanical species, uncovering novel entries within ethnobotanical literature. Among these, several species showcase unique uses previously undocumented in Pakistani literature. Our research sheds light on the intricate interaction between plants and the distinct cultural landscape of the Lotkuh region.

Animal Feed Formulation—Connecting Technologies to Build a Resilient and Sustainable System

Animal Feed Formulation—Connecting Technologies to Build a Resilient and Sustainable System

Unlocking the potential of phenolated kraft lignin as a versatile feed additive.

Lignin, a renewable natural antioxidant and bacteriostat, holds promise as a versatile, cost-effective feed additive. However, traditional industrial lignin faces limitations, including low reactivity, poor uniformity, and unstable properties, necessitating chemical modification. Complex modification methods pose economic and toxicity challenges, so this study adopted a relatively simple alkali-catalyzed phenolization approach, using phenol, catechol, and pyrogallol to modify kraft lignin, and characterized the resulting products using various techniques. Subsequently, their antioxidant, antibacterial, adsorption properties for heavy metal ions and mycotoxins, growth-promoting properties, and antiviral abilities were assessed. The phenolation process led to lignin depolymerization and a notable increase in phenolic hydroxyl content, particularly in pyrogallol-phenolated lignin (Py-L), rising from 3.08 to 4.68 mmol/g. These modified lignins exhibited enhanced antioxidant activity, with over 99 % inhibition against E. coli and S. aureus, and remarkable adsorption capacities for heavy metal ions and mycotoxins. Importantly, Py-L improved the growth performance of mice and reduced influenza mortality. Furthermore, density functional theory calculations elucidated the mechanism behind the enhanced antioxidant properties. This study presents a promising avenue for developing versatile feed additives to address challenges related to animal feed antioxidant supplementation, bacterial control, and growth promotion.

A novel family of defensin-like peptides from Hermetia illucens with antibacterial properties.

The world faces a major infectious disease challenge. Interest in the discovery, design, or development of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as an alternative approach for the treatment of bacterial infections has increased. Insects are a good source of AMPs which are the main effector molecules of their innate immune system. Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) are being developed for large-scale rearing for food sustainability, waste reduction and as sustainable animal and fish feed. Bioinformatic studies have suggested that BSFL have the largest number of AMPs identified in insects. However, most AMPs identified in BSF have not yet undergone antimicrobial evaluation but are promising leads to treat critical infections. Jg7197.t1, Jg7902.t1 and Jg7904.t1 were expressed into the haemolymph of larvae following infection with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and were predicted to be AMPs using the computational tool ampir. The genes encoding these proteins were within 2 distinct clusters in chromosome 1 of the BSF genome. Following removal of signal peptides, predicted structures of the mature proteins were superimposed, highlighting a high degree of structural conservation. The 3 AMPs share primary sequences with proteins that contain a Kunitz-binding domain; characterised for inhibitory action against proteases, and antimicrobial activities. An in vitro antimicrobial screen indicated that heterologously expressed SUMO-Jg7197.t1 and SUMO-Jg7902.t1 did not show activity against 12 bacterial strains. While recombinant SUMO-Jg7904.t1 had antimicrobial activity against a range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, including the serious pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We have cloned and purified putative AMPs from BSFL and performed initial in vitro experiments to evaluate their antimicrobial activity. In doing so, we have identified a putative novel defensin-like AMP, Jg7904.t1, encoded in a paralogous gene cluster, with antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa.

Barley residue biomass, nutrient content, and relationships with grain yield

AbstractDetermination of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) nutrient uptake in residue biomass is important for agronomic, economic, and environmental decisions. Improved understanding of grain yield, residue biomass, nutrient uptake, and their relationships are needed. Research determined these factors in 2018 and 2019 from trials of four barley classes (spring animal feed, human food, and malt, as well as winter malt), using three common cultivars of each, at five locations in southern Idaho. Production environment created the largest difference in residue biomass and nutrient uptake. Barley harvest index ranged from 0.46 to 0.52 Mg Mg−1 across feed, food, and malt classes. Compared to previous estimates, nutrient concentrations from the combined dataset were greater than for N, less than for P, and greater than for K. Correlation of grain yields to nutrient uptake (excluding Cu and Fe) had r2 ranging from 0.68 to 0.89. At current prices, economic analysis indicated that fertilizer replacement costs for total residue biomass nutrients were greater than previous estimates and could greatly exceed current sale value. These relationships and value estimates can be used to improve prediction of barley residue biomass production and nutrient uptake to guide best management practices. The decision of how to utilize these metrics (on‐farm, regional, etc.) should be considered based on known variation in measured nutrient and residue data and considered in relation to the proposed task.

High concentrations if fructose and NaCl affect choice behavior in larval drosophila

As a crucial adaptation for survival, the gustatory system serves as a primary mechanism for distinguishing between nutrient-rich compounds that are palatable and those that may pose risks or be unpleasant. This intricate sensory apparatus not only guides behavioral choices but also underpins flavor recognition across various species. Understanding the complexities of the gustatory system in Drosophila larvae has profound implications for unraveling the complexities of human gustatory perception as well as advancing our understanding of sensory processing mechanisms more broadly, thereby providing a broader repertoire of the topic for current days. Behavioral studies employing diverse stimuli have been instrumental in elucidating the underlying processes governing choice, feeding, and learning behaviors in animals. Building upon this foundation, our study sought to explore the specific effects of elevated concentrations of fructose and NaCl on the choice behavior of Drosophila larvae. Through meticulously designed assays using 3M concentrations of fructose and NaCl, we unequivocally demonstrated the pronounced preference of larvae for fructose over NaCl. Furthermore, the robustness of this preference was reaffirmed through a secondary assay employing 3M fructose and water as a control. Our comprehensive findings not only highlight the significant influence of elevated concentrations of fructose and NaCl on larval choice behavior but also shed light on the intricate interplay between sensory perception and genetic mechanisms, particularly involving the Gr5a gene. These insights contribute to our broader understanding of the role of the gustatory system in shaping crucial behaviors vital for animal survival, with potential implications extending to human sensory perception research and beyond.

An up-scaled biotechnological approach for phosphorus-depleted rye bran as animal feed

Side streams from the milling industry offer excellent nutritional properties for animal feed; yet their use is constrained by the elevated phosphorus (P) content, mainly in the form of phytate. Biotechnological P recovery fosters sustainable P management, transforming these streams into P-depleted animal feed through enzymatic hydrolysis. The enzymatic P mobilization not only enables P recovery from milling by-products but also supports the valorization of these streams into P-depleted animal feeds. Our study presents the scalability and applicability of the process and characterizes the resulting P-depleted rye bran as animal feed component. Batch mode investigations were conducted to mobilize P from 100 g to 37.1 kg of rye bran using bioreactors up to 400 L. P reductions of 89% to 92% (reducing from 12.7 gP/kg to 1.41–1.28 gP/kg) were achieved. In addition, High Performance Ion Chromatography (HPIC) analysis showed complete depletion of phytate. The successful recovery of the enzymatically mobilized P from the process wastewater by precipitation as struvite and calcium hydrogen phosphate is presented as well, achieving up to 99% removal efficiency. Our study demonstrates a versatile process that is easily adaptable, allowing for a seamless implementation on a larger scale.Graphical

A sustainable bio-circular way for biorefinery of rice straw into bioproducts based on energy-efficient pretreatment

Lignocellulosic biorefinery faces challenges associated with high energy input during pretreatment and high enzyme cost for enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose, as well as the intricate valorization of lignin and hemicellulose. This study applied KOH-urea pretreatment to obtain maximum lignin removal of 68.93 % from rice straw at 80 °C for 60 min. The pretreatment consumed only 10.49 % of the total energy input. Five-time dilution of neutral black liquor can optimally stimulate the plant growth. Enzymatic conversion of KOH-urea-treated rice straw attained 92.02 % at 20 % solid concentration with 10 FPU cellulase/g substrate. The ethanol concentration achieved 37.02 g/L at a yield of 75.89 %. The solid residue after fermentation contained 42.40 % dietary fiber and 16.70 % protein, which is suitable as animal feed. This study developed a simple bio-circular way to concurrently produce liquid fertilizer, bioethanol, and animal feed from rice straw.

Market-driven land use in the Legal Amazon

The impact on ecosystems resulting from the introduction of productive activities is a consensus worldwide. However, some analyses have veered away from scientific rigor in favor of other interests. This phenomenon becomes evident when considering productive activities within the Amazon Biome. The diversity in soil structure and vegetation justifies this study and underpins its conclusions. We aimed to assess the impact of livestock farming and soybean cultivation in the state of Mato Grosso, which partially resides within the Amazon Biome. This analysis stems from the promotion of soybean production for animal feed due to the prohibition of meat and bone meal, a regulation that emerged following the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) event. The results indicate that the prohibition of meat and bone meal in animal feed as a preventive measure against BSE transmission did not influence deforestation in the Legal Amazon in the analyzed region. Similarly, it did not affect the growth of the cattle herd, land income costs, variations in soybean prices in the international market, or beef prices in Brazil. Soybean cultivation did impact deforestation in the Legal Amazon. Government policies related to deforestation were effective in reducing encroachments on the Legal Amazon. Importantly, the most significant expansion of anthropogenic land use occurred within the Cerrado Biome of Mato Grosso rather than within the portion of the Amazon Biome.

Bioactive Compounds from Organic Waste

The reuse and reincorporation of waste are the principles of circular economies. Compost, biofuels, animal feed, dyes, and bioactive compounds can be obtained from the revaluation of organic waste. Research on this subject is scarce and limited to specific sectors, such as agriculture and agroindustry, leaving aside others that generate large quantities of organic waste, such as floriculture. The remains of these sectors have a low decomposition rate compared to other organic wastes. They are a source of bioactive compounds (e.g., essential oils, pigments, phenols) that can be reincorporated into the production chain of various industries. This review describes the composition of waste from agroindustry, agriculture, and floriculture, analyzing their potential revalorization as a source of bioactive compounds and an alternative supply source.

An overview of alternative protein sources for ruminants in the tropical area

Abstract Investigating alternative protein sources for ruminants in tropical regions is crucial due to distinct climatic conditions and limited resources. Scientists, acknowledging the challenges, are exploring locally accessible alternatives to develop cost-effective and sustainable protein supplements for ruminant nutrition, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nutritional composition for advancing livestock husbandry sustainability. The aim of this research is to elucidate alternative local protein sources for ruminants in tropical areas and assess their effectiveness in promoting sustainable production and enhancing ruminant nutrition. Protein feed sources are essential for providing amino acids to animals and producing animal products such as meat, milk, and wool. Inadequate protein in animal feed may have a detrimental impact on rumen fermentation and animal output. Therefore, alternative protein sources have received increased attention in order to replace the main protein source. The alternative protein sources in this review were divided into five categories: agricultural biomass, fodder shrubs, biological protein and plant weeds, insect protein and agro-industry biomass. Furthermore, plant secondary compounds found in alternative protein sources might be used to modulate rumen fermentation and improve animal performance. By focusing on regional sources of protein, feed costs are reduced while availability is raised. Based on this analysis, it can be concluded that there are a number of alternative protein sources that might be used in place of primary protein sources and that they could support ruminant production in the face of several animal feed crises. However, the potential use of any protein source should be assessed in light of the country’s availability and animal production practices.

Phytochemical Analysis of Curry Leaf Extract (Murraya koenigii L.) as a Potential Animal Feed and Medicinal Ingredient

Phytochemical Analysis of Curry Leaf Extract (Murraya koenigii L.) as a Potential Animal Feed and Medicinal Ingredient

Evaluation of the feeding safety of Moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) in the Sprague Dawley rat

This study aimed to evaluate the safety of Moringa by comparing the effects of different gavage doses of Moringa. The general behavior, body weight, food intake, blood indexes, serum biochemical indexes, and histopathology of rats were used to determine the safety threshold and to provide a reference for the further development and use of Moringa as animal feed. 40 Sprague Dawley rats were selected and given transoral gavage for 28 consecutive days. The T1, T2 and T3 groups were observed for general behavior, body weight, and food intake. Blood and serum biochemical indices were quantified, and histopathology was performed to evaluate the effect and safety of Moringa. The results of the toxicological test showed that (1) Only T1 groups experienced diarrhea. (2) The body weight and food intake of rats in each group were normal compared with the control group. (3) The hematological and serum biochemical indices of rats in the T1 group were significantly different from those of CK but were in the normal range; (4) The results of microscopic examination of the heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney of rats in each group were normal, but inflammation occurred in stomach and jejunum of rats in the T1 group, but not in the ileum. The gastrointestinal tract of rats in the T2 and T3 groups were normal. (5) No abnormal death occurred in any of the treatment groups.The results of this study revealed that gavage of Moringa homogenate at a dose of 6 g/kg BW can cause diarrhea in rats. Although there is no pathological effect on weight, food intake, blood and serum biochemical indicators in rats, there are pathological textures in the gastrointestinal tissue caused by diarrhea. Therefore, the safety threshold of Moringa homogenate should be ≤ 3 g/kg BW.

Factors influencing small holder farmers adoption of climate SMART agriculture practices in Welmera Woreda, Central Ethiopia

Adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices are believed to have significantly lessened the devastating impact of climate change on agriculture. However, in countries like Ethiopia, the adoption and use level of climate-smart agriculture practices remains low. The understanding of farmers’ levels of CSA practice adoption and influencing factors is therefore crucial. The goal of the study is to evaluate the degree to which various CSA practices were being used in the study area, as well as adoption determinants. The study was conducted in Welmera district, Oromia, Ethiopia. Three kebeles were chosen from the district, and a random sample of 306 farmers was picked. We used a cross-sectional household survey, a focus group discussion, and interviews with key informants. A multivariate probit model was employed to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of multiple climate-smart agriculture practices. According to the result, conservation agriculture, integrated soil fertility management, and crop diversification are the most often used CSA practices. The results also revealed that male farmers outperformed female farmers in terms of crop diversity and improved animal feed and feeding practice adoption. The age of farmers has a considerable and unfavorable impact on their likelihood of adopting improved soil fertility management and crop diversification practices. However, it has a positive and considerable impact on the adoption of agroforestry practices. With regards to economic factors, having a relatively big farmland area considerably enhances the adoption of conservation agriculture, enhances soil fertility management and crop diversity, and improves livestock feed and feeding methods and post-harvest technology practice. Improved livestock feed and feeding are more likely to be used with higher farm income. Having a significant number of animals strongly promotes the adoption of conservation agriculture, and access to financial services positively impacts agroforestry, diversification of crops, and postharvest technology practice adoption. Furthermore, institutional factors including access to agricultural extension services and training were discovered to be important and beneficial for crop diversification; similarly, access to field day participation was discovered to have a significant and positive impact on the adoption of conservation agriculture and improved soil fertility management practices. It is critical to raise awareness about climate change among farmers and experts, as well as to incorporate location-specific CSA practices into agricultural programs.

Treatment of Dairy Farm Runoff in Vegetated Bioretention Systems Amended with Biochar

Nitrogen and fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) in runoff from concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) can impair surface and groundwater quality. Bioretention systems are low impact nature-based technologies that can effectively treat CAFO runoff if modified with an internal water storage zone (IWSZ) or amended with biochar. In this study, the performances of four pilot-scale modified bioretention systems were compared to assess the impacts of (1) amending bioretention media with biochar and (2) planting the systems with Muhlenbergia. The system with both plants and biochar amendment had the best performance, with an average of 5.58 log reduction in E. coli and 98% removal of total nitrogen (TN). All systems treated the first pore volume well as new runoff flushed the treated water from the IWSZ. Biochar improved TN and FIB removal due to its high capacity to adsorb or retain ammonium (NH4+), dissolved organic nitrogen, dissolved organic carbon, and E. coli. Planting improved performance, possibly by increasing rhizosphere microbial activity.

Secondary raw materials for sugar production and directions for its processing

The article is devoted to a review of literature data on the problem of environmental safety of sugar production. The main types of waste generated during sugar production are considered. Some areas of processing and disposal of sugar production waste, such as beet pulp, filter cake, molasses, beet tailings, and wastewater, are given. Beet pulp is mainly dried and used to manufacture feed for farm animals. It can be used to obtain powdered semi-finished products in the food industry and the production of fertilizers. Filtration sediment is used to improve the quality of the soil-biotic complex of leached chernozem. Molasses is also a byproduct of sugar production, containing about 50% sucrose. Therefore, it becomes advisable to extract sugar from molasses, subject to economic benefits. Inexpensive and uncomplicated methods for removing sugar from molasses include lime separation, precipitation of sucrose using acetic acid, and barite and strontium methods for extracting sugar from molasses. Wastewater from sugar factories can be used for irrigation. However, given that the sugar beet processing season does not coincide with the growing season, to irrigate fields with wastewater, it is necessary to build unique storage ponds, settling tanks, and pumping and irrigation systems, which require additional costs. Another type of waste is generated when sugar beets are processed: beet tailings. This type of waste is usually used to obtain additional sugar or feed farm animals. The tailings are collected on a rotary beet catcher, passed through a sorting classifier, and sent for processing. The fine fraction is sent with the pulp for dehydration or to pulp pits for feeding livestock.

Effect of extended days on feed on carcass gain, efficiency, and quality of individually fed beef steers

Abstract Crossbred steers (n = 114, initial BW = 334 kg; SEM = 5 kg) were serially harvested to evaluate the change in carcass composition by feeding cattle 21 or 42 d longer than the 2014 industry average subjective measure of finish, 1.27 cm of 12th rib fat thickness. Carcass ultrasound measurements were collected on 76 steers at 1, 78, and 134 days on feed (DOF) to project appropriate harvest date. Steers were sorted into three harvest groups, and serially harvested at 142, 163, or 185 DOF, with the first harvest date selected based on an estimated 12th rib fat thickness of 1.27 cm via ultrasound measurement. Steers were fed using an individual animal feeding system, to determine individual performance metrics. Steer DMI did not differ (P ≥ 0.31) between harvest groups, while carcass-adjusted ADG and G:F decreased linearly (P ≤ 0.04) as DOF increased. Carcass weight increased linearly (P < 0.01) as DOF increased from 142 to 185 DOF, with steers gaining an additional 36 kg of HCW when fed an additional 42 DOF. Carcass LM area quadratically increased (P = 0.04) to 163 DOF and remained constant to 185 DOF. Marbling score was not different (P = 0.14) between harvest groups, however, the opportunity to grade USDA Premium Choice was improved for steers fed to 185 DOF. Calculated YG and 12th rib fat thickness increased linearly (P < 0.01) as DOF increased, with distributions across YG 1 through 5 differing between harvest groups (P < 0.01), and 185-d carcasses having the greatest frequency of YG 4 carcasses. As cattle are fed for additional DOF, live ADG and G:F decline, while HCW and LM area increase.

Regulation of Fat Content in Triticale Based on Optimization of Technological Processing Modes

Introduction The aim of the study was to regulate the fat content based on the optimization of technological processing modes. A promising method of preparing grain for animal feeding is its preliminary germination. Sprouted grain is a dietary food product, as it increases the content of proteins, essential amino acids, and macro- and microelements in comparison with non-sprouted grain. Methods The purpose of this study was to regulate the fat content based on the optimization of technological processing modes. Regression equations describing the dependences of the quality indicators of the triticale grain germination modes on the factors tw, τ, w and tg affecting them were investigated and obtained. During the study of triticale grains, it was found that the most significant parameter affecting the germination process is the fat content. The optimization of the germination modes of triticale Leather grain was carried out by the method of nonlinear programming. Results During the study, it was found that the maximum fat content during germination of triticale grain was observed with the following technological parameters of germination: grain temperature = 30°C; germination time = 24 h; grain moisture = 13%; and grain temperature = 26°C. When controlling the fat content in triticale based on the optimization of technological modes, the target function was 2.83%. Conclusion The presented results and conclusion will allow to regulate the fat content in triticale grain during germination.

Extrusion-controlled lipid retention and distribution of wheat germ and its application combining exogenous starch

Wheat germ is an agricultural but low-economic by-product for animal feed or waste due to its susceptibility of hydrolytic/oxidative rancidities. Here, we use controllable extrusion to treat wheat germ, and with assistance of exogenous starch as lipid protective factor at different ratios (0:10 2:8, 3:7, 4:6). Oxidation of optimized germ extrudate was slowed down during storage, with total lipid retention rate reach up to ∼88.3%. Extrusion dynamic analysis showed that relatively high screw speed (100–150 rpm) significantly shortened mean residence time, increased axial diffusion velocity and reduced the loss of free and bound lipid. Type Ⅱ starch-lipid complex was changed to type Ⅰ during extrusion, with thermal transition peak declined. Wheat germ lipid was most evenly distributed under 100 rpm extrusion. The hydrogen bonding interaction between exogenous starch and lipids in wheat germ was strengthened, with significant modification in water absorption, water solubility, expansion and textual indexes.

Addressing the Concern of Orange-Yellow Fungus Growth on Palm Kernel Cake: Safeguarding Dairy Cattle Diets for Mycotoxin-Producing Fungi

Palm kernel cake (PKC), a byproduct of palm oil extraction, serves an important role in Ecuador’s animal feed industry. The emergence of yellow-orange fungal growth in PKC on some cattle farms in Ecuador sparked concerns within the cattle industry regarding a potential mycotoxin-producing fungus on this substrate. Due to the limited availability of analytical chemistry techniques in Ecuador for mycotoxin detection, we chose to isolate and identify the fungus to determine its association with mycotoxin-producing genera. Through molecular identification via ITS region sequencing, we identified the yellow-orange fungus as the yeast Candida ethanolica. Furthermore, we isolated two other fungi—the yeast Pichia kudriavzevii, and the fungus Geotrichum candidum. Molecular identification confirmed that all three species are not classified as mycotoxin-producing fungi but in contrast, the literature indicates that all three have demonstrated antifungal activity against Aspergillus and Penicillium species, genera associated with mycotoxin production. This suggests their potential use in biocontrol to counter the colonization of harmful fungi. We discuss preventive measures against the fungal invasion of PKC and emphasize the importance of promptly identifying fungi on this substrate. Rapid recognition of mycotoxin-producing and pathogenic genera holds the promise of mitigating cattle intoxication and the dissemination of mycotoxins throughout the food chain.