CTRL Diet Research Articles

56 Establishing grain-based modified protocols for the nutritional and physical reconditioning of malnourished horses

Abstract From April to June 2023, we conducted a study to evaluate the effects of Total Equine containing Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed and chelated minerals on the continued recovery and reconditioning of 10 horses. Horses were used on a preceding 8-wk study and given a 21-d, 24-h turnout, with ad libitum access to Bermuda hay washout period between trials. Once the washout was complete horses were randomly assigned to one of three diets: Control (Ctrl) - a commercial grain product and Bermuda hay (n = 3); Treatment (Trt) - Total Equine and Bermuda hay (n = 4); and Grain only (Grn) - Total Equine without Bermuda hay (n = 3); for 8 wk with ad libitum access to water. For Ctrl and Trt diets we offered hay twice a day in port-a-gazer tubs to control waste, adjusted daily for a 3% refusal rate, and orts were collected twice a day. Individuals were weighed weekly, and their body condition score (BCS) was evaluated during the standardization period, wk 4 and wk 8. Grain was offered at a rate of 0.005% BW + 227 kg and divided into 2 equal feedings for Ctrl and Trt diets, while for the Grn diet horses were offered up to 9.07 kg of grain divided into 3 daily feedings, with grain amounts adjusted weekly based on BW. For physical reconditioning, horses were exercised 5 d/wk with a Priefert hot walker, increased in duration and intensity from wk 1 to 8. We collected samples of grain, hay, and orts for DM, NDF, ADF, EE, CP, and ash analysis. Blood samples were collected at wk 0, 4, and 8 for analysis. Baseline health parameters as rectal temperature, heart, and respiratory rate were measured weekly throughout the study to evaluate possible detrimental effects of the trial. Data were analyzed using Proc Mixed procedures in SAS. Investigation into Dry matter intake (DMI) between the Ctrl and Trt cohorts revealed no significant difference. However, significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were observed in Overall DMI (grain + hay) among Grn and other diet pairs. Significant average daily gain (ADG) and Efficiency (EFF) observations in wk 1, 4, and 6 (P ≤ 0.05) suggest that Total Equine grain had better overall performance in both groups during the first 6 wk of the trial compared with the Ctrl grain. Our results demonstrate the successful outcome of a modified, grain-based protocol in nutritional and physical reconditioning of a cohort of malnourished horses. Further evaluation of larger populations is still needed.

494 Long-term effects of canola meal inclusion in gestation and lactation diets on sow and piglet performance over two reproductive cycles

Abstract The experiment was conducted to determine the long-term effects of dietary canola meal (CM) inclusion as the main protein source in gestation and lactation diets on sow and litter performance. Sows (n = 68) from two baches were randomly allotted 1 of 2 diets on d 80 of pregnancy. The two diets were a corn-barley and soybean meal control diet (CTRL) and a corn-barley and CM treatment diet (CCM). All diets were formulated to be similar in standardized ileal digestible amino acid and net energy contents. Sow body weight (BW) and backfat (BF) thickness were determined on d 1, 35, 80, and 111 of pregnancy, on d 1 and 21 post-farrowing. Piglets were weighed on d 0 and at weaning (d 21). Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 for a randomized complete block design with repeated measures. Over the two reproductive cycles, dietary treatments did not influence sow BW and BF thickness on d 80 and 111 of pregnancy, as well as d 1 and 21 post-farrowing (P > 0.10). However, sows fed the CCM diet had less (P < 0.05) BW and BF thickness on d 1 and 35 of pregnancy in the second reproductive cycle than sows fed the CTRL diet. The CCM diet decreased gestation gain from d 80 to d 111 of pregnancy compared with the CTRL diet over the two reproductive cycles (P < 0.05). No dietary effect on litter size or litter performance was found during the experimental period (P > 0.10). However, reproductive cycle had significant effects (P < 0.05) on BW gain and BF thickness from d 80 to 111 of pregnancy as well as BW and BF thickness on d 1 of lactation. In addition, litter weight at birth and after cross-fostering were significantly improved during the second reproductive cycle compared with the first cycle (P < 0.05). An interaction between dietary treatment and reproductive cycle on BW gain and BW on d 1 of lactation was observed (P < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding gestation and lactation diets containing CM as the main protein source to sows over two reproductive cycles supported similar sow reproductive and litter performance as the control.

55 Establishing grain-based modified protocols for re-feeding malnourished horses

Abstract Increased feed costs, forage availability, and the increasing number of malnourished horses present major challenges to the equine industry. The goal of this project was to test an adapted refeeding protocol using Bermuda hay and two commercial grain products in severely malnourished horses. So, an 8-wk study from January to March 2023 was conducted to evaluate the effects of Total Equine in the refeeding of 10 emaciated horses. Horses were previously destined for slaughter and purchased from an auction with an average body condition score (BCS) of 2.01 (S.D. ± 0.69), then quarantined for 30 d before starting the study following recommended biosecurity protocols. During quarantine, horses were evaluated by a veterinarian and received treatment as needed, vaccinations, deworming, and mares were pregnancy checked. All horses were provided with ad libitum Bermuda hay and water. Upon completion of the quarantine period, horses were blocked into two groups based on age, BCS, pregnancy status, and gender and randomly assigned to a diet. The Control (Ctrl) diet consisted of a commercial grain diet recommended and used by five local West Texas horse rescue groups and the Treatment (Trt) diet consisted of Total Equine. Both diets included ad libitum access to water and Bermuda hay (TDN 56.5) offered twice daily in port-a-grazer tubs to control waste and the amount was adjusted daily to maintain a 3% refusal rate. Grain was offered at a rate of 0.005% BW + 227 kg per the manufacturer’s suggestion, divided into 2 equal feedings with amounts adjusted weekly. Individual horses were weighed weekly using an electronic scale and BCS was evaluated at wk 0, 4, and 8. All horses were allowed a 1-h turnout in a dry-pen per day for 6 d each week. Blood samples were collected at wk 0, 4, and 8 for analysis. Health parameters were measured weekly throughout the study. Samples (grain, hay, hay orts) were collected twice weekly for DM, NDF, ADF, EE, CP, and Ash analysis. Data was analyzed using Proc Mixed in SAS. Overall, there was no significant difference between DMI by diet (Ctrl 8.74 kg/d and Trt 9.44 kg/d). However, a tendency for increased ADG (P = 0.06) for the Trt diet (Ctrl 0.20 kg/d & Trt 1.34 kg/d) was noted. Efficiency calculated as (ADG/DMI) was significantly improved (P = 0.04) indicating an improvement in the efficiency of BW gain for the Trt diet compared with the Ctrl. Improved BW gain and efficiency of gain are of interest when rehabilitating malnourished horses. The establishment of accessible modified feeding protocols may improve efficiency and reduce the cost involved in the rehabilitation of malnourished horses and would be a step forward for the equine industry.

Comparative study of dietary selenium sources on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata): Growth, nutrient utilization, stress response and final product quality

Selenium (Se) is a crucial trace mineral in human nutrition, known for its various health benefits, including the enhancement of antioxidant defenses. Enrichment of fish fillets with Se is seen as an interesting strategy to reduce the risk of Se deficiency in human diets. While inorganic sources have been traditionally used to supplement Se in fish diets, organic Se forms have demonstrated superior bioavailability and efficacy in managing oxidative stress and tissue retention rates compared to their inorganic counterparts.The main objective of this study was to assess the performance, stress resistance, and product quality of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) in response to diets supplemented with 0.2 mg kg−1 of Na2SeO3 (CTRL), Zn-L-SeMet (AVSe) or OH-Se-Met (ORGSe), complying therefore with the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) maximum allowed supplementation of organic Se (0.2 mg kg−1). Diets were formulated to be similar in their protein (48% DM) and lipid content (17% DM), and hand-fed to apparent satiety to quadruplicate groups of 20 fish (initial body weight ∼ 75 g) gilthead seabream juveniles for 137 days. Fish were kept in a recirculating saltwater system (salinity 35‰, 22 ± 1 °C) until they reached commercial size (>250 g). At the end of the growth trial, all fish were individually weighed and measured, with 4 fish per tank sampled for whole-body composition analysis. Fillet yield, muscle lipid and mineral composition, and hepatic oxidative stress indicators were assessed (n = 12). Lipid peroxidation, muscle pH, water-holding capacity (WHC), color, and texture were evaluated on days 7 and 14 (n = 8), while sensory analysis was conducted on 20 fish. Additionally, 12 fish per treatment were subjected to overcrowding (100 kg m−3) for 5 min and air exposure for 1 min. After a 1-h recovery period, plasma and liver samples were collected from these fish, and results were compared to those of the non-stress group. All diets yielded equivalent growth performance, ensuring low feed conversion ratio. Fish fed the AVSe diet exhibited higher whole-body protein content compared to those fed the CTRL diet. Regarding mineral utilization, increased Se retention and gain in fish fed AVSe and ORGSe diets led to higher Se content in these fish compared to the CTRL. Additionally, the AVSe diet has also resulted in significantly increased Se deposition in the muscle compared to the other tested Se sources, contributing with 34% of the Se Daily Recommended Intake (DRI). The assessed flesh quality parameters and overall consumer acceptance did not reveal significant differences among the groups. Exposure to an acute stress was found to decrease the activities of Glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase, which in turn has increased the level of oxidized glutathione, particularly in the AVSe group. Compared to OH-Se-Met and Na2SeO3, Zn-L-SeMet was more effective in promoting response to stress and nutritional value of gilthead seabream as an important source of protein and Se in human diet.

Effects of dietary supplementation with macroalgae on sperm quality and antioxidant system in Senegalese sole

Within the efforts in the search for novel feed ingredients in aquaculture, macroalgae are being widely explored due to their diversity of bioactive compounds with considerable prophylactic and therapeutic potential. Plocamium cartilagineum and Sargassum vulgare, have the potential to positively impact fish health, mainly due to their antioxidant properties. The production of Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis) still faces some constraints due to the low sperm quantity and quality of males from captivity, which is highly affected by oxidative stress. We hypothesized that the scavenger ability of P. cartilagineum and S. vulgare could ameliorate the reproductive performance of Senegalese sole males, once incorporated in the broodstock feeds. In this experiment, broodstock groups were fed with three different formulated experimental diets for 60 days: Control (Ctrl), a diet supplemented with 5% P. cartilagineum (Pc), and a diet supplemented with 5% S. vulgare (Sv). Fish were sampled twice to evaluate sperm quality using different techniques: sperm motility by Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) software, and cell viability and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) by flow cytometer. At the final sampling, 6 fish per treatment were sacrificed and gonads were extracted to determine the relative expression of anti- and pro-apoptotic genes (bcl2b, bcl-x, mcl1b, badb, bax, boka), and genes involved in fish antioxidant system (sod3, cat, gpx, hsp70). Sex steroids were measured on blood plasma by ELISA. Specific growth rate (SGR) and feed efficiency were also evaluated at the end of the experiment. Senegalese sole breeders fed with Pc diet for 60 days showed enhanced sperm total motility and cell viability at the end of the experiment, when compared with the Ctrl diet. On the other hand, fish fed with Sv diet had lower spermatozoa intracellular ROS and upregulated gpx in the gonads. No differences were obtained in levels of sex steroids and gonadal apoptotic system after 60 days of feeding, however, the macroalgae species and the percentages of incorporation used proved to positively modulate different spermatozoa traits.

Xiezhuo Tiaozhi formula inhibits macrophage pyroptosis in the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by targeting the SIRT1 pathway

BackgroundNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a challenging disease to interfere with and represents a potential long-term risk factor for hepatic fibrosis and liver cancer. The Xiezhuo Tiaozhi (XZTZ) formula, a water extract from crude herbs, has been widely used as an anti-NAFLD agent through clinical observation. However, the underlying pharmacological mechanisms of the XZTZ formula and its impact on the potential pathways against NAFLD have not been elucidated. PurposeOur study aims to investigate the pharmacological effects and underlying regulatory mechanisms of the XZTZ formula to treat NAFLD. MethodsThe possible active components and pharmacological mechanisms of the XZTZ formula against NAFLD were identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS) and molecular docking. To further explore the potential mechanisms, forty-eight 6-week-old male C57BL/6 J mice were given individual attention with high-fat and high-sugar diet (HFHSD) or relevant control (Ctrl) diets for 16 weeks to successfully construct a NAFLD mouse model. Subsequently, the levels of serum biochemicals, pathological changes in the liver, and pyroptosis levels were assessed in mice to investigate the therapeutic effects of the XZTZ formula. Further, LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells and Immortalized Mouse Kupffer cells (ImKC) were used to verify the potential mechanisms of the XZTZ formula against NAFLD in vitro. ResultsWe identified 7 chemical compounds and 2 potential therapeutic targets as plausible therapeutic points for the treatment of NAFLD using the XZTZ formula. Subsequent histopathological analysis revealed marked hepatic steatosis and lipid accumulation in the HFHSD mice liver, while conditions were effectively ameliorated by administration of the XZTZ formula. Additionally, our work demonstrated that the XZTZ formula could attenuate M1 polarization, promote M2 polarization, and suppress pyroptosis via the SIRT1 pathway in tissue samples. Moreover, validation performed through LPS-induced RAW264.7 and ImKC cells by showing that silencing SIRT1 weaken the effects of the XZTZ formula on relative pyroptosis affirmed that its role was associated with the SIRT1 pathway in macrophage. ConclusionThese findings suggest that the XZTZ formula alleviated hepatic steatosis and lipid accumulation in NAFLD mice. These ameliorations are associated with mechanisms involving the attenuation of M1 polarization, promotion of M2 polarization, and anti-pyroptosis effects through the SIRT1 pathway.

Effect of dietary l-glutamine supplementation on the intestinal physiology and growth during Solea senegalensis larval development

The maturation of the intestinal digestive and absorptive functions might limit the amount of absorbed nutrients to fulfil the high requirements of the fast-growing marine fish larva. Glutamine (Gln) has been described to improve intestinal epithelium functions, due to its involvement in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate dietary 0.2% Gln supplementation on aspects of intestinal physiology, protein metabolism and growth-related genes expression in Senegalese sole larvae. Experiment was carried out between 12 and 33 days post hatching (DPH) and fish were divided into two experimental groups, one fed Artemia spp. (CTRL) and the other fed Artemia spp. supplemented with Gln (GLN). GLN diet had two times more Gln than the CTRL diet. Samples were collected at 15, 19, 26 and 33 DPH for biometry, histology, and digestive enzymes activity, and at 33 DPH for gene expression, protein metabolism and AA content determination. Growth was significantly higher for Senegalese sole fed GLN diet, supported by differences on protein metabolism and growth-related gene expression. Slight differences were observed between treatments regarding the intestinal physiology. Overall, GLN diet seems to be directed to enhance protein metabolism leading to higher larval growth.

Assessment of Full-Fat Tenebrio molitor as Feed Ingredient for Solea senegalensis: Effects on Growth Performance and Lipid Profile.

Tenebrio molitor (TM) is considered as one of the most promising protein sources for replacing fish meal in aquafeeds, among other things because it is rich in protein, a good source of micronutrients and has a low carbon footprint and land use. However, the main drawback of TM is its fatty acid profile, in particular its low content of n-3 PUFA. This study evaluates the effects of partially replacing plant or marine-derived with full-fat TM meal at two different levels on growth performance and lipid profiles of Senegalese sole (Solea senegalensis). For this purpose, a control diet (CTRL) and four experimental isoproteic (53%) and isolipidic (16%) diets were formulated containing 5 and 10% TM meal replacing mostly fish meal (FM5 and FM10), or 10 and 15% TM meal replacing mostly plant meal (PP10 and PP15). Fish (215 g) were fed at 1% of their body weight for 98 days. The final body weight of fish fed the experimental diets containing TM meal was not different from that of fish fed the CTRL diet (289 g). However, the inclusion of TM meal resulted in a gradual improvement in growth rate and feed efficiency in both cases (replacement of fish or plant meals), and significant differences in specific growth rate (SGR) were observed between fish fed the CTRL diet (SGR = 0.30% day-1) and those fed diets with the highest TM meal content (PP15; SGR = 0.35% day-1). The experimental groups did not show any differences in the protein content of the muscle (19.6% w/w). However, significant differences were observed in the total lipid content of the muscle, with the FM10, PP10, and PP15 groups having the lowest muscle lipid contents (2.2% ww). These fish also showed the lowest neutral lipid content in muscle (6.6% dw), but no differences were observed in the total phospholipid content (2.6% dw). Regarding the fatty acid profile, fish fed FM10, PP10 and PP15 had lower levels of linoleic acid (18:2n-6) and higher levels of oleic acid (18:1n-9) in liver and muscle compared to fish fed CTRL. However, no differences were found between fish fed CTRL and TM-based diets for docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) and total n-3 PUFA in liver and muscle. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that full-fat TM inclusion up to 15% in S. senegalensis diets had no negative effects or even some positive effects on fish survival, growth performance, nutrient utilization and flesh quality.

Valor nutritivo das folhas secas de Cratylia argentea na alimentação de coelhos em crescimento

Abstract Nutrition in rabbit farming accounts for about 70% of all costs; in this sense, C. argentea is an excellent alternative as a feed, due to its bromatological composition. Our goal is to evaluate the nutritional value of diets formulated with the dried leaves of C. argentea to feed growing rabbits. Twenty-eight white rabbits of the New Zealand breed, 55 days old, of both sexes, were used. Two treatments (n = 14, 7 males, and 7 females) were evaluated in a randomized block experimental design in a 2 x 2 factorial scheme. The control diet (CTRL) was formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of growing rabbits, and the test diet (DRY) was obtained by replacing 20% of the CTRL diet with dried leaves of C. argentea. The experimental period was comprised of 11 days, with seven days of adaptation and four days of total feces collection. The average daily gain, dry matter intake, feed conversion, and final body weight were not affected by replacing the CTRL diet with the dried leaves of C. argentea. The coefficient of dry matter digestibility showed better results in CTRL rabbits (female: 72.19%, male: 72.48%). Rabbits fed with the CTRL diet exhibited a higher consumption of crude protein compared to those fed with the DRY diet, however, these rabbits showed higher elimination and lower retention of crude protein. It is concluded that C. argentea presents values of 1,400.67 kcal per kg of dry matter, digestible energy, and 3.34% digestible protein per kg of dry matter.

Abstract P2033: Western Diet Can Cause Adverse Cardiac Remodeling During Pregnancy By Inducing Foxo1 Expression

Introduction: Pregnancy induces physiological cardiac hypertrophy in healthy women. Our recent findings suggest that obesity can disturb this process and induce pathological cardiac hypertrophy during pregnancy both in human patients and Western Diet (WD) fed mice. Animal studies determined the pathological cardiac hypertrophy is concomitant with increased cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area (CSA), fetal gene activation and fibrosis, however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The present study asks if FoxO1, as a transcriptional factor, may play a role in the adverse cardiac response to pregnancy in WD mice. Methods: The expression levels of FoxO1 and its downstream targeting genes were tested in Ctrl Diet (CD) and WD fed non-pregnant and postpartum animals. To further investigate the role of FoxO1 in pathological cardiac hypertrophy in WD animals during pregnancy, FoxO1 was then silenced by AAV9-shFoxO1 virus in WD mice before breeding. AAV9-scramble RNA served as control. Cardiac phenotype in AAV9 treated WD mice were characterized at post-partum day 1. Results: WD feeding led to increased gene expression levels of FoxO1 and its downstream targeting genes, such as CD36 and PDK4, compared with CD mice. While the gene expression levels of FoxO1 were not different between non-pregnant and pregnant WD mice, FoxO1 protein activation was significantly increased in WD mice after pregnancy determined by a decrease of pFoxO1/tFoxO1 ratio, compared with non-pregnant WD mice. Silencing FoxO1 inhibited the expression levels of FoxO1 and its downstream genes CD36 and PDK4. FoxO1 inhibition in WD fed animals prevented WD induced pathological hypertrophy during pregnancy, with decreased heart weight, cardiomyocyte CSA, attenuated fetal gene activation and fibrosis accumulation. FoxO1 silencing also led to less accumulation of lipid peroxidation product in the myocardium. Conclusions: FoxO1 activation in WD mice with metabolic disturbances during pregnancy can induce pathological cardiac hypertrophy observed during pregnancy.

Lactation performance, milk fat output, and nutrient digestibility responses to the addition of liquid molasses or yeast culture in dairy cows fed super-conditioned corn

Increased diet fermentability may decrease ruminal pH and fiber digestibility, and increase the flow of trans fatty acids (FA) to the lower tract ultimately leading to milk fat depression. We recently showed that feeding super-conditioned corn, a new method of corn processing (95°C for 6 min in super-conditioner) for ruminants has potential to the reduction in milk fat yield caused by changes in ruminal pH and increased trans FA in milk fat. Supplementing yeast culture (YC) and replacing starch with sugar sources in diet can counteract the negative effects of high fermentable diets by improving ruminal pH and milk fat output. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding beet liquid molasses (LM) and YC on intake and total-tract digestibility of nutrients, milk yield and composition, ruminal fermentation, milk FA profile, and plasma concentrations of glucose, nonesterified FA, β-hydroxybutyric acid, and urea N in early-lactation dairy cows fed high-starch diets containing super-conditioned corn. Twelve primiparous and 18 multiparous Holstein cows (mean ± SD; 67 ± 12 d in milk and 42 ± 2.1 kg of milk at the beginning of the experiment) were blocked by parity, pre-experimental milk yield, and DIM. Cows were used in a randomized complete block design experiment with 14 d as covariate period and 37 d for the experimental period. The following dietary treatments were fed as total mixed rations: (1) control diet (CTRL = no YC or LM supplementation), (2) LM supplementation at 5% of the diet dry matter (MOL diet), and (3) CTRL supplemented with 10 g/d of YC (YST diet). Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isoenergetic. Intake of nutrients and apparent total-tract digestibility of crude protein and starch did not change across treatments. In contrast, cows fed the YST diet had the greatest apparent total-tract digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and neutral detergent fiber. Compared with the CTRL diet, yield of 4% FCM increased by 2.4 and 1.8 kg in cows fed MOL or YST, respectively. The ruminal molar proportions of acetate and butyrate increased in cows fed the YST or MOL diets, respectively, but the proportion of ruminal propionate was not affected by treatments. Milk fat concentration increased by supplementing both LM and YC and the milk yield of total trans-18:1 dropped by 45% and 18% relative to CTRL with MOL or YST diets, respectively. While the MOL diet increased the milk proportion and yield of de novo FA, no treatment effects were observed for the proportion and yield of preformed FA in the milk fat. Apart from β-hydroxybutyric acid concentration in plasma, which was greatest in cows fed MOL, remaining blood metabolites were not affected by treatments. Overall, MOL and YST diets increased 4% FCM and milk fat concentration and reduced the proportion of total trans-18:1 FA in milk fat in cows fed a concentrate based on super-conditioned corn. These responses were associated with increased ruminal pH and the molar proportions of acetate and butyrate with feeding the MOL and YST diets.

Alternative Feed Formulations Impact Growth Performance, Flesh Quality and Consumer Acceptance of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

This trial aimed to assess the growth performance of trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed novel formulations, evaluate fish welfare status, and determine flesh quality as part of the evaluation of sustainable feeds. A control diet containing fish meal and soy products (CTRL) was compared to: a diet with processed animal proteins (PAP); a diet without PAP (NoPAP); a PAP diet lower in protein (PAP−); and a NoPAP diet higher in protein (NoPAP+). Groups of 50 fish, weighing 58.84 ± 1.39 g (IBW), were allocated to 20 tanks and fed with formulated diets ad libitum over 91 days. Better growth performance was observed after the experiment in fish fed the NoPAP+ diet when compared to other diets. Protein retention was higher in CTRL diets than in PAP and PAP− diets. Protein and phosphorous digestibility were lower in fish fed PAP− diet. Diets did not influence the texture analysis. However, sensory analysis revealed higher acceptance for fish fed the NoPAP diet when compared to the PAP diet. Lysozyme was higher in the NoPAP diet than in other treatments. In addition, long-term predictions using FEEDNETICSTM software suggest some of these alternative formulations may be economically sustainable. Overall, these results support the hypothesis that the new formulations are viable options for trout farming.

Effect of supplementing rumen-protected methionine, lysine, and histidine to low-protein diets on the performance and nitrogen balance of dairy cows

Lowering the dietary protein content can reduce N excretions and NH3 emissions from manure and increase milk N efficiency of dairy cows. However, milk yield (MY) and composition can be compromised due to AA deficiency. Methionine and Lys are known as first limiting EAA for dairy cows, and recently His is also mentioned as limiting, especially in grass-based or low-protein diets. To examine this, a trial was conducted with a 3-wk pre-experimental adaptation period (diet 16.5% crude protein), followed by a depletion period of 4 wk, in which 39 cows (average ± standard deviation: 116 ± 29.3 d in milk, 1.8 ± 1.2 lactations, 638 ± 73.2 kg of body weight, and 32.7 ± 5.75 kg MY/d) received a low-protein diet (CTRL) (14.5% crude protein). Then, taking into account parity, His plasma concentration, and MY, cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups during the rumen-protected (RP) AA period of 7 wk; (1) CTRL; (2) CTRL + RP-Met + RP-Lys (MetLys); (3) CTRL + RP-Met + RP-Lys + RP-His (MetLysHis). Products were dosed, assuming requirements for digestible (d) Met, dLys, and dHis being, respectively, 2.4%, 7.0%, and 2.4% of intestinal digestible protein. In the cross-back period of 5 wk, all cows received the CTRL diet. During the last week of each period, a N balance was conducted by collecting total urine and spot samples of feces. Total feces production was calculated using the inert marker TiO2. Statistical analysis was performed with a linear mixed model with cow as random effect and data of the last week of the pre-experimental period used as covariate for the animal performance variables. No effect of supplementing RP-Met and RP-Lys nor RP-Met, RP-Lys, and RP-His on feed intake, milk performance, or milk N efficiency was observed. However, the plasma AA profile indicated additional supply of dMet, dLys, and dHis. Nevertheless, evaluation of the AA uptake relative to the cow's requirements showed that most EAA (exclusive Arg and Thr) were limiting over the whole experiment. Only dHis was sufficiently supplemented during the RP-AA period due to an overestimation of the diet's dMet and dLys supply in the beginning of the trial. The numerically increased milk urea N and urinary N excretion when RP-Met, RP-Lys, and RP-His were added to the low-protein diet suggest an increased catabolism of the excess His.

Genetics and Nutrition Drive the Gut Microbiota Succession and Host-Transcriptome Interactions through the Gilthead Sea Bream (Sparus aurata) Production Cycle.

Fish genetically selected for growth (GS) and reference (REF) fish were fed with CTRL (15% FM, 5-7% FO) or FUTURE (7.5% FM, 10% poultry meal, 2.2% poultry oil + 2.5% DHA-algae oil) diets during a 12-months production cycle. Samples from initial (t0; November 2019), intermediate (t1; July 2020) and final (t2; November 2020) sampling points were used for Illumina 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of the adherent microbiota of anterior intestine (AI). Samples from the same individuals (t1) were also used for the gene expression profiling of AI by RNA-seq, and subsequent correlation analyses with microbiota abundances. Discriminant analyses indicated the gut bacterial succession along the production cycle with the proliferation of some valuable taxa for facing seasonality and different developmental stages. An effect of genetic background was evidenced along time, decreasing through the progression of the trial, namely the gut microbiota of GS fish was less influenced by changes in diet composition. At the same time, these fish showed wider transcriptomic landmarks in the AI to cope with these changes. Our results highlighted an enhanced intestinal sphingolipid and phospholipid metabolism, epithelial turnover and intestinal motility in GS fish, which would favour their improved performance despite the lack of association with changes in gut microbiota composition. Furthermore, in GS fish, correlation analyses supported the involvement of different taxa with the down-regulated expression of pro-inflammatory markers and the boosting of markers of extracellular remodelling and response to bacterium. Altogether, these findings support the combined action of the gut microbiome and host transcriptionally mediated effects to preserve and improve gut health and function in a scenario of different growth performance and potentiality.

Dietary Strategies to Modulate the Health Condition and Immune Responses in Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata) Juveniles Following Intestinal Inflammation.

Several feed additives have proved to be beneficial in eliciting fish health. Β-glucans and curcumin are compounds with immunomodulatory capacities known to increase growth performance, stimulate immunity, improve general health, and enhance disease resistance in fish. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary Phaeodactylum tricornutum extracts rich in β-glucans and curcumin on gilthead seabream health status prior to and following an intestinal inflammatory stimulus. Three experimental diets were formulated: a practical commercial-type diet (CTRL), a CTRL diet supplemented with 1% microalgae-derived β-glucans extract (BG), and a CTRL diet supplemented with 0.2% of curcumin (CUR). After 30 days of the feeding trial, fish were sampled and subjected to an oral administration of 1% dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) to induce intestinal inflammation. Four groups were considered: a group of fish continued to be fed on the CTRL diet while the remaining groups were exposed to DSS, including CTRL-D (CTRL + DSS), BG-D (BG + DSS), and CUR-D (CUR + DSS), for 6 days. Growth, plasma and gut humoral immunity, liver and gut oxidative stress biomarkers, and intestinal gene expression were evaluated. No significant differences were found in growth after 30 days of feeding; however, seabream fed BG had decreased anti-protease activity and nitric oxide concentration in plasma while those fed CUR had increased mRNA levels of the tnfα, csf1r, and hep genes compared to those fed CTRL. After the inflammatory stimulus, hematocrit was enhanced in fish fed BG-D and CUR-D while red blood cell counts increased in those fed CTRL-D. Superoxide dismutase activity decreased in the intestine of all DSS groups while lipid peroxidation increased in the gut of fish fed CTRL-D and BG-D compared to CTRL. Moreover, the mRNA expression levels of csfr1 and sod decreased in fish fed CTRL-D and BG-D compared to CTRL, respectively. Despite the mild intestinal inflammatory condition induced by DSS, CUR was able to partially ameliorate its effects, improving the hematological profile and assisting against the oxidative stress.

Effects of dietary supplementation of quillaja saponin or fructooligosaccharide and a mixture of both on the growth performance, nutrient utilisation, faecal microbial and faecal noxious gas emissions in growing pigs

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of an alone or in combination quillaja saponin (QS) and fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on the growth performance, nutrient utilisation, faecal microbial and faecal noxious gas emissions in growing pigs. A total of 100 pigs (Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc); weighted 23.83 ± 1.95 kg, were selected and randomly allocated to 4 treatments with 5 replicates per group and 5 pigs per replicate according to the initial body weight and sex. The experimental treatments were as follows: (1) basal diet (Ctrl); (2) Ctrl + 0.2% QS; (3) Ctrl + 0.10% FOS; (4) Ctrl + 0.2% QS + 0.10% FOS (QSFOS). The experiment period lasted for 56 days. Pigs fed a diet supplemented with QS, FOS and QSFOS resulted in an increase (p < 0.05) in body weight (BW) on days 28 and 56, (p < 0.05) average daily gain and average daily feed intake during days 28–56 and 50–56, as well as improved apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of DM (dry matter) and N (Nitrogen) during day 56 compared with Ctrl. The faecal Lactobacillus counts were increased and a reduction (p < 0.05) in faecal Escherichia coli (E. coli) counts and ammonia (NH3) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emission from the faeces was observed from pigs fed QS, FOS and QSFOS supplemented diets compared with those fed a Ctrl diet. In conclusion, dietary QS, FOS and QSFOS supplementation have beneficial effects on growth performance, nutrient utilisation, faecal microbial and noxious gas emissions in growing pigs. HIGHLIGHTS Dietary supplementation of QS, FOS and QSFOS increased body weight, average daily gain and average daily feed intake of growing pigs. Dietary supplementation of QS, FOS and QSFOS could improve ATTD of dry matter and nitrogen of growing pigs Dietary supplementation of QS, FOS and QSFOS increased Lactobacillus counts and reduced E. coli counts of growing pigs. Dietary supplementation of QS, FOS and QSFOS could reduce faecal NH3 and CO2 emissions of growing pigs.

220 Effects of Total Equine Grain with Ascophyllum Nodosum Seaweed Extract and Chelated Minerals on Forage Intake, DM, NDF, and ADF Digestibility, in Quarter Horse Mares Under Performance Conditions

Abstract A study was conducted in fall 2019 at Sul Ross State University to evaluate the effects of Total Equine containing Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed and chelated minerals on intake and cecal digestibility in comparison with a product without Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed or chelated minerals. Six Quarter horse mares (avg 9yrs) were used in a complete randomized block study. Horses were offered an ad libitum Bermuda hay for a 2wk standardization period and then blocked into pairs based on weight, age, and fitness level. Horses were assigned randomly within block to the Ctrl or Trt diets for an 8wk study with ad libitum access to water. Hay was offered 2xd in port-a-grazer tubs to control for waste. Grain was offered at a rate of 0.005% BW (manufacturer suggestions) and divided into 2 equal feedings. Horses were weighed weekly and grain amounts were adjusted weekly. Hay orts were collected 2x daily and hay offered was adjusted daily for a 3% refusal rate. Horses were exercised 6d/wk on a hot-walker for 2hrs. Horses were conditioned prior to the study and speed and duration were increased throughout the study. Horses worked 30min at a walk and 1.5hrs at a trot broken into periods. Feed samples were collected 2xwk and dried for DM and ground for analysis for NDF, ADF, CP, EE, and Ash. A significant difference in total DMI was observed at 13.1 ± 0.14kg Ctrl versus 12.02 ± 0.11kg Trt (P=0.0001). When evaluating forage intake only 10.07 ± 0.13 kg Ctrl versus 9.04 ± 0.11 kg Trt (P=0.0001). DMd and NDFd were not significantly affected by trt (P=0.38). However, tendency horse*diet (P=0.07) was observed. Overall, it appears that the inclusion of the grain product with Ascophyllum nodosum and chelated minerals reduced forage intake and overall DMI without effecting fiber digestibility or animal performance.

Dietary herbaceous mixture supplementation reduced hepatic lipid deposition and improved hepatic health status in post-peak laying hens

Fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome is characterized by hepatic damage and hemorrhage impairing animal welfare in birds, which was well-known to be moderately relieved through dietary choline chloride supplementation in laying hens. Chinese herb has been proven to exert a positive role on hepatic health in human and rodents. Here, we investigated the effect of herbaceous mixture (HM), which consists of Andrographis paniculate, Silybum marianum, Azadirachta Indica, and Ocimum basilicum (2:3.5:1:2), on the hepatic lipid metabolism and health status in laying hens. A total of 240 Hy-line Brown hens (389-day-old) were randomly fed the basal diet with 0 mg/kg choline chloride (negative control, NC), 1,000 mg/kg choline chloride (control, Ctrl), or 300 mg/kg HM for 28 d. Birds fed HM diet exhibited lower serum triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration, and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level than those received NC and Ctrl diets (P < 0.05). When compared to control and NC group, the diets with HM decreased the contents of total cholesterol and TG in liver, as well as upregulated the mRNA abundance of hepatic hormone-sensitive lipase and lipoprotein lipase. Meanwhile, the hepatic area and diameter of steatosis vacuoles were also decreased by dietary HM administration (P < 0.05), which accompanied by decreased serum alanine aminotransferase activity (P < 0.05). Birds fed HM diets enhanced the hepatic antioxidative capacity than those received NC and Ctrl diet. Dietary HM depressed the mRNA level of inflammatory cytokine as compared to NC but not Ctrl group. Collectively, the diet with 300 mg/kg HM has a favorable effect in decreasing the lipid deposition and protecting liver injury by alleviating hepatic oxidant stress and inflammation in post-peak laying hens.

Central regulation of food intake is not affected by inclusion of defatted Tenebrio molitor larvae meal in diets for European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

The homeostatic regulation of food intake in fish has been thoroughly studied in the last years with dietary nutrient composition is one of the factors involved. Despite several studies addressed the impact of insect meal-based diets in food intake of fish, there is no knowledge about their impact in mechanisms of food intake regulation. This study aimed to explore underlying mechanisms through evaluation of dietary fishmeal (FM) replacement by defatted (d-) Tenebrio molitor (dTM) larvae meal in European sea bass. Fish (55 ± 2 g) fed a FM-based diet (CTRL) were compared with those fed two experimental diets containing increasing levels of dTM to replace 40 and 80% of FM (TM40 and TM80, respectively). After ten weeks of feeding, fish food intake was calculated; samples of plasma and different brain areas (hypothalamus and telencephalon) were collected at different post-prandial times (2, 6 and 24 h after feeding) to evaluate circulating metabolites and mRNA abundance in hypothalamus and telencephalon of neuropeptides involved in food intake regulation. No differences occurred in food intake and weight gain among diets. Plasma cholesterol levels decreased 24 h after feeding in fish fed TM40; fish fed dTM diets had higher cholesterol levels, 2 and 6 h after feeding, than those fed CTRL diet. Increased non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) levels occurred in plasma of fish fed TM80, regardless of the sampling time. At central level, no changes occurred in the mRNA abundance of neuropeptide Y (npy), agouti-related protein 2 (agrp2), pro-opio melanocortin a (pomca) or cocaine- and amphetamine-related transcript 2 (cartpt2). The obtained results suggest that dietary FM replacement by dTM up to 80% in European sea bass does not affect food intake or its central homeostatic regulation, supporting the use of dTM as FM replacement in diets for European sea bass.

In vivo and in vitro Digestibility of an Extruded Complete Dog Food Containing Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal as Protein Source.

Growing attention is being directed toward insects as a novel and sustainable source of protein for pet food. The aim of the study was to evaluate nutrient digestibility of a diet containing black soldier fly larvae as its main protein source. Moreover, the purpose of the study was to compare the traditional in vivo total collection method with the in vivo marker method and in vitro digestibility method. Two isonitrogenous and isoenergetic dry diets containing either venison meal (CTRL diet) or black soldier fly larvae meal (BSF diet) as their primary sources of proteins were fed to six adult dogs, according to a Latin square design. The digestibility of nutrients was determined using both in vivo (“total collection” and “internal marker” approaches) and in vitro methods. The two diets showed similar nutrient digestibility values for dry matter, organic matter, ether extract, ash, and phosphorus. However, a statistical trend (p = 0.066) was observed indicating greater protein digestibility in the BSF diet compared with the CTRL diet. Calcium digestibility was higher in the BSF diet compared with the CTRL diet (p = 0.018). On the contrary, fiber digestibility was lower in the insect-based diet compared with the venison diet (p < 0.001). There was no difference between total collection and internal marker methods in the assessment of in vivo digestibility for any of the nutrients considered. The in vitro digestibility values for dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein, as well as the estimated in vivo digestibility of organic matter and crude protein by the means of the predictive equation, were aligned with the in vivo results, although in vitro estimations were consistently higher compared with those obtained by in vivo analysis. Digestibility analysis of a dog food containing insect meal as the sole source of protein (36.5% inclusion) showed promising results in terms of it presenting similar values as a meat-based diet, indicating its suitability as a sustainable protein source for pet food. Moreover, the study showed that both the in vivo marker method and the in vitro method could be possible alternatives to the traditional total collection method in digestibility trials.