Conventional Soybean Meal Research Articles

Replacing Hydrolyzed Soybean Meal with Recombinant β-Glucosidase Enhances Resistance to Clostridium perfringens in Broilers Through Immune Modulation

Aglycone soy isoflavones have notable immune-regulatory bioactivity, while glycosidic forms in soybean meal pose challenges for absorption. β-Glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21) catalyzes the non-reducing terminal β-d-glucosidic bonds, releasing β-d-glucan and aglycones. This study evaluated the impact of enzymatically hydrolyzed soybean meal (ESM) using recombinant β-glucosidase from Aspergillus niger on the growth performance and intestinal immune function of broilers under Clostridium perfringens infection. Prior to the feeding trial, soybean meal was enzymatically digested with recombinant β-glucosidase, ensuring almost complete conversion of glycosides to aglycones. After a week of pre-feeding, a total 180 healthy AA broilers were randomly assigned to three groups—control, semi-replacement of ESM (50% ESM), and full-replacement of ESM (100% ESM)—with 6 replicates of 10 chickens, and the trial lasted 28 days. On the 36th day, broilers were challenged with 1 mL of 1 × 1010 CFU/mL Clostridium perfringens (Cp) via gavage for 3 days. The results showed that the substitution of ESM had no effect on the body weight gain of broilers but significantly reduced the feed consumption and feed-to-gain ratio (p < 0.01). The study revealed that Cp significantly disrupted jejunal morphology, while ESM significantly mitigated this damage (p < 0.05). Real-time PCR results demonstrated that compared to the Cp group, ESM restored Cp-induced intestinal barrier impairments (e.g., Occludin, Claudin-1, Muc2), normalized aberrant cellular proliferation (PCNA) and apoptosis (Caspase-1 and Caspase-3), and upregulated the expression of anti-inflammatory factor Il-10 while suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines (Il-1β, Il-6, and Il-8) (p < 0.05). Moreover, flow cytometry analyses demonstrated that ESM promoted Treg cell-derived Il-10, which alleviated macrophage-derived inflammation. Substituting conventional soybean meal with β-glucosidase, enzymatically treated, significantly reduced feed consumption and alleviated the intestinal damage and immune dysfunctions induced by Clostridium perfringens infection in broilers.

Effects of raw and roasted high oleic soybeans on milk production of high-producing dairy cows

Processing method of soybeans has the potential to influence dairy cow production performance, therefore we determined the effect feeding raw or roasted, ground high oleic acid soybeans (HOSB) on production responses of high-producing dairy cows. Thirty-six multiparous Holstein cows (45.6 ± 6.22 kg/d of milk; 110 ± 61 DIM) were randomly assigned to treatment sequences in a 4 × 2 Truncated Latin square design with 35-d periods. Treatments were: 1) control diet containing soybean meal and soybean hulls (CON), 2) 16% roasted and ground HOSB (RST), 3) 16% raw and ground HOSB (RAW-D), and 4) 16% raw and ground HOSB + additional rumen by-pass protein (RAW-U). High oleic acid soybeans replaced conventional soybean meal and hulls in the control diet and rumen by-pass protein replaced soybean meal in RAW-U to maintain diet nutrient composition (%DM) of ∼28.0% NDF, 21.3% forage NDF, 27.3% starch, and 17.8% CP. Fatty acid content of CON, RST, RAW-D, and RAW-U was 1.60, 4.30, 4.36, and 4.34%DM, respectively. Pre-planned contrasts included the overall effect of HOSB inclusion {CON vs. HOSOY [1/3 (RST + RAW-D + RAW-U)]}, the effect of soybean processing {RST vs. RAW [1/2 (RAW-D + RAW-U)]}, and the effect of increasing RUP content within the raw HOSB treatments (RAW-D vs RAW-U). For most variables tested, there were significant interactions between treatment and week, as HOSOY increased production variables compared with CON and RST increased production responses compared with RAW, with only the magnitude of difference varying between weeks. Overall, HOSOY increased DMI and yields of milk, 3.5% FCM, ECM, and milk fat, but did not affect milk protein yield. RST did not impact DMI but increased yields of milk, 3.5% FCM, ECM, milk fat, and milk protein. Compared with RAW-D, RAW-U increased yields of milk and milk protein and tended to increase ECM. Overall, HOSB inclusion of 16% DM increased production responses in high-producing dairy cows, but roasted HOSB had a greater impact than raw HOSB, and the addition of rumen-bypass protein positively affected milk protein response.

Full-Fat Soybean Meals as an Alternative Poultry Feed Ingredient-Feed Processing Methods and Utilization-Review and Perspective.

On a global scale, the poultry industry expands its wings in terms of meat and egg production to the masses. However, this industry itself requires a sustainable and permanent supply of different inputs, one of which is poultry feed and nutrition. Soybean is a versatile protein that is offered to poultry in different inclusion rates in commercial diets after being processed using various thermal and mechanical processing methods. Conventional commercial soybean meal is usually prepared by the extraction of oil from whole soybeans using solvents, producing a meal that has approximately 1% crude fat. Without oil extraction, full-fat soybean (FFSBM) is produced, and it is an excellent source of dietary energy and protein for poultry with a nutritional profile of 38-40% protein and 18-20% crude fat, on average. FFSBM has less crude protein (CP) than solvent-extracted soybean meal (SE SBM) but higher metabolizable energy due to higher fat content. Alternatively, extruded expeller processing produces defatted soybean meal containing approximately 6-7% crude fat. Studies have demonstrated that FFSBM can be used in poultry diets to improve poultry nutrition, performance, and quality of the poultry meat and eggs produced. This review aims to evaluate the nutrition and use of meals prepared from conventional and high-oleic soybeans using various feed processing methods.

Effects of increasing dietary inclusion of high oleic acid soybeans on milk production of high-producing dairy cows

Recent research has highlighted the importance of dietary fatty acid profile of fatty acid supplements on production responses of high-producing dairy cows. Conventional soybeans contain ∼15% oleic acid and ∼50% linoleic acid whereas high oleic acid soybeans (HOSB) contain ∼70% oleic acid and ∼7% linoleic acid. We determined the effect of increasing dietary inclusion of roasted and ground HOSB on production responses of high-producing dairy cows. Twenty-four multiparous Holstein cows (50.7 ± 4.45 kg/d of milk; 122 ± 57 DIM) were randomly assigned to treatment sequences in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with 21-d periods. Treatments were increasing doses of HOSB at 0, 8, 16, and 24% DM. The HOSB replaced conventional soybean meal and hulls to maintain similar diet nutrient composition (% DM) of 27.4 - 29.4% (NDF), 20.6% forage NDF, 27.5% starch, and 15.9 - 16.5% CP. Total fatty acid content of treatments was 1.65, 3.11, 4.52, and 5.97% DM, respectively. Pre-planned polynomial orthogonal contrasts included the linear, quadratic, and cubic effects of increasing HOSB. Increasing dietary inclusion of HOSB linearly decreased DMI and milk urea nitrogen and increased yields of milk, 3.5% fat corrected milk, energy corrected milk, and milk fat, and quadratically increased milk protein. The increased response to milk fat was due to an increase in preformed milk fatty acids. Due to the increase in milk component yields and decrease in DMI, there was an increase in feed efficiency. Increasing HOSB inclusion linearly decreased plasma BUN concentration and tended to decrease plasma insulin. Increasing HOSB had no effect on BW change or BCS change. In summary, increasing dietary inclusion of HOSB up to 24% DM increased production responses of high-producing dairy cows and did not affect body reserves.

267 Effects of replacing soybean meal with a hydrothermal mechanical processed soybean meal on growth performance and health of nursery pigs fed a low complexity diet

Abstract An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that replacing soybean meal (SBM) with a hydrothermal mechanical processed (HTM) SBM (Provisoy), optimized for digestibility, would improve growth performance of nursery pigs. In total, 1,680 weaned pigs [5.4 ± 0.2 kg initial body weight (BW)] were allotted to 16 replicate pens per treatment (21 pigs per pen) in 2 barns. Pens were blocked by location within barn and randomly allotted to 5 treatments with 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% HTM SBM. A low complexity diet with 31% conventional SBM and limited inclusion of highly digestible protein ingredients and health promoting additives was used as the basal diet for the 0% HTM SBM treatment, and HTM SBM was added at the expense of conventional SBM at levels of 5, 10, 15, and 20% in phase 1 (d 0-10) and phase 2 (d 10-22), respectively. Pig and feed weights were recorded at the beginning and end of each phase. Data were analyzed using the lme4 package of R 4.1.2, and the statistical model included the fixed effect of treatment, as well as the random effects of barn and location within barn. Mortality and removals were analyzed as generalized linear mixed models, with a binomial distribution. Contrasts were used to evaluate the linear and quadratic effect of increased dietary inclusion of HTM SBM. Results indicated that increasing HTM SBM linearly improved (P < 0.01) gain to feed ratio (G:F) in phase 1 and tended (P < 0.10) to linearly improve average daily gain (ADG) and G:F d 0 to 22 post-weaning (Table 1). Mortality and removals were numerically reduced when HTM SBM was added to the diet. In conclusion, replacing SBM with HTM SBM up to 20% in a low complexity diet improved early nursery performance and numerically reduced mortality and removals.

181 Effects of Soy protein concentrate replacing conventional soybean meal on intestinal health and growth of newly weaned pigs challenged with F18+ Escherichia coli.

Abstract This study aims to investigate the impact of various levels of soy protein concentrate (SPC) replacing conventional soybean meal (SBM) on various parameters related to intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs under F18+ Escherichia coli challenge. Newly weaned pigs [n = 72; initial body weight (BW) = 6.6 ± 0.3 kg] were randomly allotted to 6 treatment groups based on randomized complete block design with initial BW and sex as blocks and fed for 25 d (P1/2 for 11/14 d, respectively). The treatment groups were 1) NC: a diet with conventional SBM, 2) PC: NC with F18+ E. coli challenge at d 7 (2.1 × 1010 CFU); 3) T1: PC with 5% SPC replacing conventional SBM; 4) T2: PC with 10% SPC replacing conventional SBM; 55) T3: NC with 10% SPC replacing conventional SBM, and 6) AGP: PC with 0.25% bacitracin methylene disalicylate. At the end of study, all pigs were euthanized to collect jejunal tissues to measure parameters related to intestinal health. Data were analyzed using MIXED procedure in SAS. The PC decreased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) on d 7 to d 25 (post-challenge) compared with NC. The T2 decreased (P < 0.05) ADG and ADFI on post-challenge period compared with T3. The ADG tended to linearly decrease (P = 0.067) and ADFI linearly decrease (P < 0.05) on post-challenge period with increasing SPC supplementation replacing SBM in the diets. The E. coli challenge increased (P < 0.05) fecal score in PC, and T2 treatments compared with NC, and T3, respectively. The tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in jejunal mucosa linearly increased (P < 0.05) with increasing SPC supplementation replacing SBM in nursery diets under E. coli challenge. The PC decreased (P < 0.05) interleukin-8 (IL-8) compared with NC. The PC (P = 0.078) and T3 (P = 0.099) tended to decrease immunoglobulin A (IgA) compared with NC. The AGP increased (P < 0.05) IgA compared with PC. The AGP increased (P < 0.05) the expression of occludin (OC) compared with PC. The expression of OC tended to linearly decrease (P = 0.099) with increasing SPC supplementation replacing SBM in nursery diets under E. coli challenge. The T2 increased (P < 0.05) villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH:CD) compared with T3. In conclusion, supplementation of SPC replacing SBM in the diet did not alleviate the deleterious effect of E. coli challenge on growth performance nursery pigs, which might be contributed by reduced feed intake. Additionally, supplementation of SPC seems to exacerbate the negative effect of E. coli challenge with increased intestinal inflammation and intestinal disintegration.

247 Evaluating the use of soybean hulls on growth performance, carcass composition, and digestibility when fed to grow-finish pigs

Abstract The addition of fiber to grow-finish diets is commonly utilized in swine production formulation as energy costs increase. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of feeding soybean hulls (SBH) at increasing levels to grow-finish pigs on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients. Utilizing 192 grower pigs [PIC 337×1050, initial body weight (BW) = 21.99 ± 2.75 kg] that were randomly assigned to split sexed pens (n = 12 pens/treatment), pens were assigned to one of four dietary treatments and fed over three feeding phases for the estimated BW ranges of 22 to 50 kg, 50 to 86 kg, and 86 to 127 kg. Diets were formulated to represent conventional corn and soybean meal diets, containing increasing levels of SBH at: 1) 0% SBH (0%); 2) 7.5% SBH (7.5%); 3) 15% SBH (15%); and 4) 22.5% SBH (22.5%). Within phase, diets had equal SID Lys:ME and energy was allowed to float. Individual BW and pen feed disappearance were collected for each phase to calculate pen average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed efficiency gain to feed ratio (G:F). On d 56 of study and during phase 2, 32 gilts (n = 8) were placed into individual metabolism crates, where total urine and feces were collected for 72 h to measure ATTD of gross energy (GE), nitrogen (N), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF), then returned to original pens. At the completion of study, carcass weight, backfat depth, and loin depth were collected. Data were analyzed with the fixed effects of dietary treatment by ANOVA, linear, and quadratic contrasts. Pen served as the experimental unit for performance and carcass characteristics and pig as the experimental unit for ATTD analyses. Overall, as SBH increased from 0% to 22.5%, ADG tended to decrease (linear P = 0.060) with no difference in ADFI (P > 0.05), resulting in an overall decrease in G:F (0.38, 0.37, 0.36, 0.35; linear P < 0.001; 0, 7.5, 15 and 22.5% SBH, respectively). Final BW tended to decrease (linear P = 0.069) and carcass weight decreased (102.9, 102.7, 99.7, and 96.5 kg, linear P < 0.001) as SBH increased in diet. Carcass fat depth (P = 0.014) and loin depth (P = 0.006) linearly decreased with increasing levels of SBH in the diet. Increasing levels of SBH from 0% to 22.5% decreased ATTD of GE and N (linear P < 0.001) and tended to increase ATTD NDF and ADF (linear P = 0.056 and P = 0.073, respectively). Altogether, these data suggest increasing dietary SBH in grow-finish pig diets decreases growth efficiency and the digestibility of GE and N. Further, feeding high inclusion rates of SBH negatively impacts carcass yield, backfat and loin depth.

142 Evaluation of low SID lysine diets fed to enteric health challenged pigs on wean-to-finish performance

Abstract Producers have been adopting low crude protein or low SID Lys nursery diets to address enteric health concerns. Therefore, we evaluated the longitudinal impact of these strategies on lifetime pig performance. Weaned mixed sex pigs n = 588; initial body weight (BW) = 6.81 ± 1.34 kg] sourced from a poor enteric health flow, were randomly assigned to pens and to one of four nursery dietary treatments, fed for 7 wk. Following the nursery period, pens were then assigned to one of two grow-finish treatments, fed until marketing, to complete a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design (n = 6 pens/treatment, 12 to 13 pigs/pen). Phase 1 nursery diets were formulated to a 1.10% or 1.40% SID Lys (nLLys or nHLys) with amino acids (AA) provided by both soybean meal (SBM) and crystalline AA or SBM only (nLSBM or nHSBM, respectively). Nursery phase 2 and 3 diets were formulated with a 0.05% decrease in SID Lys while maintaining a 0.30% differential between high and low lysine treatments. Following the nursery, grow-finish pigs were fed diets formulated to equal SID Lys:ME with either a conventional crystalline AA (gfLSBM) or high SBM diet lacking crystalline AA (gfHSBM) to meet AA requirements. During the nursery, enteric health was assessed by fecal pathogen PCRs and bacterial culture, confirming a high natural rotavirus and F18 enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli burden. Pig BW and pen feed disappearance were recorded at the beginning and end of each phase to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed efficiency (gain to feed ratio; G:F). Data were analyzed with pen as the experimental unit and the fixed effects of nursery SID Lys (nLys), nursery SBM (nSBM), grow-finish SBM (gfSBM), and the two- and three-way interactions using ANOVA. There were no three-way interactions for ADG or ADFI on final performance and no two-way interactions of nLys by nSBM in the nursery. Additionally, there was no effect of nSBM on overall nursery ADG, ADFI, and G:F (P > 0.05). Pigs fed nHLys-gfHSBM (0.84 kg/d) had improved overall ADG versus pigs fed nLLys-gfHSBM (0.80 kg/d; interaction; P = 0.010). Final nursery ADG (0.47 vs. 0.42 kg/d), G:F (0.70 vs. 0.63), and ending BW (30.9 vs. 28.0 kg) were greater in pens fed nHLys compared with nLLys (P < 0.001). Grow-finish pigs fed gfHSBM were more efficient compared with gfLSBM overall (0.457 vs. 0.449, respectively; P = 0.016). Although pigs fed nHLys had improved ending ADG compared with nLLys (0.83 vs. 0.81 kg/d; P = 0.018, respectively), there were no differences in final BW (128.0 vs. 127.0 kg) or ADFI (1.83 vs. 1.80 kg/d; P > 0.05). In conclusion, low SID Lys enteric diets did not improve wean-to-market pig performance in enterically challenged pigs and there was no difference between amino acid sources (crystalline vs SBM).

144 Effect of Protein Source on Piglet Performance and Dietary Protein Digestibility in Regular Nursery and Escherichia Coli Challenged Conditions

Abstract Compared with conventional soybean meal (SBM), processed soy protein has been demonstrated to have greater nutrient digestibility, leading to better animal growth performance and gut health. The aim of the present study was to test hypothesis that Provisoy, a SBM product produced via hydrothermal mechanical treatment could improve weaning piglet growth performance via greater crude protein (CP) digestibility compared with SBM, and this benefit would be greater in pigs under Escherichia coli (ETEC) challenged conditions. A total of 268 weaned pigs [initial body weight (BW) = 6.82 ± 0.85 kg] were allotted to a split plot design and pigs were housed in either a regular nursery condition (5 pigs/pen, 10-11 pens/treatment) or an ETEC challenged condition (3 pigs/pen, 12 pens/treatment, 1 pig per pen was orally gavaged with 10 mL O149K91K88 on d 5 post-weaning). All pigs were fed one of the following diets: SBM, Provisoy or HP300. A standard wheat-barley-SBM based nursery diet was used and test soy products were added to replace SBM in the treatment diets. All diets were formulated to be isocaloric and had similar standardized ileal digestible lysine level in a three-phase (38 days) nursery program. One pig per pen was euthanized for ileal digesta and fecal samples were collected on post-weaning day 13 and 14. Data were analyzed by general linear model in R. In summary, there was no interaction between challenge condition and dietary protein source on intake and gain throughout all three phases. A significant interaction in G:F between d 0-7 post-weaning (P < 0.05) was observed. As expected, pigs performed better in regular conditions compared with challenged conditions (P < 0.05). Dietary protein source significantly affected ADG (P < 0.05) and BW (P < 0.01) on post-weaning d 7 regardless of challenge condition, with pigs fed Provisoy exhibiting increased ADG and d 7 BW versus the control but not different than HP300. Similar improvements in growth performance were observed during d 7-12 post-weaning. However, the effect of protein source on piglet growth was no longer evident during the last phase of nursery. There was no interaction observed between challenge condition and protein source on CP apparent ileal digestibility (AID) or apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD). Dietary protein source affected CP ATTD (P < 0.01), with Provisoy treatment having the greatest value compared with other treatments. Challenge conditions tended to decrease CP AID (P = 0.109). In conclusion, dietary inclusion of Provisoy could improve piglet growth performance during the early nursery phase regardless of challenge condition and this benefit was likely partially due to better CP digestibility.

PSII-8 Effects of Extruded-Expelled Soybean Meal and Benzoic Acid on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Carcass Fat Iodine Value of Finishing Pigs

Abstract A total of 2,162 pigs (PIC 1050 × DNA 600; initially 31.4 ± 0.47 kg) were used in a 109-d finishing trial to evaluate the effects of extruded-expelled soybean meal (EESBM) and benzoic acid on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and carcass fat iodine value. Pigs were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 treatments with 27 to 28 pigs per pen and 20 pens per treatment. Dietary treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial with main effects of soybean meal source and benzoic acid. Diets contained either conventional soybean meal (SBM) or extruded-expelled soybean meal (EESBM; Lester Feed and Grain, Lester, IA) with or without 0.25% benzoic acid (VevoVitall, DSM Nutritional Products; Parsippany, NJ). The EESBM was analyzed to be 43.2% CP and 7.73% fat (acid hydrolysis). Experimental diets were not balanced for energy, but rather formulated to the same SID Lys:ME ratio and fed based on a feed budget from d 0 to 109 in 6 phases. Overall (d 0 to 109), there were no interactions between soybean meal source and benzoic acid (P > 0.10; Table 1). There was a main effect of soybean meal source where pigs fed EESBM had reduced (P = 0.010) ADFI compared with pigs fed conventional SBM without influencing ADG, resulting in increased (P < 0.001) G:F. Also, pigs fed diets with benzoic acid had reduced (P = 0.022) ADFI compared with pigs fed diets without benzoic acid without changes in ADG, resulting in pigs fed benzoic acid having increased (P = 0.006) G:F. When evaluating caloric efficiency, pigs fed diets containing benzoic acid had improved (P < 0.001) metabolizable energy (ME) caloric efficiency compared with pigs fed diets without benzoic acid, with soybean meal source not having any impact. For carcass belly fat IV, pigs fed EESBM had increased (P < 0.001) carcass belly fat iodine value compared with pigs fed conventional SBM. In summary, replacing conventional SBM with EESBM and the addition of benzoic acid improved feed efficiency. Also, as expected, pigs fed EESBM had a greater carcass belly fat iodine value compared with pigs fed conventional SBM, most likely due to the greater dietary unsaturated fatty acid contribution from EESBM.

120 Evaluation of Anchovy Fish Meal and Fish Solubles Compared with Other Specialty Protein Sources on Nursery Pig Performance

Abstract A total of 330 pigs (DNA 600 × 241, initially 4.9 ± 0.2 kg, 19 d old) were used to evaluate anchovy fish meal and fish solubles compared with other specialty protein sources on nursery pig growth performance and fecal dry matter (DM). At weaning, pigs were allotted to 1 of 6 dietary treatments with 4 or 5 pigs per pen and 12 replications per treatment in a completely randomized design. Dietary treatments consisted of different protein sources added based on relative SID Lys content and included: 1) enzymatically treated soybean meal (ESBM, HP 300, Hamlet Protein, Findlay, OH) at 7.0% of the diet; 2) spray-dried bovine plasma (SDBP, APC Corp, Ankeny, IA) at 3.5% of the diet; 3) fermented soybean meal (ME-PRO, Prairie Aquatech, Brookings, SD) at 5.0% of the diet; 4) fermented soybean meal enriched with 6.5% fish solubles (TASA, Lima, Peru) at 5.21% of the diet; 5) fish meal (TASA Prime meal, TASA, Lima, Peru) at 4.85% of the diet; and 6) fish meal enriched with 6.5% fish solubles (TASA Swine, TASA, Lima, Peru) at 5.05% of the diet. All diets contained the same conventional soybean meal level within phase. Treatment diets were fed in 2 phases, d 0 to 12 and d 12 to 25, for phase 1 and 2, respectively. Following phase 2, all pigs were fed a common diet for an additional 15 d. Although there was a 5 to 7% improvement in ADG for pigs fed spray-dried bovine plasma and fish meal with solubles, there were no significant differences in growth performance (P > 0.10) between treatments for any period or overall (Table). There was a treatment × day interaction (P = 0.003) for fecal dry matter largely driven by the increase in fecal DM for pigs fed spray-dried bovine plasma from d 12 to 25. On d 12, there were no differences between treatments for fecal DM (P > 0.10); however, on d 25, pigs fed spray-dried bovine plasma had improved (P = 0.017) fecal DM compared with pigs fed enzymatically treated soybean meal with all other treatments intermediate. In summary, anchovy fish meal with or without fish solubles can be utilized in nursery pig diets without decreasing growth performance.

Growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chicken fed on black soldier fly larvae meal: a product of fecal sludge waste management

Abstract Rearing black soldier fly is an efficient way to dispose of organic waste by converting them into protein-rich feed to substitute animal- and plant-based sources in animal feeds. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal inclusion level of black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) as a substitute for soybean meal (SBM) in broiler diets and evaluate the impact on growth and carcass characteristics. Five isonitrogenous diets (D) (20% crude protein, CP) and isocaloric (3,200 Kcal/kg) were formulated such that BSFLM substituted SBM at 0% (control, D1), 25% (D2), 50% (D3), 75% (D4), and 100% (D5) on a protein basis. A total of 270 broilers (Cobb 500) were randomly assigned to the five treatments in triplicate per diet. BSFLM displayed higher fat content (44.84 ± 0.08%). Average daily feed intake (ADFI) decreased with an increase in BSFLM in the diets (p = 0.004). However, overall weight (OW) was high (1,296.97 ± 46.19 g) on 100% substitution of SBM with BSFLM (D5). Breast fat content averaged 6.06 ± 0.97 g for D1 and 15.30 ± 0.5 g for D5. This study has demonstrated that BSFLM can partially or wholly replace conventional SBM in the diet of broiler chicken.

Nutrient Digestibility of Soybean Meal Products Based on In Vitro Procedures for Pigs

The present work aimed to assess the nutrient digestibility of soybean meal (SBM) products based on in vitro procedures. Two-step and three-step in vitro assays were performed to mimic the digestion and absorption of nutrients in the digestive tracts of growing swine. The two-step in vitro method was modified to reflect the digesta retention time and digestive enzymes of nursery piglets by decreasing incubation periods and digestive enzymes to half of those in the procedure for growing pigs and was used to determine the crude protein (CP) digestibility of nursery piglets. The seven ingredients included conventional SBM, thermo-mechanically processed SBM (TSBM), and five sources of fermented SBM (FSBM). The five sources of FSBM were produced using different microorganisms for fermentation, namely: (1) Pediococcus pentosaceus and Bacillus subtilis, (2) Enterococcus faecium (FSBM-EF), (3) Aspergillus oryzae and Bacillus subtilis, (4) Aspergillus oryzae, and (5) Bacillus licheniformis. Based on the conventional procedure, the in vitro ileal disappearance of CP in TSBM was greater (p < 0.05) compared with that in FSBM sources. Based on the in vitro assays for total tract digestibility, organic matter in TSBM was better digested (p < 0.05) compared with that in FSBM except for FSBM-EF. Based on the in vitro procedure for nursery piglets, the ileal disappearance of CP in TSBM was greater (p < 0.05) than that in the other SBM products. Taken together, thermo-mechanical processing rather than microbial fermentation of SBM improves the nutrient digestibility of SBM, particularly in nursery pigs.

Enhancement of Soybean Meal Alters Gut Microbiome and Influences Behavior of Farmed Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar).

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is one of the worlds most domesticated fish. As production volumes increase, access to high quality and sustainable protein sources for formulated feeds of this carnivorous fish is required. Soybean meal (SBM) and soy-derived proteins are the dominant protein sources in commercial aquafeeds due to their low-cost, availability and favorable amino acid profile. However, for Atlantic salmon, the inclusion of soybean meal (SBM), and soy protein concentrate (SPC) in certain combinations can impact gut health, which has consequences for immunity and welfare, limiting the use of soy products in salmonid feeds. This study sought to address this challenge by evaluating two gut health-targeted enhancements of SBM for inclusion in freshwater phase salmon diets: enzyme pre-treatment (ETS), and addition of fructose oligosaccharide (USP). These were compared with untreated soybean meal (US) and fish meal (FM). This study took a multi-disciplinary approach, investigating the effect on growth performance, gut microbiome, and behaviors relevant to welfare in aquaculture. This study suggests that both enhancements of SBM provide benefits for growth performance compared with conventional SBM. Both SBM treatments altered fish gut microbiomes and in the case of ETS, increased the presence of the lactic acid bacteria Enterococcus. For the first time, the effects of marine protein sources and plant protein sources on the coping style of salmon were demonstrated. Fish fed SBM showed a tendency for more reactive behavior compared with those fed the FM-based control. All fish had a similar low response to elicited stress, although ETS-fed fish responded more actively than US-fed fish for a single swimming measure. Furthermore, SBM-fed fish displayed lower repeatability of behavior, which may indicate diminished welfare for intensively farmed fish. The implications of these findings for commercial salmonid aquaculture are discussed.

Effect of heating, microbial fermentation, and enzymatic hydrolysis of soybean meal on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal microbiota of weaned piglets.

The macromolecular proteins, anti-nutritional factors, and allergens contained in soybean meal (SBM) have a negative impact on the growth of weaned piglets. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of heating, microbial fermentation, and enzymatically hydrolyzed SBM on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum biochemistry, intestinal morphology, volatile fatty acids, and microbiota of weaned piglets. After the preparation of soaked SBM (SSBM), enzymatically hydrolyzed SBM (ESBM), and microbial fermented and enzymatically hydrolyzed SBM (MESBM), 72 weaned piglets were randomly allocated to three groups for a 21-d trial. In the three groups, 17% of conventional SBM in basal corn-soybean meal diet was replaced by an equivalent amount of SSBM (control group), ESBM, or MESBM. The results showed that the contents of glycinin, β-conglycinin, trypsin inhibitor, and proteins above 20 kDa were significantly decreased in ESBM and MESBM, compared with SSBM, and the surface of ESBM and MESBM had more pores and fragmented structure. In the second week and throughout the entire experimental period, the diarrhea index was reduced (P < 0.01) in ESBM and MESBM in contrast with SSBM. Furthermore, the inclusion of ESBM and MESBM in the diet improved the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter and crude protein (P < 0.05), and increased the abundances of the genera Lactobacillus and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, respectively. Metagenomic sequencing further identified that members of six species of Proteobacteria, four species of Clostridiales, and three species of Negativiautes were enriched in the colon of piglets fed MESBM, while two bacterial species, Lachnoclostridium and Lactobacillus_points, were enriched in the colon of piglets fed ESBM. In conclusion, replacing SSBM with ESBM or MESBM in the diet decreased the diarrhea index, which could be associated with improved nutrient digestibility and microbial composition.

Survival of a surrogate African swine fever virus-like algal virus in feed matrices using a 23-day commercial United States truck transport model.

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a member of the nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses (NCLDVs) and is stable in a variety of environments, including animal feed ingredients as shown in previous laboratory experiments and simulations. Emiliania huxleyi virus (EhV) is another member of the NCLDVs, which has a restricted host range limited to a species of marine algae called Emiliania huxleyi. This algal NCLDV has many similar morphological and physical characteristics to ASFV thereby making it a safe surrogate, with results that are applicable to ASFV and suitable for use in real-world experiments. Here we inoculated conventional soybean meal (SBMC), organic soybean meal (SBMO), and swine complete feed (CF) matrices with EhV strain 86 (EhV-86) at a concentration of 6.6 × 107 virus g-1, and then transported these samples in the trailer of a commercial transport vehicle for 23 days across 10,183 km covering 29 states in various regions of the United States. Upon return, samples were evaluated for virus presence and viability using a previously validated viability qPCR (V-qPCR) method. Results showed that EhV-86 was detected in all matrices and no degradation in EhV-86 viability was observed after the 23-day transportation event. Additionally, sampling sensitivity (we recorded unexpected increases, as high as 49% in one matrix, when virus was recovered at the end of the sampling period) rather than virus degradation best explains the variation of virus quantity observed after the 23-day transport simulation. These results demonstrate for the first time that ASFV-like NCLDVs can retain viability in swine feed matrices during long-term transport across the continental United States.

Conventional Soybean Meal as Fishmeal Alternative in Diets of Japanese Seabass (Lateolabrax japonicus): Effects of Functional Additives on Growth, Immunity, Antioxidant Capacity and Disease Resistance.

Aiming to optimize soymeal-based diets for Japanese seabass (Lateolabrax japonicas), a 105-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of functional additives, including antioxidants (ethoxyquin, thymol and carvacrol) and chelated trace elements (Cu, Mn and Zn), on the growth, immunity, antioxidant capacity and disease resistance of fish fed diets with conventional soybean meal replacing 50% of fishmeal. Three isonitrogenous (45%) and isolipidic (11%) diets were formulated: (1) standard reference diet (FM, 42% fishmeal); (2) soymeal-based diet (SBM, 21% fishmeal and 30% conventional soybean meal); (3) SBM diet supplemented 0.0665% functional additives (FAS). Each experimental diet was randomly fed to quadruplicate groups of forty feed-trained Japanese seabass (initial average body weight = 125.6 ± 0.6 g) stocked in a saltwater floating cage. Upon the conclusion of the feeding trial, lower feed intake was observed in fish fed SBM compared to those fed FM and FAS. Fish fed FM showed the highest growth performance, estimated as the weight gain rate. Notably, FAS supported faster growth of fish than those fed SBM, indicating the optimal growth performance of dietary functional additives. The feed conversion rate showed the opposite trend among dietary treatments, with the highest value in fish fed SBM. Regarding immunity, fish fed soymeal-based diets suppressed the serum alternative complement pathway activities compared to FM, whereas the respiratory burst activity in macrophages of head kidneys showed a similar picture, but no statistical differences were observed. Further, fish fed soymeal-based diets had lower serum Cu-Zn SOD, CAT and GPx activities as well as liver vitamin E levels and scavenging rates of hydroxyl radical but higher liver MDA contents compared to the FM-fed group. Fish fed FAS had higher serum Cu-Zn SOD and GPx activities and liver vitamin E levels than those fed SBM, suggesting the enhancement of antioxidant capacity of dietary functional additives. For the disease resistance against Vibrio harveyi infection, fish fed SBM had the highest cumulative mortality, followed by the FAS and FM groups. Additionally, the biomarkers related to the immune and antioxidant capacities had a positive correlation with the relative abundance of Paracoccus and Pseudomonas, while liver MDA levels had a negative correlation with the relative abundance of Pseudomonas and Psychrobacter. Collectively, soymeal replacing 50% of fishmeal suppressed the growth, immunity, antioxidant capacity and disease resistance of Japanese seabass, while dietary supplementation of antioxidants and chelated trace elements could mitigate soymeal-induced adverse effects on growth and disease resistance through the improvement in antioxidant capacity and regulation of gut microbiota.

Evaluating the effect of temperature on viral survival in plant-based feed during storage.

Viruses of veterinary significance are known to survive for extended periods in plant-based feed ingredients imported into North America. To reduce the likelihood of virus introduction, high-risk ingredients, such as oil seed meals, are stored in designated facilities for extended periods under controlled environmental conditions to minimize viral infectivity prior to use in diets. While 30 days has become a standard storage period, the required ambient temperature to inactivate viruses during this time is not known. To address the question, 1-metric tonne totes of conventional soybean meal were inoculated with PRRSV 144 lineage 1C variant and SVA prior to storage for 30 days at 23.9°C, 15.5°C or 10°C, and feeding to pigs. Virus infectivity was evaluated through detection of viral RNA in oral fluid samples, along with clinical signs. Results indicated that inactivation of both viruses occurred in soy stored at 23.9°C. In contrast, SVA infectivity was observed in soy stored at both 15.5°C and 10°C, while PRRSV 144 L1C variant infectivity was only observed in soy stored at 10°C. These results suggest that a storage period of 30 days and a temperature of 23.9°C may assist in the reduction of the risk of virus contaminated plant-based feed ingredients, such as soybean meal.

Partial replacement of soybean meal with soybean silage and responsible soybean meal in lactating cows diet: part 2, environmental impact of milk production

Soybean meal, the main protein source for livestock in Italy, is associated with high environmental impact in terms of land use change. Thus alternative protein sources are advisable. The study aimed to evaluate through a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach the environmental impact of milk production systems characterised by different diets of lactating cows including different sources of soybean. Four scenarios were identified: (1) conventional soybean meal (CON), (2) conventional soybean meal and soybean silage (SBS), 3) responsible soybean meal defined by the FEFAC guidelines (CON + RSM), (4) soybean silage and responsible soybean meal (SBS + RSM). Inventory data were derived from a previous in vivo trial on lactating cows and farmer interviews. Secondary data were obtained from the ECOINVENT® and the Agri-footprint databases. The LCA was performed using the SimaPro V 8.3. Soybean silage showed higher global warming potential (GWP), marine eutrophication and human toxicity compared with lucerne hay, the most utilised self-produced protein feed, due to the high contribution of mechanical operations in the field. The GWP of milk (kg CO2eq/kg FPCM) decreased from 1.38 of the CON scenario to 1.17 of SBS and 1.13 of CON + RSM; the best result was obtained by combining soybean silage with responsible soybean meal: 1.01. Furthermore, the scenarios using RSM reduced agricultural land occupation and natural land transformation. The inclusion of SBS and RSM is an interesting option to reduce environmental impact of milk production, maximising yields of DM and CP per hectare and representing an alternative protein source. HIGHLIGHTS The ration of dairy cows represents one of the main causes of the environmental impact of the livestock sector due to the impact for feed production (forage and concentrate) Feeding soybean meal as protein source has high environmental impact since it is linked with deforestation in South America Alternative protein sources like soybean silage and soybean meal produced sustainably could reduce the environmental impact of the sector

Cyberlindnera jadinii yeast as a protein source in early- to mid-lactation dairy cow diets: Effects on feed intake, ruminal fermentation, and milk production

We examined the effects of substituting soybean meal with either yeast protein from Cyberlindnera jadinii or barley in concentrate feeds on feed intake, ruminal fermentation products, milk production, and milk composition in Norwegian Red (NRF) dairy cows. The concentrate feeds were prepared in pellet form as soy-based (SBM; where soybean meal is included as a protein ingredient), yeast-based (YEA; soybean meal replaced with yeast protein), or barley-based (BAR; soybean meal replaced with barley). The SBM contained 7.0% soybean meal on a dry matter (DM) basis. This was replaced with yeast protein and barley in the YEA and BAR concentrate feeds, respectively. A total of 48 early- to mid-lactation [days in milk ± standard deviation (SD): 103 ± 33.5 d] NRF cows in their first to fourth parity and with initial milk yield of 32.6 kg (SD = 7.7) were allocated into 3 groups, using a randomized block design, after feeding a common diet [SBM and good-quality grass silage: crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content of 181 and 532 g/kg of DM, respectively] for 14 d (i.e., covariate period). The groups (n = 16) were then fed one of the dietary treatments (SBM, YEA, or BAR) for a period of 56 d (i.e., experimental period). The concentrate feeds were offered in split portions from 3 automatic feeders using electronic identification, with ad libitum access to the same grass silage. Dietary treatments had no effect on daily silage intake, total DM intake, or total NDF intake. Dietary CP intake was lower and starch intake was higher in the BAR group compared with the other groups. Ruminal fluid pH, short-chain volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations, acetate-to-propionate ratio, and non-glucogenic to glucogenic VFA ratio were not affected by dietary treatments. No effects of the dietary treatments were observed on body weight change, body condition score change, milk yield, energy-corrected milk yield, milk lactose and fat percentages, or their yields. In conclusion, yeast protein can substitute conventional soybean meal in dairy cow diets without adverse effect on milk production and milk composition, given free access to good-quality grass silage.