Apparent Ileal Digestibility Coefficients Research Articles

ESTIMATION OF METABOLIZABLE AND DIGESTIBLE ENERGY OF RAMON (Brosimum alicastrum Swartz) SEED IN BROILERS UNDER TROPICAL CONDITIONS

<p><strong>Background.</strong> The current maize production in México is insufficient to supply both human and animal consumption. As maize is the main ingredient used in the formulation of poultry diets, each year, the importation of this cereal rises, thereby, the replacement of this conventional input can be made with alternative resources, such as the Ramón (<em>Brosimum alicastrum</em> Swartz) seed. <strong>Objective.</strong> To determine the chemical composition of Ramon seed meal (RSM), together with the estimation of the apparent metabolizable energy (AME), true metabolizable energy (TME), their digestible coefficients, as well as the apparent ileal digestible energy (AIDE) and apparent ileal digestibility coefficient (AIDC) of gross energy (GE). <strong>Methodology. </strong>Two experiments were performed using Cobb broilers; in the first experiment AME, TME and the digestible coefficients were calculated using 24 broilers (twelve 3-week-old and twelve 6-week-old) eight of them were randomly selected for determination of endogenous losses (EL). The sixteen remaining were precision-fed a single dose of RSM and total excreta collection was used. In the second experiment, three diets: 1) 100% maize; 2) 40% RSM-60% maize and; 3) 60% RSM-40% maize) were made to determine the AIDE and AIDC of each ingredient using the difference method. Diets were randomly assigned to a total of 51 7-week-old broilers, distributed in six, six and five replicates respectively (three broilers per replicate). <strong>Results. </strong>No differences were found for the<strong> </strong>AME (1863 and 1909 kcal/kg for 3 and 6 weeks, respectively) and TME (2234 and 2271 kcal/kg, for 3 and 6 weeks, respectively) values of the RSM. The AIDE and AIDC of RSM at 40 and 60% inclusion (2408 and 2538 kcal/kg, and 0.64 and 0.67, respectively) were found to be lower than that of maize (3179 kcal/kg and 0.81). <strong>Implications. </strong>These results provide information regarding the incorporation of ramon as an energy resource in tropical poultry diets. <strong>Conclusion.</strong> The estimated value of RSM in broilers was 1886 Kcal/kg for AME, 2252.5 Kcal/kg for TME and 0.476 and 0.569 for their digestibility coefficients of GE, respectively. For the AIDE, the estimated value was 2408.8 and 2538.7 Kcal/kg at 40 and 60% inclusion of RSM, with 0.640 and 0.674 AIDC, respectively.</p>

Evaluation of equations for predicting ileal nutrient digestibility and digestible nutrient content of broiler diets based on their gross chemical composition

The coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) and ileal digestible contents (IDC) of nutrients of 56 diets using 10 feed ingredients were measured in broilers (21–24 d post-hatch). Diets contained varying inclusion levels of traditional and non-traditional ingredients and differed widely in chemical composition. The chemical composition and in vivo digestibility values were used to establish prediction equations for CAID and IDC of nutrients using stepwise multiple regression. The strength and accuracy of the developed equations were evaluated by root mean square error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R2), adjusted R2 (adj. R2), and Akaikie’s Information Criteria (AIC). The bootstrap method was used to validate the choice of variables by stepwise selection method in the original equation based on their frequencies of selection. Selection of variables was validated if the variables that appear in the original stepwise model were selected in more than 30% of the 1000 bootstrap samples. A close agreement between the original equations and bootstrap resampling was observed for CAID of nitrogen (N) and energy and IDC of energy, starch, and calcium (Ca). Additionally, the original data was subjected to another run of stepwise regression analysis using the selected variables by bootstrapping. The initial regression showed that the CAID of N and energy was highly dependent on crude fibre (CF) and energy contents of the diets. The CAID of energy can be predicted (R2 = 0.89 and RMSE = 0.035) by CF, gross energy (GE), CF2, and starch-to-CF ratio (starch:CF). Calcium content had a positive influence, while phosphorus (P) content had a negative influence on the prediction of CAID of fat. The main variable to predict CAID and IDC of most nutrients was the dietary CF content. Based on the lowest RMSE and AIC, the best predictors for IDC of N were ash, N, fat, CF, CF2, and starch:CF, while the best predictors for IDC of energy were CF, GE, CF2, and starch:CF. The results of the original stepwise regression models and the stepwise regression with the selected variables from the bootstrap results for CAID of N, energy, fat, and DM, as well as IDC of energy, starch, and Ca, were the same with no differences in R2, Adj. R2, RMSE, and AIC. This method can be useful for developing stable and reproducible models using stepwise regression. However, an external validation is needed to confirm the use of these equations in commercial settings.

Transgenic, high-protein sorghums display promise in poultry diets in an initial comparison

This study aimed to compare the inclusion of transgenic sorghums against commercially available sorghums on growth performance in broiler chickens. Isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were offered to a total 288 male Ross 308 broiler chickens from 14 to 35 d posthatch. Three dietary treatments were diets based on transgenic sorghums with a mean protein content of 154.7 g/kg and 5 treatments were based on commercially available sorghum hybrids with a mean protein content of 90.6 g/kg. Soybean meal inclusions in the commercial sorghum diets averaged 215 g/kg, which was reduced to 171 g/kg in the transgenic sorghum diets because of the higher protein contents. Overall growth performance was highly satisfactory, and commercial sorghums supported 2.55% (2,330 vs. 2,272 g/bird; P = 0.010) more weight gains and 2.74% (2,929 vs. 2,851 g/bird; P = 0.012) higher feed intakes; however, the transgenic sorghums supported a fractionally better FCR (1.255 vs 1.257; P = 0.826). There were no statistical differences in apparent jejunal and ileal starch and protein (N) digestibility coefficients between treatments. The transgenic sorghum diets generated slightly, but significantly, higher AME:GE ratios and AMEn, but the commercial sorghum diets generated 6.33% (235 vs. 221 g/kg; P < 0.001) greater breast meat yields. Apparent ileal digestibility coefficients of 16 amino acids averaged 0.839 and 0.832 for transgenic and commercial sorghum-based diets, respectively, without any significant differences in individual amino acids. This outcome suggests amino acid digestibilities of the transgenic sorghums may be inherently higher than commercial hybrid sorghums as the 25.7% higher average soybean meal inclusions would have advantaged amino acid digestibilities in commercial sorghum diets. The possibility that the digestibilities of amino acids in the kafirin component of transgenic sorghums was enhanced by modifications to the structure of kafirin protein bodies is discussed. In conclusion, transgenic sorghums with higher protein concentrations led to 20.5% reduction of soybean meal inclusions in broiler diets, and this change did not compromise feed conversion efficiency compared to standard commercial hybrid sorghums.

Inclusion of a Bacillus-based probiotic in non-starch polysaccharides-rich broiler diets

ABSTRACT This study examined the effects of a 3-strain Bacillus-based probiotic (BP; Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and two Bacillus subtilis) in broiler diets with different rye levels on performance, mucus, viscosity, and nutrient digestibility. We distributed 720 one-d-old female broilers into 72 pens and designed nine diets using a 3 × 3 factorial approach, varying BP levels (0, 1.2 × 106, and 1.2 × 107 CFU/g) and rye concentrations (0, 200, 400 g/kg). On d 35, diets with 200 or 400 g/kg rye reduced broiler weight gain (BWG). Diets with 400 g/kg rye had the highest FCR, while rye-free diets had the lowest (p ≤0.05). Adding BP increased feed intake and BWG in weeks two and three (p ≤0.05). It should be noted that the overall performance fell below the goals of the breed. Including rye in diets reduced the coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) for protein, ether extract (EE), calcium, phosphorus, and all amino acids (p ≤0.05). Rye-free diets exhibited the highest CAID for all nutrients, except for methionine, EE, and calcium, while diets with 400 g/kg of rye demonstrated the lowest CAID (p ≤0.05). BP in diets decreased phosphorus CAID (p ≤0.05). Diets containing 1.2 × 107 CFU/g (10X) of BP exhibited higher CAID of methionine than the other two diets (p ≤0.05). Diets containing 10X of BP showed higher CAID of cysteine than diets with no BP (p ≤0.05). Ileal viscosity increased as the inclusion level of rye in the diets increased (p ≤0.05). The ileal concentration of glucosamine in chickens fed diets with 400 g/kg of rye was higher than in those fed diets with no rye (p ≤0.05). Furthermore, ileal galactosamine concentrations were elevated in diets with 200 and 400 g/kg of rye when compared to rye-free diets (p ≤0.05). However, BP in diets had no impact on ileal viscosity, galactosamine, or glucosamine (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the applied Bacillus strains appeared to have a limited capacity to produce arabinoxylan-degrading enzymes and were only partially effective in mitigating the negative impacts of rye arabinoxylans on broilers.

Impact of enzyme inclusion on the digestibility of protein, amino acids, calcium and phosphorus in growing pigs depending on meal size, frequency and sampling period

When digestibility trials are conducted, pigs are typically fed twice a day with a restricted amount of feed. These conditions are not representative of the feeding conditions in commercial farm. The present study aimed to determine the effects of meal size and frequency, xylanase and phytase inclusion as well as digesta sampling period, on the digestibility of protein, amino acids (AA), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P). Pigs (n = 6) were fitted with a T cannula, and each received all treatments following a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement in a 6 × 6 Latin square experimental design. The diets were supplemented or not with a combination of xylanase and phytase and divided into 3 feeding programs: one received 2 meals per day that met 3 times the maintenance energy requirement (2M), one received the same quantity of feed in 8 meals (8M), and another received an amount that supplied 5 times the maintenance energy requirements in 8 meals (8M+). Digesta was sampled from 0800 to 1200, 1200–1600, 1600–2000 and 0800–2000. The results indicated an improvement in the coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, P, Ca, Val and Thr with enzyme inclusion in all meal distribution (enzyme effect, P < 0.05). Apparent ileal digestibility of Ca in the 0800–1200 period was reduced in 8M+ treatment compared to 2M and 8M whereas no difference was observed for meal size or frequency in 1200–1600 and 1600–2000 periods (Interaction meal × period, P = 0.017). A meal effect was observed for coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility of Ca (meal effect, P = 0.003) which was higher by 8% in pigs fed 8M compared to 8M+ (contrast 8M vs 8M+, P = 0.040). Saturation of the absorption processes may explain lower digestibility with 8M+ . Enzyme efficacy was not affected by meal size or frequency indicating minor modifications of digestive conditions. An 8-h sampling period would allow collection of a representative sample and avoid underestimating or overestimating digestibility of certain nutrients.

A comparative study on the effect of limestone particle size on performance, ileal digestibility of calcium and phosphorus, and bone characteristics in broilers and pullets

ABSTRACT 1. The effects of limestone particle size on growth performance, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) traits, ileal morphology, duodenal gene expression of calbindin, apparent ileal digestibility coefficients (AIDC) of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) and tibia characteristics in broilers and pullets were assessed in broilers and pullets. These birds have different growth rates and likely different responses to parameters, such as particle size. 2. A total of 240 chicks aged one day, 120 Ross 308 female broilers, and 120 Hy-Line pullets were allocated randomly into four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with two bird types (broilers vs. pullets) and two limestone particle sizes (<0.5 mm versus 1–2 mm) to give six replicates containing 10 chicks in each from 1 to 21 d of age. 3. Feed intake and weight gain were greater (P < 0.001) and feed per gain (FCR) was better (P < 0.001) in broilers compared to pullets from 1 to 21 d of age. Greater villus width (P < 0.01), villus height (P < 0.001) and crypt depth (P < 0.01) were seen for broilers compared to pullets. 4. Pullets fed coarse Ca particles had higher calbindin gene expression at 21 d of age (P = 0.05). Both AIDC of Ca and P were higher (P < 0.001) in broilers compared to pullets. The AIDC of Ca from 0.463 to 0.516 was increased (P < 0.05) by feeding coarse limestone particles. A significant interaction was found between bird type and limestone particle size (P < 0.01), where pullets fed coarse Ca particles had higher bone P concentration in tibia than broilers. 5. Broilers had better ileum absorptive capacity and growth performance compared to pullets. The AIDC of Ca and P was higher in broilers than in pullets. Increased limestone particle size elevated villus height, AIDC of Ca and concentration of P in the tibia.

High- or low-fibre diet, meal size and frequency: Effect on ileal and total tract digestibility and mean retention time in growing pigs

This study aimed to determine the effect of the size and frequency of meals and diet type (high- or low-fibre) on fibre degradation and retention time of digesta in growing pigs. Pigs (n = 6) were fitted with a T-cannula, and each received all treatments following a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement in a 6 × 6 Latin square experimental design. The diets were either corn-soybean meal-based diet with low fibre (LowFibre) or wheat-barley based diet with high fibre (HighFibre) and distributed differently: 2 meals per day that met 3 times the maintenance energy requirement (2M), the same amount of feed in 8 meals (8M), and 8 meals per day that met 5 times the requirements (8M+). A diet type × meal interaction was observed for mean retention time (MRT) of the solid and liquid phase of digesta where MRT in LowFibre diet was higher in 2M compared to 8M and 8M+ while in HighFibre only 8M had lower MRT than 2M and 8M+ (Solid phase, P = 0.023, Liquid phase, P = 0.097). Ileum digesta from the LowFibre diet was less viscous than ileum digesta from HighFibre diet (P = 0.028) regardless of the meal distribution. Concentrations of the indigestible markers in the ileal digesta (TiO2 and YbCl3) increased faster in the LowFibre compared to the HighFiber diet, and marker concentrations were more constant in the 2M than the 8M and 8M+ treatments (P < 0.05). Coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) of dry matter, energy, crude protein, total non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and insoluble NSP was higher in the HighFibre diet than the LowFibre diet, while opposed results were observed for apparent total tract digestibility (P < 0.05). No effect of meal type was observed on CAID. Blood glucose levels were stable throughout the day for 8M and 8M+ while blood glucose for 2M was decreased between two meals (meal × time effect, P = 0.035). Larger meals in 2M-LowFibre, 2M-HighFibre and 8M+HighFibre can therefore explain longer MRT potentially due to decreased motility and slower gastric emptying. In conclusion, feeding pigs with an increased number of meals per day allows a continuous flow of digesta, stabilized blood glucose and increased digestibility. Ingestion of a high-fibre diet causes increased digesta viscosity. The type of diet had more impact on digestibility and transit time than the meal size and frequency.

The influence of non-bound amino acid inclusions and starch-protein digestive dynamics on growth performance of broiler chickens offered wheat-based diets with two crude protein concentrations

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the influence of high and low inclusions of non-bound amino acid (NBAA) in standard and reduced-crude protein (CP), wheat-based diets on growth performance in broiler chickens. Dietary treatments were formulated to either 210 or 180 g/kg CP. The 210 g/kg CP diets contained either 12.1 or 21.1 g/kg NBAA and 180 g/kg CP diets contained either 44.0 or 55.5 g/kg NBAA. The formulations also generated different dietary starch:protein ratios which impacted on starch-protein digestive dynamics. Each of the four dietary treatments were offered to 7 replicates of 15 birds housed in floor pens from 14 to 35 days post-hatch or a total of 420 male Ross 308 chickens. Growth performance, relative abdominal fat-pad weights, breast muscle and leg shank yields were determined. Ileal starch and protein (N) digestibility coefficients, disappearance rates and starch:protein disappearance rate ratios were defined. Apparent ileal digestibility coefficients and disappearance rates of 16 amino acids were determined at 35 days post-hatch and free concentrations of 20 amino acids in systemic plasma were determined at 34 days post-hatch. The transition from 210 to 180 g/kg CP diets depressed weight gain by 11.3% (1742 versus 1964 g/bird) and FCR by 10.4% (1.606 versus 1.455), although both parameters were subject to treatment interactions. The treatment interaction (P < 0.001) observed for FCR was because high NBAA inclusions significantly improved FCR by 4.17% (1.424 versus 1.486) in birds offered 210 g/kg CP diets, but significantly depressed FCR by 3.36% (1.632 versus 1.579) in 180 g/kg CP diets. A quadratic relationship (r = 0.860; P < 0.001) between dietary NBAA inclusions and FCR was detected, which indicated that when NBAA inclusions exceed 18.5 g/kg efficiency of feed conversion deteriorated. However, a multiple linear regression (r = 0.913; P < 0.001) was detected for FCR where both NBAA inclusions and analysed dietary starch:protein ratios were significantly (P < 0.001) related to FCR. This relationship indicates that growth performance of broiler chickens offered wheat-based diets is strongly influenced by dietary NBAA inclusions coupled with dietary starch:protein ratios and consideration is given to the possible underlying mechanisms.

The influence of dietary crude protein concentrations, grain types and arginine:lysine ratios on the performance of broiler chickens.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary crude protein (CP) concentrations, grain types and arginine:lysine ratios on performance parameters of broiler chickens. The 2×2×2 factorial array of dietary treatments harnessed two CP concentrations (210 and 170g/kg), two feed grains (wheat and sorghum), and two arginine:lysine ratios (104 and 110). Each dietary treatment was offered to 7 replicates of 14 birds per floor pen, a total of 784 off-sex male, Ross 308 broilers, from 14 to 35d post-hatch. The dietary CP reduction compromised weight gain by 10.0% (2078 versus 2310g/bird) as a main effect and FCR by 7.51% (1.474 versus 1.371), subject to an interaction. In a three-way interaction (P=0.008), expanded arginine:lysine ratios improved FCR by 2.30% in 170g/kg CP, sorghum-based diets but compromised FCR by 2.12% in corresponding wheat-based diets. Sorghum was the more suitable feed grain in reduced-CP diets as sorghum generated significant advantages in weight gain of 7.59% (2154 versus 2002g/kg) and FCR of 6.94% (1.421 versus 1.527) in birds offered 170g/kg CP diets. Both dietary CP and feed grain generated significant and divergent impacts in apparent ileal digestibility coefficients for the majority of 16 assessed amino acids. Dietary CP reductions increased non-bound amino acid inclusions (NBAA) in wheat-based diets (48.96 versus 9.80g/kg) to a greater extent than sorghum-based diets (35.3 versus 9.50g/kg) and increasing dietary NBAA inclusions were linearly associated with compromised weight gain (r=-0.834; P<0.001) and FCR (r=0.862; P<0.001). Increasing ratios of free arginine to lysine plasma concentrations were linearly (r=-0.466; P=0.004) related to improvements in FCR. The implications of the observed outcomes are discussed and possible explanations are advanced.

Influence of partial replacement of ground barley with whole barley and exogenous enzyme supplementation in pelleted diets on growth performance, nutrient utilisation and foregut development in broiler starters

A 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, evaluating three inclusion levels of whole barley (WB; 0, 141, 282 g/kg) in a barley-based diet and two levels of carbohydrase (Carb; 0 and 0.15 g/kg of feed), was used. The AMEn and standardised digestible amino acid contents of the test barley were used in formulating the basal diet. Whole barley was added to the diet at the expense of ground barley (GB; 3.0 mm sieve size). The diets contained 5.0 g/kg titanium dioxide as an inert marker. Each of the six experimental diets was pelleted and offered ad libitum to six replicate cages (eight birds/cage). Body weights and feed intake were recorded weekly throughout the 21-d trial. The AMEn was determined using the classical total excreta collection method (17–20 d). On d-21, ileal digesta were collected from the terminal ileum to determine the coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility of nutrients. Jejunal digesta were collected for the determination of intestinal digesta viscosity. There was no significant (P > 0.05) interaction between WB and Carb for any measured parameter. Compared to the birds fed GB diets, those fed WB at 141 g/kg had a higher (P < 0.05) weight gain by 36 g/bird, with no effect on the feed intake or feed efficiency. The inclusion of WB tended (P = 0.058) to enhance N digestibility from 0.741 in GB diets to 0.775 in diets with 282 g/kg WB. Irrespective of Carb supplementation, compared to the GB diet, WB inclusion at 141 and 282 g/kg improved (P < 0.001) starch digestibility (by 3.6 % and 5.7 %, respectively) and AMEn (by 1.85 % and 2.89 %, respectively). These improvements were not associated with any impact (P > 0.05) on gizzard development. Jejunal digesta viscosity was not influenced (P > 0.05) by WB inclusion. Adding Carb increased starch digestibility and energy utilisation by 2.24 % and 0.12 MJ/kg, respectively, possibly due to 0.35 cP reduction in jejunal digesta viscosity (P < 0.05) by the supplemental Carb. Overall, WB could be included in barley-based broiler starter diets up to 282 g/kg of diet with no adverse effects on performance.

Dietary crude protein reductions in wheat-based diets with two energy densities compromised performance of broiler chickens from 15 to 36 days post-hatch

This study was designed to investigate the impacts of 2 energy densities (13.0 and 12.5 MJ/kg ME) in wheat-based diets with 3 tiers of CP concentrations (210, 190, and 170 g/kg) on the performance of broiler chickens. The parameters assessed included growth performance (15-36 d posthatch), carcass traits, nutrient utilization, starch-protein digestive dynamics, apparent ileal amino acid digestibility coefficients, and the free amino acid and ammonia (NH3) concentrations in systemic plasma. Also, the feasibility of substituting soybean meal with canola meal in 190 g/kg CP diets was investigated. The dietary CP reduction from 210 to 170 g/kg significantly compromised weight gain by 12.4% (1,890 vs. 2158 g/bird) and FCR by 5.33% (1.501 vs. 1.425). The 0.5 MJ energy density reduction compromised FCR by 3.25% (1.525 vs. 1.477; P=0.013) in birds offered 170 g/kg CP diets. Reducing dietary CP and energy densities interactively influenced (P=0.027) apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and nitrogen corrected metabolizable energy (AMEn) (P=0.022) such that reducing dietary CP increased these parameters but reducing dietary energy densities decreased AME and AMEn. The 150 g/kg canola meal inclusion with the elimination of soybean meal displayed some promise. Dietary CP reductions (and increased nonbound amino acid inclusions) linearly associated with increased plasma ammonia (NH3) concentrations (r=-0.607; P=0.010) and plasma NH3 was linearly related to depressed weight gains (r=-0.565; P=0.018). The association of dietary non-protein-bound amino acid (NPBAA) inclusions and elevated plasma NH3 concentrations have profound implications for the successful development of reduced-CP, wheat-based broiler diets.

Effect of Bacterial Phytase on Growth Performance, Nutrient Utilization, and Bone Mineralization in Broilers Fed Pelleted Diets.

The influence of a bacterial 6-phytase on growth performance, coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) of nutrients, blood parameters, and bone mineralization in broilers was evaluated. A total of 630 one-day-old male broilers were allocated to 7 dietary treatments, including positive control (PC) diet containing dicalcium phosphate, the PC marginally reduced in available P (avP) by 0.1% and calcium (Ca) by 0.2% vs. PC (NC1) or moderately reduced by 0.15 and 0.3% vs. PC (NC2), respectively, and four further diets comprising the NC1 and NC2 supplemented with 500 or 1000 FTU/kg of phytase in starter and finisher phases. A constant Ca to avP ratio was maintained across all diets. The body weight gain (BWG) and feed per unit gain (FCR) of birds fed NC1 and NC2 diets supplemented with phytase (500 and 1000 U/kg) was equivalent to that of birds fed the PC diet at 35 days. Phytase supplementation in the NC1 diet linearly increased the CAID of nitrogen (N) (p < 0.01), phosphorus (P) (p < 0.01), and Ca (p < 0.05). Additionally, phytase reduced (p < 0.01) excreta P concentration by approximately 27%, improved (p < 0.001) toe ash, and tended to increase tibia ash (p = 0.08), comparable with the PC. In conclusion, the addition of bacterial 6-phytase dosed in the range of 500-1000 FTU/kg was effective in replacing 1.5 g/kg avP and 3 g/kg Ca in broilers fed pelleted diets, using bone quality, BWG, and FCR as outcome measures.

Fermented rapeseed meal enhances the digestibility of protein and macro- and microminerals and improves the performance of weaner pigs

Fermented rapeseed meal has the potential to replace enzymatic and pro- and prebiotic additives, organic acids, and zinc oxide in diets for piglets. The aim of the study was to analyse the effect of rapeseed meal fermented using Bacillus subtilis strain 87Y (FRSMb) in the amount of 8% of diets for weaners on growth performance, digestibility of nutrients and minerals, and the amount of biogenic substances excreted into the environment. A total of 288 pigs were used in the experiment. The study was conducted using on 288 pigs. The experiment was begun when the pigs were 28 days old. The piglets in the control group (C) were fed a standard compound feed. Piglets in groups FRA (8% fermented rapeseed meal + pro- and prebiotic additives, organic acids, and ZnO) and FR (8% fermented rapeseed meal) received a diet containing 8% FRSMb in place of some of the soybean meal in the standard feed. Additives, pro- and prebiotic additives, organic acids, and ZnO were removed from the diet for the piglets in group FR. Rapeseed meal was fermented using Bacillus subtilis strain 87Y. The experiment was carried out for a period of 60 days. Gain:Feed (G:F) between 28 and 88 days was lowest in group FR. Coefficients of apparent total tract digestibility (CATTD) and coefficients of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) of crude protein (CP), crude fat, and crude fibre were higher in group FRA than in group C (P < 0.05). Coefficients of apparent total tract digestibility and CAID of Cu, Zn and Fe were increased (P < 0.05) in group FR relative to groups FRA and C. Absorption and retention of P and retention as a percentage of absorption were higher in the groups receiving 8% FRSMb than in group C (P = 0.001; P = 0.008 and P = 0.007, respectively). Most indicators of Ca balance were increased (P < 0.05) in the pigs in groups FRA and FR in comparison to group C. The level of ammonia released in the faeces of the piglets was lower in group FR than in the control group (23.28% reduction). The amount of Cu excreted in the faeces was higher in group C (P = 0.009), but the amount excreted in the urine was higher in group FRA (P < 0.001). The results of the research suggest that the inclusion of 8% FRSMb in diets for piglets has a beneficial effect by improving the digestibility of protein and minerals and thus reducing their excretion into the environment.

The effects of a Bacillus licheniformis and phytase mixture added to broiler diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and cecal microecosystem

Abstract This study aims to evaluate the effects of Bacillus licheniformis and 6-phytase added alone or in combination to broiler chicken diets on the growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility coefficient (AID) of nutrients, microbial activity, and cecal bacterial communities. In total, 400 one-day-old female Ross 308 chicks were randomly allocated to 4 dietary treatments (10 replicate pens, 10 birds each). The following groups were defined: NC (negative control), basal diet without any feed additive supplementation; NC+Pro, basal diet with addition of the B. licheniformis preparation (500 g/t of diet); NC+Phy, basal diet with addition of phytase (200 g/t of diet); and NC+Pro+Phy, basal diet combined with both studied additives. B. licheniformis positively affected (P&lt;0.05) the feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the first 10 d of bird rearing. Moreover, phytase supplementation elevated the FCR from 21 to 35 d. In the entire experiment, an interaction between phytase and probiotic was observed only in terms of decreasing the bird FI (P=0.005) without a negative effect on the FCR (P&gt;0.05). Furthermore, the AID of ether extract was improved by phytase supplementation. In terms of the cecal microecology, both separately administered factors promoted Lactobacillaceae in the ceca. Interactions between probiotic preparation and phytase were noted that indicated a decreased Clostridiales population and favored Ruminococcaceae proliferation. It can be concluded that for the first time in the available literature, the favorable interactions between B. licheniformis and phytase resulted in improved performance and cecal microbiota changes in broilers.

Production and Evaluation of Encapsulated Zinc Oxide on Performance, Ileal Digestibility and Zinc Transporter Gene Expression in Broiler Chicken.

The present study was undertaken for the production of encapsulated zinc and its evaluation in broiler chicken diet. The process of microencapsulation involved the use of polymers, gum arabic and maltodextrin with a maximum encapsulation of efficiency of 66%. Encapsulated material contained about 20% zinc oxide (ZnO) as core material following the freeze-drying process. One hundred and ninety-two-day-old broiler chicks were distributed in four groups in six replications having eight birds in each. The four groups comprised control (inorganic source of zinc), En-Zn-100 (encapsulated zinc at 100% of control), En-Zn-50 (encapsulated zinc at 50% of control), and Org-Zn-50 (Zn-methionine at 50% of control). The experiment was carried out for 35 days following standard management practices. The live weight gain, feed intake and FCR were comparable among groups. Plasma and muscle zinc (ppm) content was unaffected by the level or source of zinc supplementation. The zinc apparent ileal digestibility coefficient was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in En-Zn-50 fed groups, while crude protein digestibility was not affected by the level or form of Zn supplementation. Bone weight, length, and zinc content were comparable, and bone ash content was significantly different among the groups. Relative expression of ZnT2 was significantly upregulated in encapsulated zinc-fed groups. From the study, it could be concluded that supplementation of zinc either as encapsulated or organic form at 50% of inorganic source (ZnO) could be sufficient to maintain the growth performance, serum, tissue and bone mineral content in broiler chicken.

Effect of replacement of soybean oil by Hermetia illucens fat on performance, digestibility, cecal microbiome, liver transcriptome and liver and plasma lipidomes of broilers

BackgroundIn contrast to protein-rich insect meal, the feed potential of insect fat is generally less explored and knowledge about the suitability of insect fat as a fat source specifically in broiler diets is still limited. In view of this, the present study aimed to comprehensively investigate the effect of partial (50%) and complete replacement of soybean oil with insect fat from Hermetia illucens (HI) larvae in broiler diets on performance, fat digestibility, cecal microbiome, liver transcriptome and liver and plasma lipidomes. Thus, 100 male, 1-day-old Cobb 500 broilers were randomly assigned to three groups and fed three different diets with either 0 (group HI-0, n = 30), 2.5% (group HI-2.5, n = 35) or 5.0% (HI-5.0, n = 35) Hermetia illucens (HI) larvae fat for 35 d.ResultsBody weight gain, final body weight, feed intake, and feed:gain ratio during the whole period and apparent ileal digestibility coefficient for ether extract were not different between groups. Cecal microbial diversity did not differ between groups and taxonomic analysis revealed differences in the abundance of only four low-abundance bacterial taxa among groups; the abundances of phylum Actinobacteriota, class Coriobacteriia, order Coriobacteriales and family Eggerthellaceae were lower in group HI-5.0 compared to group HI-2.5 (P < 0.05). Concentrations of total and individual short-chain fatty acids in the cecal digesta were not different between the three groups. Liver transcriptomics revealed a total of 55 and 25 transcripts to be differentially expressed between groups HI-5.0 vs. HI-0 and groups HI-2.5 vs. HI-0, respectively (P < 0.05). The concentrations of most lipid classes, with the exception of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and lysophosphatidylcholine in the liver and cholesterylester and ceramide in plasma (P < 0.05), and of the sum of all lipid classes were not different between groups.ConclusionsPartial and complete replacement of soybean oil with HI larvae fat in broiler diets had no effect on growth performance and only modest, but no adverse effects on the cecal microbiome and the metabolic health of broilers. This suggests that HI larvae fat can be used as an alternative fat source in broiler diets, thereby, making broiler production more sustainable.

Effects of emulsifier, betaine, and L-carnitine on growth performance, immune response, gut morphology, and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens exposed to cyclic heat stress

ABSTRACT 1. This experiment investigated the efficacy of varying doses of an emulsifier blend (EB; 0 and 1 g/kg of diet), betaine (BT; 0 and 1 g/kg of diet) and L-carnitine (CT; 0 and 0.5 g/kg of diet) in broilers subjected to circular heat stress (HS) conditions. A total of 1080 one-day-old male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to one of nine treatment groups (six pens/treatment with 20 birds/pen) according to a completely randomised design. The thermoneutral control broiler chickens were housed at a comfortable temperature and fed a standard diet (no additives). The other eight groups were exposed to cyclic HS conditions (34°C) for 8 h (10:00-18:00). 2. There were EB × BT × CT interactions for body weight (BW) at 24 d (P = 0.038) and average daily gain (ADG) during the 10–24 d period (P = 0.049), with the greatest values found with concurrent supplementation of three supplements. 3. Inclusion of EB resulted in greater (P < 0.05) BW, ADG, European performance index, uniformity rate, primary antibody titres against sheep red blood cells (SRBC), duodenal villus height (VH) and villus surface area, digestible energy (DE) and the coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) of dry matter, crude protein, and fat However, feed conversion ratio, mortality rate and heterophile to lymphocyte ratio were lower (P < 0.05). 4. Dietary BT supplementation improved (P < 0.05) all performance indicators, primary antibody titres against SRBC and Newcastle disease virus, serum total antioxidant capacity, duodenal VH, Jejunal VH/crypt depth and the CAID of dry matter and crude protein. The effect of dietary supplementation with CT was limited to an increase (P < 0.05) in ADG (d 10–24) and a decrease (P < 0.05) in serum malondialdehyde concentration (42 d) and jejunal crypt depth (42 d). 5. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of either EB or BT alone or in combination ameliorated some of the detrimental effects of HS on growth performance, immunity and intestinal health in broilers, while a minor positive effect on performance and antioxidant status was observed with CT supplementation.

Nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens fed diets containing high levels of soybean oil is affected by the source of fiber

This study evaluated the effects of including soluble and insoluble dietary fiber sources in soybean oil-containing diet for broiler chickens on coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of amino acids, coefficient of apparent retention (AR) of nutrients, and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn). A total of 180 broilers were divided into 30 groups and fed 3 diets from day 14 to 21 of age. The diets were corn–soybean meal containing 6.8% soybean oil without or with soybean hulls (SBH) or sugar beet pulp (SBP) at 8.0% as sources of insoluble and soluble fiber, respectively. The SBH and SBP contained 6.0% and 14.7% of soluble dietary fiber and 60.5% and 37.0% of insoluble dietary fiber, respectively. The AID of indispensable amino acids was decreased ( P &lt; 0.05) due to dietary inclusion of SBH, but not of SBP. Dietary SBH and SBP reduced the AR of gross energy (by 14% and 8%, respectively) and AMEn (by 20% and 14%, respectively). Overall, inclusion of SBH or SBP at 8.0% in a corn–soybean meal-based diet for broilers that contains high level of soybean oil might not improve nutrient digestibility. However, SBP has less detrimental effects on nutrient digestibility than SBH.

Energy, protein, and amino acid digestibility of mid- and zero-tannin faba bean differing in vicine and covicine content fed to growing pigs

Novel faba bean cultivars vary in nutrient content, digestibility and antinutritional factors that must be characterized to realize predictable growth performance in growing pigs. Therefore, four diets including 950 g faba bean/kg of either one of two zero-tannin cultivars (Snowbird, Snowdrop; both with vicine and covicine) or one of two mid-tannin cultivars (Fabelle, low vicine and covicine; Florent, high vicine and covicine) were fed to eight ileal-cannulated barrows (37.5 kg) for four 9-day periods to establish energy and nutrient digestibility. A nitrogen-free diet was fed to correct for basal endogenous losses of protein and amino acids. Mid-tannin cultivars had double the tannin content of zero-tannin cultivars (14.0 vs. 6.9 g/kg as is). Fabelle had the least vicine (0.6 g/kg) and covicine (0.4 g/kg) whereas zero-tannin cultivars contained the most vicine (6.8 g/kg) and covicine (3.4 g/kg). Starch ranged from 329 to 356 g/kg in faba bean cultivars. Resistant starch ranged from 124 to 150 g/kg. Crude protein (CP) ranged from 247 to 293 g/kg. Total dietary fibre ranged from 157 to 163 g/kg and was 96 % insoluble. The coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and gross energy were greatest (P < 0.05) for Snowbird and Snowdrop, intermediate for Fabelle and lowest for Florent. The coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility of starch was greater (P < 0.05) for zero- than mid-tannin cultivars. Diet and cultivar digestible energy values were greatest (P < 0.05) for Snowbird, intermediate for Fabelle and lowest for Florent; Snowdrop was not different from the latter two. Diet and cultivar net energy values were greater (P < 0.05) for Snowbird but not different among Snowdrop, Fabelle or Florent. The coefficients of standardised ileal digestibility (CSID) of CP, lysine, threonine, and methionine were generally greater (P < 0.05) for Snowbird, Snowdrop or Fabelle than Florent. The CSID of tryptophan was greater (P < 0.05) for Fabelle than Snowbird, Snowdrop or Florent. In conclusion, Florent with mid-tannin and vicine and covicine content, had lower energy, protein and amino acid digestibility than zero-tannin cultivars. Fabelle with mid-tannin but least vicine and convicine content, was intermediate in energy but not different in protein or amino acid digestibility than zero-tannin cultivars. Cultivar variation in content of macronutrients including total and resistant starch, protein and dietary fibre contributed to differences in energy, protein and amino acid digestibility that should be considered in diet formulation.

Ileal nutrient and energy digestibility of steam-exploded canola meal in cannulated grower pigs and total tract nutrient digestibility and growth performance of diets containing steam-exploded canola meal in weaned pigs

Canola meal is a relatively highly fibrous protein meal that could benefit from further processing to disrupt its fibre matrix, reduce anti-nutritional factors and increase nutrient availability. Two studies were conducted to determine effects of steam-explosion on digestibility of gross energy (GE), crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) in solvent-extracted Brassica napus canola meal in grower pigs and diet nutrient digestibility and growth performance in weaned pigs. Canola meal was steam-exploded at either 0.7 MPa (CM7) or 1.1 MPa (CM11) for 5 min. In study 1, 8 ileal-cannulated barrows (29 kg mean initial body weight) were fed 3 corn starch-based diets including 400 g non-steam-exploded canola meal (CM0), CM7 or CM11/kg and a N-free diet in a replicated 4 × 3 Youden square. The canola meal sample contained 361 g CP/kg and 17.2 g chemically available lysine/kg that was reduced to 14.1 g/kg in CM7 and 14.6 g/kg in CM11. Steam-explosion of canola meal at 0.7 MPa decreased (P < 0.05) the coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) of dry matter (DM) and GE. Steam-explosion decreased (P < 0.05) the coefficient of standardised ileal digestibility (CSID) of CP and AA in canola meal except for tryptophan, proline and tyrosine. In study 2, four wheat-based diets were formulated to include 200 g/kg soybean meal (SBM), CM0, CM7 or CM11 and to provide 9.6 MJ net energy/kg and 12 g standardised ileal digestible lysine/kg. In total, 256 weaned pigs (10 kg mean initial body weight) were fed the diets for 4 weeks starting 2 weeks post-weaning. The CM0, CM7, and CM11 diets had lower (P < 0.05) coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility (CATTD) of DM, CP and GE than the SBM diet. Steam-explosion of canola meal reduced (P < 0.05) dietary CATTD of CP. For the 28-day nursery trial, average daily feed intake (ADFI) of pigs fed the CM0 diet was lower (P < 0.05) than of pigs fed the SBM diet. Steam-explosion of canola meal increased (P < 0.05) ADFI. Average daily gain (ADG) did not differ among pigs fed the 4 diets. Finally, gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) was greater (P < 0.05) for pigs fed the 3 canola meal diets than the SBM diet. In conclusion, steam-explosion reduced ileal digestibility of CP, most indispensable AA and GE of canola meal in grower pigs. Dietary inclusion of 200 g canola meal/kg supplemented with crystalline amino acids and canola oil to replace dehulled soybean meal reduced ADFI, but not ADG, and thus increased G:F in weaned pigs. Steam-explosion of canola meal reduced dietary CATTD of CP and increased ADFI, but not ADG or G:F of weaned pigs.