Substitution Of Corn Research Articles

Dietary Inclusion of Triticale and Bentonite Enhances Productive Performance and Carcass Meat Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

Background: Poultry production quality could be adjusted or improved through the introduction of local plant resources into the diet. The current study evaluated the effects of total corn substitution with triticale and bentonite supplementation on broiler performance, carcass meat characteristics and blood profiles. Methods: Ninety one-day old broiler Cobb 500 chicks were allocated in a completely randomized experimental design, with three dietary treatments totaling 30 birds per treatment. The treatments contained either corn as a control group (BD), triticale (TRT) as a sole grain source, or triticale + 2% bentonite (TRT2%). The diets were provided from 14 to 47 days of age. Growth performance, carcass and breast meat quality and serum components were measured. Result: The chicks fed a triticale-based diet (TRT2%) had a higher final body weight and weight gain (P less than 0.05), while the FCR increased in the birds fed a triticale-bentonite-based diet (TRT2%). The data obtained indicated that total replacement of triticale for corn and dietary supplementation with bentonite resulted in better growth performance and an increase in breast yield (P less than 0.05). Moreover, the dietary supplementation of bentonite and triticale had a significant influence (P less than 0.05) on the serum levels of triglycerides and calcium. The chicks fed a basal diet had significantly (P less than 0.05) higher triglycerides and lower calcium blood serum levels than those fed experimental diets. However, there was no significant effect on breast meat traits (P greater than 0.05).

Soybean molasses can be used as a substitute for corn in grazing beef cattle supplements during the rainy season.

Soybean molasses (SBMO) is a byproduct derived from the production of soy protein concentrate, obtained through solubilization in water and alcohol. The utilization of SBMO as an animal feed ingredient shows promising potential, primarily due to its low cost and as a potential energy concentrate. This study aimed to assess the intake, digestibility, ruminal parameters (pH and ruminal ammonia - NH3), nitrogen retention (NR) and microbial protein synthesis in grazing beef cattle supplemented with SBMO as a substitute for corn during the rainy season. Five Nellore (10-month-old) bulls with an average initial weight of 246 ± 11.2kg were utilized in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. The animals were housed in five paddocks, each consisting of 0.34ha of Marandu grass (Urochloa brizantha). Five isonitrogenous protein-energy supplements (300g crude protein [CP]/kg supplement) were formulated, with SBMO replacing corn at varying levels (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, or 1.00g-1g). The supplements were provided daily at a quantity of 2.0kg-1 animal. The inclusion of SBMO at any level of corn substitution did not significantly affect the intake of pasture dry matter or total dry matter (P > 0.10). Likewise, the intake of CP and, consequently, the ruminal concentration of NH3 did not differ among the SBMO levels. Increasing the inclusion of SBMO did not have a significant impact on NR (P > 0.10), indicating that animals receiving supplements containing 100% SBMO as a substitute for corn may perform similarly to animals receiving supplements with 100% corn (0% SBMO). Soybean molasses represents a viable alternative energy source for grazing beef cattle during the rainy season and can entirely replace corn without adversely affecting animal nutritional performance.

Parkia platycephala pods in confined lamb diets: Fatty acid profile, ruminal biohydrogenation, and meat quality

This study was performed to evaluate the effects of replacing ground corn with Parkia platycephala pods (PPs) in lamb diets on the physicochemical characteristics of meat, the fatty acid profile in meat, and ruminal biohydrogenation (RBH). Twenty-eight castrated male lambs (20.05 ± 0.44 kg, 120 ± 10 days old) were distributed in a randomized block design constituting four treatments and seven replications. Four diets were formulated by replacing ground corn with PPs at increasing levels: 0 % PPs and 100 % ground corn (299.4 g/kg dry matter [DM]), 33 % substitution of ground corn (199.5 g/kg DM) with PPs (100.3 g/kg DM), 66 % substitution of ground corn (99.7 g/kg DM) with PPs (200.5 g/kg DM), and 100 % PPs (300.6 g/kg DM) and 0 % ground corn. The PPs resulted in a reduction in C18:1c9 intake; increased C12:0, C15:0, C18:1t9, C18:1t11, and C18:2n6; and reduced C18:0 in ruminal digesta, with a quadratic effect for C4:0 (P < 0.05). The RBH rate of C18:1c9 and C18:2n6 (P < 0.05) decreased as the PP levels in the diets increased. Regarding fatty acids in meat, there was a reduction in C16:1c9, C18:1c9, and cis-monounsaturated fatty acids and a quadratic effect for C14:1c9 and C18:2c9t11 (P < 0.05) as the PP levels in the diets increased. Levels of 66 % and 100 % PPs in the diets provided higher C18:2n6 in meat compared with the control diet (0 % PPs) and the diet containing 33 % PPs (P < 0.05). Under these experimental conditions, the replacement of corn with PPs in diets for lambs changed the fatty acid profile in the rumen digesta and lamb meat, promoting an increase in C18:1t11 in the rumen digesta. PPs can be used as an alternative ingredient in lamb feeding because they provide nutritional characteristics similar to those provided by corn.

Utilization of Sago Waste Fermented by Neurospora sp. as Alternative Corn Substitution on Laying Duck Production

Utilization of Sago Waste Fermented by Neurospora sp. as Alternative Corn Substitution on Laying Duck Production

Optimization Cassamore (Cassava – Moringa Mix) Extrusion Process as A Feed Substitute for Corn

Optimization Cassamore (Cassava – Moringa Mix) Extrusion Process as A Feed Substitute for Corn

Use of Cracker Residue in the Diet of Dairy Heifers: Impacts on Animal Health, Ruminal Fatty Acids Profile, Digestibility, Weight Gain, and Economic Viability.

This study determined whether the isomeric or isoenergetic/isoproteic substitution of corn in the diet of Jersey heifers in the rearing phase with cracker residue would impair growth and health, as well as reducing production costs. Fourteen Jersey females in the growth phase were used, separated into two treatments with seven animals in each lot in collective pens. The experiment used 7-month-old animals (169.8 ± 2.89 kg) and lasted for four months. In Experiment I, the animals were divided into two groups: treatment, with the partial replacement of 40% corn with cracker residue, and control, in which the animals consumed the same diet with 100% corn (isometric diet kg for kg). In Experiment II, the animals with a body weight of 200.2 ± 3.85 kg were divided into two groups: Treatment, replacing 100% of the corn with cracker residue, and control, in which the animals consumed an isoprotein and isoenergetic diet but with 100% of the corn in the formulation. The diet consisted of concentrate, Tifton 85 hay, and corn silage, supplied twice a day individually, with animals contained in their feeders by kennels. There was water ad libitum in the bay. Biweekly weighing and monthly blood analysis were performed, totaling four collections per part for hematologic evaluation, carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism variables. At the end of each experiment, ruminal fluid was collected to measure the volatile fatty acid profile, and feces were collected to determine the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC). Experiments I and II showed no effect of treatment on body weight, weight gain, average daily weight gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency. There was no effect of treatment on leukocyte, erythrocyte, lymphocyte, neutrophil, monocyte, and eosinophil counts, hematocrit, and hemoglobin concentration (p > 0.05). Experiment I showed a difference between groups for the variables albumin, globulin, total proteins, cholesterol, glucose, and urea, which did not happen in Experiment II. In both experiments, a higher ADC of nutrients was found in the treatment group which had cracker residue (p > 0.05). The concentration of volatile fatty acids in Experiment I was higher in the control group, unlike in Experiment II, where the highest concentration was in the treatment group (p > 0.05). Because experiment I had an isometric substitution, the diets had different bromatological composition, which is the probable cause of the difference between groups; this did not happen in experiment II, in which the diets consumed by the animals was isoproteic and isoenergetic. Based on these data we conclude that the substitution of cracker residue in an isomeric or isoenergetic/isoproteic form does not negatively affect weight gain and animal health, as well as reduces the cost of the concentrate, consequently reducing the cost of production of these animals.

Full-fat corn germ improves the performance and milk fat yield of Girolando cows fed sugarcane bagasse and cactus cladodes as forage sources.

We investigated the effects of replacing ground corn with full-fat corn germ (FFCG) on milk production, milk composition, and nutrient use in cows fed sugarcane bagasse and cactus cladodes. Ten multiparous Girolando cows (average body weight 500 ± 66kg, 90 ± 15 days in milk) were distributed in a replicated 5 × 5 Latin Square and assigned to five dietary treatments containing 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of full-fat corn germ in substitution to ground corn. Full-fat corn germ increased fat-corrected milk yield by 2.2kg/day and the synthesis of fat, lactose, and total solids in milk by 94.4, 60.0, and 201.10g/day, respectively (p < 0.05). Cows fed corn germ quadratically increased (p < 0.05) dry matter intake by 1.01kg/day, with the intake of crude protein and total digestible nutrients following the same pattern. Conversely, the substitution of corn for full-fat corn germ linearly reduced (p < 0.05) the total non-fiber carbohydrate intake from 5.79 to 4.40kg/d. Except for ether extract and non-fiber carbohydrates, full-fat corn germ did not alter (p > 0.05) nutrient digestibility. Cows fed corn germ excreted less (p < 0.05) urea-N in milk and urine N. These results demonstrate that full-fat corn germ can partially replace ground corn to enhance the milk production efficiency of crossbred cows fed cactus cladodes and sugarcane bagasse. Furthermore, including sugarcane bagasse in FFCG-supplemented diets prevents milk fat depression in cows fed cactus cladodes.

Evaluating the Suitability of Orange Pulp Meal as a Partial Substitute of Corn on the Chemical and Sensorial Properties of Broiler Meat (Pectoralis major)

Background: The study aimed to assess the effect of a partial dietary substitution of corn with dried orange pulp (DOP) powder in broiler diets and their effect on Pectoralis major meat quality. Furthermore, the study investigated the relationship between physicochemical parameters and sensory characteristics of breast meat even of control and experimental broilers groups. Methods: Four dietary treatments namely basal diet (control), 5, 10 and 15% DOP were given to 200 broilers 16 days-old for 49 days. Throughout all breeding periods, the control group was fed a diet primarily composed of corn, soybean meal and wheat bran. The experimental groups were given the same initial diet as the control group, but their grower and finisher diets contained 5%, 10% and 15% of orange pulp powder respectively. Physicochemical parameters, proximate composition, lipid oxidation index and sensory characteristics of broiler breast muscle were determined. Result: Significant decreases in moisture and fats were observed in the experimental groups (P less than 0.0001). However, the experimental diets positively affected the lipid oxidation of breast meat samples, as indicated by the lower malondialdehyde content (P less than 0.05). The partial substitution with orange pulp powder did not show an effect (P greater than 0.05) on sensory attributes of breast meat except for overall acceptability by the degustation panel. According to the panel degustation results, the flavor in experimental diets breast meat had a significant correlation on some sensory characteristic like juiciness and color of experimental breast samples (P less than 0.001). Pearson’s correlation revealed that flavor of control breast meat was negatively correlated with 2 physicochemical parameters (pH and lipid peroxidation). Similarly, the flavor of experimental groups was negatively correlated with the sensory attributes (juiciness and color). Additionally, a significant positive correlation was found between juiciness and the parameters (color and pH) of experimental meat.

Growth performance and gut function of broiler chickens received barley-based diets with or without an enzyme mixture

An experimental study was performed to evaluate the responses of broiler chickens to dietary substitution of barley for corn. A total of 252 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly distributed among 18 floor pens. Six such pens were then randomly assigned to each dietary treatment. Dietary treatments consisted of a corn-based diet, a barley-based diet, and the barley-based diet plus an enzyme mixture. Results indicated that barley substitution for corn significantly (p&lt; 0.0001) impacted broiler performance criteria. However, enzyme supplementation significantly (p= 0.02) improved the feed conversion ratio to the extent obtained in the corn control. The villus absorptive surface area was shrunk in birds fed a barley diet compared to the corn diet. Nevertheless, supplementation of the barley diet with the enzyme mixture significantly (p= 0.02) restored the situation. The expression of the TLR2 gene was significantly down-regulated by replacing barley with corn. Enzyme supplementation of the barley diet significantly (p&lt; 0. 001) up-regulated TLR2 gene expression but not to the extent observed in the corn control group. Significant increases were observed in circulatory levels of uric acid (p&lt; 0.05), total protein (p&lt;0.01), and albumin (p&lt; 0.001) when barley was substituted for corn. Enzyme supplements did not make any significant difference to these variables. In conclusion, the substitution of barley for corn was associated with the poor performance of broilers. However, supplementing barley-based diets with the enzyme mixture improved chicken's performance through enhanced villus absorptive surface area. It reduced the turnover of enterocytes, as reflected in a lower crypt depth in the jejunum.

Effect of dietary substitution of corn with Flammulina velutipes residue on growth performance, serum biochemical indicators, slaughter performance and cecal microbiota in geese

The experiment sought to determine the effects of substituting Flammulina velutipes residue (FVR) for corn on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, slaughter performance and caecum microbiota of geese. One hundred and ninety-two 35old Hordobagy geese were used in this experiment, and they were divided into four groups and fed with various diets for 28 d. The geese in the control group were fed with a basal diet. The other groups substituted 12%, 24% and 32% FVR for corn in their diets, respectively. There was no significant difference in the feed/gain ratio between the addition of 12% and 24% FVR to the diet, however, these additions considerably raised final body weight, average daily feed intake, and average daily growth (p < 0.05). When 24% FVR was substituted for corn in the diet, the levels of albumin (ALB) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) dramatically rose (p < 0.05). The examination of caecal microbiota revealed that the substitution of FVR for corn greatly increased both the variety and quantity of the caecal microbiota as well as the amount of bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). In conclusion, FVR has the potential to be an effective corn replacement with a 24% acceptable substitution level.

Effects of Adding Agro-Industrial By-Products of Babassu to Guinea Grass Silage

Using by-products added to grass silage in the total mixed ration (TMR) silage form can bring advantages to the ensiling process, raising DM levels, absorbing moisture, and improving the silage’s chemical composition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of babassu by-products’ inclusion substitution for corn in Guinea grass silage in the total mixed ration as an alternative feed for ruminants. The experiment was a completely randomized design with four treatments (silage) and five replications (silo). There was a significant difference in the fermentation profile and losses of silage (p &lt; 0.001), some organic acids (lactic and butyric acids, p &lt; 0.001), and the percentage of lactic acid in fermentation products (LA:FP, p &lt; 0.001). The TGS showed the highest average for the variable’s maximum temperature (p &lt; 0.001) and hours/max temperature (p = 0.011). Babassu by-products could eventually replace 50% of corn in total mixed rations silage containing Guinea grass, meeting the suggestion for the total mixed ration silage.

Effects of microalgae, with or without xylanase supplementation, on growth performance, organs development, and gut health parameters of broiler chickens

Microalgae are becoming potential sustainable feed ingredients, whereas terrestrial feedstuffs are becoming scarce and costly. They are rich in nutritional and functional values but have lower digestibility. This study evaluated the effects of microalgae with or without xylanase supplementation on growth performance and gut health of broiler chickens. A total of 162-day-old Cobb 500 chicks were raised for 35 d. Birds were fed with either 1 of the 3 dietary treatments: 1) corn-soybean meal-based diet (CON), 2) CON+3% microalgae (MAG), and 3) MAG+xylanase (MAG+XYN) in 2 phases (starter: d 0-21 and finisher: d 22-35) in mash form. Each dietary treatment had 6 replicates, with 9 birds in each replicate. The level of significance was considered at the P value <0.05. The BW, ADG, and ADFI were significantly higher in MAG by 50%, 52.5%, and 42.4%, respectively, and MAG+XYN by 44.1%, 49.7%, and 38.6%, respectively, compared to the CON group. No significant difference was observed for FCR; however, FCR was reduced by 6.3% in both MAG and MAG+XYN groups compared to the CON group. The carcass and organ weight relative to the total body weight were not significantly different among the treatments. The expressions of Zonula occludens 1 (ZO1), Cluster of differentiation 56 (CD56), and Solute carrier family 7 member 7 (SLC7A7) were significantly modulated, for example, by 3.7, 3.9, and 3.3 folds, respectively, in the MAG group compared to CON and 0.8, 0.6, and 1.1 folds, respectively, in the MAG group compared to MAG+XYN groups on d 35. Villi surface area (VSA) of ileum tended to increase on d 3 (P=0.0725) and d 35 (P=0.0785) in the MAG and MAG+XYN groups, compared to the CON group. The results suggest that adding microalgae with or without xylanase to broiler's diet could promote growth performance and show a tendency to improve gut health parameters. The nutrient profile and its functional properties make microalgae a valuable resource to the poultry industry as a part substitution of corn and soybean meal and a functional feed supplement to modulate the gut health of broilers.

Assessment of the influence on Hypsizygus marmoreus stem waste as a sustainable alternative to corn in Holdobagy geese dietary

The processing of edible mushrooms generates a large amount of mushroom residue. How to handle this mushroom residue in a way that avoids environmental pollution and maximizes effective utilization is a current issue that needs to be explored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of substituting dietary corn with Hypsizygus marmoreus mushroom stem waste (HSW) in the diet of geese. The control group was fed with a basal diet (BD), and the other groups were fed the basal diet to which 12% (HSW12 group), 24% (HSW24 group), or 32% (HSW32 group) of HSW were added to replace the equivalent proportion of corn. The test lasted 28 days. The results showed that the average daily feed intake (ADFI) of the HSW12 and HSW24 groups at 35–49 d, and the HSW12 and HSW32 groups at 35–63 d, was significantly higher compared to the BD group (p&amp;lt;0.05). The average daily gain (ADG) of the HSW12 group was significantly higher than BD at 35–49 d (p&amp;lt;0.05), but there was no significant difference in the feed/gain (F/G) among the groups. The levels of serum total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin (GLOB), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) in HSW24 group were significantly higher than those in the BD group (p&amp;lt;0.05). Total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased significantly, and there were no significant differences in carcass traits and meat quality. As 24% HSW supplementation had the best overall effect on the growth performance, serum biochemical indicators, meat quality, and carcass traits of geese, gut microbiota analysis was only performed on this group. The microbiota α-diversity of the cecum and ileum did not differ significantly between the BD and HSW24 groups. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) indicated that the difference in the cecum was significant in the β-diversity (p&amp;lt;0.05). Short chain fatty acid-producing bacteria and decomposing protein and carbohydrate bacteria (Prevotella) were enriched in the cecum in the HSW24 group. Gut immune regulating and nutritional bacteria, Lactococcus and Bacillus, respectively, were enriched in the ileum in HSW24 group. Spearman’s analysis indicated that Bacillus, Prevotella, and Clostridium were positively associated with serum protein and lipid metabolism. These results indicate that 24% HSW substitution of corn could improve goose serum ALB and fat metabolism, and increase serum antioxidant capacity, which may becaused by the improvement of goose cecal microbiota.

Effects of corn replacement by sorghum in broiler chickens diets on performance, blood chemistry, and meat quality

The influence of feeding a new hybrid of sorghum (ES Shamal, orange variety) in broiler chickens on growth, health, meat, and litter quality was evaluated from 1–42 d. A total of 360-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks (40.1 ± 2.3 g) were randomly assigned to 3 experimental diets: 100% corn-based diet (S0), partial replacement of corn with 50% sorghum (S50), total replacement of corn with sorghum (S100). All diets were calculated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric with similar content of total lysine, total sulphur amino acids, calcium, and available phosphorous. The results indicated that partial or total replacement of corn by sorghum is suitable for broiler chicken diets with no adverse effects on growth, and slaughter performance, as well as litter quality over the whole trial period. Moreover, the substitution of corn with sorghum, reduced (p = .007) abdominal fat associated with an increase in breast and thigh meat colour (L* values; p < .001). Also, a significant (p = .002) decrease in plasma triglyceride was found in broilers fed sorghum-based diets. Except for collagen and hardness in the breast and thigh, and gumminess only in the thigh muscle, there were no differences in fundamental physicochemical (pH, protein, fat, moisture) or textural attributes of meat due to dietary treatment. However, sorghum alters the intestinal microflora, resulting in a lower count of E. coli in the caeca. It can thus, be concluded that sorghum (ES Shamal, orange variety) can be included in broiler feeds from hatching to day 42, without any adverse effects on the broiler’s performance. HIGHLIGHTS Climate changes become a threat to the livestock sector and finding novel nutritional solutions for feeding farm animals became a priority. New sorghum varieties are valuable in terms of drought-resistant plants. Replacement of corn with sorghum in broiler diets maintains growth performances and carcase characteristics.

Effect of Graded Levels of Dried Orange (Citrus sinensis) Byproducts on Production Efficiency, Blood Parameters and Antioxidant Status of Broiler Chickens

Background: Orange wastes are bioactive compounds produced during the industrial transformation.The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding dried sweet orange byproducts (DOP) on broiler growth performance, serum metabolites and antioxidant status. Methods: A total of 200 of 20-day experimental broiler chicks were distributed into a completely randomized design which included 4 dietary treatments with 5 replicates of 10 birds fed each. The dietary treatments included a control diet with no corn substitution and three diets containing 5, 10 and 15 % Dried Orange Pulp. Feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass traits, serum components, and blood antioxidant status were measured. Result: FCR and BWG of chickens were improved when using graded levels of DOP compared to the control group (P less than 0.05). Serum total protein and glucose were significantly increased (P less than 0.0001) in DOP groups compared to the control. Serum Cholesterol and triglyceride decreased significantly (P less than 0.0001) in the DOP groups. Higher Aspartate amino transferase, Lactate Dehydrogenase and Creatine Phospho Kinase activities were observed in Control group compared to the other treatments.

Profiling of Fatty Acids and Rumen Ecosystem of Sheep Fed on a Palm Kernel Cake-Based Diet Substituted with Corn

The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of corn substitution on the rumen functions and fatty acid profile of Dorper lambs fed a diet based on palm kernel cake (PKC). Corn was replaced with PKC basal diet at the following levels: C0% = (0% corn + 75.3% PKC), C1% = (5% corn + 70.3% PKC) and C2% = (10% corn + 65.3% PKC) of diet. The rumen fermentation was carried out in vitro, and feeding trials were in vivo. Twenty-seven lambs were used to determine gastrointestinal tract content and rumen fluid fatty acid. Rumen liquor was obtained from four fistulae Dorper sheep and incubated with 200 mg of each treatment for 24 and 72 h. In vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), volatile fatty acids (VFA), methane estimation (CH4), rumen microbial population and fatty acid biohydrogenation were determined. The results of the in vitro study showed there were no significant differences in IVDMD, IVOMD, NH3-N, pH and VFA at 72 h. Higher significant CH4 production was observed in C0% when compared with C1% and C2%. Microbial population did not differ significantly between treatment groups. The rates of biohydrogenation were not affected by corn substitution, although a significant difference was observed in C18:1n9 (in vitro) and C18:1 t-11 (in vivo). In conclusion, the present study indicated that the corn substitution in the PKC diets maintained fermentation characteristics with an increase in unsaturated fatty acids in the rumen.

Nutritional Quality of Milk Fat from Cows Fed Full-Fat Corn Germ in Diets Containing Cactus Opuntia and Sugarcane Bagasse as Forage Sources

We evaluated the performance, milk composition, and milk fatty acid profile of cows fed diets composed of cactus cladodes (Opuntia stricta [Haw.] Haw), sugarcane bagasse and increasing levels of full-fat corn germ (FFCG). We hypothesized that ground corn can be effectively replaced by FFCG when cactus cladodes and sugarcane bagasse are used as forage sources. The cows were randomly distributed into two 5 × 5 Latin Squares and fed five diets in which ground corn was progressively replaced with full-fat corn germ (FFCG; 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or 100% of substitution). Adding FFCG to the diet increased milk production and milk fat content and reduced milk protein content. Overall, FFCG reduced the proportion of saturated FAs and increased mono- and polyunsaturated FAs in milk, including CLA isomers. In addition, activity indices of stearoyl-CoA desaturase were reduced by increasing levels of FFCG. We conclude that the substitution of corn for FFCG in diets based on cactus cladodes and sugarcane bagasse positively modifies the FA profile of milk and could add commercial value to milk products (e.g., CLA-enriched milk). In addition, the milk fat response indicates that the basal diet was favorable to the rumen environment, preventing the trans-10 shift commonly associated with milk fat depression.

Corn Substitution Through Na-Glutamate and Neurospora Species Supplementation in Cassava and Tofu Dregs

Corn Substitution Through Na-Glutamate and Neurospora Species Supplementation in Cassava and Tofu Dregs

Influence of level of dried distillers grains plus solubles substitution for steam-flaked corn on characteristics of growth performance, and dietary energetics of calf-fed Holstein steers during the initial 16-week growing phase: metabolizable protein versus metabolizable amino acids.

This study evaluates the partial replacement of steam-flaked corn (SFC) with increasing dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) levels in growing-finishing diets for calf-fed Holstein steers. Two experiments were conducted. In trial 1, 100 Holstein calves (136 ± 7 kg) were used to evaluate the effect of DDGS as a metabolizable protein source on cattle growth performance, and dietary energetics of calf-fed Holstein steers during the initial 111 d growing phase. Four dietary levels of DDGS were evaluated (10, 15, 20, and 25%, dry matter basis), replacing SFC (flake density, 0.31 kg/L). In trial 2, four Holstein steers (368 ± 20 kg) with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum were used to evaluate treatment effects on characteristics of ruminal and total tract digestion of organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber, nitrogen (N), and indispensable amino acid supply to the small intestine. The increasing level of DDGS did not affect (P ≥ 0.13) average daily gain, gain efficiency, and estimated dietary net energy values. Replacement of SFC with increasing levels of DDGS decreased (linear; P = 0.01) ruminal OM digestion. There was no treatment effect on the flow of microbial nitrogen to the small intestine (P = 0.34) and ruminal microbial efficiency (P = 0.79). However, increasing levels of DDGS in the diet increased (linear; P ≤ 0.04) flow of methionine, histidine, phenylalanine, threonine, leucine, isoleucine, and valine but did not affect (P = 0.74) intestinal supply of lysine. Increasing DDGS in the diet increased (linear, P < 0.01) flow of N to the small intestine but decreased (linear; P < 0.01) ruminal N efficiency. Replacing SFC with DDGS increased intake and amino acid leaving the abomasum. Still, this effect was not sufficient to increase the growth performance of calf-fed Holstein during the first 111 d on feed.

Preference for feed, but not growth performance, is reduced if hybrid rye replaces corn in diets for growing pigs

Two experiments were conducted to test the hypotheses that there is no difference in feed preference for diets containing hybrid rye or corn as the exclusive cereal grain source, and that hybrid rye may replace a portion of corn in diets for growing pigs without adversely affecting growth performance. In experiment 1, thirty-six pigs (initial body weight 32.0 ± 1.8 kg) were housed for 8 days in 18 pens with one gilt and one barrow in each pen. Each pen contained 2 identical feeders with one feeder containing a corn-based diet and the other feeder containing a diet based on hybrid rye. On each day, feed disappearance was calculated, feed allotment was recorded, and feeder positions were switched to minimize feeder preference. In experiment 2, one hundred and twenty eight growing pigs (initial body weight: 27.2 ± 2.2 kg) were allotted to 32 pens and 4 dietary treatments. A diet identical to the corn diet used in experiment 1 was used as the control diet, and 3 additional diets in which increasing proportions of corn were replaced with hybrid rye, were also formulated. Diets were fed for 27 days and body weights were determined at the start and at the end of the experiment. Results of experiment 1 demonstrated that preference ( %) for the hybrid rye-based diet was less (P < 0.05) than for the corn-based diet on each day and for the overall experiment. Results of experiment 2 indicated that there were no differences among treatments for initial or final body weight of pigs. Average daily gain (ADG) was not affected by dietary treatment, and the same was true for gain:feed (G:F). There was a tendency (linear, P < 0.10) for average daily feed intake to be reduced as hybrid rye inclusion in the diet increased. The reluctance of pigs to consume hybrid rye in the first experiment may be due to simple taste preference, but the satiating effects of the dietary fiber in hybrid rye in the gastrointestinal tract may also have contributed to the reduced feed intake observed in the second experiment. Nevertheless, ADG and G:F were unchanged by hybrid rye substitution for corn, indicating that growing pigs may be fed diets with high inclusion rates of hybrid rye without negatively impacting growth.