Apparent Ileal Protein Digestibility Research Articles

Low sanitary housing conditions increase protein fermentation in piglets but do not aggravate the effects of protein fermentation on intestinal health

Protein fermentation has been identified as a risk factor for the occurrence of post-weaning diarrhea. Associations between low protein digestion – provoking protein fermentation - and low sanitary housing conditions suggest that protein fermentation, low sanitary conditions, and post-weaning diarrhea are interlinked.To this end, an experiment (2×2 factorial treatment arrangement) was performed with 160 weaned female piglets (TN70 х Tempo) divided over 5 batches (4 piglets per pen, 2 pens/treatment/batch). The piglets were kept under high (HSC) or low (LSC) sanitary conditions and were fed a diet low (LiP) or high (HiP) in indigestible protein for 14 days. Fecal consistency was scored daily per piglet and after one week, digesta samples were collected to analyze protein digestibility, colonic flow of protein-derived metabolites, and digesta mean retention time in 2 piglets per pen. Furthermore, we measured intestinal permeability for Fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (FITC, 4 kDa) and Tetramethylrhodamine isothiocyanate–dextran (TRITC, 40 kDa), and jejunal absorption capacity for lysine, methionine, and glucose, using the everted gut sac technique.Piglets kept under LSC had 9% units lower apparent total tract protein digestibility than piglets kept under HSC (P < 0.001), mainly explained by 7% units lower apparent ileal protein digestibility in LSC piglets (P < 0.001). Since no relevant correlations were observed between digesta mean retention time and ileal N digestibility and jejunal absorption capacity did not differ between treatment groups, these factors were excluded as underlying causes. The colonic flow of protein-derived metabolites was higher for LSC piglets than for HSC piglets (NH3: +31%, BCFA: +40%, P < 0.001), and higher for HiP piglets than for LiP piglets (NH3: +76%, BCFA: +42% for LSC, +25% for HSC, P < 0.001, SC х Diet P < 0.05). Colonic N disappearance was 5.5% units higher for HiP piglets than for LiP piglets (P < 0.01), but was not affected by SC. Fecal consistency scores were reduced for both HiP (−1.5, P < 0.001) and LSC (−0.5, P < 0.001) piglets compared with LiP and HSC, but no SC х diet interaction was observed. Jejunal permeability was slightly increased for HiP piglets (P < 0.05). No negative effects of feeding HiP on colonic permeability were observed.Low sanitary conditions decrease both ileal and fecal protein digestion to a similar extent and stimulate colonic protein fermentation. It is unlikely that digesta transport or jejunal absorption rates are causal to this effect. There are no indications that housing under low sanitary conditions aggravates the effects of protein fermentation on intestinal health.

Effects of cereal and protein source on performance, apparent ileal protein digestibility and intestinal characteristics in weaner piglets

ABSTRACT Rye and rapeseed meal (RSM) are alternatives to wheat and soybean meal (SBM) in pig nutrition. The inclusion of rye and RSM instead of wheat and SBM may increase dietary fibre content in the feed, which may affect digestive physiology and intestinal function. However, research on the combined feeding of rye and RSM in piglets is still scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of rye and RSM containing feed on growth performance, protein and amino acid digestibility, physical characteristics of the digesta and the intestinal morphology in weaner piglets. A total of 88 piglets aged 28 d were randomly allotted to four different feeding groups at weaning: wheat/SBM, wheat/RSM, rye/SBM, rye/RSM. Cereals were included at 48%, SBM at 25% and RSM at 30%. Body weight gain and feed intake were recorded weekly. After 33 d, piglets were euthanised for assessment of digesta and intestinal morphology. Rye did not affect performance, whilst RSM resulted in reduced weight gain (p = 0.024) and feed intake (p = 0.037). Apparent ileal digestibility of crude protein and amino acids was decreased by rye and RSM (p < 0.05). Rye caused an acidification (p = 0.045) and increased viscosity (p = 0.013) of small intestinal digesta, a lower dry matter content of jejunal and colonic digesta (p < 0.05) and an increased relative weight of the colon tissue (p < 0.001). In conclusion, performance was not reduced when rye was used as an alternative to wheat in diets for weaner piglets. The inclusion of RSM instead of SBM to piglets’ diet lowered animal performance under our conditions. Further investigations are warranted to characterise the quality of rapeseed meal and the optimum inclusion level in the diet for young pigs.

Effects of spray dried yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on growth performance and carcass characteristics, gut health, cecal microbiota profile and apparent ileal digestibility of protein, amino acids and energy in broilers.

The aim of present study was to determine the effects of supplementation of either synbiotic or probiotic on growth performance and carcass characteristics, gut health, cecal microbiota prolife and apparent ileal digestibility of protein, amino acids, and energy in broilers. Two hundred and forty-day-old straight-run broilers (Ross 308) were allotted randomly to 1 of 5 dietary treatments including basal diet (control), supplemented with either synbiotic (Nutromax P) or probiotic (Actera), each at 0.5 and 1 g/kg of the diet for 5 weeks. The overall findings of the study indicated better (p < 0.05) growth performance of broilers by synbiotic supplementation (1 g/kg) compared with those fed probiotic (1 g/kg) supplemented and control diets. The broilers consuming diet supplemented with 1 g/kg synbiotic has an increased carcass yield in comparison with those fed control diet. The findings of gut health indicated significantly increased villus height and goblet cells, by synbiotic supplementation (1 g/kg), compared with control diet in broilers. The broilers fed 1 g/kg synbiotic supplemented diets had 18% increased protein, 9 to 31% higher amino acid, and 34% better energy digestibility, whereas 8.4% decreased protein digestibility in broilers fed probiotic (1 g/kg) supplemented compared with control diet in broilers. The broilers fed synbiotic (1 g/kg) supplemented diets had increased cecal Lactobacillus and decreased Salmonella, E. coli, and Clostridium count compared with those fed control diet. In conclusion, synbiotic supplementation (1 g/kg) resulted in improved production performance, balanced cecal microbial composition, and better digestibility of nutrients in broilers compared with those fed control and diets supplemented with probiotics.

Potential of blended organic acids to improve performance and health of broilers infected with necrotic enteritis.

Organic acids (OA) and their blends have been shown to positively affect performance and health of broilers. However, the data in the literature are not consistent. This study examined the potential of blended short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) with medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) on performance, health and welfare of broilers infected with necrotic enteritis (NE). The additives used were: A) a blend of SCFA, MCFA, and a phenolic compound (SMP); B) a blend of free and buffered SCFA with MCFA (SMF); C) a blend of free and buffered SCFA with a high concentration of MCFA (SHM). A total of 1,404 Ross 308 one-day-old male parental chicks were randomly distributed into 78-floor pens with 13 replicates of 18 birds each. Six treatments were the following: T1, unchallenged control (UCC); T2, challenged control (CHC); T3, challenged group plus zinc bacitracin (BAC); T4, challenged group plus additive SMP; T5, challenged group plus additive SMF; T6, challenged group plus additive SHM. Challenged birds were gavaged with Eimeria spp. on d 9 and Clostridium perfringens EHE-NE18 on d 14. Post NE challenge and cumulatively, BWG, FCR, and nutrient digestibility of birds were compromised (P < 0.05) by NE challenge indicating a successful induction of sub-clinical NE. Additive SHM had higher BWG compared to CHC and BAC groups (P = 0.001; d 10 to 24) but not different from SMP and SMF groups (P > 0.05). All the 3 additive groups had lower FCR compared to CHC (P = 0.001; d 0 to 35), and exhibited similar jejunal lesions (d 16) compared to BAC and apparent ileal protein digestibility (d 21) compared to UCC and BAC groups (P > 0.05). Birds in additive SHM group had a higher concentration of serum IgA compared to all groups (P = 0.001) except additive SMF (P > 0.05; d 21). All the additive groups had lower footpad dermatitis and hock burns compared to CHC (P < 0.05). The findings suggest the potential of blended OA as alternatives to BAC to protect broilers from NE indicated by improved FCR, immunity, digestibility, and bird welfare.

Effect of microencapsulated butyric acid supplementation on growth performance, ileal digestibility of protein, duodenal morphology and immunity in broilers

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of microencapsulated butyric (MEB) acid on growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility of protein (AID), duodenal morphology and immunity in broilers reared to 35-days. In total, 336 one-day-old Hubbard classic broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments (Control, 0.25, 0.35 and 0.45g/kg of MEB). Each treatment was replicated 3 times with 28 birds in each replicate. Feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR), parameters of growth performance and intestinal morphology, AID of protein and immunity parameters were evaluated. At the end of the experiment (35-d), 3 birds / replicate were randomly selected and slaughtered to collect blood, duodenal samples, and ileal digesta. The result indicated improved body weight gain (P&lt;0.05), feed conversion ratio (P&lt;0.05) and AID (P&lt;0.05) whereas, treatments remained unresponsive with respect to feed intake (P&gt;0.05), duodenal villous height (P&gt;0.05) and antibody titer against Newcastle disease (ND) (P&gt;0.05). There is an indication that MEB improves the digestion and consequently bird’s performance.

Comparison of single- and multi-strain probiotics effects on broiler breeder performance, egg production, egg quality and hatchability

ABSTRACT1. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of multi-strain probiotic (containing Lactobacillus acidophilus 2.5 × 107 cfu/g, Lactobacillus casei 2.5 × 107 cfu/g, Bifidobacterium thermophilum 2.5 × 107 cfu/g and Enterococcus faecium 2.5 × 107 cfu/g) and single-strain probiotic (Pediococcus acidilactici 1 × 1010 cfu/g) on broiler breeder performance and gastrointestinal health.2. A completely randomised trial was conducted using 300 broiler breeder hens (Ross 308) aged 51 weeks old which were randomly allocated to 1 of 5 dietary treatments with 6 replicates per treatment in a 10 week trial. Treatments included (1) the basal diet a negative control, (2) basal diet supplemented with 0.1 g/kg multi-strain probiotic (MS), (3) basal diet supplemented with 0.1 g/kg single-strain probiotic (SS), (4) basal diet supplemented with 0.1 g/kg of both of probiotics (MS+ SS) and (5) positive control basal diet supplemented with 0.5 g/kg oxytetracycline antibiotic (OX).3. Body weight, egg production, yolk weight, eggshell thickness and weight, Haugh unit, fertility and hatchability were determined. Results showed that dietary treatments had no significant effect on total hen house or total hatching egg production, egg weight, yolk colour index, shell weight, mortality, body weight, fertility, hatchability, oviduct and stroma weight or number of large and small yellow follicles (P > 0.05). None of the jejunum morphological parameters, apparent ileal digestibility of protein and ileal Lactobacillus population were influenced by supplemental probiotics (P > 0.05), although ileum Escherichia coli count was reduced by inclusion of dietary probiotics (P < 0.05).4. It was concluded that although both probiotic treatments reduced coliforms, they did not improve broiler breeder performance or gastrointestinal tract (GIT) function.

Identification of peptides in the terminal ileum of broiler chickens fed diets based on maize and soybean meal using proteomics

A total of 160 Ross PM3 birds were used in a two treatment feeding study in order to explore the usefulness of proteomics to identify the origin of peptides in ileal digesta. Two diets were fed, one conventional maize/soy-based diet acted as a reference whereas a second diet, formulated to be nutritionally equivalent to the reference diet in protein and energy provision, contained 20% raw soy meal in order to (putatively) elicit changes in intestinal protein flow. Each diet was fed to 10 replicate cages of eight birds per cage from Day 1 to 21. Feed and water were available ad libitum and an indigestible marker was included for assessment of ileal digestibility. Weight gain and feed intake were monitored and at the end of the trial period birds were killed, pancreatic mass was measured and the ileum was excised and the contents were collected, immediately frozen in liquid nitrogen and were subsequently lyophilised. Protein from the ileal digesta was extracted and exposed to proteomic analysis with peptide fragments identified and compared with an amalgamated database containing protein sequences from chicken, soy and maize. Addition of 20% raw soy meal to the maize/soy-based diet resulted in a reduction in weight gain, feed intake and an increase in feed conversion ratio (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Pancreatic mass was significantly increased and the apparent ileal digestibility of protein was significantly decreased by raw soy meal inclusion. Overall, a total of 248 proteins were identified from endogenous origin, 336 from soy and 411 from maize. However, the relative abundance of these proteins were ~20–30% for endogenous protein, 65–75% for soy protein and ~2–4% for maize protein. The addition of 20% raw soy meal resulted in an increase in the relative abundance of endogenous protein and a reduction in the relative abundance of protein from soy with no measurable effect on the presence of protein from maize. Specifically, in the endogenous protein fraction, there was a significant reduction in the relative abundance of metalloendopeptidase, aminopeptidase and alkaline phosphatase and a significant increase in the relative abundance of colipase and trypsin, in response to raw soy meal inclusion. For proteins originating from soybean, the addition of raw soy meal to the diet resulted in a significant increase in the relative abundance of protein from the 2S albumin fraction, Kunitz and Bowman–Birk trypsin inhibitors and soybean agglutinin whereas there was a reduction in the relative abundance of globulin and glycinin. Addition of raw soy meal to the diet also resulted in a significant increase in the presence of maize prolamin in the lumen and a significant decrease in the presence of globulin-2, β-1–3-glucanase and cystatin. These results demonstrate considerable potential of proteomics technology to identify changes in the digestion and secretion of protein in the intestine of chickens. Although these data are preliminary and based on an animal model that included diets that were formulated to have a chronic effect on intestinal physiology it is evident that changes in diet composition can have a profound effect on the origin of protein that leaves the ileum.

Effects of protein reduction and substitution of cassava for corn in broiler diets on growth performance, ileal protein digestibility and nitrogen excretion in feces

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of protein reduction and substitution of cassava for corn with maintained levels of methionine, lysine, threonine, and tryptophan in the diet for broilers from 1 to 42days of age. A total of 2,688-day-old male Cobb-500 chicks were divided into 8 groups with 6 replicates each. The 2×4 factorial arrangement was applied to 2 energy sources, namely corn (CO) and corn substituted with 50% cassava (CC), and 4 protein levels (100, 95, 90, and 85% of the breed recommendation). Body weight, feed intake, ileal content and feces were recorded. Analyses were conducted for diet’s nutrient composition, protein level in ileal content and nitrogen in feces. Apparent ileal protein digestibility coefficient, European Efficiency Factor (EEF) and feed cost per kg live weight were calculated. In the starter period, there was no interaction between energy sources and protein levels. No treatment effects were found on the final body weight, average daily gain (ADG), and feed intake among experimental groups but the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in 85% CP group was significantly higher than 90–100% CP groups (P=0.009). The ileal protein digestibility was not affected by treatments. During the finisher period, interaction between energy sources and protein levels on feed intake was detected (P=0.037). The protein level of 85% CP affected the final body weight, ADG and FCR (P<0.000) as compared to the others. Birds in the CC group had significantly higher feed intake than the CO group (P=0.001). Ileal protein digestibility was affected by both protein levels (P=0.030), and energy sources (P<0.000). The ileal protein digestibility of the group with the highest protein level was significantly different from 85 to 90% CP. Birds fed with CO diets had significantly higher ileal protein digestibility than those fed with CC diets (P<0.000). Protein level affected the fecal nitrogen excretion in both periods (P<0.000 and P=0.002 in the starter and finisher periods, respectively). The decrease of protein from the breed recommendation by 10% or more could lower the nitrogen excretion in feces. In conclusion, the dietary crude protein could be reduced to 95% CP from the breed recommendation to retain the highest growth performance and the ileal protein digestibility with the highest EEF and lowest feed cost/kg live weight but no advantage on nitrogen excretion. For the alternative energy source, cassava could substitute corn at the level of 50% without impairing any measuring variables.

Apple peel waste as a natural antioxidant for heat-stressed broiler chickens.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of processed apple peel waste (APW), alone or in combination with an enzyme, as a natural antioxidant on broiler chickens under heat stress. A total of 360 unsexed, 28-day-old broilers were assigned to 6 dietary treatments with four replicates (15 broilers per pen). The experiment consisted of a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with three levels of apple peel waste (0, 50 or 100 g/kg of diet) and two levels of enzyme (0 or 500 mg/kg, ZY Multi(®)). Inclusion of 100-g APW/kg of diet decreased broiler weight gain at 42 days of age. Inclusion of 50 and 100-g APW/kg of diet increased gizzard and small intestine weights. Feeding 50 and 100-g APW/kg increased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and decreased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and malondialdehyde in blood serum at 49 days of age. At 49 days of age, apparent ileal protein digestibility was reduced when 50 and 100-g APW/kg were used in the diet. This study showed that feeding APW up to 50 g/kg from 28 to 49 days of age increased HDL cholesterol and decreased LDL cholesterol in serum and had no adverse effect on broiler performance.

Effects of replacement of corn with potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tuber meal in broiler chicken diets

This study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional value of potato tuber meal (PTM) for broiler chickens during growing (22–42 days) and finishing (43–49 days) periods. A total of 360 1-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet until 21 days of age, then randomly assigned to six experimental diets, in which corn was replaced by PTM at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% levels by weight, respectively. Replacement of corn with 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% PTM had no effect on feed intake, bodyweight gain, and feed conversion ratio (P &gt; 0.05). However, replacing 50% of corn with PTM resulted in a significant reduction (P &lt; 0.05) in bodyweight gains from 22 to 42, and 22 to 49 days of age. Moreover, there was a significant (P &lt; 0.05) increase in feed conversion ratio when 50% of corn was replaced by PTM. Corn replacement with PTM did not affect (P &gt; 0.05) carcass and organ weights of broilers at 42 days of age. However, compared with the Control group, the relative length of the ileum was increased (P &lt; 0.05) by inclusion of PTM in the diets, and it was statistically different for broiler fed diets in which 20% or 50% of corn was replaced by PTM. The serum concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, urea, and uric acid were not affected (P &gt; 0.05) by diet inclusion of PTM. Replacing 50% of dietary corn with PTM significantly (P &lt; 0.05) decreased apparent ileal digestibility of protein at 42 days of age. The excreta content of uric acid was not affected by diet inclusion of PTM. In conclusion, our results showed that PTM can replace dietary corn up to 40% during the growing and finishing periods with no adverse effects on growth performance of broiler chickens. Also, replacing up to 40% of corn with PTM in broiler diet had no adverse effect on carcass composition, blood constituents, and apparent ileal digestibility of protein at 42 days of age.

Simultaneous inclusion of sorghum and cottonseed meal or millet in broiler diets: effects on performance and nutrient digestibility

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the use of sorghum, cottonseed meal and millet in broiler diets and their interaction when they are used simultaneously. In Experiment 1, a corn-soybean meal control diet was compared with eight experimental treatments based on low tannin sorghum (S30, S45 and S60), cottonseed meal (CM15, CM40) or both ingredients included in the same diet (S30/CM40, S45/CM25 and S60CM15). Results showed that BW gain was not affected by the inclusion of sorghum or cottonseed meal. However, feed intake tended to be affected by the cereal type with the highest values with sorghum-based diets. Feed conversion ratio increased (P<0.001) with sorghum-based diets compared with the control diet, whereas a combination of cottonseed meal and sorghum in the same diet did not affect the feed conversion ratio. Significant differences (P<0.001) were observed in apparent ileal digestibility (%) of protein and energy with the cottonseed meal and sorghum/cottonseed meal-based diets having lower protein and energy digestibility compared with corn-based diets. In Experiment 2, a control diet was compared with six diets in which corn was substituted at 60%, 80% or 100% by either sorghum or millet and other three diets with simultaneous inclusion of these two ingredients (S30/M30, S40/M40, S50/M50). Single or combined inclusion of sorghum and millet resulted in similar feed intake and growth performance as the control diet. Apparent ileal digestibility of protein and energy was higher with millet-based diets (P<0.001). Total tract digestibility of protein in sorghum and millet-based diets tended to decrease linearly with the increasing level of substitution. Sorghum-based diets resulted in lower total tract digestibility of fat compared with millet and sorghum/millet-based diets (P<0.001). Higher total tract digestibility of starch were obtained with the control diet and millet-based diets compared with the sorghum-based treatments. Results of the two experiments suggest that broiler growth performance was not affected by the dietary level of sorghum, millet or cottonseed meal. Nutrient digestion can, however, be affected by these feed ingredients.

Apparent ileal digestibility of protein and amino acids in protein feedstuffs and trypsin activity in the small intestine in broiler chickens

Coefficients of ileal apparent digestibility (CIAD) for crude protein (CP) and amino acids in five protein feedstuffs: corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), raw full-fat soybean (RFFSB), extruded full fat soybean (EFFSB), soybean meal (SBM), and rapeseed meal (RSM) were determined using 5-week-old male broiler chickens. Trypsin activity in digesta in the ileum and jejunum were also measured. CIAD of CP was the highest in SBM (0.73). The lowest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) CIAD of CP was determined for RFFSB (0.45). There was no significant difference in CIAD of CP between RSM (0.61) and DDGS (0.62). The CIAD values for all essential amino acids except Lys (0.52) were the lowest in RFFSB (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The CIAD of Lys was the lowest in DDGS (0.39, P &amp;lt; 0.05). The CIAD for all essential amino acids was the highest in SBM (P &amp;lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference between EFFSB and SBM (P &amp;gt; 0.05) in CIAD of Leu (0.71, 0.73), His (0.66, 0.69), Lys (0.70, 0.77), Met (0.74, 0.80), Thr (0.60, 0.62), and Val (0.65, 0.67). Both the feedstuff and the intestinal region and their interaction had a significant (P &amp;lt; 0.01) effect on trypsin activity. The CIAD of CP and amino acids were very high and comparable both in EFFSB and SBM. The CIAD values for CP and amino acids in DDGS and RSM were lower than in SBM, but they seemed to be comparable to each other.

Impact of systemic immune system stimulation on intestinal integrity and function in pigs

Immune system stimulation (ISS) can cause physiological changes in the intestine and impact nutrient utilization in pigs. Our previous work showed that ISS reduced the apparent ileal digestibility of dietary protein and amino acids, increased ex vivo active nutrient transport, but had no effect on transepithelial resistance. A gene expression study was conducted to further investigate the impact of ISS on small intestinal function and integrity. Sixteen of 28 gilts (BW 63 ±4 kg) were injected (i.m.) every 48 h, for 7 d, with increasing amounts of E.coli lipopolysaccharide. Remaining pigs were injected with saline. Pigs were euthanized to collect ileal tissue. Total RNA was extracted and reverse transcribed, and gene expression was determined by qPCR. Immune system stimulation increased expression of MUC2 and SGLT1 by 1.6 and 2.0 folds, respectively (P &lt; 0.05), but had no effect on MUC5AC and GLUT2 (P &gt;; 0.10). No effect of ISS was observed on the expression of genes that control tight junctions, i.e. claudin‐3 and 4, occludin, ZO‐1 and MLCK (P &gt;; 0.10). Collectively, these results suggest that systemic ISS does not affect intestinal integrity and barrier function, but alters absorptive capacity of the small intestine. Reduced apparent ileal digestibility of protein and amino acids in ISS pigs may be associated with increased gut endogenous protein loss, since mucin is the main component of such loss. USDA 2011–68004‐30336

Content and apparent ileal digestibility of protein and amino acids in diets fed to parent stock of farm-raised polar foxes (Alopex lagopus L.)

This study aimed to compare content and apparent ileal digestibility of protein and amino acids in diets used over 1 year (4 feeding periods) on 2 farms of reproductive polar foxes (A and B). Two diets (1 from farm A, 1 from farm B) from the same feeding period were tested in succession (4 eight-day digestibility experiments) on 5 polar foxes with 'end-to-end' ileorectal anastomosis. The main protein sources were poultry, fish, and beef offal in diets A and beef offal in diets B. In diets A, considerably higher content of protein and total essential and nonessential amino acids was found. In each feeding period, diets B had higher (P < 0.05) digestibility of protein and amino acids including sulfur-containing amino acids. Methionine was the amino acid of the highest digestibility in diets A and arginine in diets B. In the diets from both farms, high digestibility was noted for histidine, lysine, phenylalanine, glutamic acid, and proline. The lowest digestibility was recorded for cystine. Too high a content of ash in diets A reduced (P < 0.05) digestibility of protein and amino acids. Diversified composition of feeds for polar foxes provides a definitely higher supply of digestible protein and amino acids.

Extrusion of Peas (Pisum sativum L.): Effects on the Apparent Metabolisable Energy and Ileal Nutrient Digestibility of Broilers

Problem statement: The potential feeding values of grain legumes, such as peas (Pisum sativum), are limited because of the presence of anti-nutritional factors. In particular, protease inhibitors are of interest, but these can be readily destroyed by thermal treatments. In the present study, the influence of extrusion on the chemical composition and nutritive value of peas was evaluated. Approach: Two extrudates were produced by extruding the peas at two moisture levels (19 and 22%) and one temperature (140°C). Four treatment diets consisting of a corn-soy basal diet and three test diets containing raw and the two extruded pea meals were formulated and assayed in digestibility and balance trials using broiler chickens. The test diets were formulated by substituting the raw and extruded pea meals for 25% (w/w) of the basal diet. Ileal nutrient digestibility was calculated using titanium oxide as an indigestible indicator and the apparent metabolisable energy was determined using the classical total excreta collection method. Results: Extrusion had no effect (P>0.05) on the contents of crude protein and starch. Soluble non-starch polysaccharide contents were increased (P 0.05) on the apparent ileal protein digestibility and the apparent metabolisable energy of peas. Conclusion: Under the extrusion conditions employed in the present study, extrusion was not beneficial to improving the nutritive value of peas for broilers.

Digestibility and energy value of cereal-based diets in relation to digesta viscosity and retention time in turkeys and chickens at different ages estimated with different markers

Digesta viscosity, ileal transit time of digesta, apparent ileal protein digestibility and apparent metabolisable energy (AMEN) of diets based on wheat and dehulled barley (WB), oats (O) or a mixture of these (WBO) fed as such or with enzyme supplementation in three- and six-week old turkeys and broilers were investigated. In addition, differences between ileal digestibility and AMEN calculated by using titanium dioxide (TiO2), chromic oxide (Cr2O3) or acid insoluble ash (AIA) as indigestible markers were compared. Digesta viscosities were generally moderate reaching from 2.5 mPa · s to 7.3 mPa · s. The highest viscosities were observed in WBO diets. Viscosities were reduced with age in broilers, and were generally higher in turkeys than in broilers, especially at six weeks of age. Digesta retention time in ileum was elongated with age of the birds, pronouncedly in broilers. Oat inclusion to the diets decreased retention time especially in broilers at six weeks of age. Apparent ileal digestibility of protein ranged from 0.64–0.83, was lower at six weeks of age than at three weeks of age and generally lowest in O diets, especially in turkeys. AMEN of the diets ranged from 11.2–13.4 MJ/kg being higher at six weeks of age than at three weeks of age. AMEN of Diets O was the lowest but AMEN of WBO diets was higher than that of WB diets indicating a synergistic interaction of cereals, this trend being more pronounced in broilers. Enzyme supplementation decreased viscosity and improved AMEN in most diets, but did not affect ileal protein digestibility. Differences between ileal digestibility estimates obtained with TiO2 or Cr2O3 were small and mainly not significantly different from 0. AMEN estimates were generally higher when calculated with Cr2O3 than with TiO2. AIA gave remarkably lower AMEN values than TiO2 (the significant differences ranging from 0.24–0.94 MJ/kg). In addition, effects of markers on AMEN estimates interacted with age of the birds and dietary treatments.

Increasing diet viscosity using carboxymethylcellulose in weaned piglets stimulates protein digestibility

Abstract Ileal indigestible protein may be an important factor for the occurrence of post weaning diarrhoea in piglets. Depending on the quantity of indigested protein, an imbalance in the microbial community can occur, resulting in an overgrowth of pathogens. Diet viscosity may influence nutrient digestibility and substrate availability for microbial growth. Therefore, we examined the effect of dietary viscosity in piglet nutrition. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) was added as a model substance in order to increase diet viscosity. The effect of 1% supplemented CMC on nutrient digestibility, morphological and physiological parameters was measured in piglets 3 weeks post weaning at 26 days of age. The main effects of inclusion of CMC were: – A 10% slower gastric emptying rate ( P = 0.18). – An increased protein hydrolysis in the gastric fraction, measured as increased nitrogen concentration in the liquid phase of gastric contents (26% in control vs. 34% in experimental group; P = 0.13). – An increased production of the protein hydrolysing enzyme amino-peptidase from 359 U/g protein for the control diet to 516 U/g protein for the experimental diet ( P – A numerical increase in apparent ileal protein digestibility by 6% from 75.2% to 79.5% ( P = 0.22) and a significant increase in faecal protein digestibility by 5% ( P = 0.044). These results indicate that an optimized diet viscosity might be one factor exerting a beneficial influence on protein digestibility. We hypothesize that the effect of diet viscosity on gastric emptying rate is the major factor.

Evaluation of in vitro methods to estimate the in vivo nutrient digestibility of barley in pigs

Abstract Two experiments were conducted for the comparison of the in vivo and the in vitro nutrient digestibility of barley in pigs. The first experiment studied the in vivo and in vitro apparent ileal digestibilities (AID) of protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) of seven barleys. The second experiment studied a further eleven samples of barley to compare the in vivo and in vitro values of AID of CP and AA and of apparent faecal digestibility (AFD) of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM). The in vitro digestibilities of the different barley samples were determined using the multi-enzymatic methods described by Boisen and Fernandez [Boisen, S., Fernandez, J.A. (1995). Prediction of the apparent ileal digestibility of protein and amino acids in feedstuffs and feed mixtures for pigs by in vitro analysis. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 51, 29–43. Boisen, S., Fernandez, J.A. (1997). Prediction of the total tract digestibility of energy in feedstuffs and pigs diets by in vitro analyses. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 68, 277–286.]. A good fit to the linear regression equation between the in vivo and in vitro values was found for all the parameters ( P

Nutritive value of tropical tree leaf meals in adult sows

AbstractTree leaf meals (TLM) are increasingly used in the tropics to feed pigs. The nutritive value of the TLM of cocoyam (Xanthosoma saggitifolium), mulberry (Morus alba) and Trichanthera gigantea, their effect on the digestive tract and their fermentation rate in the large intestine, were determined in adult sows given diets containing 150 or 300 g TLM per kg. The TLM contained from 8·5 to 12·0 MJ digestible energy per kg dry matter (DM) and from 60 to 125 g digestible protein per kg DM. The digestibility was not affected ( P&gt;0·05) by their rate of incorporation in the diet. The apparent ileal protein digestibility of the diets containing 300 g TLM per kg was also determined by the slaughtering method. It reached 80% for the basal diet and 54, 70 and 74% for the Trichanthera-, mulberry- and cocoyam-based diets, respectively. No diet effect ( P&gt;0·05) was observed on the weight and length of the gastro-intestinal tract, with the exception of a heavier caecum in sows given the Trichanthera-based diet ( P&lt;0·01). The pH of the gastric fluid of these sows was also higher ( P&lt;0·001). The fermentation of the dietary fibre in the large intestine was evaluated by the gas technique using syringes. The cocoyam leaves presented the highest amount of total gas produced after fibre fermentation ( P&lt;0·001). The ranking order of gas production was identical to that observed for the digestibility coefficients: Trichanthera &lt;mulberry &lt;cocoyam. In conclusion, TLM can represent up to 0·3 of a diet for sows. Their use in sow nutrition may be considered in tropical regions where protein sources are scarce.

Rapeseed and soybean products as protein sources for growing turkeys of different ages

1. Apparent ileal and total tract protein digestibilities of rapeseed meal and cake and soybean meal and cake were assayed in growing turkeys at 4, 8 and 12 weeks of age. 2. In addition, the effect of killing technique on apparent ileal protein digestibility values obtained by a slaughter method and effect of rapeseed feeding on size of specific organs were studied. 3. Protein digestibility coefficients of rapeseed products were mostly 0·10 to 0·15 units lower than those of soybean products. Ileal digestibility of protein increased slightly or remained unchanged from 4 to 8 weeks and decreased thereafter. No effect of feed processing method (meal vs cake) on ileal digestibility was observed. 4. Killing the birds by carbon dioxide inhalation and bleeding led to slightly lower ileal digestibility values than mechanical stunning and neck dislocation. 5. Total tract digestibility of protein decreased from 4 to 8 weeks of age for soybean meal and rapeseed meal but increased for soybean cake and rapeseed cake. From 8 to 12 weeks of age total tract digestibility of protein decreased for all the products tested. 6. Feed containing rapeseed led to enlargement of thyroid glands and hearts, but did not affect liver size or mortality.