Differences In Daily Feed Intake Research Articles

Effect of Melatonin Implants and Nutritional Restriction on Growth Performance of Local Male Lambs.

This experiment was conducted from 17 October 2021 to 9 January 2022 on the Department of Animal Production sheep field at the College of Agriculture, University of Anbar. The study aimed to determine the impact of melatonin implants and dietary restrictions on local male lambs' nutritional and growth performance. It included 16 local male lambs ranging in age from 5 to 6 months and weighing an average of 35.31 3.71 kg. The lambs were separated into four equal groups (n=4) and placed in separate pens. The actual duration of the experiment was 69 days, divided into two phases: the first phase consisted of 42 days of nutritional restriction, and the second phase consisted of 27 days of re-nutrition. As a control treatment during the stage of nutritional restriction, the first group (T1) was fed ad libitum. In contrast, the second group (T2) was fed Ad libitum with 36 mg subcutaneous-ear implanted melatonin implants, and the third group (T3) was fed a restricted diet (R) of 75% of the Ad libitum. Comparatively, the fourth group (T4) was fed a restricted diet of 75% of the Ad libitum with 36 mg of subcutaneous-ear implanted Melatonin. Until the end of the re-feeding phase, all experimental treatments were provided with unrestricted access to food. The nutritional and growth performance parameters were measured during the nutritional restriction and re-feeding stage and the entire experiment duration. During the nutritional restriction stage (42 days), there was no significant difference between the experimental treatments in terms of total weight gain, daily weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, and feeding efficiency. However, the experimental groups exhibited statistically significant differences in daily feed intake, daily dry matter intake, and dry matter intake as a percentage of body weight. In the re-feeding stage, there were no significant differences in the above nutritional and growth parameters among the experimental groups (27 days). This experiment concluded that feeding local male lambs 75% of Ad libitum with or without melatonin implants for 42 days, followed by re-feeding for 27 days, maintained the growth performance of the lambs with minimal feed intake and reduced lamb production costs.

Productive performance, lipid profile, immunity, and antioxidant parameters of quail breeders fed low protein diets supplemented with different zinc sources

The current study was conducted to study the impact of low-CP protein diets with different sources of zinc (zinc oxide-ZnO and zinc methionine-Zn-Met) on performance, lipid profile, immune and antioxidant parameters of quail breeders. A total number of 216 Japanese quail at 8 weeks of age were randomly distributed into nine (3 × 3) groups, with four replicates, each of six quails (four females and two males). Quails were fed three levels of CP (16, 18, and 20%) and three sources of Zn (0, 0.1 g ZnO, and 0.1 g Zn-Met/kg diets). No significant differences in daily feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and egg mass are due to the main effect of protein levels or zinc sources at all ages. Dietary CP (16 and 20%) in growing quail diets increased SOD and GSH, while IgG levels were improved by 18%. Finally, it can be recommended that 16% CP and zinc source (Zn-Met or ZnO) can maintain egg mass, as well as lipid profile, immunological and antioxidant parameters in Japanese quails breeders. This level (16% CP) is enough during the production stage and a valuable way for mitigating ammonia pollution and reducing feeding costs.

Partial replacement of corn by Euterpe precatoria feeding pigs raised in the Amazon

The objective was to evaluate the potential of using Euterpe precatoria Mart seed to feed pigs. Diets were prepared with different levels of inclusion of açaí seed (0; 7.5; 15 and 22.5%), resulting from the extraction of the stern. Forty four castrated weighing approximately 15 kg and average 60 days of birth pigs were used, distributed in four groups according to the level of inclusion of açaí kernel. After 56 days of feeding, the pigs' performance and economic viability were evaluated. There was no significant difference in daily feed intake, final weight, weight gain and feed conversion between groups of treatments to the statistical test. The inclusion of up to 22.5% of açaí kernels in the diet did not result in a statistical difference in the thickness of backfat, percentage of lean meat and carcass yield, however it increased the gross and partial net revenue and the economic viability in the test, demonstrating the potential from açaí seed for the production of slow-growing crossbred pigs in the Amazon region, especially in properties that exploit the sustainable extraction of açaí and that can reduce the impact of the fruit residue on the environment when using this by-product in animal feed. Reducing production costs and allowing the promotion of sustainable development in the Amazon region.

Effect of graded levels of pineapple (Ananas comosus L. Meer) crush waste on the performance, carcass yield and blood parameters of broiler chicken

A 56 - day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate pineapple crush waste (PCW) as dietary fibre source in broiler diets. Five straight diets were formulated to contain the PCWat dietary levels of 0%, 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5% and 10.0% as replacement for wheat offal. One hundred and fifty (150), day-old "Anak 2000" broiler chicks were randomly allotted to the 5 diets containing three replicates per treatment with 10 chicks per replicate in a completely randomized design (CRD). The final body weight, daily weight, daily feed intake and daily protein intake were generally higher in the birds fed diet 2 (2.5% PCW). There were significant (P<0.05) differences in daily feed intake and daily protein intake between the group on diet l and the other groups, while daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio were statistically the same (P >0.05) across the treatments. Digestible crude fibre values significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with increasing levels of PCW in the diets while the other digestibility percentages were comparable (P >0.05) in all dietary treatments. Values for the hematological parameters and blood serum chemistry did not deviate (P >0.05) statistically from established normal values for chicken. However, liver weights significantly increased (P < 0.05) across the dietary treatments while other organs observed did not differ significantly (P >0.05) in weight across the treatments. Cost per kg feed decreased as the level of PCW inclusion in the diets increased while the cost per kg weight gain showed that birds sed on diet 4 (7.5% PCW) were the most economical to produce. The results suggest that PCW could replace wheat offal in broiler diet up to 10.0% as a dietary fibre source without any deleterious effect.

Growth response, carcass characteristics and egg laying performance of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica ) fed diets containing varying levels of fermented cassava (Manihot esculenta ) peel meal

A two phased experimental study was conducted on 300, two-weeks-old Japanese quails to determine the effect of feeding diets containing varying levels of fermented cassava (Manihot esculenta ) peel meal on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and egg production of Japanese quail ( ). Japanese quails with mean initial body weight of 26.67 g and of mixed sexes were used. Fermented cassava peel meal (FCPM) was prepared by soaking fresh cassava peels in water (that is twice its weight) for three days. Thereafter, the peels were put in a jute bag and kept for 12 hours under a hydraulic press; sundried for a few days and milled using an attrition mill. During the growing phase, the birds were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments with 75 birds per treatment, each replicated three times, with the diets containing FCPM replacing 0, 25, 50 and 75 % maize to form diets T , T , T and T respectively. The diets were isonitrogenous, containing 24 % crude protein, and fed to the experimental birds for six weeks. Data were collected on feed intake, growth performance and carcass characteristics. The laying phase involved 120 female quails from he growing phase that were sexed to retain only the females. They were then allotted to four dietary treatments of three replicates per treatment; with 10 birds per replicate. The birds were fed the experimental diets containing FCPM replacing 0, 25, 50 and 75 % maize for eight weeks, and data were collected on egg production and egg quality parameters. Results show significant (p<0.05) differences in daily feed intake and nutrient digestibility among the treatments, while daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not significantly (p>0.05) different, during the growing phase. For the laying phase, there were no significant (p>0.05) differences in daily feed intake, hen day production (HDP) and all the egg quality traits determined. Therefore, it can be concluded that dietary maize could be replaced with FCPM up to 50 % and 75 % in growing quails without any deleterious effects on growth performance and carcass characteristics respectively; whereas it can replace up to 75 % in the diet of laying Japanese quails without any adverse effect on egg production and egg quality traits.

Effect of feed particle size in pelleted diets on growth performance and digestibility of weaning piglets

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of particle size in pelleted diet on nutrient digestibility and growth performance of weaning piglets. 352 uncastrated males, aged 28 to 63 d, were distributed in a randomized block design (initial weight) according to treatments. The experimental feeds were divided into two phases, pre-initial (28 to 42 d) and initial (43 to 63 d) and produced with different corn particle sizes ground in a hammer mill, which provided a geometric mean diameter (GMD) of 394 µm, 534 µm, 647 µm, and 695 µm respectively, to the pre-initial phase diets. In the initial phase the GMD were 587 µm, 625 µm, 798 µm, and 943 µm. All feeds were pelleted (pellet diameter 2.5 mm) and supplied ad libitum. After an analysis of variance (P < 0.05), orthogonal contrasts were constructed to evaluate the linear and quadratic effect of increasing feed particle size on digestibility and growth performance. In the pre-initial phase, there was no difference in daily feed intake and daily weight gain between treatments; however, there was a quadratic response (P < 0.05) in feed/gain ratio, and the reduction of GMD to 534 µm was positively correlated with feed/gain ratio. In the initial phase, feed intake increased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing GMD in the pelleted diet. GMD had no effect on feed/gain ratio, but there was a linear correlation (P < 0.05) between GMD and weight gain in this phase, owing to greater feed consumption. There was a linear response (P < 0.05) in dry matter and ether extract digestibility coefficients, with the highest values determined in pigs consuming the finest diets (587 µm). GMD had no effect on crude protein digestibility, but there was a quadratic correlation (P < 0.05) between particle size and digestible energy, as digestible energy reduced when GMD increased up to 798 µm, followed by a slight increase at 943 µm. In conclusion, as the weaning pigs become older, their growth performance response increases with increasing particle size of the pelleted diet. The GMD for an optimal pelleted feed is 534 µm for pre-initial and 943 µm for initial phase. Additionally, during the initial phase, fine particle sizes results in better efficiency of feed utilization.

Manipulation of Diet Intake and Milk Production of Red Sindhi Cows by Varying the Water and Feeding Frequencies

Background: Current research was carried out at Red Sindhi farm, Tando Muhammad Khan, during the year 2018, in order to manipulate the diet intake and milk production of Red Sindhi cows by varying the water and feeding frequencies.Methods: A total of 300 Red Sindhi cows under 3rd lactation were selected and were divided into 5 groups. Cows in group A (control) were offered ad-libitum feed and water, in group B; 2 time feed (Morning 6:00AM and 6:00PM) and ad-libitum water, in group C; 3 times feed (6:00AM, 2:00 Noon and 10:00PM) and ad-libitum water, in group D, ad libitum feed and 2 times water (6:00AM and 6:00PM), in group E; ad libitum feed and 3 times water (6:00AM, 2:00 Noon and 10:00PM). Result: Results of present study indicated that the daily water intake was found significantly maximum (47.00±1.45) in group B and minimum (43.33±0.88) in group D. Statistically significant difference was seen in group D compared to other groups, while no significant difference among groups A, B, C and E. Maximum daily feed intake (19.66±2.40) was recorded in group A and minimum daily feed intake (15.00±0.57) was recorded in group B. There was significant difference in daily feed intake in group E with groups A and B. However there was no significant difference in daily feed intake between groups A and B as well as groups C, D and E, correspondingly. Maximum weekly milk production (40.00±1.45 kg) was recorded in group A and minimum milk production (34.00±0.88 kg) was recorded in group B. However there was significant difference in milk production among groups A and B, while non-significant difference between groups C and D as well as A and E, correspondingly.Conclusion: In conclusion, Red Sindhi cows produced significantly higher milk under group A (control) offered 24 hours water and ad-libitum feed compared to all other groups.

Combined effects of dietary starch:Protein ratios and short cycles of fasting/refeeding on Nile tilapia growth and liver health

This study evaluated the combined effects of different dietary starch:protein ratios (SPR) and short cycles of fasting/refeeding (FR) on Nile tilapia juveniles on growth, feed and nutrient use, whole-body composition and liver health. Three diets with SPR classified as high (S30:P32; 0.96 g:g), intermediate (S25:P36; 0.69 g:g) and low (S21:P39; 0.53 g:g) were fed to fish over 60 days on three feeding regimes: 0FR—fish fed daily (control treatment); 1 FR—fish fasted for one day and refed for three days and 2 FR—fish fasted for two days and refed for three days. Fish (2.25 ± 0.01 g) were allotted to a completely randomized factorial design (3 × 3; n = 3). Fish growth and feed conversion ratio decreased (p < .05) with increasing FR. There was no significant difference in daily feed intake between regular-fed and fasted tilapia as a consequence of hyperphagia in fasted fish. Protein and energy productive values increased (p < .05) with increasing SPR. The occurrence of hepatic steatosis was similar (p > .05) among daily-fed fish regardless of SPR but increased (p < .05) with increasing SPR in fasted fish. Regardless of dietary SPR, short cycles of fasting/refeeding do not promote compensatory growth. Therefore, Nile tilapia around 2g should be fed daily with low-SPR diet.

Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broilers Fed Diets Containing Various Duration of Water Soaked Sweet Orange Peels

An experiment was conducted with one hundred and eighty (180) unsexed day old broiler chicks of Arbor acre strain to investigate the effect of feeding diets supplemented with water soaked sweet orange peel meal (SOP) on the performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chicken. The broiler chickens were randomly distributed into six (6) dietary treatments of 30 birds per treatment which were further distributed into three (3) replicates of 10 birds per replicate from day old, in a completely randomized design. Six dietary treatments were formulated such that, T1 which is control was maize based. In diets 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, sweet orange peels replaced maize at various duration of water soaked, 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours respectively and incorporated at 30% inclusion. Data were collected on feed intake and weekly weight gain. Six (6) birds were randomly selected per treatment starved over night, weighed and sacrificed by cervical dislocation for carcass analysis. Result reveals significant (p&lt;0.05) difference in daily feed intake, there was no significant (p&gt;0.05) difference on final weight and daily weight gain. The result of carcass characteristics showed no significant (p&gt;0.05) difference in carcass cut and internal organs. It can be concluded that supplementing broiler diets with water soaked sweet orange peels had no detrimental effects on the performance and carcass characteristics.

Hepatic 1-carbon metabolism enzyme activity, intermediate metabolites, and growth in neonatal Holstein dairy calves are altered by maternal supply of methionine during late pregnancy

Maternal supply of methyl donors such as methionine (Met) during late pregnancy can affect offspring growth and development. The objective was to investigate the effect of postruminal Met supply during late pregnancy on 1-carbon, Met cycle, and transsulfuration pathways in the calf liver. During the last 28 d of pregnancy, cows were individually fed a control diet or the control diet plus rumen-protected dl-Met (MET; 0.09% dry matter intake). Liver samples obtained from calves (n = 14/group) at 4, 14, 28, and 50 d of age were used for metabolomics, real-time PCR, and enzyme activity analyses. Genes associated with 1-carbon metabolism, DNA methylation, and the cytidine 5'-diphosphocholine-choline pathway were analyzed via real-time PCR. Activity of betaine homocysteine methyltransferase, cystathionine β-synthase, and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate homocysteine methyltransferase (MTR) was analyzed using 14C isotopes. Data were analyzed using a mixed model that included the fixed effects of maternal treatment, day, and their interaction, and the random effect was calf within maternal diet. Calves born to dams offered MET tended to have greater birth body weight and had overall greater body weight during the first 9 wk of life. However, no differences were detected for daily feed intake and average daily gain between groups. Concentrations of betaine and choline, reflecting Met cycle activity, at d 14 through 28 were greater in MET calves. Transsulfuration pathway intermediates also were altered in MET calves, with concentrations of cysteine sulfinic acid and hypotaurine (d 4 and 14) and taurine being greater (d 4, 14, 28, and 50). Despite the lack of differences in daily feed intake, the greater concentrations of the tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates fumarate and glutamate along with NAD/NADH in MET calves indicated enhanced rates of energy metabolism. Although activity of betaine homocysteine methyltransferase was greater in MET calves at d 14, cystathionine β-synthase was lower and increased at d 14 and 28, where it was greater compared with the control diet. Activity of MTR was lower at d 4 and 50 in MET calves. Among gene targets measured, MET calves had greater overall expression of MTR, phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase, and choline kinase α and β. An interaction of maternal diet by time was detected for mRNA abundance of DNA methyltransferase 3α (involved in de novo methylation) due to greater values at d 4 and 14 in MET calves. Overall, the data indicate that enhanced postruminal supply of Met to cows during late pregnancy may program hepatic metabolism of the calf in the context of maintaining Met homeostasis, phosphatidylcholine and taurine synthesis, DNA methylation, and energy metabolism. These alterations potentially result in better efficiency of nutrient use, hence conferring the calf a physiologic advantage during a period of rapid growth and development. The precise biologic mechanisms remain to be established.

Growth performance and carcass characteristics of Australian prime lambs supplemented with pellets containing canola oil or flaxseed oil

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of enriched omega-3 oil supplemental pellets, breed and gender on lamb liveweight (LWT), body conformation and carcass characteristics, and to assess the relationships between body conformation and growth under an intensive finishing condition. Sixty ewe and wether prime lambs 7 months old were randomly allocated to one of five dietary treatments: no oil inclusion (Control); 2.5% canola oil; 5% canola oil; 2.5% flaxseed oil and 5% flaxseed oil, balanced by breed (purebred Merinos (M × M) and Corriedale × Merino (C × M) and White Suffolk × Corriedale (W × C) first crosses). Lambs were individually supplemented with 1 kg pellets per day and had free access to lucerne hay and water throughout the 7-week feeding trial, after a 3-week adaptation. Dietary oil inclusion did not cause significant differences in daily feed intake, growth performance and carcass characteristics (P &gt; 0.05). However, first-cross W × C lambs had significantly higher feed intake, chest girth and body conformation score (P &lt; 0.05) than M × M and C × M lambs. Carcass weight, dressing percentage and fat depth of crossbred lambs were significantly higher than those of M × M (P &lt; 0.05). Significant interactions between oil inclusion and breed on average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio were observed. There were positive and highly significant correlations among LWT, ADG and body conformation measurements (P &lt; 0.01). These findings suggest that prime lamb producers can better manage and match their breeding goals with feed resources by supplementing first-cross C × M lambs with pellets containing 5% canola oil or feeding first-cross W × C lambs with 5% flaxseed oil pellets during the 10-week intensive finishing period.

Effect of expanded diets on growth performance, meat quality and carcass characteristics in finishing pigs

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of expanded diets on growth performance, meat quality, and carcass characteristics in finishing pigs. A total of 80 finishing pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc] were randomly allotted to two dietary treatments: 1) unexpanded corn-soybean meal diets; 2) expanded corn-soybean meal diets. Each treatment consisted of ten replicate pens with four pigs (2 gilts and 2 barrows) per pen. There were no differences in daily feed intake and daily gain throughout the experiment (P less than 0.05). However, expanded diets decreased feed conversion ratio compared with unexpanded diets (P less than 0.05). Expanded diets had no effect on carcass characteristics and meat quality with the exception of increased sensory evaluation (color) of meat compared with unexpanded diets (P less than 0.05). In conclusion, expanded diets can improve feed conversion ratio but have no effect on daily gain and daily feed intake and sensory evaluation of meat color.

Dietary Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) increases milk yield without losing body weight in lactating sows.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on the performance of lactating sows and piglets as well as the immunity of piglets suckling from sows fed CLA. Eighteen multiparous Duroc sows with an average body weight (BW) of 232.0 ± 6.38 kg were randomly selected and assigned to two dietary treatments (n = 9 for each treatment), control (no CLA addition) and 1% CLA supplementation. For the control diet, CLA was replaced with soybean oil. Experimental diets were fed to sows during a 28-day lactation period. Litter size for each sow was standardized to nine piglets by cross-fostering within 24 hours after birth. Sow milk and blood samples were taken from sows and piglets after 21 and 27 days of lactation, respectively. Loss of BW was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in sows fed control diet compared to sows fed CLA diet. Piglet weights at weaning and weight gain during suckling were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in sows fed CLA compared to sows fed control diet. Serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and urea nitrogen concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in sows fed CLA than in sows fed soybean oil. IgG concentrations of the groups supplemented with CLA increased by 49% in sow serum (p < 0.0001), 23% in milk (p < 0.05), and 35% in piglet serum (p < 0.05) compared with the control group. Sows fed CLA showed an increase of 10% in milk yield compared with sows fed soybean oil (p < 0.05), even though there was no difference in daily feed intake between the treatments. Milk fat content was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in sows fed CLA than in sows fed soybean oil. Solid-not-fat yield was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in sows supplemented with CLA than in sows fed control diet and also protein-to-fat ratio in milk was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in sows fed CLA compared with the control group. The results show that CLA supplementation to sows increased milk yield without losing BW during lactation, whereas soybean oil supplementation resulted in severe BW loss.

Nutritional Potential of Acacia (Acacia Nilotica (L.) Del.) Pods for Growing Red Sokoto Goats

An experiment to evaluate the potentials of Acacia nilotica pods as replacement for cotton seed cake (CSC) on nutrients digestibility, haematological parameters and growth performance of Red Sokoto goats was conducted. The aim was to explore the possibility of reducing the high cost of feeding goats by using alternative source of protein instead of the highly demanded and costly conventional sources of protein like CSC. Twenty five Red Sokoto goats (bucks) having average age of 10 months, and average weight of 10.3 ± 0.1kg were blocked to balance for weight in a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) experiment, and assigned to 5 treatments having 5 animals per treatment. They were fed graded levels of sun-dried Acacia pods as replacement for CSC, and dried sweet potato forage as basal diet. The proximate analysis of the diets compounded with graded levels of sun-dried Acacia pods with other feed ingredients showed that zero inclusion of Acacia pods (control), had the highest percentage of crude protein (CP) 17.56%. The percentages of CP decreased in the diets as the level of Acacia pods inclusion increased. The control diet also had the highest percentage of dry matter (DM) 94.41%, while the least value of DM was recorded in 100% Acacia pods level (93.21%). The levels of metabolizable energy (ME) in the diets ranged from 2322 to 2549 ME (Kcal/kg). While the crude fibre (CF) in the diets ranged from 10.72 to 14.26%. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in daily feed intake (DFI) and final body weight (FBW) in Red Sokoto goats fed graded levels of sun-dried Acacia pods. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in weight gain (WG), daily weight gain (DWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and cost per weight gain (CPWG) across the treatments. Goats fed 25% level of sun- dried Acacia pods performed better than the other animals in the other treatments in terms of WG, DWG, FBW and had the cheapest cost per weight gain in Naira (N/kg). There were significant (P<0.05) differences in the digestibility of most of the feed nutrients and in water intake (WI) in the treatments. Also there were significant (P<0.05) differences in all the blood parameters (Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Haemaglobin (Hb), Total Plasma Protein (TPP), Plasma Urea Nitrogen (PUN), and Creatinine (Cr)) measured in this experiment. It was therefore, concluded that 25% of sun-dried Acacia pods can be used to replace CSC in the diets of Red Sokoto goats without having any adverse effect on nutrients digestibility, blood parameters and their performance. Acacia pods can also be used to significantly reduce the high cost expended in feeding goats with conventional sources of protein and to increase availability of animal protein, as well as increase the profit margin of goat farmers.

Feeding behaviour in dairy cows with and without the influence of clinical diseases or subclinical disorders

Abstract. The objective of this study was to describe and compare circadian pattern of feed intake and feeding behaviour in healthy and diseased dairy cows. Test animals (n=138) were separated into two groups according to their health status. Health and management data were used to exclude cows with clinical or subclinical diseases. Fifteen cows of the test herd complied with the defined criteria and formed the reference group »healthy«. The behaviour of the remaining 123 cows was compared with the reference group. Both groups were used to analyse the feed intake and feeding behaviour on a daily base and in the course of 24 h. During a defined time range from day 28 post-partum to day 56 post-partum behavioural differences within these groups were analysed. There were no significant differences in daily feed intake (40.7 vs. 41.9 kg fresh matter per day, P=0.42). However, feeding behaviour pattern differed between the two groups (daily feeder visits, daily feeding time, number of daily feeder visit, number of daily meals, meal duration, feeding time within a meal, feeder visits per meal). For example, average feeder visit was shorter in the group with subclinical/ clinical health disorders than in the reference group (7.2 vs. 8.1 min, P=0.024). Differences in circadian feeding behaviour could be detected by analysing the feed intake and feeding time over the course of the day. Linear regression analyses showed strong correlations between feeding time and feed intake on hourly base (R² = 0.8) and on daily base (R² = 0.7).

Effect of partial replacement of fish meal with soybean meal and feeding frequency on growth, feed utilization and body composition of juvenile Chinese sucker,Myxocyprinus asiaticus(Bleeker)

A factorial (2 × 4) feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding frequency and partial replacement of fish meal (FM) with soybean meal (SBM) on the growth performance, feed utilization and body proximate composition of juvenile Chinese sucker. Two feed types including replacement of 30% FM (diet 1) with SBM (diet 2) were used. Triplicate groups of fish (average weight, 11.80 ± 0.19 g) were fed each feed type to visual satiation at four meals per day, three meals per day, two meals per day and one meal per day for 8 weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, the survival of fish was not significantly different among the treatments. Weight gain was affected by the feeding frequency. The highest weight gain was observed in fish fed with diet 1 at three meals per day. There existed a significant difference in daily feed intake (DFI), daily protein intake (DPI), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) when the feeding frequency was increased from one or two to three or four meals per day (P < 0.001), but not by the feed types. For both two feed types, the highest DFI and DPI were observed at three meals per day. The highest PER was gained at four meals per day, while FCR was the least. The body proximate composition of fish was altered by feeding frequency. The crude lipid content increased with the increase in feeding frequency. Essential amino acids (EAAs) content showed no significant differences among different treatments. The present findings suggest that three feedings per day at visual satiation may be sufficient for the maximal growth performance of Chinese sucker grown from 11 to 45 g. Results also indicate that about 30% of FM protein can be replaced by SBM protein in Chinese sucker diets without adversely affecting growth.

Growth performance, digestibility and faecal coliform bacteria in weaned piglets fed a cereal-based diet including either chicory (Cichorium intybus L) or ribwort (Plantago lanceolata L) forage

Twenty-five weaned 35-day-old piglets were used in a 35-day growth experiment to evaluate the effect of inclusion of chicory and ribwort forage in a cereal-based diet on growth performance, feed intake, digestibility and shedding of faecal coliform bacteria. A total of seven experimental diets were formulated, a cereal-based basal diet (B), and six diets with inclusion of 40, 80 and 160 g/kg chicory (C40, C80 and C160) or ribwort (R40, R80 and R160). Piglets had ad libitum access to feed and water throughout the experiment. Three and five weeks post-weaning faeces samples for determination of digestibility were collected once a day for five subsequent days. Additional faeces samples for determination of coliform counts were collected at days 1, 16 and 35 post-weaning. Piglets fed diet R160 had the lowest average daily feed intake (DFI) and daily weight gain (DWG), and differed (P < 0.05) from piglets fed diets B, R40 and R80. There were no differences in DFI and DWG between the chicory diets and diet B. Inclusion of chicory or ribwort had a minor negative impact on the coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of dry matter, organic matter and crude protein, whereas inclusion of both chicory and ribwort resulted in higher CTTAD of non-starch polysaccharides and neutral detergent fibre (NDF). The CTTAD of arabinose were higher for diets C160 and R160 than for diet B (P < 0.05), and the CTTAD of uronic acid was higher for diets C40, C80, C160, R80 and R160 than for diet B (P < 0.05). Age affected the CTTAD for all parameters (P < 0.05) except for NDF, with higher values at 5 than at 3 weeks post-weaning. The coliform counts decreased with increasing age (P < 0.05), but was not affected by treatment. The results indicate that inclusion of up to 160 g/kg of chicory do not negatively affect performance, whereas high inclusion of ribwort have a negative impact on feed consumption and consequently on growth rate. Both herbs have a higher digestibility of fibre compared to cereal fibre. Chicory and ribwort are both promising as feedstuffs to weaned piglets, but the low palatability of ribwort limits the inclusion level.

Milk yield and quality in Guernsey cows fed cottonseed cake-based diets partially substituted with baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) seed cake

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of partially substituting cottonseed cake with graded levels of baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) seed cake (BSC) on milk yield and quality in Guernsey cows. Sixteen cows in mid-lactation and in their third parity were allocated to diets containing 0% (control), 5%, 10%, and 15% BSC in a completely randomized design. Each cow was given a daily feed ration of 6kg and a basal diet of soya bean stover ad libitum. There were no differences in daily feed intake (P > 0.05), but basal intake differed among all treatment groups with cows on the control diet having the highest intake (30 ± 0.34kg/day). Mean daily milk yield differed (P < 0.05) among all treatment groups. However, the control had higher milk yield of 12.1 ± 0.73kg/day, and the 15% BSC had the least yield of 7.46 ± 0.73kg/day. Cows on the control diet had higher milk butterfat content (6.12%; P < 0.05) than those on the BSC-based diets. Protein content differed (P < 0.05) across all treatment groups with cows on 15% BSC producing the highest protein content (3.43%) while the control had the least (2.6%). The concentration of milk total solids for cows fed on 15% BSC was higher (P < 0.05) than that from cows on other diets. Lactose content was not affected by the diets (P > 0.05). These results indicate that BSC can substitute soya bean cake in dairy diets, but milk production and butterfat content are compromised.

Detecting QTL for feed intake traits and other performance traits in growing pigs in a Piétrain–Large White backcross

Knowing the large difference in daily feed intake (DFI) between Large White (LW) and Piétrain (PI) growing pigs, a backcross (BC) population has been set up to map QTL that could be used in marker assisted selection strategies. LW × PI boars were mated with sows from two LW lines to produce 16 sire families. A total of 717 BC progeny were fed ad libitum from 30 to 108 kg BW using single-place electronic feeders. A genome scan was conducted using genotypes for the halothane gene and 118 microsatellite markers spread on the 18 porcine autosomes. Interval mapping analyses were carried out, assuming different QTL alleles between sire families to account for within breed variability using the QTLMap software. The effects of the halothane genotype and of the dam line on the QTL effect estimates were tested. One QTL for DFI (P < 0.05 at the chromosome-wide (CW) level) and one QTL for feed conversion ratio (P < 0.01 at the CW level) were mapped to chromosomes SSC6 – probably due to the halothane alleles – and SSC7, respectively. Three putative QTL for feed intake traits were detected (P < 0.06 at the CW level) on SSC2, SSC7 and SSC9. QTL on feeding traits had effects in the range of 0.20 phenotypic s.d. The relatively low number of QTL detected for these traits suggests a large QTL allele variability within breeds and/or low effects of individual loci. Significant QTL were detected for traits related to carcass composition on chromosomes SSC6, SSC15 and SSC17, and to meat quality on chromosome SSC6 (P < 0.01 at the genome-wide level). QTL effects for body composition on SSC13 and SSC17 differed according to the LW dam line, which confirmed that QTL alleles were segregating in the LW breed. An epistatic effect involving the halothane locus and a QTL for loin weight on SSC7 was identified, the estimated substitution effects for the QTL differing by 200 g between Nn and NN individuals. The interactions between QTL alleles and genetic background or particular genes suggest further work to validate QTL segregations in the populations where marker assisted selection for the QTL would be applied.

Effect of Wheat Cultivar and Enzyme Addition to Broiler Chicken Diets on Nutrient Digestibility, Performance, and Apparent Metabolizable Energy Content

A total of 5,000 one-day-old male broiler chickens were assigned to 8 different treatments in a 4 x 2 factorial design. Four wheat cultivars (Amiro, Guadalupe, Isengrain, and Horzal) and 2 levels (0 or 1 kg/t of feed) of an enzyme cocktail (Avizyme 1300, xylanase, 2,500 U/kg and protease, 800 U/kg) were used. Nutritionally complete mash diets contained 65 and 70% of the test wheat for the starter and grower period, respectively. Test wheats were used in diets for broilers, and growth performance and AME contents were measured. Broiler performance was measured in 4,800 broilers allocated to floor pens with 75 birds each and fed from 1 to 42 d of age. Digestibilities and AME contents of diets were measured in 200 broilers from 6 to 27 d of age individually allocated to battery cages. Chromic oxide (Cr(2)O(3)) at an inclusion rate of 0.5% in the diet was used as an indigestible marker. Apparent metabolizable energy was corrected by zero N balance to obtain AME(n). Wheat cultivar strongly influenced animal performance during the starter period (1 to 21 d of age). During the grower period (21 to 42 d of age), only BW and daily feed intake were influenced by wheat cultivar. Differences in daily feed intake were associated with differences in AME(n) intake during the starter period, but not during the grower period. Nutrient digestibility was higher with the use of enzyme. Animal performance was not affected (i.e., wheat cultivar differences were not eliminated by using enzymes). During the grower period, significant interactions were detected with regard to nutrient digestibility and AME(n). Differences in AME(n) content of wheat could not be explained by digestible starch.