Complete Diet Research Articles

The CD45RA+ (Quiescent) Cellular Phenotype Is Overabundant Relative to the CD45RA- Phenotype within the Involuted Splenic T Cell Population of Weanling Mice Subjected to Wasting Protein-Energy Malnutrition

The objective of this investigation was to determine whether an imbalance between naive- and memory-phenotype cells occurs within CD4+ and/or CD8+ splenic T cell subsets in models of protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) which produce wasting disease (loss of ∼1.6% of body weight per day for 14 d) and profound depression in thymus-dependent immunity. Male and female weanling mice of disparate inbred strains, CBA/J and C57BL/6J, were allocated to the following groups: zero-time control (23 d old and 19 d old, respectively), ad libitum intake of a complete purified diet (19% crude protein, 17 kJ/g gross energy), restricted intake of the complete diet, and (C57BL/6J, only) ad libitum intake of an isocaloric low protein diet (0.6% crude protein). Surface expression of isoforms of CD45, a component of the T cell receptor complex, as well as of the accessory molecule, CD2, were assessed by flow cytometry of splenic mononuclear cell suspensions. Both major T cell subsets in the malnourished groups contained a significantly higher proportion of cells expressing the surface marker, CD45RA, than was found in the spleen cells of the control groups. CD45RA+ (naive-phenotype) T cells represent the extreme of quiescence and stringent activation requirements among thymic lymphocytes. The results provide the first clear evidence of a T cell subset imbalance in PEM which is consistent with depression in acquired immunity and which occurs, apart from antigenic challenge, in a site wherein immune responses take place. The T cell receptor complex may emerge as a focal point of the depressive influence of PEM on the competence of thymic lymphocytes.

Effects of onion extracts (Allium cepa) inclusion in diets on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and bone morphometric of broiler chickens.

Animal feed companies and researchers are currently embarking on quests for feed additives that could combat the pathogens while promoting growth as well as maintaining quality products. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of onion extracts on growth performance, carcass quality, and bone morphometrics of broiler chickens. A total number of 200 one-day-old unsexed Ross 308 broiler chicks were assigned to 5 treatment groups, replicated 4 times. Each replicate (pens) held 10 chickens in a completely randomized design. The experimental diets were then randomly allotted to the pens which act as experimental units. The isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets were formulated by including onion extracts at 0, 5, 10, 15, or 25 g/kg in a complete broiler diet. Feed intake, and body weight, were recorded then used to calculate feed conversion ratio. At the end of the experiment (42 days), four chickens from each pen were randomly selected for slaughter for carcass, bone morphology and sensory evaluation. Results showed that onion extract supplementation did not affect (p>0.05) growth performances and meat sensory evaluation. However, there was a significantly increased (p<0.05) meat shear force in groups receiving onion extracts dietary treatments. Furthermore, onion extracts improved (p<0.05) bone morphology of broiler chickens in terms of weight, diameter, calcium, and phosphorous contents. In conclusion, onion extracts can be safely included in a commercial broiler diet as a growth promoter without causing adverse effects on growth performance traits and carcass quality in chickens. Onion extract supplementation improved tibia bone growth and strength in broiler chickens.

Lean Beef and Beef Fat Interact to Enhance Nonheme Iron Absorption in Rats

Nonheme iron absorption is enhanced when meat replaces non-meat protein sources in a meal. Our objective was to examine the hypothesis that both lean and fat fractions of meat contribute to this enhancement. Weanling rats were assigned, according to a 3 x 3 factorial design, to one of nine nutritionally complete diets formulated to contain various combinations of protein (lean beef, skim milk or egg white) and fat sources (beef fat, milk fat or partially hydrogenated vegetable fat). Diets contained 20% protein and 20% fat. After 4 d of consuming the assigned diets, the rats were deprived of food overnight and offered a meal of their respective diet labeled extrinsically with 59FeCl3. Feeding of the unlabeled diets was continued for 14 d. Iron absorption was estimated from 59Fe retention, monitored by whole-body counting over the 14-d period. Absorption was highest from diets containing beef regardless of the fat source, but the combination of beef and beef fat was highest of all. In the comparison of absorption from the lean beef and other diets, there was significant interaction between lean beef and fat source on iron absorption. These results suggest that the iron absorption-enhancing properties of meat may involve an interaction between the lean and fat fractions of meat.

Effects of Different Levels of Yucca Supplementation on Growth Rates, Metabolic Profiles, Fecal Odor Emissions, and Carcass Traits of Growing Lambs.

Sixty male Awassi lambs were used to investigate the effects of dietary Yucca schidgera extract (YS) on the production, fecal and urinary odor emissions, and carcass traits of growing lambs fed complete pellets. Lambs were fed either a complete pelleted diet without yucca (control) or supplemented with 300 or 600 mg YS/kg dry matter (DM) during the 84-day experiment. The weights and feed consumption of the lambs were measured weekly. Blood samples were taken on days 1, 28, 58, and 84, and ruminal fluid samples were collected on day 70. On day 90, the odor emissions from feces and urine were measured. On day 84, 12 lambs were slaughtered for the evaluation of carcass and meat quality. The final values for bodyweight, bodyweight gain, and feed efficiency of lambs fed the YS300 diet were 3.40%, 6.64%, and 6.17%, respectively, higher (p < 0.05) than those fed the YS600 diet. Additionally, the percentage of dressing, myofibril fragmentation index, and ruminal isovalerate percentage of lambs treated with YS600 were higher than those treated with YS300. Compared with the control, the addition of yucca reduced odor emissions from feces and urine. In conclusion, dietary YS300 had no additional benefits on growth rate, feed efficiency, and carcass traits, while dietary YS600 improved fecal and urinary odors.

Acceptance of a Novel, Highly Palatable, Calorically Dense, and Nutritionally Complete Diet in Dogs with Benign and Malignant Tumors.

Diminished appetite and poor eating behavior accompanied by weight loss or cachexia are often reported in dogs living with cancer. This study was conducted to determine the acceptance and eating enthusiasm in dogs with cancer for a new therapeutic, nutritionally balanced, and calorically dense food designed for dogs with cancer. Adult dogs with diagnosis of cancer were recruited from general and oncology practices and were fed the study food for 28 days. Evaluations included physical examination, body weight, food intake, caloric intake, hematology and serum biochemistry, and owner assessments, namely food evaluation, quality of life, and stool scores. The dogs transitioned smoothly and tolerated the food very well. The results showed high food acceptance within the first day, with continued eating enthusiasm over the 28 days. Significant increases in food and caloric intake were observed, with the study food having a positive impact on body weight in dogs that were losing weight and helping to maintain a high quality of life. Blood laboratory parameters remained within reference ranges. Thus, the therapeutic study food was well accepted and efficacious in supporting continued eating and required caloric intake, promoting a healthy weight gain and maintaining a high quality of life in dogs with cancer.

Contribution of Household Aquaponic Production to a Low Price Healthy Mediterranean Diet in an Economically Depressed Community

Homestead aquaponic production has been proposed as a reasonable alternative for obtaining food within the framework of the circular economy. However, little is known about the ability of homestead aquaponics to contribute to a healthy diet and the savings it represents on the cost of such diets for inhabitants of economically depressed communities. In the present work, based on a case study, the nutritional contribution of vegetables and fish produced in one year has been calculated, with the goal of determining the contribution of aquaponics to the healthy diet of an adult during this study period. The amount of external food products that should be purchased, the nutritional contribution of the complete diet (comparing it with that of a Mediterranean diet), and its cost have also been determined. The results show that achieving a balanced diet in macronutrients, minerals and essential nutrients with aquaponics is feasible, with a real cost of about 3.07 euros per person per day, amounting to a mean savings of 22% compared to the market price of food. The percentage of nutrient contribution of aquaponic foods exceeds in most cases 20%, being especially high for protein, dietary fiber, some minerals such as potassium, and vitamins.

Palm Oil and Coconut Oil Saturated Fats: Properties, Food Applications, and Health

Fats and oils from plant sources are key components of a complete and healthful diet, as they supply essential fatty acids and liposoluble bioactive compounds. Many features and functions of dietary fats and oils have been studied extensively by the scientific community, with a focus on their impacts on human health. In this realm, an abundance of research has focused on the contribution of dietary fats and oils to the development of cardiovascular diseases, which is often attributed to their impact on the concentration of cholesterol in the blood. Such research has established that the degree of saturation plays a critical role in the impact of fats on cholesterol levels. Thus, consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids decreases serum and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol levels, while saturated fatty acids have cholesterol-increasing effects. Coconut and oil palm are the most prevalent sources of plant-derived saturated fatty acids in the diet, and in recent years there has been much debate centered around their health impacts throughout the scientific community. Consumers are hungry for scientific, fact-based guidance from reputable sources, as perception of these fat sources varies greatly from decade-to-decade, year-to-year, and month-to-month. This review on plant-derived saturated fats aims to put forth the most current research and issues related to cultivation, manufacturing of oils and derivatives, food applications, as well as health benefits and concerns, to allow the scientific community and consumers to make informed decisions when selecting foods to include as part of a healthful diet.

Urinary and Serum Concentration of Deoxynivalenol (DON) and DON Metabolites as an Indicator of DON Contamination in Swine Diets.

Pig health is impaired and growth performance is reduced when exposed to deoxynivalenol (DON). The measurement of DON in individual feedstuffs and complete swine diets is variable because of the inconsistent distribution of mycotoxins in feed and the difficulties in obtaining representative samples. We investigated whether measuring DON and its metabolites in biological samples could be used as a predictor of DON ingestion by pigs. Blood samples were collected between 3 and 4 h after the morning meal and urine samples were quantitatively collected over a 24 h period on d 40 and 82 of the study to evaluate serum and urinary content of DON and DON metabolites (iso-deoxynivalenol, DON-3-glucuronide, DON-15-glcurunide, deepoxy-deoxynivalenol, iso-deepoxy-deoxynivalenol, deepoxy-deoxynivalenol-3-glucuronide, and deepoxy-deoxynivalenol-15-glucuronide). The intake of DON was positively correlated with urinary DON output. Similarly, there was an increase in serum DON level with increasing DON intake. Overall, it was found that DON intake correlated with DON concentration in urine and blood serum when samples were collected under controlled conditions. Analyzing DON levels in urine and blood serum could be used to predict a pig's DON intake.

Growth Rates, Carcass Traits, Meat Yield, and Fatty Acid Composition in Growing Lambs under Different Feeding Regimes.

A total of 75 male Awassi (mean BW 23.5 ± 2.0 kg; 3 months old) were used in an 84-day trial to investigate the effects of different feeding regimes on productive performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality, and the fatty acid profile of growing lambs. Animals were randomly allocated into 3 groups of 25 lambs each. The dietary treatments were as follows: (1) whole barley grain (60%) plus alfalfa hay (40%; GB-AH; the basal diet); (2) a concentrate pelleted diet plus alfalfa hay (CP-AH); and (3) a complete pelleted diet (CPD). Feed intake was measured weekly, and all lambs were weighed every two weeks for an evaluation of the productive parameters. Blood samples were collected from all lambs for the measurement of biochemical and enzymatic variables. At the end of the experiment, 13 lambs from each treatment were slaughtered to evaluate the carcass characteristics, meat quality, and fatty acid composition. The final body weight, body weight gain, average daily gain, and feed efficiency of lambs were lowest (p < 0.05) in lambs on the grain and alfalfa diet compared with the other groups. Feeding lambs either the CP-AH or CPD diets resulted (p < 0.05) in increases in slaughter weight, carcass weights (hot and cold), the percentage of liver and shoulder, carcass length, back fat thickness, and the area of longissimus thoracis muscle compared with those lambs on the GB-AF diet. The proportion of saturated fatty acids in meat was greater (p = 0.04) in lambs fed on the GA-AH diet than in those of lambs fed on the pelleted diets. Lambs on the CP-AH diet had (p < 0.05) the highest ratios of PUFA to SFA and omega 6 to omega 3, and the proportion of omega 6. The atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes were lower (p < 0.05) in the CP-AH group compared with the GB-AH group. In conclusion, the results indicate that feeding growing lambs on concentrate pellets instead of whole barley grain improves the growth rate, traits, meat quality, and fatty acid profile, which have important implications for productivity, efficiency, and profitability in the livestock industry.

Dietary administration of l-carnitine during the fattening period of early feed restricted lambs modifies lipid metabolism and meat quality

Early feed restriction of lambs promotes a permanent mitochondrial dysfunction that impairs β-oxidation of fatty acids along the whole life. Therefore, dietary l-carnitine might help to improve the mitochondrial function of these lambs, thus modifying lipid metabolism and meat quality traits. In order to test this hypothesis an experiment was carried out with 22 Merino lambs that were subjected to an early feed restriction during the suckling period. Once weaned, the lambs were allocated to a control group (CTRL, n = 11) being fed ad libitum a complete pelleted diet during the fattening phase, whereas the second group (CARN, n = 11) received the same diet formulated with 3 g/kg of l-carnitine. Carcass characteristics were not affected (P > 0.05) by treatment. However, lambs fed l-carnitine showed higher amounts of intramuscular fat (26.5 vs. 33.6 g/kg fresh matter; P = 0.047) with a lower ratio between polyunsaturated and saturated fatty acids (0.425 vs 0.333; P = 0.023) and a higher atherogenic (0.507 vs 0.597; P < 0.001) and thrombogenic index (1.23 vs 1.42; P < 0.001). An increase in lightness (P < 0.05) and a tendency to improved oxidative stability in cooked meat (P = 0.066) were also observed in the CARN group. Consequently, dietary l-carnitine supplied during the fattening period of early feed restricted lambs modifies meat quality traits thus increasing lightness, oxidative stability and intramuscular fat content, but worsening the fatty acid profile.

PROSPECTS FOR THE USE OF CHICORY GRASS AND LEAF-EXTRACTED MEAL (&lt;I&gt;CICHORIUM INTYBUS&lt;/I&gt; L.) IN THE FEEDING OF FARM ANIMALS

Medicinal plants are a source of biologically active substances of various chemical natures. Based on the Federal state budgetary scientific institution All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (FSBSI RSRIMAR), the authors researched and developed a method for obtaining dry extracts from the herb and leaves of common chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), intended for use as pharmaceutical substances of immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective action. The authors receive extracted meals when obtaining dry extracts at the extraction stage. This extracted meal is a waste that must be disposed of. However, after the extraction of the target compounds, mainly phenolic, other hydrophilic substances remain in the feed. In this regard, within the framework of the complex use of plant raw materials, our work aimed to study the implications of protein nature and total toxicity of the grass meal and chicory leaves to assess the possibility of its use in animal husbandry as a feed additive. As a result of the studies conducted by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), it was found that the meal of grass and leaves of ordinary chicory contains residual amounts of hydroxycinnamic acids such as chicory, chlorogenic, caftaric, and coumarins are also absent. The content of the sum of phenolic compounds in the grass meal was 0,75±0,03, and the leaf meal - 0,65±0,03%. At the same time, we determined the content of total nitrogen, which is 3,39±0,10 and 2,14±0,06%, complete protein - 21,19±0,64 and 13,38±0,4, amine nitrogen - 0,26±0,01 and 0,24±0,01, the sum of amino acids - 0,38±0,01 and 0,35±0,01 respectively for grass meal and chicory leaves. The protein composition of meals identified 17 amino acids, 9 of which are essential for animals and integral to their complete diet. A study of the overall toxicity of the meal confirmed the safety of its use in animal feed. The results obtained indicate the possibility of using chicory grass and leaves meals as a means of enriching the diet of farm animals.

Effect of straw particle size in high grain complete pelleted diet on growth performance, rumen pH, feeding behavior, nutrient digestibility, blood and carcass indices of fattening male goats

The study aimed to elucidate the effects of straw particle size of complete pelleted diet (CPD) on feed intake, growth performance, rumen pH, feeding behavior, selected blood metabolites, nutrient digestibility, and carcass attributes of fattening male goats. Sixteen male Beetal goats, averaging 27.0 ± 2.84 kg body weight (BW) were randomly assigned to one of the following dietary treatments (n = 8 male goats /treatment); 1) S4 (CPD having oat straw ground at 4 mm); 2) S8 (CPD having oat straw ground at 8 mm). The diets were iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric with forage to concentrate ratio of 15:85, and were designed to achieve low NDF contents of 20% by adding 63% corn grains. The experiment lasted for 16 weeks; 2 weeks of receiving and diet adaptability period, 13 weeks of data collection, and last one week for nutrient digestibility. Animals were housed individually and fed the corresponding diet and water ad libitum. Feeding behavior was recorded on day 30, 60, and 90 of the study. Blood samples were collected weekly, whereas, rumen samples were collected on a bi-weekly basis. Total tract nutrient digestibility was performed at the end of the experiment. All goats were slaughtered to determine changes in the carcass attributes. Results revealed that DMI and ADG were higher (P < 0.0001) in the S8 group compared with the S4 group. The feed-to-gain ratio (F: G), however, was lower (P = 0.047) in the S8 group compared with that of the S4 group. Ruminal pH was higher (P < 0.0001) in S8 than S4 only at the beginning of the trial, with no later differences (P > 0.05). There was a significant treatment × week interaction (P < 0.05) for rumen pH during weeks 2 and 4 which remained below 6.0 in the S4 compared with the S8. The odds for diarrhea were 5 times lower in the S8 compared to the S4 male goats. Animals fed on CPD with the straw ground at 8 mm had higher (P ≤ 0.05) rumination time, DMI intake, NDF intake, and drinking time than those fed on CPD with the straw ground at 4 mm. Furthermore, the dressing percentage and marbling score was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in the S8 compared with the S4. The findings of this study suggested that the use of oat straw ground at 8 mm in a complete pelleted diet improved growth performance and carcass yield by improving the feeding behavior and stabilizing the rumen environment.

Assessment of health safety of pigs taking natural sorbents with feed

BackgroundThe study assessed the effect of smectites (bentonite and zeolite) used as natural sorbents in the diet of pigs on feed digestibility, health parameters, the severity of anatomo-histological changes in organs, and the accumulation of volatile pollutants in organs.Material and methodsThe study was conducted using fattening pigs (crossbreds from multiple breeds) assigned to three groups – a control (C) and two experimental groups (A and B), with 240 pigs in each group (3 replicates × 80). The animals in group C received a standard complete diet, while groups A and B received diets with 1.5% composed smectite sorbents. The feed and faeces were analysed for content of dry matter, crude ash, crude protein, ether extract, and crude fibre. The content of P was determined using a Helios Alpha UV–VIS spectrophotometer. Whole blood was analysed for haematological parameters and serum for biochemical parameters. Tissue samples were collected for analysis of volatile substances and histological analysis. After slaughter, samples of the lungs, liver, kidneys and jejunum were collected for morphological evaluation, and samples of the perirenal fat, liver, kidneys, lungs and brain for headspace gas chromatography (GC) to determine the levels of volatile toxic substances.ResultsA statistical increase in the digestibility of crude fibre and an increase in that of P were observed in both experimental groups (A and B) in comparison to the control. The whole blood and serum of the pigs from the control group had statistically significantly higher levels of creatinine, urea, and Mg and a higher WBC count compared to both experimental groups (A and B).ConclusionsThe feed additives were not shown to have a negative effect on the health parameters analysed or on accumulation of pollutants in selected tissues. No significant effect on the digestibility of most nutrients was observed; only an increase in the digestibility of crude fibre and a decrease in P digestibility were noted in the experimental groups.

Effects of overfeeding on the digestive efficiency, voluntary physical activity levels, and fecal characteristics and microbiota of adult cats.

The incidence of feline obesity continues to rise despite it being a preventable disease. There are many risks and health perturbations associated with obesity, with several of those impacting a pet's quality of life, wellness, and longevity. Feline obesity is commonly studied, but most research has been focused on weight loss rather than weight gain. To our knowledge, feline studies have not examined the implications of overfeeding and weight gain on gastrointestinal transit time (GTT) nor the association it has with the fecal microbiota. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of overfeeding and weight gain on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), GTT, blood hormones, serum metabolites, hematology, fecal microbiota populations, and voluntary physical activity of cats. Eleven lean adult spayed female cats [body weight (BW) = 4.11 ± 0.43 kg; body condition score = 5.41 ± 0.3; age = 5.22 ± 0.03 y] were used in a longitudinal weight gain study. After a 2-wk baseline phase, cats were allowed to overeat for 18 wk. A commercially available complete and balanced diet was fed during the baseline phase to identify the intake needed to maintain BW. Cats were then fed the same diet ad libitum to induce weight gain. Fecal samples, blood samples, and voluntary physical activity data were collected at baseline (week 0) and 6, 12, and 18 wk after weight gain. Fecal samples were collected for microbiota analysis, determination of ATTD, and GTT measurement while blood samples were collected for serum chemistry, hematology, and insulin and leptin measurements. Microbiota data were evaluated using QIIME2. All other measures were evaluated statistically using the mixed models procedure of SAS using repeated measures analysis, with time effects being the focus. A P < 0.05 was considered significant. The ATTD of dry matter (P = 0.0061), organic matter (P = 0.0130), crude protein (P < 0.0001), fat (P = 0.0002), and gross energy (P = 0.0002), and GTT (P = 0.0418) decreased with overfeeding and weight gain. Fecal bacterial alpha diversity measures were unchanged, but fecal bacterial beta diversity was impacted (P < 0.05) with overfeeding and weight gain. The relative abundances of 16 bacterial genera, including Bifidobacterium, Collinsella, Erysipelatoclostridium were affected (P < 0.05) by overfeeding and weight gain. In conclusion, overfeeding and subsequent weight gain reduced ATTD, reduced GTT, and caused changes to the fecal microbial community of adult cats.

Bioarchaeological study of ancient Teotihuacans based on complete mitochondrial genome sequences and diet isotopes

Background The Teotihuacan civilisation was the largest one in ancient Mesoamerica. The Teotihuacan city was born in the north-eastern Basin of Mexico around the second century BC, reached its peak in the fourth century AD, and had cultural influence throughout Mesoamerica. At its peak, the size of the city reached more than 20 km2, and the total population is estimated to have increased from 100,000 to 200,000. However, knowledge of the genetic background of the Teotihuacan people is still limited. Aim We aimed to determine the mitogenome sequences of the Teotihuacan human remains and compare the ancient and present Mesoamericans. In addition, we aimed to identify the food habits of ancient Teotihuacans. Subjects and methods We determined the mitogenome sequences of human remains dated to 250–636 cal AD using target enrichment-coupled next generation sequencing. We also performed stable isotope analysis. Results We successfully obtained nearly full-length sequences newly unearthed from a civilian dwelling in the Teotihuacan site. Teotihuacan mitochondrial DNA was classified into the haplogroups in present and ancient Mesoamericans. In addition, Teotihuacan individuals had a diet dependent on C4 plants such as maize. Conclusion Genetic diversity varied among the Teotihuacans.

Effects of physical forms of a high grain-based diet on fattening performance, ruminal health, feeding behaviour, nutrient digestibility and carcass traits of finishing Lohi lambs

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different physical forms of complete diets on performance, feeding behaviour, digestibility, ruminal health, blood and carcass indices in fattening lambs. A randomised complete block design was used to assign thirty male Lohi lambs (300 ± 15 d old) with an initial body weight of 33 ± 1.4 kg in ten replications to one of three physical forms of the diet. For different treatments, the dietary ingredients were ground and mixed as (I) ground conventional mash (CM), (II) whole corn grains were mixed with the remaining pelleted ingredients as a texturised diet (TX), and (III) whole corn grains and the remaining ingredients were mixed as an unprocessed diet (UP). During the 60-d growth trial and 7-d digestibility experiment, individually housed lambs were fed ad libitum. Feeding diet UP improved (p < 0.05) dry matter intake, average daily gain and feed-to-gain ratio of fattening lambs. The ruminal pH tended to be lower in group TX compared with the other groups. The incidence of loose faeces consistency was 3.5 times higher (p < 0.05) in group TX compared to group UP. The daily intakes of dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF), the rumination time and chewing activities were highest (p < 0.05) for lambs fed on the UP diet. The digestibility of DM, NDF and ether extract were greater (p < 0.05) for diet UP as compared to diet TX. The chilled and hot carcass weights were highest (p < 0.05) for group UP. The papillae density tended to be greater for group UP. However, blood metabolites, intestinal morphology, carcass marbling, tenderness, meat pH, cooking loss, and meat composition were similar across the treatments. It can be concluded that the unprocessed diet based on whole corn grain and soybean hulls improved growth performance, feeding behaviour and carcass yield through better nutrient utilisation and a stable ruminal environment.

Nutritional elucidation of rice- and maize gluten meal-based diets: in vitro gas production, digestibility, methane and rumen fermentation

This experiment intends to elucidate the nutritional potential of alternative ingredient – rice gluten meal (RGM) with groundnut cake (GNC) and maize gluten meal (MGM) at incremental levels in the complete diets under in vitro system. Nine complete diets were formulated using concentrate mixture, green maize and wheat straw in the ratio of 40:40:20 on a dry basis. The dietary treatments differed in the source of major protein sources used in three concentrate mixtures, i.e., GNC in control, while incremental levels of RGM and MGM – both at 25,50, 75 and 100% substituted GNC on an isonitrogenous basis. These diets were characterised for chemical composition, protein fractions, in vitro gas production profile as well as rumen fermentation attributes. The chemical composition of diets showed a mean crude protein (CP) and total digestible nutrient values of 12.9 and 63.6%, respectively. The range of values obtained for various CNCPS protein fractions (% CP) was 11.3-12.4, 9.42-14.0, 40.9-44.4, 19.1-20.1 and 13.6-15.9 for PA, PB1, PB2,PB3 and PC, respectively across the diets. Furthermore, rumen undegradable protein was maximum at 100% MGM inclusion and least for the control. However, intestinal protein digestibility did not differ due to treatments. While the GV24 was maximum (P&lt;0.01)in the control, it was lowest at 100% MGM. Additionally, in vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibilities were higher (P&lt;0.01)for 100% MGM diet and lowest (P&lt;0.01) at 100% RGM level. Moreover, the control diet generated maximum (P&lt;0.01) CH4 but was minimum (P&lt;0.01) for 100% MGM diet. The values of PF,MBP and MBP:GV24 were highest(P&lt;0.01) for 100% MGM and lowest (P&lt;0.01) for control diet. The pH of rumen fluid did not differ; however, concentrations of ammonia nitrogen and total volatile fatty acids were recorded to be maximum (P&lt;0.01) in controland minimum (P&lt;0.01) at 100% MGM. Further, the molar concentration of acetic acid was higher (P&lt;0.01) with MGM-based diets than that of control and RGM diets. Lastly, the proportions of both propionic and butyric acids were minimumwith MGM-based diets than with either control or RGM-baseddiets. Therefore, it could be recommended that RGM could substitute 50-75% of GNC, corresponding to 5-8% inclusion in the complete diet of ruminants. In addition, MGM-based diets excelled in terms of greater digestibility, reduced CH4 emission as well as beneficially influenced rumen fermentation

Performance Indicators, Coccidia Oocyst Counts, Plasma Biochemical Parameters and Fermentation Processes in the Cecum of Rabbits Fed a Diet with the Addition of Black Cumin Seed Meal

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation with black cumin seed meal on growth performance parameters, coccidia oocyst counts, plasma biochemical parameters and cecal fermentation processes in growing rabbits. A total of 40 male Californian rabbits at 35 days of age were divided into two feeding groups: Control (complete rabbit diet) and Black cumin (2% of the complete diet was replaced with black cumin seed meal). Dietary supplementation with black cumin did not affect growth performance parameters, but it reduced coccidia oocyst counts in the feces of 63-day-old rabbits. Increased liver weight and elevated plasma albumin levels were noted in these rabbits. A significant decrease in small intestinal digesta viscosity was also observed in rabbits fed a diet supplemented with black cumin seed meal. The above change suppressed the formation of putrefactive compounds, i.e. ammonia and branched short-chain fatty acids (SCFA s) in the cecum, but it did not decrease the production of major SCFA s, i.e. acetic, propionic and butyric acids. The current study demonstrated that the dietary addition of 2% black cumin seed meal exerted a modulatory effect on gastrointestinal function, but it did not compromise microbial enzyme activity or SCFA production in the cecum.

Diet and impacts of non-native fallow deer (Dama dama) on pastoral properties during severe drought

Context There is concern about potential competition between non-native fallow deer (Dama dama) and livestock for food, particularly during times of low rainfall when pasture is scarce. Aims We aimed to estimate the extent to which a high-density fallow deer population (~37 deer per km2) competed with livestock for food during a severe drought on pastoral properties on the Liverpool Plains, New South Wales, Australia. Methods We collected rumen contents from 125 fallow deer shot from helicopters during control operations in June and August 2018, and used microhistology to quantify their diets. We then used the diet data to adjust published estimates of stock unit equivalence from farmed fallow deer. Fallow deer sex and age class abundances and stock unit equivalences were multiplied to estimate the grazing pressure of the fallow deer population pre- and post-control relative to recommended sheep and cattle stocking rates. Finally, we estimated density–impact relationships for fallow deer. Key results Fallow deer diet was dominated by monocots (primarily grasses), but some individuals consumed large amounts of dicots (commonly Eucalyptus). Fallow deer were grazers to intermediate mixed feeders. Fallow deer dry-sheep equivalents (DSEs, based on a 50-kg merino wether) varied from 1.01 (juveniles) to 1.85 (adult females and adult males). Assuming complete diet overlap, the pre-control fallow deer population was equivalent to approximately 60.3 DSEs per km2 and reduced the potential stocking rate of domestic livestock by 50.2%. Discounting the fallow deer DSEs by the amount of browse in the diet resulted in a pre-control population of 45.7 DSEs per km2. The helicopter-based shooting reduced the fallow deer population by 26%, increasing the stocking rate in natural pasture by 22.0% (complete overlap) or 13.8% (discounting for browse). Conclusions When food is limiting, fallow deer at high density can exert strong competitive pressure on livestock, reducing carrying capacity. Browsing, including on Eucalyptus, likely helped fallow deer to persist at high densities during the severe drought of 2018, when properties had destocked. Implications Helicopter-based shooting reduced the competitive effects of fallow deer on livestock in our study area to only a small extent, but more intensive shooting would have led to a greater reduction. The helicopter-based shooting of deer was received positively by landholders at a time of severe stress, suggesting that deer control in agricultural areas can have other important benefits.

EFFECT OF PARTIAL REPLACEMENT OF GROUNDNUT CAKE WITH GUAR MEAL ON BLOOD BIOCHEMICAL PROFILE IN SHEEP FED DENSIFIED CROP RESIDUE BASED COMPLETE FEED BLOCKS

A 120 day trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of replacement of 50% Groundnut cake (GNC) nitrogen with guar meal (GM) on the blood biochemical profile in the ram lambs fed maize and sorghum stover based complete feed blocks. Twenty-four growing ram lambs of 3-4 months age were randomly selected and allocated into 4 groups consisting of 6 animals in each group. The Maize and sorghum stover based complete diets (50 roughage: 50 concentrate) with and without inclusion of GM was prepared and densified into block form and fed to ram lambs. The four dietary treatments were: M1: Maize stover based complete feed blocks (MSCFB) with GNC (34.8% CP) as protein supplement; M 2: MSCFB with guar meal (52 % CP) replacing 50 % GNC nitrogen of M1; S1: sorghum stover based complete feed blocks (SSCFB) with GNC as protein supplement and S2: SSCFB with guar meal replacing 50 % of GNC nitrogen of S2. Blood was drawn at the end of the trial for serum collection and serum metabolites were analyzed according to standard procedures. There was no significant (P&gt;0.05) effect on the concentration of all serum biochemical constituents among the different experimental groups of lambs and all serum biochemical constituents had mean values that were within the normal range. According to the findings of this investigation, replacing 50% GNC nitrogen with GM had no detrimental effect on blood biochemical parameters in lambs.