Compound Feed Research Articles

Modeling of the Producing Concentrated Compound Feed when Changing the Compound Feed Machinery

Modeling of the Producing Concentrated Compound Feed when Changing the Compound Feed Machinery

Optimizing animal care through compound feed management in Saudi Arabia

Proper animal feeding practices play a fundamental role in enhancing livestock health and maximizing output. Given the governmental restrictions on green fodder cultivation in Saudi Arabia (SA) due to water conservation efforts, the use of compound feed could serve as a viable alternative for livestock farmers. This study aimed to investigate livestock farmers' farming objectives, their feeding management strategies, and the uptake of compound feed in the country. Data from 650 randomly selected livestock farmers were collected through an online survey with the assistance of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. The findings showed that most farmers raised sheep and goats for trade purposes using specialized farms and desert grazing. Alfalfa hay was widely used as a fodder along with barley grain. While approximately 47% of the farmers did not utilize compound feed, 44% reported its usage. Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that formal education, farming experience, and income level significantly influenced the adoption of compound feed among livestock farmers. These results underscore the critical role of education and financial resources in promoting the use of compound feed among livestock farmers in SA. It is recommended that government institutions should develop initiatives to educate farmers on proper animal nutrition practices and provide financial support to make compound feed more affordable for low-income farmers. The widespread use of compound feed has the potential to enhance livestock health and productivity, thereby positively contributing to the food security of SA.

Assessing the impact of compound feed on Livestock: Saudi Arabian Livestock breeders perspective

Assessing the impact of compound feed on Livestock: Saudi Arabian Livestock breeders perspective

Productive qualities of young quails with the use of fennel oil (Foeniculum vulgare) in compound feed

Productive qualities of young quails with the use of fennel oil (Foeniculum vulgare) in compound feed

Biochemical indicators of pig blood when using a complex probiotic feed supplement

The use of probiotics in animal feed is one of the most promising alternatives to the application of antibiotics. In order to establish the effectiveness of the use of a complex probiotic supplement (Lactobacillus spp., Lactococcus spp., Spirulinaceae, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Actinomycetaceae, Aspergillus spp. and Penicillium spp.) in pig farming, two groups of pigs of the Poltava Meat breed were formed by the analog method. In the ration of the fattening pigs of the experimental group, 1.0% of the mass of compound feed was replaced with a complex probiotic supplement, which was fed during the 45 days of the experimental period at the age of 135 to 180 days. In experimental pigs, biochemical blood parameters were determined (the content of protein, lipids, cholesterol, triglycerides, activity of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, the content of creatinine, glucose, calcium, phosphorus, albumins and globulins) using test kits from the company "Filisit Diagnostics" (UA). As a result of the research, it was established that with the use of a complex probiotic feed supplement, the content of total protein in the blood serum of the pigs of the experimental group was higher by 18.4%, glucose by 21.4%, aspartate aminotransferase activity by 20.4%, alanine aminotransferase by 38.0% compared to control group. In both groups, regardless of the established difference, the named indicators were within the physiological norm. The concentration of cholesterol in the blood of pigs receiving the probiotic supplement decreased by 43.2%, but the concentration of calcium (by 26.2%) and phosphorus (by 17.9%) increased. In the experimental group, the blood indicators related to the immunity of pigs improved – the content of α1 and α2 globulins decreased by 4.1% and 7.4%, respectively. Also, in the experimental group, the concentration of albumins increased by 7.5%, which probably indicates an improvement in the functional state of the liver. As a result of feeding with a complex probiotic supplement in the experimental group the albumin-globulin ratio improved, which increased by 35.0%. Thus, the introduction of a complex probiotic feed additive into the ration of pigs changed the structure of the influence of exogenous and endogenous factors on metabolism, had a positive effect on the protein profile of the blood, and caused an increase of average daily gains in experimental animals by 5.8% compared to the control group.

CONCEPT OF MICROBIOLOGICAL GRAPH OF FEED AND FOOD PRODUCTION

Compound feeds are favorable environments for microorganisms, namely bacteria and fungi. Both groups contain nonpathogenic, opportunistic and pathogenic members. Bacteria can cause infections, and fungi can cause mycotoxicoses, so controlling microbial contamination of feed is of great importance. Sources of microbial contamination of compound feed include both raw materials and the production environment: air, surfaces, equipment, and the hands and clothing of employees. As raw materials and pre-products move through production lines, they undergo certain processes that can either reduce or increase microbial contamination. The reducing processes include grain dehulling and high-temperature processing (moisture and heat treatment, conditioning, extrusion, expansion, drying of minerals, granulation), while the increasing processes include making preliminary mixtures, grinding, dosing and mixing, and the production of grits. In dosing and mixing, the contribution of each component is determined by its dose and has a two-way effect: the component contributes its microbiota, but its mass dilutes the mixture. The sequence of these processes represents a certain dynamics of microbial burden, which will result in the contamination level of the finished product lower or higher than in the initial raw material. This sequence can be represented as a microbiological graph, the vertices of which are the positive or negative contributions of the processes to the microbiological burden of the material. And the system of such vertices can be represented as a simple mathematical equation. Creating microbiological graphs for individual production lines or for the manufacture as a whole can help to understand the microbiological dynamics in a material or product and apply appropriate corrective measures to prevent microbiological hazards in the final product. This paper proposes a method of making a microbiological graph with two types of vertex designations for the IV generation compound feed production, as well as a mathematical apparatus for calculating the vertices of the graph.

ANALYSIS OF THE STATE OF THE POULTRY INDUSTRY AND HIDDEN OPPORTUNITIES

Today, both producers and consumers of fodders are aware that achieving high productivity of animals and poultry, as well as optimal quality of final products, is impossible without the use of complete and nutritionally balanced feed. Requirements for the quality of compound feeds continuously grow and change, as new, more productive animal breeds and poultry crosses appear. It is proved that the COVID-19 pandemic, the full-scale war in Ukraine, climate variability and the global economic crisis are seriously undermining efforts to fight hunger and improve food security and nutrition. In the countries of Europe and Central Asia, the number of people who face problems in accessing adequate nutrition, including quality and safe products, has increased by 25.5 million people. According to FAO estimates, by 2050 we will have to increase the production of food and animal protein, including by 60%, to provide food for the world's 9.3 billion people. It has been established that poultry products are the most common and available source of animal protein to meet the needs of the world's population. The dynamics of changes in the feed production volume in 2018-2023 according to the data of the annual Agri-Food Outlook are presented. The top 10 leading countries in the feed production in 2022 are listed. They consume 64% of the world's compound feed, and half of the world's compound feed consumption is concentrated in four countries (China, USA, Brazil and India). A comparative analysis of the structure of compound feed production by types of agricultural animals and poultry for 2021-2023 shows that there is a growth trend for almost all types. The production of compound feed for pigs has been negatively affected by ASF all over the world. The greatest growth is observed in the field of compound feed for pets. It has been proven that a third of consumers prefer poultry products due to their availability and quality. In Ukraine, the industry is developing rapidly even in the conditions of a full-scale war, personnel shortages, power outages, inflation and disruption of logistics chains. The volume of global poultry production from 2012 to 2023 is shown. It is constantly increasing, caused by the increase in demand for affordable and relatively cheap animal protein. As a result of the analysis of the dynamics of poultry meat production by country in 2022-2023, it was established that the USA remains the leader in the production of poultry meat in the world for many years. Brazil and China remain in second and third place. Brazil has the largest growth during the reporting period. High competition in the field of breeding of laying hens and broilers stimulates the development of niche industries, such as guinea fowl breeding. Guinea fowls are raised for meat, eggs and fluff. This can be a very profitable business, especially for small poultry farms, due to the speed of payback of small investments and the unpretentiousness of the bird

Quinolizidine alkaloids and phomopsin A in animal feed containing lupins: co-occurrence and carry-over into veal products

Lupins are used in animal feed because of their excellent nutritional composition. Australian and European Lupinus angustifolius seeds are incorporated in compound feed of calves for veal production in Belgium. To investigate the co-occurrence of quinolizidine alkaloids (QAs) and phomopsin A (PHO A) in lupin seeds and lupin-containing feed, and the potential transfer to animal-derived foods, representative samples were obtained from various actors in the chain. A UHPLC-MS/MS method was validated for the simultaneous quantification of seven QAs and PHO A in relevant matrices. Results indicate highly consistent total QA (TQA) levels in Australian lupins (173 ± 24 mg/kg) (n = 25), while European samples showed a high variability (1442 ± 1497 mg/kg) (n = 15). PHO A was detected in 7 of 40 samples. Lupin-containing feed had a mean TQA content of 42 ± 28 mg/kg (n = 20). An in vivo feeding trial demonstrated the transfer of QAs to muscle and liver of calves that were fed the lupin-containing feed. Highest concentrations were found for lupanine in liver tissue samples (67 ± 46 µg/kg). PHO A concentrations were below the LOD in all feed and tissue samples. These results indicate that animal-derived foods (veal meat/liver) are a potential route for QAs to enter the food chain.

Chemical composition, energy content, and nutrient digestibility of rye grain in broiler chickens

The development of livestock farming is always associated with the search for new dietary components that increase feed efficiency or reduce feed costs. The maximum use of regional, conventional feed in the feeding of farm animals is quite relevant today. Furthermore, certain feeds, the production of which is accompanied by low greenhouse gas emissions, help reduce the carbon footprint of the diet as a whole. The purpose of this study was to determine the nutritional value of rye grain of the modern hybrid KWS Tayo and the digestibility of nutrients in poultry. The chemical composition of grain, digestibility of nutrients in broiler chickens, and total energy content were investigated. The chemical composition of feed, compound feed, and litter was determined according to the Wende method. Nutrient digestibility studies were conducted on broiler chickens of the ROSS-308 cross. For the physiological experiment, 5 chickens aged 22 days were selected. The experiment was carried out using a complex method, by replacing part of the basic diet. The experiment consisted of 2 parts. In the first experiment, the nutrient digestibility of the main diet was determined – compound feed containing 5% rye grain; in the second, the main diet with an additional 5% rye grain was used. The calculation was made on the assumption that the digestibility of nutrients in the main diet was the same in both experiments. The compound feed was balanced according to the recommendations of the cross developer. The energy content of rye grain was calculated in J of metabolisable energy by the regression equation, based on the data on the content of digestible protein, fat, fibre, and NFES determined in the physiological experiment. The average dry matter content of the rye samples was 87.4%. The content of the main nutrients in the grain of natural moisture was as follows: crude protein – 8.87±0.484%; crude fat – 1.63±0.105%; NFES – 73.95±0.494%, and crude ash – 0.53±0.109%. The nutrient digestibility of rye grain was as follows: crude protein – 76%; crude fat – 82%, crude fibre – 8%; NFES – 81% and organic matter – 78%. The total energy value of rye grain was 12.420±0.2573 MJ/kg of metabolic energy for poultry. Nutritionists can use the nutritional and nutrient digestibility data of rye grain to develop practical recipes for poultry compound feed

Growth performance and nutritional profile of Tenebrio molitor raised on a diet composed of livestock feedstuff

AbstractEdible insects such as the mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) are emerging as an alternative animal protein resource to meet the needs of a growing global population. However, despite the successful mass production of edible insects, research into practical compound feed for edible insect is still insufficient. In this study, mealworms were fed wheat bran, layer chicken feed mash, chicken pellets and cattle pellets for 1 to 36 days, after which their body length was measured. In the groups fed with chicken feed mash, chicken pellets or cattle pellets, the mean body lengths were 2.88, 2.92 and 2.95 cm, respectively, similar to the 2.95 cm of the control T. molitor fed with wheat bran. Individual weight measurements yielded similar results: control, 7.87 g; chicken feed mash, 7.43 g; chicken pellets, 7.60 g; and cattle pellets, 7.63 g. Analysis of livestock feed intake showed that the intake was 290.4 g in control insects, 137.7 g in insects fed chicken feed mash, 220.2 g in insects fed chicken pellets and 230.3 g in insects fed cattle pellets. In the excretion analysis, the excretion of the control insects (161.60 g) was larger than that of the insects fed with chicken feed mash (93.37 g), chicken pellets (93.40 g) or cattle pellets (133.87 g). An analysis of the nutritional content of T. molitor based on nine major nutrients showed no significant differences between the control and the test groups. These results can be used to improve the price competitiveness and quality of T. molitor for commercial development.

Haliotis tuberculata coccinea grow-out performances according to diet and production systems

ABSTRACT Haliotis tuberculata coccinea is a candidate of growing interest to diversify aquaculture in the Canary Islands, principally based on fish production, to improve aquaculture development opportunities. The economic viability of commercial abalone farming depends largely on the rearing system employed and the feeding sources employed during the grow-out culture period. We studied the effects of two land-based culture systems on the growth performance of abalone and the nutritional quality of their tissues, in a crossed design. Recirculated (RAS) and open flow (FLOW) culture systems were compared. Fresh macro algae (FMA) (Gracilaria cornea and Ulva rigida) were compared to manufactured compound feed (CF) and a mixture of both (MIX). Survival rates were high (97–100%) regardless the treatments tested. MIX and FMA diets produced the best results for Shell Growth Rate, Specific growth rates for shell growth (SGRsl) and weight (SGRw) as well as Food Conversion Ratio (FCR). The highest value for feed intake was recorded for the MIX diet. A positive relationship has been observed between the amounts of protein and lipids in diets and the disposition of these in the viscera of animals fed such diets. The rearing system used had no significant effect on growth and nutritional parameters.

Analysis of bacterial community of Labidochromis caeruleus reared in RAS with various feeds

The electric yellow cichlid (Labidochromis caeruleus), renowned for its exceptional ornamental value, enjoys widespread popularity among aquarium enthusiasts and holds significant economic value in the market. This study employed high-throughput sequencing technology to analyze the microorganisms in the circulating water of the electric yellow cichlid cultivated with six different types of feeds. Statistical results showed that the compound feed group exhibited the highest specific growth and mass gain rates. In contrast, the water flea and brine shrimp groups showed lower rankings with significant differences. 51,084 to 64,626 effective sequences were obtained and clustered into 127 to 848 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). The research findings indicate a remarkable bacterial diversity in the breeding environment of electric yellow cichlids with higher levels in the water flea and brine shrimp groups, and the lowest level in the compound feed group; the dominant bacterial phyla in all six experimental groups include Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Parcubacteria, and Cyanobacteria; Comparative analysis using the COGs database revealed significant differences (P<0.05) in the metabolic pathways of 24 functional microbial genes among the experimental groups.

Influence of complex enzyme drug and phytase on growth, digestibility and use of nutrients of wheat and soya compound feed and mineralization of the drumstick in broiler chickens

Plant feeds contain anti-nutritional factors. Thus, non-starchy polysaccharides are poorly digested and can serve as a barrier to enzyme access to nutrients. Phytate can form a complex with other divalent cations (Ca, Mn, Mg, Fe, Zn), amino acids. Phytate is the largest reserve of phosphorus in plants, but this compound cannot be effectively absorbed by poultry, which requires the inclusion of expensive inorganic sources of phosphorus in feed. The purpose of the research was to evaluate the possible effects of separate and combined inclusion of the complex enzyme drug Sunzyme (matrix as an ingredient) and the phytase-containing enzyme drug Sunface 5000 (matrix in nutritional value) on the digestibility and absorption of nutrients of wheat and soybean compound feed by broiler chickens. During the experiment, 204 day-old broiler chickens were divided according to the principle of analogues into 4 groups of 51 heads in each. The broiler chickens of the control group received compound feed without enzyme drugs, the 1st experimental group received compound feed with Sanzyme (matrix as an ingredient), the 2nd experimental group received compound feed with Sanzyme (matrix as an ingredient) and Sunface 5000 (matrix in nutritional value), the 3rd experimental group received compound feed with Sunface 5000 (matrix in nutritional value). Compound feeds were fed from one day to 42 days of age. In order to determine the digestibility of the main nutrients in compound feeds of broiler chickens aged 35–42 days, a physiological experiment was carried out based on the results of which a animal science analysis of the fed compound feeds and litter was carried out using generally accepted methods. When studying feed and litter, the mass fraction of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, fiber, nitrogen-free extractives, ash, calcium and phosphorus were determined. It was found that compared with the control group broiler chickens received Sunzyme and Sunface 5000 had higher coefficients of digestibility and nutrient utilization of wheat and soybean compound feeds and as a result achieved a high average final live weight with low feed intake per unit of gain during the rearing period.

Metasmart in the rations of young sheep of Kuibyshev breed

Realization of the productivity potential of sheep is possible only under the condition of balanced feeding based on the characteristics of their nutrition and metabolism. Maximum gains in live weight and high-quality wool can only be obtained as a result of adequate feeding, balanced with all currently known nutrients including amino acids. The use of synthetic amino acids in particular methionine when feeding ruminants is diffi cult, because with a lack of energy and nitrogen in the feed, protein and amino acids are partially degraded in the forestomach. Therefore, the use of synthetic amino acids as part of the ration of ruminant animals becomes less eff ective and is unjustifi ed from an economic point of view. The purpose of the research was to study Metasmart (protected methionine) in the rations of haggerels of Kuibyshev breed. The experiment was carried out on three groups of young animals (control and two experimental) from 3 to 9 months of age per 12 heads animals in each group. Scientifi c and economic experiment was divided into two periods, the fi rst period from 3 to 7, the second period from 7 to 9 months of age. For animals of the 2nd and 3rd experimental groups in the fi rst period (from 3 to 7 months of age), Metasmart was included in the feed at the rate of 1,5 and 2,0 g/head/day. In the second period (from 7 to 9 months of age) Metasmart was included in the compound feed at the rate of 2,0 and 3,0 g/head/day in the experimental groups. It was established that feeding protected methionine (Metasmart) to meat-wool young sheep helped reduce feed intake for a gain of 1 kg of live weight, which had a positive eff ect on the prime-cost of growth and meat productivity of haggerels of Kuibyshev breed. Analysis of parameters of wool productivity of haggerels showed that the inclusion of Metasmart in the compound feed in an amount of 2,0 g/head/day in the fi rst period and 3,0 g/head/day in the second period had a positive effect on the wool productivity of animals and the quality of wool.

Biological features and meat productivity of young pheasants during intensive rearing

In pheasant breeding, the influence of the method of housing on the meat productivity of the livestock has not been sufficiently studied yet, and the reserves of the young pheasants’ growth potential during crossbreeding have been little utilized. At the same time, it is necessary to clearly determine the influence of sexual dimorphism of pheasants on meat productivity parameters in order to effectively improve the technology of rearing meat pheasants for increased weight categories. The purpose of the work was to study the biological characteristics and parameters of meat productivity of young pheasants during intensive rearing. The increase in meat productivity of pheasants by crossbreeding F1 (♂ Romanian pheasant × ♀ hunting pheasant) against the background of optimizing the conditions for housing crossbred young animals and using a new feeding system based on the predominant use of corn grain with phase changes in the concentration of energy and protein in compound feed was studied in the work. When developing a new technological scheme for the intensive rearing of pheasants for meat up to increased weight categories, the feeding preferences of the birds, the infl uence of sexual dimorphism, blood parameters and features of the histological structure of muscle tissue were taken into account. It has been established that in order to increase the production of high-quality pheasant meat, it is necessary to intensively raise crossbred F1 cockerels (♂ Romanian × ♀ hunting pheasant) in an open-air cage (0,4 m2/head) and the use of compound feed with a constantly high specifi c gravity of crude protein (up to 25 %) and corn grain component (50–55 % by weight of the compound feed), which makes it possible to obtain increased weight categories of meat pheasant at the age of 16 weeks such as live weight of young animals 1551,2±25,09 g, and gutted carcass weight 1228,3±11,85 g.

Control program for the dosing system of dry bulk feed components

The development of intensive farming technologies is impossible without the introduction of modern technologies. The problem of compound feed production in the voiced aspect can be solved not only through the development of new machines and equipment, but also the introduction of modern control systems. The article presents an analysis of existing dispenser control systems. Based on the analysis of programs and control systems, it was revealed that almost all programs are designed to work in limited conditions, some of them do not take into account a number of factors affecting the accuracy of the material supply. Therefore, a control program for a twin-screw dispenser is proposed. When developing the management program, we started from the technological process of dosing. The possibility of controlling two augers was taken into account: first, a large auger (driven by an asynchronous electric motor) turns on and feeds the main part, then it turns off and the second small auger (driven by an asynchronous or stepper motor) turns on, which carries out the filling of the remaining part. In this case, signals about the amount of material supplied are transmitted from weighing sensors (strain gauges). The proposed control program for the twin-screw dispenser is developed for the TM241C24R PLC in the Structured Text (ST) programming language, one of the languages of the IEC61131-3 standard, in the EcoStruxure Machine Expert programming environment. The control is displayed on a liquid crystal display. The main screen displays basic information: the parameters of the electric motor, the recipe and the readings of the weighing sensors. The program allows you to control the operation of dispensers in several modes. In automatic mode, each dispenser supplies only one component. In manual control mode, the dispensers are started and stopped by the operator from the control panel. In this case, it is possible to set the rotation speed of the dispenser shaft. In the dosing mode with two augers, one component is dispensed with two augers. The proposed program will improve the accuracy of dosing in automatic mode.

European union reference laboratory for feed additives: experience from 11 years organising proficiency testing

Feed additives are individually authorised within the European Union (EU) specifying the conditions of their use under real-world conditions. These criteria often include minimum or maximum level of their content in compound feed. In addition, feed business operators are obliged to indicate on the feed the level of the added content of the feed additive. While it is the task of the EU Member States official laboratories to perform control analyses to establish compliance with these provisions, the European Union Reference Laboratory for Feed Additives (EURL-FA) is organising since 2012 annual proficiency tests (PTs) for Member States’ National Reference Laboratories (NRLs). PTs organised by the EURL-FA are based on the principles that compound feed samples are prepared containing a known content of the target feed additive. These PT samples are then sent to the NRLs for analysis and the results reported back to the EURL-FA are subjected to statistical assessment to establish the laboratory specific proficiency to correctly analyse compound feed samples for the respective feed additive. In the current study, we looked at the outcome of this assessment across different PTs. The topics addressed were (1) the evaluation of the overall measurement capability of NRLs in respect to coccidiostats, trace elements and vitamin D3, (2) the challenge related to the preparation of homogenous test materials with particle-based feed additives, (3) a possible connection between the modified composition of preparations containing vitamin A and analytical results and (4) the impact of a training course on the proficiency of laboratories regarding carotenoid analysis.

111 Current and future usage of soybean meal in swine diets in China

Abstract The objective of this presentation was to introduce the utilization tendency and research progress of soybean meal (SBM) in swine diets in China. As for the utilization tendency of SBM in China, it not only brings great pressure to the food security of China, but also directly pushes the high production cost of animal products. In 2022, 117 million tons of protein feed was consumed by the animal husbandry in China, accounting for nearly 1/3 of the total protein feed consumption in the world. Thus, the application of low-protein diet has been promoted with the strong support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs in China since 2018. With the related techniques, including popularizing low protein diet, developing new protein feed resources, promoting precise nutrition, and feeding technology, even though the compound feed output has increased by more than 84 million tons in 2022 in China, the SBM consumption in feed has reduced 6%. Recently, the geopolitical challenges, regional unrest and climate change tendency have increased the great uncertainty of protein feed supply, which requires us to deeply understand the significance of SBM reduction and substitution in animal feed. As for the research progress, the available energy contents of SBM were determined on growing pigs. Barrows [n = 24; initial body weight (BW) = 36 ± 1.4 kg] were randomly allotted to 4 diets containing SBM with either corn basal or corn-soybean meal basal, and total feces and urine collection method and indirect calorimetry method were used to determine the available energy of SBM. The results showed that the average digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), net energy (NE), and retained energy (RE) values in SBM [17.36, 16.52, 10.62, and 5.06 MJ/kg dry matter (DM), respectively] determined using the corn-SBM-basal diet were not different from the those determined using the corn-basal diet. Moreover, the best fitted prediction equations developed based on 22 SBM samples produced from soybeans from China (n = 6), USA (n = 6), Brazil (n = 7) or Argentina (n = 3) were: DE = 38.44 - 0.43 CF - 0.98 GE + 0.11 ADF (R2 = 0.67, P < 0.01) and ME = 2.74 + 0.97 DE - 0.06 CP (R2 = 0.79, P < 0.01). The in vitro digestion kinetics of SBM from different sources showed that the release of amino acids in the 0-10 min time interval was significantly negatively correlated with the NE of SBM (R2 = -0.34).

Effects of carriers for oils in compound feeds on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and gut microbiota in broiler chickens

Carrier materials for oils in compound feeds may be used in animal nutrition to supply liquid feed additives. However, implications of such carriers for the digestibility of the contained oil are unknown. This study investigated the potential of oil carriers in compound feed and their effect on performance, metabolizable energy, fatty acid (FA) retention, amino acid (AA) digestibility, and gut microbiota in broiler chickens. Six experimental diets were formulated following a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with 20 g/kg or 40 g/kg of rapeseed oil supplied with no carrier or bound in a silica-based (SC) or lignocellulose-based (LC) carrier in a 1:1 mass ratio. The diets were assigned to 48 metabolism units with 15 animals each based on a randomized complete block design and fed from day 18 to 28 of the trial. Total excreta were collected from day 24 to 27 and used to determine total tract retention (TTR) of FA and MEn. On day 28, AA digestibility both by the distal half of the jejunum and the distal half of the ileum was determined, and microbiota of ileal and cecal digesta was analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. There were significant interactions for ADG, ADFI, the gain:feed ratio (G:F), MEn, and the TTR of crude fat and most fatty acids (P≤0.046) except for C18, C18:2, and C22:0. Addition of SC decreased ADG, ADFI, and G:F (P<0.001), while LC at 40 g/kg oil inclusion increased G:F and MEn (P<0.001) for both inclusion levels. The TTR of crude fat and the FA C18:1, C18:2, C18:3, and C22:0 was increased by the addition of SC (P≤0.016), while LC increased the TTR of the FA C18:1 and C18:2 as well as the TTR of C18:3 at 20 g/kg oil inclusion (P≤0.016). Adding SC and LC increased the digestibility of seven and two AA by the distal half of the jejunum, respectively, and the digestibility of eight and 13 AA by the distal half of the ileum, respectively (P≤0.039). The β-diversity and abundance of some taxa were altered by addition of LC and SC in the ceca while no treatment effect on the ileal microbiota was found. The results give no indication of an incomplete release of the oil from the carriers because the TTR of most FA was increased upon addition of SC and LC. LC may be used to supply liposoluble feed additives without drawbacks for nutrient digestibility and growth while SC requires further examination.

Challenges When Assessing Water-Related Environmental Impacts of Livestock Farming: A Case Study of a Cow Milk Production System in Catalonia

Water availability is a local issue of growing importance in Mediterranean areas where water scarcity linked to climate change and population growth is already leading to increased competition for this resource. This study is aimed at the following: (i) assessing the water-related environmental impacts (water use, freshwater ecotoxicity and eutrophication, marine eutrophication, acidification, human toxicity, and ionizing radiation) along the production chain of cow milk in Catalonia, northeastern Spain; and (ii) addressing the issues encountered (modelling choices, data gaps and inconsistencies) which t can affect the quality of results when performing a water-footprint comprehensive assessment, focusing on water use and associated water scarcity impacts. The scope included the process from the extraction of raw materials up to the distribution of the packaged fat- and protein-corrected milk to the distribution centres of the supermarket chains and markets. Results showed the farm stage to be determinant (contributing to over 60% of the impact), due to the impact of feed production. Impact results were in the range of the European benchmark given by the Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules for dairy products, except for the water scarcity footprint which was one order of magnitude larger than the reference value, due to water scarcity in Spain. Considering compound feed ingredients with a lower water scarcity footprint, and research into slurry treatment for its use as irrigation and cleaning water (without compromising safety and health) could help reduce this impact. Water accounting and traceability along the production chain could support the dairy industry to take responsibility for the consequences of their production choices.