Corn-based Feed Research Articles

Influence of pasture intake on meat quality, lipid oxidation, and fatty acid composition of geese1

This study was conducted to investigate the influence of pasture intake on meat quality, lipid oxidation, and fatty acid composition of geese. One hundred twenty Dongbei White male geese (a local breed; BW = 878 ± 13 g; 28 d old) were randomly and equally divided into 2 treatments with 6 pens of 10 geese per treatment. The 2 treatments consisted of birds fed ad libitum a corn-based feed. One-half of the birds had no access to pasture (control) while the other half had access to an alfalfa (Medicago sativa)-based pasture (pasture). The study lasted 42 d. Body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly. At the end of the study, geese were slaughtered to collect meat samples. Results showed that pasture intake reduced subcutaneous fat thickness (P < 0.05) and abdominal fat yield (P < 0.05) of geese compared with control. Geese with access to pasture had greater cooking loss (P < 0.05) and lightness (L*) value (P < 0.05) and lower pH at 24 h postmortem (pH24; P < 0.05) and thiobarbituric acid reacting substance values (P < 0.05) at 0 and 30 min of forced oxidation. Moreover, pasture intake increased linolenic acid (C18:3n-3; P < 0.05) and eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n-3; P < 0.05) and reduced the n-6:n-3 ratio (P < 0.05) in the breast muscle of geese compare with the control. In conclusion, pasture intake did not enhance growth performance but improved carcass characteristics and meat quality and changed fatty acid composition of geese.

Results of mycological and mycotoxicological investigations of corn-based feed for dairy cow diet

In this study, fungal contamination was determined as well as total aflatoxin B1(AB1), ochratoxin A (OTA) and zearalenon (ZEA) levels in corn-based feed samples obtained from four different farms in Serbia (n=35) during one year. Mycotoxins were detected in feed using the VICAM fluorometric method. It was determined that 97.14% of all samples were contaminated with moulds which belonged to following genera: Absidia, Acremonium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Geotrichum, Eurotium, Fusarium, Mucor, Mortierella, Oidiodendron, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Scopulariopsis, Syncephalastrum, Trichoderma, Ulocladium and Wallrothiella. A total of 58 different species were identified. Total mould count per 1 g ranged from 1.00 log cfu/g (dried corn silage - autumn, fresh corn silage - summer and corn grain silage - spring) to 7.32 log cfu/g (dried corn silage - winter). Mycotoxins were isolated from 28.5% of samples: ZEA was found in summer (220-240 ?g/kg) and in spring (240 ?g/kg) in concentrate samples; OTA was detected in winter in dried corn silage (16 ?g/kg) and in spring (12 ?g/kg); all samples were AB1 free.

Determination of the antimicrobial growth promoter moenomycin-A in chicken litter

This study aimed to develop and optimize a method for the extraction and analysis of moenomycin antibiotics (a.k.a. flavomycin) in corn-based feed premix and in chicken litter. Moenomycin-A was isolated from chicken litter using pressurized liquid extraction followed by a solid-phase extraction (SPE) clean-up step. The highly lipophilic nature of moenomycin necessitated the use of the less hydrophobic sorbent, C 4-based SPE cartridge, and a higher temperature elution solvent, methanol at 50 °C, in order to obtain satisfactory percent recoveries. After clean-up, the sample was analyzed by liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–MS). Various reversed-phase columns were examined, including C 18, CN, perfluorinated C 6, and a porous graphitic carbon. The set of conditions that gave the highest separation efficiency while still maintaining symmetrical peak shape was the C 18 column using the H 2O + 0.3% HCOOH and acetonitrile mobile phase.

Trends of fumonisin contamination and animal intoxication through monitoring 1991 to 1997 corn crop in the State of Paraná, Brazil

Eleven feed samples associated with six animal (horse and poultry) intoxication outbreaks (1991) in the state of Paraná, Brazil, were evaluated for fungal and fumonisin contamination. In order to estimate the trend of livestock intoxication, fumonisin contamination was monitored in corn produced both at the commercial level (1991, 1995 crop), and in an experimental field at a local Agronomy Institute (1997 crop). The total mould count in the feed samples ranged from 2.9 x 10(3) to 1.9 x 10(7) CFU/g, with Fusarium verticillioides as the predominant species, at a high count of 2.4 x 10(4)-6.5 x 10(5) CFU/g. Fumonisins (FB1 + FB2) were detected in all corn-based feed samples at levels ranging from 2.89 to 14.54 microg/g. All 27 Northern corn samples (1991 crop) were contaminated with fumonisins at levels ranging from 2.32 to 16.64 microg/g. Twenty-six (96.3%) out of 27 corn samples from the Central-Southern region (1995 crop) were positive for fumonisins (FB1+FB2), with the range of 0.07-3.66 microg/g, while all 37 Northern samples (1995 crop) were contaminated with fumonisins ranging from 0.57 to 9.97 microg/g. Twenty-one out of 37 corn samples from the Northern region (1997 crop) were positive for fumonisins, but at low level (range of 0.05-2.67 microg/g). The results showed a decreasing trend in fumonisin contamination over the years. Nowadays animal intoxication outbreaks rarely occur in this State, as both animal producers and feed industries have become conscious about monitoring of corn and other raw materials at the quality control level.

A survey of fumonisins (B1, B2, B3) in Indonesian corn-based food and feed samples.

In this paper a survey is described for determination of contamination level of fumonisins (B(1), B(2), B(3)) in Indonesian cornbased feed and food samples. The survey was conducted from February to May 2001. Foodstuffs, which are consumed directly such as snacks and other products, were investigated for fumonisin contamination. Of 105 food and feed samples purchased from local retail stores and local poultry shops around Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia were analyzed using ELISA. Results indicate that 74.3% of samples analyzed were contaminated in a large range of 10.0 - 3307 μg/kg, and the concentration of fumonisins depends on the type of samples. Detection limit of the method used was 9 μg/kg.From eight food samples of maize flour, and corn-based beverages and cereals, none was contaminated (below detection limit). For food samples of industrial products (19 samples), 13 were contaminated in the range of 22.8 - 105 μg/kg and 19 of 20 samples from home made products were contaminated between 12.9 - 234 μg/kg. The food samples contaminated in highest level occurred in corn. Of ten samples, 6 were contaminated from 68.0 - 2471 μg/kg. For feed samples, 17 corn samples were evaluated. Of those samples, 16 contained in a large range of 17.6 - 3306 μg/kg.

Robotic automated clean-up for detection of fumonisins B 1 and B 2 in corn and corn-based feed by high-performance liquid chromatography

A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system with fluorescence detection and an automated on-line solid-phase extraction procedure for fumonisins B 1 and B 2 in corn and corn-based products is described. Different amounts of strong anion-exchange, C 18 and end-capped C 18 (C 18 ec) silicas were tested for sample clean-up. Various HPLC parameters were analyzed. The best methodology was found to be extraction with acetonitrile–water and clean up on C 18 ec disposable extraction cartridges. The system has the advantage of running in an unattended mode of operation and allows processing of 40 samples without system refuel, performing clean-up, o-phthaldialdehyde derivatization, injection and fumonisin detection by fluorescence detection linked to a computer integrator for automated data processing. Recoveries were performed with corn and corn-based feed samples ( n=3) spiked with 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 5.0 and 10 μg/g. Average recoveries for corn and corn-based feed were, respectively, 92.6 and 88.3% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 5.04 and 6.22%, for fumonisin B 1 and 91.2 and 89.0% with RSDs of 5.84 and 7.88% for fumonisin B 2. Detection limits ( S/ N=3) for corn and corn-based feed were approximately 0.03 μg/g for fumonisin B 1 and 0.05 μg/g for fumonisin B 2.

Cecal Carriage of Clostridium perfringens in Broiler Chickens Given Mucosal Starter Culture [Trademark

Day-of-hatch broiler chicks housed in isolation units were each given, by oral gavage, 0.1 ml of Mucosal Starter Culture (MSC) or saline control. Each of the treated and control chicks was subsequently given a composite culture of three strains of bacitracin-resistant Clostridium perfringens (Cp) previously isolated from chickens with symptoms of necrotic enteritis. Some chicks were maintained on a corn-based diet provided ad libitum. Others were given the feed supplemented with 50% rye (a predisposing factor for necrotic enteritis). At 7, 14, and 21 days after receiving Cp, chicks were euthanatized, and cecal contents were diluted and plated on selective agar containing bacitracin. For chicks on corn feed, Cp numbers were similar in control birds and birds given MSC in three of four trials. In two of the trials that demonstrated no effect of MSC on Cp numbers, enterotoxin presence was determined. The number of birds with detectable Cp enterotoxin in their small intestine and the mean toxin levels were lower in the MSC-treated birds. In a fourth trial with birds on corn-based feed, mean Cp numbers and the number of Cp-positive birds were lower in the MSC-treated birds. For the two trials involving chickens on rye-supplemented feed, Cp numbers and the percentage of Cp-positive birds were significantly reduced in MSC-treated birds compared with control birds. Enterotoxin in birds receiving the 50% rye diet was at low levels or not detected in control and MSC-treated birds. Results suggest that MSC may reduce intestinal proliferation of Cp, a causative agent of necrotic enteritis in poultry and of foodborne disease in humans.

On-Line Immunoaffinity Capture, Coupled with HPLC and Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry, for Automated Determination of Fumonisins

An automated on-line method for the quantitative detection of fumonisins B1, B2, and B3 and hydrolyzed fumonisin B1 in corn-based feed was developed using a combination of immunoaffinity capture (IAC)/cleanup, coupled with reversed phase liquid chromatography and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Blocking the C2 amine of fumonisin B1 with 9-fluorenylmethylchloroformate allowed coupling to keyhole limpet hemocyanin through the tricarballylic end, leaving the amino terminus exposed on the immunogenic conjugate after removal of the blocking group. Antiserum had specificity for the C1−C10 fumonisin domain and was used for ELISA and to prepare immunoaffinity columns. The quantitation limit (s/n = 10) for fumonisin B1 standard was 250 pg using the protonated molecule signal (m/z 722). Similar sensitivity was observed for fumonisins B2 and B3 (m/z 706) and hydrolyzed fumonisin B1 (m/z 406). The on-line IAC/LC/ESI-MS method provided a linear response from the detection limit to 5 ng for fumonisin B1 and has the capability to analyze low-level contamination of rodent feed samples for fumonisins. The dynamic range can be adjusted as necessary by varying the volume of the sample injected for IAC capture. Keywords: Analytical immunology; fumonisins; immunoaffinity; mass spectrometry; immunoassay; site-directed coupling; ELISA; mixtures

Can We Feed for Higher Milk Protein Content?

The effects of feeding on the concentration and distribution of nitrogen in milk are considered. Increasing fermentable energy intake increases glucose supply to the mammary gland and, more importantly, increases ruminal microbial protein synthesis. The amount and balance of ruminally degradable/undegradable protein are important factors. Among protein sources, the quality of microbial protein is highest, with fish meal perhaps being the highest quality undegradable supplement. Dietary fat tends to decrease concentration of protein in milk but not protein yield; mechanisms by which fat influences protein content remain uncertain. Increasing knowledge of limiting amino acids for milk protein synthesis, together with new technology to protect amino acids from ruminal degradation, provide opportunity to refine feeding systems for increased milk protein content.In corn-based feeding systems, lysine is usually first limiting, with methionine second limiting. Adding methionine to lysine-limited diets often has a negative impact on milk protein percentage. Continuing development and increasing sophistication of computer-driven models for nutrient balancing allow opportunity not only to maximize milk protein content but also to decrease ration cost and nitrogen loss to the environment. A simple test for milk urea nitrogen may become a useful tool for properly balancing herd rations.

The natural occurrence of fumonisins in Brazilian corn kernels.

Since animal intoxication related to corn-based feed is frequently observed in the State of Paraná, Brazil, natural contamination by fumonisins in 48 corn samples (39 from the State of Paraná, and 9 from the Brazilian tropical states, Mato Grosso do Sul and Goias) harvested in 1990-1991 was investigated, along with fungal flora. The total mould count ranged from 6.3 x 10(2) to 5.5 x 10(7) cfu/g, and Fusarium moniliforme and Aspergillus species belonging to section Flavi were detected in 41 and 33 samples, respectively. Regarding the samples from the State of Paraná, F. moniliforme was present in 33 samples at a count of 1.0 x 10(2) to 1.6 x 10(7) cfu/g and Aspergillus spp. in section Flavi in 27 samples at 1.0 x 10(2) to 1.0 x 10(6) cfu/g. HPLC analysis of fumonisins in the corn showed that fumonisins B1 (FB1) and B2 (FB2) were positive for 97.4% and 94.8% of samples respectively. All the corn from North Paraná was positive for fumonisins, with average FB1 levels of 4.79 micrograms/g and average FB2 levels of 3.95 micrograms/g: the Central-West region had average levels of 3.30 and 2.52 micrograms/g, and the Central-East had average of 3.25 and 2.34 micrograms/g, respectively. Except for one negative sample all the corn samples from the Central Region were positive for fumonisins, averaging FB1 levels being 5.45 micrograms/g and FB2 levels being 5.09 micrograms/g. Out of eight samples from the tropical state of Mato Grosso do Sul, F. moniliforme was detected in seven and Aspergillus spp. in section Flavi in five samples with average FB1 levels of 10.59 micrograms/g and average for FB2 levels of 10.31 micrograms/g. The samples from Goias were also contaminated with these two fungi, with the FB1 contamination being 5.83 and the FB2 contamination 3.62 micrograms/g.

Nutritional effects of expansion and short time extrusion on feeds for broilers

The effect of short time extrusion or expansion on digestibility and energy of feeds and grains was determined in 18–21 day old broiler chicks. Untreated corn-based feed or wheat or barley were compared with the same material treated by expansion or extrusion, and milled to equal size using three replicate groups of 10 birds for each dietary treatment. Extrusion of whole feeds enhanced GE digestion and increased the AME and AME n by 1.5 and 3.5% ( P < 0.05). Extrusion or expansion of wheat or barley and their addition to basal diets increased AME and AME n of the diets by 1.5–2.5% ( P < 0.05). Barley was less well digested than wheat. High temperature short time extrusion and expansion processes appear to enhance energy of common feeds for broilers.

An Assessment of Absorbable Lysine Requirements in Lactating Cows ,

Two experiments were conducted to ascertain lysine required for maintenance and milk production in lactating dairy cows. Multiparous Holstein cows fitted with abomasal cannulas were utilized in a replicated 3 × 3 extra-period Latin square design and infused with 0, 45, or 90g of L-lysine·HCl daily (Experiment 1). In Experiment 2, 12 cows were utilized in a 5 × 5 Latin square design (with 2 replacement cows) and infused with 0, 22.5, 45, 90, and 180g of L-lysine·HCl daily. Cows were housed in comfort stalls, milked at 0600 and 1700h, exposed to a 16:8h light:darkness cycle, and fed for ad libitum intake a 15.7% CP diet formulated to contain approximately 75% of dietary protein from corn-based feed ingredients. Milk yield was not affected in Experiment 1, but milk production increased linearly with lysine infusion level in Experiment 2. A linear response in daily yield of milk protein to lysine infusion was observed in both experiments. As lysine infusion increased, coccygeal plasma lysine concentrations tended to increase in Experiment 1, but in Experiment 2 free lysine increased linearly and quadratically in coccygeal plasma and increased linearly in plasma from the subcutaneous abdominal vein. The quadratic response in plasma free lysine (Experiment 2) suggested that lysine was the limiting AA for milk production from the composite protein flow to the small intestine. Using break-point analysis of plasma free lysine, it was estimated that the additional amount of abomasal lysine required to satisfy requirements was 64 g/d in cows producing about 30kg of milk daily. Although additional lysine above microbial and undegraded intake protein lysine flow stimulated milk protein production, conversion efficiency to milk protein lysine was low.

Dietary energy levels for growing-finishing pigs fed ad libitum

The NRC (1988) recommendations on nutrient standards for growing-finishing pigs assume a corn-based feeding regimen. However, the diets used in Western Canada are generally barley-based and consequently are usually lower in digestible energy (DE) and result in lower performance. Two experiments were therefore conducted, to evaluate the effect of DE level in relation to growth and feed conversion of pigs, by inclusion of corn and wheat in pelleted diets offered ad libitum. A total of 432 pigs was used, over the 20-98 kg live weight range. The inclusion of wheat or corn to barley-based diets during the grower period to raise the DE level resulted in more rapid and efficient growth. The faster growth obtained with the high-energy grains occurred during the grower period only, and was not observed in the finisher period. Results of including 5% of acidulated fatty acids (AFA) to raise the DE level were unfavourable.

Dietary energy levels for growing-finishing pigs fed ad libitum

The NRC (1988) recommendations on nutrient standards for growing-finishing pigs assume a corn-based feeding regime. However, the diets used in Western Canada are generally barley-based and consequently are usually lower in digestible energy (DE) and result in reduced growth rate and feed efficiency. Corn and wheat can be included in the diet to raise the DE level, but since this could affect the carcass quality of pigs fed ad libitum, the influence of DE level in relation to carcass quality was measured in two experiments. An economic assessment of the data was also conducted. A total of 432 pigs was used, over the 20-98 kg live weight range. The inclusion of wheat or corn to barley-based diets during the finisher period resulted in reduced carcass quality, and there was also some evidence that increased dietary energy during the grower stage had the same effect.