Common Diet Research Articles

Predation by the Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis of non-native fish species during the winter

ABSTRACT Capsule The winter diet of Common Kingfishers Alcedo atthis using two rivers in central Spain was 94.9% fish, all of which were non-native species. Aims To determine the composition Common Kingfisher diet in an area recently colonized by non-native fish species, and to compare estimated prey size during the winter to that of fish fed to nestlings during the breeding season. Methods The diet was studied by analysis of pellets collected from the River Duero (lentic, still water) and River Pisuerga (lotic, riverine) in central Spain. Fish size (total length and biomass) calculated from paired remains contained in each pellet. Results Prey items were almost exclusively fish (94.9% of all prey), with a small proportion of non-native Red Swamp Crayfish Procambarus clarkii (4.9%) and aquatic insects (0.2%). The diet consisted of only five species of fish, all of which were non-native. The Common Bleak Alburnus alburnus and Eastern Mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki were the prey captured most often in the River Pisuerga and River Duero, respectively. Estimated length of fish prey ranged from 1.5 to 10.5 cm, but 53.6% of individuals were between 3 and 5 cm. Mean biomass of the fish consumed was also small (1.08 g per fish). Mean values of both fish total length and biomass were lower than the measurements reported elsewhere in Europe during the breeding season. Conclusion Native fish species have disappeared from the diet of Common Kingfishers in our study area, probably because the non-native species are more common.

Feeding behavior parameters and temporal patterns in mid-lactation Holstein cows across a range of residual feed intake values.

Residual feed intake (RFI) is a measurement of the difference between actual and predicted feed intake when adjusted for energy sinks; more efficient cows eat less than predicted (low RFI) and inefficient cows eat more than predicted (high RFI). Data evaluating the relationship between RFI and feeding behaviors (FB) are limited in dairy cattle; therefore, the objective of this study was to determine daily and temporal FB in mid-lactation Holstein cows across a range of RFI values. Mid-lactation Holstein cows (n = 592 multiparous; 304 primiparous) were enrolled in 17 cohorts at 97 ± 26 d in milk (± standard deviation), and all cows within a cohort were fed a common diet using automated feeding bins. Cow RFI was calculated as the difference between predicted and observed dry matter intake (DMI) after accounting for parity, days in milk, milk energy, metabolic body weight and change, and experiment. The associations between RFI and FB at the level of meals and daily totals were evaluated using mixed models with the fixed effect of RFI and the random effects of cow and cohort. Daily temporal FB analyses were conducted using 2-h blocks and analyzed using mixed models with the fixed effects of RFI, time, RFI × time, and cohort, and the random effect of cow (cohort). There was a positive linear association between RFI and DMI in multiparous cows and a positive quadratic relationship in primiparous cows, where the rate of increase in DMI was less at higher RFI. Eating rate, DMI per meal, and size of the largest daily meal were positively associated with RFI. Daily temporal analysis of FB revealed an interaction between RFI and time for eating rate in multiparous and primiparous cows. The eating rate increased with greater RFI at 11 of 12 time points throughout the day, and eating rate differed across RFI between multiple time points. There tended to be an interaction between RFI and time for eating time and bin visits in multiparous cows but not primiparous cows. Overall, there was a time effect for all FB variables, where DMI, eating time and rate, and bin visits were greatest after the initial daily feeding at 1200 h, increased slightly after each milking, and reached a nadir at 0600 h (6 h before feeding). Considering the relationship between RFI and eating rate, additional efforts to determine cost-effective methods of quantifying eating rate in group-housed dairy cows is warranted. Further investigation is also warranted to determine if management strategies to alter FB, especially eating rate, can be effective in increasing feed efficiency in lactating dairy cattle.

Effects of formic acid and glycerol monolaurate on weanling pig growth performance, fecal consistency, fecal microbiota, and serum immunity.

A total of 350 weanling pigs (DNA 400 × 200; initially, 5.67 ± 0.06 kg BW) were used in a 42-day study with 5 pigs per pen and 14 replicate pens per treatment. At weaning, pigs were allotted to pens in a completely randomized design and pens of pigs were randomly assigned to one of five dietary treatments: 1) negative control (CON; standard nursery diet containing only 150 ppm Zn from trace mineral premix and no acidifier); 2) control diet with 3,000 ppm added zinc from ZnO included in phase 1 and 2,000 ppm added zinc from ZnO included in phase 2 (ZnO); 3) control diet with 0.70% formic acid (FA; Amasil NA; BASF, Florham, NJ); 4) control diet with 0.18% glycerol monolaurate (GML; Natural Biologics GML, Natural Biologics, Newfield, NY); and 5) control diet with a 1.0% blend of formic acid and glycerol monolaurate (FORMI; FORMI 3G, ADDCON GmbH, Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany). Pigs were fed treatment diets from d 0 to d 28 and were then fed a common diet from d 28 to d 42. From days 0 to 7, pigs fed ZnO or FORMI had increased (P = 0.03) ADG compared to pigs fed CON, with no difference in feed intake (P > 0.05). Overall, pigs fed GML had reduced (P < 0.0001) ADG compared with those fed the CON, ZnO, or FORMI diets. Fecal DM was evaluated from days 7 to 28 and there was a treatment × day interaction (P = 0.04). Pigs fed GML had a lower fecal DM % on day 7, but a higher fecal DM % on days 14 and 21; however, no differences in fecal DM were observed on day 28. Fresh fecal samples were collected from the same randomly selected pig on days 0 and 14 (70 pigs total;14 pigs per treatment) for analysis of fecal microbial populations using 16S rDNA sequencing. Dietary treatment did not significantly impact fecal microbiota at the phyla level, but pigs fed ZnO had an increased relative abundance (P < 0.01) of the family Clostridiaceae. A blood sample was also collected from one pig per pen on days 0 and 14 for analysis of serum IgA, IgG, and TNF-α. There was no evidence that dietary treatment effected IgA, IgG, or TNF-α concentrations. The effect of sampling day was significant (P < 0.05), where circulating IgA and TNF-α was increased and IgG was decreased from days 0 to 14. In summary, there is potential for a blend of formic acid and GML to improve growth performance immediately post-weaning without negatively impacting fecal consistency. Formic acid and GML alone or in combination did not impact fecal microbial populations or serum immune parameters.

Common Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus (Rafinesque, 1818)) in Western New York: A Seasonal Comparison of Diet, Body Condition, and Capture Methods

The Common Mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus (Rafinesque, 1818)) is found in many watersheds from eastern Canada to the southeastern United States. Although its range is large, recent observations suggest its population is dwindling in the Great Lakes region. A lack of understanding about its distribution at a finer scale or whether diet and body condition exhibit seasonal patterns limits our ability to develop a conservation management plan. This study investigated seasonal changes in Common Mudpuppy diets and body condition across western New York (USA) over a 2-yr period by using rock turning (RT) and trapping (TR) collection methods. Common Mudpuppies were found in all four major watersheds of the region in both lentic and lotic habitats. RT was more efficient than TR in streams, whereas TR was a better option in lakes. Male-to-female sex ratios and four of five measured morphological features did not differ between collection methods, although the largest and smallest Common Mudpuppies were captured by RT, suggesting some size selectivity in TR. Body girth was significantly smaller for Common Mudpuppies collected by RT, and this was attributed to seasonal differences in activity. Stomach contents were varied and differed by season, with 41 unique prey types recovered, including several forms of microplastics. In summer and fall, Common Mudpuppies fed on invertebrates exclusively, but during winter and spring, fish were incorporated into the diet. Body condition reflected the change in diet, with a higher body condition when fish were present in the diet. These findings suggest seasonal data are necessary to fully understand Common Mudpuppy conservation needs.

Maternal supplementation of different trace mineral sources on broiler breeder production and progeny growth and gut health.

Trace mineral minerals Zn, Cu, and Mn play important roles in breeder production and progeny performance. The objective of this study was to determine maternal supplementation of trace mineral minerals on breeder production and progeny growth and development. A total of 540 broiler breeders, Cobb 500 (Slow feathering; 0–66 weeks old) were assigned to one of three treatment groups with the same basal diet and three different supplemental trace minerals: ITM–inorganic trace minerals in sulfates: 100, 16, and 100 ppm of Zn, Cu, and Mn respectively; MMHAC -mineral methionine hydroxy analog chelate: 50, 8, and 50 ppm of bis-chelated MINTREX®Zn, Cu and Mn (Novus International, Inc.), and TMAAC - trace minerals amino acid complex: 50, 8, and 50 ppm of Zn, Cu, and Mn. At 28 weeks of age, eggs from breeder treatments were hatched for progeny trial, 10 pens with 6 males and 6 female birds per pen were fed a common diet with ITM for 45 days. Breeder production, egg quality, progeny growth performance, mRNA expression of gut health associated genes in breeder and progeny chicks were measured. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA; means were separated by Fisher’s protected LSD test. A p-Value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically different and 0.1 was considered numerical trend. Breeders on ITM treatment had higher (p < 0.05) body weight (BW), weight gain and lower (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) from 0 to 10 weeks, when compared to birds fed MMHAC. MMHAC significantly improved egg mass by 3 g (p < 0.05) and FCR by 34 points (0.05 < p < 0.1) throughout the reproductive period (26–66 weeks) in comparison to ITM. MMHAC improved (p < 0.01) egg yolk color versus (vs.) ITM and TMAAC in all periods, except 28 weeks, increased (p < 0.01) eggshell thickness and resistance vs. TMAAC at 58 weeks, and reduced (p < 0.05) jejunal NF-κB gene expression vs. TMAAC at 24 weeks. There was a significant reduction in tibial dry matter weight, Seedor index and resistance for the breeders that received MMHAC and/or TMAAC when compared to ITM at 18 weeks. Lower seedor index but numerically wider tibial circumference was seen in hens fed MMHAC at 24 weeks, and wider tibial circumference but lower tibial resistance in hens fed TMAAC at 66 weeks. Maternal supplementation of MMHAC in breeder hens increased (p < 0.0001) BW vs. ITM and TMAAC at hatching, reduced (p < 0.05) feed intake vs. ITM at d14 and d28, and improved (p < 0.01) FCR and performance index vs. TMAAC at d28, reduced (p < 0.01) NF-κB gene expression and increased (p < 0.05) A20 gene expression vs. TMAAC on d0 and vs. ITM on d14, reduced (p < 0.05) TLR2 gene expression vs. ITM on d0 and vs. TMAAC on d14, increased (p < 0.05) MUC2 gene expression vs. both ITM and TMAAC on d45 in progeny jejunum. Overall, these results suggest that supplementation with lower levels of MHA-chelated trace minerals improved breeder production and egg quality and reduced breeder jejunal inflammation while maintaining tibial development in comparison to those receiving higher inorganic mineral supplementation, and it also carried over the benefits to progeny with better growth performance, less jejunal inflammation and better innate immune response and gut barrier function in comparison to ITM and/or TMAAC.

PSVI-4 Serum Metabolomic Characterization of Birth Weight and Neonatal Nutrient Restriction on Piglet Growth and Development

Abstract The objective was to characterize developmental differences in low birth weight (LBW) and normal birth weight (NBW) piglets with or without nutrient restriction using serum metabolomic profile analysis. After farrowing, 112 piglets were selected as LBW (1.22 ± 0.28 kg) or NBW (1.70 ± 0.27 kg) and were categorized to receive normal nutrition (NN) or restricted nutrition (RN - 6 h/day no suckling) until d 28 when the pigs were weaned onto a common diet until d 56. Blood samples were taken on d 28 and d 56 (n=8 pigs/treatment) and were analyzed using quantitative metabolomics via a combination of direct injection mass spectrometry with a reverse-phase LC-MS/MS custom assay (TMIC prime). Data were normalized using logarithmic transformation and auto-scaling. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was carried out to further explore the differential metabolites among the treatments (metaboanalyst.ca) with an integrated enrichment and pathway topography analysis. The results suggest that at d 28, LBW piglets had decreased metabolites associated with fatty acid oxidation, glycolysis and TCA cycle metabolites, and essential amino acids such as valine, leucine, arginine. These indicate a decrease utilization of gluconeogenic, and TCA cycle pathways compared with the NBW group. On d 56, LBW piglets had increased utilization of fatty acids, exhibited by increased production of serum acetoacetate, B-hydroxybutyrate, glycerol, compared with NBW. Additionally, the LBW piglets had decreased glucose utilization, pyruvate, succinate, citrate, a-ketoglutaric acid, and lactate compared with the NBW piglets. Due to low utilization of glycolysis and the TCA cycle, associated amino acids were less in LBW piglets, except for a increased glycerol which may indicate impairments in glucose tolerance. In summary, LBW piglets appear to have more metabolic deficiencies in early life, which is not resolved with nutrition in early life, but may be responsive to a tailored nutritional intervention post-weaning.

367 Characterization of the Seminal Microbiota in Beef Bulls Subjected to Different Rate of Gains Using 16S Rrna Gene Sequencing and Culturomics

Abstract Increasing evidence supports the existence of a microbial community in bovine semen, and that this seminal microbiota may influence not only the male reproductive health, but also female and offspring health through microbial transfer. In this study, we evaluated seminal microbiota in beef bulls (BW= 503±7.2 kg) fed a common diet to achieve moderate (1.13 kg/d) or high (1.80 kg/d) rates of weight gain. Semen samples were collected at day 0 and day 112 of dietary intervention (n = 19 per group), and post-breeding (n = 6) using electroejaculation and the microbiota assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, quantification of total bacteria by qPCR, and viable bacteria culturing. A complex and dynamic microbiota was detected in the semen, and the community structure changed significantly over the course of the study (R 2 = 0.126, P &amp;lt; 0.001) but remained unaffected by the dietary treatment (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Microbial richness (number of ASVs) increased from d0 (253 ± 12) to d112 (293 ± 14) while diversity (Shannon index) was reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Twenty-seven bacterial phyla were identified across all samples, with Fusobacteriota (36.3%), Bacteroidetes (30.4%), Firmicutes (17.1%) and Actinobacteriota (14.9%) being the most predominant phyla. Total bacterial load declined over time (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Diet had no effect on alpha diversity metrics, microbial composition, or total bacterial concentration (P &amp;gt; 0.05). A total of 364 bacterial isolates were recovered under aerobic (n = 220) and anaerobic (n = 144) culturing conditions. These isolates represented 48 different genera within the Firmicutes (60%), Proteobacteria (25%), Actinobacteria (9%), Bacteroidetes (4%) and Fusobacteriota (2%) phyla. Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Escherichia, Enterococcus and Arthrobacter were the predominant genera. Overall, our results suggest that bovine semen harbors a rich and complex microbiota which changes over time but appears to be resilient to differential gains achieved via common diet.

256 Effect of Functional Amino Acid Supplementation in Salmonella-Challenged Weaned Pigs fed Either Animal- or Plant-Based Nursery Diets

Abstract Feeding plant based (PB) nursery diets may aggravate the effects of disease in pigs, which may be attenuated by functional amino acid (FAA) supplementation. The objective was to determine the effects of nursery dietary protein source and FAA supplementation in pigs subsequently challenged with Salmonella (ST). Thirty-two pigs (8.7 ± 0.23 kg) were assigned to 1 of 4 diet programs for 4 wk post-weaning in a 2 × 2 factorial with dietary protein source [PB vs. animal-based (AB)] with basal (FAA–) or supplemented FAA profile (FAA+; Thr, Met, and Trp at 120% of requirements). Pigs were then placed onto a common grower diet and, after a 7-d adaptation period, were inoculated with ST (3.0 × 109 CFU/mL) and monitored for 7 d post-inoculation. Growth performance, fecal score, gut health, ST shedding, intestinal colonization and translocation were measured pre- and post-inoculation. Nursery fecal score was decreased in AB-FAA+ pigs compared with the other groups (0.42 vs. 0.68±0.06 score; P&amp;lt; 0.05) and post-inoculation fecal score was increased in PB compared to AB pigs (1.12 vs. 0.95±0.15 score; P&amp;lt; 0.05). Overall ST shedding (2.20 vs. 2.42±0.22 score), cecal (1.69 vs. 2.50±0.36 score) and colonic ST colonization (2.05 vs. 2.83±0.36 score), and cecal myeloperoxidase (1.92 vs. 2.65±0.37 µU/mL) were reduced in AB compared with PB pigs (P&amp;lt; 0.05). Translocation of ST to spleen was decreased by FAA+ compared with FAA- (0.88 vs. 1.50±0.36 score; P&amp;lt; 0.05). Post-inoculation, AB pigs had greater weight gain compared with PB-FAA- (0.72 vs. 0.52±0.07 kg/d; P&amp;lt; 0.05). Pigs fed AB-FAA- had increased feed intake compared with PB-FAA- (1.45 vs. 1.17±0.08 kg/d; P&amp;lt; 0.05). Gain:feed was increased in AB-FAA+ compared with PB-FAA- pigs (0.54 vs. 0.44±0.05 kg/kg; P&amp;lt; 0.05). Pigs fed PB nursery diets were more susceptible to a subsequent ST challenge, and FAA supplementation attenuated the negative effects of PB diets in ST-challenged pigs.

PSX-B-16 Effects of Bacillus Subtilis Subsp. Subtilis Strain Atcc PTA-125135 Supplementation on Performance and Digestibility in Weaned Pigs

Abstract An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplemental Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis strain ATCC PTA-125135 on growth performance, feed efficiency, and feed digestibility in weaned pigs. Newly weaned pigs (n = 96) were randomly assigned to stacked-deck pens (n = 48) in two assemblies in adjacent rooms. Pens were randomly assigned within assembly to one of three treatments comprising control, S-0.25, or S-0.50. A common starter diet was fed for 10 days and then pigs were fed the assigned treatment for 17 days. The diets consisted of: 1) Control, a corn-soybean meal diet (1.30% total lysine, chromium dioxide as marker); 2) S-0.25 (control diet with addition of 0.25 g per kg supplement in feed; 3) S-0.50 (control diet with addition of 0.50 g per kg supplement in feed), where supplement comprised 8.1 × 108 CFU g-1 of Bacillus subtilis PTA-125135. Body weights and feed disappearance were collected on d 0, d 7 and 14 of supplementation. Feed digestibility was measured by total collection of feces from d 14-17. Data were analyzed by ANOVA with main effects of treatment and room. Contrasts were used to compare means of microbial supplementation with control. Pig performance did not differ from d 0-7. During d 8-14, body-weight gain was not affected, but feed intake was decreased by approximately 6.0 percent (P = 0.147), and G:F was improved by approximately 10.6 percent (P = 0.106). Apparent feed digestibility did not differ among groups (P = 0.507), but total digested dry matter was less for treated groups (P = 0.163), which reflects reduced recorded dry matter intake. The changes observed from week 1 to week 2 indicate a transition was occurring with microbial supplementation resulting in improved utilization. These results indicate that supplementation of B. subtilis PTA-125135 improved feed efficiency. Supplementation duration should be considered for future evaluations.

343 Effect of Ruminally-Protected Lysine Supplementation to Limit-fed Growing Cattle on Growth and Subsequent Finishing Performance

Abstract Lysine may be limiting for cattle fed diets based on corn products. Our objective was to supplement ruminally protected lysine to cattle limit-fed a corn-based diet during the growing phase and assess performance during growing and subsequent finishing phases. The 77-d growth trial used 338 crossbred steers allocated to 32 pens limit-fed 2.4% of body weight daily. Steers were implanted (40 mg trenbolone acetate, 8 mg estradiol) at trial initiation. Diets contained 39.5% corn grain, 40% wet corn gluten feed, 13% hay, and 7.5% supplement. Treatments included: no supplemental amino acids (control), 3 g/d metabolizable lysine from Smartamine ML (Adisseo, Alpharetta, GA; Lys-3), 6 g/d metabolizable lysine from Smartamine ML (Lys-6), and supplemental blood meal (Aadvantage; Perdue Agribusiness, Kings Mountain, NC) at 0.89% of dietary dry matter plus 2 g/d metabolizable methionine from Smartamine M (BM). Individual body weights were measured on d 0 and 77. After 77 d, cattle were shipped to a commercial feedlot, commingled in 2 pens, fed a common diet for 185 or 206 d, and slaughtered commercially. Performance during finishing was measured using carcass data from the slaughter facility. During the growing phase, Lys-3 tended to improve average daily gain by 0.11 kg/d (P = 0.12) and feed efficiency (P = 0.08) compared with control. During finishing, Lys-6 tended to have daily gains 0.05 kg/d greater than control and Lys-3 (P = 0.17). Carcass weights were 7.1 and 3.4 kg heavier than control for Lys-6 and Lys-3, respectively. BM did not affect performance during the growing or finishing period and resulting carcass weight. Ruminally protected lysine supplementation during the growing phase tended to improve performance of cattle during growing and/or finishing phases, as well as carcass weights.

287 Impact of pre- and Post-Natal Nutritional Extremes on Responsiveness of Ovariectomized, Sexually Mature Heifers to a Neurokinin B Agonist During Progesterone Dominance

Abstract Objectives were to test the hypothesis that nutritional extremes during prenatal development interact with postnatal nutrition during the juvenile period of heifers to impact KNDy neuron responsiveness to a neurokinin B (NKB) agonist (Senktide) during progesterone dominance. Heifers were selected from a larger population programmed nutritionally using a 3x2 factorial arrangement of pre- and post-natal diets. Bos indicus-influenced cows (n = 95) were fed to achieve body condition scores (BCS; 1-9 scale) of 3-3.5 (L; thin), 5.5-6 (M; moderate), or 7.5-8 (H; obese) by the onset of the third trimester and maintained thereafter. Heifer offspring were weaned at 3-3.5 mo of age and assigned to either a low- (L; 0.5 kg/day) or high-gain (H; 1 kg/day) diet until 8 mo of age, then fed a common diet until puberty. For the current experiment, heifers (n = 18; 6/group) representing LL, MH, and HH combinations were ovariectomized postpubertally (17.1 mo of age) and received estradiol (E2) replacement to maintain basal E2 concentrations at 2-4 pg/mL. To achieve progesterone dominance, 3 CIDR devices were placed intravaginally 6 days prior to the initiation of Senktide challenge. Heifers were sampled for a 4.5-h period and received intravenous injections of saline or Senktide (14.8 ug/kg I.V.) at 0, 90, and 180 min. Jugular blood samples were collected at 10-min intervals for radioimmunoassay of LH. Irrespective of Senktide treatment, heifers in the MH group had greater pulse amplitudes (P = 0.016) and mean concentrations (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) of LH compared with both the HH and LL groups. Senktide treatment increased (P = 0.003) concentrations of LH compared with saline in all groups; however, the response to Senktide was greatest in the MH group compared with HH and LL. Pre- and postnatal nutritional extremes appear to interact to impact KNDy neuron responsiveness to NKB receptor signaling in heifers.

PSXIII-B-7 Effect of Replacing soy Protein Concentrate with Corn Fermented Protein on Growth Performance and gut Integrity of Weaned Pigs

Abstract NexPRO™, a corn fermented protein (CFP) derived from the dry-mill bioethanol production process, has demonstrated potential as a high-quality protein ingredient in weaned pig diets. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of increasing dietary inclusion of CFP to replace soy protein concentrate (SPC) in the diet on weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency and gut integrity of weaned pigs in a large-scale system. A total of 1144 pigs were distributed evenly into 44 pens (13 barrows and 13 gilts/pen; initial BW 6.0±0.1 kg) with 286 pigs assigned per treatment and 11 replications. The four treatments were designed as a titration of CFP inclusion at 0%, 4%, 8% and 12% in Phase 1 (3.6 kg/hd budget) and 0%, 2%, 4% and 6% in Phase 2 (5.5 kg/hd budget) replacing SPC. Pigs were fed a common diet through Phase 3. To determine gut integrity, a differential sugar absorption test (DSAT) administered a 5% lactulose and 5% mannitol solution on the tenth day to representative pigs consuming the 0% and 12% CFP diets. Urine was collected to measure differences in sugar ratios to access gut permeability. Average daily gain responded similarly for the 0%, 4% and 8% CFP diets during Phase 1, however greater than 12% (P&amp;lt; 0.01; 0.15 vs. 0.11 kg/d). Pigs fed diets with 4% and 8% CFP in Phase 1 had a greater ADFI than pigs fed 12% CFP (0.19 vs. 0.17 kg/d; P˂0.01); 0% diets were intermediate. At the end of Phase 2, pigs fed 0%, 2%, and 4% CFP diets had greater (P˂0.01) ADFI than pigs fed diets with 6% CFP (0.60 vs. 0.44 kg/d), but lower (P&amp;lt; 0.01) G:F (0.62 vs. 0.78). No observed differences were measured between treatments for gut permeability. Due to similar responses in performance, CFP can replace soy protein concentrate in nursery diets.

Uncovering the Fecal Bacterial Communities of Sympatric Sika Deer (Cervus nippon) and Wapiti (Cervus canadensis).

Simple SummaryThere are many microbial communities in the digestive tracts of animals, and the complex gut microbiome constitutes an intricate ecosystem and intestinal microbial community which has co-adapted with its host. The intestinal microecology plays an important role in the host’s maintenance of normal physical activities, such as substance metabolism, energy transmission, signal transduction, and the immune system. This study used high-throughput sequencing technology to sequence the fecal microbiota of sika deer (Cervus nippon) and wapiti (Cervus canadensis) in order to explore the composition of, and the similarity between, the fecal microbiota structures of sika deer and wapiti in the similar living environment. The species composition, relative abundance of fecal microbiota, alpha diversity, and differences in beta diversity were analyzed. The maintenance of the composition of the gut microbiota and a balanced intestinal environment through the diet plays a key role in maintaining the host’s health. The results demonstrate that the fecal microbiota of sika deer and wapiti share a similar fecal microbiota structure, but there was some evidence showing that the gut microbiota of these two animals exhibit a clear divergence at the species level.Microbial symbiotic associations may be beneficial, neutral, or harmful to the host. Symbionts exploit the host space and nutrition or use hosts as carriers to spread to other environments. In order to investigate the fecal bacterial communities of wild sika deer (Cervus nippon) and wapiti (Cervus canadensis), this study aimed to sequence and explore the composition of, and similarity between, the fecal microbiota of sika deer and wapiti using high-throughput sequencing. The composition and relative abundance of fecal microbiota, alpha diversity, and differences in beta diversity between the two species were analyzed. We found that no pathogenic bacteria were present in large quantities in the hosts. The dominant bacterial phyla found in the two deer species were similar and included Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Spirochaetes. Moreover, the deer also shared similar dominant genera, including the Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-010, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005, and Bacteroides. These results demonstrate that the sika deer and wapiti share a similar fecal microbiotal structure, probably due to their common diet and living environment, but there was some evidence of a difference at the species level. These analyses provide new insights into the health status of deer populations outside protected environments and offer a scientific framework for monitoring the health conditions of sika deer and wapiti.

Dandelion extract on growth performance, immunity, stress and infection resistance in common carp

In the present study, the effect of supplementation with dandelion extract (DE) in common carp feed. Seven levels of DE supplementation to the basal diet were evaluated, i.e., 0 %, 0.5 %, 1 %, 2 %, 4 %, 7 %, and 10 % (50 % polysaccharide content), for a feeding period of 56 days. The addition of DE to the diet increased weight gain rate, specific growth rate,and protein efficiency ratio of common carp in DE2, DE3, DE4, DE5 and DE6 group. In contrast, it significantly reduced feed conversion ratio. Interestingly, DE supplementation did not have a significant effect on survival rate, condition factor, viscerosomatic index, and hepatosomatic index (P > 0.05). Moreover, DE supplementation improved the content of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) hormones in common carp serum, which was correlated with upregulation of genes coding for these two hormones in hepatopancreas (P < 0.05). Furthermore, DE supplementation increased the contents of total protein, albumin, and globulin in common carp, whilst reduced the contents of cholesterol, triglyceride, and urea nitrogen. Supplementation with DE promoted an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and a decrease in low density lipoprotein cholesterol contents. DE supplementation increased the activities of alysozyme, alkaline phosphatase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity, and the levels of complement 3 and complement 4. Furthermore, the activities of AST and ALT, and the contents of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species were reduced. In bacterial challenge tests with Aeromonas hydrophila, the mortality rate of common carp receiving supplementation with DE was lower. Collectively, DE supplementation improve growth performance, immunity, antioxidant capacity, gene expression, and the ability to withstand A. hydrophila infection in common carp. The recommended dosage of DE supplementation for the common carp diet is within the range of 5.42 %.

The effect of benzoic acid with or without a direct-fed microbial on the nutrient metabolism and gas emissions of growing pigs.

Twenty-four gilts (PIC 337 × 1050, PIC Genus, Hendersonville, TN) with an initial body weight (BW) of 33.09 ± 1.33 kg were used to investigate the effects of benzoic acid (BA) and a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial (DFM) on the nutrient metabolism and manure gas emissions of growing pigs. Pigs were blocked by BW, placed into metabolism stalls, and randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments: basal control (PC), low nitrogen (NC), PC plus 0.3% BA (PC+BA; VevoVitall, DSM Nutritional Products), and PC plus 0.3% BA and 0.025% DFM (PC+BA+DFM; PureGro, DSM Nutritional Products). Pigs were fed a common diet from day 0 to 14, and the experimental diets were fed in two phases (day 14 to 28 and day 28 to 53). The experiment consisted of four collection periods, with each period subdivided into two subperiods to collect samples for gas emissions and nutrient balance. Firstly, manure samples were collected for 72 h. Twice daily, urine and feces were weighed, and urine pH was measured. After each period, manure was subsampled and taken to the lab to measure gas emissions. Secondly, urine and feces were quantitatively collected for 96 h to allow for measurement of nutrient digestibility (ATTD) and retention. Data were analyzed as repeated measures in SAS 9.4 (SAS Inst., Cary, NC) with fixed effects of treatment, collection period, and block. Pig was the experimental unit, and results were considered significant at P ≤ 0.05 and a tendency at 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10. Pigs fed PC+BA had the greatest ADG compared to pigs fed NC (P = 0.016), with intermediate ADG for pigs fed PC or PC+BA+DFM (P ≥ 0.148). The ATTD of dry matter, gross energy, P, and N did not differ between treatments (P ≥ 0.093). However, the ATTD of Ca was reduced in pigs fed PC+BA+DFM compared to pigs fed PC+BA (P = 0.012). Pigs fed PC+BA or NC excreted less urinary N compared to PC and PC+BA+DFM (P ≤ 0.034), which contributed to greater nitrogen retention in PC+BA compared to PC (P = 0.016). Furthermore, decreased manure pH from pigs fed PC+BA or NC resulted in lower ammonia (NH3) emissions compared to pigs fed PC+BA+DFM or PC. There was no effect of dietary treatment on manure hydrogen sulfide, methane, or carbon dioxide emissions. In conclusion, supplementing 0.3% BA improved N retention and reduced manure pH and NH3 emissions, similar to feeding pigs low N, but improved the ADG of pigs when compared to feeding a low N diet.

Effect of Stocking Density and Dietary Protein Level in Biofloc System on the Growth, Digestive and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities, Health, and Resistance to Acute Crowding Stress in Juvenile Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio).

This study is aimed at evaluating the effects of stocking densities and dietary protein levels in the biofloc system on the performance of common carp. Fish (12.09 ± 0.99 g) were transferred to 15 tanks: fish reared at 10 kg/m3 as medium density and fed 35% (MD35) or 25% (MD25) protein and fish reared at 20 kg/m3 as high density and fed 35% (HD35) or 25% (HD25) protein in the biofloc system and control fish reared at MD and fed 35% protein in clear water. After 60 days, fish were subjected to crowding stress (80 kg/m3) for 24 h. The growth of fish was highest in MD35. The feed conversion ratio was lower in MD35 compared to the control and HD groups. The amylase, lipase, protease, and superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in the biofloc groups were significantly higher than in the control. After crowding stress, cortisol and glucose levels in biofloc treatments were significantly decreased compared to the control. After 12 and 24 h stress, lysozyme activity in MD35 was significantly lower than in the HD treatments. Overall, the biofloc system with MD could improve growth and robustness against acute stress in fish. Also, biofloc could compensate 10% reduction of protein in common carp juvenile diet when reared in MD.

In vivo kinetics of oleic, linoleic, and α-linolenic acid biohydrogenation in the rumen of dairy cows.

Ruminal biohydrogenation (BH) of unsaturated fatty acids (FA) reduces absorption of essential FA and can result in formation of bioactive FA that cause milk fat depression. Rates of biohydrogenation of unsaturated FA are commonly observed using in vitro systems and are not well described in vivo. Seven ruminally cannulated cows were enrolled in a 3 × 3 Latin square design study to quantify biohydrogenation of 18:1n-9, 18:2n-6, and 18:3n-3 using a recently developed in vivo BH assay. All cows were fed a common high corn silage basal diet. Biohydrogenation was quantified using a perturbation model that consisted of a bolus dose of 200 g of an oil enriched in each unsaturated FA (oleic acid, OA = 87% 18:1n-9 sunflower oil; linoleic acid, LA = 70% 18:2n-6 safflower oil; and α-linolenic acid, ALA = 54% 18:3n-3 flaxseed oil) and 12 g of 17:0 as a marker of rumen outflow. Rumen contents were sampled before and after the bolus and enrichment of the bolused FA modeled. Using first-order kinetics to model FA disappearance, the fractional rates of disappearance of 18:1n-9 was 0.597 per hour, 18:2n-6 was 0.618 per hour, and 18:3n-3 was 0.834 per hour, similar to rates previously reported with this approach. Rumen turnover of 17:0 was 0.123 per hour, 0.065 per hour, and 0.106 per hour during the OA, LA, and ALA treatments, respectively. The extents of BH were calculated to be 82.8, 90.4, and 88.6% for 18:1n-9, 18:2n-6, and 18:3n-3, respectively. Finally, compartmental modeling was used to quantify the amount of each unsaturated FA metabolized through trans-10 and trans-11 BH pathways. The recently developed in vivo BH assay was able to predict rates of BH and provide insight into rumen metabolism of individual FA and may be useful to future investigations.

Evaluation of common natural diets used in female orange mud crab, Scylla olivacea (Herbst, 1796) reared in captivity

Evaluation of common natural diets used in female orange mud crab, <i>Scylla olivacea</i> (Herbst, 1796) reared in captivity

Dietary Supplemental Chromium Yeast Improved the Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity and Liver Health in Broilers under High Stocking Density.

Simple SummaryHigh stocking density can reduce the health status of broilers. Organic chromium can promote growth, immunity, antioxidant activity and alleviate stress. This study investigated the effects of different levels of yeast chromium on growth performance, organ index, antioxidant capacity, immune performance and histopathology of broilers under high stocking density and suggested that the optimal yeast chromium supplementation for antioxidant capacity was 425.00–665.00 µg Cr/kg; the optimal yeast chromium supplementation for immunity was 319.30–961.00 µg Cr/kg; and the optimal yeast chromium supplementation of liver health was 800.00–1531.60 µg Cr/kg.This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of yeast chromium on growth performance, organ index, antioxidant capacity, immune performance and liver health of broilers under high stocking density. A total of 684 1-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were selected and fed a common diet from 1 to 22 days of age. At the end of 22 days, broilers with similar weight were randomly divided into six treatments, with six replications in each treatment. The broilers in control groups were fed with a control diet and raised at low stocking density of broilers (14 broilers/m2, LSD) and high stocking density (20 broilers/m2, HSD). The broilers in treatment groups were fed with diets supplemented with 200, 400, 800 and 1600 µg Cr/kg chromium yeast (Cr-yeast) under HSD, respectively. The experimental period was 23~42 days. Compared with the LSD group, the HSD group significantly decreased the liver index (ratio of liver weight to live weight of broilers) of broilers (p < 0.05), the HSD group significantly increased the content of corticosterone (CORT) and the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and decreased the prealbumin (PA) level in the serum (p < 0.05). HSD decreased the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) contents in the serum, liver and breast, serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, breast total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activities and liver catalase (CAT) activities of broilers (p < 0.05). The HSD group significantly increased the total histopathological score (p < 0.05). Compared with the HSD group, adding 200, 400, and 1600 Cr-yeast significantly increased the liver index of broilers (p < 0.05), all HSD + Cr-yeast groups decreased the ALT activities (p < 0.05), and the HSD + 800 group significantly decreased the CORT contents and the ALP activities of the serum (p < 0.05); the HSD + 400, 800 and 1600 groups increased the PA contents of the serum (p < 0.05); HSD + 800 group significantly reduced the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) contents of the serum (p < 0.05); moreover, the HSD + 400 group increased the GSH-Px activities of the serum (p < 0.05), the T-AOC and the T-SOD activities of the breast (p < 0.05) and the T-AOC and CAT activities of the liver (p < 0.05). Adding 800 Cr-yeast significantly decreased the total histopathological score (degree of hepatocyte edema and inflammatory cell infiltration) under HSD (p < 0.05). In summary, Cr-yeast can improve the antioxidant capacity and immune traits, and liver health of broilers under HSD. Based on the results of the linear regression analysis, the optimal supplementation of Cr-yeast in antioxidant capacity, immunity ability and liver health were at the range of 425.00–665.00, 319.30–961.00, and 800.00–1531.60 µg Cr/kg, respectively.

Effect of Adding L-carnitine to High-Fat/Low-Protein Diets of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) and the Mechanism of Regulation of Fat and Protein Metabolism.

L-carnitine is a low molecular weight amino acid that plays an essential role in the oxidation of long-chain fatty acids. The regulatory effects and molecular mechanisms of L-carnitine on fat and protein metabolism in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were investigated in this study. Common carp (n = 270) were randomly divided into three groups and fed either (1) common carp diet, (2) high-fat/low-protein diet, or (3) L-carnitine-high-fat/low-protein diet. Growth performance, plasma biochemistry, muscle composition, and ammonia excretion rate were all examined after 8 weeks. Additionally, each group's hepatopancreas was subjected to transcriptome analysis. The results showed that decreasing the feed protein/fat ratio resulted in a considerable increase in feed conversion ratio and a significant decrease in common carp-specific growth rate to 1.19 ± 0.02 (P < 0.05). Similarly, total plasma cholesterol sharply increased to 10.15 ± 2.07, while plasma urea nitrogen, muscle protein, and ammonia excretion levels dropped (P < 0.05). After adding L-carnitine to the high-fat/low-protein diet, it was found that the specific growth rate and protein content of the dorsal muscle increased significantly (P < 0.05). In contrast, the plasma total cholesterol and ammonia excretion rate decreased considerably at most time points after feeding (P < 0.05). The expression of genes in the hepatopancreas differed substantially between the different groups. Through GO analysis, it was demonstrated that L-carnitine increased the ability of fat decomposition by up-regulating the expression of cpt1 in the hepatopancreas and decreased the expression of fasn and elovl6 to reduce the production and extension of lipids. Simultaneously, mtor was more abundant in the hepatopancreas, implying that L-carnitine can increase protein synthesis. According to the findings, adding L-carnitine to high-fat/low-protein diets can stimulate growth by enhancing lipolysis and protein synthesis.