Digestibility Coefficients Of Crude Protein Research Articles

Agronomic and In Vitro Quality Evaluation of Dual-Purpose Cereals Clipped at Variable Ages and Their Utilization in Rabbit Feeding

The present study included two experiments; the first one investigated the forage productivity and in vitro quality of a single cut taken at different plant ages (45, 60, and 75 days after sowing—DAS) from four prominent cereal crops, namely, barley, oat, triticale, and ryegrass, grown during two successive winter seasons in Northern Egypt. In addition, the effect of plant age at forage removal on the crop’s regrowth ability and final grain yield was quantified. The second experiment studied the biological in vivo effects of the four crops’ hay cut at the optimum plant age on growth performance, feed utilization, and apparent nutrients’ digestibility of growing rabbits. Despite the progressive increase in the fresh and dry matter yields produced from the four crops with later forage removal and the relatively high quality of the forage removed at 45 DAS, 1st experiment concluded that forage removal at 60 DAS produced a reasonable amount of fresh and dry matter yields with appropriate in vitro quality. Meanwhile, the gain in forage yield, when forage was removed at 60 DAS, was enough to compensate for the consequent reduction in grain yield of the four evaluated crops. The inclusion of variable percentages (0, 10, and 20%) of the four tested crops’ hay, when cut at 60 DAS, in the rabbit’s diet (2nd experiment), resulted in non-significant variations in the rabbit’s final body weight. Meanwhile, regardless of the percentage, the rabbits that were fed on diets including ryegrass hay and barley hay had the highest significant daily weight gain. The best feed conversion ratios were obtained by the rabbits that were fed on diets containing 10 and 20% ryegrass hay as well as 20% triticale hay. The highest dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein digestibility coefficients were obtained by both groups of rabbits that were fed on diets containing 20% ryegrass hay and barley hay. The inclusion of any of the four crops’ hay in the rabbits’ diet resulted in significantly higher digestibility coefficients for all nutrients compared to the control rabbits except for ether extract digestibility. Among the four evaluated crops’ hay, ryegrass hay was found to have an outstanding impact on the productive performance and digestibility of growing rabbits. In growing dual-purpose cereals, it is recommended to cut the crops at 60 DAS to achieve the optimum balance between forage yield and quality on the one hand and final grain yield on the other hand. Moreover, when cut at 60 DAS, the evaluated hay of the four crops was adequate to be included in the rabbits’ diet up to 20% substitution of the commercial fiber sources.

Influences of dietary Eucommia ulmoides extract on growth, flesh quality, antioxidant capacity and collagen-related genes expression in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)

The study investigated the effects of dietary Eucommia ulmoides extracts on growth, flesh quality and collagen-related genes expression of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Eucommia ulmoides bark extract (EBE) and Eucommia ulmoides leaf extract (ELE) were individually supplemented into basal diet (control) at an inclusion of 4 g/kg, and then the three diets were fed to grass carp (59.7 ± 0.3 g) for 60 days. The results indicated that dietary ELE significantly increased weight gain (+4.22 %), and decreased feed conversion ratio (-4.05 %) (P < 0.05), while EBE did not significantly affect the growth performance of grass carp. Compared to the control, dietary ELE significantly increased apparent digestibility coefficient of dry matter, crude protein and intestinal digestive enzyme activity (P < 0.05), and the contents of calcium, total collagen, heat-insoluble collagen and free amino acids level (including delicious amino acids) in flesh were also significantly increased (P < 0.05). In both extracts groups, the flesh centrifugal loss, steaming loss, drip loss24h, protein carbonyl and malondialdehyde were significantly lower, and superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were significantly higher than the control (P < 0.05). No significant differences in the amount of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in flesh were found among the three groups, but docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), docosahexaenic acid (DHA), n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and n-3/n-6 ratio in flesh were significantly increased by dietary EBE and ELE (P < 0.05). In collagen-related genes expression, the ELE supplementation significantly promoted the expression of collagen type I (COL1A1, COL1A2), proline hydroxylase, lysine oxidasein in muscle, while the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary ELE improved the growth, muscle antioxidant capacity and flesh quality of grass carp.

Response of anestrous heifers fed local grass or oak foliage-based diet with two different mineral mixtures.

The effect of incorporation of two different mineral mixtures and/or oak leaves was studied on nutrient utilization and reproductive performance in anestrous heifers. Twenty-one anestrous heifers (18.2 ± 1.45 months; 229 ± 14.2 kg body weight) were randomly distributed into three similar groups. Heifers in control (T1) and first treatment group (T2) were fed concentrate mixture incorporated with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specific mineral mixture and a customized mineral mixture developed specially for Kumaon hills (MMKH), respectively, along with local green grass (Pennisetum orientale). In the second treatment group (T3), concentrate mixture was the same as that of T2, while the source of roughage was local oak (Quercus leucotricophora) leaves containing 3.35% condensed tannin. A digestibility trial was conducted after 120 days of study. The feed intake was similar among the groups. Digestibility coefficient of crude protein (CP) was lower in T3 than T2 and comparable to T1. Feeding oak leaves improved absorption of calcium as compared to grass-fed animals. Bioavailability of copper and zinc was higher (P < 0.05) in oak leaves and MMKH fed group (T3) as compared to T1, but similar to T2. Conversely, absorption of iron had the reverse trend and was reflected in serum Fe concentration. Hematological, biochemical, enzyme and hormonal profiles were not influenced by any of the treatments. The relative occurrence of estrus cyclicity and conception rate was more in groups T2 and T3, respectively, than other groups. It was concluded that feeding oak foliage-based diet containing 1.87% tannin along with customized mineral mixture developed for Kumaon hills improved certain nutrient utilization and reproductive performance as compared to local green grass supplemented with BIS-specific mineral mixture or MMKH.

Cottonseed meal with enzyme complex for finishing pigs.

This work evaluated the digestibility of the experimental diets, the performance and the economic viability of pigs in the finishing phase fed with diets containing increasing levels of cottonseed meal (CM) with enzymatic complex. In the digestibility test, 35 barrows with an average weight of 54.54 ± 2.49 kg were used and for the performance and economic viability test, 30 pigs with an average weight of 55.47 ± 5.3 kg were used. In both trials, the animals were distributed in five diets: control diet (0), control diet plus the enzyme complex (0E), diet with 5% CM plus the enzyme complex (5E), diet with 10% CM plus the enzyme complex (10E), and a diet with 15% CM plus the enzyme complex (15E). The digestibility coefficients of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP) reduced with the inclusion of CM with enzyme complex in the diet of pigs in the finishing phase, in contrast to the ether extract (EE), which improved as the inclusion of CM increased. No statistical difference (P > 0.05) was found in the performance when all diets were compared; however, when comparing only the diets that contained the enzyme complex separately, a negative linear effect (P = 0.015) was observed for the feed conversion (FC) in period 2. The diets have no effects on periods 1 and 3. Diets 0, 5E, 10E, and 15E, presented better net income (P = 0.019) in March to May 2018 due to the different levels of inclusion of CM with enzyme complex; in the other evaluated items, there were no statistical differences (P > 0.05). The inclusion of CM and enzyme complex in the diets reduced the digestibility of the dietary components; however, it did not reflect on the performance and was not financially viable in the studied scenario.

Effect of partial replacement of protein supplement with silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) pupa meal on production performances in crossbred (HS × GH) grower pigs

Eighteen crossbred (HS × GH) castrated grower pigs (3 months old, body wt. ranged from 13 to 14 kg) were divided into three groups of six each in a randomized block design to investigate the partial replacement of conventional protein sources with silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori) meal on production performance. Three different diets were prepared for feeding of experimental animals. These were namely - T1: standard grower ration without silkworm pupa meal and designated as control diet, T2: standard grower ration supplemented with 1.5% silkworm pupa meal by replacing 2.5% protein supplements which include mixture of groundnut cake and soyabean meal and standard grower ration supplemented with 3% silkworm pupa meal by replacing 5% protein supplements. The pigs were fed on the experimental grower rations twice daily in the morning and evening. The average dry matter intake was found similar in T1, T2 and T3 groups. Digestibility coefficients (%) of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract and crude fiber was increased in silkworm pupa meal supplemented groups. Nitrogen balance (g/d) was found positive across all the groups and was increased in supplemented groups in comparison to control. The average body weight gain (g/day) was found higher in silkworm pupa supplemented groups. The cost (`/kg gain) was reduced in T2 and T3 groups in comparison to T1 group. The feed conversion efficiency (FCR) was higher T2 and T3 groups than control group. From this study, it is concluded that silkworm pupa meal can be supplemented @ 3% level by replacing 5% protein supplements in grower crossbred pigs to improve growth, nutrient utilization, feed conversion efficiency and also to reduce the feed cost.

Feeding of Phytobiotics and Exogenous Protease in Broilers: Comparative Effect on Nutrient Digestibility, Bone Strength and Gut Morphology

In this feeding trial, a total of 500 Cobb-500 broiler (day-old) chickens were randomly assigned to a control dietary treatment (basal diet only) or supplemented with crushed seeds of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), black cumin (Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch) and ajwain (Carum copticum L.) (at 10 mg/kg each) and exogenous protease (30,000 IU/kg), respectively, in order to assess the effect of the diets on nutrient digestibility, bone strength and gut morphology. The results indicated that the digestibility coefficients of crude protein, crude fat, nitrogen-free extract, calcium and phosphorous were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher in protease-treated birds compared to the control. The tibia bone weight was improved (p = 0.03) in Carum copticum, Coriandrum sativum and protease-supplemented birds. Bone length increased (p &lt; 0.05) in protease and Carum copticum fed broilers, while the robusticity index decreased (p &lt; 0.05) in all treatments. Villus length and width decreased (p &lt; 0.05) in Carum copticum and Bunium persicum fed broilers. From findings, it was demonstrated that exogenous protease shows comparatively better results in improving bone quality, ileal digestibility and villus morphology in broilers.

Potential of corn distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) in the diet of European catfish (Silurus glanis)

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the suitability of corn DDGS as a protein source for European catfish (Silurus glanis). The first experiment consisted of an in vivo digestibility assessment to determine apparent digestibility coefficients for protein, lipid, phosphorus and amino acids available in DDGS. One hundred twenty juveniles (average weight, 154.29 ± 2.73 g) were distributed in recirculation water system equipped with six 1m3 fiberglass tanks (20 fish per tank), which were allotted to two experimental group in triplicates. Juveniles were fed either of the two diets, with or without DDGS (DDGS diet or reference diet) ad libitum till saturation 3 times per day for two weeks. Apparent digestibility coefficient of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat and phosphorus of DDGS ingredient for Europeean catfish were found 49.42 %, 73.39 %, 77.38 % and 87.98 % respectively. The second experiment was conducted for eight weeks to evaluate the effect of corn DDGS on growth, nutrient utilization and metabolism of European catfish. Two hundred forty juveniles of European catfish (average weight, 272.7 ± 37.8 g) were stocked in 1000 L glass fibre tanks in a recirculation system in triplicates. Juveniles were fed with either of the four iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric (37 % crude protein and 6 % crude fat) experimental diets formulated with the inclusion of 0, 10, 20 and 30 % corn DDGS with partial replacement of soybean and wheat. No significant differences were found between the experimental groups regarding growth performance and plasma biochemical parameters. The liver histopathological observations showed that 20 and 30 % DDGS groups had less vacuolized hepatocytes than the other groups. Both experiments conclude that apparent digestibility of corn DDGS is auspicious for European catfish and 30 % DDGS can be included in the diet of European catfish without compromising the growth performance and nutrient utilization.

Effects of Corn Silage Inclusion Level and Type of Anabolic Implant on Animal Growth Performance, Apparent Total Tract Digestibility, Beef Production per Hectare, and Carcass Characteristics of Finishing Steers.

Simple SummaryCorn silage has long been a staple feed ingredient in cattle diets throughout the Midwest region of the United States. The most recent Feedlot Consulting Nutritionist Survey indicated that corn silage was the primary and secondary roughage source used in finishing diets by 37.5% of respondents. Using the entirety of the corn plant for feed allows for producers to quickly harvest feed tonnage. A common belief is that one should only include enough corn silage in a finishing ration to maintain rumen health. However, previous research conducted by our research group suggested that feeding increased levels of corn silage could increase the quantity of beef produced per hectare of cropland. Another aspect to consider when finishing cattle is implant type. Today a wide variety of implants are available, including polymer barrier coated and non-coated implants. Coated implants can provide an extended release of trenbolone acetate and estradiol for up to 200 days post-implantation. The objectives of the current study were to determine the influence of corn silage inclusion level and terminal implant type on animal growth performance, apparent total tract digestibility, carcass traits, and beef production per hectare of cropland in finishing steers harvested at common rib fat thickness.Maine-Anjou × Angus cross-bred steers (n = 156 steers; initial body weight (BW) 366 ± 37.2 kg) were used in a 132 d finishing study conducted at the Ruminant Nutrition Center (RNC) in Brookings, SD. Steers were blocked by weight (n = 5 BW blocks) and randomly assigned to an implant and dietary treatment of a randomized complete block design with each pen containing seven to eight steers (n = 20 pens). Dietary treatments consisted of (1) 15% (CS15) or (2) 30% corn silage (CS30) where corn silage displaced corn grain in the diet. Steers received one of two implants (both from Zoetis, Parsippany, NJ) containing equal doses of trenbolone acetate (TBA) and estradiol benzoate (EB): (1) Synovex PLUS (non-coated implant; 200 mg TBA and 28 mg EB; PLUS) or (2) Synovex ONE Feedlot (coated implant; 200 mg TBA and 28 mg EB; ONE-F). Bunks were managed using a slick bunk approach, and all diets contained dry matter (DM) basis 33 mg/kg monensin sodium. All steers were offered ad libitum access to feed, and feeding occurred twice daily in equal portions. There was no interaction between the implant and dietary treatment for any variables measured (p ≥ 0.08). Carcass-adjusted basis final BW, average daily gain (ADG), and grain to feed (G:F) were increased (p ≤ 0.02) by 2.2%, 6.5%, and 7.2%, respectively, for CS15. Observed net energy (NE) and the ratio of observed-to-expected NE for maintenance and gain was not influenced (p ≥ 0.15) by silage inclusion treatment. Beef production per hectare was not impacted (p ≥ 0.13) by corn silage inclusion level. Fecal output was increased, and digestibility coefficients for dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein were decreased in CS30 (p ≤ 0.03). Dressing percent and hot carcass weight (HCW) were greater (p ≤ 0.02) in CS15. Implant type did not influence any traits measured (p ≥ 0.14) except for marbling. Marbling was decreased for PLUS (433 vs. 466 ± 17.5; p = 0.02) compared to ONE-F steers. Similar beef produced per hectare of crop land-based upon silage feeding level means producers can feed greater inclusions of corn silage to finishing cattle without impacting carcass quality or beef production; implanting with a coated implant had no detrimental effects to growth performance but increases marbling scores.

Effects of dietary synbiotics supplementation methods on growth, intestinal health, non-specific immunity and disease resistance of Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei

The present study aims to investigate the effects of dietary synbiotics supplementation methods on growth, feed utilization, hepatopancreas and intestinal histology, non-specific immunity and microbiota community of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). A control diet was designed to contain 18% fish meal (CON), and then 3 g kg−1 synbiotics (Bioture, consisting of Bacillus subtilis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, β-glucan and mannan oligosaccharide, etc) was supplemented to the control diet with three methods, directly adding in diets for pelleting (DAP), spraying diets after pelleting at once (SDA), spraying diets before feeding every day (SDE). Shrimp with initial body weight of 1.5 ± 0.12 g were fed one of the four diets for 56 days. The results showed that dietary synbiotics significantly increased the weight gain (WG), apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of crude protein (CP) and dry matter (DM), hepatopancreatic protease activity and decreased feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.05). Among the three synbiotics-added diets, SDE group showed the best growth with significantly higher WG than DAP group (P < 0.05). Serum activities of total superoxide dismutase, catalase, acid phosphatase, lysozyme and alkaline phosphatase of synbiotics-added groups were significantly higher, and serum malondialdehyde level was significantly lower than those of the control (P < 0.05). The intestinal villus width and villus number were also increased by the supplementation of synbiotics. The cumulative mortality was reduced in the three synbiotics-added groups after challenging with Vibrio parahaemolyticus (P < 0.05), and SDE group showed a significantly lower mortality than the control and DAP groups (P < 0.05). In intestinal microbiota composition, the abundance of Lactococcus tended to increase and Vibro tended to decreased in SDA and SDE groups. In conclusion, dietary synbiotics improved the growth, feed utilization, intestine health and non-specific immunity of Pacific white shrimp, and spraying synbiotics on diet presented better performance than adding synbiotics in diet for pelleting.

Effects of multicarbohydrase and butyrate glycerides on productive performance, nutrient digestibility, gut morphology, and ileal microbiota in late-phase laying hens fed corn- or wheat-based diets

A study was undertaken to determine the effects of supplemental multicarbohydrase (MC) and butyrate glycerides (BG) on productive performance, nutritional, and physiological responses in laying hens fed corn- or wheat-based diets during a 12-week production period (from 50–62 wk of age). The experiment consisted of a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of the treatments with 2 different basal diets (corn- or wheat-based diets), 2 concentrations of MC (0 or 200 mg/kg of diet), and 2 concentrations of BG (0 or 2 g/kg of diet). Each treatment had 6 replicates with 8 hens each. The interactions among diet, MC, and BG were observed for egg production (P = 0.048), feed conversion ratio (P = 0.005), and ileal Escherichia coli count (P = 0.043), indicating that the effects of MC and BG on these responses were more marked when wheat-based diet was fed. A diet × MC interaction (P < 0.05) was also detected for egg mass, eggshell breaking strength, jejunal viscosity, and digestibility coefficients of fat and ash. Replacing 100% of the corn with wheat in the diets of laying hens negatively affected (P < 0.05) yolk color index, eggshell thickness, digesta viscosity, jejunal morphology, and populations of ileal microbiota. By contrast, MC supplementation increased (P < 0.05) eggshell thickness, digestibility coefficients of energy and crude protein, and populations of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium spp. in the ileum. Inclusion of BG also resulted in greater (P < 0.05) jejunal villus height and villus surface area, and digestibility coefficients of protein and ash, but lower (P < 0.05) populations of total bacteria, Salmonella and E. coli in the ileum. Results indicate that while the complete substitution of corn by wheat has a detrimental effect on productive performance and gut health, the combination of MC and BG may have synergistic effects on improving productive performance and intestinal microbiota in laying hens fed the wheat-based diets during the late laying period.

Bioactive Peptides from Sesame Meal for Broiler Chickens: Its Influence on the Serum Biochemical Metabolites, Immunity Responses and Nutrient Digestibility

This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the effects of bioactive peptides derived from sesame meal (BPSM), avilamycin as an antibiotic and mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) as a prebiotic supplementation on the some serum metabolites, immune response, and ileal nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens. A total of 300 broiler chickens were randomly placed in 6 treatments with 5 replicates of 10 birds each, for 32 days. The experimental treatments consisted of a basal corn-soybean meal or control diet, control diet + 10 mg/kg avilamycin, control diet + 2 gr/kg MOS, control diet + 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg BPSM. According to the results, dietary treatments had no effects on the serum concentration of IgG and IgM (immunity indices), cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and enzyme activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as an index for liver health (P > 0.05). While the blood concentration of albumin increased in broiler chickens fed diet containing 100 mg/kg BPSM (P < 0.05).In nutrient digestibility, addition of 100 mg/kg of BPSM and MOS increased the ileal digestibility coefficients of crude protein and ether extract in broiler chickens (P < 0.05). Likewise, ileal digestibility of vital amino acids including histidine, methionine, and tyrosine improved in broiler chickens, which received 100 mg/kg BPSM diet, while threonine digestibility increased in broilers fed MOS diet (P < 0.05). Body weight gain and food conversion ratio improved (P < 0.05) in the birds received MOS and 100 mg/kg BPSM, respectively. Considering the results of this study, it is concluded that BPSM can be used as a diet supplement in broiler chickens with no negative effect on the immune response and nutrient digestibility.

Comparative evaluation of effects of different sources of groundnut meals on digestibility, growth performance and economics of production of growing rabbits

Three groundnut meals namely: groundnut cake (GNC), locally processed groundnut cake (kulikuli) and toasted groundnut seed(kernel) meal (TGSM) were incorporated in rabbit diets at two levels to generate six diets: 18% GNC, 22% GNC, 18% Kulikuli, 22% Kulikuli, 18% TGSM and 22% TGSM respectively, and 18% GNC also served as the control diet. Twenty four (24) six weeks-old growing rabbits of mixed breeds and sexes with mean initial weight of 568.75±l2.85g were randomly allocated to the six dietary treatment groups, such that each had four rabbits and each rabbit formed a replicate in a completely randomized design laid out in a 2X3 factorial arrangement and fed ad libitum, for 70 days. The main effects showed that while the treatment groups fed TGSM were significantly depressed (p&lt;0.05). rabbits fed GNC and kulikuli were not significantly different (p&gt;0.05) for average daily feed intake, daily body weight gain and final body weight. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was not significantly (p &gt;0.05) affected among treatment groups. Rabbits fed TGSM had significantly (p&lt;0.05) better apparent digestibility coefficient (78.04%) than those on kulikuli (75.81%6) and the group on kulikuli were better than animals fed GNC (72.09%) for fat digestibility. Fibre digestibility was also significantly different (p &lt;0.05), with rabbits fed kulikuli having the poorest fibre digestion (15.63 %). Crude protein, dry matter and NFE apparent digestibility coefficients were not significantly (p &gt;0.05) affected. Among all the parameters measured, only fat and fibre digestibility coefficients had significant (p &lt;0.05) interactions and NFE digestibility was significantly affected (p &lt;0.05) by level of inclusion, with groups fed 22% digesting it better. Feed cost kg gain did not differ significantly (p &gt;0.05) among the treatment groups. Growth was still on the rise and there was a significantly (P&lt;0.01) strong relationship (correlation and regression) between feed intake and weight gain for all the treatment groups. was concluded that both kulikuli and TGSM are potential feed resources for rabbits, more available to house hold farmers, equally economical as GNC and better still if groundnut farmers and or processors of kulikuli raise rabbits, though TGSM had less value for growth rate compared to GNC and Kulikuli at these levels of inclusion

THE EFFECT OF SODIUM HYDROXIDE SPRAY TREATMENTS OF MAIZE COBS ON CONSUMPTION AND DIGESTIBILITY BY THE WEST AFRICAN DWARF SHEEP

A Sodium Hydroxide spray treatment of ground maize cobs was evaluated in a feeding trial with West African Dwarf rams. NaOH solution of 6% concentration was sprayed on ground maize cobs at the rate of 50 litres per 100 kg, representing a 3% NaOH treatment level. The treated maize cobs were air dried before being incorporated into the experimental diets. The apparent digestibility coefficients for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF) and gross energy (GE) were significantly higher in the diet containing NaOH — treated maize cobs (diet B) than the diet containing the untreated maize cobs (diet A). Addition of sucrose (purified cane sugar) at 37 level to the NaOH-treated maize cobs (diet C) produced a slight increase in voluntary feed consumption but did not have any significant effect on nutrient digestibility when compared with diet B. Relative intake (RI), nutritive value index (NVI) and digestible energy (DE) intake values were significantly higher in diets B and C. Average daily weight gains were also significantly higher in the diets containing NaOH-treated maize cobs (diets B and C), while the efficiency of feed utilization values were closely related to the daily weight gains.

THE DIGESTIBILITY AND INTAKE OF SODIUM HYDROXIDE OR LOCAL ALKALI-TREATED STRAW BY GOATS

An experiment to compare the effects on digestibility of alkali treated Gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) straw was conducted with four Borno white male goats (22.25 ± 1.0kg body weight) in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Treatments were (A) untreated straw (control), (B) Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treated straw, (C) Kanwa-treated and (D) Kantu-treated straws. Straw was treated separately with solutions (8%) of NaOH, Kanwa and Kantu for 10 minutes prior to ensiling for 20 days. In treatment A, straw was soaked in water before ensiling. Alkali treatment increased the ash and crude protein, but decreased the crude fibre, nitrogen free extract and energy contents of the silage diets. The ether extract content of the diets was not affected by treatment. Dry matter intake (g/day/Wkg ) of alkali treated diets was significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) than the control The NaOH-treated diet was consumed less (P&lt;0.05) than the Kantu-treated diet, but to the same extent as the Kanwa diet. Nitrogen balance was positive in animals consuming the alkali-treated diets and negative for those in the control group. Apparent N-digestibility were similar in the alkali treated diets and better (P&lt;0.05) titan in the control. Digestibility coefficients of dry matter, crude protein and crude fibre were not significantly different among the alkali treated diets. However, they were markedly improved (P&lt;0.05) than in the control diet (A). The results indicated that the natural alkali sources (Kanwa and Kantu) compared favourably with NaOH in improving the nutritive value of Gamba grass hay. Further work however should be undertaken to ascertain the optimal level of their application under the semi-arid environment of Borno State.

Dynamical Hybrid System for Optimizing and Controlling Efficacy of Plant‐Based Protein in Aquafeeds

In this paper, a mathematical model was used to evaluate a dynamical hybrid system for optimizing and controlling the efficacy of plant‐based protein in aquafeeds. Fishmeal (FM), raw rapeseed meal (RM), and a fermented meal with yeast (RM‐Yeast) and fungi (Aspergillus oryzae RM‐Koji) were used as test ingredients for the determination of apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of dry matter, crude protein, crude lipid, energy, and essential amino acids (EAA) for olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus, 7 ± 0.02 g) using diets containing 0.5% Cr2O3 as an inert indicator. Among all ingredients tested, FM had the maximum ADC of dry matter (P &lt; 0.05), protein (P &lt; 0.05), lipid (P &gt; 0.05), and energy (P &gt; 0.05). Fermented meals (RM‐Yeast and RM‐Koji) showed higher ADC (P &lt; 0.05) of crude protein compared with RM, while there was no significance in ADCs of crude lipid and energy among different forms of rapeseed meal. Besides, ADC of crude lipid for RM‐Yeast and RM‐Koji, on the one hand, and ADC of gross energy for RM‐Yeast, on the other hand, were not varied from that for FM (P &gt; 0.05). Amino acid digestibility reflects protein digestibility in most cases. Interestingly, protease, lipase, and amylase activities were better expressed in RM‐Koji, RM‐Yeast, and FM over RM, respectively. The current results deliver important information on nutrients and energy bioavailability in raw and fermented RM, which can be implemented to accurately formulate applied feeds for olive flounder. Compared with other applicable systems, the complexity of the approach implemented has been considerably reduced.

Intestinal morphology and growth performance of the Indonesian indigenous crossbred chickens supplemented with formic acid and Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The study investigated gut ecology and morphology of the Indonesian indigenous crossbred chickens (IICC) supplemented with the combination of formic acid and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Two hundreds day-old IICC were distributed to T0 (control diet), T1 (T0 + 0.2% formic acid), T2 (T0 + 0.3% S. cerevisiae), T3 (T0 + 0.2% formic acid and 0.3% S. cerevisiae). Excreta was collected at week 8, while intestinal ecology and morphology were determined at week 9. In duodenum, T3 chicks showed higher and wider (P&lt;0.05) villi. The T2 and T3 chicks showed deeper (P&lt;0.05) crypt than that of T0. The jejunal villi was higher (P&lt;0.05) in T3 than in T0. The T3 chicks had deeper (P&lt;0.05) crypt compared to other groups. In ileum, the villi height was lowest (P&lt;0.05) in T0. The crypt was deeper (P&lt;0.05) in T3 than in other. Crude protein digestibility coefficient was highest (P&lt;0.05), while fecal protein was loswest (P&lt;0.05) in T1 than in other groups. Compared to T0, the treated IICC showed higher (P&lt;0.05) weight gain and feed intake with T3 had the highest gain and intake but gain:feed rasio was the lowest (P&gt;0.05). IIn conclusion, the inclusion of formic acid and S. cerevisiae in diets improved intestinal ecology and morphology. The IICC chickens fed with formic acid and S. cerevisiae exhibited improved growth performance and nutrient digestibility.

Nutritive value and digestibility of macronutrients from sheep and alpaca skin hydrolysates as a new alternative in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) feeding

BackgroundThe protein source from fish meal is very important in trout feeding, but it is expensive and very scarce. Alternative nutrient sources are required to achieve sustainability as trout production rapidly grows in Peru. The objective of this research was to determine the proximate chemical composition and the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fat, and digestible energy of hydrolyzed sheep (HSS) and alpaca (HSA) skins in juvenile rainbow trout.MethodsA total of 450 fishes were randomly distributed in nine digestibility tanks, with 60.0 ± 1.32 g of initial weight and 6.4 kg/m3 of stocking density. The water quality parameters were as follows: pH 8.4, temperature 11.5 °C, and dissolved oxygen 6.2 mg/l. The skin hydrolysates were treated at 130 °C with 15 psi pressure for 120 min. Fish were fed a reference diet and an experimental diet containing 70% reference diet and 30% skin hydrolysate. The ingredients of the diets were mixed and then extruded at 95 °C with 4-mm diameter (Extruder Khal® EE800). The ADC was determined by the indirect method using insoluble ash as a non-digestible marker.ResultsThe ADC in HSS and HSA was similar for dry matter (67.7 vs 69.1%), organic matter (66.9 vs 68.2%), crude protein (70.4 vs 70.1%), and digestible energy (3.35 vs 3.24 Mcal/kg DM), but crude fat values were different (12.3 vs 48.0%; p < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionThe hydrolyzed sheep and alpaca skins had a high content of macronutrients with an acceptable apparent digestibility of nutrients, making them a viable alternative to improve the nutritive value of more economical feeds for rainbow trout feed.

Dietary guanosine‐monophosphate improves growth performance, feed utilization and intestinal morphology of whiteleg shrimp ( Litopenaeus vannamei ) maintained on soybean meal‐based diets

The present study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation of individual or a combination of nucleotides in soya bean meal‐based diet on growth, survival, apparent digestibility and intestinal condition of whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. The experimental protocol comprised a control set, and four test diets that were separately supplemented with 0.1% inosine monophosphate (IMP, D + I), 0.1% guanosine monophosphate (GMP, D + G), 0.1% mixture of IMP and GMP (D + IG) and 0.1% mixture of IMP, GMP, cytidine monophosphate (CMP) and uridine monophosphate (UMP) (D + IGCU). Triplicate groups of the shrimp (initial body weight = 0.99 ± 0.01 g) were fed four times daily for 8 weeks. Results demonstrated that D + G significantly enhanced body weight gain and specific growth rate in the shrimp compared with control and other dietary treatments with the various combinations of nucleotides (p 0.05). Shrimp fed D + G showed significantly higher feed intake and apparent net protein utilization compared with D + IGCU and, control and D + IG (p < 0.05) respectively. Nucleotide supplementation did not significantly improve the crude protein and lipid digestibility coefficients. This was evident when the data on these parameters were compared with those of the control. Shrimp fed D + G showed significantly improved intestinal villus height and body crude protein content (p < 0.05). In conclusion, GMP supplementation in soya bean meal‐based diet enhanced the growth, feed intake, protein utilization and villus height of L. vannamei.

Digestibility of spineless cactus meals in extruded diets for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus): energy, protein, amino acids, and carbohydrates.

The aim of the present study was to determine the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of gross energy, dry matter, crude protein, amino acids, and different carbohydrate fractions of spineless cactus meals (SCMs) for Nile tilapia juveniles, fed with extruded diets. Fish were fed a reference diet or one of five test diets, each of which included 70% reference diet and 30% corresponding SCM. Fecal collection was performed in modified Guelph method. The ADCs for dry matter, gross energy, and soluble carbohydrates of the "redonda" spineless cactus meal (RSCM) were higher (P < 0.05) than those of either the "IPA 20" spineless cactus meal (ISCM) or "gigante" spineless cactus meal (GSCM), and the ADCs for crude protein of the RSCM and "Orelha de elefante africana" spineless cactus meal (OEASCM) were higher than those of the other cactus meals (P < 0.05). In addition, the ADCs for dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy of the SCMs were similar to wheat middlings. The digestibility of the less soluble fraction of the evaluated carbohydrates, the non-fibrous carbohydrates, varied between 58.32 and 73.04%, indicating efficiency in the digestion and absorption process. The data obtained in this article can be the basis for growth experiments, with the substitution of traditional ingredients for SCMs. The determination of zootechnical, physiological, metabolic, and health variables can indicate the potential for using SCMs in diets for Nile tilapia.

A Comparison of the Composition and Contamination of Soybean Cultivated in Europe and Limitation of Raw Soy Seed Content in Weaned Pigs' Diets.

Simple SummarySoy is the major source of protein in animal feeds worldwide. In Europe, only GMO-free varieties may be cultivated. Their chemical composition, contamination by fungi and yeast and the acceptable level in the diet of pigs have not been fully determined yet. This work comprised extensive analyses, both chemical (the composition of amino acids and anti-nutritional factors) and microbiological, also including mycotoxins. Moreover, digestibility and performance parameters were studied in 48 male post-weaning piglets for 28 days using diets, in which soybean meal was replaced by 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% soybean seed addition. The chemical composition of soybean seeds differed in terms of crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fibre and antinutrient contents. Seeds were also contaminated (but to varying intensity, which may have been influenced by the weather conditions during the seed harvest period) with fungi, yeast and mycotoxins, mainly zearalenone and deoxynivalenol. The digestibility coefficients of crude protein and dry matter in the diet were similar. Pigs‘ performance parameters were reduced strongly with increasing amounts of raw seeds in their diets, so a 5% of raw soy seed supplementation in pigs’ diet is recommended.The aim of this study was to compare the chemical composition of European soy seeds. A mycological and toxigenic screening was carried out on 18 varieties of soy seeds harvested in Poland. Moreover, the level of soybean meal (SBM) substitution by raw soybean seeds was analysed in terms of its effect on young pigs’ performance (body weight gain, feed intake, feed utilisation) along with apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter and crude protein in the diets. In a 28-day trial, 48 male pigs were tested using a marker method with TiO2. In their diets, SBM was replaced by soy seeds in the amounts of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%. In the last 3 days of the experiment, samples of excreta from each animal separately were collected three times per day. The chemical composition of soybean seeds differed in terms of their contents of crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fibre and raffinose family oligosaccharides, as well as the trypsin inhibitor activity. Seeds were also contaminated with fungi, yeast and mycotoxins, mainly zearalenone and deoxynivalenol. The ATTD of crude protein ranged from 70.6% to 77.6% and that of dry matter from 93.5% to 94.6%, with no differences between the groups being found (p > 0.05). Pigs’ performance parameters were reduced strongly with increasing amounts of raw seeds in the diets (p < 0.05). The results indicate that only a 5% addition of raw soy seeds in pigs‘ diet is recommended.