Apparent Digestibility Of Diets Research Articles

Carbohydrase enzyme and polyethylene glycol altered the chemical composition, growth performance and apparent nutrient digestibility of Prosopis juliflora pods meal diets fed to Boschveld chicken breed

This study was designed to evaluate how treating Prosopis juliflora pods with polyethylene glycol and carbohydrase enzyme will affect its chemical composition and how the inclusion of treated P. juliflora pods in Boschveld chicken's diets will affect growth performance and nutrient digestibility. Before P. juliflora pods were administrated to the diets, they were pre-treated with enzyme, PEG and a combination of both and analysed for their nutrient content. Five diets, namely PJPM1: commercial standard pullet grower diet as a control; PJPM2: commercial standard grower diet with untreated 30 % of P. juliflora; PJPM3: commercial standard grower diet with PEG treated 30 % of P. juliflora; PJPM4: commercial standard grower diet with carbohydrase enzyme treated 30 % of P. juliflora; PJPM5: commercial standard grower diet with PEG and carbohydrase enzyme treated 30 % of P. juliflora. A total of 300 six-week-old Boschveld chickens were used in this trial. After 42 days of feeding trial, three Boschveld chickens per replicate (n = 90) were randomly selected for the determination of nutrient digestibility. Results on the chemical composition of raw P. juliflora pods meal, pre-treated with enzyme, PEG and combination of both show significant difference (P <0.05) in CP, Ash, NDF, CF, EE, Hemicellulose, NFC and NFE. Only overall feed intake shows significant different (P <0.05) in all dietary treatments and all the measured parameters of nutrient digestibility. Enzyme and PEG positively contribute to the chemical composition, growth performance, and nutrient digestibility of diets containing P. juliflora fed to Boschveld chickens.

Effects of dietary fiber and biotic supplementation on apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility and the fecal characteristics, metabolites, and microbiota of healthy adult dogs.

Dietary fibers and biotics have been shown to support gastrointestinal health in dogs, but are usually tested individually. There is value in testing fiber-biotic combinations that are commonly used commercially. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility (ATTD) of diets supplemented with fibers or biotics and to evaluate their effects on the fecal characteristics, metabolites, microbiota, and immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentrations of dogs. Twelve healthy adult female beagle dogs (age= 6.2 ± 1.6 yr; body weight = 9.5 ± 1.1kg) were used in a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square design to test three treatments: 1) control diet based on rice, chicken meal, tapioca starch, and cellulose + a placebo treat (CT); 2) diet based on rice, chicken meal, garbanzo beans, and cellulose + a placebo treat (GB); 3) diet based on rice, chicken meal, garbanzo beans, and a functional fiber/prebiotic blend + a probiotic-containing treat (GBPP). In each 28-day period, a 22-day diet adaptation was followed by a 5-day fecal collection phase. Fasted blood samples were collected on day 28. Data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS 9.4, with P<0.05 being significant and P<0.10 being trends. ATTD of dry matter, organic matter, and energy were lower (P<0.001) and DM fecal output was higher (P<0.01) in dogs fed GBPP than CT or GB, whereas ATTD of crude protein was higher (P<0.001) in dogs fed CT and GBPP than GB. ATTD of fat was higher (P<0.001) and wet fecal output was lower (P<0.01) in dogs fed CT than GB or GBPP. Fecal DM% was higher (P<0.001) in dogs fed CT than GBPP or GB, and higher in dogs fed GBPP than GB. Fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations were higher (P<0.001) in dogs fed GB than CT or GBPP, and higher in dogs fed GB than GBPP. Fecal IgA concentrations were higher (P<0.01) in dogs fed GB than CT. Fecal microbiota populations were affected by diet, with alpha diversity being higher (P<0.01) in dogs fed GB than CT, and beta diversity shifting following dietary fiber and biotic supplementation. The relative abundance of 24 bacterial genera were altered in dogs fed GB or GBPP than CT. Serum triglyceride concentrations were lower in dogs fed GB than GBPP or CT. Our results demonstrate that legume-based dietary fibers, with or without prebiotics and probiotics, reduce ATTD, increase stool output, beneficially shift fecal metabolites and microbiota, and reduce blood lipids of adult dogs.

Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal vs. Soy Protein Concentrate Meal: A Comparative Digestibility Study in Barramundi (Lates calcarifer)

Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFM) from Hermetia illucens has emerged as a dependable protein source in aquaculture. This study aimed to assess BSFM’s digestibility in barramundi juveniles and compare it to soy protein concentrate meal (SPCM). Four diets (control, 30% BSFM; 30% SPCM; and commercial feed control) were tested on 1,800 barramundi juveniles (weight: 71.1 g) over 51 days in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). The final body weight (FBW) of fish fed with BSFM reached 222.2 (± 8.7), with a thermal-unit growth coefficient (TGC) of 4.33 (± 0.15) and a feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.04 (± 0.01). While BSFM and SPCM inclusion did not significantly impact FBW, body weight gain (BWG), TGC, or survival rates (P &gt;0.05), FCR increased. BSFM significantly raised total feed intake (P&lt;0.05) but did not affect daily feed intake (P &gt;0.05). Importantly, BSFM and SPCM inclusion did not alter diet apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) for any nutrient groups (P &gt;0.05), with BSFM showing high ADC for dry matter (76.8%), crude protein (93.2%), and gross energy (83.9%). No significant difference (P &gt;0.05) was observed in these ADCs between BSFM and SPCM. The high digestibility of BSFM in warm seawater RAS (29.4°C) under high stocking density (33.7 kg m−3) supports its efficacy in contemporary barramundi farming.

Nutrient and Energy Apparent Digestibility of Protein-Based Feed Ingredients and Effect of the Dietary Factors on Growth Performance and Feed Utilization of Sobaity Seabream, Sparidentex hasta.

Two separate feeding trials were undertaken to benchmark a series of commercial diets and determine the nutrient and energy apparent digestibility coefficients of a variety of protein-based feed ingredients when fed to sobaity seabream, Sparidentex hasta. In Experiment 1, triplicate groups of fish (initial body weight: 330.5 ± 2.6 g) were fed with one of three locally available diets containing crude protein (CP) levels ranging from 44 to 46% of dry matter (DM), each with ~12% crude fat. Fish grew at around 3.2 g day-1 with a specific growth rate (SGR) of 0.7% day-1. Both the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were significantly better in fish fed diets, which contained the highest (46.4%) crude protein level. Overall, the data from these preliminary studies suggest that the best performance by sobaity seabream was obtained with a diet containing 46% crude protein, 20 MJ/kg, and a protein-to-energy ratio of 23 mg/kJ. In Experiment 2, fish with an initial body weight of 319 ± 7 g were held in 11 tanks and fed reference (D1) and test diets (D2-D11) for 7 days before fecal collection. This process was repeated twice in a blocking arrangement to generate three replicates. Each of the ten test diets contained 30% of a test ingredient, with the remaining 70% proportionally identical to the D1 diet. Diet apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) were measured, and the diet ADCs were then used to derive the protein and energy ADCs for the individual test ingredients. Ingredient protein ADC ranged between 75.5 and 93.9%, while ingredient energy ADC ranged between 66.8 and 81.2%.

Apparent nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization of Panicum maximum-based diets fed to West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep

An experiment was carried out to investigate the apparent nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization of feed for West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep fed five selected plants in small ruminant research farm, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos. Twenty WAD sheep were subjected to five dietary treatments with four animals per treatment in a completely randomized design for an in vivo experiment that lasted for 84 days. The animals were fed Anacardium occidentale, Gmelina arborea, Mangifera indica and Gliricidia sepium leaves using Panicum maximum as a basal diet. Dry matter (DM) digestibility varied (p&lt;0.05) between sheep fed Mangifera indica + Panicum maximum and Anacardium occidentale + Panicum maximum respectively. Crude protein digestibility was highest (p&lt;0.05) in sheep fed Anacardium occidentale + Panicum maximum and lowest in sheep fed Mangifera indica + Panicum maximum. Nitrogen digestibility ranged from 79.64% in animals fed Panicum maximum (control) to 93.62% in animals fed Anacardium occidentale + Panicum maximum. Sheep fed Anacardium occidentale + Panicum maximum had highest (p&lt;0.05) value (1.63 g/d) urinary nitrogen while the lowest value (0.65 g/d) was observed in animals fed Mangifera indica + Panicum maximum. Nitrogen absorbed had least value (2.36g/d) in animals fed the control diet whereas significant highest value was recorded in animals fed Anacardium occidentale + Panicum maximum (7.56g/d). The study concluded that sheep fed Anacardium occidentale supplemented with Panicum maximum had the higher values of nutrient digestibilities and nitrogen intake.

Effects of diets supplemented with bioactive peptides on nutrient digestibility, immune cell responsiveness, and fecal characteristics, microbiota, and metabolites of adult cats.

Bioactive peptides (BP) are recognized for their ability to function as antioxidants and maintain lipid stability. They may have positive health effects, including antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, osteoprotective, gut health, and immunomodulatory properties, but are poorly tested in cats. Our primary objective was to determine the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of BP-containing kibble diets and assess how the fecal characteristics, metabolites, and microbiota were affected in adult cats. Our secondary objective was to test whether BP could impact blood oxidative stress markers and cytokine concentrations following transport stress. Twelve adult cats (4.83±0.37 yr; 4.76±0.14kg) were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin square design to test four extruded kibble diets: Control (no BP), Chicken (4% chicken BP), Marine1 (2% marine BP), and Marine2 (4% marine BP). Each experimental period lasted 28 d, with a 20-d adaptation phase, 5 d for fecal collection, 2 d for blood collection, and 1 d for transport stress testing (driven in vehicle in individual carriers for 45min). Salivary cortisol and blood oxidative stress markers and cytokines were measured after transport. Fecal microbiota data were evaluated using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and QIIME2. All other data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS, with P<0.05 being considered significant and P<0.10 considered trends. No differences were observed in animal health outcomes, with all cats remaining healthy and serum metabolites remaining within reference ranges. Cats fed the Marine2 diet had higher (P<0.05) ATTD of dry matter (84.5% vs. 80.9%) and organic matter (88.3% vs. 85.8%) than those fed the control diet. The ATTD of protein and energy tended to be higher (P<0.10) for cats fed the Marine2 diet. Fecal characteristics, metabolites, and bacterial alpha and beta diversity measures were not affected by treatment. However, the relative abundances of six bacterial genera were different (P<0.05) and two bacterial genera tended to be different (P<0.10) across treatments. Treatment did not alter salivary cortisol, blood oxidative stress markers, or blood cytokines after transport stress. Our data suggest that BP inclusion may increase nutrient digestibility and modify fecal microbiota and immune measures. More testing is required, however, to determine whether BP may provide additional benefits to cats.

Effect of wheat middling incorporation into wet corn distillers grains with solubles on apparent diet digestibility and ruminal fermentation characteristics in growing and finishing diets.

Two separate cross-over experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of incorporating wheat middlings into wet corn distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) on apparent diet digestibility and ruminal fermentation characteristics in growing and finishing diets. In experiment 1, four ruminally cannulated heifers (313 ± 42.9kg) were limit fed a high-energy growing diet that included WDGS (CON) or WDGS + wheat middlings (CON + WM) at 40% of diet dry matter (DM). The diet also contained (DM basis) 39.5% dry-rolled corn, 7.5% supplement, and 13% warm-season grass hay. In experiment 2, four ruminally cannulated Holstein steers (321 ± 17.4kg) were fed a finishing diet that included WDGS (CON) or WDGS + wheat middlings (CON + WM) at 30% of diet DM. The diet also contained (DM basis) 60.3% dry-rolled corn, 2.7% supplement, and 7.0% warm-season grass hay. Experiments consisted of two 15-d periods that were conducted concurrently. Each period included 10 d of diet adaptation, 4 d of fecal collection, and 1 d of ruminal fluid collection. Fecal samples were collected on days 11 to 14 of each period and composite samples were analyzed for chromium to estimate apparent diet digestibility. On day 15, ruminal fluid samples were collected prior to feeding and again at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 18, and 24-h post-feeding. In experiment 1, DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) intake did not differ (P ≥ 0.11) between diets; however, starch intake was greater (P = 0.03) for heifers fed CON + WM compared with CON. Apparent DM, OM, NDF, and starch digestibilities were similar between diets (P ≥ 0.13), but feeding CON + WM tended to lead to lesser (P = 0.06) apparent ADF digestibility. Ruminal pH and total volatile fatty acid concentrations did not differ between diets (P ≥ 0.16); however, ruminal ammonia concentrations tended to be less (P = 0.09) for CON + WM compared with CON. In experiment 2, DM intake did not differ (P = 0.65) between diets. Apparent DM digestibility was greater (P = 0.01) for CON + WM compared with CON but the difference was small. Intake and apparent digestibility of OM, NDF, ADF, and starch did not differ (P ≥ 0.25) between diets. Ruminal ammonia concentrations were lesser (P = 0.03) while ruminal pH was greater (P = 0.02) for CON + WM compared with CON. Overall, incorporation of wheat middlings into WDGS had minimal impacts on feed intake, apparent diet digestibility, and ruminal fermentation characteristics when fed to growing and finishing cattle.

Apparent nutrient digestibility, metabolizable energy and apparent ileal amino acid digestibility of commercial partially defatted Hermetia illucens meal for laying hens

Abstract A digestibility study with laying hens was carried out to determine the nutritional value of a commercial and representative (batch to batch variance adjusted) insect meal based on Hermetia illucens (HI) larvae, (from black soldier fly) which was the objective in this study. A basal diet (BD; CP 15%), formulated and fed as such and an experimental diet (HD; CP 21%) consisting of BD with inclusion of 18% of the HI meal were used in the study. The BD and HD were fed to eight and six replicate metabolic cages, respectively, with eight Dekalb White laying hens each from 25 to 27 weeks of age. Diets (pelleted with TiO2 as marker) and water were available for ad libitum intake. Excreta was collected during the last three days to determine AMEn and apparent total tract faecal nutrient digestibility coefficients (ATTDC). Distal ileal content was collected at the last day of the experiment to determine apparent ileal amino acids digestibility of diets and HI meal. Using table values for endogenous losses standardised ileal amino acids digestibility coefficient (SIDC) of HI meal were also calculated. Analysed nutrients (g/kg) in HI meal were: 47 moisture, 529 crude protein, 71 ash, 135 fat and thus 218 was calculated as carbohydrates. Determined AME AMEn for HI meal was 3,846 kcal/kg dry matter (DM) and AMEn was 3,498 3,671 kcal/kg DM and ATTDC AFD for crude protein, crude fat and carbohydrates was 0.830, 0.940 and 0.680, respectively. Average SID coefficient for the 18 amino acids was 0.861 86.1%. Among indispensable amino acids SIDC ranged from 0.790% for threonine to 0.950% for phenylalanine and was 0.840% for lysine. These findings highlight that HI meal is an interesting alternative protein source for soybean meal (SBM). Besides market prices and availability, demands for more sustainable poultry production will determine the use of HI meals as alternative for SBM in poultry diets in the near future, especially in regions where SBM is imported from overseas.

Diet Digestibility and Partitioning of Nutrients in Adult Male Alpacas Fed a Blend of Oat Hay and Alfalfa Pellets at Two Levels of Intake

Alpacas are well adapted to consume the poor-quality forages present in the arid conditions of the Andean Altiplano. However, studies focusing on understanding the relationship between diet digestibility and intake are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two levels of dry matter intake (DMI) on a metabolic body weight (BW0.75) basis. The effects of a maintenance level of intake and an ad libitum level of intake (40 and 50 g of dry matter (DM) per kg of BW0.75, respectively) on the apparent diet digestibility and partitioning of specific nutrients (energy, carbon (C), and nitrogen (N)) of alpacas that were fed a blend of oat hay and alfalfa pellets (70:30 ratio as a percentage on a fed basis) were evaluated. Five adult intact male alpacas (BW = 62.9 ± 8.09 kg at the beginning of the study) were fed with the experimental diet and trained to be allocated in metabolism crates for 30 days. After the completion of this phase, two separate experiments for each level of intake were carried out, each lasting for twenty-six days (with the final five days taken for samples and raw data collection). In both experiments, the animals responded differently in terms of nutrient supply and changes in BW (−140 and 100 g/d for the maintenance and ad libitum levels of intake, respectively). Oat hay consumption was rather similar in both experiments, which may be explained by a reduced ingredient selectivity at the ad libitum level of intake. Diet digestibility was similar in both experiments, despite the greater fecal output of nutrients with the increased level of diet intake. In line with this, diet metabolizability, calculated as the ratio between metabolizable energy (ME) and gross energy (GE) contents, indicated a similar energy utilization of the diet. The apparent digestibility of the organic matter (OMD) ranged from 655 to 669 g/kg DM. Water consumption at the ad libitum level of intake was 21% higher than the observed mean at the maintenance level of intake. Fecal outputs of dietary energy, C, and N accounted for the largest source of excreted nutrients, regardless of the level of intake. The N retention increased from 0.439 at the maintenance level of intake, to 0.473 g of DM/kg BW0.75 when the alpacas were fed ad libitum.

PSIX-2 Effects of Diets Supplemented with Bioactive Peptides on Nutrient Digestibility, Immune Cell Responsiveness, and Fecal Characteristics, Microbiota, and Metabolites of Adult Cats

Abstract Bioactive peptides (BP) are recognized for their ability to function as antioxidants and maintain lipid stability. They may have positive health effects, including antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, osteoprotective, gut health and immunomodulatory properties. Our objective was to determine the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of bioactive peptide-containing kibble diets and assess how the fecal characteristics, metabolites, and microbiota were affected in adult cats. All procedures were approved by the University of Illinois IACUC. Twelve adult cats (4-5 yr; 4.84 kg avg. BW) were used in a replicated 4x4 Latin square design (n = 12/group) and fed to maintain BW. In each experimental period, cats were allotted to one of four extruded kibble experimental diets: control (4% dried chicken), chicken (4% chicken BP), marine1 (2% marine BP), and marine2 (4% marine BP). Health was confirmed by baseline serum chemistry and complete blood count analysis. Each experimental period lasted 28 days, with a 20-day adaptation phase, 5-day fecal collection [for nutrient digestibility, microbiota, metabolites, IgA, calprotectin, lactoferrin, pH, and dry matter (DM) analysis], 2-day blood collection (for serum chemistry, complete blood count, and immune cell functionality analysis), and 1 day for transport stress testing. For transport stress, cats were transported in a vehicle in individual carriers for 45 minutes. Upon return, their behavior was evaluated using the cat stress score (CSS). Saliva samples were collected within 15 minutes to measure cortisol concentrations and blood samples were collected after 3 hours to measure concentrations of oxidative stress markers [superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA)] and inflammatory cytokines. Fecal microbiota data were evaluated using QIIME2. All other data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS, with P &amp;lt; 0.05 being considered significant. No significant differences were observed in animal health outcomes, with all cats remaining healthy within reference ranges. There were no differences in fecal characteristics, metabolites, and microbiota diversity. Cats fed the marine2 diet had a 3.61% greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ATTD of DM and a 2.5% greater organic matter digestibility than those fed the control diet. The relative abundance of fecal Blautia was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in cats fed the control diet than those fed the chicken diet, while relative abundance of fecal Slackia was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in cats fed the control diet than those fed the chicken or marine1 diets. In comparison with cats fed the marine1 diet, the relative abundances of fecal Sellimonas and Bifidobacterium were less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in cats fed the control diet. Neither transport stress nor diet impacted the oxidative stress markers, cytokines, cortisol, or CSS. Furthermore, the diet did not affect immune cell functionality. In conclusion, including BP, in particular marine2 at 4% inclusion to feline diets may increase nutrient digestibility and modify fecal microbiota.

199 Effects of Dietary Fiber and Biotic Supplementation on Apparent Total Tract Macronutrient Digestibility, Fecal Characteristics, and Fecal Metabolites of Healthy Adult Dogs

Abstract Synbiotics, or mixtures of live microorganisms and substrates selectively utilized by host microorganisms, may confer complementary or synergistic health benefits to the host. Although synbiotics have demonstrated the potential to modulate the gut microbiome and improve gastrointestinal health in many host species, research trials in companion animal diets are limited. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility (ATTD) of diets supplemented with fibers or biotics and to evaluate their effects on the fecal characteristics, metabolites, microbiota, and immunoglobulin (Ig) A concentrations of dogs consuming them. Healthy adult female beagles (n = 12; age= 6.2 ± 1.6 yr; BW = 9.5 ± 1.1 kg) were used in a replicated 3 x 3 Latin square design to test three dietary treatments: 1) basal diet based on rice, chicken meal, tapioca starch, and cellulose and without probiotics or prebiotics + a placebo treat (control, CT); 2) diet based on rice, chicken meal, garbanzo beans, and cellulose + placebo treat (GB); 3) diet based on rice, chicken meal, and garbanzo beans, and functional fiber/prebiotic blend (mannanoligosaccharides; fructooligosaccharides, inulin, pea fiber, alfalfa meal, Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product) + probiotic-containing treat (synbiotic treatment, SYN). The probiotic treat contained Bacillus subtilus and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (2 x 109 CFU/d). In each 28-day period, a 22-day diet adaptation was followed by a 5-day fecal collection phase for measurement of ATTD and fecal characteristics, metabolites, microbiota, and IgA concentrations. Fasted blood samples were collected on day 28 for serum chemistry and complete blood count. All data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS 9.4, with P &amp;lt; 0.05 being significant. ATTD of dry matter (DM), organic matter, and energy were less and DM fecal output was greater in dogs fed SYN than those fed CT or GB, whereas ATTD of crude protein was greater in dogs fed CT and SYN than those fed GB. ATTD of fat was higher and wet fecal output was less in dogs fed CT than those fed GB or SYN. Fecal DM% was greater in dogs fed CT than those fed SYN or GB, and greater in dogs fed SYN than those fed GB. Fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFA; acetate, propionate, total SCFA) were higher in dogs fed GB than those fed CT or SYN, and higher in dogs fed GB than those fed SYN. Fecal IgA concentrations were greater in dogs fed GB than those fed CT. Serum triglycerides were less in dogs fed GB than those fed SYN or CT. Our results demonstrate that legume-based dietary fibers, with or without prebiotics and probiotics, slightly reduce nutrient digestibility, increase stool output, beneficially shift fecal metabolites, and reduce blood lipids of adult dogs.

Digestibility and Palatability of the Diet and Intestinal Functionality of Dogs Fed a Blend of Yeast Cell Wall and Oregano Essential Oil.

Feed additives, such as prebiotics and essential oils, are used in pet foods and can affect digestibility, palatability, and intestinal functionality of dogs. The combined effects of yeast cell wall and oregano essential oil on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and palatability of diet, intestinal fermentation products, and fecal microbiota in dogs were analyzed. Eighteen adult dogs were fed for 20 days with three dry extruded diets for adult dogs: control (without the additive), a diet containing 1.5 kg/ton of yeast cell wall and oregano essential oil (1.5YCO), and a diet containing 3.0 kg/ton of yeast cell wall and oregano essential oil (3.0YCO). The inclusion of both levels of YCO reduced the intake ratio. The addition of 3.0YCO reduced the ATTD of dry matter, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). There were greater putrescine and cadaverine concentrations and lower histamine and ammonia (p < 0.05) in the feces of dogs fed 3.0YCO. In addition, fecal odor of dogs fed YCO was less fetid than the control group (p < 0.05). There was greater fecal bacterial diversity in dogs fed with both dietary concentrations of YCO evaluated (p < 0.05). Dogs fed 1.5YCO and 3.0YCO showed higher relative abundance of Blautia and Faecalibacterium and lower abundance of Streptococcus (p < 0.05) in the feces, in comparison to the control group. Given the modulation of microorganisms considered beneficial and the lower fecal concentrations of histamine, phenols, and ammonia, the YCO blend resulted in indicators of improvement of intestinal functionality in dogs.

Variable digestibility of captive northern greater galagos (Otolemur garnettii) fed experimental "frugivorous" and "invertebrate" diets.

Few studies have addressed the nutritional ecology of galagos. Observations of galagos in the wild reveal that they rely on fruits and invertebrates to varying degrees depending on their availability. We conducted a 6-week comparative dietary analysis of a colony of captive-housed northern greater galagos (Otolemur garnettii), which included five females and six males with known life histories. We compared two experimental diets. The first was fruit dominated and the second was invertebrate dominated. For each diet, we examined dietary intake and apparent dry matter digestibility over the course of 6 weeks. We found significant differences between the apparent digestibility of the diets, with the "invertebrate" diet being more digestible than the "frugivorous" diet. The lower apparent digestibility of the "frugivorous" diet was driven by the higher fiber contents of the fruits provided to the colony. However, variation in apparent digestibility of both diets was found among individual galagos. The experimental design used in this study may provide useful dietary data for the management of captive colonies of galagos and other strepsirrhine primates. This study may also be helpful for understanding the nutritional challenges faced by free-ranging galagos through time and across geographic space.

Evaluation of high-protein diets differing in protein source in healthy adult dogs.

Given the dynamic market for protein-based ingredients in the pet food industry, demand continues to increase for both plant- and animal-based options. Protein sources contain different amino acid (AA) profiles and vary in digestibility, affecting protein quality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of canine diets differing in protein source and test their effects on serum metabolites and fecal characteristics, metabolites, and microbiota of healthy adult dogs consuming them. Four extruded diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and meet the nutrient needs for adult dogs at maintenance, with the primary difference being protein source: 1) fresh deboned, dried, and spray-dried chicken (DC), 2) chicken by-product meal (CBPM), 3) wheat gluten meal (WGM), and 4) corn gluten meal (CGM). Twelve adult spayed female beagles (body weight [BW] = 9.9 ± 1.0 kg; age = 6.3 ± 1.1 yr) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design (n = 12/treatment). Each period consisted of a 22-d adaptation phase, 5 d for fecal collection, and 1 d for blood collection. Fecal microbiota data were analyzed using QIIME 2.2020.8. All other data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS version 9.4. Fecal scores were higher (P < 0.05; looser stools) in dogs fed DC or CBPM than those fed WGM or CGM, but all remained within an appropriate range. Dry matter ATTD was lower (P < 0.05) in dogs fed CBPM or CGM than those fed DC or WGM. Crude protein ATTD was lower (P < 0.05) in dogs fed DC or CGM than those fed WGM. Dogs fed CBPM had lower (P < 0.05) organic matter, crude protein, and energy ATTD than those fed the other diets. Fecal indole was higher (P < 0.05) in dogs fed CBPM than those fed WGM. Fecal short-chain fatty acids were higher (P < 0.05) in dogs fed DC than those fed CGM. Fecal branched-chain fatty acids were higher (P < 0.05) in dogs fed DC or CBPM than those fed WGM. Fecal ammonia was higher (P < 0.05) in dogs fed DC or CBPM than those fed WGM or CGM. The relative abundances of three bacterial phyla and nine bacterial genera were shifted among treatment groups (P < 0.05). Considering AA profiles and digestibility data, the DC diet protein sources provided the highest quality protein without additional AA supplementation, but the animal-based protein diets resulted in higher fecal proteolytic metabolites. Further studies evaluating moderate dietary protein concentrations are needed to better compare plant- and animal-based protein sources.

Digestibility of bacterial protein by Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is affected by both inclusion level and acclimation time

The impact of acclimation time and inclusion level of a bacterial protein (BP) meal on the digestibility of protein and amino acids to post-smolt Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) was examined using a factorial experimental design that compared acclimation over five time points (3-days, 10-days, 17-days, 24-days, and 35-days) and five BP inclusion levels (0 g/kg, 100 g/kg, 200 g/kg, 300 g/kg and 400 g/kg). An additional test diet with soy protein concentrate (300 g/kg) was included as a comparison. Each of the diets were prepared from the same basal mash and using the same processing methods. Feed intake was measured daily. The results of the study showed that diet apparent digestibility coefficients (DADC) changed markedly over the time-course of the study, initially being low and variable before stabilizing at higher values from day-17 onwards. However, the effect on temporal variability of DADC values was consistent across all diets. This consistency translated to comparatively stable ingredient apparent digestibility coefficients (IADC) across each of the time points assessed, though there was a significant decline in all IADC values over time. Additionally, the IADC data was less reliable at the 10% inclusion level with higher variability and significantly differed from the other values determined at the higher inclusion levels. Furthermore, there was not always consistency in the IADC values for nitrogen and sum of amino acids, although both are often used as measures of protein. There were also significant differences among the different amino acids in terms of their IADC values. Although there was a trend towards poorer feed intake with the higher inclusion levels of the BP, this was no worse than that observed for the soy protein concentrate. In recognition of the findings of this study we are suggesting that digestibility studies with Atlantic salmon post-smolt should acclimate for a minimum of 14-days prior to faecal collection and that test ingredient inclusion should be 200 g/kg or greater to obtain reliable data.

Effect of daily or intermittent addition of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) seeds to concentrate on intake, digestion, and growth performance of Barbarine lamb

An 82-day experiment was carried out to determine the response of growing lambs to the intermittent administration of fenugreek (FG) seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) into concentrate. Twenty-Four 3-month-old Barbarine lambs (initial body weight 16.6 ± 0.42 kg) were divided into four equal groups (n = 6). All lambs received 600 g alfalfa pellets and 250 g concentrate containing or not 12% ground FG seeds. Control concentrate (CC) was composed (as fed) of barley (200 g), faba bean (40 g) and mineral and vitamin supplement (MVS, 14 g). The experimental concentrate (CE) contained barley (200 g), FG seeds (30 g) and MVS (14 g). The two concentrates have the same crude protein content. The control group (FG-0) received CC while groups FG-D, FG-2D and FG-4D received CE daily, or in alternation with concentrate CC at 2 or 4-day intervals (FG-2D or FG-4D, respectively). The feeding trial was followed by a 5-day in vivo digestibility trial. The frequency of distribution of FG-containing concentrate (CE) had no effect (P > 0.05) on diet intake and diet apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and cell wall (NDFom), nitrogen balance and the concentrations of urea, total protein and glucose in sheep plasma. The intermittent supply of FG seeds in concentrate tended to increase (P = 0.087)the average daily gain in FG-2D and FG-4D lambs and the microbial nitrogen synthesis (P = 0.052)with the FG administration. However, it decreased (P < 0.001) ruminal protozoa count by 33%, 44% and 66% in the FG-D, FG-2D and FG-4D lambs, respectively compared to FG-0 group. Similarly, the intermittent administration of FG seeds decreased ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) concentrations (P < 0.001) by 28%, 31% and 35% in the FG-D, FG-2D and FG-4D, respectively. The antiprotozoal activity of FG seeds could have been induced by secondary compounds like saponins. This activity was more efficient when the frequency of incorporation of FG seeds into the concentrate is wider. It is concluded that the intermittent administration of 120 g/kg to concentrate (DM basis), had an antiprotozoal effect but failed to improve diet digestibility and growth performance of Barbarine lambs. Therefore, there is a need to emphasize further investigation to identify the active components responsible for the antiprotozoal activity of FG seeds.

Effect of cell disruption on apparent digestibility of macronutrients from Aurantiochytrium acetophilum in Salmo salar pre-smolts

Determining the nutrient digestibility of a new ingredient is considered the first step to evaluate its suitability for use in aquaculture feeds. Thraustochytrids are considered a promising alternative to the partial replacement of fish oil. These microorganisms have a high long-chain fatty acid content, mainly docosahexaenoic acid (22:6-n-3). In this study, the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of macronutrients provided by the biomass of whole and disrupted cells of Aurantiochytrium acetophilum in diets for Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were evaluated. A total of 44 fish per tank (34.4 ± 0.5 g) were used; the fish were randomly assigned to fifteen 100-L tanks. The apparent nutrient digestibility of the two forms of A. acetophilum biomass (whole and disrupted cells) was calculated by comparison with a reference diet apparent nutrient digestibility and in two levels of combination (10 and 20%) with each ingredient to be tested. The fish were fed the reference diet and the test ingredient diets for 25 days. Fish faeces were collected using decantation columns and analyzed to determine the ADC of dry matter, protein, lipids and gross energy. Two-way factorial analysis of variance indicated that the digestibility of dry matter, lipids and energy were significantly affected (P < 0.05) by cell treatment, inclusion percentage and the interaction between both factors. Compared to the whole-cell format, the physical treatment applied to rupture the cell walls favoured the ADC of dry matter, energy and lipids in juvenile Atlantic salmon when 20% of the ingredient was incorporated. On the contrary, inclusion of whole-cell biomass at 20% contributed to a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the ADC of all the nutrients evaluated. The results suggest that cellular disruption of biomass from thraustochytrid with hard cell walls such as A. acetophilum will be advisable before inclusion in a feed formula. This aspect should be specially considered in non-extruded feeds for fish.

Methanotroph (Methylococcus capsulatus, Bath) bacteria meal (FeedKind®) could effectively improve the growth, apparent digestibility coefficient, blood biochemical parameters, antioxidant indices of juvenile Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian)

A 10-week growth study was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with different levels of Methylococcus capsulatus (0%, 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%) meal on the growth, digestibility, intestinal development and serum biochemical indices of juvenile Jian carp. The present results showed that compared to the control group (0% M. capsulatus meal), 6%, 8%, and 10% M. capsulatus meal significantly improved the final average weight (FW), weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and decreased feed conversion rate (FCR). No significant difference was found in the survival rate (SR) in the treatment groups, and SR of each group was more than 95%. Jian carp had relatively high apparent digestibility of diets containing M. capsulatus meal, the apparent digestibility coefficient of Jian carp for dry matter, crude protein, crude lipid, energy and amino acid of M. capsulatus meal was 70.85%, 90.68%, 67.68%, 80.82%, and 88.00–91.17%, respectively. The addition of M. capsulatus meal had no adverse effect in the intestinal tissue of Jian carp juveniles, and 8% M. capsulatus meal significantly increased the villus width compared with the control group. Improved serum biochemical indices and increased antioxidant capacity of fish was noted in fish fed diets containing M. capsulatus meal. Replacement of M. capsulatus meal at the 6% level significantly decreased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity compared to the control group. The blood glucose (GLU) of all treatment groups had a decreasing trend, and the 8% and 10% M. capsulatus meal diets had significant effects on GLU content. Compared to the control group, 6%, 8%, and 10% M. capsulatus meal significantly decreased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) content. Compared to the control group, 6% and 8% M. capsulatus meal diets significantly increased serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) of Jian carp, and 8% M. capsulatus meal diet significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) activity. The study has demonstrated that the replacement of SBM with Methylococcus capsulatus shows promise as an alternative protein source in the aquaculture industry.

PSI-4 Effects of Sorghum Inclusion in Lamb Diets on Apparent Total Tract Digestibility

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of grain sorghum inclusion on the apparent total tract digestibility of lamb diets. This experiment utilized 24 Rambouillet lambs (46.1 ± 3.90 kg) that were previously used in a growth experiment. Animals were housed in 1 of 24 pens with 1 lamb per pen and 6 pens per treatment. Lambs were randomly assigned 1 of the 4 treatment diets prior to the growth experiment and remained on the same treatment for over the 10-d experimental period. Treatments included 1) Control (0% sorghum inclusion); 2) Sorg10 (10% corn substituted for sorghum); 3) Sorg20 (20% corn substituted for sorghum); and 4) Sorg30 (30% corn substituted for corn). Diets were ground using hammermill and titanium dioxide was added to the ground diet at 0.4% as an indigestible marker. Lambs were fed these diets for 7-d prior to fecal sample collection to allow for steady-state marker concentrations. Fecal grab samples were collected every 6 hours over the final 3 d and were composited by animal to represent each 2-hour period of a 24-hour cycle. Feed and composited fecal samples were analyzed for crude fat, crude protein, ADF, NDF, and ash. Data were analyzed using the LM function in R with a fixed effect of treatment. Significance was defined at P &amp;lt; 0.05 and means were separated using Tukey’s HSD where appropriate. Sorghum inclusion did not affect (P &amp;gt; 0.16) crude protein, crude fat, or acid detergent fiber digestibility. Neutral detergent fiber digestibility was reduced (P = 0.02) for animals consuming Sorg20 and Sorg30 compared with the control, and Sorg10 was intermediate. Organic matter digestibility tended to decrease (P = 0.08) with increasing sorghum inclusion. In conclusion, replacing corn with sorghum at levels up to 30% had minimal impact on nutrient digestibility in growing lambs.

Palatability and apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility of retorted black soldier fly larvae-containing diets and their effects on the fecal characteristics of cats consuming them.

There is a growing interest in using black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) due to its supposed sustainability and nutritional qualities. Because little research has been conducted to evaluate the use of BSFL in cats, our objective was to determine the palatability and apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility (ATTD) of BSFL-containing canned diets and the fecal characteristics of healthy adult cats consuming them. First, three palatability tests were conducted to compare the following diets: 1) diet with poultry byproduct meal (PBPM) and chicken serving as the primary protein sources (control) vs. diet with BSFL meal replacing PBPM (BSFL meal); 2) control vs. diet with whole BSFL replacing some PBPM and poultry fat (BSFL whole); and 3) control vs. diet with BSFL oil replacing poultry fat (BSFL oil). All diets were formulated to meet Association of American Feed Control Officials nutrient profiles for adult cats and were produced using a still retort. A paired t-test was conducted to analyze data from each palatability test, with a higher (P < 0.05) consumption ratio being observed for BSFL meal (1.93:1), BSFL whole (2.03:1), and BSFL oil (1.57:1). Second, 32 adult cats (20 females and 12 males; BW: 4.19±0.55kg; age: 3.3±0.38 yr) were used in a completely randomized design study composed of a 21-d baseline period and a 70-d experimental period. Cats consumed the control diet during the baseline and were then allotted to one of four experimental diets (n = 8 per group): 1) control, 2) BSFL meal, 3) whole BSFL, and 4) BSFL oil. Fecal samples were collected after baseline and experimental periods for ATTD and fecal characteristic analysis. Fecal output was higher (P < 0.05) and fecal dry matter percentage was lower (P < 0.05) in cats fed BSFL meal than those fed BSFL oil. Organic matter, crude protein (CP), and energy ATTD were lower (P < 0.05) in cats fed BSFL meal than those fed BSFL oil or control. CP and energy ATTD were lower (P < 0.05) in cats fed BSFL whole than those fed BSFL oil. A few serum metabolites were affected by diet (P < 0.05) but remained within reference ranges. Hematology was not affected by diet (P > 0.05). Overall, our results suggest that BSFL-containing diets are palatable and do not negatively affect fecal characteristics or serum chemistry but may have slightly lower nutrient digestibilities in adult cats.