Apparent Protein Digestibility Research Articles

Establishment of hydrolysates from enzymatic plant and fish protein by-products into fish nutrition

The aim of this research was to scientifically prove the technology for producing plant-fish hydrolysates from sunflower meal and fish waste (carp processing) and to develop scientifically based recipes for protein hydrolysates and feed using it for carp of different ages. Compositions from fish waste and different amounts of sunflower meal have been developed, the chemical composition of the compositions and the digestibility of protein by carp have been studied. It was distinguished that the best characteristics when studing the nutritional value and digestibility of crude protein have the protein hydrolysates of fish waste and sunflower meal, taken in a ratio of 1 to 2. Accordingly, in this case, a high content of dry matter was noted 65.57 ± 0.18%), crude protein 41.92±0.72%, crude fat 2.74±0.12% and low crude fiber 14.34±0.10%, and the apparent protein digestibility coefficient was 78.8%. The compiled enzyme compositions for enzymatic hydrolysis are optimal at a temperature of 50°C and the proportion of the enzyme composition for fermentation in an amount of 5%, containing enzyme preparations: Protozyme - 40%, Cellulase - 35%, Lipase - 10% and Amylorizin - 15%.

Effects of Protease in Soybean Meal-Reduced Diets on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Intestinal Health of Weaned Piglets.

This experiment was conducted in weaned piglets to determine the effects of exogenous protease to low soybean meal (SBM) diets on growth performance, diarrhea rate, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal morphology. Seventy-two Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire weaned barrows (21-day-old, 5.88 ± 0.95 kg) were randomly divided into four treatments with six replicates in each following a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of SBM levels (0 to 14 d, 9%, 7.5%; 15 to 42 d, 20%, 18.5%) and protease (0 or 150 mg/kg) for a 42-day trial. Fecal samples were collected on days 11 to 14 and 38 to 42 of the experiment, and serum, intestinal tissue, and chyme samples were taken at the end of the experiments. Adding protease in low SBM diets had a significant increase in ADG (p < 0.05) and a decrease in F/G (p < 0.05). Protease significantly reduced the diarrhea rate (p < 0.05). Low SBM level decreased the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of crude protein (CP) and ash (p < 0.05) but increased the ATTD of dry matter (DM), ash, organic matter (OM), and CP after the addition of protease (p < 0.05). The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of aspartic acid (Asp), threonine (Thr), serine (Ser), alanine (Ala), lysine (Lys), and total amino acids (AAs) were significantly increased by protease supplementation (p < 0.05). Both the SBM-reduced and protease-added diets lead to lower albumin (ALB), albumin/globulin (A/G), and urea nitrogen (UREA) (p < 0.05), but greater globulin (GLOB) with low SBM diets (p < 0.05). The SBM-reduced and protease-added diets decreased the duodenum pH, respectively (p < 0.05). The protease increased the villus:crypt (V:C) in the duodenum and ileum, and ileal villus length (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the dietary supplementation of 150 mg/kg protease improved the intestinal health and performance of the weaned piglets and reversed the negative effect of a 1.5% SBM reduction in nutrient utilization, intestinal pH, and intestinal morphological parameters of weaned piglets.

Partial and total replacement of soybean meal with a corn‐fermented protein product in Rainbow Trout feeds

AbstractObjectiveCorn‐fermented protein products (CFP) from the bioethanol industry have strong potential as alternatives to traditional plant protein sources in finfish diets. This study examined the culture performance, apparent digestibility, intestinal histology, and expression of gut inflammation markers in juvenile Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss fed experimental diets with graded levels of soybean meal and CFP.MethodsFour experimental diets were formulated to contain 40% protein and 20% lipids, and the diets incrementally replaced soybean meal with CFP (0% [Control], 25%, 50%, or 100% replacement). Juvenile Rainbow Trout (48.9 ± 1.3 g) were randomly distributed to 12 100‐L tanks within a recirculating aquaculture system (30 fish/tank). Fish were fed one of the four experimental diets on a restricted feeding regime (1–3% biomass/day), and tanks were weighed every 14 days for 70 days.ResultThe mean weight, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, survival, and proximate composition of fish were not significantly different (α = 0.05) between the diet groups after 70 days of feeding (139.6 ± 7.5 g final weight). Apparent protein digestibility was significantly higher in the 50% CFP diet group than the Control group (80.3 ± 1.2% and 77.6 ± 1.2%, respectively). Histological analysis of distal intestines showed significantly larger villi lengths and villi length‐to‐width ratios in fish fed the 100% CFP diet, relative to fish fed the Control and 25% CFP diets. The expression of gut inflammation markers tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)10, and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP9) trended lower in the 50% and 100% CFP diet groups compared to the Control group. The expression of the nutrient absorption markers PepT1 and FABP2 trended higher in the 50% and 100% CFP diet groups relative to the Control group.ConclusionThe results of this study suggested that the replacement of soybean meal with CFP in Rainbow Trout grow‐out diets did not impair growth performance and improved overall protein digestibility and gut health.

Nutrient Digestibility and Retention of Potential Feed Ingredients for Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss W.) Aquaculture in Iran

To overcome the aquafeed challenges for aquaculture in Iran, the world’s largest rainbow trout producer, the nutrient digestibility and retention of eight rendered poultry by-products, and two plant protein sources were investigated. The test ingredients were added to a casein-based semipurified reference diet as control diet and fed to juvenile rainbow trout in three runs. During the experimental runs, test ingredients were added to the control diet in a ratio of 30 : 70. The diets were then fed to the animals in four replicates. TiO2 was used as marker and feces were collected by settling method. The apparent protein digestibility coefficient for poultry by-product meals (PBM), feather meals (FeM), poultry protein concentrate (PPCon), blood meal (BM), canola meal (CM), and Iranian soybean meal (IRSBM) were 73%–93%, 73%–96%, 100%, 87%, 94%, and 97%, respectively. The nitrogen productive value for PBM ranged 27%–46%, both PPCon and IRSBM 37%, CM 24%, BM 23%, and FeM from −6% to 18%. Citric acid supplementation of the alkaline thermochemically hydrolyzed FeM improved the digestibility of crude lipid and organic matter from 6% and 88% to 55% and 92%, respectively. The assessment of digestibility as well as nutrient retention analysis for tested feed components indicated that refined PBM and PPCon, both CM and IRSBM could be used in rainbow trout diets as value-added and eco-friendly protein sources. The findings of this study can assist fish nutritionists and key players in the aquafeed industry in adopting a sustainable approach to aquaculture by selecting locally available raw materials that demonstrate high nutrient retention in rainbow trout.

Mannan oligosaccharides improve the fur quality of raccoon dogs by regulating the gut microbiota.

Adding antibiotics to animal basal diets can improve growth and production performance. However, the use of antibiotics poses a potential threat to public health safety. The study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) on the fur quality, nutrient apparent digestibility, serum immunity, antioxidant status, intestinal morphology, and gut microbiota of fur-growing raccoon dogs. Divide 24 male raccoon dogs (120 ± 5 d) of similar weight (5.01 ± 0.52 kg) into 4 groups randomly. Add 0, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2% MOS to the basal diets of groups C, L, M, and H, respectively. Compared to the C group, the addition of 0.05% and 0.1% MOS in the diet increased the apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP), Underfur length (UL), Guard hair length (GL), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels in the serum (p < 0.05); Under the dosage of 0.05 % MOS, the activities of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) increased (p < 0.05). Compared to the C group, adding 0.05% MOS significantly increased the VH/CD of the duodenum and ileum, while also increasing the VH and CD of the jejunum (p < 0.05). Through Spearman correlation analysis of the gut microbiota, it was found that MOS can improve fur quality by reducing the abundance of Dorea while improving the immune response of raccoon dogs by reducing the abundance of Blautia and Gemmiger. In conclusion, MOS can improve the fur quality, serum immunity, antioxidant capacity, and gut microbiota of raccoon dogs. Therefore, MOS has the potential to replace antibiotics.

Impact of enzyme inclusion on the digestibility of protein, amino acids, calcium and phosphorus in growing pigs depending on meal size, frequency and sampling period

When digestibility trials are conducted, pigs are typically fed twice a day with a restricted amount of feed. These conditions are not representative of the feeding conditions in commercial farm. The present study aimed to determine the effects of meal size and frequency, xylanase and phytase inclusion as well as digesta sampling period, on the digestibility of protein, amino acids (AA), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P). Pigs (n = 6) were fitted with a T cannula, and each received all treatments following a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement in a 6 × 6 Latin square experimental design. The diets were supplemented or not with a combination of xylanase and phytase and divided into 3 feeding programs: one received 2 meals per day that met 3 times the maintenance energy requirement (2M), one received the same quantity of feed in 8 meals (8M), and another received an amount that supplied 5 times the maintenance energy requirements in 8 meals (8M+). Digesta was sampled from 0800 to 1200, 1200–1600, 1600–2000 and 0800–2000. The results indicated an improvement in the coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, P, Ca, Val and Thr with enzyme inclusion in all meal distribution (enzyme effect, P < 0.05). Apparent ileal digestibility of Ca in the 0800–1200 period was reduced in 8M+ treatment compared to 2M and 8M whereas no difference was observed for meal size or frequency in 1200–1600 and 1600–2000 periods (Interaction meal × period, P = 0.017). A meal effect was observed for coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility of Ca (meal effect, P = 0.003) which was higher by 8% in pigs fed 8M compared to 8M+ (contrast 8M vs 8M+, P = 0.040). Saturation of the absorption processes may explain lower digestibility with 8M+ . Enzyme efficacy was not affected by meal size or frequency indicating minor modifications of digestive conditions. An 8-h sampling period would allow collection of a representative sample and avoid underestimating or overestimating digestibility of certain nutrients.

PSX-23 Effects of Partial Or Total Nitrogen Replacement of Soybean Meal with Urea on Intake, Digestibility and Nitrogen Balance in Growing Nellore × Red Angus Bulls

Abstract In feedlot systems, feeding non-protein nitrogen sources, such as urea, instead of true protein sources, such as soybean meal (SBM), could be an alternative way to reduce dietary costs. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of partial or total replacement of SBM by urea on feed intake and apparent total-tract digestibility of organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP), and on nitrogen (N) balance in bulls. Four Nellore × Red Angus crossbred bulls (292 ± 14.6 kg BW) were randomly assigned to treatment in a 4×4 Latin square design. The experimental treatments consisted of different replacement levels of SBM by urea (DM basis): 0% replacement (R-0%); 54% replacement (R-54%); 78% replacement (R-78%); 100% replacement (R-100%). Diets were formulated according to the BR-CORTE system to provide approximately 130 g CP/kg DM. The diets consisted of 20% corn silage and 80% ground corn-based concentrate containing SBM and/or urea+ammonium sulfate, mineral mix, and virginiamycin. Each experimental period was 21 d, with 14 d adaptation, and 4 d of total feces and urine collection. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS and statistical significance was declared at P &amp;lt; 0.05. Dietary treatment did not influence (P &amp;gt; 0.05) OM and CP intake. Apparent total-tract OM and CP digestibility were not influenced (P &amp;gt; 0.05) by dietary treatment. Daily total urinary and fecal N were not influenced (P &amp;gt; 0.05) by dietary treatment. Dietary treatment did not influence (P &amp;gt; 0.05) N retention. Therefore, these data suggest that SBM may be partially or totally replaced by urea as the dietary N source without affecting feed intake, apparent total-tract digestibility, and N balance in Nellore × Red Angus crossbreed young bulls fed a high concentrate diet.

PSIX-10 Influence of Graded Levels of Microbially Enhanced Protein on Nutrient Digestibility of Extruded Cat Foods

Abstract Pet food ingredients that bring extra nutrition and health benefits are much better accepted than being simply an economic choice by the manufacturer. Microbially enhanced protein (MEP) from soybeans is a fermented ingredient that is believed to promote nutrient utilization. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of increasing levels of MEP on nutrient digestibility of extruded cat food. Four extruded dietary treatments differing by level of MEP in exchange for soybean meal (15%; SBM) at 5, 10 and 15% (5MEP, 10MEP and 15MEP, respectively) were randomly assigned to 12 individually housed adult domestic shorthair cats (6 castrated males and 6 spayed females) of similar age (0.9 ± 0.23 months) and body weight (4.35 ± 0.87). The study was designed as a 4 × 4 replicated Latin square with 9-day adaptation followed by 5-day total fecal collection for each period. Data were analyzed using a mixed model through SAS (version 9.4, SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC) with treatment as a fixed effect and square (i.e., replicate), period, and cat(square) as random effects. Treatment means were separated by Tukey’s test. The 15MEP increased fecal moisture content (P&amp;lt;0.05) while 5MEP and 10MEP made no difference compared with SBM. No differences were observed for food intake, fecal dry matter output, fecal score, fecal pH or apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein or gross energy for MEPs compared with SBM. However, crude fat digestibility of cats fed 5MEP was lower (P&amp;lt;0.05) than cats fed with10MEP and 15MEP but not different from cats fed with SBM. These results suggest that MEP did not have adverse effects on nutrient digestibility when added to extruded diets at up to 15% in healthy adult cats.

356 Dietary Fenugreek Seed Extract Improves Dry Matter Intake, Apparent Total Tract Nutrient Digestibility, and Alters Whole Blood Transcriptome of Holstein Dairy Heifers

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of a fenugreek seed extract (SAP) as a source of saponins on dry matter intake, blood metabolites, apparent total tract nutrient digestibility, and whole blood transcriptome of Holstein dairy heifers. Eight heifers (BW = 477 ± 23.8 kg) were stratified by BW and then randomly assigned to one of two treatments in a cross-over design with two 35-d experimental periods and a 14-d wash-out between the two periods. The heifers were housed individually in eight dry lot pens. Each pen was equipped with one GrowSafe intake node. Treatments were 1) corn silage-based diet with no additive (CON) and 2) corn silage-based diet plus 2 g ·animal-1·day-1 of SAP. Variables such as DMI and apparent total tract nutrient digestibility were analyzed as a randomized block design using the GLIMMIX model of SAS (SAS 9.4, SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC) using animal as the experimental unit. Blood metabolites that were measured repeatedly over time were analyzed using repeated measures and tested for the effect of treatment (CON vs. SAP), period, day of collection, and the day × treatment interaction. Dairy heifers fed supplemental SAP had greater (P ≤ 0.05). DMI and apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber compared with CON. Dairy heifers fed supplemental SAP had decreased (P = 0.03) blood urea nitrogen and greater (P = 0.01) blood glucose concentration compared with CON. Pathway analysis via gene set enrichment analysis revealed increased (FDR ≤ 0.05) transcript levels for gene sets belonging to ISG15 antiviral mechanism, metabolism of proteins, citric acid cycle and respiratory electron transport, ATP synthesis by chemiosmotic coupling, and complex I biogenesis in dairy heifers fed supplemental SAP compared with CON. Decreased (FDR ≤ 0.05) transcript levels for gene sets associated with erythrocytes take up/release carbon dioxide, release/take up oxygen, and O2/CO2 exchange in erythrocytes were also observed with SAP supplemental group. Taken together, our results revealed that fenugreek seed extract can be used as an effective dietary supplement for dairy heifers to improve intake and digestibility, and alter the host transcriptome toward improved energy and amino acid metabolism, improved antiviral immune status, and reduced oxidative stress damage.

PSXIII-11 Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Lactobacillus Rhamnosus on Growth Performance, Frequency of Diarrhea, Nutrient Digestibility, and Blood Biochemical Parameters of Weaned Pigs

Abstract The swine industry has to find ways to make diets more efficient in terms of growth performance and swine intestinal health. Thus, this study was carried out to verify the effect of dietary supplementation of the probiotic, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, on growth performance, frequency of diarrhea, nutrient digestibility, and blood biochemical parameters of weaned pigs. A total of 40 weaned pigs [6.21 ± 0.55 kg of initial body weight (BW)] were assigned to 2 dietary treatments (4 pigs/pen; 5 replicates/treatment) in a randomized complete block design (block: initial BW). This experiment was performed for 4 weeks. Dietary treatments were a commercial basal nursery diet (CON) and CON supplemented with 0.02% Lactobacillus rhamnosus IDCC 3201 (PRO; ILDONG Bioscience Co., Ltd., Pyeongtaek, Republic of Korea). Average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake, and gain to feed ratio (G:F) were measured on day 1, 7, 14, and 28. The frequency of diarrhea was measured for the first 2 weeks after weaning. Diarrhea score of each pen was visually estimated from 1 to 5 (1 = normal feces, 2 = moist feces, 3 = mild diarrhea, 4 = severe diarrhea, and 5 = watery diarrhea). For the last week of experimental period, pigs were fed respective dietary treatments containing 0.2% chromium oxide. Fecal samples from randomly selected one pig per pen were collected daily by rectal palpation for the last 3 days. The samples from the diet and feces of each treatment were used to measure the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter (DM), energy (EN), and crude protein (CP). Serum samples were collected for blood biochemical parameters. Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and blood biochemical parameters were analyzed by the General Linear Model of SAS. The frequency of diarrhea was analyzed by the Chi-square test. The experimental unit was a pen. Statistical model for growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and biochemical parameters included dietary treatment as a main effect and initial BW as a covariate. Pigs fed PRO had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ADG and G:F than those fed CON from day 1 to 7, and The PRO had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ADG than CON from day 15 to 28. The PRO increased ADG during overall the experimental period (P &amp;lt; 0.10), nutrient digestibility of DM, EN, and CP (P &amp;lt; 0.05) compared with CON. However, no differences were found on frequency of diarrhea and blood biochemical parameters between dietary treatments. In conclusion, the dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus improved growth performance and nutrient digestibility.

PSXII-24 Examining Relationships Between Residual Feed Intake Classification, Enteric Emissions, and Apparent Total Tract Digestibility in Late Gestation Beef Heifers

Abstract Improving feed efficiency on forage-based systems can be an important tool for beef producers to reduce their environmental footprint. The objective of this project is to assess the relationship between traditional residual feed intake (RFI) efficiency classification, enteric gas emissions, and apparent total tract nutrient digestibility in late gestation beef heifers. Pregnant Angus crossbred heifers in late gestation (n = 72, BW = 576 ± 45.8 kg) were blocked by expected calving date and randomly assigned to pen groups. Heifers had ad libitum access to a common haylage-based diet formulated to meet nutritional requirements for the last eight weeks of gestation. Individual feed intake and behavior data were recorded daily using Insentec feeding stations (Insentec B.V., Marknesse, The Netherlands). Groups of heifers were rotated through pens with access to GreenFeed trailers (C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD, USA) to measure enteric gas emissions of methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and oxygen (O2). To determine individual apparent total tract digestibility, fecal samples were collected from each heifer every 9 h over three days, mixed, dried at 65 °C for 96 h, and analyzed for nutrient values (A&amp;L Canada Laboratories, London, ON, Canada). Nutrient digestibility was determined for each heifer using acid-insoluble ash (AIA) and undigestible neutral detergent fiber (uNDF) as internal markers. Heifer RFI was determined using predicted DM intake as a regression of midpoint BW and ADG, and heifers were classified by RFI quartile group. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS, with efficiency quartile group as the fixed effect and pen as a random effect, comparisons between quartile groups were assessed with a Tukey test. Heifers classified as efficient (lowest RFI) had decreased DMI (8.2 vs 10.7 ± 0.21 kg/d, P &amp;lt; 0.01), less bunk visits (43 vs 64 ± 5 visits/day, P &amp;lt; 0.01) and greater time per visit (4.8 vs 3.0 ± 0.53 min/visit, P = 0.05). Efficient heifers also had reduced CH4 (219 vs 245 ± 6.2 g/d, P = 0.03) and CO2 (7,517 vs 8,074 ± 165.9 g/d, P = 0.01) emissions compared with inefficient (greatest RFI) heifers. However, apparent total tract digestibility of organic matter, crude protein, NDF, ADF, starch, and sugar using AIA (P &amp;gt; 0.08) or uNDF (P &amp;gt; 0.06) as internal markers were not correlated with heifer efficiency. These data indicate that more efficient heifers in late gestation consume less feed and have reduced enteric emissions, despite no differences in apparent total tract digestibility.

Effect of lysophospholipids on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, lipid metabolism and meat quality of fattening rabbits

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to investigate the effect of emulsifier lysophospholipids (LP), enzymatically modified from soy phospholipids, on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, lipid metabolism and meat quality of fattening rabbits. The LP was added in control (CON), LP1, LP2 and LP3 at 0, 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg, respectively. A total of 240 rabbits at approximately 52 d of age were divided into 4 groups with 6 replicates of 10 rabbits each. The feeding trial lasted for 42 d. Results showed that compared to CON, LP1, LP2 and LP3 increased (p < 0.05) body weight gain, feed efficiency, the apparent faecal digestibility of gross energy, crude protein and ether extract, the percentages of dissectible fat and ether extract in the longissimus and legs, the serum contents of apolipoprotein B, free fatty acid and total phospholipids in the longissimus, but decreased (p < 0.05) serum total triglyceride and total cholesterol. Meanwhile, LP1, LP2 and LP3 had higher (p < 0.05) carcass weight, longissimus weight and percentages of foreleg and hindleg than the CON; and the three LP diets also increased (p < 0.05) the tenderness, lightness and redness of longissimus. It is concluded that soy LP as an emulsifier can improve the growth, digestibility and meat quality of fattening rabbits.

PSV-15 Effects of Supplementation of Protease to Different Nutrient Density of Diets on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Blood Profile, Gas Emission, Fecal Microflora in Growing-Finishing Pig

Abstract This study was conducted to investigate the effects of protease supplementation and different nutrient density of diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, gas emissions, and fecal microflora in growing-finishing pigs. Crossbred growing pigs (n = 180; [Landrace × Yorkshire] x Duroc) with an initial body weight (BW; 18.74 ± 3.46 kg) were used for 15 weeks. Pigs were randomly assigned to 6 dietary treatments with 6 replicates of 3 pigs per pen in a 3 ⅹ 2 factorial through the following arrangement: Three groups of protease (1, Basal diets; 2, Protease A: 125 mg/kg protease derived from Streptomyces spp; 3, Protease B: 100 mg/kg protease derived from Bacillus licheniformis) at two different nutrient density diets (1; Basal requirement 2; 0.94-0.98% greater than requirement in dietary protein and 50 kcal/kg in energy). Supplementation of protease significantly increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) BW at weeks 4 and 6. Also, supplementation of protease increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ADG at grower periods and weeks 13 to 15. In addition, improvement (P &amp;lt; 0.05) of ADG was observed in pigs fed a high nutrient density diet (HN) compared with basal nutrient density diet (BN) at grower periods and weeks 13 to 15. In apparent total track digestibility (ATTD) of crude protein (CP), there was increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in supplementation of protease at weeks 6 and 13. The HN showed increased (P &amp;lt; .0001) ATTD of CP at 6 weeks. BN increased (P &amp;lt; 0.01) ATTD of CP at week 13. Also, there was interaction (P &amp;lt; 0.05) between nutrient density of diets and supplementation of protease. In ATTD of gross energy, supplementation of protease showed increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) at week 13. The supplementation of protease in diets decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the concentration of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) at week 13. The supplementation of protease in diets decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the emission of NH3 at weeks 6 and 13. Also, H2S was decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) due to supplementation of Protease A in diets. At weeks 6 to 9, average daily feed intake showed a tendency to increase (P &amp;lt; 0.10) when the BN diets were fed. Also, during the entire period, feed conversion ratio tended to increase (P &amp;lt; 0.10) when the BN diets were fed. In conclusion, supplementation of protease reduces NH3 in feces and BUN in whole blood by increasing the digestibility of CP and improved growth performance. Also, diets with high nutrient density improved growth performance and nutrient digestibility in grower periods.

Detoxified castor seed meal replaces soybean meal in the supplement for Holstein-Zebu crossbred steers finished on tropical pasture during the rainy season.

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with detoxified castor seed meal (DCM) on the intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, and performance of pasture-finished (rainy season) steers supplemented with concentrate at 0.4% of their body weight. Forty ½ Holstein + ½ Zebu steers (initial weight: 283.3 ± 36.3kg) were allocated to four treatments in a completely randomized experimental design. Treatments consisted of diets in which DCM replaced 0, 30, 60, and 90% of SBM in the supplement dry matter (DM). The steers were finished on an Urochloa brizantha pasture and the experiment lasted 112days. Replacing SBM with DCM did not influence (P > 0.05) the intake or apparent digestibility of DM, crude protein, or neutral detergent insoluble fiber of the animals. Grazing time increased (P < 005), whereas the intake and rumination efficiencies of the steers did not change (P > 0.05) with the substitution. The replacement of SBM with DCM in the supplement fed to the steers also did not influence (P > 0.05) their final weight, average daily gain, or feed conversion (P > 0.05). We recommend replacing up to 90% (DM basis) of SBM with DCM in the concentrate supplement of steers grazing on Urochloa brizantha pasture during rainy season while supplemented with concentrate at 0.4% of their body weight.

Effects of combined application of benzoic acid and 1-monolaurin on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gut microbiome and inflammatory factor levels in weaned piglets

BackgroundOur previous study observed that benzoic acid and 1-monolaurin have a synergistic bactericidal effect. Moreover, their improvement effect of benzoic acid and 1-monolaurin on the growth performance and diarrhea of weaned piglets was better than the two feedings alone. However, it is not clear how the combination of benzoic acid and 1-monolaurin affects the growth performance of weaned piglets. Therefore, 100 weaned piglets (mean weight 7.03 ± 1.04 kg, mean weaning age 26 d) were randomly divided into two groups: (1) basal diet control (CON); (2) basal diet supplemented with 0.6% benzoic acid and 0.1% 1-monolaurin (CA). The experiment lasted 28 days after weaning. The effects of benzoic acid and 1-monolaurin supplementation on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, intestinal flora composition and function, and inflammatory factor levels of weaned piglets were investigated.ResultsThe feed conversion efficiency of piglets in the CA group between 15 and 28 d and 1 and 28 d after weaning was significantly higher than that in the CON group (P < 0.05). Additionally, the diarrhea proportion and frequency of piglets in the CA group 1–14 days post-weaning were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and crude protein of piglets in the CA group was significantly higher than the CON group on days 14 and 28 (P < 0.05). The microbial composition in the cecal digesta of piglets was detected. The results indicated that the CA group piglets were significantly supplemented with g_YRC22 at day 14 and g_Treponema, g_Pseudomonas, and g_Lachnobacterium at day 28 (P < 0.05; log LDA > 2). No significant difference was observed between the CON and CA groups in the content of short-chain fatty acids. In addition, serum IL−1β level significantly decreased at day 28 in the CA group compared with the CON group, while serum endotoxin content was significantly reduced at day 14.ConclusionTherefore, dietary supplementation of 0.6% benzoic acid and 0.1% 1-monolaurin enhanced growth performance and nutrient digestibility, affected gut microflora composition, and decreased systemic inflammatory response and intestinal permeability of weaned piglets. These outcomes provide a theoretical basis for applying of benzoic acid and 1-monolaurin over weaned piglets.

Partial dietary fishmeal replacement with soy products in grow‐out‐stage Burbot

AbstractObjectiveThe primary objective of this study was to determine how soy products affect Burbot Lota lota maculosa growth and gastric evacuation. The secondary objective was to determine the digestibility of common soy products in Burbot.MethodsA 130‐day feed study was conducted with subadult (grow‐out stage) Burbot to evaluate performance with 25% of the dietary fish meal replaced with soybean meal or soy protein concentrate compared with a control diet formulated to resemble a salmonid diet. Additionally, diets from the feed study, along with chironomid meal (a natural forage item), were used to determine Burbot gastric evacuation rates using fish naive to soy. These diets, containing over 12% soy, were applied to fish from the same cohort of Burbot used in the initial feed study. A digestibility assessment was conducted using diets with 30% of the fish meal replaced with soybean meal, soy protein concentrate, and a fermented soybean meal.ResultNo differences in growth performance were observed. The gastric evacuation assessment revealed that soy protein concentrate was evacuated at a significantly higher rate than chironomid meal; however, no other differences in gastric evacuation rates among diets were detectable. Apparent digestibility of protein was significantly higher in the soybean meal, soy protein concentrate, and fermented soybean meal treatments relative to the control diet. Apparent lipid digestibility was significantly lower in the soybean meal diet relative to the control diet; however, neither diet was significantly different from the soy protein concentrate or fermented soybean meal treatments.ConclusionSoy protein is highly digestible in grow‐out‐stage Burbot, these fish can be produced to market size on diets with ≥25% of the fish meal (relative to the experimental control diet) replaced with soybean meal or soy protein concentrate with no impact on growth performance relative to a salmonid diet formulation.

Effect of a Bacillus-Based Probiotic on Performance and Nutrient Digestibility When Substituting Soybean Meal with Rapeseed Meal in Grower-Finisher Diets.

The objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis of B. subtilis and B. licheniformis supplementation to a negative control diet in comparison to a standard control diet, had the potential to improve the performance and nutrient digestibility of growing-finishing pigs. For this purpose, 384 fattening pigs of 85 d of age were allotted to three treatments: a standard diet, a negative control (NC) diet (5% soybean meal replaced by 5% rapeseed meal), or a NC diet + probiotic. After reaching a body weight of approximately 110 kg, all animals going to the slaughterhouse (87% of total pigs) were selected to measure carcass quality. Moreover, the apparent total tract digestibility of protein was evaluated at the end of the grower period. The results of this study indicate that supplementation of the tested Bacillus-based probiotic significantly improved average daily gain (ADG, +14.6%) and Feed:gain ratio (F:G, -9.9%) during the grower phase compared to the NC diet. The improvement observed during the grower phase was maintained for the whole fattening period (ADG, +3.9%). Probiotic supplementation significantly improved the total apparent faecal digestibility of dry matter and crude protein in pigs at the end of the grower period. The improvements observed with the additive tested could indicate that supplementation of the Bacillus-based probiotic was able to counteract the lower level of crude protein and standardised ileal digestible amino acids in the NC diet by means of improved protein digestibility.

Effects of chromium propionate supplementation on lactation performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation patterns, and antioxidant status in Holstein cows under heat stress

Chromium propionate (CrP) supplementation has the potential effects on mitigating metabolic stress on dairy cows, however, the effect of increased CrP supply on alleviating heat stress of mid-lactation cows is rarely evaluated. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of CrP supplementation on lactation performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation patterns, and antioxidant status in dairy cows under heat stress. Sixty-four Holstein dairy cows in mid-lactation with similar parity (2.1 ± 0.2), current milk production (40 ± 1.4 kg/d), and days in milk (143 ± 7.8 d) were randomly allocated to one of four treatments with a completely randomized design. After a 7-day adaptation period, cows were fed CrP at doses of 0, 4, 8, and 12 mg/d of Cr per head for 49 d. The average temperature humidity index (THI) was 77 during the experimental period. The average respiration rate and rectal temperature decreased quadratically (P < 0.01) with increasing CrP supplementation. Dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, and milk lactose yield increased quadratically (P < 0.05) with increasing CrP supplementation, whereas 4% fat-corrected milk was not affected by treatments, and feed efficiency tended to decrease quadratically (P = 0.07). The percentage of milk protein and lactose increased linearly (P = 0.05) with increasing CrP supplementation, whereas milk urea-N concentration and somatic cell count decreased quadratically (P < 0.01). Although total-tract apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and ether extract was not affected by CrP supplementation, neutral detergent fiber digestibility increased quadratically (P = 0.01) with increasing CrP supplementation. The concentrations of milk Cr and urinary Cr were not affected by CrP supplementation. Ruminal pH, the concentration of total VFA and ammonia-N, and the molar proportion of propionate and butyrate were not affected by treatments, whereas the molar proportion of acetate increased quadratically (P < 0.01) with increasing CrP supplementation. The blood urea-N concentration decreased quadratically (P < 0.01) and the concentration of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase increased quadratically (P < 0.01) with increasing CrP supplementation, while the ratio of glucose to insulin and the concentration of glucose and malonaldehyde did not differ among treatments. In conclusion, CrP supplementation could increase milk yield in mid-lactation cows under heat stress by increasing DMI, reducing respiration rate and rectal temperature, and improving antioxidant status. The recommended dose of CrP is 4–8 mg/d of Cr per cow in hot weather.

Effects of meal processing of black soldier fly on standardized amino acids digestibility in pigs.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of incorporating black soldier fly (BSF) larvae and its processed form as an alternative source of protein to fish meal (FM) on the digestibility of amino acids (AA) in weaned pigs. Four cannulated pigs with an initial bodyweight of 13.25 ± 0.25 kg and aged 30 days were subjected to a 4 × 4 Latin square design with three treatments, as well as a nitrogen-free treatment. The diets used for each treatment consisted of a FM diet, a diet containing BSF larvae meal (BSFM), and a diet containing extruded BSF (BSFE). The study was conducted over four stages, with a total duration of 28 days. The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of protein was higher in the FM treatment compared with the BSFM. Among essential AA, the AID of Arg, His, Leu, and Thr were higher in the FM compared with the BSFM and BSFE. A greater AID of Ile and Phe was observed in pigs in the FM treatment compared with the BSFM. The average AA digestibility did not show any difference between treatments. Among non-essential AA, the AID of Ala (p = 0.054) and Glu (p = 0.064) tended to be increased in the FM compared with the BSFM. Among essential AA, the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of Arg, His, Ile, and Leu were higher in the FM compared with the BSFM. Among non-essential AA, the SID of Cys (p = 0.074) tended to be increased in the FM compared with the BSFM. In conclusion, the processing and thermal conditioning techniques utilized for BSF larvae meal showed a tendency for increased AA digestibility. Therefore, when formulating a diet, it is important to take into account the difference in AA digestibility between FM and BSFM.

Fermentation characteristics of different sources of dietary fiber in vitro and impacts on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and blood para-meters of piglets

This study aimed to assess the effect of various source of high-fiber ingredients on growth performance, apparent digestibility of nutrients, and blood para- meters of piglets by investigating their in vitro fermentation characteristics. A total of 300 healthy crossbred piglets were randomly allocated to one of five diets including corn-soybean meal basal diet (CON), sugar beet pulp (SBP), soybean hull (SBH), fermented distillers’ grains (FDG), and kelp powder (KP). In vitro fermentation analysis revealed that the predominant short-chain fatty acids produced were acetate and valerate. Sugar beet pulp and kelp powder exhibited rapid fermentation rates, in contrast to SBH, oat bran, and FDG. The apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter (P < 0.05), gross energy (P < 0.05), and crude protein were decreased (P < 0.001) in different fiber diets than the CON diet. The serum concentration of threonine was increased by feeding fibers diets (P < 0.05). In conclusion, a diet containing 3% SBP (with a soluble-to-insoluble dietary fiber ratio of 17.04%) showed the best effects on increasing nutrients digestibility and serum amino acid concentrations. These findings may inform future applications of SBP in piglet nutrition.