Apparent Digestibility Of Dry Matter Research Articles

Solid-state fermentation converts rice bran into a high-protein feed ingredient for Penaeus monodon

Fermented rice bran (FRB) was evaluated as an alternative protein source to soybean meal (SM) in practical diets for juvenile black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon. This feed ingredient was tested in a feeding trial to replace soybean meal in P. monodon diets at 0% (T0), 12.5% (T12.5), 25% (T25), 37.5% (T37.5), and 50% (T50). Five iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric experimental diets containing 44% crude protein were fed to groups of juvenile shrimp (0.47 ± 0.002 g) randomly assigned to twenty 60-l rectangular tanks equipped with a recirculating seawater system. Each dietary treatment was run in 4 replicates, and the feeding trial lasted 50 days. Results show significant improvement in weight gain, specific growth rate, and protein efficiency ratio in treatment T12.5 and T25. Treatments with higher levels of SM replacement with FRB exhibited similar growth indices to those of the control group. Polynomial regression analysis indicates that the optimum replacement of soybean meal with FRB for optimum growth is 21.08%. The apparent dry matter and protein digestibility coefficients of FRB are 83.05 ± 0.02% and 87.20 ± 0.30%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the whole-body composition (dry matter, protein, lipid, ash) among treatments of shrimp fed with FRB replacement. The data suggest that FRB replacement of dietary soybean meal is feasible at 50% without affecting the growth performance but may promote growth at 21.08% replacement of P. monodon.

Apparent digestibility and nutritional status of capuchin monkeys (Sapajus sp.) under human care.

Studing the nutritional needs and dietary habits of primates is essential to ensure their health and well-being. This includes the understanding of the use of nutrients and its correlation with health parameters. Diet and nutritional parameters of 13 captive capuchin monkeys (Sapajus sp.) were assesed. Apparent digestibility of dry matter and nutrients were evaluated. Nutritional status was established based on body condition score (BCS) and muscle mass score (MMS). High apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) were observed for crude protein and ether extract, but low for minerals and crude fiber. The ADC of EE and CF were related to MMS, and the biochemical parameters did not correlate with the AD coefficients obtained in the group. The nutritional status of the animals remained inadequate in 84.6% of the individuals, suggesting a reformulation of the diet and nutritional management.

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

Investigation of the nutritional and functional roles of a combinational use of xylanase and β-glucanase on intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs

BackgroundXylanase and β-glucanase combination (XG) hydrolyzes soluble non-starch polysaccharides that are anti-nutritional compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of XG on intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs.MethodsForty pigs (6.5 ± 0.4 kg) were assigned to 5 dietary treatments and fed for 35 d in 3 phases (11, 9, and 15 d, respectively). Basal diets mainly included corn, soybean meal, and corn distiller’s dried grains with solubles, contained phytase (750 FTU/kg), and were supplemented with 5 levels of XG at (1) 0, (2) 280 TXU/kg xylanase and 125 TGU/kg β-glucanase, (3) 560 and 250, (4) 840 and 375, or (5) 1,120 and 500, respectively. Growth performance was measured. On d 35, all pigs were euthanized and jejunal mucosa, jejunal digesta, jejunal tissues, and ileal digesta were collected to determine the effects of increasing XG levels and XG intake on intestinal health.ResultsIncreasing XG intake tended to quadratically decrease (P = 0.059) viscosity of jejunal digesta (min: 1.74 mPa·s at 751/335 (TXU/TGU)/kg). Increasing levels of XG quadratically decreased (P < 0.05) Prevotellaceae (min: 0.6% at 630/281 (TXU/TGU)/kg) in the jejunal mucosa. Increasing XG intake quadratically increased (P < 0.05) Lactobacillaceae (max: 40.3% at 608/271 (TXU/TGU)/kg) in the jejunal mucosa. Increasing XG intake quadratically decreased (P < 0.05) Helicobacteraceae (min: 1.6% at 560/250 (TXU/TGU)/kg) in the jejunal mucosa. Increasing levels of XG tended to linearly decrease (P = 0.073) jejunal IgG and tended to quadratically increase (P = 0.085) jejunal villus height to crypt depth ratio (max: 2.62 at 560/250 (TXU/TGU)/kg). Increasing XG intake tended to linearly increase the apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter (P = 0.087) and ether extract (P = 0.065). Increasing XG intake linearly increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain.ConclusionsA combinational use of xylanase and β-glucanase would hydrolyze the non-starch polysaccharides fractions, positively modulating the jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota. Increased intake of these enzyme combination possibly reduced digesta viscosity and humoral immune response in the jejunum resulting in improved intestinal structure, and ileal digestibility of nutrients, and finally improving growth of nursery pigs. The beneficial effects were maximized at a combination of 550 to 800 TXU/kg xylanase and 250 to 360 TGU/kg β-glucanase.

45 Awardee Talk: Investigation of the nutritional and functional roles of a combinational use of xylanase and β-glucanase on intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs affected by dietary supplementation of increasing levels of xylanase and b-glucanase combinations. Pigs [n = 40; initial body weight (BW) = 6.5 ± 0.4 kg] were assigned to 5 dietary treatments and fed for 35 d in 3 phases (11, 9, and 15 d, respectively). Basal diets mainly included corn, soybean meal, and distiller’s dried grains with solubles with phytase (750 FTU/kg) supplemented with 5 levels of xylanase and b-glucanase combinations (NSPase) at 1) 0, 2) 280 TXU/kg xylanase and 125 TGU/kg b-glucanase, 3) 560 and 250, 4) 840 and 375, or 5) 1,120 and 500, respectively. Growth performance and fecal score were measured for each phase. On d 35, all pigs were euthanized and collected jejunal mucosa, jejunal digesta, jejunal tissues, and ileal digesta to determine the effects of increasing NSPase levels (%) and NSPase intake on jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota, jejunal digesta viscosity, immune responses, intestinal morphology, feed digestibility, and growth performance. Increasing NSPase level quadratically decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) Bacteroidetes (min: 0.7% at 636 TXU/kg and 284 TGU/kg), Prevotellaceae (min: 0.6% at 630 TXU/kg and 281 TGU/kg) in the jejunal mucosa. Increasing NSPase intake quadratically increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) Firmicutes (max: 72.7% at 604 TXU/kg and 270 TGU/kg), Lactobacillaceae (max: 40.3% at 608 TXU/kg and 271 TGU/kg), and Lactobacillus (max: 40.3% at 608 TXU/kg and 271 TGU/kg) in the jejunal mucosa. Increasing NSPase intake also quadratically decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) Proteobacteria (min: 3.8% at 562 TXU/kg and 251 TGU/kg), Helicobacteraceae (min: 1.6% at 560 TXU/kg and 250 TGU/kg), and Helicobacter (min: 1.6% at 560 TXU/kg and 250 TGU/kg) in the jejunal mucosa. Increasing NSPase intake tended to quadratically decrease (P = 0.059) viscosity of jejunal digesta reaching the minimum (1.74 mPa·s) at 751 TXU/kg and 335 TGU/kg. Increasing NSPase level tended to linearly decrease (P = 0.073) jejunal IgG and tended to quadratically increase (P = 0.085) jejunal villus height to crypt depth ratio reaching the maximum (2.62) at 560 TXU/kg and 250 TGU/kg. Increasing NSPase intake tended to linearly increase the apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter (P = 0.087) and ether extract (P = 0.065). Increasing NSPase intake linearly increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) average daily gain (ADG). In conclusion, increasing the combinational use of xylanase and β-glucanase positively modulated jejunal mucosa-associated microbiota, reduced jejunal digesta viscosity, reduced intestinal humoral immune response, enhanced villus morphology, increased ileal digestibility of nutrients, and increased growth of nursery pigs. The beneficial effects were maximized when xylanase and β-glucanase were supplemented at a range of 550 to 800 TXU/kg and 246 to 357 TGU/kg, respectively.

PSI-15 Effect of feeding intact protein from soybean meal instead of crystalline amino acids on energy and nitrogen balance by growing pigs

Abstract The objective was to test the hypothesis that feeding intact protein from soybean meal (SBM) to growing pigs instead of crystalline amino acids (AA) increases nitrogen (N) retention, digestible energy (DE), and metabolizable energy (ME). A control corn-SBM diet and three diets, in which the inclusion rate of SBM was reduced and 3, 4, or 5 crystalline AA (i.e., Lys, Met, Thr, Trp, Val) were added, were formulated. The concentration of standardized ileal digestible AA was constant among diets, but crude protein was reduced as crystalline AA were added. Pigs were limit fed at 3.2 times the ME requirement for maintenance. Forty pigs (initial body weight = 20.5 kg; SD = 2.4) were allotted to the 4 diets using a randomized complete block design with 2 blocks of 20 pigs with five pigs per diet in each block. Pigs were housed in metabolism crates with pans and screens that allowed for quantitative collection of feces and urine for 4 d after 5 d of adaptation. Samples of diets, feces, and urine were analyzed for gross energy (GE) and N. The statistical model included diet as fixed effect and block as random effect, and pig was the experimental unit. Contrasts coefficients were used to determine linear and quadratic effects of reducing dietary protein. Results indicated that apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM) decreased (quadratic, P = 0.027) and ATTD of GE tended to decrease (quadratic, P = 0.076; Table 1) as SBM inclusion was reduced in the diets. Absorbed N, retained N (g/d), and ATTD of N were decreased (linear, P &amp;lt; 0.001) as SBM decreased in diets, but retention of N (% of intake and % of absorbed) increased (linear, P &amp;lt; 0.001) as SBM decreased in diets. The DE decreased (linear, P = 0.007) as SBM decreased in diets, whereas SBM had no effect on ME. Dietary SBM also had no effect on ME to GE ratio, but ME to DE increased (linear, P = 0.008) by reducing SBM in diets. In conclusion, diets containing intact protein from SBM had greater ATTD of GE and N, and greater DE, but reduced N retention rate when compared with diets containing crystalline AA. However, daily protein retention could not be maintained when crystalline AA rather than SBM were used to furnish the digestible AA in the diets, which may have negative consequences on carcass quality.

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.

Effects of the palmitic to oleic ratio in the form of calcium salts of fatty acids on the production and digestibility in high-yielding dairy cows

The form of fat supplements, degree of saturation, and the fatty acid (FA) profile influence the cows' production response. The objective was to determine the effects of supplemental fats in the form of calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA) with different ratios between palmitic (PA) and oleic (OA) acids on nutrient digestibility and cow performance. Forty-two dairy cows were assigned to 3 groups and fed (for 13 wk) rations that contained 2.2% CSFA (on a dry matter basis) with increasing the PA-to-OA ratio as follows: 1) CS45:35 - 45% PA and 35% OA, 2) CS60:30 - 60% PA and 30% OA, and 3) CS70:20 - 70% PA and 20% OA. Rumen and fecal samples were taken for volatile fatty acids (VFA) and digestibility measurements, respectively. Increasing the PA-to-OA ratio linearly decreased the milk and energy-corrected milk (ECM) yields, whereas a quadratic effect was observed for milk fat concentration (3.55, 3.94, and 3.87% in the CS45:35, CS60:30, and CS70:20 groups, respectively) and fat yield. Dry matter intake (DMI) was highest in the CS60:30 group (33.7 kg/d), and lowest in the CS70:20 group (31.6 kg/d), and a tendency of quadratic effect was observed for calculated energy balance with no difference in body weight gain among the groups. The milk-to-DMI ratio was decreased, and the ratio of ECM-to-DMI tended to decrease when the PA-to-OA ratio increased. The highest apparent total-tract digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, and protein were observed in the CS60:30 cows, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) tended to decrease with increasing the PA-to-OA ratio; however, digestibility of the total FA and FA subgroups (16 and 18-carbon FA) were not different among groups. Across treatments, the 18-carbon FA digestibility was higher than the 16-carbon FA digestibility. Under the current study conditions, the CS60:30 cows had the highest fat concentration and fat yield, energy output in milk, DMI, and digestibility of DM, OM, and protein. However, further research is required to fine-tune the optimal FA ratio in supplemental fat sources to maximize production and efficiency under various conditions, such as production level, stage of lactation, and diet composition.

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.

Effects of Palm Oil Deodorizer Distillate on the Ruminal Environment of Sheep.

This study aimed to assess the impact of palm oil deodorizer distillate (POD) on the ruminal environment, including (i) microbial community, (ii) ruminal degradability, and (iii) apparent digestibility in sheep. The data used were derived from twenty rumen-cannulated sheep fed five isoproteic and isofiber diets based on elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum. cv. Roxo) silage supplemented with 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100 g kg-1 POD on a dry matter (DM) basis. Rumen fluid samples were collected three hours after feeding directly from the ventral sac of the rumen via a cannula and then subjected to DNA extraction, which was subsequently used for 16S rDNA amplification, followed by sequencing and diversity analysis. In this study, the microbial diversity was dominated by Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, followed by Euryarchaetoa, Actinobacteria, and Tenericutes, in the ruminal environment, and was slightly modified when supplemented with the POD up to 100 g/kg (10%), leading to only a slight decrease in the diversity index. The ruminal degradability, ruminal fermentation parameters, and apparent digestibility were slightly compromised by the inclusion of up to 25 g of POD per kg of DM, and larger inclusions interfered with the ruminal degradability of fibrous fractions and the apparent digestibility of dry matter. This lipid supplement showed good results for feeding sheep and is an inexpensive and abundant alternative in the regional market.

Energy metabolism and respirometry of lambs fed sun or shade dried hays of banana crop residues.

We aimed to evaluate the effects of different drying methods for banana residues on the energy metabolism and respirometry of growing lambs. Twenty Santa Inês x Dorper lambs were fed five experimental diets: Tifton 85 grass hay (Control), shade-dried banana leaf hay (LH Shade), shade-dried pseudostem banana hay (PH Shade), sun-dried banana leaf hay (LH Sun), and sun-dried banana pseudostem hay (PH Sun). Nutrient intake and digestibility were assessed in metabolic cages, whereas O2 consumption and CO2, methane, and heat production were measured in a respirometry chamber with animals fed at maintenance and ad libitum levels. Nutrient and energy intake was not influenced by diet. Pseudostem hay had higher apparent digestibility of dry matter (71.5%), organic matter (72.4%), and neutral detergent fiber (58.0%). However, this led to greater energy loss in the form of methane (12.1%). The banana residue hays and drying methods did not alter oxygen consumption, CO2 production, or heat production of animals fed ad libitum or during maintenance. On the other hand, the use of leaf hay resulted in a reduction of 24.7% in enteric methane production of animals fed ad libitum. The inclusion of pseudostem hay is recommended in sheep feedlot diet. This residue provided greater use of DM, however promoted a greater loss of energy in the form of methane, resulting in similar energy consumption. The drying methods did not reduce the availability of nutrients and the sun drying method is recommended, since it is a faster drying method.

Nutritional, ruminal, and metabolic parameters of beef bulls fed high-energy diets as a function of dietary addition of a magnesium oxide blend associated or not with monensin

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a magnesium oxide blend (MG) and monensin (MON) on the nutritional, ruminal, and metabolic parameters of finishing bulls fed high grain diet. Six ruminally cannulated bulls (542 ± 33.6 kg) were used in a 6 × 6 Latin square design with treatments arranged as a 2 × 3 factorial, with 6 periods of 23 days. The MG was included at 0, 2.5, or 5.0 g/kg of dry matter (DM) - MG0, MG2.5, and MG5.0, respectively, without or with MON (30 mg/kg of DM). During each experimental period, days 1–10 were designated for dietary additive adaptation. Days 11–20 (feeding period), were used to assess DM and nutrient intakes, digestibility, ruminal pH, volatile fatty acids (VFA) profile, and blood parameters. Days 21–23 (corn challenge period), included supplementing all treatments with 2 kg/day of ground corn, replacing 2 kg/day of forage, to observe responses in ruminal pH and DM intake (DMI) in the presence of increased fermentable carbohydrates in the rumen. The ruminal pH increased linearly (P = 0.01) with the MG level during the feeding period. In the corn challenge, bulls fed diets without MON and MG5.0, as well as those fed MON and MG2.5 or MG5.0 showed a marked increase in rumen pH value during the first day. In the feeding period, the DMI was greater (quadratic: P = 0.05) for MG2.5 compared to other tested doses. The DM and nutrient intakes were greater (quadratic: P ≤ 0.05) for the MG2.5 group. Bulls fed MON diets had 0.5 kg lower DM and nutrient intakes than those without MON (P ≤ 0.05). The ruminal and intestinal digestibility of diet compounds did not differ among treatments (P ≥ 0.08). The DM and organic matter (OM) apparent total-tract digestibility tended to be (quadratic: P = 0.06) and were greater (quadratic: P = 0.05) for the MG2.5 group. The microbial crude protein synthesis (MCP) was greater for bulls fed the MG2.5 diet (quadratic: P = 0.03). Bulls fed diets without MON had a lower valeric acid (MON × Time: P = 0.03) and those fed diets without MG had a lower iso-valeric acid (MG × Time: P = 0.03) molar proportion 12 hours post-feeding than 1 hour pre-feeding. Glucose levels increased linearly with MG doses (P < 0.001). In summary, a dosage of 5.0 g/kg of DM of MG promotes a superior response in ruminal pH, whereas beneficial effects on digestive parameters are achieved with 2.5 g/kg of DM. Furthermore, MON and MG showed no significant associative effects.

Influence of dietary Salicornia europaea L. extract supplementation on feed efficiency of Altay sheep by modifying their gastrointestinal bacteria communities.

This experiment aimed to examine the impact of Salicornia europaea L. extract on sheep growth performance, rumen fermentation variables, nutrient apparent digestibility, and gastrointestinal microbial diversity. Forty-eight male Altay sheep, weighing 32.5 ± 2.8 kg and approximately 3.5 months old, were chosen. Four dietary treatments, each consisting of four replicates and three sheep per replicate, were distributed randomly to the sheep. The pelleted total mixed ration containing Salicornia europaea L. extract at 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6% DM was freely available to the sheep in the four treatment groups. The 56-day experiment consisted of 45 days of measurements followed by 11 days of adaptation. The growth performance was not affected by nutrition Salicornia europaea L. extract (p ≤ 0.05), but the feed-to-gain ratio was reduced when the extract was given at 0.4% DM (p ≤ 0.05). Compared to the 0 and 0.2% treatments, the apparent digestibility of DM, OM, NDF, and ADF was substantially greater in the 0.4, and 0.6% treatments. Furthermore, compared to sheep in the 0 and 0.2% groups, sheep in the 0.6% group had a noticeably higher apparent digestibility of CP. As the amount of Salicornia europaea L. extract added to the rumen fluid rose, the molar ratio of acetic acid increased. In contrast, the molar ratio of propionic acid gradually decreased, and the total volatile fatty acid content gradually reduced. Thus, adding a suitable quantity of Salicornia europaea L. extract to the sheep ration is natural and secure, which may improve the environmental sustainability of small ruminant production systems.

Effect of Brosimum alicastrum Foliage on Intake, Kinetics of Fermentation and Passage and Microbial N Supply in Sheep Fed Megathyrsus maximus Hay.

An experiment was carried out to assess the effect of the incorporation of sun-dried foliage of Brosimum alicastrum into rations based on hay of Megathyrsus maximus on intake, rumen fermentation, kinetics of passage, microbial nitrogen supply to the small intestine, apparent digestibility in Pelibuey hair sheep. Four rations were randomly allotted to four rumen-cannulated lambs (BW = 37.4 ± 4.9 kg) using a 4 × 4 Latin square design to assess the effect of increasing levels (0, 15, 30 and 45% DM basis) of foliage of Brosimum alicastrum on a basal ration of M. maximus. Organic matter intake and water consumption increased linearly (p < 0.01) with increasing levels of B. alicastrum in the ration. The rate and potential extent of rumen fermentation of OM and CP of B. alicastrum were 10.6%/h and 86.6% and 11.4%/h and 95.2%, respectively, but no effect (p > 0.05) was found on the potential rumen degradation of DM (40.2%) or on the rate of degradation of DM (0.033%/h) of M. maximus, although a positive effect was found in the rumen degradation rate of NDF (p < 0.05). VFA and ammonia concentration in the rumen and the rate of passage of solids and liquids through the rumen (k1) increased linearly (p < 0.01) with increasing levels of B. alicastrum. Rumen pH was not affected by the incorporation of B. alicastrum (p > 0.05). Microbial nitrogen supply to the small intestine (p < 0.001), apparent digestibility of dry matter (p < 0.01) and NDF (p < 0.05) of the rations were also significantly increased as a result of the incorporation of B. alicastrum foliage. Results from this experiment suggest that the foliage of Brosimum alicastrum can be readily incorporated at around 30% of the ration of dry matter in hair sheep with beneficial effects on feed intake, rate of passage and microbial N supply to the lower tract.

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.

Enzymolytic soybean meal-impact on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidative capacity, and intestinal health of weaned piglets.

Enzymolytic soybean meal (ESBM) enriches free amino acids and small peptides, while mitigating anti-nutritional factors. Substituting soybean meal with ESBM enhances animal performance, though optimal piglet dietary supplementation levels vary. The present study aimed to assess the impact of ESBM on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidative capacity and intestinal health of weaned piglets. A total of 120 piglets (initial body weight, 7.0 ± 0.4 kg) were randomly allocated into 4 dietary groups, each comprising 5 replicates with 6 piglets per replicate. The control group received the basal diet, while the experimental groups were fed diets containing 2, 4% or 8% ESBM as a replacement for soybean meal over 28 days. Compared with the control group, piglets supplemented with 4% ESBM exhibited a significant increase (p < 0.05) in average daily gain and the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, ether extract and gross energy (p < 0.05), alongside a notable decrease (p < 0.05) in diarrhea incidence. Fed ESBM linearly increased (p < 0.05) the villus height in the ileum of piglets. The levels of superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity in serum of piglets increased (p < 0.05) in the 2 and 4% ESBM groups, while diamine oxidase content decreased (p < 0.05) in the 4 and 8% ESBM group. ESBM inclusion also upregulated (p < 0.05) the expression of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD-1), Catalase (CAT) and claudin-1 mRNA. In terms of cecal fermentation characteristics, ESBM supplementation resulted in a increase (p < 0.05) in valerate content and a linear rise (p < 0.05) in propionate, butyrate, and total short-chain fatty acids levels, accompanied by a decrease (p < 0.05) in the concentrations of tryptamine and NH3 in cecal digesta. ESBM had no discernible effect on cecal microbial composition. In summary, substitution of soybean meal with ESBM effectively improved the growth performance of piglets by enhancing nutrient digestibility, antioxidant capacity, intestinal barrier and cecal microbial fermentation characteristics, with the optimal replacement level identified at 4%.

Effects of Butterfly Pea Extracts on Phagocytic Activity of Blood Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes and Muscular Lipid Peroxidation in Rabbits.

Sixteen 35-day-old male crossbred rabbits (New Zealand white × Thai native breed) with an initial weight of 484 ± 11.3 g were randomly divided into two groups of eight, constituting control and treatment groups. The treatment group was orally administered a crude extract of butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) at 0.5 g/kg body weight from weaning (at 35 days) to slaughter (at 90 days). The effects on the phagocytic activity of blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes, serum biochemistry, meat quality, muscular lipid peroxidation, the apparent digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, and gut histology were studied. The results revealed that the phagocytic function of circulating leukocytes (75 and 90 days) and alveolar macrophages (90 days) did not differ between the two groups. At slaughter, treated rabbits had lower blood urea nitrogen concentrations and higher liver weight than control rabbits (p < 0.05). After chilling at 4 °C for 24 h, a lower meat pH and the alteration of meat color (brighter, less yellow, lower hue angle, and decreased color saturation) were observed in the treated group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, lipid peroxidation (measured at 3, 5, and 7 storage days) in the meat of treated rabbits was lower than in controls (p < 0.05). The apparent digestibility of organic matter and ether extract (analyzed at 46 days for 4 days) was improved in the treated group (p < 0.05), whereas gut histology was unaffected. In conclusion, butterfly pea extract supplementation did not affect phagocytic function but led to a modification in meat color, delayed lipid peroxidation, and improved digestibility.

Forage Preference, Voluntary Intake, and In Vivo Digestibility of Six Tropical Tree Leaves by Sheep in Semi-Arid Areas in Benin Republic (West Africa)

Livestock supplementation with forage trees is becoming a sustainable alternative to traditional grazing on the open pastures during the dry season in Benin. However, little is known about the feeding preferences of sheep and the digestibility of such native tree/shrub fodder. Such knowledge could improve their use on smallholder farms. Multiple-choice feeding preference tests were conducted on six tree fodders (Annona senegalensis, Blighia sapida, Cassia sieberiana, Gmelina arborea, Khaya senegalensis, and Mangifera indica) to determine the best choice to feed the local rams and ewe Djallonke sheep. The cafeteria test involved four rams and four ewes. In addition, an in vivo trial using metabolic cages was conducted to evaluate the voluntary intake of dried woody leaves and the dry matter digestibility of diets containing these dried leaves. Preferences varied significantly (p ≤ 0.05) according to the woody species. Based on relative intake values, sheep preferred, in decreasing order, the leaves of M. indica, B. sapida, K. senegalensis, G. arborea, A. senegalensis, and C. sieberiana. The apparent digestibility of dry matter was highest (p ≤ 0.01) in the G. arborea diet (86.8%); all diets presented a value higher than 70%. This study provided helpful information about better resource utilization to improve animal productivity. Further study could evaluate the growth performance of sheep supplemented with tree fodder.

The effects of synbiotics-glyconutrients on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gas emission, meat quality, and fatty acid profile of finishing pigs.

Glyconutrients help in the body's cell communication. Glyconutrients and synbiotics are promising options for improving immune function. Therefore, we hypothesized that combining synbiotics and glyconutrients will enhance pig nutrient utilization. 150 pigs (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc), initially weighing 58.85 ± 3.30 kg of live body weight (BW) were utilized to determine the effects of synbiotics-glyconutrients (SGN) on the pigs' performance, feed efficiency, gas emission, pork traits, and composition of fatty acids. The pigs were matched by BW and sex and chosen at random to 1 of 3 diet treatments: control = Basal diet; TRT1 = Basal diet + SGN 0.15%; TRT2 = Basal diet + SGN 0.30%%. The trials were conducted in two phases (weeks 1-5 and weeks 5-10). The average daily gain was increased in pigs fed a basal diet with SGN (p = 0.036) in weeks 5-10. However, the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, and gross energy did not differ among the treatments (p > 0.05). Dietary treatments had no effect on NH3, H2S, methyl mercaptans, acetic acids, and CO2 emissions (p > 0.05). Improvement in drip loss on day 7 (p = 0.053) and tendency in the cooking loss were observed (p = 0.070) in a group fed basal diets and SGN at 0.30% inclusion level. The group supplemented with 0.30% of SGN had higher levels of palmitoleic acid (C16:1), margaric acid (C17:0), omega-3 fatty acid, omega-6 fatty acid, and ω-6: ω-3 ratio (p = 0.034, 0.020, 0.025, 0.007, and 0.003, respectively) in the fat of finishing pigs. Furthermore, group supplemented with 0.30% of SGN improved margaric acid (C17:0), linoleic acid (C18:2n6c), arachidic acid (C20:0), omega 6 fatty acid, omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, unsaturated fatty acid, and monounsaturated fatty acid (p = 0.037, 0.05, 0.0142, 0.036, 0.033, 0.020, and 0.045, respectively) in the lean tissues of finishing pigs compared to pigs fed with the control diets. In conclusion, the combination of probiotics, prebiotics, and glyconutrients led to higher average daily gain, improved the quality of pork, and more favorable fatty acid composition. Therefore, these results contributed to a better understanding of the potential of SGN combinations as a feed additive for pigs.