Apparent Digestibility Of Crude Protein Research Articles

Caracterización de lenteja y jacinto de agua, efecto en la digestibilidad aparente en la tilapia

Caracterización de lenteja y jacinto de agua, efecto en la digestibilidad aparente en la tilapia

168 Effects of feeding barley-based diets differing in fermentable starch and fiber on nutrient digestion and body composition in weaned pigs

Abstract Hulled and hull-less barley grains containing low insoluble fiber are alternative energy sources in weaning diets but are typically not part of weaned pig diets. The range in fermentable starch and fiber content among barley cultivars presents opportunities to investigate whether these fermentable carbohydrates of barley grain do influence nutrient digestion, gut short chain fatty acid (SCFA) profile and body composition. To explore, pigs [n = 40; body weight (BW) = 8.6 kg; 1-wk post-weaning] were housed individually and fed 1 of 4 diets containing 600 to 705 g of cereal grain/kg: 1) low-fermentable wheat (LFW); 2) high β-glucan, hull-less barley (HFBB); 3) high amylose, hull-less barley (HFAB); or 4) low-fermentable hulled barley (LFB). Diets provided 10.2 and 9.8 MJ NE/kg, and 1.32 and 1.21 g standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine/MJ NE for phase 1 (d 0–14) and phase 2 (d 15–28), respectively. At the end of the trial, feces were collected, and pigs were slaughtered to collect digesta and the carcass that was subsequently ground. Subsamples of feces, digesta, and carcasses were freeze-dried and analyzed. The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of crude protein (CP) and gross energy (GE) did not differ among diets. The AID of β-glucan was 3 times greater (P < 0.05) for LFW than HFBB and HFAB, while AID of starch was 12% less (P < 0.05) for HFAB than the other diets. Apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of GE and CP was 4.2 and 8.9% less (P < 0.05), respectively, for the 3 barley diets than the wheat diet. The apparent hindgut fermentation (AHF) of β-glucan was 2.6 times greater (P < 0.05) for HFAB and HFBB than LFW, while AHF of starch was 7.5 times greater for HFAB than LFW. The calculated NE value was greatest (P < 0.05) for LFW, intermediate for HFBB and HFAB, and least for LFB. Among diets, HFAB increased (P < 0.05) the concentration of butyrate (indicator of gut health) and propionate in cecal and colonic digesta, with butyrate up to 50% more (P < 0.05) than that of LFW. Carcass protein and lipid concentration did not differ among pigs fed the 4 diets. In conclusion, feeding barley instead of wheat grain to weaned pigs reduced diet nutrient digestibility but did not affect carcass protein and lipid concentration. Feeding high amylose barley increased gut SCFA concentration. Barley grain with increasing fermentable carbohydrates can thus be included as alternative ingredient in diets of young pigs.

Multi-omics reveal the gut microbiota-mediated severe foraging environment adaption of small wild ruminants in the Three-River-Source National Park, China.

The Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii), blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur), and Tibetan sheep (Ovis aries) are the dominant small ruminants in the Three-River-Source National Park (TRSNP). However, knowledge about the association between gut microbiota and host adaptability remains poorly understood. Herein, multi-omics sequencing approaches were employed to investigate the gut microbiota-mediated forage adaption in these ruminants. The results revealed that although wild ruminants (WR) of P. hodgsoni and P. nayaur were faced with severe foraging environments with significantly low vegetation coverage and nutrition, the apparent forage digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and acid detergent fiber was significantly higher than that of O. aries. The 16s rRNA sequencing showed that the gut microbiota in WR underwent convergent evolution, and alpha diversity in these two groups was significantly higher than that in O. aries. Moreover, indicator species, including Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, exhibited positive relationships with apparent forage digestibility, and their relative abundances were enriched in the gut of WR. Enterotype analysis further revealed that enterotype 1 belonged to WR, and the abundance of fatty acid synthesis metabolic pathway-related enzyme genes was significantly higher than enterotype 2, represented by O. aries. Besides, the metagenomic analysis identified 14 pathogenic bacterial species, among which 10 potentially pathogenic bacteria were significantly enriched in the gut microbiota of O. aries. Furthermore, the cellulolytic strains and genes encoding cellulase and hemicellulase were significantly enriched in WR. In conclusion, our results provide new evidence of gut microbiota to facilitate wildlife adaption in severe foraging environments of the TRSNP, China.

Isobutyramide and Slow-Release Urea as Substitutes for Soybean Meal in the Finishing Diet of Beef Cattle.

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of isobutyramide (IBA) and slow-release urea (SRU) as substitutes for soybean meal (SBM) in the finishing diet of beef cattle. The completely randomized design in vitro experiment with five treatments, i.e., control, 0.9% SRU group, 0.6% SRU + 0.3% IBA group (SRU-I), 0.3% SRU + 0.6% IBA group (IBA-S), 0.9% IBA group was conducted. The results showed that the IBA-S and IBA increased (p ≤ 0.05) substrate disappearance of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), total gas, and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA). The SRU group had the highest (p < 0.01) crude protein disappearance and ammonia nitrogen concentration, but the IBA contrarily decreased (p < 0.01) them compared with the control. Inclusion of IBA increased isobutyrate concentrations (p = 0.01) with the highest value for the IBA group. Then, an 84-day replicate 4 × 4 Latin square design with 8 Angus steers and four treatments, i.e., control, SRU, SRU-I, IBA-S was performed. The results showed that the treatments did not affect DM intake (p > 0.05) but tended (p = 0.09) to increase average daily gain. The inclusion of IBA increased (p < 0.05) the apparent digestibility of DM, organic matter, NDF, ADF, TVFA, and microbial crude protein with the highest values for the IBA-S group. The IBA-contained groups also increased (p ≤ 0.01) isobutyrate concentration, activities of carboxymethyl cellulase and xylanase, and the relative abundance of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens with the highest values for the IBA-S group. The SRU had no effect on animal growth and nutrient apparent digestibility. In conclusion, IBA was developed as a new substitute for SBM in the finishing diet of beef cattle, and the optimal strategy was the isonitrogenous substitution of SBM with 0.3% SRU and 0.6% IBA of the diet.

The addition of curcumin to the diet of post-weaning dairy calves: effects on ruminal fermentation, immunological, and oxidative responses.

Incorporating Curcumin into animal diets holds significant promise for enhancing both animal health and productivity, with demonstrated positive impacts on antioxidant activity, anti-microbial responses. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether adding Curcumin to the diet of dairy calves would influence ruminal fermentation, hematologic, immunological, oxidative, and metabolism variables. Fourteen Jersey calves were divided into a control group (GCON) and a treatment group (GTRA). The animals in the GTRA received a diet containing 65.1mg/kg of dry matter (DM) Curcumin (74% purity) for an experimental period of 90 days. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 15, 45, and 90. Serum levels of total protein and globulins were higher in the GTRA group (P < 0.05) than the GCON group. In the GTRA group, there was a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß and IL-6) (P < 0.05) and an increase in IL-10 (which acts on anti-inflammatory responses) (P < 0.05) when compared to the GCON. There was a significantly higher (P < 0.05) concentration of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the serum of the GTRA than the GCON. A Treatment × Day interaction was observed for haptoglobin levels, which were higher on day 90 in animals that consumed Curcumin than the GCON (P < 0.05). The catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in GTRA, reducing lipid peroxidation when compared to the GCONT. Hematologic variables did not differ significantly between groups. Among the metabolic variables, only urea was higher in the GTRA group when compared to the GCON. Body weight and feed efficiency did not differ between groups (meaning the percentage of apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). There was a tendency (P = 0.09) for treatment effect and a treatment x day interaction (P = 0.05) for levels of short-chain fatty acids in rumen fluid, being lower in animals that consumed curcumin. There was a treatment vs. day interaction (P < 0.05) for the concentration of acetate in the rumen fluid (i.e., on day 45, had a reduction in acetate; on day 90, values were higher in the GTRA group when compared to the GCON). We conclude that there was no evidence in the results from this preliminary trial that Curcumin in the diet of dairy calves interfered with feed digestibility. Curcumin may have potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune effects that may be desirable for the production system of dairy calves.

Dietary copper levels affect mineral absorbability, rumen microbial composition and metabolites of the grazing Mongolian sheep

Copper (Cu) is a critical limiting factor in grazing livestock production in Inner Mongolia. This study investigated the effects of Cu-deficient and Cu-supplemented diets on production metrics, nutrient digestion and absorption, ruminal microbiota, and metabolites in grazing Mongolian sheep. A total of 28 individually-housed Mongolian sheep were randomly assigned to a Cu-deficient feeding group (LCu) and a Cu-deficient feeding control group (LCG), supplemented with a multi-nutrient salt containing 0 mg Cu and 14.3 mg Cu, respectively, for 53 continuous days. Following this, a 7-day digestion test was conducted, after which seven sheep from each group were randomly slaughtered. The remaining sheep in LCu and LCG transitioned to a Cu-supplemented feeding group (SCu) and a Cu-supplemented feeding control group (SCG), receiving multi-nutrient salts with 43.0 mg Cu and 14.3 mg Cu, respectively. This phase entailed a 34-day diet acclimatization period, a 7-day digestion test, and eventual slaughter. The LCu diet significantly decreased the ruminal Cu and sulfur (S) content, as well as Cu apparent absorbability, compared to the LCG group (P<0.05). Conversely, SCu significantly increased the ruminal Cu content and the apparent absorbability of phosphorus (P), S, potassium (K), calcium (Ca), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), Cu and zinc (Zn) compared to the SCG group (P<0.05). Amplicon sequencing analysis revealed a significant downregulation of Alistipes and Barnesiella (P<0.05) in the LCu group. Metabolomic analyses supported an elevation in ruminal citrulline and L-ornithine levels, affecting amino acid metabolic pathways in the LCu group (P<0.05). In the SCu group, there was a significant increase in the relative abundance of Saccharofermentans and Ruminococcus (P<0.05), with metabolomic analysis revealed elevated levels of nucleic acid and purine analog affecting purine metabolic pathways (P<0.05). Notably, neither treatment had a significant impact production metrics, rumen fermentation parameters, or the apparent digestibility of crude protein, acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber (P>0.05). In conclusion, a Cu-deficient diet impairs Cu absorption and nutrient catabolism in grazing Mongolian sheep, while Cu supplementation effectively alleviated these deficiencies and enhances the absorption of various minerals.

Effect of Salvia sclarea L. extract on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and immune function in lambs.

This study aimed to explore the effects of Salvia sclarea extract on the growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, antioxidant capacity, and immune function of the lambs. Sixty female lambs (Chinese Merino sheep) aged 2 months and weighing 20 ± 2 kg were selected and randomly divided into five groups of 12 lambs each. The control group (CK) received only basal feed, whereas the experimental group was supplemented with different concentrations of salvia sclarea extract in the basal feed at 0.04, 0.08, 0.12, and 0.16 mL/kg (CL1, CL2, CL3, and CL4, respectively). The feeding period was 85 days, including 15 days of pre-feeding and 70 days of regular feeding. Body weight and feed intake were recorded during the test period, and blood was collected at the end of the test to determine immune and antioxidant indices. The results showed that the average daily weight gain and feed intake of the lambs were significantly higher in the CL3 group than in the CK group (p < 0.05). In addition, the apparent nutrient digestibility of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber increased significantly (p < 0.05). The dry matter, acid detergent fiber, and ether extract were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Serum levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase and antioxidant capacity were significantly higher in the CL2, CL3, and CL4 groups than in the CK group, whereas malondialdehyde levels were significantly lower (p < 0.05). The serum levels of immune globulin immune globulin A, immune globulin G, immune globulin M, interferon-γ, and interleukin-10 were significantly higher and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β were significantly lower in the CL2, CL3, and CL4 groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of the S. sclarea extract to the diet promoted growth performance and nutrient digestion in lambs. Immune response was improved by increasing Ig and cytokine concentrations. It enhances antioxidant status by increasing antioxidant enzyme activity in lambs.

Capsaicin as a Dietary Additive for Dairy Cows: A Meta-Analysis on Performance, Milk Composition, Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, and Serum Metabolites.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with capsaicin (CAP) on productive performance, milk composition, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and serum metabolites of dairy cows using a meta-analytical approach. The database included 13 studies, from which the response variables of interest were obtained. Data were analyzed using a random effects model, and results were expressed as weighted mean differences between treatments supplemented with and without CAP. Dietary supplementation with CAP increased (p < 0.05) dry matter intake, milk yield, feed efficiency, milk fat yield, and milk fat content. However, CAP supplementation did not affect (p > 0.05) milk protein and lactose yield, milk urea nitrogen, or milk somatic cell count. Greater (p < 0.05) apparent digestibility of dry matter and crude protein was observed in response to the dietary inclusion of CAP. Likewise, supplementation with CAP increased (p < 0.05) the rumen concentration of total volatile fatty acids. In contrast, CAP supplementation did not affect (p > 0.05) ruminal pH or the ruminal concentration of ammonia nitrogen, acetate, propionate, and butyrate. In blood serum, CAP supplementation increased (p < 0.05) the glucose concentration and decreased (p < 0.05) the concentration of non-esterified fatty acids. However, CAP supplementation did not affect (p > 0.05) the serum concentration of urea and beta-hydroxybutyrate. In conclusion, capsaicin can be used as a dietary additive to improve the productive performance, milk composition, and nutrient digestibility in dairy cows and, at the same time, improve the ruminal concentration of total volatile fatty acids and serum levels of glucose and non-esterified fatty acids.

Prediction of apparent total tract digestion of crude protein in adult dogs.

To predict the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of crude protein (CP) in dogs we developed an in vitro system using an in vitro digestion method and a statistical analysis. The experimental diets used chicken meat powder as the protein source, with CP levels of 20% (22.01%, analyzed CP value as dry-based), 30% (31.35%, analyzed CP value as dry-based), and 40% (41.34%, analyzed CP value as dry-based). To simulate in vivo digestive processes a static in vitro digestion was performed in two steps; stomach and small intestine. To analyze ATTD the total fecal samples were collected in eight neutered beagle dogs during the experimental period. CP digestibility was calculated by measuring CP levels in dog food, in vitro undigested fraction, and dog feces. In result, CP digestibility at both in vivo and in vitro was increased with increasing dietary CP levels. To estimate in vivo digestibility the co-relation of in vivo ATTD and in vitro digestibility was investigated statistically and a regression equation was developed to predict the CP ATTD (% = 2.5405 × in vitro CP digestibility (%) + 151.8). The regression equation was evaluated its feasibility by using a commercial diet. The predicted CP digestibility which was calculated by the regression equation showed high index of similarity (100.16%) with that of in vivo in dogs. With that, it would be a feasible non-animal method to predict in vivo CP digestibility by using in vitro digestion method and the proposed linear regression equation in adult dogs.

Supplementation of protease and different nutrient density diets in growing-finishing pigs.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of protease supplementation and different nutrient density of diets in growing-finishing pigs. A total of one hundred-eight crossbred growing pigs ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) with an initial body weight (BW; 18.74 ± 3.46 kg) were used for 15 weeks. Pigs were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments with 6 replicates of 3 pigs per pen in a 3 × 2 factorial through the following arrangement: Three groups of protease (1, Basal diets; 2, Protease A: 125 mg/kg protease derived from Streptomyces sps; 3, Protease B: 100 mg/kg protease derived from Bacillus licheniformis) at two different nutrient density diets (1, Basal requirement; 2, 0.94%-0.98% higher than requirement in dietary protein and 50 kcal/kg in energy). High nutrient (HN) diets showed higher average daily gain (ADG) (p < 0.05) and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of crude protein (CP) (p < .0001) compared to basal nutrient (BN) diets during growing periods. Supplementation of protease showed higher BW (p < 0.05) and ADG (p < 0.05) compared to non-supplementation of protease during growing periods. Also, supplementation of protease showed higher ATTD of CP (p < 0.01), ATTD of gross energy (p < 0.05) and decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level (p = 0.001) compared to non-supplementation of protease during finishing periods. Pigs which fed the protease showed decreased ammonia (NH3) emissions (p < 0.05) during experiment periods and decreased hydrogen sulfide (H2S) emissions (p < 0.01) during finishing periods. Interactions between nutrient density and protease were observed, which decreased the feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05) in HN diets without protease compared to BN diets without protease during weeks 4 to 6. Also, interaction between nutrient density and protease was observed, which resulted in improved ATTD of CP (p < 0.01) in response to PTA supplementation with HN diets during the finishing period. In conclusion, supplementation of protease reduces NH3 in feces and BUN in whole blood by increasing the digestibility of CP and improves growth performance. Also, diets with high nutrient density improved growth performance and nutrient digestibility in growing periods.

Benefits of heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant status, immunity, and cecal microbiota of rabbits.

Heat-killed probiotics, as a type of inactivated beneficial microorganisms, possess an extended shelf life and broader adaptability compared to their live counterparts. This study aimed to investigate the impact of heat-killed Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus, LA) - a deactivated probiotic on the growth performance, digestibility, antioxidant status, immunity and cecal microbiota of rabbits. Two hundred weaned Hyla rabbits were randomly allocated into five equal groups (CON, L200, L400, L600, and L800). Over a 28-day period, the rabbits were fed basal diets supplemented with 0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 mg/kg of heat-killed LA, respectively. Results revealed a significant reduction in the feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) in the L600 and L800 groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, the L800 group exhibited significantly higher apparent digestibility of crude fiber (CF) and crude protein (CP) (p < 0.05). Regarding digestive enzyme activities, enhanced trypsin and fibrinase activities were observed in the L600 and L800 groups (p < 0.05). Concerning the regulation of the body's antioxidant status, the L800 group demonstrated elevated levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in both serum and ileal tissue (p < 0.05). In terms of immune capacity modulation, serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were significantly lower in the L600 and L800 groups (p < 0.05), while immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels were higher (p < 0.05). Additionally, the L800 group exhibited a substantial increase in secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) levels in the intestinal mucosa (p < 0.05). In comparison to the CON group, the L800 group exhibited a significant increase in the relative abundance of Phascolarctobacterium and Alistipes in the cecum (p < 0.05). Phascolarctobacterium demonstrated a positive correlation with SIgA (p < 0.05), IgM (p < 0.01), and Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (p < 0.05), while displaying a negative correlation with TNF-α levels (p < 0.05). Concurrently, Alistipes exhibited positive correlations with IgA (p < 0.05), IgM (p < 0.05), SIgA (p < 0.01), GSH-Px (p < 0.05), SOD (p < 0.05), and T-AOC (p < 0.01), and a negative correlation with TNF-α (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the dietary incorporation of 600 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg of heat-killed LA positively influenced the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant status, immune capacity and cecal microbiota of rabbits. This highlights the potential benefits of utilizing heat-killed probiotics in animal nutrition.

Optimizing dietary rumen-degradable starch to rumen-degradable protein ratio improves lactation performance and nitrogen utilization efficiency in mid-lactating Holstein dairy cows.

The dietary rumen-degradable starch (RDS) to rumen-degradable protein (RDP) ratio, denoted as the RDS-to-RDP ratio (SPR), has been proven to enhance in vitro rumen fermentation. However, the effects of dietary SPR in vivo remain largely unexplored. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary SPR on lactation performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation patterns, blood indicators, and nitrogen (N) partitioning in mid-lactating Holstein cows. Seventy-two Holstein dairy cows were randomly assigned to three groups (24 head/group), balanced for (mean ± standard deviation) days in milk (116 ± 21.5), parity (2.1 ± 0.8), milk production (42 ± 2.1 kg/d), and body weight (705 ± 52.5 kg). The cows were fed diets with low (2.1, control), medium (2.3), or high (2.5) SPR, formulated to be isoenergetic, isonitrogenous, and iso-starch. The study consisted of a one-week adaptation phase followed by an eight-week experimental period. The results indicated that the high SPR group had a lower dry matter intake compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). A quadratic increase in milk yield and feed efficiency was observed with increasing dietary SPR (p < 0.05), peaking in the medium SPR group. The medium SPR group exhibited a lower milk somatic cell count and a higher blood total antioxidant capacity compared to other groups (p < 0.05). With increasing dietary SPR, there was a quadratic improvement (p < 0.05) in the total tract apparent digestibility of crude protein, ether extract, starch, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber. Although no treatment effect was observed in rumen pH, the rumen total volatile fatty acids concentration and microbial crude protein synthesis increased quadratically (p < 0.05) as dietary SPR increased. The molar proportion of propionate linearly increased (p = 0.01), while branched-chain volatile fatty acids linearly decreased (p = 0.01) with increasing dietary SPR. The low SPR group (control) exhibited higher concentration of milk urea N, rumen ammonia N, and blood urea N than other groups (p < 0.05). Despite a linear decrease (p < 0.05) in the proportion of urinary N to N intake, increasing dietary SPR led to a quadratic increase (p = 0.01) in N utilization efficiency and a quadratic decrease (p < 0.05) in the proportion of fecal N to N intake. In conclusion, optimizing dietary SPR has the potential to enhance lactation performance and N utilization efficiency. Based on our findings, a medium dietary SPR (with SPR = 2.3) is recommended for mid-lactating Holstein dairy cows. Nevertheless, further research on rumen microbial composition and metabolites is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of the observed effects.

Fatty acid-balanced oil improved nutrient digestibility, altered milk composition in lactating sows and fecal microbial composition in piglets.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of a fatty acid-balanced oil, instead of soybean oil, on reproductive performance, nutrient digestibility, blood indexes, milk composition in lactating sows, and fecal microbial composition in piglets. Twenty-four sows (Landrace×Yorkshire, mean parity 4.96) were randomly allotted to two treatments with twelve pens per treatment and one sow per pen based on their backfat thickness and parity. The experiment began on day 107 of gestation and continued until weaning on day 21 of lactation, lasting for 28 days. The control group (CG) was fed a basal diet supplemented with 2% soybean oil and the experimental group (EG) was fed the basal diet supplemented with 2% fatty acid-balanced oil. The fatty acid-balanced oil supplementation increased (p<0.05) the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy in sows. The lower (p<0.05) serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and albumin levels of sows were observed in the EG on day 21 of lactation. Dietary supplementation with the fatty acid-balanced oil decreased the fat content, increased the immunoglobulin G level, and changed (p<0.05) some fatty acid content in milk. Moreover, the fatty acid-balanced oil supplementation changed (p<0.05) the fecal microbial composition of piglets, where the average relative abundance of Spirochaetota was decreased (p<0.05) by 0.55% at the phylum level, and the average relative abundance of some potentially pathogenic fecal microorganism was decreased (p<0.05) at the species level. The fatty acid-balanced oil improved nutrient digestibility, changed the serum biochemical indices and milk composition of sows, and ameliorated the fecal microbial composition of piglets.

Slow-releasing urea coated with low-trans vegetable lipids: Effects on lamb performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, and blood parameters

The objective of this study was to produce slow-release urea (SRU) coated with low-trans vegetable fat (LTVF) and compare it to uncoated urea (U) in the diet of lambs. The first experiment evaluated LTVF-coated U produced in three different ratios (U: LTVF), 30:70 (SRU30), 40:60 (SRU40), and 50:50 (SRU50). SRU40 had higher (P < 0.05) coating yield (85.5 %) and efficiency (98 %) in comparison to SRU30 (82.9 and 96 %) and SRU50 (83.7 and 96.6 %). SRU40 maintained better thermal stability for retention and slower release of urea (P < 0.05). A second experiment tested SRU40 in 32 intact male Santa Inês lambs (average age: 6 months; average body weight: 17.9 ± 2.01 kg). The lambs were allocated in four treatments: one control diet with 0.5 % U (U0.5 %) and three levels of SRU40 [1.25 % (SRU1.25); 2.0 % (SRU2); 3.0 % (SRU3); dry matter (DM) basis] in a randomized block design to evaluate performance and ingestive behavior. A third experiment evaluated apparent digestibility, nitrogen (N) metabolism, rumen, and blood parameters of 24 intact Santa Inês lambs (average age: 6 months; average body weight: 16 ± 2.2 kg) in a randomized block design with six replications. Including SRU linearly increased ether extract (EE), and non-fiber carbohydrates intake (P < 0.05) but did not change DM, organic matter, crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber assayed with heat stable amylase and expressed excluding residual ash (aNDFom), intake and performance of the lambs (P >0.05). Lambs tended to spend less time ruminating (P = 0.052) and more time eating (P = 0.078) when SRU was included in the diet. The inclusion of SRU in the diet of lambs tended to linearly increase the apparent total tract digestibility of CP (P = 0.078). There was no effect of SRU on N-intake, however, including SRU linearly reduced N-urinary excretion and linearly increased N-retention (P < 0.05). Feeding SRU1.25 % resulted in higher N-retained and lower N-urinary and N-fecal than feeding U0.5 %. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and rumen pH decreased linearly with the inclusion of SRU, while NH3-N concentration increased linearly (P < 0.05). Lambs fed SRU1.25 % presented higher BUN and lower NH3-N compared to lambs fed U0.5 % (P < 0.05). N-retained, microbial nitrogen and protein supply linearly increased (P < 0.05) due to the inclusion of SRU in the lambs’ diet. Lambs fed U0.5 % presented the highest (P < 0.05) BUN concentrations at all times after feeding. There was a linear decrease of BUN in lambs fed SRU at 0, 4, and 6-h post-feeding (P < 0.05). LTVF was efficient in coating urea, especially the formulation with 40 % urea and 60 % vegetable fat (SRU40). It is recommended the inclusion of SRU40 in the diet of lambs up to 3 % (total DM basis) as it improves the use of N in the rumen, reducing N-excretion and increasing N-retention, without affecting the performance of the lambs.

Effects of Flammulina velutipes mushroom residues on growth performance, apparent digestibility, serum biochemical indicators, rumen fermentation and microbial of Guizhou black goat.

The primary objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of Flammulina velutipes mushroom residue (FVMR) in a fermented total mixed ration (FTMR) diet on the fattening effect and rumen microorganisms in Guizhou black male goats. A total of 22 Guizhou black male goats were allocated into two groups using the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) experimental design. The average initial weight was 22.41 ± 0.90 kg and with 11 goats in each group. The control group (group I) was fed the traditional fermentation total mixed ration (FTMR) diet without FVMR. Group II was fed the 30% FVMR in the FTMR diet. The results showed that compared with group I, the addition of FVMR in the goat diet could reduce the feed cost and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of group II (p < 0.01). Notably, the apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and dry matter (DM) were higher in group II (p < 0.01). The levels of growth hormone (GH), immunoglobulin A (IgA), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) in group II were higher than that of group I (p < 0.01), which the level of glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (ALT) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) was noticeably lower than that of group I (p < 0.01). 30% FVMR in FTMR diets had no effect on rumen fermentation parameters and microbial composition at the phylum level of Guizhou black male goats (p > 0.05). However, at the genus level, the relative abundance of bacteroidal_bs11_gut_group, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group and Desulfovibrio in group II was lower than in group I (p < 0.05), and the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae_ND3007_group was higher than in group I (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the results of the current study indicated that 30% FVMR in the FTMR diet improves rumen fermentation and rumen microbial composition in Guizhou black male goats, which improves growth performance, apparent digestibility, and immunity.

Effect of detoxified castor bean meal inclusion in sugarcane ensilage on intake, digestibility, water balance, ruminal parameters, serum biochemistry, and ingestive behavior of sheep

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of including detoxified castor bean meal (DCM) in sugarcane ensilage (SCE) on nutrient metabolism, water balance, ruminal parameters and serum biochemistry of sheep. We used five intact male Santa Inês sheep, with 31.02 ± 2.71 kg, housed in metabolic cages receiving treatment diets with 0 (control), 5, 10, 15, and 20 % as fed DCM in SCE. The animals were evaluated for 85 days, divided into five experimental periods. The intake of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent insoluble fibre (NDF) and non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) increased (P<0.05), while the apparent digestibility of DM, CP, and NDF decreased (P<0.05) with the inclusion of DCM in the SCE. Ruminal ammonia nitrogen decreased (P<0.05) while serum glucose and magnesium increased (P<0.05) with DCM inclusion in the SCE. Including DCM in the SCE did not influence (P>0.05) water balance. The intake and rumination efficiencies increased (P<0.05) with the inclusion of DCM in the SCE. We recommend the inclusion of up to 20 % DCM in the SCE for use in the diet of sheep.

The Effects of Harvest Maturity of Eragrostis tef 'Moxie' Hay and Supplemental Energy Source on Forage Utilization in Beef Heifers.

The phenological stage of maturity of grasses and supplementation program can impact forage utilization in grazing beef cattle. However, the potential interaction between harvest maturity of Eragrostis tef (teff) hay and energy supplement source was yet to be fully evaluated. Therefore, our objective was to determine the effects of harvest maturity of teff hay and supplemental energy sources on nutrient intake, apparent total-tract nutrient digestion, nitrogen (N) utilization, and ruminal fermentation characteristics in beef heifers. A split-plot design with teff hay harvest maturity as the whole plot and supplemental energy source as the subplot was administered in a three-period (21 d), three × three Latin square design. Six crossbred beef heifers (804 ± 53.6 kg of body weight; BW) were allocated to two harvest maturities (early- (EH]) or late-heading (LH)) and to two supplemental energy sources (no supplement (CON), or rolled corn grain or beet pulp pellet fed at 0.5% of BW). Data were analyzed using SAS. There was no harvest maturity × energy supplement interaction. Although harvest maturity had no impact on total dry matter intake (DMI), crude protein (CP) intake was greater (p < 0.01) for EH than LH heifers. Total intakes of dry (DM) and organic matter (OM) were also greater (p < 0.01) for supplemented than CON heifers, whereas acid detergent fiber (ADF) intake was greater for beet pulp heifers compared to heifers fed the CON diet and supplemental corn grain. Harvest maturity had no impact on ruminal pH. However, mean ruminal pH was lower (p = 0.04), duration pH < 6.2, and molar proportions of butyrate and branched-chain fatty acids were greater (p ≤ 0.049) for heifers fed corn grain compared to CON and beet pulp diets. Heifers fed EH hay had greater (p ≤ 0.02) apparent total-tract DM, OM, CP, NDF, and ADF digestibility than heifers fed LH hay. Although there was no supplemental energy effect on microbial nitrogen (N) flow, it was greater (p < 0.01) for EH than LH heifers. Apparent N retention, which did not differ, was negative across all diets. In summary, delaying the harvest of teff hay from the EH to LH stage of maturity compromised nutrient supply, which was not attenuated by feeding supplemental corn grain and beet pulp at 0.5% of diet DM. Because N retention was negative across harvest maturity, there might be a need to provide both energy and protein supplements to improve growth performance when feeding teff hay to beef cattle.

Novel quality feed from a wasted resource: measuring the nutritional value of low-glycoalkaloids potato haulm in sheep

This study evaluated the potential of low-glycoalkaloid potato haulm (LGPH) as a high-quality feed for ruminants. The low-glycoalkaloid potato plants were grown in a net house following standard agricultural practices. Dehaulming was performed a fortnight before the harvest of the tubers, as commercially practiced. Four healthy female lambs (aged 4 months) were employed in a 4×4 Latin square feeding experiment design. The lambs were fed with either a maintenance diet consisting of 73% roughage (control), or treatment diets with supplementation of 10% (P10), 15% (P15), and 20% (P20) LGPH on a dry matter (DM) basis for a period of 21 days, including 14 days of adaption and 7 days of sampling. Refusals and feces were collected for 6 days and pooled followed by a 24 h urine collection on the 7th day. On the 6th day, an hour after morning feeding, blood, and rumen liquid samples were collected. All the samples were analysed, and the data generated were analysed using ANOVA with diet and period as fixed effects and sheep as a random effect. Orthogonal contrasts were used to detect linear and quadratic effects of LGPH in the diet. Linear or polynomial equations were produced to extract the nutrient digestibility and metabolizable energy (ME) of LGPH. No toxicological clinical signs were observed, and the haematology profiles were normal throughout the trial. LGPH did not affect the daily intake of nutrients and energy. However, the apparent digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and gross energy increased (P= 0.01) linearly (P&amp;lt; 0.01) with supplementation of LGPH in the diet. The inclusion of LGPH had a quadratic effect on neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility (P= 0.027), reaching a peak of 54.8 % at 12.3 % LGPH supplement on a DM basis. The N retention in lambs fed with the P20 diet was nearly twice that of the control diet (P= 0.032; 19.1 vs. 10.2 g/d). The computed digestibility values of DM, OM, CP, and NDF for LGPH were 76.1, 79.7, 84.2, and 72.1 %, respectively, and ME was 2.62 Mcal/kg DM. Conclusively, by significantly reducing the glycoalkaloids’ content in potato haulm, we can safely repurpose the currently wasted foliage as a new source of high-quality roughage feed for ruminants, equivalent to alfalfa hay, without imposing any additional environmental burden. However, further research is necessary to assess impact of LGPH on growth performance, and milk productivity before practical application on commercial farms.

Effects of crude protease produced by Bacillus subtilis (MAFIC Y7) on growth performance, immune indices, and anti-inflammatory responses of broilers fed soybean meal- or cottonseed meal-based diets.

A strain of Bacillus subtilis (MAFIC Y7) was isolated from the intestine of Tibetan pigs and was able to express high protease activity. The aim of this study was to characterize the proteases produced by MAFIC Y7, and to investigate the effects of protease addition on growth performance, ileal amino acid digestibility, and serum immunoglobulin and immune factors of broilers fed SBM-based diets, or on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and intestinal morphology of broilers fed CSM-based diets. B. subtilis (MAFIC Y7) expressed protease showed its optimal enzyme activity at 50 °C and pH 7.0. The coated crude enzyme (CCE) showed greater stability at pH 3.0 than its uncoated counterpart. Experiment 1 was conducted with six diets based on three levels of crude protein (CP)-CPlow, CPmedium, and CPhigh-with or without CCE. In CPlow, CCE increased gain:feed (G:F) (days 1 to 21, days 1 to 42) by 8%, 3%, respectively, and enhanced apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of crude protein and lysine (on day 42) by 8.8%, 4.6%, respectively, compared with diets containing no CCE (P < 0.05). CCE increased G:F from days 1 to 21 from 0.63 to 0.68, improved G:F and average daily gain (ADG) during days 1 to 42, and enhanced AID of crude protein, lysine, cysteine, and isoleucine on day 42 compared with the unsupplemented treatments (in CPmedium, P < 0.05). CCE increased serum IgA (on day 21), serum IgA and IgG and increased serum IL-10 (on day 42), but decreased serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α; on day 21), and serum IL-8 and TNF-α (on day 42) compared with unsupplemented treatments. At CPhigh, CCE decreased serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α (on day 21), and IL-8 and TNF-α (on day 42) compared with unsupplemented treatments (in CPhigh, P < 0.05). In experiment 2, CSM-based diets with two lysine-to-protein ratios (5.2% or 5.5%) with or without CCE. In the high Lys diet (5.5% Lys:protein), CCE increased ADG and G:F, increased carcass, but decreased abdominal fat compared with the unsupplemented treatment (P < 0.05). In the 5.2% Lys:protein dietary treatment, CCE improved duodenal villus height compared with the unsupplemented treatment (P < 0.05). Supplementation of protease produced by MAFIC Y7 was associated with lower inflammatory responses in SBM diets (CPmedium or CPhigh) and improved ADG in broilers fed CPmedium or CPhigh. The proteases improved ADG and the efficiency of CSM use when the ratio of Lys to protein was 5.5%.

Synbiotics improve growth performance and nutrient digestibility, inhibit PEDV infection, and prevent intestinal barrier dysfunction by mediating innate antivirus immune response in weaned piglets.

This experiment was conducted to explore the effects of dietary synbiotics (SYB) supplementation on growth performance, immune function, and intestinal barrier function in piglets challenged with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). Forty crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) weaned piglets (26 ± 1d old) with a mean body weight (BW) of 6.62 ± 0.36kg were randomly allotted to five groups: control (CON) I and CONII group, both fed basal diet; 0.1% SYB group, 0.2% SYB group, and 0.2% yeast culture (YC) group, fed basal diet supplemented with 0.1%, 0.2% SYB, and 0.2% YC, respectively. On day 22, all piglets were orally administrated with 40mL PEDV (5.6 × 103 TCID50/mL) except piglets in CONI group, which were administrated with the same volume of sterile saline. The trial lasted for 26d. Before PEDV challenge, dietary 0.1% SYB supplementation increased final BW, average daily gain (ADG), and decreased the ratio of feed to gain during 0 to 21d (P < 0.05), as well as improved the apparent nutrient digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein, ether extract (EE), and gross energy (GE). At the same time, 0.2% YC also improved the apparent nutrient digestibility of DM, OM, EE, and GE (P < 0.05). PEDV challenge increased diarrhea rate and diarrhea indexes while decreased ADG (P < 0.05) from days 22 to 26, and induced systemic and intestinal mucosa innate immune and proinflammatory responses, destroyed intestinal barrier integrity. The decrease in average daily feed intake and ADG induced by PEDV challenge was suppressed by dietary SYB and YC supplementation, and 0.1% SYB had the best-alleviating effect. Dietary 0.1% SYB supplementation also increased serum interleukin (IL)-10, immunoglobulin M, complement component 4, and jejunal mucosal IL-4 levels, while decreased serum diamine oxidase activity compared with CONII group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, 0.1% SYB improved mRNA expressions of claudin-1, zonula occludens protein-1, mucin 2, interferon-γ, interferon regulatory factor-3, signal transducers and activators of transcription (P < 0.05), and protein expression of occludin, and downregulated mRNA expressions of toll-like receptor 3 and tumor necrosis factor-α (P < 0.05) in jejunal mucosa. Supplementing 0.2% SYB or 0.2% YC also had a positive effect on piglets, but the effect was not as good as 0.1% SYB. These results indicated that dietary 0.1% SYB supplementation improved growth performance under normal conditions, and alleviated the inflammatory response and the damage of intestinal barrier via improving innate immune function and decreasing PEDV genomic copies, showed optimal protective effects against PEDV infection.