Apparent Metabolizable Energy Values Research Articles

METABOLIZABLE ENERGY OF RICE BRAN, COTTONSEED MEAL AND WHEAT BRAN FOR SLOW-GROWING BROILERS AT TWO AGES

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate bromatological composition and metabolizable energy values of cottonseed meal, rice meal, and wheat bran when provided to slow growth rate broilers at different ages. Energy values of 15- to 25- and 35- to 45-day-old broilers were determined by the total feces collection method using two digestibility bioassays. The birds were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design to evaluate the age effect, with six replicates of 10 chickens each, for each ingredient. Values of apparent metabolizable energy adjusted by nitrogen balance (kcal/kg), for the first and second ages were: 1,255 and 1,564 for cottonseed meal, 3,124 and 3,301 for rice meal, and, 2,211 and 2,383 for wheat bran, respectively. The ingredients showed some variations regarding chemical composition and energy values, which were higher (P < 0.05) in older broiler chickens.

Stabilization of Rice Bran in Broiler Feed with Natural and Synthetic Antioxidants and Heat Treatment

The objective of this study was to evaluate different strategies for the oxidative stabilization of rice bran (RB) in the diet of broiler chickens using natural antioxidant additives, synthetic antioxidant additives and heat treatment on performance, breast meat quality and liver fat content and the nutrient digestibility coefficients. Furthermore, the study aimed to evaluate the effects of heat treatment and antioxidants, antioxidant additive treatments, without antioxidants, natural, and synthetic, and to three heat treatments, without heat, dry-heat and moist-heat, after the rice bran was stored for 90 days and then incorporated into the experimental diets. 1080 broilers were arranged in a 3 x 3-factorial randomized design with 10 replicates per treatments. The wet heat treatment of the meal resulted in a higher daily feed intake and body weight at 28 days and better feed conversion than did the meal without heat treatment. No significant interactions were observed between the tested factors on the apparent digestibility of dry matter and ether extract as well as the values of apparent metabolizable energy and apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen. However, there was significant interaction between the tested factors on the nitrogen retention coefficient; the natural antioxidant and dry heat-treated meal combination presented a lower crude protein digestibility coefficient than those without heat treatment. In conclusion, thermal treatment of this bran proved to be more effective as demonstrated by the performance responses of the birds. Broiler chickens reared up to 28 days of age consuming diets containing 6.5% RB stabilized by heat treatment showed better performance, and the use of antioxidants was not necessary.

Effect of Reconstitution on the Bioavailability of Nutrients from High Tannin Sorghum in Adult Japanese Quails

A metabolic trial was conducted using adult Japanese quails to explore the effect of reconstitution process on the nutritive value of high tannin red sorghum (HTRS). About 90 adult Japanese quails (15 weeks of age) were fed with HTRS and reconstituted red sorghum (RRS). No significant difference was observed in apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and nitrogen corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) values. The true metabolizable energy (TME) and nitrogen corrected true metabolizable energy (TMEn) values of RRS were significantly higher (P<0.05 to 0.01) than the HTRS. Reconstitution had no effect on protein digestibility. The availability of calcium from HTRS was markedly higher (P<0.01) as compared to RRS. The availability of magnesium and manganese from reconstituted sorghum were significantly higher (P<0.05) than unprocessed red sorghum. Reconstitution had no effect on copper and phosphorus utilization. From the present study it is concluded that reconstitution does not exert any appreciable effect in enhancing the nutritive value of red sorghum.

The effect of faba bean extrusion on the growth performance, nutrient utilization, metabolizable energy, excretion of sialic acids and meat quality of broiler chickens

Soybean meal in broiler chicken diets can partly be replaced by faba bean seeds. Unfortunately, high levels of antinutritional factors and resistant starch found in these seeds can have a detrimental impact on both broiler chickens’ performance and nutrient digestibility. It is, however, possible to increase the usefulness of faba bean for broiler nutrition by a technological process known as extrusion. In this study, the authors made and attempt to investigate the effect of different forms of faba bean seeds (raw or extruded) on broiler chicken performance, nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy values (AMEN), nutrient utilization and meat quality, as well as on the excretion of total and free sialic acids. In the trial, the total of 160 1-day-old male broiler chicks of the Ross 308 strain were used. Experimental birds were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments, each containing 10 replication (floor pens); one replication included nine birds. The first group contained 300 g/kg diet of raw faba bean seeds, whereas the second group – 300 g/kg diet of extruded faba bean seeds. The applied extrusion process was found to exert a positive impact and led to a decrease in phytic phosphorus, H, NDF, ADF and resistant starch content in studied faba bean seeds. Experimental birds fed diets containing extruded faba bean seeds were characterized by a lower feed intake (2299 g) and feed conversion ratios (FCRs) (1.52 g/g) in comparison with the other group (feed intake 2466 g; FCR 1.61 g/g). Extrusion of faba bean seeds improved dry matter retention, dietary AMEN value, apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter and starch, as well as most amino acids. In addition, the above-mentioned process resulted in a decrease in the excretion of total and free sialic acids. Extruded faba bean seeds failed to have a significant impact on broiler meat quality. It was concluded that application of extrusion can increase the use of faba bean seeds in broiler chicken nutrition.

The efficacy of multy-enzymes supplementation on low energy corn-soybean meal basal diet containing rice bran on growth performance of broilers

High energy diet is related to high feed cost. Thus, it is essential to reduce energy diet but still support the good performance of birds. The utilization of low cost- feed ingredients combined with enzymes are the alternative way to do. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of multy-enzyme supplementation on growth performance of broilers fed low energy basal diets containing rice bran. Experiment 1. The apparent metabolizable energy (AME) assay of yellow corn and rice bran. A total of 48 broilers were randomly distributed to 12 cages (4 birds/cage). A maize-soybean meal basal diet (mash form) was formulated and two assay diets were then developed by substituting rice bran (raw 250 g kg-1, w/w) and maize (500 g kg-1, w/w) of the basal diet. Total excreta collection method was used. The results showed that the AME value of rice bran was significantly lower (2032 kcal/kg DM) and 3112 Kcal/kg DM. Experiment II. The experiment was designed using a completely randomized design with four treatments and six replications. A total of 160 DOC (unsex) were randomly distributed to 16 pens (10 birds/pen). The experimental diets were iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetics. The results show that dietary treatments significantly affected (P0.05) FCR and mortality of broilers. Broilers fed P2, P3 and P4 diets had higher (P0.05). In conclusion, 1) the supplementation of enzymes in low energy diets containing rice bran improved BWG and FI but not FCR and mortality. 2) Birds fed rice bran-containing-diets supplemented with enzymes produced similar growth performance.

Prediction equations for energy values of animal meals obtained using meta-analysis

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine prediction equations to estimate the nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) values of animal meals used in broiler diets through meta-analysis. A bibliographic review was undertaken with studies conducted in Brazil from 2000 to 2016 to catalogue information on AMEn values and the following chemical elements in the composition of the feedstuffs: crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), gross energy (GE), mineral matter (MM), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P). Groups were also [...]

Saturated fatty acids may ameliorate environmental heat stress in broiler birds by affecting mitochondrial energetics and related genes

Heat stress decreases performance of poultry. The novel strategies to maintain production level, or at least minimizing the decrease in productivity during hot days need to be elucidated. This study was conducted to determine the effect of four fat types on mitochondrial energetics in heat-stressed broilers. In experiment 1, nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) content of four supplemental fat sources, including olive oil, soybean oil, coconut oil and beef tallow, all supplemented at 3%, 6%, and 9% in the basal diet, was evaluated. The AMEn values of fats were determined as 9738.0 ± 137.9, 8949.0 ± 159.9, 7844.0 ± 91.7, and 7368.0 ± 190.3 kcal/kg for olive oil, soybean oil, coconut oil and beef tallow, respectively. In experiment 2, birds were kept in two separated rooms under 24 °C or 36 °C from 32 to 42 d of age. Each room consisted of four experimental groups. Birds in the experimental groups were fed on beef tallow-, coconut oil-, olive oil- or soybean oil-supplemented diets (factorial arrangement with two factors of fat types and environmental temperatures). The birds reared under 24 °C had higher final body weight (P < 0.01), weight gain (P < 0.01), feed intake (P < 0.05) and lower feed conversion ratio (P < 0.01) than the birds grown under 36 °C. There was a temperature by fat type interaction effect on mitochondrial attributes. At 36 °C, in birds fed on coconut oil- or beef tallow-supplemented diets, the expression levels of avUCP and avANT mRNA were lower (P < 0.05) but that of HSP70 mRNA was higher (P < 0.01) in comparison with the birds feeding on the olive oil- or soy oil-supplemented diets. An interaction effect was recorded between the temperature and fat type for ATP concentration and mitochondrial membrane potential (P < 0.01); with significant differences between birds receiving the coconut oil- or beef tallow-supplemented diets and the birds feeding on the soy oil- or olive oil-supplemented diets. It was also found that unsaturated fatty acids had a more significant effect on avUCP and avANT mRNA expression. It can be concluded that when using fat in the diet of heat stressed-broilers, it is advisable to choose a type, which has a lower effect on the expression of avUCP and avANT, and hence reduces the metabolic heat load in the bird.

Nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy value of corn distillers dried grains with solubles for laying hens

The purpose of this study was to determine the nutrient composition and AMEn content of corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) to develop prediction equations for AMEn in laying hens. Ten samples of DDGS ranging in ether extract (EE) from 21.8 to 177.8 g/kg (DM basis) were selected and were subsequently fed to laying hens to determine AMEn content. A total of 176 62-week-old laying hens (Lohmann-Pink) were placed in metabolic cages (2 hens/cage) and were allotted into 11 dietary treatments (8 cages per treatment) according to hen-day egg production. Dietary treatments included a corn-soybean meal reference diet and 10 test diets. Each test diet was created by mixing the reference diet with 200 g/kg one of 10 DDGS samples at the expense of the energy-yielding ingredients (139.6 g/kg corn, 59.0 g/kg soybean meal, and 1.4 g/kg rapeseed oil).Experimental diets were fed in the 7-day adaptation period, followed by the 4-day total excreta collection period. Gross energy (GE) and crude protein (CP) of the experimental diets and excreta were determined to calculate AMEn for each DDGS sample. On the DM basis, AMEn of the 10 corn DDGS samples ranged from 729 to 2535 kcal/kg. Analyses were conducted to determine the GE, CP, EE, DM, crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and ash content of the DDGS samples. Stepwise regression resulted in the following best-fit equation for AMEn (DM basis) based on the coefficient of determination, SE, and the Mallows’ statistic (Cp): AMEn, kcal/kg = 0.777 × GE (kcal/kg) − 5.39 × NDF (g/kg) (R2 = 0.99; SE = 172; Cp = −3.37). These results suggested that the composition of corn DDGS may be used to predict AMEn in laying hens.

Improving the metabolisable energy value of brewers’ dried grains with enzyme cocktails in poultry nutrition

The determination of the positive effects of exogenous enzymes is essential to ensure their inclusion in poultry feed formulation. This study was conducted to determine the effect of enzymes on the apparent metabolisable energy (AME) value of brewers? dried grain (BDG). Xylanase, phytase and multipurpose enzymes were used in a completely randomised design to determine the effects of individual exogenous enzymes and their cocktails on poultry metabolisable energy using adult cockerels. There were eight treatments comprising a control and seven experimental treatments with BDG and one, two or three enzymes. The AME values were determined using the intubation method. Data collected were analysed using the statistical analysis system. Enzymes individually and as a cocktail improved the AME value of BDG compared to the control. An increase in the AME value was 3.48%, 5.39%, 5.92%, 14.29%, 18.13%, 23.21% and 29.58% respectively for phytase, xylanase, cocktail of xylanase and phytase, multipurpose enzyme, cocktail of multipurpose enzyme and phytase, cocktail of xylanase and multipurpose enzyme and cocktail of xylanase, phytase and multipurpose enzyme. Cocktails of enzymes were significantly better (P?0.05) than individual enzymes in their effects on apparent metabolisable energy of BDG. Phytase gave a marginal increase in AME of the studied feedstuff. It has been concluded that the cocktail of enzymes is better than individual enzymes in their effects on AME of BDG. If different enzymes are available, it is recommended that the enzyme with higher units should be used.

Metabolizable energy in energy food for growing pigs and crossvalidation regression models

The present study aimed to determine the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) of six corn cultivars, two sorghum cultivars and two wheat brans and to evaluate the cross-validation of predictive models of AME for corn, sorghum and wheat bran for growing pigs, as estimated from the data of chemical composition. Forty-four pigs, with an average initial weight of 24.3 kg, were distributed in a randomized block design, with 11 treatments (ten food treatments and the reference diet), four replicates and one pig per experimental unit. The reference diet was replaced by 30% for the ground corn and sorghum conditions and 20% for the wheat bran condition. The values of AME for corn, sorghum and wheat meal for pigs ranged from 3161 to 3275, 3317 to 3457 and 2767 to 2842 kcal kg-1 as a feed basis, respectively. The average metabolizability of the gross energy did not differ between the corn and sorghum cultivars, which formed a homogeneous group of food. Next, linear regression models were fitted to the 1st degree of the observed values as a function of the predicted AME, to test the hypothesis β0 = 0 and β1 = 1 in an experimental sample and 200 bootstrap samples. Fourteen predictive models had low percentages of cross-validation, ranging from 0-29.5%. The AME1A = 2.547 + 0.969ADE model was validated in experimental sample and 68% of bootstrap samples, proving its accuracy in estimating the AME of corn and sorghum from national data for growing pigs.

Evaluating the nutritional value of date pits and demonstrating their application in laying hen diets.

This experiment was carried out to study the feeding value of ground date pits (DP) (Phoenix dactylifera L.) with and without enzyme supplementation on laying hens' performance. Apparent metabolizable energy value of DP was determined by the total collection method using 10 adult Leghorn cockerels. After that, a total number of 144 Lohmann 50-week-old LSL-Lite hens were randomly allocated into six groups consisting of four replicates of six birds, based on a 3×2 factorial arrangement of the treatments. Six iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous experimental diets including I-corn-soya bean meal-based control, II-corn-soya bean meal oil-based control and III- corn-soya bean meal-based diet (180g/kg DP) were formulated. Each of the diets was supplemented with two levels of an enzyme (0.0 and 0.07g/kg Natozim Plus). The experiment lasted 10weeks after 7days of adaptation. The results revealed that there was no significant difference in feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg production, egg mass, eggshell weight, eggshell thickness and Haugh unit among the treatments. Dietary inclusion of DP significantly decreased body weight gain (BWG), egg weight and yolk colour score. On the other hand, corn-soya bean meal-based control diet with vegetable oil significantly increased egg weight and BWG of birds in comparison with other treatments. The serum biochemical metabolites were not affected by DP and enzyme supplementation. Thus, DP can be used as alternative feedstuff in laying hen diets, up to 18% of the diet with little effect on the performance of hens, including egg weight, and also, it had an adverse effect on yolk colour. Eventually, in terms of performance, the results failed to demonstrate any positive effect of Natozim Plus on either the controls or 18% DP diets.

Nutritional evaluation of sorghums grown with different organic fertilizers for slow-growing broilers

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sorghums grown with different organic fertilizers on the chemical composition, energy values, and nutrient metabolizability coefficients, as well as their use for feeding slow-growing broilers. Two trials were performed. In the first experiment, 200 21-day-old broilers were distributed in a completely randomized design (CRD), with five treatments and four replicates of 10 birds per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of a control diet and four test diets (sorghum fertilized with crotalaria, sorghum fertilized with millet, sorghum fertilized with humus, and sorghum without fertilization), including sorghum at 30% in the control diet. The apparent metabolizable energy (AME), apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn), metabolizability coefficients of dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy were evaluated. In trial 2, 200 1-day-old chicks were used in a CRD with five treatments (T1 – control diet with commercial corn, T2 – sorghum fertilized with crotalaria, T3 – sorghum fertilized with millet, T4 – sorghum fertilized with humus, and T5 – sorghum without fertilization) and four replicates of 10 birds per experimental unit. Weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, and final weight at 28 days were evaluated. The values of AME and AMEn of sorghums fertilized with crotalaria, millet, humus, and sorghum without fertilization were 2894 Kcal kg-1 and 2881 Kcal kg-1; 2736 Kcal kg-1 and 2675 Kcal kg-1; 2727 Kcal kg-1 and 2694 Kcal kg-1; and 2994 Kcal kg-1 and 2959 Kcal kg-1, respectively. The metabolizable coefficients of dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy were 76.04%, 42.01%, and 75.25% for sorghum fertilized with crotalaria; 77.50%, 50.77%, and 75.95% for sorghum fertilized with millet; 77.62%, 46.39%, and 75.54% for sorghum fertilized with humus; and 75.83%, 39.53%, and 74.71% for sorghum cultivated without fertilization, respectively. The dietary use of sorghum cultivated with different fertilizers did not affect (P &gt; 0.05) weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, and final weight. Green manures with crotalaria, millet, and humus (bovine manure) are alternatives that can be used on sorghum crops because they resulted in grains with adequate nutritional composition, energy values, and metabolizable coefficients for slow-growing broilers from 1 to 28 days of age.

Nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy value of macadamia nut cake for broiler chickens determined by difference and regression methods

Two energy balance experiments were conducted to determine the AMEn value of Macadamia nut cake (MNC) for broiler chickens at different ages. In experiment 1, two dietary treatments were fed from 4 to 10 d of age. Dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet (no MNC) and a diet containing 60g/kg of MNC (940g/kg of basal diet+60g/kg of MNC). In experiment 2, four dietary treatments were provided from 17 to 23 d of age. Diets in second experiment were 1) basal control diet (no MNC); 2) 30g/kg of MNC (970g/kg of basal diet+30g/kg of MNC); 3) 60g/kg of MNC (940g/kg of basal diet+60g/kg of MNC); and 4) 90g/kg of MNC (910g/kg of basal diet+90g/kg of MNC). In experiment 2, broilers were restricted feeding in such a way that all the birds received the same amounts of basal diet, so that differences in AMEn consumption were only due to MNC. A single source of MNC was used in both experiments. Feed intake, body weight, energy intake, energy excretion, N intake, N excretion, AMEn intake and AMEn were determined in both experiments. In experiment 1, the AMEn was estimated using the difference method by subtracting AMEn of the basal diet from AMEn of the test diet. In experiment 2, AMEn intake was regressed against feed intake with the slope estimating AMEn of MNC. Regression equation used was Y=2,908.2x−122.73 (P<0.001; SEM of the slope=11.7; r2=0.93). The AMEn of MNC was found to be 12.09 and 12.17MJ/kg in experiment 1 and 2, respectively with an average of 12.13MJ/kg on DM basis. The results indicate that AMEn of MNC is comparable to conventional feedstuffs with similar nutrient profile, thus can be incorporated in broiler diets.

Energy coefficients of plant foods for broiler chickens at different ages

In order to determine the apparent metabolizable energy (AME), the AME corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn), the apparent coefficients of metabolization (ACM) of gross energy and the ACM corrected for nitrogen balance (ACMn), an experiment was conducted to evaluate five different plant foods (corn, soybean meal, deactivated full-fat soybean, wheat bran and soybean oil) for broilers at different ages (1-8, 11-18, 21-28, 31-38 and 41-48 days). The method of total excreta collection was used, divided into five metabolism assays. The birds were housed in metabolic cages in a completely randomized design, with five treatments and five replicates per treatment, totaling 25 experimental units. The AME and AMEn values increased with the age of the birds for most foods, except soybean meal. The smaller AMC and AMCn of gross energy were obtained for wheat bran. There was adjustment of the equation to the linear response plateau model for the ACM of corn, soybean meal and deactivated full-fat soybean. The wheat bran and soybean oil were adjusted to the linear regression model. The equations show that the digestibility of energy tends to increase with age, except for soybean meal, which had higher metabolization with younger birds. We conclude that the age of the birds influences the determination of the metabolizable energy of feed.

&lt;b&gt;Dry matter digestibility and metabolizable energy of crude glycerines originated from palm oil using fed rooster assay

A study was conducted to determine the dry matter digestibility, gross energy (GE), the nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn), and the nitrogen-corrected true metabolizable energy (TMEn) of two crude glycerine from two different sources. The first crude glycerine (CG1) was from a large scale biodiesel producer with high content of glycerol (89.49%) and low content of crude fat (1.73%), meanwhile the second crude glycerine (CG2) was from a medium scale biodiesel producer with lower content of glycerol than CG1 (38.36%) and high content of crude fat (23.63%). Fed rooster assay based on Sibbald (1976) was used in the experiment. The experimental feed consisted of ground corn and three levels of crude glycerine (0, 10, and 20%). Twenty four Hisex brown roosters were housed in metabolic cages. Roosters were force fed with 30 g experimental feed, after 24 hours of fasting. Excreta collection was performed for two days while the roosters were fasting again. The content values of GE, AMEn, and TMEn of CG1 were 4065.18, 2926.59, and 3068.73 kcal kg -1 and for CG2 were 5928.09, 4010.11, and 4054.52 kcal kg, respectively.

Nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy values of barley varies by treatment and species

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two species of poultry (cockerel and Japanese quail), two levels of enzyme (0 and 0.5 g/kg), and 6 processing methods (control (C), gamma irradiation 25 (GI25), and 50 kGy (GI50), autoclaving (AU), fermentation without lactobacillus (F), and fermentation with lactobacillus (FL)) on the nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) of barley. In this experiment, each processing method was tested at two levels of enzyme (0 and 0.5 g/kg) in six replications with two cockerels or four quails per replication. The results showed that the AMEn values by barley processing methods were: C-11.45 and 12.27; GI25-11.50 and 11.30; GI50-11.49 and 11.29; AU-11.70 and 11.46; F-12.90 and 12.30; FL-1295 and 12.51 MJ/kg in cockerels and quails, respectively. The AMEn (11.49 MJ/kg) of enzyme 0 was significantly lower than that of enzyme 0.5 (12.35 MJ/kg). There was a significant difference in the AMEn of processed barley between cockerels and quails. In conclusion, the most effective processing method of barley for AMEn is fermentation with lactobacillus and enzyme.

Apparent metabolizable energy value of whole date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) and its possible use as a feedstuff for aged laying hens.

This study was conducted to evaluate the feeding value of whole date palm (WDP) with and without enzyme supplementation on aged laying hen's performance. Apparent metabolizable energy value of WDP was determined by the total collection method using ten adult leghorn cockerels. WDP was substituted with a corn-soybean meal basal diet at 40% level, and then the metabolizable energy of this experimental diet and basal diet was determined. After that, a total number of 256 Bovanz 95-week-old hens were randomly allocated into eight groups consisting of four replicates of eight birds each, based on a 4×2 factorial arrangement of the treatments. Eight iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous experimental diets including one corn-soybean meal-based control diet and two, three, and four corn-soybean meal-based diets included 70, 140, and 210g/kg ground WDP, respectively. Each of the diets supplemented with two levels of an enzyme (0.0 and 0.07g/kg Natozim Plus). There was no significant difference in feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg production, egg mass, eggshell thickness, and Haugh unit among the treatments (P>0.05). However, yolk color score significantly decreased as dietary WDP level increased. The serum biochemical metabolites were not significantly affected by WDP and enzyme supplementation (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in the relative weight of different organs except for abdominal fat. Our findings show that using WDP up to 21% of the diet was more economic and had no adverse effect on productive performance and serum metabolites of laying hens. However, WDP had an adverse effect on yolk color which can be ameliorated by carotenoid supplementation.

Influence of graded inclusion of raw and extruded pea (Pisum sativum L.) meal on the performance and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens

This study was conducted with broiler chickens to investigate the effect of different levels of pea seeds, in raw and extruded form, on the performance, nutrient digestibility, apparent metabolizable energy (AMEN) value as well as excretion of total and free sialic acids. In total, 960 1-day-old male broiler chicks of the Ross 308 strain were used in the experiment. The study consisted of a completely randomized experimental design with control group and a 5×2 factorial arrangement of treatments, and five levels of pea addition (100g/kg, 200g/kg, 300g/kg, 400g/kg, 500g/kg diet) in raw or extruded form. Extrusion had a positive impact, leading to a decrease in phytic P, NDF, ADF and resistant starch content in pea seeds. Birds receiving diets with different levels of pea in extruded form were characterized by lower feed intake (2385g) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (1.41g/g) than broilers receiving diets with different levels of pea in raw form (feed intake 2504g; FCR 1.46g/g). Extruded pea seeds did not have a negative effect on level of nutrient utilization and dietary AMEN. Raw pea levels had no significant effects on total sialic acid excreation, while extruded pea tended to affect total and free sialic acids quadratically. In conclusion, extrusion is one process, which can increase the use of pea seeds in broiler chicken nutrition.

Gene expression patterns in Korean native ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) with different apparent metabolisable energy (AME) levels

Quantitative energy changes in the feeding regimens affect metabolic efficiency and product quality of an animal. Apparent metabolisable energy (AME) is used to evaluate energy utilization such as the difference between the energy consumed and the energy lost. Given the importance of the diet in the profitability we focused on determination of AME levels using biomarkers based on molecular techniques. qRT-PCR was performed to determine gene expression differences in ducklings with different metabolisable energy (ME) levels and potential biomarker genes from circulating mRNA in the body fluid based on estimated AME values. Muscle tissues and cell-free plasma samples were obtained from ducklings fed at three different ME levels (basal ME: 2300; AME: 2900; high ME: 3300kcal/kg diet). We first identified that 18S ribosomal RNA was the most suitable endogenous reference gene for determining gene expression analysis. Next, we investigated expression levels of genes related to cell growth, proliferation, oxidative stress, myogenic differentiation, adipocyte differentiation, and mitochondrial function. qRT-PCR assay demonstrated that MAPK8, MAP2K4, HADHA, CSRP3, and MYL1 were gradually up-regulated at the AME and high ME levels. However, PRKAG2, CRH, and PPARG transcript levels were significantly increased in the muscle and the cell-free plasma at the excessive high ME level but not at the AME and the basal ME level. Finally, HSP90AA1 and HSPB7 were not different between AME and high ME level. Our findings suggest that altered patterns of gene expression in response to different levels of energy are useful biomarkers to evaluate the AME value with growing ducklings. Upregulation of genes including MAPK8, PRKAA2, and PRKAG2 at the excessive high ME and their enrichment for lipid and fatty acid biosynthetic process in gene network analysis also supported our molecular approach using circulating nucleic acid in the body fluid.

Meal residual oil level and heat treatment after oil extraction affects the nutritive value of expeller pressed canola meal for broiler chickens

This experiment determined the effects of expeller-pressed canola meal (EPCM) residual oil (10% vs. 14%) and heat treatment at 115 °C for 25 min on the nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) value and amino acid (AA) digestibility for broilers. Day-old male chicks (six per cage) were fed six test diets (five cages per diet) from 14 to 21 d using the substitution method in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Increasing EPCM oil content from 10% to 14% increased (P < 0.05) EPCM AMEn value by 287 kcal kg−1. There was heat treatment by oil level interaction (P < 0.05) on standardized ileal digestibility of arginine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, threonine, and valine for EPCM in which heat treatment of the low oil EPCM reduced (P ≤ 0.0012) the digestibility of all these AA, but heat treatment of the high oil EPCM only reduced lysine digestibility. In conclusion, heat treatment of EPCM reduced its AMEn value and digestibility of some AA. The AA digestibility of EPCM with low oil was reduce...