Apparent Digestibility Of Gross Energy Research Articles

Effect of Miscellaneous Meals Replacing Soybean Meal in Feed on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Parameters, and Microbiota Composition of 25-50 kg Growing Pigs.

The present study aims to determine the effect of miscellaneous meals (rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower meal) replacing soybean meal in feed on growth performance, apparent digestibility of nutrients, serum biochemical parameters, serum free amino acid content, microbiota composition and SCFAs content in growing pigs (25-50 kg). A total of 72 (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) growing pigs with initial weights of 25.79 ± 0.23 kg were randomly divided into three treatments. The pigs were fed corn-soybean meal (CON), corn-soybean-miscellaneous meals (CSM), and corn-miscellaneous meals (CMM). Each treatment included six replicates with four pigs per pen (n = 24, 12 barrows and 12 gilts). Soybean meal accounted for 22.10% of the basal diet in the CON group. In the CSM group, miscellaneous meals partially replaced soybean meal with a mixture of 4.50% rapeseed meal, 3.98% cottonseed meal, and 4.50% sunflower meal. In the CMM group, miscellaneous meals entirely replaced soybean meal with a mixture of 8.50% rapeseed meal, 8.62% cottonseed meal, and 8.5% sunflower. The results showed that compared with the CON, the CSM and CMM groups significantly improved the average daily gain (ADG) of growing pigs during the 25-50 kg stage (p < 0.05) but had no effects on average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily feed intake/average daily gain (F/G) (p > 0.05). Moreover, the CMM group significantly reduced nutrient apparent digestibility of gross energy compared with the CON group. The serum biochemical parameters results showed that the CSM group significantly improved the contents of total protein (TP) compared with the CON group (p < 0.05). The CMM group significantly improved the contents of total protein (TP), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) compared with the CON group in serum (p < 0.05). In comparison with the CON group, the CMM group also significantly improved lysine (Lys), threonine (Thr), valine (Val), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), phenylalanine (Phe), arginine (Arg), and citrulline (Cit) levels in serum (p < 0.05). However, the CMM group significantly decreased non-essential amino acid content glycine (Gly) in serum compared with CON (p < 0.05), while compared with the CON group, the CSM and CMM groups had no significant effects on the relative abundance, the alpha-diversity, or the beta-diversity of fecal microbiota. Moreover, compared with the CON group, the CSM group significantly increased butyric acid and valeric acid contents of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in feces (p < 0.05). In contrast to the CON group, the CMM group significantly reduced the contents of SCFAs in feces, including acetic acid, propionic acid, and isobutyric acid (p < 0.05). Collectively, the results of the present study indicate that miscellaneous meals (rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, and sunflower meal) can partially replace the soybean meal and significantly improve the growth performance of growing pigs during the 25-50 kg stage. Thus, miscellaneous meals are a suitable protein source as basal diets to replace soybean meals for 25-50 kg growing pigs. These results can be helpful to further develop miscellaneous meals as a functional alternative feed ingredient to soybean meal.

Effects of guanidinoacetic acid and betaine on growth performance, energy and nitrogen metabolism, and rumen microbial protein synthesis in lambs

In this study, we investigated the effects of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) and betaine (BT) on growth performance, nutrient digestion, energy-nitrogen metabolism, and microbial protein synthesis in lambs. Forty-eight 3-month-old Dorper × Thin-tailed Han first crossbred generation ram lambs with similar body weight (22.03 ± 1.3 kg; mean ± SD) were randomly divided into 4 groups. According to the 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, lambs in each of the 4 groups were fed basal diets, or basal diets supplemented with 0.9 g GAA/kg dietary dry matter (DM), 5 g BT/day, or 5 g BT/day + 0.9 g GAA/kg dietary DM. Before the formal trial, all lambs were allowed to adapt to the facilities as well as the basal diet for 15 days. This study lasted for 71 days including a 60-day period for feeding trial and an 11-day period for digestion and metabolism trials. The results showed that supplementation with GAA or BT increased the average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (FE). However, no further increase in ADG or FE was observed with the combination of GAA and BT compared to that induced by addition of GAA or BT alone. Moreover, the addition of GAA or BT improved the apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), while GAA increased acid detergent fiber (ADF). GAA or BT supplementation decreased ruminal pH but increased the concentration of total volatile fatty acids (T-VFA), propionate, and valerate. Ruminal ammonia N content was not influenced by GAA or BT supplementation. Addition of GAA or BT resulted in an increase in microbial protein (MCP) synthesis. Additionally, supplementation with GAA or BT promoted digestible nitrogen (N), retained N, digestible energy and apparent digestibility of gross energy, and reduced fecal N. Supplementation with GAA decreased urinary N and increased metabolizable energy. The addition of GAA or BT increased total protein and creatine levels in serum, but the addition of BT alone decreased blood homocysteine (Hcy) levels. GAA elevated blood insulin-like growth factors-1 (IGF-1). These results demonstrate that supplementation with GAA or BT improves growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and energy-nitrogen metabolism, but the addition of BT and GAA in combination does not further improve the growth of lambs.

Low-tannin sorghum grain could be used as an alternative to corn in diet for nursery pigs.

This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that low-tannin sorghum grain produced in China as a potential substitute for corn in diets could not impair the performance of nursery pigs. A total of 60 pigs (7.2±1.2kg) were randomly assigned to 2 diets with 5 replicate pens per treatment. Corn-based diet (CBD) included 60% corn grain during the overall experimental period, and sorghum-based diet (SBD) consisted of 30% (d 1 to 14) or 60.55% (d 15 to 28) sorghum grain in partial or total replacement of corn grain. Both diets were formulated to contain the same amount of digestible energy and indispensable amino acids. The results demonstrated no differences in growth performance or apparent digestibility of gross energy between treatments over the whole period. However, the substitution of corn by sorghum reduced (p<0.05) or tended to reduce (p=0.09) apparent digestibility of crude protein associated with an increased faecal nitrogen excretion per weight gain (p<0.05). Pigs fed SBD had higher contents of urea nitrogen, total triglyceride and insulin in serum than those fed CBD (p<0.05). Visceral organ weights or antioxidant enzyme activities in serum or liver were not different between treatments. Compared with CBD, SBD increased or tended to increase amylase activity in jejunal mucosa (p<0.05) or trypsin activity in duodenal mucosa (p=0.08). Replacement of corn by the low-tannin sorghum in diets did not influence the microbiota community based on alpha and beta diversity in caecal and colonal digesta. Overall, the home-grown low-tannin sorghum could be an alternative energy source in diets for pigs without adverse effects on growth performance.

Sorghum as a dietary substitute for corn reduces the activities of digestive enzymes and antioxidant enzymes in pigs

This study was conducted to determine whether sorghum as a potential substitute for corn in diets affects the activities of digestive enzymes and antioxidant enzymes in pigs. Sixty pigs (7.3 ± 1.3 kg initial weight) were allotted to 2 diets with 5 replicate pens per treatment according to sex and weight in a randomized complete block design. A corn-based diet (CBD) included 600 g/kg of corn grain during the overall experimental period, and a sorghum-based diet (SBD) consisted of 300 g/kg (day 1–14) or 566 g/kg (day 15–28) of sorghum grain at the partial or complete expense of corn in CBD. Both diets were formulated to contain the same amount of digestible energy and essential amino acids. No differences were observed in average daily gain or feed intake between treatments. However, substituting sorghum for corn in diets tended to reduce (P = 0.087) or reduced (P < 0.05) feed efficiency. Apparent digestibility of gross energy and crude protein was decreased (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the diets comprising sorghum, regardless of the substitute level, associated with the increased faecal excretion of energy and nitrogen. Serum urea nitrogen concentration in SBD was greater than that in CBD (P < 0.05). Pigs fed SBD had or tended to have lower superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and greater malondialdehyde content in serum (P < 0.05) or liver (P = 0.085) than those fed CBD. Amylase and lipase activities were decreased in duodenal mucosa (P < 0.05), and lipase (P < 0.05) and trypsin activities (P = 0.092) in jejunal mucosa were reduced and tended to be reduced in pigs fed SBD. Compared with CBD, SBD increased or tended to increase crypt depth in duodenum (P < 0.05) or jejunum (P = 0.094) coupled with the decrease in villus height/crypt depth in duodenum (P = 0.086) and ileum (P < 0.05). Collectively, sorghum as a dietary substitute for corn changed intestine morphology and reduced activities of digestive enzymes and antioxidant enzymes which may have been responsible for the reduced energy and nitrogen utilization and feed efficiency in pigs.

Interactive effects between sugar source and pelleting temperature on processing, digestibility and blood metabolites in nursery piglets

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pelleting temperature (60°C or 90°C) and the type of sugar source (refined sugar cane or sugar cane molasses), on post-processed diet characteristics and on animal body weight gain, apparent total tract digestibility of energy and nutrient, and blood metabolites. Thirty-two recently-weaned piglets of both sexes were randomly assigned to 1 of the 4 treatments in a 2 (sugar source, refined sugar cane or sugar cane molasses) x 2 (pelleting temperature, 60°C or 90°C) factorial arrangement. The physicochemical characteristics of the diets evaluated were pellet durability index, fine content and starch gelatinization index. After seven days of adaptation, partial fecal samples were collected for apparent digestibility analyses for five days. For weight gain evaluation, the animals were weighed at 28, 35, 40 and 63 days of age. Blood samples were collected at the beginning (28 days) and the end of the experiment (63 days). Data were submitted to variance analysis and the means were compared by the Tukey test. There was interaction between pelleting temperature and sugar source on the pellet durability index, on the fine content and on the starch gelatinization index (P < 0.05) of the diets. Pelletizing at 90°C increased the pellet durability index in treatment with sugar cane molasses. The fine content was reduced in treatments with pelleting temperature at 90°C and increased in treatments with sugar cane molasses. There was an increase of the starch gelatinization index with refined sugar cane at 90°C. There was no interaction between pelleting temperature and sugar source on starch composition of the diets. The pelleting temperature and the type of sugar source did not influence the levels of resistant and non-resistant starch (P > 0.05). The total starch index was higher in treatments using sugar cane molasses. There was no interaction between pelleting temperature and sugar source on nutrient apparent total tract digestibility. The use of sugar cane molasses promoted higher apparent digestibility of gross energy and ash (A), and pelleting at 90°C increased the apparent digestibility of Ca, P and A (P < 0.05). There was interaction between pelleting temperature and sugar source on the gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) enzyme (P < 0.05), where the use of sugar cane molasses reduced GGT levels in the pelleted diet at 60°C. There was no effect of pelleting temperature and the type of sugar source on animal body weight gain, high density cholesterol (HDL), total cholesterol, triglycerides, urea and albumin. Therefore, sugar cane molasses can replace refined sugar cane as the palatable ingredient in the diet of nursery piglets without affecting animal body weight gain and levels of blood metabolites of the animals, promoting greater apparent digestibility of gross energy and ash, although it had altered the physicochemical characteristics of the diet. The use of sugar cane molasses allowed for the exploration of higher pelleting temperatures (90°C) in the feed processing, leading to increasing the apparent digestibility of Ca, P and A of the diets.

Effect of inclusion of HMBi in the ration of goats on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen bacteria community and blood serum parameters.

The objective of this experiment was to test the effect of supplementation of analogues of methionine 2-hydroxy-4-methylthio butanoic acid isopropyl ester (HMBi) on growth, digestibility, antioxidant index, abundance and composition of rumen bacterial community in Xiangdong Black Goats. Thirty-six growing Xiangdong Black Goats were divided into four groups in such a way that each group had three replicate and each replicate had three animals. Experimental groups were assigned four levels of HMBi in basal diet: 0% HMBi (on dietary DM basis); 0.05% HMBi; 0.10% HMBi and 0.20% HMBi. Goats fed 0.10% HMBi in basal diet had higher average daily weight gain (p<.05). Goats fed 0.05% HMBi had higher apparent digestibility of gross energy (p<.01). The group 0% HMBi supplementation had a higher level of superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde (p<.01). The goats fed 0.20% HMBi in basal diet had a higher level of insulin and leptin (p<.01) than 0% HMBi supplementation goats. 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing analysis revealed similarities in the community composition, species diversity and relative abundance of dominant bacteria at the phylum and genus levels among the four groups. In conclusion, HMBi supplementation has no negative effect on apparent digestibility, antioxidant index and the ruminal bacteria composition. Therefore, 0.10% supplementation of HMBi is recommended in the diet of goats to improve the growth performance.

Nutrient digestion, rumen fermentation and performance as ramie (Boehmeria nivea) is increased in the diets of goats

The objective of this study was to investigate the variations in nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, serum biochemical parameters, and performance resulting from an increase in the proportion of ramie (Boehmeria nivea) substitution for alfalfa in the diets of goats. In a completely randomized block design, thirty-two Liuyang black goats were divided into two blocks according to body weight (BW) (light, BW: 16.7 ± 1.72 kg; and heavy, BW: 26.6 ± 2.95 kg). Then, the sixteen goats in each block were further randomly divided into four subgroups that randomly accepted four treatments, i.e., alfalfa was replaced by ramie at 0%, 35%, 70% and 100%. The results showed that the apparent digestibility of gross energy (GE) (linear, p < 0.05), crude protein (CP) (linear, p < 0.01), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (linear, p < 0.01), acid detergent fiber (ADF) (linear, p < 0.001), ash (linear, p < 0.001) and Ca (linear, p < 0.001) decreased with the increase in the proportion of ramie, while phosphorous (P) digestibility increased (linear, p < 0.001) with the increment in the proportion of dietary ramie. The concentration of total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) and the proportion of individual volatile fatty acids were unaffected (p> 0.05) by the inclusion of ramie. The concentration of ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) in the rumen fluid decreased (linear, p < 0.01) with increasing dietary ramie level. The increasing proportion of dietary ramie caused a decrease (linear, p < 0.001; quadratic, p < 0.001) in the body weight gain of the goats. The serum concentration of triglyceride (TG) (quadratic, p < 0.05), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) (quadratic, p < 0.05), albumin (ALB) (linear, p < 0.05; quadratic, p < 0.05), calcium (Ca) (quadratic, p < 0.05) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) increased by increasing the percentage of ramie in the diet of goats. The current results indicate that a higher proportion of dietary alfalfa replaced by ramie decreases nutrient digestion, body weight gain and calcium level. The proper proportion of ramie used in the diets of growing goats is no more than 126 g/kg dry matter (DM).

355 Digestibility Marker Type, but Not Inclusion Level Affects Apparent Digestibility of Gross Energy and Nitrogen and Marker Recovery in Growing Pigs.

355 Digestibility Marker Type, but Not Inclusion Level Affects Apparent Digestibility of Gross Energy and Nitrogen and Marker Recovery in Growing Pigs.

Comparison of three inert markers in measuring apparent nutrient digestibility of juvenile abalone under different culture condition and temperature regimes

A comparative research using three inert markers, chromic oxide, yttrium and ytterbium to measure the apparent nutrient digestibility of experimental feed in juvenile Hybrid abalone (Haliotis rubra X H. laevigata) and Greenlip abalone (H.laevigata) revealed that apparent digestibility of crude protein (ADCP) measured using yttrium and ytterbium in hybrid abalone were significantly different across the treatments. Protein digestibility measured in experimental tanks was higher than those measured in indoor and outdoor commercial tanks, regardless of inert marker used. Chromic oxide led to overestimated ADCP compared to when measured using yttrium and ytterbium. There were no significant interactions between temperature and inert markers when measuring ADCP and apparent digestibility of gross energy (ADGE). However, there was a significant difference of ADCP amongst inert markers when measured in greenlip abalone cultured at two temperatures. While measurements of ADge calculated using three inert markers shared the same value.

Effect of dietary macro-algae in diet of juvenile Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary macro-algae in diet of juvenile Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. The five macro-algae ingredients, including Saccharina japonica, Porphyra dioica, Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis, Ulva lactuca, and Undaria pinnatifida, were used for test diets, named SJD, PDD, GLD, ULD, and UPD, respectively. A reference diet (RD) and five test diets (30% test ingredients and 70% RD) were formulated. Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 40 shrimp (initial body weight, 2.00 ± 0.01 g) and the shrimp were hand fed four times a day to apparent satiation. During the last 2 weeks, the fecal samples were collected by siphoning. The results showed that among five test diets, shrimp fed the SJD had the highest weight gain and the lowest feed coefficient, shrimp fed the SJD and GLD shared the same survival ratio and were significantly higher than shrimp fed the PDD and UPD (p < 0.05). For the composition of whole body, shrimp fed the SJD had the highest protein and lipid content compared with the shrimp fed other test diets. Apparent dry matter digestibility from high to low was: P. dioica, S. japonica, G. lemaneiformis, U. lactuca, and U. pinnatifida. Apparent protein digestibility of five macro-algae was highest in U. pinnatifida and lowest in G. lemaneiformis. Additionally, the highest apparent digestibility of gross energy was found in P. dioica. Apparent digestibility of total phosphorous in five ingredients was generally low and highest in S. japonica which was significantly higher than other ingredients (p < 0.05). These results indicated that S. japonica is more suitable for feed ingredient than other four kinds of macro-algae.

Nutritional evaluation of integral cassava root silages for growing pigs.

The experiment aimed at determining the nutritional value of integral cassava root silages with yogurt as inoculant or wastewater (manipueira) by liquid addition ensiling process. Eighteen crossbred piglets (Large White × Landrace), castrated males with an initial average weight of 50 kg were allocated in metabolism cages throughout 11-day trial duration (6 days for animal's adaptation to the cages and to the experimental diets, and 5 days of urine and faeces collection). The experimental design was a randomized block arrangement with 3 treatments and 6 replicates: basal diet (100%); mixture composed of 75% basal diet and 25% integral cassava root silage with yogurt as inoculant; a mixture composed of 75% of basal diet and 25% integral cassava root silage with wastewater. The silages with wastewater and yogurt presented the following values of apparent digestibility of dry matter 89.96% and 90.01%, apparent digestibility of crude protein of 60.67% and 66.43%, apparent digestibility of gross energy of 90.43% and 91.48%, gross energy metabolizability coefficients of 87.88% and 88.93%, digestible energy values of 3,705 and 3,783 kcal/kg on a dry matter (DM) basis, and metabolizable energy values of 3,600 and 3,676 kcal/kg DM, respectively. The results have demonstrated that integral cassava root silages with wastewater or yogurt have a high nutritional value and can be used as an alternative energy source in growing pig's diets.

Energy partitioning and methane emission by sheep fed sorghum silages at different maturation stages

Energy partitioning and methane production by sheep fed silages of three commercially available sorghum hybrids (BRS 610, BR 700 and BRS 655) harvested at three maturation stages (milk, soft dough and floury) were evaluated in open circuit respiration chambers. A complete randomized design was used in a 3 × 3 (hybrids × maturity stages) factorial arrangement, and the means were compared by the Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) test (P&lt;0.05). The intake of dry matter, digestible dry matter, gross energy, digestible energy and metabolizable energy were not affected by maturation stage, but were influenced by hybrid. The net energy intake was influenced by maturity and sorghum genetics. The fecal output represented the main source of energy loss, as percentage of gross energy intake (48% to 52%), followed by heat increment (10% to 19%), methane emissions (4% to 6%) and urine (1% to 2%). There were no differences (P&gt;0.10) among the treatments for the apparent digestibility of gross energy and metabolizability (qm). An interaction (P&lt;0.05) between sorghum hybrid and maturation stages was observed for the efficiency of metabolizable energy utilization for maintenance (km), which ranged between 0.53 and 0.78. No differences (P&gt;0.10) among treatments occurred in the daily methane production. There is substantial genetic diversity within sorghum species, determining different nutritional values. Sorghum genetics and maturity at harvest should not be an opportunity to reduce the contribution of agriculture to methane emissions.

Effect of different levels of raw and heated grass pea seed (Lathyrus sativus) on nutrient digestibility, intestinal villus morphology and growth performance of broiler chicks.

This study aimed to investigate chemical composition and effect of different levels (0%, 10% and 20%) of raw grass pea (RGP) and heat-treated (120 °C for 30 min) grass pea seed (HGP) on nutrient digestibility, dressing percentage, relative internal organ weights, intestinal villous morphology and broiler chicks' performance. A total number of 200 day-old male chicks were raised under similar condition for 10 days. On day 11, chicks were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments and four replicates of 10 birds each. The result of chemical analysis indicated that Iranian grass pea seed has low levels of total and condensed tannin, and it may be considered as a good source of protein (36.1%) and energy (17.09 kJ GE/g). Heat treatment reduced (p < 0.05) the total and condensed tannin to 21% and 78% respectively. Grass peas seed had higher levels of nitrogen-free extract, P, Na, Mg and Zn than soya bean meal. The apparent digestibility of gross energy and lipid was affected (p < 0.01) by the treatment diets, and it was the lowest after feeding 20% of HGP (p < 0.05). The relative weight of breast and pancreas (p < 0.05) was affected by treatments. Percentage weight of breast and pancreas increased (p < 0.05) after feeding high levels (20%) of RGP and HGP. Substitution of 20% of RGP and HGP increased the duodenal crypt depth (p < 0.05); however, it had no suppressive effect on villus height as the absorptive surface of intestine. The feed conversion ratio was not affected by the treatments in the total experimental period. This study showed that, although the high level of grass pea seed caused a remarkable increase in the relative weight of pancreas and decreased the apparent digestibility of gross energy and lipid, it had beneficial effect on breast relative weight. It seems that heat processing is not effective method for improving quality of Iranian grass pea seed.

Effects of magnesium on the performance of sows and their piglets.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplemental magnesium (Mg) on the performance of gilts and parity 3 sows and their piglets. Fifty-six gilts (Trial 1) and 56 sows (Trial 2) were assigned to one of 4 treatments according to their mating weight, respectively. The treatments comprised corn-soybean meal based gestation and lactation diets (0.21% magnesium) supplemented with 0, 0.015, 0.03, or 0.045% Mg from mating until weaning. The results showed that magnesium supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the weaning to estrus interval in both gilts and sows. There were significant effects (P < 0.05) of supplemental magnesium on the total number of piglets born, born alive and weaned in sows. In late gestation and lactation, the digestibility of crude fiber (quadratic effects, P < 0.05), and crude protein (P < 0.05), were significantly influenced by magnesium in gilts and sows, respectively. There were differences among the 4 groups in terms of the apparent digestibility of dry matter and crude fiber in sows (P < 0.05) during both early and late gestation. The apparent digestibility of gross energy was increased for sows in late gestation (P < 0.05), and lactation (quadratic effects, P < 0.05). At farrowing and weaning, serum prolactin levels and alkaline phosphate activities linearly increased in sows as the Mg supplementation increased (P < 0.05). Serum Mg of sows at farrowing and serum urea nitrogen of sows at weaning was significantly influenced by Mg supplementation (P < 0.05). The Mg concentration in sow colostrum and the serum of their piglets were increased by supplemental magnesium (P < 0.05). In addition, growth hormone levels were linearly elevated (P < 0.05) in the serum of piglets suckling sows. Our data demonstrated that supplemental magnesium has the potential to improve the reproduction performance of sows, and the suitable supplemental dose ranged from 0.015% to 0.03%.

Blood parameters and apparent digestibility of concentrate with rice oil for horses

Apparent digestibility coefficients and serum parameters were measured to evaluate the effect of supplementing feed concentrates with rice bran oil in horses. Twelve horses (6 males and 6 females) with a mean age of 18 ± 4 months old and mean live weight of 306 ± 22.6 kg were used. Treatments consisted of increasing rice bran oil concentrate levels of 0, 3.5, 7.0, 10.5, 14.0 and 17.5%, considering a daily intake of 2.25% live weight on a dry matter basis. A dietary effect of supplementation on the apparent digestibility of gross energy (y = 64.55 - 0.58x) was observed (P&lt;0.05). No effect on the other nutrients was observed (P&gt;0.05). Supplementation did not affect serum glucose levels (P&gt;0.05), but cholesterol was affected (P&lt;0.01) based on the interaction of the treatment x gender parameter in females (y = 73.92 + 2.08x). However, no effect was observed in males (P&gt;0.05). A dietary effect on the triglyceride (y = 15.73 - 0.96x + 0.0524x²) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) (y = 45.24 + 1.0499x) parameters was observed (P&lt;0.01). While the use of rice bran oil does affect blood parameters associated with lipid metabolism, rice bran oil levels up to 17.5% concentrate do not negatively affect the apparent digestibility of dietary nutrients.

Effects of Dietary Lysine Levels on Apparent Nutrient Digestibility and Serum Amino Acid Absorption Mode in Growing Pigs

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of different dietary lysine levels on the apparent nutrient digestibility, the serum amino acid (AA) concentration, and the biochemical parameters of the precaval and portal vein blood in growing pigs. In Experiment 1, 15 noncannulated pigs received diets with different lysine densities (0.65%, 0.95%, and 1.25% lysine) for 13 d. A total collection digestion test was performed, and blood samples were collected from the precaval vein at the end of the experiment. In Experiment 2, four cannulated pigs were fed the same diets of Experiment 1. The experiment used a self-control experimental design and was divided into three periods. On d 5 of each period, at 0.5 h before feeding and hourly up to 8 h after feeding, single blood samples were collected from catheters placed in the portal vein. In Experiment 1, some serum AAs (including lysine), serum urinary nitrogen (SUN), and total protein (TP) concentrations were significantly affected by the dietary lysine levels (p<0.05). Moreover, the 0.65% lysine treatment showed a significant lower apparent digestibility of gross energy, dry matter, crude protein, and phosphorus than the other treatments (p<0.05). In Experiment 2, serum lysine, histidine, phenylalanine, threonine, valine, isoleucine (p = 0.0588), triglyceride, and SUN (p = 0.0572) concentrations were significantly affected by the dietary lysine levels (p<0.05). Additionally, almost all of the determined serum AA and total AA concentrations reached their lowest values at 0.5 h before feeding and their highest values at 2 h after feeding (p<0.05). These findings indicate that the greatest absorption of AA occurred at 2 h after feeding and that the dynamic profile of serum AA is affected by the dietary lysine levels. Moreover, when the dietary lysine content was 0.95%, the growing pigs achieved a better nutrient digestibility and serum metabolites levels.

Nutrient Digestibility and Metabolizable Energy Content of Mucuna pruriens Whole Pods Fed to Growing Pelibuey Lambs.

The nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance and in vivo metabolizable energy supply of Mucuna pruriens whole pods fed to growing Pelibuey lambs was investigated. Eight Pelibuey sheep housed in metabolic crates were fed increasing levels of Mucuna pruriens pods: 0 (control), 100 (Mucuna100), 200 (Mucuna200) and 300 (Mucuna300) g/kg dry matter. A quadratic (p<0.002) effect was observed for dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fibre (aNDF), nitrogen (N) and gross energy (GE) intakes with higher intakes in the Mucuna100 and Mucuna200 treatments. Increasing M. pruriens in the diets had no effect (p>0.05) on DM and GE apparent digestibility (p<0.05). A linear reduction in N digestibility and N retention was observed with increasing mucuna pod level. This effect was accompanied by a quadratic effect (p<0.05) on fecal-N and N-balance which were higher in the Mucuna100 and Mucuna200 treatments. Urine-N excretion, GE retention and dietary estimated nutrient supply (metabolizable protein and metabolizable energy) were not affected (p>0.05). DM, N and GE apparent digestibility coefficient of M. pruriens whole pods obtained through multiple regression equations were 0.692, 0.457, 0.654 respectively. In vivo DE and ME content of mucuna whole pod were estimated in 11.0 and 9.7 MJ/kg DM. It was concluded that whole pods from M. pruriens did not affect nutrient utilization when included in an mixed diet up to 200 g/kg DM. This is the first in vivo estimation of mucuna whole pod ME value for ruminants.

Effects of flavomycin and probiotic supplementation to diets containing different sources of fat on growth performance, intestinal morphology, apparent metabolizable energy, and fat digestibility in broiler chickens

This study was conducted with broilers to evaluate the effects of growth-promoting antibiotic (flavomycin) and probiotic (7 bacterial species) supplementation in diets containing soybean oil or free fatty acids (FFA) on performance, morphological parameters of the small intestine, apparent digestibility of gross energy (GE) in the ileum, and apparent digestibility of fat in the ileum and total intestinal tract. Eight-hundred and sixty 4-d-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were used in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments that comprised 3 additives (without additive, flavomycin, and probiotic) and 3 fat sources (without fat, 30 g/kg of FFA, and 30 g/kg of soybean oil) with 4 pen replicates per treatment. All diets contained chromic oxide (3 g/kg) as an indigestible marker. Body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly over 40 d. Flavomycin interacted positively with soybean oil and FFA causing improvements (P < 0.05) in BW gain. Among the different fat sources, soybean oil significantly increased (P < 0.05) BW gain and jejunal villi height, whereas flavomycin improved (P < 0.05) BW gain and feed conversion when compared with the remaining dietary additives. However, the probiotic negatively affected (P < 0.05) BW gain and feed conversion despite increased (P < 0.05) villi heights of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. At 21 and 38 d of age, fat and GE digestibility were higher (P < 0.05) in the ileum and total intestinal tract of birds fed diets containing soybean oil than those of birds fed FFA. Fat and GE digestibility were highest (P < 0.05) among birds fed flavomycin but lowest (P < 0.05) among probiotic-fed birds. Flavomycin addition to soybean oil or FFA diets significantly increased (P < 0.05) fat and GE digestibility when compared with the same diets containing the probiotic. Therefore, soybean oil is a better energy source than FFA, as indicated by increased growth, nutrient digestibility, and jejunal villi height. However, probiotic supplementation to fat-rich diets caused detrimental effects on nutrient digestibility and growth.

Nutrient digestibility and metabolizable energy content of Mucuna pruriens beans fed to growing Pelibuey lambs

The nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance and in vivo metabolizable energy supply of Mucuna pruriens beans fed to growing Pelibuey lambs were investigated. Eight Pelibuey sheep housed in metabolic crates were fed increasing levels of raw M. pruriens beans. Treatments according to Mucuna inclusion level (g/kg dry matter) were: 0 (control), 100 (Mucuna100), 200 (Mucuna200) and 300 (Mucuna300) g/kg dry matter. The control diet consisted of sorghum grain, soybean meal, Cynodon nlemfluensis grass hay and calcium carbonate. Dry matter (DM), N and gross energy (GE) intakes were similar (P>0.05) across treatments. Increasing M. pruriens beans in the diet resulted in a linear increase (P<0.005) in DM, N and GE apparent digestibility from 0.64, 0.57 and 0.64 to 0.73, 0.69 and 0.72 from 0 to 300 g Mucuna/kg DM respectively. There was no effect of inclusion level of M. pruriens bean on N retention (P>0.05), but GE retention coefficient increased (P<0.01) from 0.55 to 0.63 from diets of 0 to 300 g Mucuna/kg DM respectively. Nitrogen balance was positive and similar across all treatments (P>0.05). The DM, N and GE apparent digestibility coefficients of M. pruriens beans obtained using multiple regression equations were 0.89, 0.82 and 0.87 respectively. In vivo digestible (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) content of Mucuna bean were estimated as 14.1 and 12.6 MJ/kg DM respectively. It was concluded that raw M. pruriens beans ME value compares favorably with ME values of conventional feed resources. This is the first in vivo estimation of the ME value of Mucuna bean for ruminants.

Effects of intermittent suckling on the performance and digestive efficiency of Iberian piglets weaned at 35 days of age

During two consecutive replicates Iberian sows ( n = 20) were subjected either to a conventional lactation (C) or intermittent suckling (IS). Piglets in the C treatment had free access to the dam. Piglets on IS treatment were separated from the sow during 6 h on days 29 and 30, 8 h on days 31 and 32, and 10 h on days 33 and 34. Litters on both treatments were weaned at 35 days of age and offered a starter diet until day 60 of age. The apparent digestibility (ApD) of nutrients and gross energy (GE) of the post-weaning diet was measured using Cr 2O 3 as external indigestible marker. Litters on IS tended to increase solid feed intake during the milk restriction (125 ± 12 vs. 70 ± 19 g piglet − 1 day − 1 ; P = 0.08). Feed intake was improved by IS during the second week post-weaning (676 ± 17 vs. 497 ± 12 g piglet − 1 day − 1 , P < 0.01), but differences were totally offset after the 7th week of age. Differences in average growth rate of litters on C and IS treatments did not attain statistical significance during the period of restriction and in the first week post-weaning. Litters on IS showed increased growth rate during the second week post-weaning (422 ± 31 vs. 289 ± 33 g piglet − 1 day − 1 ; P = 0.01), but slower daily gains from the 3rd week post-weaning to 60 day of age than litters on C treatment (371 ± 14 vs. 432 ± 15 g piglet − 1 day − 1 ; P < 0.05). Nevertheless, neither at weaning nor at 60 days of age average body weight of piglets differed between treatments (7.71 ± 0.31 vs. 7.94 ± 0.30 kg for C and IS, at 35 days of age, 15.62 ± 0.65 vs. 16.20 ± 0.62 kg, at day 60). The apparent digestibility of nutrients of the starter diet offered after weaning remained unaffected by the treatment, except for a trend for higher ApD of GE for the piglets on IS treatment ( P = 0.08). ApD for CP and GE was 78.1 ± 0.6 and 78.8 ± 0.3%, respectively. No significant differences in the proportions of total viscera and gastrointestinal tract to empty body weight (EBW) were observed between C and IS piglets at weaning and 60 d of age. In conclusion, the increase in feed intake observed prior and early after weaning as a consequence of intermittent suckling during the last week of 35 d lactation had no effect on nutrient digestibility measured at two weeks after weaning and failed on improving Iberian piglet performance.