Body Protein Deposition Research Articles

Genetic variability of metabolic characteristics in chickens selected for their ability to digest wheat1

Improving feed efficiency remains crucial for poultry production. Birds have previously been selected on their ability to digest their diet, as assessed by AMEn (Apparent ME corrected for 0 nitrogen). Such selection, for either a high (D+) or a low AMEn (D-), affects energy, nitrogen, lipid, and starch digestibility. The aim of this study was to establish whether selection on the digestive ability of birds modified metabolic traits. A total of 630 broiler chickens of the eighth generation of a divergent selection experiment on AMEn were used for this purpose. A balance trial was performed to determine energy, nitrogen, and phosphorus retention. Growth performance was recorded and body protein and lipid deposition assessed by breast and abdominal fat yields. Tibia development and mineralization were also studied and heat production was indirectly assessed through the measurement of body temperature during fasting and feeding. Phenotypic correlations estimated within line showed that an increased efficiency was associated to fatter birds and more solid bones in D- but not in D+ line, whereas increased consumption was associated with more solid bones in D+ but not in D- line. The heritability estimates for metabolic traits were relatively high, except for temperature traits (from 0.08 to 0.12), ranging from 0.28 to 0.56 for body composition, and from 0.38 to 0.77 for bone characteristics. Breast meat yield did not differ between the 2 lines whereas a slight increase in abdominal fat yield was observed in the high-digestion line (D+). The relative dry tibia weights and ash weights were greater in D+ birds (+6.56 and +8.06%, respectively) but the lengths and the diameters of the tibia were lower (-7.89 and -3.77%, respectively). Finally, AMEn was poorly correlated with almost all metabolic traits (ranging from -0.10 to 0.20), indicating that the ability of the animal to digest its diet is genetically independent of post-digestion metabolic traits.

Substituição do farelo de soja pelo farelo de linhaça em dietas para a piava (Leporinus obtusidens)

The aim of this study was evaluate the replacement of soybean meal by linseed meal on growth of piava juveniles. The experiment was carried on fish farming laboratory of UFSM/CESNORS, on March to April, 2011. They were used 360 fish, (initial weight = 9.0 ± 2.5 g), which placed in a water re-use system composed by 15 tanks (250L), with mean temperature in the morning = 20.3 ± 1.62oC and in the afternoon = 21.4 ± 1.42oC, during 30 days. It were testes five diets with volumetric levels of soybean meal replace (0, 25, 50, 75 e 100%). The use of the linseed meal provided same performance to the fish. The weight, total length, standard length, relative weight gain, condition factor and specific growth rate of the piavas were not affected by treatments (P > 0.05). Similarly, the plasmatic glucose, body protein deposition and chymotrypsin enzyme no showed differences. The body lipid deposition was best expressed by the cubic polynomial regression model (P <0 .05). The inclusion of linseed meal increased the amount of the trypsin enzyme (P < 0.05). It concludes that the linseed meal can be used as protein source in diets for piava.

Dietary amino acid l -histidine requirement of fingerling Indian catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch), estimated by growth and whole body protein and fat composition

An eight-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the dietary histidine requirement of Indian catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (6.20 ± 1.25 cm, 4.65 ± 0.48 g) in 75-L flow-through circular troughs. Six isonitrogenous (40%) and isoenergetic (17.90 kJ g−1) amino acid test diets with graded levels of l-histidine (0.25–0.75%, dry diet), in gradation of 0.10% histidine were formulated. Fish were randomly stocked in triplicate groups and fed experimental diets at 4% BW per day at 08:00 and 18:00 h. Maximum live weight gain (288%), best FCR (1.40) and PER (1.78) were occurred at 0.55% dietary histidine level. For the live weight gain, FCR, PER and body protein deposition data were examined using quadratic regression analysis, the breakpoints indicating requirements for histidine at 0.58, 0.54, 0.53 and 0.54% of dry diet, respectively. Significantly (P < 0.05) low moisture and higher whole body protein content were obtained in the 0.55% histidine diet, while body fat showed an increasing trend with the increase in dietary concentrations. Ash content remained insignificantly (P > 0.05) low among all dietary groups, except in diet I and diet II. Based on the above results, the recommended diet for young H. fossilis should contain histidine at 0.54% of dry diet, corresponding to 1.35% of dietary protein for optimum growth and efficient feed utilization.

Whole body protein deposition and plasma amino acid profiles in growing and/or finishing pigs fed increasing levels of sulfur amino acids with and without Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide challenge1

A split plot experiment with 72 male pigs weighing 52.9 ± 0.39 kg (mean ± SEM) was conducted to examine AA partitioning and body protein deposition (PD) in response to increasing dietary sulfur amino acids (SAA) with or without immune system (IS) activation. The main plot was with and without IS activation, and 4 diets containing different amounts of standardized ileal digestible (SID) SAA (SAA to Lys ratios of 0.45, 0.55, 0.65 and 0.75) were the subplots. Activation of IS was achieved by intramuscular injection of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharides (LPS; serotype 055:B5, Sigma; 30 μg/kg BW) every Monday and Thursday, with control pigs injected with sterile saline. Maximum body PD, measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and minimum plasma urea content were achieved at SID SAA:Lys ratio of 0.55 in saline-injected pigs but were achieved at a SID SAA:Lys ratio of 0.75 in IS-activated pigs. Immune system activation increased rectal temperature (P < 0.05), plasma haptoglobin (1.1 vs. 2.0 mg/mL; P < 0.001), and the proportion of neutrophils (0.39 vs. 0.42; P < 0.05) and decreased serum albumin content (38.4 vs. 36.8 g/L; P < 0.01). Increasing dietary SAA had no effects on these variables. Immune system-activated pigs had lower levels of homocysteine (Hcy; P < 0.001) and a lower Ser content (P < 0.05). Results showed that increasing dietary SAA as DL-methionine in growing and/or finishing pigs altered plasma AA contents, and that use efficiency of the AA was improved when greater levels of SAA were supplemented in IS-activated pigs.

Immune system stimulation reduces the efficiency of tryptophan utilization for body protein deposition in growing pigs1

The effect of immune system stimulation (ISS) on N retention and Trp utilization in pigs fed Trp-limiting diets was evaluated using 36 growing pigs (20.0 ± 1.1 kg BW; 3 blocks of 12 barrows). Pigs were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 diets (Diet 1, 2, 4, and 5, n = 7; Diet 3, n = 8) and fed restrictively at 800 g/d. Diets 1 to 4 were generated by blending Diet 1 with a protein-free supplement and were calculated to contain varying amounts of standardized ileal digestible (SID) Trp (1.31, 1.05, 0.80, and 0.55 g/kg). To confirm that Trp was the first-limiting AA in Diets 1 to 4, an additional diet was used (Diet 5), which was equivalent to Diet 4 and contained 0.34 g/kg of added Trp. After a 5-d adaptation period, pigs were injected every 2 d with increasing amounts of E. coli lipopolysaccharide to induce ISS (initial dose 20 μg/kg BW, increasing 15% each subsequent injection). Whole body N balance was measured in 3 periods: before immune stimulation (pre-ISS) and during ISS in 2 subsequent periods (ISS-1, 3 d; ISS-2, 4 d). Regression analysis was used to estimate the marginal efficiency of Trp utilization for whole body protein deposition (PD; N retention × 6.25). Plasma concentrations of acute-phase proteins and white blood cell counts increased (P < 0.001) and plasma albumin decreased (P < 0.001) during ISS. Nitrogen retention increased (P < 0.001) as Trp intake increased. Nitrogen retention was numerically greater but not statistically different between Diet 5 (added Trp diet) and Diet 4. Whole body N retention was less (P < 0.05) during ISS due primarily to an increase (P < 0.05) in urinary N excretion. There was a linear response (P < 0.05) in N retention, urinary N, and total excreted N to increasing Trp intake. Protein deposition increased by 88.2 ± 5.2, 82.5 ± 5.1, and 92.5 ± 3.4 g/d for each additional g/d of SID Trp intake during pre-ISS, ISS-1, and ISS-2, respectively, but the intercept was not different (-32.3 g/d). The slope of the response of PD to increasing Trp intake (based on the common intercept) was less during ISS-1 compared with pre-ISS (P = 0.01) or ISS-2 (P = 0.002) but not different between pre-ISS and ISS-2. Immune system stimulation reduced N retention in pigs fed limiting dietary Trp. The efficiency of Trp utilization for protein deposition was also reduced during ISS, indicating that the Trp requirement for PD is increased ∼7% during an inflammatory state.

Dietary amino acidl-methionine requirement of fingerling Indian catfish,Heteropneustes fossilis(Bloch-1974) estimated by growth and haemato-biochemical parameters

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the dietary tryptophan requirement of fingerling Indian catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (6.10 ± 1.15 cm, 4.44 ± 0.50 g). Six isonitrogenous (40 g 100 g−1) and isoenergetic (17.90 kJ g−1) amino acid test diets were formulated with gradation of 0.1 g 100 g−1 containing graded levels of l-tryptophan (0.04–0.54 g 100 g−1, dry diet). Fish were stocked in triplicate groups, in 75-L circular trough with flow-through system and fed experimental diets at 4% BW/day twice daily. Maximum live weight gain (258%), best feed conversion ratio (FCR) (1.54) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) (1.62) were obtained in fish fed diet containing 0.34 g 100 g−1 tryptophan. However, quadratic regression analysis of weight gain, FCR, PER and body protein deposition (BPD) data indicated requirements for dietary tryptophan at 0.37, 0.33, 0.32 and 0.33 g 100 g−1 of dry diet, respectively. Significantly (P 0.05) among treatments except for diets 0.04 and 0.14 g 100 g−1. Excellent somatic and haematological indices values were obtained at the requirement level. Based on above results, it is recommended that the diet for H. fossilis should contain tryptophan at 0.32 g 100 g−1, dry diet, corresponding to 0.80 g 100 g−1 dietary protein for optimum growth and efficient feed utilization.

Dietary arginine requirement of fingerling Indian catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis, Bloch)

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the dietary arginine requirement of fingerling Indian catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (6.25 ± 1.30 cm, 4.8 ± 0.65 g). Six isonitrogenous (400 g Kg−1) and isoenergetic (17.90 kJ g−1) amino acid test diets were formulated with gradation of 2.5 g Kg−1 containing graded levels of l-arginine (8.5–21.0 g Kg−1, dry diet). Fish were randomly stocked in triplicate groups, in 75-l circular trough with flow-through system and fed experimental diets at 4 % BW/day at 0800 and 1800 h. Maximum live weight gain (277 %), best feed conversion ratio (FCR) (1.52) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) (1.64) were obtained in fish fed diet containing 16.0 g Kg−1 arginine. However, quadratic regression analysis of live weight gain, FCR, PER and body protein deposition (BPD) data indicated requirements for dietary arginine at 16.80, 16.30, 16.11 and 16.10 g Kg−1 of dry diet, respectively. Significantly (p 0.05) low among all the treatments except at diet I and diet II. Based on the above results, it is recommended that the diet for young H. fossilis should contain arginine at 16.32 g Kg−1, dry diet, corresponding to 40.80 g Kg−1 dietary protein for optimum growth and efficient feed utilization.

Response analysis of the Iberian pig growing from birth to 150 kg body weight to changes in protein and energy supply1

A total of 251 growing-finishing Iberian (IB) pigs, 32 of which were suckling piglets, were used in 5 separate sets of trials. The comparative slaughter procedure was used to determine nutrient and energy retention at several stages of growth from birth to 150 kg BW. A factorial arrangement was used within each set of trials, involving several concentrations of ideal protein in the diets as 1 factor and 2 or 3 levels of feed intake as the other. The main objective of these studies was to derive the optimal protein-to-energy ratio in the diet to allow for the expression of maximum protein deposition rates. The effect of feed restriction on growth performance, protein deposition, and fat deposition was also assessed. According to allometric equations, empty BW (EBW) was related to whole body components or total chemical constituents of empty body mass (P < 0.001). For pigs receiving solid feed, highly statistically significant multiple regression equations were constructed, which derived nutrient (g/kg) or energy (MJ/kg) composition as a function of EBW, dietary protein-to-energy ratio, and level of feeding (P < 0.001). In pigs offered adequate protein-to-energy diets, ADG at each stage of production was predicted as a function of the average BW and feeding level (P < 0.001). It was observed that the estimates of ME required for maintenance and net efficiency of utilization of ME for growth change were within rather narrow ranges throughout the growth stages studied. Preferred values (413 kJ/kg BW(0.75) × d(-1) and 0.593 for ME(m) and k(g), respectively) were obtained by regressing total energy retention (kJ/kg BW(0.75) × d(-1)) against ME intake (kJ/kg BW(0.75) × d(-1)). A multiple-regression approach revealed that in the IB pig, ME costs for protein deposition and fat deposition reach 60 and 62 kJ/g, which is considerably greater than in conventional or lean pig genotypes. In the IB pig, the maximum daily rate of protein deposition (PD(max), g) seemed to follow a linear-plateau shape with a breaking point at 32.5 kg BW, beyond which PD(max) remained at an average rate of 75 g × d(-1). The marginal efficiency of body protein deposition was estimated at each growth stage. In pigs fed on optimal or suboptimal protein-to-energy diets, the relationship between PD and ME intake declined, following a curvilinear pattern with increasing BW; thus, implying relative increases in lipid gain as BW increased.

Dietary amino acid l-tryptophan requirement of fingerling Indian catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch), estimated by growth and haemato-biochemical parameters

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the dietary tryptophan requirement of fingerling Indian catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis (6.10 ± 1.15 cm, 4.44 ± 0.50 g). Six isonitrogenous (40 g 100 g⁻¹) and isoenergetic (17.90 kJ g⁻¹) amino acid test diets were formulated with gradation of 0.1 g 100 g⁻¹ containing graded levels of L-tryptophan (0.04-0.54 g 100 g⁻¹, dry diet). Fish were stocked in triplicate groups, in 75-L circular trough with flow-through system and fed experimental diets at 4% BW/day twice daily. Maximum live weight gain (258%), best feed conversion ratio (FCR) (1.54) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) (1.62) were obtained in fish fed diet containing 0.34 g 100 g⁻¹ tryptophan. However, quadratic regression analysis of weight gain, FCR, PER and body protein deposition (BPD) data indicated requirements for dietary tryptophan at 0.37, 0.33, 0.32 and 0.33 g 100 g⁻¹ of dry diet, respectively. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher body protein, minimum moisture and intermediate fat contents were recorded at 0.34 g 100 g⁻¹ dietary tryptophan diet. Ash content was not significantly different (P > 0.05) among treatments except for diets 0.04 and 0.14 g 100 g⁻¹. Excellent somatic and haematological indices values were obtained at the requirement level. Based on above results, it is recommended that the diet for H. fossilis should contain tryptophan at 0.32 g 100 g⁻¹, dry diet, corresponding to 0.80 g 100 g⁻¹ dietary protein for optimum growth and efficient feed utilization.

Protein requirements for growth, feed efficiency, and meat production in growing mule ducks

SUMMARY The objective of this study was to determine the protein requirements of female mule ducks during the starting (0 to 3 wk), growing (4 to 7 wk), and finishing (8 to 10 wk) periods. We performed 1 trial for each period. Five increasing dietary protein levels were tested for each period. All diets had the same ME content (12.12 MJ of ME/kg of feed), and the ratios between the main amino acids and lysine and the lysine-to-protein levels were similar. Six pens of 22 or 25 ducks were used per treatment. By adjustment with the more accurate model, the evolution of average BW, FCR, and weights of breast muscle and thighs with shanks was evaluated according to the protein level in the diets for each period. On the basis of our findings, 23.5, 15.4, and 13.8% CP levels could represent optimal levels in the starting, growing, and finishing diets, respectively. Increasing the protein level in diets for the starting, growing, and finishing periods from 15.4 to 25.3%, 10.8 to 16.6%, and 10.2 to 18.0%, respectively, decreased the efficiency of body protein deposition from 54 to 42%, 47 to 42%, and 79 to 45%, respectively. As a consequence, the nitrogen content in feces increased by 1.5-, 2.0-, and 1.9-fold, following a linear relationship with dietary nitrogen content.

Single or combined effects of fructo- and mannan oligosaccharide supplements and Bacillus clausii on the growth, feed utilization, body composition, digestive enzyme activity, innate immune response and lipid metabolism of the Japanese flounder Paralichth

In this study, we examined the effects of the following eight experimental diets, which varied in fructo oligosaccharides (FOS), mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) and Bacillus clausii concentrations, on the Japanese flounder: control diet (no FOS, MOS and B. clausii), diet F (5 g kg−1 FOS), diet M (5 g kg−1 MOS), diet FM (2.5 g kg−1 FOS + 2.5 g kg−1 MOS), diet B (107 cells g−1B. clausii), diet FB (5 g kg−1 FOS + 107 cells g−1B. clausii), diet MB (5 g kg−1 MOS + 107 cells g−1B. clausii) and diet FMB (2.5 g kg−1 FOS + 2.5 g kg−1 MOS + 107 cells g−1B. clausii). Japanese flounder, initially weighing an average of 21 g, were distributed into 24 net cages at a stocking density of 20 fish per cage. Each diet was hand-fed to three groups of fish twice daily for 56 days. The weight gain rate (WGR) in fish fed diets B, MB and FMB were significantly higher than in fish fed the control diet, where the fish fed diet FMB had the highest WGR. Fish fed any of the diets, except diets F and B, exhibited better feed conversion ratio than those fed the control diet. Diets MB and FMB significantly elevated intestinal protease activity compared with the control diet, but only the diet FMB promoted amylase activity. Feeding diets FB and FMB increased body protein deposition; additionally, feeding diets B, MB and FMB significantly reduced body lipid deposition. Lysozyme (LSZ) activity was significantly higher in fish fed diets B, FB, MB and FMB than in fish fed the control diet. All diets, except diet M, decreased triglyceride (TG) levels compared to the control diet. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in fish fed diets F, FB and FMB were significantly lower than in fish fed the control diet. Without exception, no diets affected feeding rate, condition factor, body moisture, ash contents, phagocytic activity of leucocytes or cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Our results suggest that diets supplemented with FOS, MOS and B. clausii improved growth performance and health benefits of the Japanese flounder more than other diets or the control diet.

Nutrient and energy retention in weaned Iberian piglets fed diets with different protein concentrations1

Fifty-eight purebred castrated male Iberian (IB) piglets (initial BW 9.9 ± 0.1 kg) were used in an experiment to determine the effect of dietary protein content (PC) and feeding level (FL) on the rates of BW gain, whole body protein deposition (PD), and energy utilization between 10 and 25 kg of BW using the serial slaughter method. Treatments followed a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement with 4 PC (201, 176, 149, and 123 g of CP/kg of DM) and 2 FL (0.95 and 0.70 × ad libitum) and 6 or 7 piglets per combination of treatments. All diets were formulated to have an optimal AA pattern. Six piglets were slaughtered at the start of the trial to estimate initial body composition. The experimental pigs were individually housed in an environmentally controlled room (27 ± 2°C) until they reached 25 kg of BW, when they were slaughtered and analyzed for body composition. Positive linear effects of dietary PC on ADG, G:F, and gain:ME intake were observed (P < 0.001). Piglets fed at the highest FL showed greater ADG, G:F, and gain:ME intake (P < 0.001). An average increase was estimated to be 38.0 g of gain/MJ of ME intake. Protein deposition increased linearly from 35.6 to 50.9 g/d with increasing dietary PC (P < 0.001). A daily increase was estimated to be 0.35 g of PD/g of CP intake. Although the maximal genetic potential for PD of the IB piglet was not attained, a maximal value of 59.9 g/d for whole-body PD was achieved when the diet provided 201 g of CP/kg of DM and was fed at 0.95 × ad libitum. Piglets on the highest FL deposited on average 39% more body protein (P < 0.001) than restricted piglets. An average value of 4.39 g increase in PD/MJ of ME intake was obtained for diets containing 201 and 176 g of CP/kg of DM. Maintenance energy requirements and net efficiency of utilization of ME for growth, calculated by linear regression of ME intake on body retained energy, were 427 kJ/kg of BW(0.75)·d(-1) and 0.552, respectively. The corresponding partial efficiencies of utilization of ME for protein and fat deposition were 0.378 and 0.672, respectively, considerably less than the accepted values for conventional pig breeds. Practical diets of the young IB piglet should contain at least 201 g of ideal CP/kg of DM.

Mathematical modelling of energy expenditure during tissue deposition

Predicting the magnitude and rate of weight gain for a given increase of energy intake requires a model of whole-body energy expenditure that includes the energy cost of tissue deposition. Here, I introduce a mathematical framework for modelling energy expenditure that elucidates conceptual problems with the classical Kielanowski method for estimating the efficiencies of body fat and protein deposition. An alternative approach uses the theoretical biochemical efficiencies for protein and fat synthesis in combination with models of energy expenditure that include body fat and protein turnover costs. I illustrate this alternative approach using a simple mathematical model applied to previously published data from growing rats and human infants and compare the simple model results with the classical Kielanowski model. While both models fit the data reasonably well (R2>0.87 in rats and R2>0.67 in infants), the Kielanowski method resulted in parameter estimates that varied widely across experiments, had poor precision, and occasionally produced efficiency estimates greater than 1. In contrast, the new method provided precise parameter values and revealed consistencies across different experiments. The proposed mathematical framework has implications for interpreting studies of animal nutrition as well as providing a roadmap for future modelling efforts.

Níveis de lisina digestível em rações para alevinos de tilápia-do-nilo

Avaliaram-se níveis de lisina digestível em rações para alevinos de tilápia-do-nilo (Oreochromis niloticus), linhagem tailandesa, com base no conceito de proteína ideal. Utilizaram-se 432 alevinos com peso inicial de 0,98 ± 0,03 g, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com 6 tratamentos, 6 repetições e 12 peixes por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos constaram de seis rações isoenergéticas (3.000 kcal de ED/kg de ração) e isoproteicas (39,14% de PB) contendo 1,50; 1,66; 1,82; 1,98; 2,14 ou 2,30% de lisina digestível. Foram avaliados o consumo de ração, o consumo de lisina digestível, o ganho de peso, a taxa de crescimento específico, a taxa de sobrevivência, a conversão alimentar, as taxas de deposição diária de proteína e gordura corporais, a composição química corporal (teores de umidade, proteína e gordura corporais) e a eficiência de retenção de nitrogênio. O consumo de lisina digestível, a conversão alimentar, a porcentagem de proteína corporal e a deposição de proteína corporal melhoraram de forma linear de acordo com o nível de lisina digestível. O modelo Linear Response Plateau foi o de melhor ajuste para consumo de ração, ganho de peso, taxa de crescimento específico e eficiência de retenção de nitrogênio e estimou em 2,06; 2,17; 2,14 e 2,12%, respectivamente, os níveis de lisina digestível para melhorar cada um desses parâmetros. A exigência de lisina digestível e total em rações para alevinos de tilápia-do-nilo é, respectivamente, de 2,17% (0,723%/Mcal de energia digestível) e de 2,32% (0,773%/Mcal de energia digestível) para atender às principais características de desempenho e de carcaça utilizando-se o conceito de proteína ideal na formulação das rações.

Adaptation of a non-ruminant nutrient-based growth model to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum)

SUMMARYModels that accurately describe and predict growth and nutrient utilization of fish can be useful in developing strategies to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of aquaculture operations. Current bioenergetics models are not sufficiently flexible to be applied to the wide range of conditions encountered in aquaculture. There is a need to move from bioenergetics approaches to more mechanistic approaches based on nutrient utilization by fish. A non-ruminant nutrient-based growth model has been successfully used in pig production. The model explicitly describes the utilization of energy-yielding nutrients and metabolites for body protein deposition (Pd) and body lipid deposition (Ld) at the whole animal level. Partitioning of intake of energy-yielding nutrients between Pd and Ld is governed by a minimum ratio (minLP) of the body lipid mass (L) to protein mass (P), a maximum daily rate of Pd (PdMax), or maximum efficiency of using intake of the first limiting dietary essential amino acid (AA) for body Pd. The growth model was adapted to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum 1792)) through parameterization and various modifications consistent with its framework. The fish nutrient-based model was evaluated by comparing model simulations with data from various experiments carried out with rainbow trout. Significant discrepancies between model predictions and experimental observations were observed. The model predicted energy retention well but did not always accurately predict growth rate, nor Pd and Ld. Overall, the model underestimated growth rate (expressed as thermal-unit growth coefficient (TGC)) by 37% and Pd by 15% and overestimated Ld by 13%. These discrepancies are probably attributable to differences in nutrient utilization and partitioning mechanisms between fish and pigs. The development of more reliable models requires better understanding of the nutritional and endogenous determinants of fish growth.

Exigência de treonina, com base no conceito de proteína ideal, de alevinos de tilápia-do-nilo

Avaliou-se o efeito dos níveis de treonina digestível, com base no conceito de proteína ideal, em rações com 1,35% de lisina digestível sobre o desempenho de alevinos de tilápia-do-nilo (Oreochromis niloticus). Utilizaram-se 432 alevinos revertidos de tilápia, linhagem tailandesa, com peso inicial de 1,64 ± 0,03 g, em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com seis tratamentos, cada um com seis repetições, e doze peixes por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos consistiram de cinco rações com diversas relações treonina:lisina digestível (69,0; 74,0; 79,0; 84,0 e 89,0%) e relação metionina + cistina:lisina digestível de 70,0% e uma ração com relação treonina:lisina digestível de 84,0% e de metionina + cistina:lisina digestível de 75,0%, todas isoenergéticas e isoprotéicas. Os peixes foram mantidos em 36 aquários de 130 L, dotados de abastecimento de água, temperatura controlada e aeração individuais, e alimentados à vontade, seis vezes ao dia, durante 30 dias. Avaliaram-se o desempenho, a composição corporal, as deposições de proteína e gordura e a eficiência de retenção de nitrogênio dos peixes. O consumo de ração, o teor de proteína corporal e a deposição de proteína corporal aumentaram de forma linear de acordo com a relação treonina:lisina na ração, contudo, não foram influenciados pelo aumento da relação metionina + cistina:lisina da ração. Os níveis de treonina total ou digestível que proporcionaram os melhores resultados de desempenho em alevinos de tilápia-do-nilo foram de 1,11 e 0,99%, enquanto os níveis que promoveram melhor deposição de proteína corporal foram de 1,43 e 1,28%, que correspondem às relações treonina:lisina total de 71,0 e 69,0% e treonina:lisina digestível de 90,0 e 89,0%.

Redução de proteína bruta com suplementação de aminoácidos, com base no conceito de proteína ideal, em rações para alevinos de tilápia-do-nilo

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da redução da proteína bruta (PB) da ração com suplementação de aminoácidos, com base no conceito de proteína ideal, sobre o desempenho de alevinos de tilápia-do-nilo (Oreochromis niloticus). Utilizaram-se 396 alevinos, linhagem tailandesa, com 0,80 ± 0,17 g de peso vivo, distribuídos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, composto de seis tratamentos (32, 31, 30, 29, 28 e 27% de PB), seis blocos por tratamento e 11 peixes por unidade experimental. As rações foram formuladas para serem isoenergéticas e isolisínicas digestíveis, mantendo-se constantes as relações mínimas dos aminoácidos com a lisina. Os peixes foram mantidos em 36 aquários de 130 L, dotados de abastecimento de água, temperatura controlada e aeração individual, e alimentados à vontade seis vezes ao dia durante 40 dias. A redução do teor de proteína bruta da ração não afetou o ganho de peso, a taxa de crescimento específico, o consumo de ração, o consumo de lisina digestível, o teor de proteína corporal, as taxas de deposição de gordura e de proteína e a eficiência de retenção de nitrogênio dos peixes. Os peixes alimentados com rações com 27% de PB apresentaram pior conversão alimentar, menor eficiência de utilização da lisina para ganho, menor consumo de nitrogênio e umidade corporal, maior eficiência protéica para ganho e mais alto teor de gordura corporal. O nível de proteína bruta da ração para alevinos de tilápia-do-nilo pode ser reduzido em quatro pontos percentuais (de 32 para 28%), pois essa redução não prejudica o desempenho dos animais, desde que as rações sejam suplementadas com aminoácidos essenciais limitantes.

Growth and body nutrient deposition of two broiler commercial genetic lines

The objective of this work was to study growth and body nutrient deposition profiles of male and female Cobb and Ross broilers using Gompertz equations. A total number of 1,920 one- to 56-day-old broilers were used. A randomized experimental design in a factorial arrangement (2 strains x 2 sex), with 4 replicates of 120 birds each, was applied. Diets were formulated to supply the nutrient requirements recommended by the genetic companies. A sample of birds was weekly weighed and sacrificed after 24 hours fasting. Carcasses were defeathered and weighed again. The parameters of the Gompertz equation for body weight and its components (water, ashes, protein, and fat) were estimated. An interaction (p<0.05) between sex and breed was observed for mature weight (Wm) (kg), growth rate (b) (daily) and time at maximum growth rate (t*) (day) of body weight, and body water and ash. Cobb was presented earlier growth and body protein and ash deposition. Ross strain was superior in body water deposition.

Exigência de metionina mais cistina, com base no conceito de proteína ideal, em rações para alevinos de tilápia-do-nilo

Com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito dos níveis de metionina + cistina digestível, com base no conceito de proteína ideal, em dietas contendo níveis subótimos de lisina digestível (1,40%), foram utilizados 396 alevinos revertidos de tilápia (Oreochromis niloticus), da linhagem tailandesa, com peso inicial de 0,86 ± 0,02 g, em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, composto de seis tratamentos, seis repetições por tratamento e 11 peixes por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos consistiram de cinco dietas com diferentes relações metionina + cistina:lisina digestível (59,5; 63,5; 67,5; 71,5 e 75,5%) e relação treonina:lisina digestível de 80,0%; e uma dieta contendo relação metionina + cistina:lisina digestível de 75,5% e treonina:lisina digestível de 85,0%, todas isoenergéticas e isoprotéicas. Os peixes foram alimentados ad libitum, em seis refeições diárias, durante 40 dias. Avaliaram-se os parâmetros de desempenho, a composição corporal, a deposição de proteína e gordura corporais e a eficiência de retenção de nitrogênio dos peixes.O aumento da relação metionina + cistina:lisina da dieta não influenciou as variáveis avaliadas, com exceção dos teores de gordura e umidade corporais, cujos efeitos foram quadráticos e aumentaram e diminuíram, respectivamente, até a relação estimada de 67,0 e 66,7%.Contudo, a elevação da relação treonina:lisina digestível nas dietas com relações metionina + cistina:lisina digestível de 75,5% proporcionou aos peixes melhor conversão alimentar e maior eficiência de retenção de nitrogênio e de utilização da proteína e lisina para ganho.Os níveis totais ou digestíveis de aminoácidos sulfurosos de 0,91 e 0,86%, que correspondem à relação metionina + cistina:lisina total e digestível de 57,2 e 59,5%, respectivamente, foram os que proporcionaram os melhores resultados de desempenho e características de carcaça de alevinos de tilápia-do-nilo.

Dynamics of body protein deposition and changes in body composition after sudden changes in amino acid intake: I. Barrows1

A study was conducted to evaluate the extent and dynamics of whole body protein deposition and changes in chemical and physical body composition after a period of AA intake restriction in growing barrows with medium lean tissue growth potentials. Forty Yorkshire barrows (initial BW 14.4 +/- 1.6 kg) were scale-fed at 75% of estimated voluntary daily DE intake up to 35 kg of BW and assigned to 1 of 2 diets: AA adequate (AA+; 20% above requirements; NRC, 1998) and AA deficient (AA-; 40% below requirements; restriction phase). Thereafter (re-alimentation phase), pigs from both dietary AA levels were scale-fed or fed ad libitum diets that were not limiting in AA. Body weight gain and body composition, based on serial slaughter, were monitored during the 34-d re-alimentation phase. During the restriction phase AA intake restriction reduced BW gains (556 vs. 410 g/d; P < 0.001; AA+ and AA-, respectively). At 35 kg of BW, AA intake restriction increased whole body lipid content (11.1 vs. 17.5% of empty BW; P < 0.05) and the whole body lipid to body protein ratio (0.65 vs. 1.20; P < 0.01) and reduced body protein content (17.1 vs. 14.6% of empty BW; P < 0.01) and body water content (68.2 vs. 63.9%; P < 0.05). The relationships between body protein vs. body water and body protein vs. body ash content were not altered by previous AA intake restriction or by feeding level during the re-alimentation phase (P > 0.10). Throughout the re-alimentation phase, there were no interactive effects of time, feeding level, and previous AA intake level on growth performance, body protein, and body lipid content (P > 0.10). During the re-alimentation phase, body protein deposition, derived from the linear regression analysis of body protein content vs. time, was not affected by feeding level and previous AA intake level (P > 0.10; 156 g/d for AA- vs. 157 g/d for AA+). Based on BW and body protein content, it can be concluded that no compensatory body protein deposition occurred in barrows, with medium lean tissue growth potential after AA intake restriction between 15 and 35 kg of BW. It is suggested that the upper limit to body protein deposition was the main factor that limited the extent of compensatory body protein deposition in this population of pigs. The concept of an upper limit to body protein deposition may be used to explain why compensatory growth is observed in some studies and not in others.