Dietary Inclusion Levels Research Articles

Potential of Full-Fat Silkworm-Based Diets for Laying Quails: Performance and Egg Physical Quality.

The present research was conducted to determine the optimal inclusion level of full-fat silkworm chrysalis meal (SWM) into laying quails' diets, focusing on performance traits and egg physical quality. A total of 240 31-day-old female Japanese quails were randomly assigned to four dietary groups (12 replicates/treatment; 5 quails/replicate); quails were initially fed a standard commercial diet for pullets until 63 days of age. When oviposition started, the experimental groups received the following diets: a conventional corn and soybean-based diet (control diet-C) and three other diets, including 4%, 8%, or 12% of full-fat SWM (SWM4, SWM8, SWM12, respectively). Experimental diets were provided until quails reached 119 days of age. Birds displayed satisfactory productive performance throughout the trial. SWM12 and SWM8 had higher (p < 0.001) egg production but also a higher feed conversion ratio compared to C. At the end of the trial, the eggs edible portion increased, and shell weight decreased with increasing the SWM dietary inclusion level (p < 0.001). At the same time, SWM12 displayed an increase in albumen pH (p < 0.05), even though in the normal range for quail egg. Overall, full-fat SWM (up to 12%) can be considered a promising feed ingredient for laying quails, although higher inclusion levels (>8%) require special attention because SWM also contains anti-nutritional factors.

Reducing dietary wild derived fishmeal inclusion levels in production diets for large yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi)

Further research to understand the effect of dietary wild derived fishmeal (WD-FM) substitution with commercially relevant alternative ingredients for large yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi; YTK) was investigated. This 36-week study was designed to replace dietary inclusions of WD-FM with alternative protein ingredients including poultry meal, soy protein concentrate and by-product fishmeal (PM, SPC and BP-FM) and measure the effect on the growth performance, feed utilisation, and health of large YTK (2.5 kg initial weight) at ambient water temperatures (average 16.6 °C). Six diets were formulated on a digestible basis to contain 39% digestible protein (∼45–46% crude protein), 23% digestible lipid (∼24–25% crude lipid), and a digestible energy level of 17 MJ kg−1 (∼19 MJ kg−1 gross energy level). Fish were fed to apparent satiation once daily at 10:00 h. Substitution of fish meal with alternative ingredients did not significantly impact fish growth, feed utilisation, gastrointestinal health, blood haematology or measured biochemistry indices. Results from the current study will allow reductions to the dietary WD-FM inclusion levels, with tangible sustainability benefits. The inclusion of the alternative protein sources resulted in improvements in the fish in-fish out ratios of up to 35.1%. This study suggests formulation criteria for large YTK should include a minimum of 10% WD-FM. Further to this, at least 30% of the diet should consist of a combination of poultry meal, soy protein concentrate and fishmeal (both wild and by-product). Our data further support the use of BP-FM up to ∼20% inclusion, while PM and SPC should be limited to ∼10% inclusion until further data is available on these raw materials in YTK feeds. These recommendations will facilitate formulation flexibility for large YTK feeds, enabling formulators to adapt to changes to extrinsic factors such as raw material availability, and sustainability while minimising cost and performance impacts.

Dietary L-carnitine supplementation for heat stressed juvenile pearl gentian grouper(Epinephelusllanolatus (Epinephelus♂×Epinephelusfuscoguttatus♀): Effects on the antioxidant enzyme, survival, and gene expression

The effects of increasing dietary inclusion levels of L-carnitine at 0 (control group) 200, 400, 600, 1200, 1400, and 1600 mg/kg were evaluated in juvenile hybrid groupers exposed to heat shock stress. The feeding trial was conducted for eight weeks. After the feeding trial, hybrid groupers were subjected to a heat stress test for an hour at a temperature of 36 °C to determine the influence of the treatments on survival, biochemical parameters, and gene expression. The results of the current study showed that the survival rate of hybrid grouper was low in fish fed the control diet. A large number of survivors were observed in the treatment group with 400 mg/kg L-carnitine supplementation (LC 400), obtaining the highest survival rate. Heat stress decreased (P < 0.05) the activities of alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase in the control group but was increased in fish fed the LC 400 diet. Additionally, in the LC 400 treatment, malondialdehyde content decreased considerably (P < 0.05) compared to LC0. Hybrid grouper exposed to a high temperature of 36 °C for 1 h without L-carnitine (LC0, control group) supplementation showed the most increased Aspartate Aminotransferase activity (2.04 U L−1). Additionally, the LC 400 group reached the maximal value for the expressions of genes in the PPARs (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors) signaling pathway, which showed a tendency of downregulation and, subsequently, up-regulation. The gene expression of FAS (fatty acid synthase) was discovered upstream and downstream (P < 0.05). The lowest mRNA level was found in the lowest L-carnitine supplementation treatment (200 mg/kg). A CPT-1 (carnitine palmitoyltransferase) that controls fatty acid oxidation showed upstream and downstream activity in response to increasing doses of L-carnitine supplementation. Our findings showed that dietary supplementation with L-carnitine 400 mg/kg reduced heat stress-related mortality and oxidative damage by enhancing the survival and oxidative enzymes of grouper, which provides a nutritional method of minimizing the consequences of heat exposure.

Enhancing Digestibility of Chlorella vulgaris Biomass in Monogastric Diets: Strategies and Insights

Microalgae, such as Chlorella vulgaris (CV), have been identified as promising animal feed sources due to their high content of essential nutrients, including proteins, total lipids, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and pigments. This study aimed to review the digestibility, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability of nutrients from CV biomass, and to analyse strategies to enhance their digestibility in monogastric animal diets. The study conducted a systematic review of the literature from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, up until the end of January 2023. The results of adding CV to poultry and swine diets were diverse and depended on a number of variables. However, pre-treatments applied to CV biomass improved nutrient digestibility and accessibility. CV biomass, produced in a cost-effective manner, has the potential to serve as a supplement or substitute for expensive feed ingredients and improve animal health, physiology, and immune status. Variations in results may be due to differences in microalgal strain, cultivation conditions, and dietary inclusion levels, among other factors. This study provides new insights and perspectives into the utilization of CV biomass in animal diets, highlighting its potential as a valuable ingredient to improve nutrient utilization.

Substitution effects of Acacia mearnsii leaf-meal for Triticum aestivum bran on nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation and nitrogen retention in lambs

The study evaluated the effects of substituting increasing levels of Acacia mearnsii leaf-meal (AMLM) for Triticum aestivum bran as the main fibre source in lamb finishing diets on nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation and nitrogen retention. Twenty-five, three-months-old ram lambs with an average live weight of 25.2 ± 1.41 kg were allocated to one of the five dietary inclusion levels of AMLM (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 g/kg DM; n = 5) in a completely randomised design for 28 days. Intake and digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter and crude protein, main individual and total volatile fatty acids, purine derivatives, supply of microbial nitrogen, and nitrogen intake, retention and utilisation efficiency exhibited quadratic (P ≤ 0.05) responses to AMLM reaching a maximum at 100 g/kg DM inclusion level. Ammonia-nitrogen linearly increased (P ≤ 0.05) with dietary addition of AMLM. Intake and digestibility of neutral detergent fibre (aNDFom) exhibited a positive linear trend (P ≤ 0.05) with graded levels of AMLM in the diet while that of ether extract showed a negative trend. In conclusion, replacement of T. aestivum bran with up to 100 g/kg DM of AMLM in lamb finisher diets can improve digestibility of nutrient, rumen fermentation and retention of nitrogen.

Dietary manganese requirement of stinging catfish Heteropneustes fossilis

The study was aimed to determine the optimal dietary manganese (Mn) requirement by evaluating the effects of various dietary Mn levels on the growth performance, whole-body chemical composition, bone mineralization, and haematology of juvenile stinging catfish Heteropneustes fossilis. Five isonitrogenous purified diets containing graded levels of supplemental Mn from MnSO4.H2O (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 mg Mn kg−1) were formulated, and referred to as Mn0, Mn5, Mn10, Mn15, and Mn20, respectively. Fish (mean weight of 1.24 g) were stocked in 15 glass aquaria (40 fish per aquarium) each of 180 L water capacity. Each diet was hand-fed twice a day (9.00 and 16.00 h) to apparent satiation to triplicate groups of fish, 7 days a week for 10 weeks. Results indicated that significantly (P < 0.05) the highest % weight gain (186.65 ± 6.59 g) and specific growth rate (1.59 ± 0.13 % day−1) were observed in the fish fed with Mn10 diet supplemented with 10 mg Mn kg−1 diet. The fish feed with Mn10 diet had significantly the lowest (1.80 ± 0.16) feed conversion ratio (FCR). Incorporating dietary Mn up to 10 mg kg−1 was reported to boost whole-body protein; however, subsequent increases in dietary Mn inclusion level did not result in any changes. The whole-body moisture and lipid contents of stinging catfish dropped significantly (P < 0.05) when fed with 10 mg kg−1 Mn (Mn10) supplemented diet. The concentration of Mn in muscle and bone rose linearly (P < 0.05) up to the dietary intake of 10 mg Mn kg−1 diet and then it remained stable. The amount of iron (Fe) in bone and muscle was found to decrease as dietary supplementation level of Mn increased. Increasing dietary Mn levels up to 10 mg kg−1 was found to increase haemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH); however, further increase in dietary Mn levels caused these values to decrease. The amount of dietary concentration between 7.99 and 10.38 mg Mn kg−1 diet was revealed to be acceptable for culture stinging catfish by applying the second-order polynomial regression analysis. It is concluded that better growth and physiological status of stinging catfish can be ensured by using optimum Mn levels in the diet. The results of this study will also motivate further research into the dietary Mn requirements of other species.

EARTHWORM MEAL: A NOVEL NON-CONVENTIONAL FEED INGREDIENT FOR SUSTAINABLE POULTRY PRODUCTION

The poultry industry is one of the most important/vibrant sectors in the livestock industry. Feed economics is highly important in the production of poultry, especially in intensive farming. Protein intake is the key factor for the sustainable production process and growth rates. Mainly soybean and fish meal is used to fulfill the protein requirements in poultry feed, however, currently, soybean meal and other conventional protein ingredients are facing the problem of shortage supply resultantly increasing in prices. So, there is an urgent need to explore other alternatives and cheaper protein sources. In the past 20 years, amongst different alternative protein sources, private companies and research institutes have focused on the use of algae, insects, and other invertebrates in poultry diets whereas particular attention needs to be paid to the dietary use of earthworms as it is agood and palatable source of protein. Earthworms can be successfully used as an alternative protein source for poultry and aquaculture as an environmentally friendly protein feed ingredient. In this review, we summarize the suitability, productivity, and effectiveness of earthworm meals as an alternative protein ingredient in poultry diets The research has investigated the use of earthworm meal in fish and poultry feed and exhibited an increase in body weight, feed conversion ratio, feed intake, and growth rates in broilers as well as an increase in egg production in layers. The research has shown dietary inclusion level of earthworm meal in the fish diet is successfully up to 25-30% whilst its inclusion level in the broiler diet should not go beyond 15%. Supplementation of earthworm meals in broiler and aquaculture diets may trigger production performances without affecting the quality of the final product. The goal of this review is to deliver the recent scenario of research on earthworm meal; to offer a better understanding of its use as a novel feed ingredient for sustainable poultry production.

Influence of Hermetia illucens Larvae Meal Dietary Inclusion on Growth Performance, Gut Histological Traits and Stress Parameters in Sparus aurata.

This study provided new data and knowledge on the potential use of Hermetia illucens meal (HIM) as a new sustainable ingredient for Sparus aurata diet. The effect of HIM dietary inclusion on fish growth performance, stress indicators and gut histology was studied. For 131 days, 312 fish were fed a basal diet containing fishmeal as animal protein source, and three diets containing 25%, 35% and 50% HIM as a partial replacement for fishmeal. The main findings indicated that fishmeal can be replaced by HIM up to 110 g/kg of substitution (35% of inclusion in diet) without negative effects on growth performance, stress parameters or histological traits of the posterior gut tract, and with positive effects (p < 0.05) on the histological and morphometric characteristics of the anterior gut tract. At the same time, the results showed that the effect of Hermetia illucens meal at 50% inclusion level caused morphometric and histopathological alterations in the anterior gut tract of seabream. In conclusion, this preliminary study suggested that the dietary inclusion level of HIM35 was the most tolerated by fish showing the best gut morphometric parameters and histological conditions, with fewer signs of inflammation, as well as good nutritional and health status.

Cold-Pressed Oilseed Cakes as Alternative and Sustainable Feed Ingredients: A Review.

Due to the increasing demand for alternative protein feed ingredients, the utilization of oilseed by-products in animal nutrition has been sought as a promising solution to ensure cheap and environmentally sustainable feedstuffs. This review aimed to summarize the nutritional value of six cold-pressed cakes (rapeseed, hempseed, linseed, sunflower seed, camelina seed, and pumpkin seed) and the effects of their inclusion in diet for ruminant, pig, and poultry on nutrient digestibility, growth and productive performance, and quality of the products. The presented results indicated that these unconventional feed ingredients are a good protein and lipid source and have a balanced amino acid and fatty acid profile. However, contradictory results of animal production performances can be found in the literature depending on the cake type and chemical composition, dietary inclusion level, animal category, and trial duration. Due to the substantial amount of essential fatty acid, these cakes can be efficiently used in the production of animal products rich in n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, the utilization of cakes in pig and poultry nutrition is limited because of the presence of antinutritive factors that can deteriorate feed intake and nutrient utilization.

Dietary phytogenic inclusion level affects production performance and expression of ovarian cytoprotective genes in laying hens

A 12-wk study was conducted to investigate the effects of a phytogenic premix (PP) inclusion level on production performance, and the expression of genes relevant for detoxification (aryl hydrocarbon receptor; AhR) and antioxidant capacity (Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2; Nrf2) in the ovaries of laying hens. The PP consisted of bioactive substances derived from ginger, lemon balm, oregano, and thyme substances (Anco FIT-Poultry). Depending on PP inclusion level (i.e., 0, 500, 750, 1,000, and 1,500 mg/kg diet) in the basal diet, 385 laying hens Hy-Line Brown, 20-wk-old were assigned into 5 treatments: CON, P500, P750, P1000, and P1500, with 7 replicates of 11 hens with ad libitum access to feed and water. Performance parameters were closely monitored on a weekly basis and analyzed in the following 3 experimental periods: 1 to 4 wk, 5 to 8 wk, and 9 to 12 wk of treatment administration (i.e., 21-24, 25-28, and 29-32 wk of layers age, respectively). At the end of the 8th and 12th wk of the experiment (i.e., 28 and 32 wk of layers age), a layer from each replicate was selected, euthanized, the ovaries sampled and stored deep frozen until gene expression analysis. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and means compared using Tukey's honest significant difference test. Polynomial contrasts tested the linear and quadratic effect of PP inclusion levels. Results revealed that PP inclusion, improved (P < 0.05) laying rate and egg mass, compared to CON. Increasing PP inclusion level enhanced laying rate and egg mass, linearly and quadratically and peaked at P1000 (P < 0.05). In the ovaries, the AhR pathway genes assessed were down-regulated (P < 0.05) mainly at P1000 and P750 treatments. In addition, PP related cytoprotective potential was demonstrated via beneficial changes seen for the majority of the Nrf2-pathway genes assessed with the P1000 displaying most significant differences from CON. Conclusively, new data highlighted beneficial cytoprotective effects of PP inclusion on layer ovaries and documented further layer performance, with the inclusion level of 1000 mg PP/kg diet being the most prominent.

Phytogenic Effects on Layer Production Performance and Cytoprotective Response in the Duodenum.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a phytogenic premix (PP) on the production performance and critical genes relevant to the detoxification (i.e., aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway) and antioxidant (i.e., nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway) response in the duodenum of laying hens. The PP was based on bioactive substances derived from ginger, lemon balm, oregano, and thyme (Anco FIT-Poultry). A total of 385 20 week old Hy-Line Brown layers were assigned to five dietary treatments with seven replicates of 11 hens each for a 12-week feeding trial. The experimental treatments included a corn-soybean meal basal diet with no PP (CON) or supplemented with PP at 500 (P500), 750 (P750), 1000 (P1000), and 1500 mg/kg diet (P1500). The overall (1-12 weeks) laying rate (p &lt; 0.001) and egg mass (p = 0.008) were significantly increased in the P1000 group compared with the CON. At the duodenum, increasing dietary PP inclusion levels beneficially affected (p ≤ 0.05) the expression of the majority of the AhR and Nrf2 pathway genes studied. In conclusion, according to the gene expression analysis, PP inclusion resulted in a reduced requirement for detoxification and an increased antioxidant capacity, with most of the effects seen at the PP inclusion range of 750 to 1000 mg/kg diet.

Effect of Dietary Corn Stalk Inclusion on the Performance of Non-Nutritive Oral Behaviors of Drylot-Housed Beef Steers

ABSTRACT Dietary forage levels contribute to the performance of non-nutritive oral behaviors (NNOB) in cattle, yet the impact of varying forage levels on these behaviors is unknown. To evaluate the impact of dietary corn stalk inclusion (CSI) levels on NNOB, rumination time, and activity, pre-dominantly British-continental crossbred drylot-housed steers (n=27) were blocked by weight and randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments (5%, 10%, or 15%) of CSI on a DM basis. Animals were fitted with a rumination collar upon arrival that measured rumination time and activity and video recorded. Cattle that spent more time bar licking had greater DMI, tended to have greater ADG and be more active. CSI in this study did influence NNOB performance; however, the impacts observed were not as expected. Cattle fed the 10% CSI performed the most bar licking and tongue rolling. This pilot investigation suggest that these CSI were insufficient to have a meaningful impact on NNOBs. Cattle spending more time bar licking and bar licked more frequently may be more orally motivated as reflected in their increased DMI and activity levels.

Evaluation of Cottonseed Meal as an Alternative to Fish Meal in Diet for Juvenile Asian Red-Tailed Catfish Hemibagrus wyckioides.

A 10-week trial was performed to investigate the effects of replacing fishmeal with cottonseed meal (CSM) on the growth rate, protein metabolism, and antioxidant response of Asian red-tailed catfish Hemibagrus wyckioides. Five isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets (C0, C8.5, C17.2, C25.7, and C34.4) were prepared to contain 0%, 8.5%, 17.2%, 25.7%, and 34.4% CSM replacing fishmeal, respectively. The weight gain, daily growth coefficient, pepsin, and intestinal amylase activities initially increased and then decreased with the raising dietary CSM levels; the highest values were observed in the C17.2 group (P < 0.05). However, feed cost exhibited the opposite trend. With the increasing dietary CSM levels, the protein efficiency ratio and intestinal trypsin activity decreased but feed conversion rate increased gradually; while no differences were observed among the C0, C8.5, and C17.2 groups (P > 0.05). Dietary CSM inclusion regardless of levels increased the plasma growth hormone level as well as hepatic aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activities but decreased the plasma glutamate dehydrogenase and AST activities (P < 0.05). With the increasing dietary CSM levels, the plasma alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and hepatic superoxide dismutase activities decreased but malondialdehyde content increased gradually, while no differences were observed among the C0, C8.5, and C17.2 groups (P > 0.05). The plasma immunoglobulin M content and hepatic glutathione reductase activity initially increased but then decreased with the raising dietary CSM levels; the highest values were found in the C17.2 group. These results indicated that dietary CSM inclusion level up to 17.2% improved the growth rate, feed cost, digestive enzyme activity, and protein metabolism without compromising antioxidant capacity of H. wyckioide, whereas these parameters were depressed by further inclusion of CSM. CSM is a potentially cost-effective alternative plant protein source in diet of H. wyckioide.

Partial Substitution of Fish Meal with Soy Protein Concentrate on Growth, Liver Health, Intestinal Morphology, and Microbiota in Juvenile Large Yellow Croaker (Larimichthys crocea).

The present study investigated the growth performance, feed utilization, intestinal morphology, and microbiota communities of juvenile large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) fed diets containing different proportions of soy protein concentrate (SPC) (0, 15%, 30%, and 45%, namely FM, SPC15, SPC30, and SPC45) as a substitute for fish meal (FM) for 8 weeks. The weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) in fish fed SPC45 were significantly lower than those fed FM and SPC15 but not differ with these fed SPC30. The feed efficiency (FE) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) decreased sharply when the dietary SPC inclusion level was higher than 15%. The activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and expression of alt and aspartate aminotransferase (ast) were significantly higher in fish fed SPC45 than those fed FM. The activity and mRNA expression of acid phosphatase were opposite. The villi height (VH) in distal intestine (DI) showed a significant quadratic response to increasing dietary SPC inclusion levels and was highest in SPC15. The VH in proximal intestine, middle intestine decreased significantly with increasing dietary SPC levels. The 16S rRNA sequences in intestine revealed that fish fed SPC15 had higher bacterial diversity and abundance of Phylum Firmicutes such as order Lactobacillales and order Rhizobiaceae than those fed other diets. Genus vibrio, family Vibrionaceae and order Vibrionales within phylum Proteobacteria were enriched in fish fed FM and SPC30 diets. Tyzzerella and Shewanella that belongs to phylum Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, respectively, were enriched in fish fed SPC45 diet. Our results indicated that SPC replacing more than 30% FM could lead to lower quality diet, retard growth performance, ill health, disordered intestine structure, and microbiota communities. Tyzzerella could be the bacteria indicator of intestinal in large yellow croaker fed low quality diet due to high SPC content. Based on the quadratic regression analysis of WG, the best growth performance could be observed when the replacement of FM with SPC was 9.75%.

Effects of dietary resveratrol supplementation on digestive enzymes activities and serum biochemistry of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

The effects of resveratrol as an anti-oxidant in improving growth and health have been shown in several experiments. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different dietary resveratrol inclusion levels on digestive enzymes activity and serum biochemistry of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Accordingly, 225 juvenile rainbow trout with an average body weight of 10.00 ± 1.50 g were stocked in nine experimental units. The study was performed as a completely randomized design including three dietary levels of resveratrol as follows: 0.00, 400 and 800 mg kg-1 feed. During the experiment, fish were fed based on their respective body weight using standard feeding tables at three feeding times for 8 weeks. Nine fish were randomly selected from each treatment at the end of the 4th and 8th weeks of the experiment. Results revealed that supplementing 800 mg kg-1 feed resveratrol significantly increased lipase activity (31.40 ± 0.32 U mg-1 protein) compared to the control group (29.92 ± 0.52 U mg-1 protein) at the end of week eight. Also, at the same time, it increased serum high-density lipoprotein (123.04 ± 1.57 mg dL-1) compared to the control group (97.055 ± 1.463 mg dL-1). In addition, dietary supplementation of 800 mg kg-1 feed resveratrol effectively reduced serum alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase activities along with glucose, cortisol and cholesterol. In conclusion, resveratrol can be used as a suitable food supplement to improve fish health by increasing digestive enzymes activities.

Effects of Supplementing Different Levels of Stinging Nettle Leaf Meal on the Growth Performance of Starter Broilers

There is a growing concern by consumers of broiler chickens in Kenya over the injudicious use of antibiotic growth promoters such as oxytetracyclines which has led high tissue residues and consecutively, resistance to the drugs in both livestock and humans. This problem has elicited increased research towards natural alternatives. The current research was thus conducted to determine the optimal dietary inclusion levels of stinging nettle (Urtica dioica L.) leaf meal (NLM) that result to improvements in feed intake (FI), growth rate (GR) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) of Cobb 500 starter broiler chickens. Four isonitrogeneous (20% crude protein (CP)) and isocaloric (3200 Kcal/kg) diets were formulated; Diet 1 (Control, NLM 0%), Diet 2 (NLM 1%), Diet 3 (NLM 1.5%) and Diet 4 (NLM 2%). Proximate analysis was undertaken for all experimental diets. A total of 48 unsexed chicks were weighed and randomly allocated the experimental diets with 4 replicates of 3 chicks each for 17 days. The FI and body weight gain (BWG) were weighed and recorded daily and weekly respectively. The GR and FCE were also calculated. Results showed that birds supplemented with NLM at 1% had significant mean (162.03g) for FI. Birds supplemented with NLM at 1.5% in the diet had the highest BWG (1930.50g) and GR (113.56g). However, 2% NLM supplemented birds showed the highest FCE (7.98). From the study, it was concluded that supplementing the diets of starter broiler chickens with NLM at 1.5% resulted to the highest BWG and GR.

Black Soldier Fly Full-Fat Meal in Atlantic Salmon Nutrition – Part B: Effects on Growth Performance, Feed Utilization, Selected Nutriphysiological Traits and Production Sustainability in Pre-Smolts

Abstract Black soldier larva meal (BSFM) seems to be a competitive protein and fat source for widely used fish meal (FM) and fish oil. Because of the still present problem of overfished seas and oceans for feed purposes, even a low substitution of the mentioned feed materials could have a positive impact on the environment. Due to the specificity of salmon metabolic processes, with particular attention to smoltification and the various requirements for nutrients related to individual stages, it is important to implement similar dietary inclusion levels of innovative feed materials in different life stages of Atlantic salmon. Thus, a holistic approach was undertaken in the cycle of two studies carried out: on fries and pre-smolts. This study aims to evaluate the effect of FM replacement by full-fat BSFM in Atlantic salmon pre-smolt diets on growth performance, feed utilization, somatic indices, histomorphology of intestines, colorimetric assessment and raw meat quality, as well as environmental sustainability. The following groups were applied: CON – without addition of full-fat BSFM and with 30% FM; BSFM5 – with 5% addition of full-fat BSFM and 27.1% FM; BSFM10 – with 10% full-fat BSFM and 24.3% FM; and BSFM15 – with 15% addition of full-fat BSFM and 21.3% FM. The present study showed satisfactory results of BSFM inclusion up to 15% as a replacement for FM in feeds for Atlantic salmon pre-smolts. The present study showed that BSFM is a suitable feed material for Atlantic salmon proper diet balancing and may be used to decrease FM content. The semi-technical application of BSFM containing diets confirmed their effectiveness during the growth phase of Atlantic salmon. According to our results, BSFM can be recommended as an alternative feed component in Atlantic salmon pre-smolt nutrition at levels up to 15%. Simultaneously, insect inclusion significantly improved the environmental sustainability of the rearing process.

Mineral nutrition in penaeid shrimp

AbstractThis review summarises the current knowledge of mineral nutrition for penaeid shrimp. It investigates how the aquatic environment and the lifecycle of shrimp affect requirements and the role that minerals play in shrimp health. Methods of supplying minerals via either water or to feed, and novel ways of supplementing minerals within feed, are discussed. The requirements for individual minerals are summarised with recommendations for minimum levels of dietary inclusion for semi‐intensive and intensive commercial shrimp culture presented where data permits. Estimates of dietary requirement remain broad for most minerals for the main shrimp production species (Penaeus vannamei, Penaeus monodon and Penaeus japonicus), with some essential minerals remaining unstudied (Table 2 in Section 5.10). Mineral nutrition will become more important as intensification and diversification of production systems provide new challenges to shrimp aquaculture.

Substituting fish meal with a bacteria protein (Methylococcus capsulatus, Bath) grown on natural gas: Effects on growth non-specific immunity and gut health of spotted seabass (Lateolabrax maculatus)

This study aimed to evaluate effects of substituting fish meal (FM) by methanotroph (Methylococcus capsulatus, Bath) bacteria meal (FeedKind®, FK) on growth performance, non-specific immunity and gut health of Lateolabrax maculatus. Six iso-nitrogenous diets were formulated with 0, 3.5%, 7%, 10.5%, 14% and 17.5% FK to substitute 0 (control group, FM content: 35%), 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% fish meal, referred to as FM, FK3.5, FK7, FK10.5, FK14, and FK17.5 respectively. Fish (initial body weight: 11.00 ± 0.02 g) were fed experimental diets for 56 days. Results showed that growth of fish fed the FK3.5 diets was significantly increased (P < 0.05) but that there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in growth of the other groups (FK7-FK17.5) compared with control group. Although survival of fish in the 50% substitution group was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) compared with the other groups, there was no overall trend in the survival data. The activities of serum acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), gut lipase and protease and the contents of serum total protein and albumin in the FK3.5 group were significantly higher than those of control group (P < 0.05). In contrast, the activities/contents of serum ACP, AKP, lysozyme and complement 4 in the FK10.5, FK14 and FK17.5 groups were significantly decreased compared with control group. There was no significant difference in gut mucosal structure among all groups. The analysis of gut flora showed that the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the FK7 and FK10.5 groups was significantly higher than other groups. In conclusion, dietary FK inclusion level up to 14% of total diet to replace 40% FM is possible without negatively affecting the growth performance of spotted seabass. Furthermore, the replacement of FM with 3.5% FK enhances the growth and immune, and substituting 20–30% of FM by 7–10.5% FK increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria in intestine of fish.

Beneficial effects, challenges and opportunities of the filamentous fungus, Aspergillus niger with special reference to the shrimp feed industry—A review

AbstractThe shrimp industry, including its culture and feed sectors, exhibited steady growth over the years with a reduced cost–benefit ratio due to increasing production costs attributed mainly to enhanced feed costs. The unsustainable availability and rapid increase in fishmeal cost have forced the aquafeed sector to reduce dietary inclusion levels. The filamentous fungus, Aspergillus niger plays an important role in utilising plant protein sources for formulating cost‐effective shrimp feed. A. niger has been reported to produce numerous hydrolytic enzymes to degrade the limiting factors of plant proteins such as antinutrients and fibre fractions. This fungus enhanced not only the quantity but also the quality of proteins and amino acids, especially methionine and lysine. Likewise, it also increased the availability of soluble minerals, particularly phosphorous, by degrading the phytic‐phosphorus, thereby helping to replace dietary fishmeal up to 80% in penaeid shrimps. Consequently, this fungus could reduce feed formulation cost significantly. However, the mycotoxins produced by this fungus pose difficulties during large‐scale fermentation, and its implications on the workers and environment cast doubt about its efficacy and utility. However, recent developments indicate that A. niger could be an alternative choice in reducing the pressure on fishmeal demand by enhancing the nutrient utilization of plant‐based materials leading to the formulation of, cost‐effective feeds that can sustain shrimp culture and production in the future.