Control Corn Research Articles

Lactational performance, ruminal fermentation, and enteric gas emission of dairy cows fed an amylase-enabled corn silage in diets with different starch concentrations

This study investigated the effects of feeding an amylase-enabled corn silage (ACS) on the performance and enteric gas emissions in lactating dairy cows. Following a 2-wk covariate period, 48 mid-lactation Holstein cows were assigned to 1 of 3 treatments in a 10-wk randomized complete block design experiment. Treatments were diets containing the same proportion of corn silage (40% of dietary DM) as follows: (1) a conventional hybrid corn silage control (CON), (2) ACS replacing the control silage (ADR), and (3) the ADR diet replacing soybean hulls with ground corn grain to achieve the same dietary starch concentration as CON (ASR). Control corn silage and ACS were harvested on the same day and contained 40.3% and 37.1% DM and (% of DM): 37.2% and 41.0% NDF and 37.1% and 30.0% starch, respectively. Enteric gas emissions were measured using the GreenFeed system. Two cows were culled due to health-related issues during the covariate period. Ruminal fluid was collected from 24 cows (8 per treatment) using the orogastric ruminal sampling technique. When compared with CON, cows fed ADR had increased DMI during experimental wk 3, 4, and 9, but treatment did not affect milk or ECM milk yields (39.0 kg/d on average; SEM = 0.89). Compared with CON, feed efficiency (per unit of milk, but not ECM) tended to be lower for ADR, whereas milk true protein concentration (a tendency) and yield were lower for ASR. Milk urea N was decreased by both ADR and ASR diets relative to CON. Compared with CON, daily CH4 emission and emission intensity were increased by ADR but not ASR. Total protozoal count tended to be increased by both diets formulated with ACS when compared with control corn silage. Total-tract digestibility of dietary NDF was greater for ASR, and that of ADF was greater for both ADR and ASR versus CON. The molar proportion of acetate (a tendency) and acetate-to-propionate ratio were increased by ADR, but not ASR, when compared with CON. Replacement of CON with ACS (having lower starch concentration) in the diet of dairy cows increased DMI during the initial weeks of the experiment, maintained ECM, tended to decrease feed efficiency, and increased enteric CH4 emissions, likely due to increased intake of digestible fiber, compared with CON.

Response of broiler breeder pullets when fed hydrolyzed whole yeast from placement to 22 wk of age

The study examined the effects of feeding broiler breeder pullets hydrolyzed whole yeast (HY) from hatch to 22 wk of age (WOA). A total of 524-day-old Ross 708 pullets were placed in floor pens (∼24 birds/pen) for the starter (0-4 WOA) and grower (5-18 WOA) phases, then transferred to the egg production facility and redistributed to ∼20 birds/pen for the prelay phase (19-22 WOA). Two diets were allocated to pens (0-18 WOA; n = 11) and (19-22 WOA; n-12). The diets were a control corn and soybean meal diet formulated to meet specifications and control plus 0.05% HY (HY). Birds had ad libitum access to feed in the first week and daily feed allocation based on pen BW from 2 WOA. Birds had free access to water throughout the trial. Body weight (BW) and uniformity (BW CV) were monitored. Boosters for infectious bronchitis and New Castle disease vaccines were administered at 18 WOA, and samples of pullets bled for antibody titer 5-day later. One pullet/pen was randomly selected, weighed, bled for plasma biochemistry, and necropsied for organ weights, ceca digesta for short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), and leg bones morphometry. In the starter and grower phases, birds fed HY were lighter and gained less (P < 0.05) than control birds. However, there were no diet effects (P > 0.05) on growth, the BW prelay phase, or BW uniformity throughout the trial. There were no (P > 0.05) diet effects on breast, gastrointestinal, liver and bursa weights, serum antibody titers, plasma biochemistry, SCFA and bone attributes. However, pullets fed HY had heavier (P = 0.047) spleen and tended to have lower (P = 0.080) plasma concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) relative to control pullets. In conclusion, the parameters assessed showed no negative consequences of feeding HY to broiler breeder pullets. However, effects on the spleen and plasma AST may indicate modest modulation of immunity and metabolism. The impact of the provision of HY during broiler breeder pullet phase on reproductive performance and chick quality should be investigated.

163 Effect of Enogen Feed Corn Inclusion in Conventional and Natural Finishing Cattle Diets

Abstract A finishing experiment was conducted to determine the effects of Enogen Feed Corn inclusion in comparison with a control corn hybrid within natural and conventional feeding programs on finishing performance. The experiment used 400 crossbred steers (initial BW = 384 ± 33 kg) and 200 crossbred heifers (initial BW = 330 ± 19 kg) in a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments with 10 replications of steers and 5 replications of heifers per treatment. Factors were Enogen Feed Corn (EFC) or control corn hybrid inclusion as dry-rolled corn and corn silage within conventional and natural feeding programs. Cattle assigned to the conventional program were fed rations that contained feed additives and received implants whereas cattle in the natural program received neither. Performance data were analyzed as a 2×2×2 factorial assessing interactions between sex, feeding program, and corn hybrid inclusion. A sex by feeding program by corn hybrid (P = 0.01) interaction was observed for dry matter intake (DMI). Interactions between sex and feeding program were observed for carcass adjusted final BW (final BW; P &amp;lt; 0.01), average daily gain (ADG; P &amp;lt; 0.01), feed efficiency (G:F; P &amp;lt; 0.01), and hot carcass weight (HCW; P = 0.01). No significant corn hybrid by sex interactions (P ≥ 0.12) or corn hybrid by feeding program interactions (P ≥ 0.13) were observed. Inclusion of EFC in natural heifer diets tended to increase DMI by 0.4 kg/d (P = 0.10), while hybrid inclusion had no impact on DMI of conventional heifers. Feeding EFC in conventional steer diets tended to increase DMI by 0.4 kg/d (P = 0.06) compared with steers consuming the control corn hybrid diet. Corn hybrid had no impact on DMI in natural steer diets (P = 0.15). Carcass adjusted final BW decreased by 75 kg in natural steers and 41 kg in natural heifers compared with conventional programs (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Natural heifers gained 0.24 kg/d less than conventional heifers (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Feeding steers in the natural program reduced ADG by 0.43 kg/d in comparison with conventional program steers (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Compared with natural cattle, G:F improved by 13.0% when heifers were fed in a conventional program (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and 19.4% when steers were fed in a conventional program (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Feeding program had no effect on marbling (P = 0.38) while conventional cattle had greater 12th rib fat than natural cattle (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Inclusion of EFC had no effect on ADG (P = 0.71), G:F (P = 0.22), or HCW (P = 0.57). The incorporation of implants and feed additives within the finishing period increased final BW, HCW, and ADG leading to improved G:F in steers and heifers, with the improvement being greater in steers.

Reduction of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Finishing Cattle Fed Corn Genetically Modified to Produce Increased Concentrations of Alpha Amylase in the Corn Kernel.

Cattle are recognized as the principal reservoir for Escherichia coli O157:H7 and preharvest food safety efforts often focus on decreasing shedding of this pathogen in cattle feces. Enogen® corn (EC; Syngenta Seeds, LLC) is genetically modified to produce enhanced concentrations of α-amylase in the corn kernel endosperm. Research has demonstrated improvements in feed efficiency for cattle fed EC and research has not yet explored whether improved digestion impacts foodborne pathogen populations in cattle. Therefore, this study explored effects of finishing diets containing EC on Escherichia coli O157:H7 prevalence in cattle. A 2 × 2 factorial experiment was conducted with steers (n = 960) fed diets consisting of 2 types of silage (EC or Control) and grain (EC or Control), fed daily ad libitum. Steers were grouped into 12 blocks by incoming body weight, blocks were randomly assigned to one of four pens, and pens were randomly assigned to one diet. Cattle were sampled using rectoanal mucosal swabs in cohorts of 298-337 cattle per day, for a total of 3 sampling days (15-16 days apart). Escherichia coli O157:H7 prevalence rates ranged from not detected (0/75) to 10.0% (8/80) depending on sampling day. Tests for the silage × corn interaction, and the main effects of silage and corn, were not significant (p > 0.05); however, EC reduced the odds of Escherichia coli O157:H7 prevalence by 43% compared to the control corn diet (p = 0.07). Diets containing EC tended to decrease Escherichia coli O157:H7 prevalence in feedlot cattle; however, this reduction was not significant. Before a conclusion can be drawn about impact of EC on Escherichia coli O157:H7 in cattle, further research is necessary to (1) determine if this tendency is due to increased alpha amylase activity and (2) elucidate impact on Escherichia coli O157:H7 prevalence and concentration, as well as a possible mechanism of action.

The effects of feeding α-amylase-enhanced corn silage with different dietary starch concentrations to lactating dairy cows on milk production, nutrient digestibility, and blood metabolites

Corn silage is one of the most common ingredients fed to dairy cattle. Advancement of corn silage genetics has improved nutrient digestibility and dairy cow lactation performance in the past. A corn silage hybrid with enhanced endogenous α-amylase activity (Enogen, Syngenta Seeds LLC) may improve milk production efficiency and nutrient digestibility when fed to lactating dairy cows. Furthermore, evaluating how Enogen silage interacts with different dietary starch content is important because the ruminal environment is influenced by the amount of rumen fermentable organic matter consumed. To evaluate the effects of Enogen corn silage and dietary starch content, we conducted an 8-wk randomized complete block experiment (2-wk covariate period, 6-wk experimental period) with a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement using 44 cows (n = 11/treatment; 28 multiparous, 16 primiparous; 151 ± 42 d in milk; 668 ± 63.6 kg of body weight). Treatment factors were Enogen corn silage (ENO) or control (CON) corn silage included at 40% of diet dry matter and 25% (LO) or 30% (HI) dietary starch. Corn silage used in CON treatment was a similar hybrid as in ENO but without enhanced α-amylase activity. The experimental period began 41 d after silage harvest. Feed intake and milk yield data were collected daily, plasma metabolites and fecal pH were measured weekly, and digestibility was measured during the first and final weeks of the experimental period. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model approach with repeated measures for all variables except for body condition score change and body weight change. Corn silage, starch, week, and their interactions were included as fixed effects; baseline covariates and their interactions with corn silage and starch were also tested. Block and cow served as the random effects. Plasma glucose, insulin, haptoglobin, and serum amyloid A concentrations were unaffected by treatment. Fecal pH was greater for cows fed ENO versus CON. Dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and starch digestibility were all greater for ENO than CON during wk 1, but differences were less by wk 6. The HI treatments depressed neutral detergent fiber digestibility compared with LO. Dry matter intake (DMI) was not affected by corn silage but was affected by the interaction of starch and week; in wk 1, DMI was similar but by wk 6, cows fed HI had 1.8 ± 0.93 kg/d less DMI than LO cows. Milk, energy-corrected milk, and milk protein yields were 1.7 ± 0.94 kg/d, 1.3 ± 0.70 kg/d, and 65 ± 27 g/d greater for HI than LO, respectively. In conclusion, ENO increased digestibility but it did not affect milk yield, component yields, or DMI. Increasing dietary starch content improved milk production and feed efficiency without affecting markers of inflammation or metabolism.

Use some plant oils, and organic nicotinic pesticides and bio-bacterial formulation (Thurcide) and its integration in control corn stem borer Sesamia cretica Led. (Lepidoptera:Phalaenidae) on maiz .

The results of evaluation of plant oils (neem oil, colocynth oil and castor oil) Actara, crusier bactericide and B. thuringiensis var kurstaki showed their compatibility with the phases of the field insect after three months of treatment where one (neem oil+ bacteria B. thuringiesis + crusier) of these treatments proved its success with less ratios of infection in the plants of Sesamia cretica Led reached 8.89%. The treatments with (colocynth oil+ bacteria B. thuringiesis + crusier) and (watering Actara + crusier) achieved a ratio of infection reached 13.22%, and 23.33% respectively comparing with the control treatment where the ratio of infection reached 94.50%.&#x0D; The less ratios of infection of corncobs in treatments (crusier + spraying Actara), (crusier + watering Acvtara), (neem oil + thurcide + crusier), and (castor oil + thurcide + crusier) reached 14.85%, 19.80%, 19.60%, and 19.90% respectively. These ratios have not differed incorporeally comparing with control treatment where the infection reached 54.61%.&#x0D; The results showed that all the treatments have increased the weight of the one corncob in comparison with the control treatment. The high weight of one corncob achieved in the treatments (castor oil + thurcide + crusier) and (neem oil + thurcide + crusier) which reached 134.4 g. and 133.13 g. respectively. The treatment (watering Actara + crusier) where the weight of the one corncob reached 129.52 g. in comparing with the control treatment where the weight of one corncob reached 96.04 g.

Evaluation of Effectiveness and Safety of Microcin C7 in Weaned Piglets.

The effects and safety of dietary supplementation with Microcin C7 (C7) were evaluated in 216 weaned piglets. The pigs were given a control corn−soybean meal basal diet or C7 diet (control diet supplemented with 250, 500, 750, 1000, or 5000 mg C7/kg diets). Compared with the control group, the 500 mg/kg C7 supplementation group had better intestinal morphological indicators (p < 0.05), which may help maintain intestinal epithelial function and increase the growth performance (p < 0.05) and apparent total tract digestibility (p < 0.05). The diarrhea indexes of the 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg groups were significantly lower than that of the control group at 0−28 d (p < 0.05), and the 500 mg/kg group had the lowest diarrhea indexes (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05). A comprehensive analysis showed that microbial structure was significantly correlated with the degree of diarrhea, and the diarrhea-alleviating effect of C7 may be related to its selective regulation of specific microbial taxa. The 250 and 500 mg/kg C7 supplementation also significantly improved several immune indices of piglets (p < 0.05). Compared with the control diet, 5000 mg/kg C7 supplementation had no significant adverse effect on all parameters. Overall, the 250−500 mg/kg dose had the best effect, and the highest dose (5000 mg/kg) posed no toxicity risk. Therefore, C7 appears safe for use as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in weaned piglets.

Effect of phytase corn addition on ethanol yield and distillers' dried grains with soluble profile in corn dry‐grind process

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPhytase as a feed additive improves the bioavailable phosphorus content of the poultry diet, thereby decreasing dependence on externally added phosphorus. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of adding phytase corn on ethanol yield and distillers' dried grains with soluble (DDGS) composition during a corn dry‐grind process.FindingsPhytase corn at 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% w/w of fermentable corn was added during the dry‐grind process. Upon fermentation, the ethanol yield was observed to be in the range of 17.9%–18.9% v/v compared to control (17.7% v/v), representing an 1%–6.5% increase in ethanol yield. Relative to the corn that was introduced at the beginning of the fermentation, the DDGS obtained from the control corn or phytase corn addition all showed a threefold increase in oil, protein, and neutral detergent fiber content. However, the phytic acid content of the DDGS was reduced from 0.45% w/w (control) to 0.13% w/w (phytase treatments).ConclusionAdding phytase corn in a dry‐grind process improves the ethanol yield and reduces phytate‐bound phosphorus content.Significance and NoveltyPhytase corn addition will improve the ethanol yield, DDGS nutritional quality in a corn dry‐grind process, and reduce dependence on phosphorus supplementation.

Pengaruh konsentrasi Ca(OH)2 dan suhu pemasakan pada proses nikstamalisasi tepung jagung

Nixtamalization is a corn cooking process with the addition of calcium hydroxide. This study aims to determine the best treatment combination between the concentration of Ca(OH)2 and cooking temperature to changes in physicochemical properties and amylographic properties of cornflour. This research was conducted using a completely randomized design with a factorial pattern with two factors. Factor I: concentration of Ca(OH)2 1%, 2% and 3% (w/v); Factor II: cooking temperature 70️℃, 80️℃, 90️℃, and 100️℃. The results of data analysis using ANOVA for all parameters showed significant differences. The results showed that the best treatment combination was the nixtamalization treatment with a concentration of Ca(OH)2 2% and a cooking temperature of 90️℃ which produces cornflour with a color coordinate value L*; a*; b* is 68.64; 16.27; 45.22; calcium content 0.473%; amylose content 68.92%; swelling power 7.13 ml/g; freeze-thaw stability 0.211 g/g. The microscopic structure of the best treatment showed that the surface shape of the starch granules was slightly rough, the cell walls were slightly thicker than the control corn flour; amylographic properties showed gelatinization temperature of 78.15️℃; peak gelatinization time of 8.13 minutes; peak viscosity 1147 cP; hot paste viscosity 1056 cP; breakdown viscosity 91 cP; final viscosity 2132 cP; setback viscosity 1076 cP.

Timely Application of Four Insecticides to Control Corn Earworm and Fall Armyworm Larvae in Sweet Corn.

Simple SummaryCorn earworm and fall armyworm are the most important Lepidopteran pests in sweet corn worldwide. Timely application of insecticides during pollination is crucial to control both species and produce kernels with higher quality. Our results showed that applications of insecticides should be conducted at 48 h after pollination. Emamectin benzoate and chlorantraniliprole provided an adequate control of fall armyworm and corn earworm larvae. Furthermore, emamectin benzoate should be applied to larvae in later instars (fourth–sixth) while chlorantraniliprole and spinetoram should be sprayed when infestations of larvae in earlier instars (first–third) are observed.Insecticide sprays are a common practice to control corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), and fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), in corn (Zea mays L.) at reproductive stages. Our objectives were to determine (1) the most appropriate time for insecticide applications and (2) the effect of four insecticides on the survival of larvae as well as their weight. ß-cyfluthrin (0.4 mL/L), chlorantraniliprole (0.6 mL/L), emamectin benzoate (0.2 g/L), and spinetoram (1.5 mL/L) were sprayed on silks of sweet corn planted in Isabela and Lajas, Puerto Rico 3 h before and 24 and 48 h after pollination. The number of kernels produced and the damage of larvae on kernels were quantified at harvest. In addition, percentages of mortality and changes on larval weight were noted at 96 h after insecticide applications. Insecticide sprays at 3 h before pollination reduced the number of kernels or were similar to the control in all treatments. However, emamectin benzoate sprayed in Lajas and chlorantraniliprole applied in Isabela at 48 h after pollination increased the number of kernels (281–294) and reduced the damage of larvae on kernels (<0.5%) compared to the control (201–229; >7%). Furthermore, applications of emamectin benzoate caused higher percentages of fall armyworm larval mortality (>70%). Conversely, ß-cyfluthrin and chlorantraniliprole caused lower percentages of mortality (<30%) and only chlorantraniliprole and spinetoram reduced the weight of corn earworm and fall armyworm larvae collected in both locations. This information may help pest management programs and corn breeders to schedule insecticide sprays and pollination in the field.

Crop\u2013livestock integration enhanced soil aggregate-associated carbon and nitrogen, and phospholipid fatty acid

Integrated crop–livestock (ICL) production enhances diversification and provides ecosystem benefits by improving nutrient cycling and energy efficiency, thus, increasing overall farm productivity. However, a detailed study is needed to understand the influence of crop diversification and grazing animals on soil aggregation and associated carbon (C) and nitrogen (N), and microbial properties, especially compared with a grazed native pasture. We investigated the soil aggregate size distribution and associated C and N fractions, glomalin-related soil protein, and soil phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) to understand the collective influence of livestock grazing of crop residue and cover crops (CC) and compared it with native pasture and non-grazed traditional production systems. The study was conducted in South Dakota at four different locations consisting of three long-term (> 30 years) on-farm sites: 1 (Salem), 2 (Bristol), 3 (Bristol) with three treatments that included ICL (corn, Zea Mays L.-soybean, Glycine max L.-oats, Avena sativa L.-CC with cattle grazing); natural ecosystem (NE) or native pasture; and control (CNT) (corn–soybean-without grazing or CC). Experimental site 4 (Beresford) with study duration of 3-year consisted of oats, oats with CC, oats with CC + grazing, and grazed pasture mix. Soil samples were collected from 0 to 5 cm depth at all four sites in summer 2019. Data showed that at sites 1 and 2, ICL had significantly (P ≤ 0.5) greater fractionation of 0.053–0.25 mm and > 4 mm aggregates compared with NE and CNT. At site 1, ICL showed significantly higher soil organic carbon (SOC, 36–49%) and higher nitrogen (33–44%) in > 4 mm aggregates than NE and CNT. At site 2, ICL had 32–41% higher SOC than NE and CNT for 0.25–0.5 mm aggregates. At site 1, NE enhanced total phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA), total bacterial biomass, gram (+), gram (−) bacteria than CNT, however, it did not vary significantly than ICL. Grazed pasture mix at site 4 had higher total PLFA (40.81 nmol g−1 soil) than the other treatments. The principal components 1 and 2 accounted for 33% and 22% of the variation, respectively, where the majority of the microbial compositions and aggregate-associated C and N were influenced by ICL and NE compared with corn–soybean without grazing or short-term oats/CC/grazing treatments. Integrated crop–livestock system and NE enhanced C and N concentrations in macroaggregates as well as in microaggregates. It is concluded that ICL and NE systems are sustainable prospects in enhancing overall soil health. Integrating crop and livestock improved physicochemical and microbial properties compared to the traditional corn–soybean system.

Effects of Industrial Waste Fish Oil Administration on Interleukin-6 (Il-6) Expression at Mice Colon being Induced by Azoxymethane (AOM) and Dextran Sodium Sulphate (DSS)

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the world’s third most cancer and the second highest mortality rate. The searching for new anti-inflammation substances with less adverse effects than aspirin for chemoprevention and adjuvant chemotherapy of CRC is running. The most notable one is fish oil containing omega 3. Kusmardi, et al. studied that industrial waste fish oil omega-3 level comes close enough to conventional fish oil industry. Study aims to reducing the level IL-6 on mice colon tissue being induced CRC using AOM/DSS by fish oil administration. Thirty male Swiss Webster mice are grouped into six treatments: positive control (aspirin), negative control (physiological saline), normal, high dose (fish oil 6mg/kgBW), medium dose (fish oil 3mg/kgBW), dan solvent control (corn oil). Colon tissue was stained using anti IL-6 antibody. Ten photos per slide were taken by microscope (400x), analyzed for the IL-6 expression by ImageJ®, and quantified for H-score. Data was analyzed using SPSS 24.0 (CI 95%) and p-value &lt;0.05 is consider significant. Data are not normally distributed with median of 161.64 (119.4-260.67). Kruskal-Wallis test is significant in addition with Mann-Whitney test shows only high dose group has significant difference to negative control (p=0.008), medium dose (p=0.016) dan and solvent control (p=0.008). No significant difference reported between high dose and positive control group (p=0.69). High dose industrial waste fish oil can lower IL-6 expression in mice colon tissue induced CRC using AOM/DSS.

Antagonistic Bacteria Bacillus subtilis Formulation as Biopesticide to Control Corn Downy Mildew caused by Peronosclerospora philippinensis

<p class='Abstract'>Downy mildew (DM) is a major disease of corn that can limit production. An alternative method of control that is currently being developed is the use of biopesticides which can inhibit the development of DM. Therefore, this study aims to test the effectiveness of <em>B. subtilis</em> antagonistic bacteria formulation in suppressing DM through seed treatment and foliar spraying. The study was carried out from June to October 2019 at Maros Experimental Farm of the Indonesian Cereals Research Institute. The first application was done by treating the seeds with the bacterial formulation with a dose of 8 g/kg of seeds. The second application was done at 16 DAP at a dose of 3 g/L. Spraying was done evenly throughout the leaves of the test plant. Observations made include incidents of downy mildew, presence of mycelium lignification, leaf chlorophyll content, stomatal density, plant height, and crop yield. Furthermore, the results showed that the application of the formula <em>B. subtilis</em> with seed treatment and spraying effectively suppressed the development of downy mildew and improved corn plants' growth. The test also showed that mycelium lignification occurred in the treatment using the formula <em>B. subtilis</em>. The treatment of B<em>. subtilis</em> tended to have higher leaf chlorophyll content in corn plants compared to control treatments. Considering the results, the Bima-15 and Perkasa variety have a relatively better response to <em>B. subtilis</em> biopesticides in inhibiting downy mildew infections, improving maize production.

Use of line-scan Raman hyperspectral imaging to identify corn kernels infected with Aspergillus flavus

The potential of line-scan Raman hyperspectral imaging system equipped with a 785 nm line laser was examined for discrimination of uninfected control, AF36-inoculated and AF13-inoculated corn kernels in this study. The AF13 and AF36 strains were used as representatives of the aflatoxigenic and non-aflatoxigenic A. flavus fungi. A total of 300 kernels were used with 3 treatments, namely, 100 kernels inoculated with the AF13 fungus, 100 kernels inoculated with the AF36 fungus, and 100 kernels inoculated with sterile distilled water as control. The kernels were incubated at 30 °C for 8 days, dried and surface wiped to remove exterior signs of mold. The kernels were imaged on both endosperm and germ sides over the wavenumber range of 103–2831 cm−1. The mean spectrum was extracted from the Raman image of each kernel, and preprocessed with adaptive iteratively reweighted penalized least squares, Savitzky-Golay smoothing and min-max normalization. Based upon the preprocessed group mean spectra, a total of 36 and 51 local Raman peaks were identified from the endosperm side and embryo area of germ side, respectively. With the spectral variables at the identified local peak locations as inputs of discriminant models, the 3-class principal component analysis-linear discriminant analysis models ran 50 random times, achieved mean overall prediction accuracies of 89.47% and 75.55% using the endosperm and embryo data, respectively. The corresponding standard deviations were 3.48% and 4.34%. The results demonstrate usefulness of the line-scan Raman imaging technology in differentiating uninfected control corn kernels and corn kernels infected with aflatoxigenic and non-aflatoxigenic fungi.

Impact of Feeding Syngenta Enogen® Feed Corn Compared to Control Corn in Different Diet Scenarios to Finishing Beef Cattle.

Simple SummaryA pooled statistical analysis of seven experiments and 200 pen observations was performed to determine the impact of feeding Enogen® corn compared to conventional corn grain in beef cattle finishing diets. When the corn was compared as dry-rolled corn in diets with lower inclusion rates of distiller grains plus solubles (less than 20% of the diet), feeding Enogen® corn improved the efficiency of beef production. That response was a 4.8% improvement due to feeding Enogen® in a corn-based diet without distiller grains but was 1.8% in diets with 18 to 20% distiller grains. Feeding Enogen® corn improved the efficiency by 4.5% in diets with another common byproduct, Sweet Bran®. Cattle performance was similar for Enogen® and conventional hybrids when processed and fed as high-moisture corn. Feeding Enogen® corn improves the gain efficiency of finishing cattle compared with conventional corn when fed as dry-rolled corn in diets with less than 20% distillers or diets that include Sweet Bran® feeds.The objective of this pooled statistical analysis was to evaluate Syngenta Enogen® Feed Corn (EFC) versus conventional corn (CON) when fed as either dry-rolled corn (DRC) or high-moisture corn (HMC) for effects on finishing beef cattle performance and carcass characteristics. Corns were evaluated in diets with byproduct inclusion rates of 0, 15, 18, 20, and 30% distiller grains or 25 and 35% Sweet Bran® (a commercial corn gluten feed product). Seven trials (n = 1856) consisting of 200 pen means comparing 26 diet treatments were analyzed using regression in a pooled analysis. When EFC was processed as DRC, the gain efficiency (G:F) improved compared with CON, but the response to feeding EFC decreased from a 4.8% improvement to no improvement compared to CON as distiller grains increased from 0 to 30%, but was significantly improved due to feeding EFC in diets with 0 to 18% distiller grains. Feeding cattle EFC as DRC increased the average daily gain (ADG) and G:F by 4.5% compared with CON corn in diets containing Sweet Bran®. No improvements in animal performance were observed when cattle were fed EFC compared to CON when processed as HMC in any situation. Feeding Enogen® corn improved the gain efficiency of finishing cattle compared with conventional corn when processed as dry-rolled corn and fed in diets with less than 20% distillers or diets that include Sweet Bran®.

Effect of Phytase Transgenic Corn Supplemented in Feed Diets on the Utilization of Calcium and Phosphorus in Bama Boars

The study aimed to evaluate the nutritional composition and the efficacy of phytase transgenic corn. Ten-month old castrated Bama boars and replicated a 6×6 Latin square design were used to evaluate the effect of phytase on utilization of calcium of phosphorus. Six-dietary treatments included: Phosphorus adequate control diet (PC), PTC0 (low-phosphorus diet), PTC500 (lowphosphorus diet with 500 FTU phytase/kg in PTC), PTC1000 (low-phosphorus diet with 1000 FTU phytase/kg in PTC), PTC5000 (low-phosphorus diet with 5000 FTU phytase/kg in PTC), microbe500 (low-phosphorus diet with 500 FTU phytase/kg from Aspergillus Niger). Contents of the proximate components, minerals, vitamins and amino acid of PTC did not differ from CC. The PTC has lower concentrations of phytate phosphorus than CC, the apparent digestibility of calcium and phosphorus of the PTC0 group is lower (p&lt;0.05). No obvious dose-dependent relationship about the apparent digestibility of calcium and phosphorus showed among PTC500, PTC1000 and PTC5000. Therefore, the nutritional compositions of PTC had substantial equivalence to that of control corn except for phytate phosphorus concentrations, the PTC addition can improve the apparent digestibility of phosphorus and calcium and reduce the excrement of inorganic phosphorus, PTC might be an economically efficient way to decrease environment pollutions.

Effect of varying the concentration of sulphuric acid and ammonium hydroxide on the release of cellulose from isolated cell wall component of corn cob

The scarcity and high price associated with fossil fuel has urged countries to research resources for alternative energy sources. Biofuels like bioethanol produced from lignocellulosic biomass (corn cob) were considered potential alternative. Cellulose composition from isolated cell wall material of corn cobs was investigated under two different pre-treatments using H2SO4 and NH4OH at varying concentrations of 5%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40%. Cell wall not treated acted as control. Colorimetric anthrone-assay followed by absorbance reading at 625nm revealed that glucose is present in reasonable amount in corn cob. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated significant differences among pre-treated compared to untreated (Control) corn cob samples at p≤0.05. Acid pre-treatment showed better glucose yield compared to alkali pre-treatment with results revealing 20% (19.37µg/ml) H2SO4 to be the optimal concentration producing highest glucose yield. The study reveals the potential of corn cob as a lignocellulosic feed stock for biofuel production.

Effect of methionine chelated Zn and Mn and corn particle size on Large White male turkey live performance and carcass yields

Most turkey research has been conducted with a regular corn particle size set through phase-feeding programs. This study's first objective was to determine the effect of increasing corn particle size through the feed phases on performance, processing yield, and feed milling energy usage in Large White commercial male turkey production. Zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn) are essential microminerals for animals' healthy growth. The source in which these elements are supplied to the bird will determine their bioavailability, effect on bird growth, and subsequent environmental impact. This study's second objective was to measure both inorganic and chelated Zn and Mn sources on turkey performance, turkey carcass processing yields, and subsequent litter residues. Twelve hundred Nicolas Select male poults were randomly assigned to 48 concrete; litter-covered floor pens. The experimental design was a completely randomized block design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of 2 sources of minerals (organic blend vs. inorganic) formulated to match breeder recommendations and 2 types of corn mean particle size (coarse corn [1,000–3,500 µm] vs. fine corn [276 µm]). The ASABE S319.4 standard was used to measure corn mean particle size. Bird performance, carcass processing yield, litter content of Zn and Mn, and pellet mill energy consumption were analyzed in SAS 9.4 in a mixed model. There was a reduction of pellet mill energy usage of 36% when coarse corn was added post-pelleting. Birds fed increasing coarse corn mean particle size were 250 g lighter on average in body weight (BW) than birds fed a constant control mean particle size. No difference was found in feed intake (FI) or feed conversion ratio (FCR). Birds fed methionine chelated Zn and Mn blended with inorganic mineral sources were 250 g heavier on average than birds fed only an inorganic source of minerals. In addition, feeding an organic blend of Zn and Mn resulted in greater breast meat yield. Litter from birds fed the control corn mean particle size, and inorganic minerals had a higher concentration of Zn in the litter but were not different when the chelated Zn/Mn were fed. In conclusion, increasing the corn mean particle size and adding it post pellet could save money during feed milling; however, birds might have a slightly lower BW. A combination of inorganic and chelated Zn and Mn may improve performance and increase total breast meat yields.

Lactational performance, rumen fermentation, and enteric methane emission of dairy cows fed an amylase-enabled corn silage

This study investigated the effects of an amylase-enabled corn silage on lactational performance, enteric CH4 emission, and rumen fermentation of lactating dairy cows. Following a 2-wk covariate period, 48 Holstein cows were blocked based on parity, days in milk, milk yield (MY), and CH4 emission. Cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments in an 8-wk randomized complete block design experiment: (1) control corn silage (CON) from an isogenic corn without α-amylase trait and (2) Enogen hybrid corn (Syngenta Seeds LLC) harvested as silage (ECS) containing a bacterial transgene expressing α-amylase (i.e., amylase-enabled) in the endosperm of the grain. The ECS and CON silages were included at 40% of the dietary dry matter (DM) and contained, on average, 43.3 and 41.8% DM and (% DM) 36.7 and 37.5% neutral detergent fiber, and 36.1 and 33.1% starch, respectively. Rumen samples were collected from a subset of 10 cows using the ororuminal sampling technique on wk 3 of the experimental period. Enteric CH4 emission was measured using the GreenFeed system (C-Lock Inc.). Dry matter intake (DMI) was similar between treatments. Compared with CON, MY (38.8 vs. 40.8 kg/d), feed efficiency (1.47 vs. 1.55 kg of MY/kg of DMI), and milk true protein (1.20 vs. 1.25 kg/d) and lactose yields (1.89 vs. 2.00 kg/d) were increased, whereas milk urea nitrogen (14.0 vs. 12.7 mg/dL) was decreased, with the ECS diet. No effect of treatment on energy-corrected MY (ECM) was observed, but a trend was detected for increased ECM feed efficiency (1.45 vs. 1.50 kg of ECM/kg of DMI) for cows fed ECS compared with CON-fed cows. Daily CH4 emission was not affected by treatment, but emission intensity was decreased with the ECS diet (11.1 vs. 10.3 g/kg of milk, CON and ECS, respectively); CH4 emission intensity on ECM basis was not different between treatments. Rumen fermentation, apart from a reduced molar proportion of butyrate in ECS-fed cows, was not affected by treatment. Apparent total-tract digestibility of nutrients and urinary and fecal nitrogen excretions, apart from a trend for increased DM digestibility by ECS-fed cows, were not affected by treatment. Overall, ECS inclusion at 40% of dietary DM increased milk, milk protein, and lactose yields and feed efficiency, and tended to increase ECM feed efficiency but had no effect on ECM yield in dairy cows. The increased MY with ECS led to a decrease in enteric CH4 emission intensity, compared with the control silage.

Endogenous production of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids protects mice from carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis by regulating mTOR and Bcl-2/Bax signalling pathways.

What is the central question of this study? What is the protective benefit of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on liver fibrosis and what are the relevant signalling pathways in a transgenic mouse model overexpressing the mfat-1 enzyme? What is the main finding and its importance? n-3 PUFA elevation strongly prevented carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 )-induced hepatic damage and inhibited the activation of hepatic stellate cells. n-3 PUFAs suppressed CCl4 -induced activation of mTOR, elevated Bcl-2 expression, and reduced Bax level, suggesting that n-3 PUFAs can render strong protective effects against liver fibrosis and point to the potential of mfat-1 gene therapy as a treatment modality. Liver fibrosis is a reversible wound healing response with excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins. It is a globally prevalent disease with ultimately severe pathological consequences. However, very few current clinical therapeutic options are available. Nutritional addition of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can delay and lessen the development of liver fibrosis. Herein, this study examined the protective benefit of n-3 PUFAs on liver fibrosis and the relevant signalling pathways using a transgenic mouse model overexpressing the mfat-1 enzyme that converts n-6 to n-3 PUFAs. Male C57BL/6 wild-type and mfat-1 transgenic mice were administered carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) or control corn oil by intraperitoneal injection. Blood alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were subsequently measured. CCl4 -induced hepatic damage and fibrosis were assessed using haematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining. Western blot assays were used to detect and quantify fibrosis-related proteins and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) signalling components. The direct effect of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) was also investigated in a co-culture experiment. n-3 PUFAs, as a result of mfat-1 activity, had a strong protective effect on liver fibrosis. The elevation of ALT and AST induced by CCl4 was significantly lessened in the mfat-1 mice. Histological determination revealed the protective effects of n-3 PUFAs on liver inflammation and collagen deposition. Co-incubation with DHA reduced the expression of profibrogenic factors in the primary HSCs. Moreover, mfat-1 transgenic mice showed significant reduction of proteins that are involved in mTOR and Bcl-2/Bax signalling pathways. Collectively, these results suggest that n-3 PUFA elevation strongly prevents CCl4 -induced hepatic damage by directly inhibiting the activation of HSCs and regulating the basal activity of the mTOR and Bcl-2/Bax signalling pathways. Gene therapy applying mfat-1 and elevating n-3 PUFAs represents a promising treatment strategy to prevent liver fibrosis.