Coefficient Of Total Tract Apparent Digestibility Research Articles

Different starch sources result in distinct responses to diets digestibility, fecal microbiota and fermentative metabolites, and postprandial glycemic response in dogs

The study evaluated the effects of different starch sources on the coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of macronutrients, metabolizable energy (ME), intestinal fermentative metabolites, fecal microbiota, and postprandial glycemic response in dogs. Seven diets containing corn, brown rice, sorghum, potato starch, sweet potato flour, chickpea, and pea flour were evaluated. Fourteen adult Beagle dogs were randomly distributed in blocks (periods) and were fed the experimental diets for 15 days during three periods, totaling 6 repetitions. In general, diets with brown rice and pea had higher CTTAD of nutrients, followed by diets containing sorghum, chickpea, and potato. The diet containing sweet potato had the lowest CTTAD of nutrients. Diets containing corn and brown rice presented the highest ME content. Dogs fed the chickpea diet had lower fecal pH, ammonia concentration, and dry matter content (P < 0.05). Generally, higher fecal concentrations of short-chain fatty acids were observed in dogs fed the sweet potato and chickpea diets compared to the potato and brown rice diets (P < 0.05). Pulse-based diets resulted in a higher abundance of Bacteroides plebeius, Prevotella copri, Blautia, and Turicibacter in feces (P < 0.05). A higher abundance of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Blautia was observed in the feces of dogs fed the sweet potato diet (P < 0.05). Blood samples collected from dogs fed corn and potato diets indicated a greater increase in glycemic peak concentration and maximum glycemia than the other starch sources (P < 0.05). The period until the glycemic peak was longer for diets containing sorghum and chickpea (P < 0.05). The results obtained in this study showed that sweet potato and pulses improve indicators of gastrointestinal functionality, and help controlling the postprandial glycemic response in dogs.

Net energy content of hybrid rye fed to growing pigs and effects of particle size on energy values

An experiment was conducted to determine the digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and net energy (NE) contents of hybrid rye fed to growing pigs using indirect calorimetry and to investigate the effects of particle size on energy values. Thirty growing barrows (18.06 ± 0.83 kg initial body weight) were individually housed in metabolism crates and randomly allotted to one of five dietary treatments to give six replicates per treatment. Two hybrid rye varieties (Bono and Gatano) were ground in a hammermill mounted with a 4.0-mm or 3.2-mm screen to obtain coarse and fine particle size, respectively. Dietary treatments included a corn-soybean meal basal diet and four additional diets containing 300 g/kg of the test ingredients in a 2 × 2 factorial based on hybrid rye variety (Bono or Gatano) and particle size (Coarse or Fine). Pigs were fed experimental diets for 15 days, including 10 days for adaptation and 5 days for total fecal and urine collection to determine the DE and ME of the experimental diets. Pigs were then moved into indirect calorimetry chambers to determine 24-h heat production and 12-h fasting heat production. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS with the individual pig as the experimental unit. The geometric mean diameter (Dgw) for coarsely versus finely ground Bono and Gatano were 1111 versus 594 µm and 1210 versus 717 µm, respectively. The coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility (CATTD) of dry matter (DM) and gross energy (GE) were greater (P < 0.05) in diets containing finely than coarsely ground hybrid rye. The DE and ME of finely ground hybrid rye were greater (P < 0.05) than those of coarsely ground hybrid rye, and the NE of finely ground hybrid rye tended to be greater (P = 0.084) than that of coarsely ground hybrid rye. No differences were observed for the DE, ME, and NE contents between Bono and Gatano. The determined NE for coarsely and finely ground Bono were 11.06 and 11.77 MJ/kg DM, and the respective NE values for coarsely and finely ground Gatano were 11.09 and 11.57 MJ/kg DM. In conclusion, the energy values of different hybrid rye varieties might be comparable. Particle size reduction could significantly improve the DE and ME values of hybrid rye fed to growing pigs, while the NE value was only numerically improved.

Effects of dietary-reduced nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) on N and P balance, retention and nutrient digestibility of contemporary fattening pigs fed ad libitum

ABSTRACT The reduction of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in fattening pigs’ diets is one possible approach to lower N and P excretion in livestock farming relative to N and P intake. Due to the implementation of the European Nitrates Directive and the consecutive amendments to the German fertiliser legislation since 2017, N- and P-reduced diets for fattening pigs are becoming more and more important and are increasingly used in practice. To investigate the effects of such diets on N and P balance and retention as well as on nutrient digestibility of contemporary fattening pigs, a balance experiment was performed with eight barrows (average live weight = 61.5 ± 2.1 kg) which were surgically fitted with a simple T-cannula at the terminal ileum. The pigs received a control diet meeting nutrient requirements (CON) and an N- and P-reduced diet (NPred) ad libitum (n = 4/diet) in a 3-phased feeding regimen (3 weeks/phase). In the last week of each phase, faeces and urine were collected quantitatively for 5 days followed by a 2 × 12 hours collection of ileal digesta. Daily feed intake, live weight gain and feed-to-gain ratio did not differ between CON and NPred. NPred-fed pigs consumed 10.5% (p = 0.006) and excreted 28.3% (p = 0.028) less N than CON-fed pigs. Phosphorus excretion was lowered by 15.1% in NPred-fed pigs (p = 0.012). N and P retention did not differ between CON and NPred, but were elevated in comparison to other studies. N and P efficiency, expressed as nutrient retention divided by nutrient intake, was higher in NPred – than CON-fed pigs (N: 68 vs 60%, P: 54.2 vs 49.3%). Apparent post-ileal digestibility coefficient (DCpost-ileal) and apparent total tract digestibility coefficient (DCtotal) of crude protein were higher in NPred – than CON-fed pigs (p < 0.013), but apparent precaecal digestibility coefficient (DCpc) of crude protein was unaffected by diet. DCpc, DCpost-ileal and DCtotal of P were similar for CON- and NPred-fed pigs. NPred-fed pigs showed an elevated DCpc and DCtotal of organic matter, N-free-extractives and starch compared to CON-fed pigs. DCpc of calcium was also higher in NPred-fed pigs. In conclusion, the results suggest that N- and P-reduced feeding of fattening pigs remains an effective strategy to lower the N and P release into the environment. Furthermore, results indicate that N- and P-reduced feeding leads to a higher N and P efficiency in contemporary fattening pigs.

β-mannanase supplemented in diets saved 85 to 100 kcal of metabolizable energy/kg, supporting growth performance and improving nutrient digestibility in grower pigs

The effects of β-mannanase supplementation in metabolizable energy (ME)-reduced diets containing xylanase-phytase were investigated on growth performance, fecal score, ultra-sounded backfat thickness and loin depth, blood profile, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), digesta passage rate, and fecal microbiome in grower pigs (n = 40, 26.09 ± 0.96 kg) randomly assigned within 4 treatments: a control diet containing isolated phytase and xylanase valued at 40 kcal of ME/kg (CD0), CD0 + β-mannanase (0.3 g/kg valued at 30 kcal of ME/kg) (CD70), CD0 + β-mannanase (0.3 g/kg valued at 45 kcal of ME/kg) (CD85), and CD0 + β-mannanase (0.3 g/kg valued at 60 kcal of ME/kg) (CD100). Growth performance was not affected in pigs fed ME-reduced diets containing β-mannanase. Pigs with CD100 had lower serum IL-1β concentration, and higher IL-10 was observed in pigs on CD0 than those fed β-mannanase. Coefficients of ATTD, and ATTD of DM and CP were higher in animals fed CD85 or CD100. Pigs with CD85 had higher alpha diversity richness but lower Firmicutes:Bacteroidota ratio. Acidaminococcaceae and Ruminococcaceae were more abundant in pigs fed CD0, but lower for Christensenellaceae NSJ-63 and NSJ-63 sp014384805. Pigs in CD85 showed higher Bacteroidaceae and Prevotella abundance, and lower for Streptococcaceae and Streptococcus. In conclusion, supplementation of β-mannanase in diets containing xylanase-phytase saved 85 to 100 kcal of ME/kg by supporting growth performance and improving nutrient digestibility in grower pigs.

Predicting Chemical Composition and Apparent Total Tract Digestibility on Freeze-Dried Not Ground Faeces Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Pigs

The present study aimed to compare NIRS results using freeze-dried ground or not ground (FDG or FDNG) faeces to predict faecal chemical composition and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) coefficients. Two different batches of pigs were used (n = 20 mixed sex pens/batch; 11 pigs/pen; Duroc × (Large White × Landrace)). The first batch of pigs (B1; 50.1 ± 3.44 kg body weight (BW)) was used at 13 wks of age and the second batch (B2; 87.0 ± 4.10 kg BW) was used at 18 wks of age. For both B1 and B2, pens were assigned to five diets formulated to obtain a control [10.03 MJ of net energy (NE), 160.0 g of crude protein (CP), and 9.5 g of standardized ileal digestive (SID) lysine (Lys) per kg of feed], low protein (132.0 g CP and 7.5 g SID Lys), high protein (188.0 g CP and 11.5 g SID Lys), low energy (9.61 MJ NE/kg), and high energy (10.45 MJ NE/kg) diets. After a 10-day adaptation period, one faecal sample was collected daily from each pen floor during 6 days in both B1 and B2 (n = 120/batch). Faecal samples were freeze-dried and analysed via NIRS as FDNG and FDG faeces. Dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), CP, gross energy (GE), fat, and ATTD coefficients were analysed/calculated. The NIRS calibrations were evaluated by cross-validation, splitting the data in four random groups, or using the leave-one-out method. For both FDNG and FDG faeces, coefficients of determination for calibration (R2cv) and residual predictive deviation (RPD) values were: close to 0.9 and 3 for DM and CP, 0.7–0.8 and ≥2 for OM and GE, 0.6 and &lt;2 for fat, and 0.54–0.75 and ≤2 for ATTD coefficients, respectively. CP was better predicted using FDG faeces (p &lt; 0.05), while DM and OM ATTD were better predicted using FDNG faeces (p &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, NIRS successfully predicts faeces’ chemical components and ATTD coefficients of nutrients using FDNG or FDG faeces.

Dietary Inclusion of Crickets (Acheta domesticus) and Yellow Mealworm Meal (Tenebrio molitor) in Comparison with Soybean Meal: Effect on the Growth, Total Tract Apparent Digestibility, and Nitrogen Balance of Fattening Rabbits.

Three diets were formulated, i.e., soybean meal (SM diet), adult Acheta domesticus (AD diet), and Tenebrio molitor larvae (TM diet), as the main crude protein (CP) sources. A total of 45 rabbits (Hyplus, weaned at 32 days of age) were divided into three groups (15 per treatment) and fed one of the three diets for 42 days. A higher daily weight gain (p = 0.042), as well as daily feed intake (p = 0.022), was observed in rabbits fed the AD and TM diets than in rabbits fed the SM diet within 21 days after weaning. The coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of gross energy were higher (p = 0.001) in rabbits fed the SM diet than in rabbits fed the other diets. The CTTAD of CP (p = 0.040) and starch (p = 0.041) was higher in rabbits fed the SM diet compared to those fed the AD diet. There were non-significantly higher losses of nitrogen in the urine (an average by 0.227 g/day; p = 0.094) in rabbits fed the TM diet than in rabbits fed the other diets. It can be concluded that the growth of rabbits and nitrogen output were not detrimentally affected by the insect meal (AD or TM) used in this study.

Diet supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae from different fermentation media modulates the faecal microbiota and the intestinal fermentative products in dogs.

This study aimed at evaluating the coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of nutrients, metabolisable energy (ME), diet palatability, faecal fermentative products and microbiota of dogs fed yeasts from different fermentation media and its fractions. Four diets were evaluated: control, without yeast (CO); diet with 10 g/kg brewer's yeast (BY); diet with 10 g/kg brewer's yeast + corn yeast (BCY); and diet with 10 g/kg BCY + cell wall fractions (BCYF). Twelve adult dogs were distributed in a randomized block design (periods). Each of the four diets was fed to a group of three dogs per period of 20 days, totalling two periods and six repetitions per treatment. Sixteen adult dogs were used for the palatability test, which compared the CO diet versus each one of the yeast diets. Data with normal distribution were subjected to analysis of variance (p < 0.05). Means were compared by orthogonal contrasts (p < 0.05): (A) CO diet versus BY, BCYand BCYF diets; (B) BY diet versus BCY and BCYF diets; (C) BCY diet versus BCYF diet. There was no difference in the CTTAD and ME of the diets (p > 0.05). Yeast diets reduced faecal odour and indole peak area (p < 0.05). Faecal short-chain fatty acids concentration was greater in dogs fed yeast diets compared to those fed the CO (p < 0.05). Yeast diets showed a higher intake ratio compared to the CO (p < 0.05). The BCY and BCYF diets resulted in a greater abundance of Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Coprococcus, and Phascolarctobacterium in relation to the CO (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that dietary yeast supplementation results in beneficial changes in intestinal functionality indicators, mainly with the combination of yeasts from brewers and corn fermentation media. In addition, yeast supplementation improves diet palatability without compromising nutrient digestibility.

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.

Differential Impacts of Cereal and Protein Sources Fed to Pigs after Weaning on Diarrhoea and Faecal Shedding of Escherichia coli, Production, and Total Tract Apparent Digestibility

Different cereal types, in combination with different protein sources, are fed to pigs after weaning, but their interactions and possible implications are not well researched. In this study, 84 male weaned piglets were used in a 21-day feeding trial to investigate the effects of feeding either medium-grain or long-grain extruded rice or wheat, in a factorial combination with protein sources of either vegetable or animal origin, on postweaning performance, shedding of β-haemolytic Escherichia coli, and the coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD). Pigs fed either rice type performed the same (p > 0.05) as wheat-fed pigs after weaning. The use of vegetable protein sources reduced growth rate (p < 0.001) and feed intake (p = 0.007) and deteriorated the feed conversion ratio (p = 0.028) in weeks two and three compared to pigs fed animal protein sources. The number of antibiotic treatments given for clinical diarrhoea was similar (p > 0.05). However, the faecal E. coli score showed a trend for the main effect of protein source, with pigs fed animal proteins showing a higher E. coli score than pigs fed vegetable proteins (0.63 vs. 0.43, p = 0.057). There was also a tendency for an interaction (p = 0.069) between cereal type and protein source (p = 0.069), with this difference being associated with a greater faecal score in pigs fed diets with long-grain rice plus animal proteins and wheat plus animal proteins. Significant interactions occurred for the CTTAD when assessed in week three. In general, pigs fed diets with medium-grain rice or long-grain rice with animal proteins had a higher (p < 0.001) CTTAD for dietary components than pigs fed all other diets, and vegetable proteins depressed (p < 0.001) CTTAD compared to animal proteins (main effect of protein: p < 0.001). In summary, pigs tolerated the extruded rice-based diets well and performed equivalently to pigs fed wheat as the sole cereal, and the use of vegetable proteins decreased the E. coli score.

Fine cassava fibre utilization as a dietary fibre source for dogs: Effects on kibble characteristics, diet digestibility and palatability, faecal metabolites and microbiota.

The objective was to evaluate through three experiments the effects of a fine cassava fibre (CA:106 µm) on kibble characteristics, coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of macronutrients, diet palatabilityand faecal metabolites and microbiota of dogs. Dietary treatments consisted of a control diet (CO), without an added fibre source and with 4.3% total dietary fibre (TDF), and a diet with 9.6% CA (106 µm), with 8.4% TDF. Experiment I evaluated the physical characteristics of the kibbles. The palatability test was evaluated in experiment II, which compared the diets CO versusCA. In experiment III, 12 adult dogs were randomly assigned to one of the two dietary treatments for 15 days, totalling six replicates/treatment, to assess the CTTAD of macronutrients; faecal characteristics, faecal metabolitesand microbiota. The expansion index, kibble sizeand friability of diets with CA were higher than the CO (p < 0.05). Additionally, the CA diet presented higher palatability than the CO (p < 0.05) but did not affect CTTAD except for those of fibre (p > 0.05). Moreover, a greater faecal concentration of acetate, butyrateand total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and a lower faecal concentration of phenol, indoleand isobutyrate were observed in dogs fed the CA diet (p < 0.05). Dogs fed with the CA diet presented a greater bacterial diversity and richness and a greater abundance of genera considered to be beneficial for gut health, such as Blautia, Faecalibacteriumand Fusobacterium when compared to the CO group (p < 0.05). The inclusion of 9.6% of a fine CA improves the expansion of kibbles and diet palatability without affecting most of the CTTAD of nutrients. Besides, it improves the production of some SCFA and modulates the faecal microbiota of dogs.

Diet nutrient digestibility and growth performance in weaned pigs fed barley differing in fermentable starch and fibre profile

Barley grain containing both fermentable starch and fibre might be attractive as energy source in weaned pig diets because of benefits on gut health. Rapidly fermentable carbohydrates and slowly fermentable fibre may decrease diarrhoea in weaned pigs serving as prebiotics. Steam explosion processing may disrupt the fibre matrix of cereal hulls, increasing slowly fermentable fibre of barley grain. Five diets were formulated to provide 10.0 and 9.6 MJ net energy (NE)/kg, 1.32 and 1.22 g standardised ileal digestible (SID) lysine/MJ NE for phase 1 (day 0–14) and phase 2 (day 14–28), respectively. Diets contained 593–644 g cereal grain/kg: 1) low-fermentable hulled barley (LFB); 2) LFB steam-exploded (LFB-SE; 1.2 MPa, 120 s); 3) high-β-glucan (70 g/kg) hull-less barley (HFBB); 4) high amylose (168 g/kg) hull-less barley (HFAB); or 5) low-fermentable wheat (LFW). A total of 220 pigs in 11 blocks of 5 pens each were fed 1 of 5 diets starting 1-week post-weaning for 28 days. For phase 1, the coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility (CATTD) of gross energy (GE) and crude protein (CP) of diets was greatest (P < 0.05) for LFW, intermediate for HFBB, followed by LFB-SE, LFB and lowest for HFAB. The calculated NE value was greatest (P < 0.05) for LFW, intermediate for LFB-SE, and lowest for HFBB, LFB and HFAB. For phase 2, the CATTD of GE was greater (P < 0.05) for LFW and HFBB than LFB, LFB-SE and HFAB; the CATTD of CP was greatest (P < 0.05) for LFW, intermediate for HFBB, followed by LFB, HFAB, and lowest for LFB-SE; calculated NE value was greatest (P < 0.05) for HFBB and LFW, intermediate for LFB and HFAB, and lowest for LFB-SE. For the entire trial (day 0–28), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily gain (ADG) of pigs did not differ among diets, but gain-to-feed (ADG/ADFI) was lowest (P < 0.05) for the LFB-SE diet. For day 21–28, pigs fed LFB-SE diet had greater (P < 0.01) ADFI than pigs fed HFAB diet, whereas pigs fed LFW, LFB and HFBB were intermediate. Faeces consistency of pigs did not differ between LFB and LFW diets, but pigs fed LFB diet had firmer (P < 0.05) faeces than pigs fed HFBB, HFAB and LFB-SE diets. To conclude, the wheat diet had greater GE and CP digestibility than barley diets. Among barley diets, the HFBB had greater GE and CP digestibility than both LFB and LFB-SE; the HFAB diet ranked lowest. However, feeding barley to replace wheat grain in nursery diets formulated to equal NE value and SID amino acid content did not affect growth performance. Finally, dietary fermentable carbohydrates in barley made faeces less firm. Steam explosion of hulled barley grain did not increase GE or CP digestibility.

Effects of dietary supplementation with a blend of functional oils to fecal microbiota, and inflammatory and oxidative responses, of dogs submitted to a periodontal surgical challenge

We aimed to evaluate the effects of functional oils from copaiba (Copaifera spp.), cashew nut shell (Anacardium occidentale), and pepper species (Schinus molle L. and Capsicum annum L.) on coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of nutrients, intestinal fermentative metabolites, fecal microbiota, and inflammatory and oxidative markers in dogs submitted to periodontal surgery. Two treatments were evaluated: control and test, containing the blend of functional oils (0.1 g/animal/day). The oil blend contained 280 g/kg cashew nut shell (Anacardium ocidentalle) oil, 60 g/kg Capsicum annuum L. and Schinus molle L. pepper species oils, and 60 g/kg copaiba (Copaifera spp.) oil. The treatments were offered for 35 days to 12 adult Beagle dogs, distributed in a completely randomized design (n = 6). On day 30, the dogs were submitted to periodontal surgery. Fecal (days 30 and 35) and blood (days 0, 30, and 35) samples were collected for the evaluation of intestinal fermentative metabolites, fecal microbiota, and inflammatory and antioxidant responses in the blood. Dogs of the control group presented a more pronounced reduction in the genera Prevotella and Faecalibacterium after surgery (day 35) than the test group (P < 0.05). Besides, dogs of the control group also presented a greater abundance of Streptococcus on day 35 (P < 0.05). There was an increase in NF-κB concentration in the blood after surgery only in the control group (P < 0.05). Additionally, dogs fed the oil blend showed lower lipid peroxidation (P < 0.05) and a tendency (P = 0.059) to higher glutathione transferase activity. The blend of functional oils does not alter the digestibility of nutrients and may modulate the intestinal microbiota. Furthermore, it controls the inflammatory and oxidative mechanisms after the surgical challenge in dogs.

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.

Effects of an Herbal Source of Choline on Diet Digestibility and Palatability, Blood Lipid Profile, Liver Morphology, and Cardiac Function in Dogs.

Simple SummaryCholine is an essential nutrient for dogs, and its dietary supplementation is usually made using choline chloride. However, this compound is highly hygroscopic—meaning it absorbs moisture from the air—which makes it difficult to manipulate during animal food production. Stable herbal additives rich in phosphatidylcholine may be used as an alternative source of choline. In light of this, this study compared the effects of an herbal source of choline with choline chloride on diet digestibility and palatability, blood metabolites, liver morphology, and cardiac function in adult dogs. Our results suggest that the herbal source of choline is a possible substitute for choline chloride in dog diets, in addition to reducing the activity of liver enzymes, total cholesterol, and serum triglycerides. This study is relevant to the pet food market since it concerns pet owners interested in natural alternative foods.We aimed to evaluate the effects of an herbal source of choline on the coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD), diet palatability, fecal characteristics, blood variables, liver morphology, and cardiac function of dogs. Sixteen adult dogs were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 8) which were fed two different diets for 45 days: control, containing 0.28% choline chloride 60, and test, containing 0.14% of an herbal source of choline. Feces were collected between days 39 and 44 to determine nutrient CTTAD and fecal characteristics. On days 0 and 45, blood samples were collected and the liver morphology was evaluated. Cardiac function, in turn, was evaluated only on day 45, and the palatability test was performed on two consecutive days (n = 32). There were no changes in nutrient CTTAD, diet palatability, or fecal characteristics of dogs fed the test diet (p > 0.05). However, on day 45, dogs fed the test diet showed lower (p < 0.05) serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine aminotransferase when compared to the control group. We concluded that the herbal source of choline can be a possible substitute for choline chloride in dog nutrition.

Is the inclusion of carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) pulp in the concentrate of weaned light lambs worth it?

This study aimed at evaluating the effects of dietary carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) pulp, a by-product of the fruit processing industry, on light lamb performances, time budget behaviour, coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) and blood metabolites. A total of 144 crossbred lambs with 41 ± 5.5 days of age were monitored in two consecutive batches. They were housed in groups of 6 lambs (3 females and 3 males) balanced according to weaning body-weight and assigned to one of three isoenergetic and isoproteic concentrate-based diets: C0 (without carob pulp), C15 (150 g/kg of carob pulp) and C30 (300 g/kg of carob pulp). At 50, 65 and 80 days of age, feed, faeces and blood samples were collected, and behaviour was recorded. The type of concentrate did not have effect on lamb growth and concentrate intake (P > 0.05). However, the concentrate feed conversion ratio (FCR) was higher for C15 and C30 compared to C0 (P < 0.05). The time budget behaviours were not affected by diets (P > 0.05). The time spent lying resting and standing static increased throughout the fattening period (P < 0.05), but self-grooming, feeding, exploration, movement and positive social interactions decreased with age (P < 0.05). Regarding the CTTAD of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP), it was noted that C30 had the lowest digestibility of these nutrients with respect to C0 and C15 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the total condensed tannins (CT) content in faeces was higher in C30 compared to C0 and C15 (P < 0.05). The age of lambs affected the CTTAD of DM, OM, CP and phosphorus, which were lower at 50 days than in the rest of control days (P < 0.05). Blood metabolites were not affected by experimental diets (P > 0.05). However, urea concentrations increased significantly from 50 to 65 days of age, while glucose decreased concomitantly (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary carob pulp inclusion up to 300 g/kg does not negatively affect animal daily gains, daily activity budgets and metabolic nutritional status, but reduces diet digestibility and increases the concentrate FCR. Although a carob pulp inclusion of up to 150 g/kg in the energy-rich concentrate-based diet for weaned light lambs increases the concentrate FCR while keeping the daily gain, this dietary strategy would be a good trade-off between animal performances and circular economy principles.

The use of phytogenic silica as internal marker for the measurement of feed digestibility in rabbits

Phytogenic silica (PS) is the silicon assimilated from soil and ultimately precipitated into or onto the cell wall structure of plant tissues in an amorphous (SiO2), non-digestible by animals, form. The PS is the major fraction of the hydrochloric acid-insoluble ash (AIA), which is used as an internal marker in feed digestibility studies; however, PS can be quantified by methods more rapid and sensitive than AIA. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate PS as an alternative to AIA internal marker for the measurement of total tract apparent digestibility in rabbits. Thirty rabbits were used to calculate the coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of dry matter (DM) and gross energy (GE) of the same basal diet according to the European reference method (ERM), the AIA and the PS technique (n = 10 rabbits/method). Total faecal collection was carried out in AIA and PS rabbits to determine faecal marker recovery. The concentrations of AIA in diets and faeces were 12.89 ± 0.066 and 31.58 ± 0.042, whereas those of PS were 13.98 ± 0.066 and 36.59 ± 0.059, respectively (mean±SEM). Faecal marker recovery was 100.3 ± 1.43 % and 100.8 ± 1.48 % for AIA and PS (P= 0.939), respectively. The CTTAD of DM did not differ between methods (P= 0.935) and was 0.589 ± 0.0055, 0.591 ± 0.0056 and;0.588 ± 0.0060 for ERM, AIA and PS, respectively. Also, the CTTAD of GE was similar between all methods (P= 0.914) and was 0.581 ± 0.0058, 0.585 ± 0.0060 and 0.584 ± 0.0064 for ERM, AIA and PS, respectively. The PS determination required less sample quantity (by 98 %) and reagent volumes (by 68–82 %) and had a 7-fold higher sample throughput compared to AIA. In conclusion, PS is a reliable internal marker in rabbits and offers the possibility of calculating the CTTAD of diets with the same precision as ERM.

243 Assessment of Modified Corn Protein as a Protein and Energy Source for Nursery Pigs

Abstract Our objective was to evaluate modified corn protein (MCP) as a protein and energy source in nursery pig diets. A total of 198 weaned pigs (6.25 ± 0.95 kg BW) were assigned across 18 pens (11 pigs/pen) and 2 dietary treatments using a complete randomized design. Pigs were fed in 3 phases consisting of 7, 14, and 21 d respectively. In phases 1 and 2, diets included: 1) Control or 2) 10% MCP, while all pigs were on a common phase 3 diet. Diets were formulated to be iso-caloric with SID Lys at 1.45, 1.40 and 1.35% for phases 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Pigs were weighed and feed disappearance measured to calculate ADG, ADFI and G:F within phase and overall. At the end of phase 2, fecal samples were collected for determination of apparent total tract digestibility coefficients (ATTD) for dry matter, energy and nitrogen. Pen was considered the experimental unit and all data were analyzed using the mixed procedure of SAS with treatment as a fixed effect. In phases 1 and 2, ADG, ADFI and G:F did not differ between Control and MCP treatments (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Similarly, performance did not differ between treatments in phase 3 (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Overall, end BW (25.7 vs. 25.3 kg), ADG (0.42 vs. 0.44 kg/d), ADFI (0.58 and 0.61 kg/d) and G:F (0.71 vs. 0.70) did not differ (P &amp;gt; 0.05) between the Control and MCP treatments, respectively. However, compared with the Control, phase 2 ATTD coefficients for dry matter (80.6 vs. 78.2%), nitrogen (77.5 vs. 75.2%) and gross energy (79.7 vs. 76.9%) were significantly reduced in the MCP treatment (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In conclusion, MCP provided equal nursery pig performance when used as an alternative protein and energy source in diet formulations despite lower ATTD.

Nutrient digestibility of heat- or heat plus citric acid-pretreated dried distillers grains with solubles for pigs

A study was conducted to determine the effects of pretreating whole stillage (WS) with heat or heat plus diluted citric acid on nutrient digestibility of the resulting dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) for growing pigs. The WS was untreated or pretreated with heat (160 °C at 70 psi for 20 min) alone (heat) or with the heat plus citric acid (12 g/L; heat+CA) at 70 psi for 20 min. Untreated and pretreated WS were paddle-dried before their inclusion in diets. Five diets were fed. The diets were cornstarch-based containing DDGS, untreated WS, heat-pretreated WS, or heat+CA -pretreated WS as the sole source of protein; and N-free diet, which was included for estimation of basal ileal endogenous losses of AA. The DDGS diet was included for comparison. The 5 diets were fed to 10 ileal-cannulated barrows (57 ± 1.53 kg body weight) in a replicated 5 × 5 Latin square to give 10 replicates/diet. On dry matter basis, DDGS contained 307 g/kg crude protein (CP), 37.1 g/kg starch, 31.1 g/kg ether extract (EE), and 342 g/kg neutral detergent fiber; whereas untreated WS contained 369.4 g/kg crude protein, 45.1 g/kg starch, 90.4 g/kg EE, and 364.6 g/kg neutral detergent fiber. Pretreatment of WS with heat or CA improved (P < 0.05) coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) of gross energy (GE) in diet from 0.742 to 0.823 or to 0.797, respectively; and CAID of CP in diet from 0.782 to 0.847 or to 0.820, respectively, respectively. Pretreatment of WS with heat or heat+CA did not affect coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility (CATTD) of GE in diet. The untreated WS diet had lower (P < 0.05) CAID and CATTD of GE by 4% and 2% compared to DDGS, respectively. Pretreatment of WS with heat or heat+CA increased (P < 0.05) DE value of the WS. Pretreatment of WS with heat or heat+CA reduced (P < 0.05) CAID of all indispensable amino acids (except threonine) by at least 2.91%. In conclusion, pretreatment of WS with heat or heat+CA improved energy digestibility, but reduced amino acid digestibility. Thus, pretreatment and drying of WS at conditions employed in the current study can improve energy value, but reduce amino acid availability of the resulting DDGS for pigs.

Determination of the Nutritional Value of Diet Containing Bacillus subtilis Hydrolyzed Feather Meal in Adult Dogs.

Simple SummaryThe production of meat for human consumption produces extra ingredients used in animal nutrition. Feathers, for example, account for about 7% of the chicken’s body weight. When discarded, it presents a potential risk of environmental contamination. Feathers are minimally digested in mammals and are a very rich source of protein. Improved digestibility can be done by thermal processing or by microorganisms. Bacillus subtilis was shown to have great feather-degrading activity In vitro and we produced an amount of microbial hydrolysate to test in dogs. We did some evaluations on the ingredient to measure the effects of the microorganism on feathers. In dogs, a test of total tract digestibility, microbial resistance to the gastrointestinal tract, and fecal characteristics were performed. Bacillus subtilis was less efficient to digest feathers when a higher concentration of feathers was added to the culture. The amino acid profile in feathers has probably changed due to fermentation. Dogs ate the diets quickly, with no refusals. Nutrient and energy total tract digestibility were lower when compared to thermally processed feathers, but Bacillus subtilis was found viable in the feces of dogs that ingested fermented feathers, signaling that Bacillus subtilis is resistant to digestion and may bring some probiotic effect.Feathers are naturally made up of non-digestible proteins. Under thermal processing, total tract digestibility can be partially improved. Furthermore, Bacillus subtilis (Bs) has shown a hydrolytic effect In vitro. Then, a Bs FTC01 was selected to hydrolyze enough feathers to produce a meal, and then test the quality and inclusion in the dog’s diet to measure the apparent total tract digestibility coefficient (ATTDC) in vivo and the microorganism’s ability to survive in the gastrointestinal tract. A basal diet was added with 9.09% hydrolyzed Bs feather meal (HFMBs) or 9.09% thermally hydrolyzed feather meal (HFMT). Nine adult dogs were randomized into two 10-day blocks and fed different diets. Microbial counts were performed on feather meal, diets and feces. The Bs was less effective in digesting the feathers, which reduced the ATTDC of dry matter, crude protein, energy and increased the production of fecal DM, but the fecal score was maintained (p > 0.05). The digestible energy of HFMT and HFMBs was 18,590 J/kg and 9196 J/kg, respectively. Bacillus subtilis showed limitation to digest feather in large scale, but the resistance of Bs to digestion was observed since it grown on feces culture.

Citrus pulp and orange fiber as dietary fiber sources for dogs

Citrus pulp pellets (CPP) and orange fiber (OF) are coproducts of the citrus juice industry. OF is a novel fiber source that contains elevated amounts of soluble fiber and has not yet been studied in dog nutrition. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the inclusion of CPP and OF in dog foods and their effects on the extrusion parameters, the coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of nutrients, fermentation end products, and palatability. A control diet (CO) without an added fiber source tested was formulated, and the experimental diets were composed of 30 g/kg, 60 g/kg and 120 g/kg CPP or 60 g/kg OF inclusion (as-fed basis). Extrusion parameters were recorded to determine extruder energy balance and kibble macrostructure. Thirty beagle dogs (3.2 ± 0.7 years; 12.4 ± 1.5 kg body weight) were distributed in a randomized block design with 6 dogs per group to evaluate the CTTAD of nutrients and the fermentation products in feces. The results were analyzed by analysis of variance, and means were compared by polynomial and orthogonal contrasts. The inclusion of CPP and OF reduced motor amperage (P < 0.001), mass pressure (P = 0.002), and specific mechanical energy transference (P < 0.001). Kibble macrostructure was affected by a decrease in expansion and an increase in hardness by CPP and OF inclusions (P < 0.001). Starch gelatinization was reduced by CPP (P < 0.001) but not by OF inclusion (P > 0.05). Total dietary fiber (TDF) intake increased (P < 0.001) with the addition of CPP, with a linear reduction in CTTAD of nutrients and energy (P < 0.05). The OF treatment, however, presented similar CTTAD values of DM and CP to those of the CO diet (P > 0.05). The TDF CTTAD was higher for 60 g/kg OF than for 60 g/kg CPP (P = 0.028). The fecal pH decreased, and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), acetic acid, butyric acid, and lactate concentrations increased with CPP and OF inclusion (P < 0.05). However, the diet supplemented with OF induced the production of feces with a lower pH and higher total SCFA concentrations than those of feces produced from CPP inclusion (P < 0.001). The OF diet presented a higher preference (65%) than the CO diet (35%) by dogs (P < 0.05). The CPP and OF were fermentable fiber sources, increasing SCFA and butyric acid concentrations in feces. The OF was more fermentable than CPP, with a limited impact on kibble formation, starch cooking, and CTTAD of nutrients and showing good acceptance on diets by dogs.