Apparent Protein Digestibility Research Articles

Effect of dietary Pinus densiflora bark extract on nutrient utilization and intestinal health in weaned piglets

Pinus densiflora bark extracts (PBE) has been widely used in health care medicine and animal husbandry by its beneficial physiological functions such as antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral activity. The study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary level of PBE on diarrhea rate, nutrient digestibility and intestinal health in weaned piglets. 120 crossbreed pigs were divided randomly into 4 treatment groups (0, 100, 200, 300 mg/kg PBE, respectively), with 3 replicates per treatment and 10 piglets per replicate. The experiment lasted for 28 d. Dietary supplementation with PBE significantly decreased diarrhea rate and diarrhea index (p < 0.0001). The groups supplemented with dietary PBE showed significant decrease in total tract apparent digestibility (TTAD) of crude protein (CP), gross energy (GE) and ether extracts (EE) (p < 0.05), while there was no significant effect of TTAD on dry matter (DM). Interestingly, the trypsin was not affected by dietary PBE, and the lipase and amylase activities decreased significantly in pigs fed diets supplemented with PBE (p < 0.05). The levels of total protein and glucose in serum were significantly increased by adding PBE in diets (p < 0.05), and levels of diamine oxidase (DAO) and endotoxin in serum were reduced by PBE supplementation (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression levels of tight junction proteins in the jejunum were significantly up-regulated compared to control. This study revealed that PBE supplementation decreased nutrient utilization and decreased diarrhea rate with improvement of the intestinal health in weaned piglets, and suggested appropriate dietary concentration of PBE supplementation would be 200 mg/kg.

Brown shrimp (Crangon crangon) processing remains as ingredient for Litopenaeus vannamei feeds: Biochemical characterisation and digestibility

Processing remains of brown shrimp, Crangon crangon, account for up to 60 % of the catch while only the small muscle fraction is used for human consumption. Incorporation into aquafeeds for high-valued species would reduce waste, create by-product value and promote sustainable aquaculture development. A detailed chemical characterisation of the remains from mechanically peeled brown shrimp was made and apparent nutrient digestibility coefficients in Litopenaeus vannamei were investigated. Brown shrimp processing remains (BSPR) contain substantial amounts of key nutrients (521 g⋅kg-1 crude protein, 74 g⋅kg-1 total lipid, 15 MJ⋅kg-1 gross energy) and valuable functional ingredients were detected (cholesterol, astaxanthin). Apparent energy (82 %) and protein (86 %) digestibility coefficients reveal good bioavailability of these nutrients. Dry matter digestibility was lower (64 %) presumably due to the high ash content (244 g⋅kg-1). The amino acid profile meets dietary requirements of penaeid shrimp with high apparent lysine and methionine digestibility coefficients. Analysis of macro- and micro minerals showed reasonable levels of required dietary minerals (phosphorus, magnesium, copper, manganese, selenium, zinc) and apparent copper digestibility was high (93 %). Contamination levels present in BSPR were below European standards acceptable for human consumption. Processing remains of brown shrimp have a high potential as alternative feed ingredient in sustainable diets for L. vannamei in recirculating aquaculture systems.

Fermented Soy and Fish Protein Dietary Sources Shape Ileal and Colonic Microbiota, Improving Nutrient Digestibility and Host Health in a Piglet Model.

Suitable protein sources are essential requirements for piglet growth and health. Typically, intestinal microbiota co-develops with the host and impact its physiology, which make it more plastic to dietary protein sources at early stages. However, the effects of fermented soybean meal (FSB) and fish meal (FM) on foregut and hindgut microbiota, and their relationship with nutrient digestion and host health remain unclear. In this study, we identified interactions between ileac and colonic microbiota which were reshaped by FSB and FM, and assessed host digestibility and host health in a piglet model. Eighteen weaned piglets (mean weight = 8.58 ± 0.44 kg) were divided into three dietary treatments, with six replicates/treatment. The level of dietary protein was 16%, with FSB, FM, and a mixture of fermented soybean meal and fish meal (MFSM) applied as protein sources. During days 1–14 and 1–28, diets containing MFSM generated higher piglet body weight and average daily gain, but lower feed to weight gain ratios when compared with the FM diet (P < 0.05). Piglets in MFSM and FM groups had lower apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of crude protein (CP) compared with the FSB group (P < 0.05). Serum immunoglobulins (IgM and IgG) in MFSM and FM groups were significantly higher on day 28, but serum cytokines (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α) were significantly lower than the FSB group on days 14 and 28 (P < 0.05). When compared with FSB and FM groups, dietary MFSM significantly increased colonic acetic acid and butyric acid levels (P < 0.05). Compared with the FM and MFSM groups, the FSB diet increased the relative abundance of ileac Lactobacillus and f_Lactobacillaceae, which were significant positively correlated with CP ATTD (P < 0.05). Compared with the FSB group, the relative abundance of f_Peptostreptococcaceae and Romboutsia in MFSM or FM groups were increased and were significant positively correlated with total carbohydrate (TC) ATTD (P < 0.05). Piglets fed FSB had higher α-diversity in colonic microbiota when compared with other groups (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of colonic unidentified_Clostridiales and Romboutsia in MFSM and FSB groups were significantly higher than in the FM group (P < 0.05). Dietary MFSM or FM increased the relative abundance of colonic Streptococcaceae and Streptococcus, but decreased the relative abundance of Christensenellaceae when compared with the FSB group (P < 0.05). These bacteria showed a significantly positive correlation with serum cytokine and immunoglobulin levels (P < 0.05). Therefore, dietary FSB improved CP digestibility by increasing the relative abundance of ileac f_Lactobacillaceae and Lactobacillus, while dietary MFSM benefited TC digestibility by increasing f_Peptostreptococcaceae and Romboutsia. Dietary MFSM and FM enhanced immunoglobulin secretion by increasing colonic f_Streptococcaceae and Streptococcus prevalence, while dietary FSB promoted cytokine production by increasing microbiota diversity and Romboutsia and Christensenellaceae. Our data provide a theoretical dietary basis for young animals using plant and animal protein sources.

Probiotic effect of ferulic acid esterase-producing Lactobacillus plantarum inoculated alfalfa silage on digestion, antioxidant, and immunity status of lactating dairy goats.

A feeding experiment was conducted to determine the effects of inoculating alfalfa silage with a ferulic acid esterase-producing inoculum on feed digestibility, rumen fermentation, antioxidant, and immunity status of lactating dairy goats. Twenty dairy goats were distributed into 2 experimental groups consisting of control diet (Lp MTD/1, including Lactobacillus plantarum MTD/1 inoculated silage) against diet containing silage treated with ferulic acid esterase-producing L. plantarum A1 (Lp A1). Alfalfa silage inoculated with a ferulic acid esterase-producing Lp A1 had better fermentation quality than the Lp MTD/1 inoculation. The application of Lp A1 improved silage antioxidant capacity as indicated by greater total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathion peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities in Lp A1 treated silage versus Lp MTD/1 treatment. Compared with Lp MTD/1 treated group, inoculation of silage with Lp A1 increased apparent total tract digestibility of dietary dry matter, organic matter and crude protein, and ruminal concentrations of total volatile fatty acids, acetate, propionate and isobutyrate as well. The results of current study also demonstrated improved antioxidant capacity and immune performance of dairy goats with Lp A1 inoculation. Feeding Lp A1-treated silage increased dairy goats' serum antioxidase activity, such as T-AOC, SOD, GSH-Px and catalase, and the serum concentration of immunoglobulin A, while decreased tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-6. In addition, compared with Lp MTD/1, diet containing alfalfa silage inoculated with Lp A1 endowed dairy goats' milk with greater fat and protein contents, improved dairy goat milk quality without affecting feed efficiency.

Hydrolysates of whole forage-fish and Pacific krill are useful to reduce fish meal in practical diets for largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), and dietary fish hydrolysate suppresses expressions of intestinal oligopeptide transporter and taurine transporter genes

Somatic and expressional effects of replacing dietary fishmeal (FM) with a 1:1:2 combination of soy protein concentrate, corn gluten meal, and hydrolysate of forage-fish (HWF) or Pacific krill (HPK) were investigated in juvenile largemouth bass for 66 days. The control diet (FMC) contained 320 g kg−1of FM. Six extruded diets were produced with 3 rates of replacement at 25 %, 50 % and 75 % protein for each of the two hydrolysate combinations. Feed intake (FI) and weight gain (WGR) did not differ between fish fed HWF diets and FMC. Fish fed HPK50 and HPK75 had lower FI and WGR. FI linearly decreased with increasing HPK, while feed conversion ratio (FCR) increased. No significance was found in the FCR among groups fed FMC, HWF25, HWF50, and HPK25, whereas HWF75, HPK50, and HPK75 groups had significantly higher FCR. The apparent digestibility (AD) of crude protein (CP) increased with increasing HWF while HPK didn’t cause significant change. AD of lipid and energy were not affected by diet, and AD of most amino acids increased proportionally with HWF. No proximate composition or retention of crude or digestible protein or energy other than whole-body ash revealed HWF-related differences. Whole-body CP, lipid, ash contents and CP retentions showed significant dose response in HPK fed fish. The condition factor decreased linearly with increasing HPK. Fish fed HPK50 diet upregulated peptide transporter 1 (pept1) expression in the foregut. Expressions of both taurine transporter (taut) and pept1 were upregulated by increasing replacement from 0 % to 25 % HWF. Further increase in HWF replacement caused linear down regulation in expression of both transporters. In conclusion, HWF and HPK facilitated reduced use of fishmeal in practical diet for largemouth bass. Expressions of pept1 and taut were dose-dependent in fish fed HWF. HPK just caused single diet upregulation.

Effect of dietary supplementation of some antioxidant combinations on nutrient digestibility in heat-stressed broilers

Abstract The paper investigated the effect of some dietary antioxidant’s combinations on nutrient digestibility in heat-stressed broilers. The experimental study was conducted for 28 days on 120 Cobb 500 broilers (14 days of age) assigned into 4 groups (30 chicks/group) in cages and exposed to heat stress conditions (32 °C). The control group was fed a control diet (C) and the experimental groups were fed diets including 200 µg/kg diet chromium picolinate and: 0.25 g vitamin C (VC)/kg diet (Cr-VC), 0.025 g Zn/kg diet (Cr- Zn), and 10 g creeping wood sorrel powder (CWS)/kg diet (Cr-CWS). Our results showed that dietary combinations of supplemented antioxidants for chickens under heat stress had a positive effect on the digestibility of nutrients and nutrient deposits in liver tissue. Dietary combined effect of Cr and vitamin C or Cr and Zn potentiates the Fe deposition in broilers’ liver while Cr-Zn improved the apparent digestibility of crude protein, crude fat, Fe and Zn.

Effects of Inclusion of Processed Mucuna Utilis [Mucuna pruriens] (l) Seed Meal on Performance Characteristics of Noilers

The experiment was conducted to ascertain the inclusion levels of cooked, decorticated and toasted Mucuna Utilis seed meal on the performance characteristics of Noilers. One hundred and forty four (144) day old Niolers chicks were raised on four experimental diets. Mucuna seed meal were incorporated at the rate of 200g/kg of feed, the diets was formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric. Each diet was fed to a group of 36 birds for a period of 56days. There were significant (P&lt;0.05) differences among the treatment groups in feed intake, body weight and feed conversion ratio. The group feed decorticated Mucuna seed meal showed significant (P&lt;0.05) depressed feed intake, body weight and poor feed conversion ratio when compared with other treatment groups. Apparent digestibility of crude protein either extract, crude fibre and ash differed significantly (P&lt;0.05) among the treatments. It was concluded that cooked Mucuna seed could be included in Noiler diets at 200g/kg while decortication was an ineffective processing method.

Abalone under moderate heat stress have elevated metabolic rates and changes to digestive enzyme activities

Abalone around the world are subject to increasing frequency of marine heatwaves, yet we have a limited understanding of how acute high temperature events impact the physiology of these commercially and ecologically important species. This study examines the impact of a 5 °C temperature increase over ambient conditions for six weeks on the metabolic rates, digestive enzyme activities in the digestive gland, and digestive efficiency of Red Abalone (Haliotis rufescens) and Pāua (H. iris) on their natural diets. We test the hypothesis that abalone digestive function can keep pace with this increased metabolic demand in two separate experiments, one for each species. H. iris had higher food intake in the heat treatment. Both species had higher metabolic rates in the heat treatment with Q10 = 1.73 and Q10 = 2.46 for H. rufescens and H. iris, respectively. Apparent organic matter digestibility, protein digestibility, and carbohydrate digestibility did not differ between the heat treatment and the ambient (control) treatment in either experiment. H. rufescens exhibited higher maltase, alanine-aminopeptidase, and leucine-aminopeptidase activities in the heat treatment. Amylase, β-glucosidase, trypsin, and alkaline phosphatase activities in the digestive gland tissue did not differ between temperature treatments. H. iris exhibited lower amylase and β-glucosidase activities in the heat treatment, while maltase, trypsin, leucine-aminopeptidase, and alkaline phosphatase activities did not differ between treatments. We conclude that over six weeks of moderate heat stress both abalone species were able to maintain digestive function, but achieved this maintenance in species-specific ways.

Effect of Dietary Organic and Inorganic Sulfur on the Performance of Coccidiosis Vaccine Challenged Broiler Chickens.

Simple SummaryCoccidiosis is a parasitic disease in poultry that causes significant economic losses. It is understood that natural or synthetic antioxidants including plant extracts, vitamin E, and selenium have been proved to lessen the gut severity of Eimeria infection in chickens. Sulfur is an essential element and exhibits beneficial activities including parasitic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. These functional features of sulfur might play a role in inhibiting the negative effect of chicken coccidiosis and, if proved, sulfur could be used as an anticoccidial agent. We tested dietary sulfur of both organic and inorganic forms with beneficial antioxidant properties in a mild coccidiosis disease broiler chicken model.The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary sulfur from either organic (methyl sulfonyl methane, MSM) or inorganic (sodium sulfate, SS) sources on the growth performance of broiler chickens challenged against a high-dose coccidiosis vaccine. A total of 320 day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly placed into 32 pens of 10 birds each (keeping 16 pens/control group and 8 pens/treatment group until 21 days post-hatch) and reared for 28 days. The experimental diets were formulated by mixing a corn and soybean meal-based control diet with MSM or SS. At 21 days post-hatch, half (n = 8) of the control and all of the sulfur-added diet-fed (i.e., MSM and SS) groups were challenged with a 30-fold dose of a commercially available Eimeria vaccine (Livacox® T coccidiosis vaccine). Unchallenged control chicks (n = 8) were considered as the negative control group. At 21 days (before coccidiosis vaccine challenge), the production parameters and cecal short-chain fatty acids were not affected by dietary treatments. The concentrations of total antioxidant capacity in liver samples were elevated in both the MSM and SS groups compared with the control group (p = 0.001). During 21 to 28 days (i.e., one week post coccidiosis vaccine challenge), challenge tended to lower body weight and feed intake by an average of 5.3% (p = 0.262) and 2.8% (p = 0.504), respectively, but to increase the feed conversion ratio by an average of 2.7% (p = 0.087) compared with the non-challenged control groups. None of dietary sulfur groups affected the body weight gain, feed intake, or feed conversion ratio of vaccine-challenged chickens. Mild Eimeria-specific lesions were noted in duodenum (p = 0.006), jejunum (p = 0.017), and ceca (p = 0.047), but dietary sulfur treatments did not affect the Eimeria-induced gut lesion scores. At 28 days, Eimeria challenge significantly impaired (p = 0.001) the apparent ileal digestibility of crude protein and crude ash compared with the naïve control group. Dietary MSM increased the apparent ileal digestibility of crude ash by 15.5% on average compared with the coccidiosis vaccine control group. We conclude that dietary antioxidant sulfur of organic or inorganic origins at the inclusion level (i.e., 0.7 g sulfur/kg of diet) has a limited effect on the growth performance of chickens challenged with coccidiosis vaccine.

Olive Pomace and Soybean-Sunflower Acid Oils as Alternative Fat Sources in European Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) Diets: Effects on Performance, Digestibility and Flesh Fatty Acid Composition and Quality Parameters.

Simple SummaryAcid oils, by-products of edible oil refining, are potentially interesting fat sources for farmed fish diets because of their high energy content and usually competitive price. Their use and revaluation may contribute to more efficient and sustainable fish production. They are characterised by presenting a similar fatty acid profile to their respective crude oils, but with a high content of free fatty acids. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of including soybean-sunflower and olive pomace acid oils in European seabass diets, as a preliminary step to determine whether they might be suitable energy sources for fish diets. The results showed that growth was only impaired in animals fed the diet containing olive pomace acid oil, which had the highest moisture, impurities and unsaponifiable matter. They also suggest that dietary free fatty acid content affects digestibility, but not the fatty acid profile of flesh and perivisceral fat. Notwithstanding, further studies assessing the effects of the inclusion of these oils are needed before recommending their use.The effects of dietary inclusion of soybean-sunflower and olive pomace acid oils on growth, digestibility and flesh composition were studied in European seabass. Eight diets were fed for 100 days (101.37 ± 0.33 g initial weight, mean ± SD), differing in the added fat source (25% fish oil, 75% experimental oil): S (crude soybean oil), SA (soybean-sunflower acid oil), O (crude olive pomace oil) or OA (olive pomace acid oil); 3 blends: S-O, S-OA, SA-OA at a 1:1 ratio; and a diet containing only fish oil (F) as a control. Animals fed OA showed the worst performance among dietary treatments, with the lowest weight, specific growth ratio, average daily gain and the highest feed conversion ratio (p < 0.01). In contrast, other diets including acid oils did not impair performance. Acid oil diets did not affect the apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein or total fatty acids (p > 0.05), but a lower digestibility of lipids and saturated fatty acids was observed (p < 0.001). Flesh composition and fatty acid profile were not affected by the high dietary free FA content (p > 0.05). Hence the results suggest that the studied acid oils may potentially be used in fish diets although further studies are needed.

Crude glycerin and cottonseed cake replacing common energy and protein sources on the metabolism of feedlot lambs

This study proposed to evaluate the effects of replacing ground corn by crude glycerin and soybean meal by cottonseed cake, in association or not, on nutrient intake, apparent digestibility, feeding behavior, ruminal fermentation, nitrogen utilization, and blood metabolites of feedlot lambs. Eight ruminally-cannulated lambs (average age: 1 year; initial body weight: 51.10 ± 8.94 kg) were randomly distributed in a 4 × 4 double Latin square design, in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme, with 21-day periods (last six days for data collection). Four experimental diets were tested with different sources or combinations of energy and protein ingredients in the concentrate, respectively: 1) ground corn and soybean meal; 2) ground corn and cottonseed cake; 3) crude glycerin and soybean meal; 4) crude glycerin and cottonseed cake. An interaction effect between energy and protein sources occurred on nutrient intake and digestibility of ether extract (EE; P < 0.05). The lowest values of nutrient intake other than EE were observed in lambs fed with crude glycerin (P < 0.05). Higher intake of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was observed in lambs fed with cottonseed cake (P < 0.05). Higher apparent digestibilities of crude protein (CP) and EE, and lower non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) were observed in lambs fed with crude glycerin (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in the time spent in feeding, rumination, idling activities, chewing, number and time per period spent doing the activities, as well as the feeding and rumination efficiencies of DM and NDF (P > 0.05). Diet and time effects were observed on ruminal fermentation parameters (P < 0.05). An interaction effect occurred between the energy source and time was observed for pH, acetate, and butyrate concentrations, and acetate:propionate ratio (P < 0.05). Lambs fed with crude glycerin showed lower intake and fecal excretion of nitrogen than those fed ground corn (P < 0.05). The triglyceride concentration was affected by the energy source (P < 0.05); with higher concentrations being observed when crude glycerin replaced ground corn. Furthermore, there was an interaction effect between energy and protein sources in the concentrations of total proteins (P < 0.01) and globulin (P < 0.01); with lower values in diets with ground corn and cottonseed cake. Cottonseed cake can replace 100% of soybean meal in diets without affecting the ingestive behavior and metabolism of feedlot lambs. On the other hand, replacing 100% ground corn with crude glycerin has potential for use in lamb feedlot diets; however more studies need to be performed. Furthermore, we recommend the use of these alternative sources, since the combination of crude glycerin and cottonseed cake can replace 100% of ground corn and soybean meal in sheep diets.

Effects of Protein Restriction and Succedent Realimentation on Jejunal Function and Bacterial Composition of Different Colonic Niches in Weaned Piglets.

Recent studies have proved that protein succedent realimentation could rescue the loss of growth performance in weaning piglets caused by a prior protein restriction. However, how the protein restriction and succedent realimentation influence the jejunal function and bacterial composition of different colonic niches microbiota in weaning piglets needs a further investigation. After protein succedent realimentation, we found that the treatment group (TRE) piglets had a higher IGF-1 content and IGF-1R gene expression level in jejunal mucosa than the control group (CON) piglets. The ZO-1 gene expression level was up-regulated in the jejunal mucosa of TRE piglets during protein restriction and succedent realimentation, while the jejunal permeability of TRE piglets was only decreased after protein succedent realimentation. In addition, we found that protein restriction and succedent realimentation increased the gene expression of Pept-1 and the fecal apparent digestibility of crude protein in TRE piglets, but decreased the fecal nitrogen content. After 16S rRNA MiSeq sequencing of bacteria in different colonic niches (mucosa and digesta), TRE piglets had a higher relative abundance of beneficial bacteria and a lower relative abundance of potential pathogens than CON piglets in different colonic niches after protein restriction and succedent realimentation. Our data showed that protein restriction and succedent realimentation decreased the concentrations of branch chain fatty acids and ammonia-N in the colon of TRE piglets. In addition, protein succedent realimentation increased the concentration of total short chain fatty acids in the colon of TRE piglets. All these findings demonstrated that the strategy of protein restriction and succedent realimentation is an effective way to improve intestinal health of weaning piglets, and provided new insights into the nutrition management of piglets during the weaning period.

Chemical composition and standardized ileal digestibility of crude protein and amino acid in whole yeast and autolyzed yeast derived from sugarcane ethanol production fed to growing pigs

ObjectiveThis research determined the chemical composition and the apparent and standardized ileal digestibility (AID and SID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) in whole yeast and autolyzed yeast derived from sugarcane ethanol production fed to growing pigs.MethodsSix growing pigs were randomly allocated in a replicated 3×3 Latin square design with 3 diets and 3 periods of 7 days each, resulting in a total of 6 experimental replications. Three assay diets were formulated using whole yeast, autolyzed yeast, or soybean meal as the sole sources of dietary CP and AA. Pigs were allowed to adapt to the assay diets for 5 days. Thereafter, ileal digesta samples were collected continuously for 8 hours on days 6 and 7.ResultsThere was no difference in the chemical composition between whole yeast and autolyzed yeast, but whole yeast had low digestibility of CP and AA due to the presence of a rigid cell wall. As conducting autolysis can induce cell wall damage, the AID and SID of CP and AA were greater in autolyzed yeast than in whole yeast.ConclusionThe information obtained on the SID of CP and AA in both yeast products can be used for the accurate estimation of the bioavailability of CP and AA in feed formulations. The yeast products derived from sugarcane ethanol production are an alternative protein source in pig diets.

Diet digestibility and palatability and intestinal fermentative products in dogs fed yeast extract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of yeast extract on the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, metabolisable energy (ME), and palatability of diet, and on intestinal fermentative products in dogs. In addition, we also evaluated the ATTD and ME of yeast extract in dogs. Four diets containing 0, 40, 80, and 120 g/kg of yeast extract were evaluated. Diet digestibility, faecal characteristics, and intestinal fermentative products were evaluated in 12 adult Beagle dogs distributed in a randomised block design, with two periods of 10 days each. Yeast extract digestibility was obtained by regression analysis. Sixteen adult dogs were used for the palatability test to compare the diets: 0 vs. 40 g/kg yeast extract. The yeast extract presented ATTD of dry matter = 77.3%, crude protein (CP) = 55.7%, acid-hydrolysed ether extract (AHEE) = 73.8%, and ME = 4947.3 kcal/kg. There was a linear reduction in ATTD of CP and AHEE in the diets with yeast extract inclusion (p <.05). There was a linear increase in faecal concentration of total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and a linear reduction in faecal pH with the dietary inclusion of yeast extract (p <.05). Dogs preferred the 40 g/kg over the 0 g/kg yeast extract diet (p <.001). The dietary inclusion of up to 120 g/kg yeast extract led to lower ATTD of CP and AHEE, and higher faecal concentration of SCFA. Furthermore, a diet with yeast extract was more palatable to dogs. HIGHLIGHTS The apparent digestibility of crude protein of the yeast extract was 55.7% in dogs; Yeast extract had beneficial effects on intestinal functionality in dogs; Palatability for dogs was higher for the diet with yeast extract.

Apparent digestibility of protein and essential aminoacids from commonly used feed ingredients in Brazil for juvenile shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

This study determined the apparent digestibility for crude protein (ACPD) and essential aminoacids (AEAAD) of ingredients for Litopenaeus vannamei fed diets containing soy protein concentrate (SPC), corn gluten meal (CGM), poultry byproduct meal (PBM), meat and bone meal (MBM), hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM), spray-dried blood meal (DBM), tilapia byproduct meal (TBM), Brazilian marine fish meal (BFM), salmon byproduct meal (SLM), and krill meal (KRM). Digestibility was estimated using chromic oxide as a marker in a reference (REF) mixture. Shrimp [...]

Glutamate Supplementation Improves Growth Performance, Rumen Fermentation, and Serum Metabolites in Heat-Stressed Hu Sheep.

This study evaluated the effect of glutamate supplementation on the physiological parameters of heat-stressed Hu sheep. Forty-eight male Hu sheep with an average initial body weight of 17.74 ± 0.17 kg were randomly divided into two groups: The control group (CON) was fed a basal diet and a treatment group (GLU) was fed a basal diet + 3 g/head/day of L-glutamate. There were six replications in each group with four sheep in each replication for a 90 days feeding test. Growth performance, serum biochemistry, and serum hormones were measured during phase 1 (1–30 days), phase 2 (31–60 days), and phase 3 (61–90 days) of the experiment; rumen fermentation characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and slaughter performance were measured at the end of the experimental periods. There were no differences in growth performance, serum biochemical indices, and immune indices between CON and GLU during phases 1 and 2. However, a higher average daily gain (ADG), a lower average daily feed intake (ADFI), and a lower F:G ratio (ADFI/ADG) were observed in GLU during phase 3 (p < 0.05). Serum levels of glutamate, globulin, immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, and growth hormone in GLU were higher than those in CON only on day 90 (p < 0.05). Serum levels of heat shock protein 70, adrenocorticotrophic hormone, corticosterone, triiodothyronine, and tetraiodothyronine in GLU were lower than those in CON on day 90 (p < 0.05). At the end of the experiment, ruminal pH, microbial crude protein, ammonia nitrogen, and isovalerate concentrations in GLU were higher than those in CON (p < 0.05). The apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein in GLU was higher than those in CON (p < 0.05). There were no differences in carcass traits and organ indices but spleen weight and spleen index tended to be higher in GLU. In conclusion, dietary glutamate supplementation improved rumen fermentation, increased nutrition digestibility and metabolism, enhanced immunity, and promoted growth performance of heat-stressed Hu sheep. This suggests that a longer period of glutamate supplementation (not less than 60 days) at a level of 3 g/head/day is beneficial to Hu sheep under heat stress.

Effect of nano zinc oxide or chelated zinc as alternatives to medical zinc oxide on growth performance, faecal scores, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles and faecal Escherichia coli and Lactobacillus concentrations in weaned piglets

A total of 144 weaned piglets (6.80 ± 0.46 kg, [Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) were used in a 4-week feeding trial to determine the effect of nano zinc oxide or chelated zinc as alternatives to medical zinc oxide (ZnO) in weaned piglets. The pigs were randomly distributed to one of 6 treatment groups (4 pigs in a pen, 6 replicate pens per treatment). The dietary treatments were negative control (NC), no additional zinc oxide in the diet; positive control (PC), NC + 2500 mg/kg ZnO; 100 mg Chelate (NC + 100 zinc chelate); 200 mg Chelate (NC + 200 mg/kg of zinc chelate); 100 mg Nano (NC + 100 mg/kg ZnO nanoparticles), and 200 mg Nano (NC + 200 mg/kg nanoparticles). The growth performance of pigs fed the PC and Nano diets were significantly higher than that of pigs in the Chelate treatment groups (p < .05). In the overall periods, the faecal scores were significantly increased (p < .05) in the PC treatment group compared to the 100 mg/kg Chelate and Nano treatment groups. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of crude protein and faecal Lactobacillus concentrations were significantly decreased (p < .05) in the NC group compared to the other groups. The ATTD of zinc was significantly increased (p < .05) in the Chelate treatment groups compared to the other treatment groups. In conclusion, 200 mg/kg Nano showed similar effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and faecal Lactobacillus concentrations in weaning pigs as medical ZnO. HIGHLIGHTS To evaluate the effects of nano zinc oxide or chelated zinc as an alternative to medical zinc oxide in weaned piglets High-dose zinc oxide and 200 mg/kg zinc oxide nanoparticle supplementation showed beneficial effects on growth performance and crude protein digestibility Supplementation with zinc chelated with glycine resulted in significantly higher (p < .01) the ATTD of zinc than other treatments groups. Faecal Lactobacillus concentrations were significantly decreased (p < .05) in the no additional zinc oxide diet group compared to the other treatment groups. Nano-ZnO at 100 or 200 mg/kg had similar effects on growth performance and nutrient digestibility with lower zinc excretion than that of weaned pigs given medical zinc oxide.

Effect of feeding mid- or zero-tannin faba bean cultivars differing in vicine and covicine content on diet nutrient digestibility and growth performance of weaned pigs.

To prioritize what cultivars to grow to feed pigs, five faba bean cultivars including three zero-tannin, high vicine and covicine cultivars (Snowbird, Snowdrop, Tabasco), and two medium-tannin, lower vicine and covicine cultivars (Fabelle and Malik) were fed to compare effects on diet nutrient digestibility and growth performance of weaned pigs. A total of 260 pigs (8 ± 1.2 kg), weaned at 20 ± 1 d of age housed 2 barrows and 2 gilts/pen were fed 1 of 5 dietary regimens starting 1-week post-weaning for 4 weeks in a randomized complete block design. Diets including each cultivar at 20% or 30% provided 10.2 and 10.1 MJ net energy (NE)/kg and 1.3 and 1.2 g standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine (Lys)/MJ NE in phases 1 and 2, respectively. Digestibility data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX and growth performance data were analyzed using PROC MIXED with pen as experimental unit. Fabelle contained the most condensed tannins (CT; 0.53%) but the least vicine (0.04%) and covicine (0.01%). Zero-tannin cultivars contained little CT (<0.2%) but had the greatest vicine (0.5%) and covicine content (0.4%). For phase 1, diet apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry mater (DM), gross energy (GE), crude protein (CP), digestible energy (DE), and NE values did not differ among cultivars. For phase 2, diet ATTD of DM and GE were greatest (P < 0.05) for Snowdrop and Tabasco, intermediate for Fabelle, and lowest for Malik; Snowbird was not different from Fabelle or Malik. Diet ATTD of CP was greatest (P < 0.05) for Tabasco, intermediate for Snowbird, and lowest for Malik; Snowdrop was not different from Tabasco or Snowbird, and Fabelle was not different from Snowbird or Malik. Diet DE and NE values were greatest (P < 0.05) for Tabasco, intermediate for Fabelle and Snowdrop, and lowest for Snowbird; Malik was not different from Fabelle or Snowbird. For the entire trial (d 0–28), daily feed disappearance and weight gain for pigs fed Fabelle were 10% greater (P < 0.05) than those fed Malik; pigs fed zero-tannin cultivar diets were intermediate. Pigs fed Fabelle were 1.6 kg heavier (P < 0.05) than those fed Malik at the end of the trial; pigs fed zero-tannin cultivar diets were intermediate. In conclusion, growth performance of pigs fed faba bean cultivar diets was more related to feed disappearance than diet nutrient digestibility. Vicine and covicine instead of condensed tannin content of faba bean cultivars seemed more relevant to growth performance in weaned pigs.

Nutrient Digestibility and Fecal Quality in Beagle Dogs Fed Meat and Bone Meal Added to Dry Food.

Meat and bone meal (MBM) is one animal by-product used in pets. This study purposed to provide information on MBM including either coarsely (MBMc) or finely (MBMf) ground with regard to diet digestibility and fecal characteristics in dogs. Three different levels of MBM (6%, 12% and 24%) of each grinding form (MBM6, MBM12 and MBM24) were added to a basic diet. Six Beagle dogs (body weight 16.7 kg ± 0.42) participated in a Latin Square experiment. Each trial began with the animals adapting to the food for a five-day period, followed by five days of fecal collection. The feed particle size had no effect on the apparent digestibility of organic matter, crude protein and crude fat. The fecal score was significantly affected by the particle size × level interaction among treatments (p < 0.0001). It was noted that the different particle sizes or levels of MBM as main effects had no significant effect on the fecal fatty acid concentrations. These findings suggest that using coarse or fine grinding even including MBM up to 24% in dog diets does not affect the apparent digestibility of protein nor fecal quality negatively in our experimental study.

Coated tannin supplementation improves growth performance, nutrients digestibility, and intestinal function in weaned piglets.

To explore the effect of coated tannin (CT) on the growth performance, nutrients digestibility, and intestinal function in weaned piglets, a total of 180 piglets Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire (28 d old) weighing about 8.6 kg were randomly allotted to three treatments: 1) Con: basal diet (contains ZnSO4); 2) Tan: basal diet + 0.15% CT; and 3) ZnO: basal diet + ZnO (Zn content is 1,600 mg/kg). The results showed that 0.15% CT could highly increase the average daily gain and average daily feed intake of weaned piglets compared with the control group, especially decreasing diarrhea incidence significantly (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, crude protein apparent digestibility and digestive enzyme activity of the piglets fed with 0.15% CT were enhanced obviously (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the intestinal villi and microvilli arranged more densely, while the content of serum diamine oxidase was decreased, and the protein expressions of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and claudin-1 were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05). In addition, CT altered the structure of intestinal microbiota and augmented some butyrate-producing bacteria such as Ruminococcaceae and Megasphaera. PICRUSt (Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States) analysis also showed that the abundances of pathways related to butyrate metabolism and tryptophan metabolism were increased; however, the function of lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis proteins was significantly decreased. The results demonstrated that 0.15% CT could improve growth performance, digestibility, and intestinal function of weaned piglets, and it had the potential to replace ZnO applied to farming.