Apparent Metabolizable Energy Research Articles

Comparison of cassava fiber with conventional fiber sources on diet digestibility, fecal characteristics, intestinal fermentation products, and fecal microbiota of dogs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of cassava fiber (CA) concentrations and conventional fiber sources on coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) and metabolizable energy (ME) of the diet, fecal characteristics, intestinal fermentation products, and fecal microbiota of dogs. Seven diets were evaluated: control diet (without the addition of fiber sources); three diets with increasing concentrations of CA: 40, 80, and 120 g/kg (totaling 61, 72, and 83 g/kg of total dietary fiber, TDF, respectively); diet with 38 g/kg of cellulose (CE); diet with 60 g/kg of beet pulp (BP); and diet with 38 g/kg of lignocellulose (LC). Diets with 120 g/kg of CA, CE, BP, and LC contained approximately 80 g/kg of TDF. Diet digestibility, fecal characteristics, intestinal fermentation products, and fecal microbiota were evaluated in 14 adult Beagle dogs, distributed in a randomized block design, with 3 periods of 15 days each. Each 2 dogs were fed one of the diets per period, totaling 6 replicates/treatment at the end of the 3 periods. The CTTAD of organic matter and dry matter was higher (P < 0.05) in the control diet when compared to diets with the same TDF concentrations. The 120 g/kg CA diet had lower ME when compared to the CE and LC diets (P < 0.05). There was no difference among diets on fecal score and ammonia (P > 0.05). The 120 g/kg CA diet resulted in higher fecal concentrations of acetate and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) when compared to the control, CE, and LC diets (P < 0.05). Effects of fiber-containing diets on fecal microbiota were observed mainly for BP and CA diets, which increased bacterial richness and α-diversity and the relative abundance of Faecalibacterium, Fusobacterium, and Bacteroides, when compared to the control diet (P < 0.05). Cassava fiber can be included in adult dog foods because it has similar effects to conventional fiber sources. Besides, it keeps the stool soft and well-formed and modulates the intestinal microbiota of dogs, increasing the richness and favoring genera with potential benefits, such as Faecalibacterium.

Nutritive value of full-fat dehulled sunflower seeds in diets for broiler chickens

The goal of this research was to evaluate the nutritive value of full-fat de-hulled sunflower seeds (DHSS) in feeding broiler chickens. Three experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 determined the proximal analysis of DHSS, the essential amino acid content, and apparent metabolizable energy (AME). In experiment 2, two diets were formulated, namely a control and a diet containing 10% DHSS. Apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and ether extract (EE) were calculated. In experiment 3, the performances of broilers fed the two diets were evaluated in terms of the relative weights of digestive system organs, breast meat colour, growth and feed consumption. Full-fat de-hulled sunflower seeds were characterized as having 507.9 g/kg EE, 282.1 g/kg CP, 21.02 MJ/kg AME and 9.3 g/16 g N arginine. Apparent ileal digestibility of DM in the 10% DHSS diet was 658.0 g/kg, similar to that of the control diet (643.0 g/kg). Partial substitution of DHSS for soybean meal (SBM) did not affect the relative weight of digestive system organs, except for the liver. The relative weights of the liver were 17.90 g/kg bodyweight in birds fed the DHSS diet and 16.37 g/kg bodyweight (P &lt;0.05) in the control. The colour of the breast meat was 3.5% darker and 13.8% less yellow for DHSS birds compared with the control. Growth and feed consumption were unaffected by the dietary treatments. Therefore, 10% DHSS can partially replace SBM in broiler finisher diets.

Apparent metabolisable energy content of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seed and Galactomannan depleted fenugreek residue in roosters

A study was carried out to estimate the apparent metabolisable energy contents of fenugreek seed and galactomannan depleted fenugreek residue (GDFR) using roosters. The apparent metabolisable energy content in the fenugreek seed and galactomannan depleted fenugreek residue was 3125 and 3315 kcal/kg. Based on the present results, it is concluded that fenugreek seed and GDFR is a potential energy supplement for poultry.

Short communication: Pelleting increases the metabolizable energy of de-hulled sunflower seed meal for broilers

The study examined the effects of two methods of processing de-hulled sunflower seed meal (SFM) from the same batch of sunflower seeds. Sunflower seed meal was fed to broilers as meal (MSFM) or after it had been pelleted (PSFM) at 75 °C and 360 kPa pressure to pass through a 3 mm mesh. Three diets were prepared, namely a balancer feed (BF) and two diets containing 200 g/kg MSFM or 200 g/kg PSFM. They were fed to 30 pens (two birds each) with male Ross 308 broilers, from 8 to 21 days old, following randomization. Data were analysed by ANOVA. Two pre-planned orthogonal contrast tests were performed to compare overall differences between the diets containing SFM and BF and between diets containing the MSFM and PSFM. The BF had a very different nutrient composition from the complete feeds containing SFM so, as expected, there were differences in growth performance and nutrient retention. The diet containing PSFM had greater apparent metabolizable energy corrected for N retention (AMEn) and dry matter retention (DMR) than that containing MSFM. The use of the substitution method showed the PSFM had AMEn that was 18% greater than the MSFM (8.79 vs 7.47 MJ/kg DM). Under the conditions of the current study, incorporating PSFM in a mash broiler feed increased dietary AMEn compared with the same feed containing MSFM. Further studies are needed to identify whether the benefits of pre-pelleting SFM remain after this product has been incorporated in complete pelleted broiler feeds.

Effects of Energy-Restricted Feeding during Rearing on the Performance, Uniformity, and Development of Rugao Layer Breeders at the Initiation of the Laying Period.

Simple SummaryThree major factors affecting productive performance of laying hens are BW, flock uniformity, and GIT development at the initiation of the laying period. Various feeding management practices to restrict feed intake of broiler breeders during the rearing phase to optimize BW for reproductive performance can improve BW uniformity. Hence, the feed restriction methods used for broiler breeders might be used to improve flock uniformity and the GIT development of laying hens. The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of energy-restricted feeding and switching to ad libitum feeding on the performance, uniformity, and development of Rugao layer breeders at the initiation of the laying period. Moderate energy restriction from 8 to 18 weeks of age and switching to ad libitum feeding can stimulate the development of the GIT and improve BW uniformity of layer breeders. Improved ECR was observed overall in the experiment. In addition, the BW of layer breeders recovered after the pullets were switched to ad libitum feeding for 3 weeks. These results provide a theoretical basis for the application of energy-restricted feeding in young layer breeders, which may have important practical importance for layer breeders because a better rearing cycle can be advantageous to production performance.The aim of this study was to assess the effects of energy-restricted feeding during rearing on the performance, uniformity, and development of layer breeders at the initiation of the laying period. A total of 2400 8-week-old Rugao layer breeders were randomly assigned to one of five groups (480 pullets per group) with eight replicates and were fed one of five diets that were nutritionally equal with the exception of apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) content (2850, 2750, 2650, 2550, and 2450 kcal AMEn/kg) from 8 to 18 weeks of age. The daily amount of feed was restricted to the absolute quantity of the diet consumed by laying hens fed 2850 kcal AMEn per kg diet ad libitum (control). From 18 to 21 weeks of age, all hens were fed a basal diet ad libitum. The body weight (BW) of the laying pullets decreased linearly with increasing energy restriction (p < 0.001) but recovered within 3 weeks of ad libitum feeding (p = 0.290). A gradual increase in the degree of energy restriction resulted in a gradual decrease in average daily weight gain (ADG) and a gradual increase in the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and energy conversion ratio (ECR) from 8 to 18 weeks of age (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.008). In contrast, the ADG and ADFI (p < 0.001, p < 0.001) gradually increased, while the FCR and ECR (p < 0.001, p < 0.001) gradually improved from 18 to 21 weeks of age. From 8 to 21 weeks of age, ECR improved (p = 0.005) with an increasing degree of energy restriction. The energy-restricted feeding for 6 weeks to the end of the trial improved BW uniformity (p < 0.05). The relative length and circumference of tarsus (p < 0.001, p < 0.001), and the relative weights and lengths of the small intestine, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and caeca increased linearly (p < 0.001, p = 0.012, p < 0.007, p = 0.012, p = 0.040; p < 0.001, p = 0.003, p = 0.032, p = 0.029, p = 0.040) with increasing energy restriction at 18 weeks of age. After switching to ad libitum feeding for 3 weeks, the relative weights and lengths of the small intestine, duodenum, and jejunum of laying pullets increased linearly with increasing energy restriction (p < 0.001, p = 0.016, p = 0.011; p = 0.009, p = 0.028, p = 0.032). In conclusion, moderate energy restriction (85.97%, 2450 vs. 2850 kcal AMEn/kg) from 8 to 18 weeks of age and switching to ad libitum feeding from 18 to 21 weeks of age can be used to improve BW uniformity and stimulate the development of the duodenum and jejunum of native layer breeders at the initiation of the laying period without compromising BW.

Application of Apparent Metabolizable Energy versus Nitrogen-Corrected Apparent Metabolizable Energy in Poultry Feed Formulations: A Continuing Conundrum

Simple SummaryDespite some limitations, the metabolizable energy system has been extensively used for describing the available energy in ingredients and for formulating complete poultry feeds. Three methods, namely direct, difference (substitution), and regression, or modifications thereof, have been employed to measure the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) of feeds and ingredients for poultry. The AME of feed ingredients are often corrected for zero nitrogen (N) retention to estimate the N-corrected AME (AMEn). Although the need for N-retention corrections has been intensely debated and challenged ever since the advent of the AME system, no definitive conclusion has been reached and the majority of poultry diets today are formulated to meet the requirements for AMEn rather than AME. There is limited information on the effect of zero N-retention correction on the energy value of major protein sources. The aim of this investigation was to understand the consequences of correction to zero N retention to the energy values of samples of several protein sources differing in protein quality. Based on the data presented herein, correcting AME values to zero N retention for modern fast-growing broilers penalizes the energy value of all major protein sources and is of higher magnitude for ingredients with higher protein quality.In the present investigation, N retention, AME, and AMEn data from six energy evaluation assays, involving four protein sources (soybean meal, full-fat soybean, rapeseed meal and maize distiller’s dried grains with solubles [DDGS]), are reported. The correction for zero N retention, reduced the AME value of soybean meal samples from different origins from 9.9 to 17.8% with increasing N retention. The magnitude of AME penalization in full-fat soybean samples, imposed by zero N correction, increased from 1.90 to 9.64% with increasing N retention. The Δ AME (AME minus AMEn) in rapeseed meal samples increased from 0.70 to 1.09 MJ/kg as N-retention increased. In maize DDGS samples, the correction for zero N retention increased the magnitude of AME penalization from 5.44 to 8.21% with increasing N retention. For all protein sources, positive correlations (p < 0.001; r = 0.831 to 0.991) were observed between the N retention and Δ AME. The present data confirms that correcting AME values to zero N retention for modern broilers penalizes the energy value of protein sources and is of higher magnitude for ingredients with higher protein quality. Feed formulation based on uncorrected AME values could benefit least cost broiler feed formulations and merits further investigation.

Chemical Compositions of Brown and Green Seaweed, and Effects on Nutrient Digestibility in Broiler Chickens.

Simple SummaryThis study aimed to analyse the nutritional properties and apparent ileal digestibility of brown and green seaweed on broiler chickens. Proximate content, mineral and amino acid contents were analysed. In addition, the gross energy value of brown and green seaweed was measured. A digestibility trial was conducted to determine the apparent ileal digestibility of seaweed in broiler chickens. Apparent metabolisable energy was determined as well in this study. Birds were fed with 90.30% seaweed-based diet with an indigestible marker. At the end of the feeding trial, birds were euthanised and ileal digesta was collected. Nutrient contents of experimental feed and digesta were analysed, and gross energy was measured. The results revealed that there was no significant difference in the apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude lipid and ash contents among the brown and green seaweed-based diets. The findings also demonstrated that the apparent ileal digestibility of crude protein and crude fibre was significantly higher in brown seaweed compared to green seaweed. Nevertheless, no significant difference was observed in the apparent digestibility of metabolisable energy between the types of seaweed.This study aimed to analyse the nutritional properties, apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and apparent metabolisable energy (AME) of broiler chickens fed with brown seaweed (BS) and green seaweed (GS). Proximate analysis was performed to determine the nutrient composition of seaweed. The amino acids were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to determine the minerals content. The gross energy (GE) was determined using a fully automatic bomb calorimeter, and the AME value was calculated. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) was used as an indigestible marker to calculate the AID. A digestibility trial was conducted to investigate the effects of seaweeds on crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE), dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), amino acids (AA) and minerals digestibility, and AME on broiler chickens. Thirty-six broiler chickens were randomly distributed into two dietary treatment groups with six replicates and three birds per replicate. Results showed that brown and green seaweed was a source of macro and micronutrients. For the AME and AID of seaweed-based diets, the results showed that the AME value for BS and GS was 2894.13 and 2780.70 kcal/kg, respectively. The AID of BS and GS was 88.82% and 86.8% for EE, 82.03% and 80.6% for OM, 60.69% and 57.80% for CP, 48.56 and 44.02% for CF, and 17.97 and 19.40% for ash contents, respectively. Meanwhile, the AID of CP and CF was significantly higher for BS compared to the GS. Findings showed that the AID of various AA was 40.96 to 77.54%, and the AID of selected minerals (Ca, Na, K, Mg, Zn, Cu, Fe) for both BS and GS groups were above 90%.

Effects of a xylanase and beta-glucanase enzyme combination on growth performance of broilers fed maize-soybean meal-based diets

The following study evaluated effects of a xylanase and beta-glucanase combination on growth performance of broilers fed energy reduced versus nutritionally adequate maize-soybean meal-based diets. A total of 648, one-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) were assigned to floor-pens (24 birds/pen, nine pens/treatment, three treatments) in a randomised block design. Treatments included: (1) a nutritionally adequate positive control diet (PC); (2) a negative control (NC) diet in which energy, crude protein and digestible amino acids were reduced by 3.4% (-105 kcal apparent metabolisable energy), 2.3% and 1.2 to 3.0% vs PC, respectively; and (3) NC plus a xylanase and beta-glucanase combination that supplied 1,220 U xylanase and 152 U beta-glucanase per kilogram of final feed. All diets contained a background of 500 FTU/kg phytase and were offered to birds ad libitum. Birds fed NC showed reduced average daily gain (ADG) by -6.1% (P&lt;0.05); increased feed conversion ratio (FCR) by 9.2 points (P&lt;0.05), and overall (d 1-35) body weight corrected FCR which was increased by 9.4 points (P&lt;0.05) vs the PC group. Enzyme supplementation increased final BW (+4.2%, P&lt;0.05), ADG (+5.4%, P&lt;0.05) and tended to reduce FCR (+7.5 points, P=0.054) from d 22-35 vs NC, without affecting average daily feed intake. Improvements in performance due to the enzyme combination were equivalent to performance on the PC diet in all cases. The results suggested that significant improvements in growth performance of broilers fed maize-soybean meal-based diets which had been reduced in energy and nutrients can be realised by supplementation with xylanase in combination with beta-glucanase.

De-oiled soy lecithin positively influenced growth performance, nutrient digestibility, histological intestinal alteration, and antioxidant status in turkeys fed with low energy diets

ABSTRACT 1. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of supplementing an emulsifier (de-oiled soybean lecithin (DSL)) in a low metabolisable energy (ME) diet on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcase characteristics, intestinal morphology, blood metabolites, and antioxidant status in growing turkeys. 2. A total of 480 one-day-old turkeys were assigned to one of four dietary treatments with of eight replicates of 15 birds each. Experimental treatments included a basal diet (BE) with commercially recommended levels of ME, a reduced energy diet (RE) with 0.42 MJ/kg reduction in dietary ME content, the RE diet + 1 g/kg DSL (DSL-1), and RE + 2 g/kg DSL (DSL-2). 3. After 112 days, the body weight, average daily gain, and feed:gain in turkeys fed the supplemented for BE diets were better (P < 0.05) than in those fed RE, and those fed diet DSL-2 had the best performance. Although the RE diet decreased abdominal fat and relative liver weight (P < 0.05), compared to the BE diet, and supplementation with either level of DSL did not influence these variables. 4. There were linear increases (P < 0.05) in fat digestibility, nitrogen-corrected apparent ME, and duodenal villus height, villus height/crypt depth ratio, and villus surface area in LE diet supplemented with DSL. From the jejunal morphology, crypt depth was decreased by DSL-supplemented diets (P < 0.05). 5. Serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and malondialdehyde concentrations were lower, whereas the serum superoxide dismutase activity was greater for the DSL-2 group compared to the BE and RE groups (P < 0.05). 6. The findings suggested that, while low-ME diets impaired turkey growth performance, dietary supplementation of DSL could reverse such impacts of these diets. The DSL-supplemented diet at the inclusion level of 2 g/kg was advantageous over both BE and RE diets in terms of intestinal morphology, lipid profile, and antioxidant status in growing turkeys.

Dietary soluble non-starch polysaccharide level and composition influences grower and finisher phase performance, excreta moisture content and total tract nutrient digestibility in broilers

ABSTRACT 1. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of dietary soluble non-starch polysaccharide (sNSP) level and composition on grower and finisher phase performance, total tract nutrient digestibility and excreta moisture content in broiler chickens. 2. Cobb 500 broilers (n = 1080) were fed 12 dietary treatments; four diets with differing primary grain sources (barley, corn, sorghum and wheat) and three different sNSP levels (low, medium and high). Diets were formulated to have similar protein and energy levels but differing sNSP levels, induced by manipulating the quantity of the ingredients in the diet. The diets were fed in three phases, starter (d 0–12), grower (d 12–23) and finisher (d 23–31). 3. For birds aged d 23 and 31, total pen body weight and feed intake were determined, and fresh excreta and litter samples were collected per pen. Dry matter (DM) content was measured in the excreta and litter samples. Total tract DM digestibility, apparent metabolisable energy corrected to nitrogen (AMEn), and soluble and insoluble NSP and free oligosaccharide degradability were evaluated. 4. In birds fed the sorghum- and corn-based diets, feeding high sNSP resulted in a lower cFCR at d 0–23 compared to low sNSP (P = 0.004 and P = 0.044, respectively). In birds fed the corn-based diet, feeding low sNSP resulted in the lowest litter DM but highest DM digestibility at d 23 (P = 0.045 and P < 0.001) and d 31 (P = 0.022 and P = 0.008). For all diets, degradability of sNSP was higher and insoluble NSP was lower when feeding low compared to high sNSP (P < 0.001). In birds fed the barley- and sorghum-based diets, AMEn was lower when feeding the low compared to high sNSP level (P < 0.001 and P = 0.016, respectively). 6. Results from this study showed that level of dietary sNSP impacts broiler productive performance and nutrient utilisation.

Broiler feed formulated with phosphorus, calcium, and energy deficiencies supplemented with exogenous enzymes

Three experiments were carried out to verify the effects of the enzyme phytase, alone or combined with an enzyme complex, in diets deficient in available phosphorus (AP), calcium (Ca), and metabolizable energy (ME) on broiler performance, ME, and dietary amino acid digestibility. A total of 1,538 male Cobb 500 broilers were allocated to the three experiments, each of which consisted of five treatments: positive control (PC; basal ration); negative control 1 (NC1; PC minus 0.15% of AP, 0.16% of Ca, and 68 kcal kg-1 ME); negative control 2 (NC2; PC minus 0.15% of AP, 0.16% of Ca, and 101 kcal kg-1 of ME); NC1 plus phytase; and NC2 plus phytase plus enzymatic complex. Body weight gain (WG) and feed intake were measured from 1-21 days and from 1-42 days, and the corrected feed conversion rate (FCR) for mortality was calculated. In the second and third experiments, the apparent ME corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn) and standardized digestibility of amino acids, respectively, were determined, for the diets supplemented with phytase and the enzymatic complex. In the first experiment, enzyme supplementation increased (p &lt; 0.05) WG at 21 days and 42 days relative to the negative controls. Phytase inclusion improved (p &lt; 0.05) FCR at the initial phase compared to the NC1 diet. In the second experiment, enzyme supplementation did not affect (p &gt; 0.05) AMEn. In the third experiment, both enzyme treatments improved (p &lt; 0.05) the digestibility of amino acids in the supplemented diets compared to the deficient diets. Supplementation with phytase and carbohydrases preserves the performance of broilers fed diets deficient in AP, Ca, and ME and improves amino acid digestibility.

Growth performance, organ attributes, nutrient and caloric utilization in broiler chickens differing in growth rates when fed a corn-soybean meal diet with multienzyme supplement containing phytase, protease and fiber degrading enzymes

Growth performance, organ weight, ceca digesta short chain fatty acids (SCFA), jejunal histomorphometry, tibia ash, apparent retention (AR) of components and caloric efficiency were investigated in broiler chicken strains differing in growth rate fed diets with multienzyme supplement (MES). The strains differed in estimated time to reach 2.1 kg BW: 37, 43, 47, and 50 d and were designated C, F, J, and N, respectively. A corn-soybean meal diet was formulated for 2-phase program (starter and grower) and fed without or with MES containing phytase, protease and fiber-degrading enzymes. A total of 640-day-old chicks (42.3 + 0.01 g/bird) were housed in cages (5 cockerels and 5 pullets/cage) and allocated to give 8 replicates/ strain and diet combination. Equal amount of feed was fed based on observed ad-libitum intake of C strain in the starter (d 0–14) and grower (d 15–28). Body weight was monitored, grab excreta samples taken and at completion of allocated feed one bird per cage necropsied for samples. With exception of P, apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) and ceca digesta acetic acid, there was no (P > 0.05) interaction between strain and MES on examined responses. Strains differed (P < 0.01) on growth, FCR, gizzard weight, tibia ash, breast weight, ceca digesta concentration of lactic, propionic, and isobutyric acid and caloric efficiency. The final body weight (BW) was 1,344, 1,134, 959, and 916 g/bird for C, F, J, and N, respectively. Corresponding caloric efficiency was 4,930, 5,807, 6,680 and 7,199 kcal/kg BW gain, respectively. Birds fed MES had higher BW gain (P < 0.05) in grower phase, larger gizzard, higher AR of CP, crude fat, neutral detergent fiber, and Ca than non-MES birds. In conclusion, growth rate influenced organ attributes, nutrient, and caloric utilization. Enzyme supplementation improved growth in grower phase and nutrient utilization independent of strain, suggesting that effects of feed enzymes are not influenced by inherent growth rate.

Evaluation of Nitrogen-Corrected Apparent Metabolizable Energy and Standardized Ileal Amino Acid Digestibility of Different Sources of Rice and Rice Milling Byproducts in Broilers

Simple SummaryRice is the major cereal plant worldwide; the rice processing procedure has produced several rice byproducts that are not for human consumption but are usually used as a feed ingredient for broilers. However, due to the variation of geographic and processing methods, the quality of rice and rice byproducts is merely coincident. Thus, analysis of the chemical composition and evaluation of nutrition digestibility of rice and its byproducts in broilers and establishing the regression equation is vitally important in diet formulation and resource efficiency. Based on the above information, this study examined the differences in the chemical composition of rice, broken rice, and full-fat rice bran from the different major production areas of China, evaluated the nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy and standardized ileal amino acid digestibility in broilers by nitrogen-free diet method, established a regression equation based on partial correlation assay, and provided novel information in the diet formulation of rice, broken rice, and full-fat rice bran in broilers.Rice, broken rice (BR), and full-fat rice bran (FFRB) from six different origins were analyzed for their chemical composition, nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolized energy (AMEn), and standardized amino acid digestibility (SIAAD) in 14-day-old and 28-day-old Arbor Acres broilers. Results showed broilers fed with rice and BR had a similar AMEn regardless of the rice and BR having different CP, EE, NDF, ADF, and ash content. FFRB containing significantly different CP, EE, NDF, ADFm and starch presented variable AMEn (p < 0.05), suggesting that starch content in rice and its byproducts contributed most to the AMEn of broilers. The regression equation of AMEn = 14.312 − (0.198 × NDF) and AMEn = 6.491 + (0.103 × Starch) were feasible to integrally predict AMEn of broilers fed to rice and its byproducts. Moreover, 28-day-old broilers had higher SIAAD than 14-day-old ones. The SIAAD of rice were higher than BR and FFRB except for Met, Cys, Thr, and Tyr in 14-day-old broilers (p < 0.05), and the SIAAD of His, Asp, and Ser in BR were higher than FFRB (p < 0.05). In 28-day-old broilers, the SIAAD of Leu, Trp, Asp, Gly, and Pro of rice were still higher than BR and FFRB (p < 0.05), but BR and FFRB had no significant differences (p > 0.05). The regression equations to estimate the SIAAD of Thr, Lys, and Met were: Met = 81.46 + (0.578 × CP), Thr = 0.863 + (6.311 × CP), and Trp = 102.883 − (1.77 × CP), indicating that CP content in rice and its byproducts was likely a major factor for prediction of SIAAD.

Effect of dietary-aged maize on growth performance, nutrient utilization, and serum metabolites in broilers

In China, most maize used for animal diets is stored for long periods. We examined the effects of dietary aged maize on growth performance, nutrients utilization, and serum metabolites in broilers. A total of 270 healthy 1-day-old male Cobb broilers were assigned randomly into three treatments groups and fed maize stored for different times (24 days, M0; 18 months, M18; 36 months, M36). Growth performance was examined at 21 and 42 days of age. Nutrient digestibility was studied on days 18−21 and 38−41. At day 42, blood samples were collected for serum metabolite analysis. Dietary aged maize significantly affected the feed to gain ratio, total starch digestibility, and apparent metabolizable energy (p < 0.05). Compared with the M0 group, 39 and 144 differential metabolites were observed in the M18 and M36 groups, respectively, whereas 56 differential metabolites were identified between the M18 and M36 groups. Pathway analysis indicated that the main altered pathways were clustered into lipid metabolism in M18, and lipid and glucose metabolism in M0 and M36, respectively. In conclusion, negative effects were observed for both new harvested maize and maize stored for 36 months; maize stored for 18 months may improve broiler performance.

Effects of natural capsicum extract on growth performance, nutrient utilization, antioxidant status, immune function, and meat quality in broilers

This research was conducted to determine the effects of natural capsaicin extract (NCE) as an alternative to the antibiotic (chlortetracycline, CTC) on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immune function, and meat quality of broiler chickens. A total of 168 one-day-old Arbor Acre male broiler chickens with an average weight of 46.4 ± 0.6 g were randomly allotted to 3 dietary treatments, with 7 replicates per treatment and 8 broilers per pen. These 3 dietary treatments included a corn-soybean meal basal diet (CON), a basal diet + 75 mg/kg CTC (CTC), and a basal diet + 80 mg/kg NCE (NCE). Broilers from the NCE group showed higher average daily gain compared to broilers from the CON group at all stages (P < 0.05). On d 42, NCE supplementation improved dietary nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy compared to nonsupplemented or CTC-supplemented diets (P < 0.05). The digestibility of organic matter and crude protein were higher in the NCE diet than in the CON or CTC diets (P < 0.05). Higher relative weight of bursa of Fabricius was observed in broilers fed NCE diets compared with CON (P < 0.05). Pancreatic trypsin and lipase activities were significantly increased in the NCE group compared with those in the CON group (P < 0.05). The value of lightness (L*) of breast muscles from broilers fed NCE diets was significantly lower compared to those fed CON diets (P < 0.05). Broilers fed NCE diets also had higher levels of serum total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and lower levels of interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α compared with broilers fed CON diets (P < 0.05). The liver catalase activity of broilers was also significantly increased in the NCE group than the CON group (P < 0.05). In addition, broilers from NCE group had lower concentrations of serum urea-N, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol, and higher concentration of growth hormone compared with those from the CON group (P < 0.05). Therefore, we concluded that supplementation of 80 mg/kg of NCE in diets could improve growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant status, immune function, and meat quality in broilers.

Energetic values of animal by-products for broiler chickens of different ages

The objective of this study was to determine the chemical composition and apparent metabolizable energy (AME), AME corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn) and its respective metabolizable coefficients of animal byproducts for broiler chickens with different ages. Meat and bone meal, poultry by-product meal, tilapia processing residue and poultry fat were evaluated. A total of 760 male broiler chickens were used and evaluated and the phases: pre-starter (1 to 8 d of age); starter (11 to18 d); grower 1 (21 to 28 d); grower 2 (31 to 38 d), and finisher (41 to 48 d). Total excreta collection method was performed in five metabolism assays. The experimental design was completely randomized, and data were submitted to analysis of variance, posteriorly, the four feeds were compared by Tukey test and a regression analysis was performed with broiler chickens age. The significance was considered at 5% probability. The values of AME and AMEn were higher in older birds for all ingredients. The lesser CAME and CAMEn were obtained for meat and bone meal, for the regression analysis poultry by-product meal, tilapia processing residue and poultry fat had an increased linear effect with birds age and there was no adjust for meat and bone meal for regression analysis.

Efficiency utilization of protein and energy of maggot black soldier fly at different phase on chicks

This study aims to determine the use of protein and energy from the Black soldier fly (BSF) maggot with age differences in chickens. The research was conducted in the Animal Husbandry Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra. Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 5 replications was used in this study. The treatments were BSF maggots aged 14, 21, 28, and 35 days. The parameters consisted of crude protein digestibility, nitrogen retention, and Apparent Metabolizable Energy (AME). The results showed that the treatment was statistically significant (P <0.01) on protein digestibility, nitrogen retention, and AME in chicks. Increasing the age of the BSF maggot decreases protein digestibility, but this shows an increase in AME. It was concluded that the BSF maggot was the most efficient according to the utilization of protein and energy at the age of 24 days.

Protein digestibility and metabolizable energy of palm kernel cake fermented by Starbio on chicken

The research is to find out the level starbio in palm kernel cake (PKC) on the energy and protein use on chicks. The chemical analysis was done in Quality and Certification Feed Laboratory in Bekasi, West Java. The experiment composed by five treatments i.e. dose of starbio (g/kg PKC) with level: 0%;0,25%; 0,5%; 0,75%; and 1%; for treatments PO;P1:P2:P3; and P4, respectively. The variables were observed composed of apparent metabolizable energy (AME), protein digestibility, and nitrogen retention. The starbio had significantly (P<0,01) effect on protein utilization and AME of PKC for chicks. Increasing that nutrient utilization on chicken in line with of dose of Starbio. it is concluded that starbio can improve PKC quality as feed for chicks.

Apparent metabolizable energy of cereal grains for broiler chickens is influenced by age

The current study was conducted to investigate the influence of broiler age on the AME and AMEn of 4 common cereal grains (wheat, sorghum, barley, and corn). Four experimental diets with the same inclusion (962 g/kg) of each grain were developed and fed to groups of broiler chickens aged 1 to 7, 8 to 14, 15 to 21, 22 to 28, 29 to 35, or 36 to 42 d post-hatch. Each diet, in pellet form, was randomly allocated to 6 replicate cages in each age group. Except for the 0 to 7 d age group, the birds were fed a starter (d 0–21) and/or a finisher (d 21–35) diet before the introduction of experimental diets. The number of birds per cage were 10 (d 1–7) and 8 (d 8–42). Excreta were collected over the last 4 d of each age period. The AME and AMEn of the grains were determined by the total excreta collection. Bird age influenced (P < 0.001) the AME and AMEn of all cereal grains. The AMEn of wheat declined quadratically (P < 0.01) with advancing age, from 3,461 kcal/kg in wk 1 to 3,219 kcal/kg in wk 2 and then plateaued. The AMEn of sorghum grain declined linearly (P < 0.001) with advancing age, from 3,762 kcal/kg in wk 1 to 3,614 kcal/kg in wk 2, plateaued to wk 5 and then declined to 3,556 kcal/kg in wk 6. A quadratic (P < 0.001) reduction in the AMEn of barley was observed as birds grew older, with the AMEn decreasing between wk 1 (3,286 kcal/kg) and wk 2 (2,988 kcal/kg), increasing in wk 3 (3,117 kcal/kg) and then plateauing. The AMEn of corn declined quadratically (P < 0.05) with advancing broiler age; the highest AMEn was observed in wk 1 and 5, the lowest AMEn in wk 2, with the other weeks being intermediate. In conclusion, the present results showed that broiler age has a substantial impact on the AME and AMEn of cereal grains and the effect varied depending on the cereal grain. These data suggest that age dependent AME and AMEn values may need to be considered when formulating broiler diets to improve the precision of feed formulation and production efficiency.

Apparent total tract nutrient digestibility and metabolizable energy estimation in commercial fresh and extruded dry kibble dog foods.

Commercial fresh cooked foods have started gaining popularity among American dog owners in recent years. However, nutrient digestibility and the estimation of metabolizable energy (ME) of commercial fresh dog foods remain inadequately understood, even though both measures are critical to provide the intended calories for the target animal. In this preliminary study, different cohorts of normal-weight dogs were fed one of five test diets of comparable macronutrient composition: a chicken-based extruded dry kibble diet (n = 12), and chicken- (n = 12), beef- (n = 6), pork- (n = 6), or turkey-based fresh food (n = 6) for 10 d. Daily food intake and fecal characteristics were recorded, and fecal samples were collected for nutrient analysis. Despite comparable dry matter (DM) and caloric intakes between the two chicken-based diets, the fresh diet led to lower defecation frequency (1.2 ± 0.2 vs. 1.7 ± 0.5 times/d, adjusted P < 0.001), lower fecal DM (24 ± 8 vs. 47 ± 10 g/d, adjusted P < 0.001), and lower fecal calories (92 ± 31 vs. 189 ± 43 kcal/d, adjusted P < 0.001) than the kibble diet. The apparent total tract digestibility of DM, protein, fat, nitrogen-free extract, and calories of the kibble diet were all significantly lower than any of the fresh diets (adjusted P < 0.001 for all). Measured ME per food DM in all of the fresh diets, except the pork-based recipe, was significantly higher than that of the kibble diet (adjusted P < 0.001 for all). For the kibble diet, the modified Atwater calculation underestimated the ME and the NRC 2006 calculation was the most accurate predictor of ME. The standard Atwater calculation performed best for the two fresh diets that had the highest fat content (chicken, beef) and the NRC 2006 calculation performed best for the fresh diet that had the highest protein content (pork). ME of the turkey-based diet was equally overestimated and underestimated with the standard Atwater and NRC 2006 methods, respectively. We propose that commercial and home-prepared fresh diets should be assessed using standard Atwater factors as commonly done in human nutrition, or preferably for commercial products, by direct measurement in conforming feeding trials.