Crude Protein Digestibility Research Articles

Oven-drying and decontamination effects on crude protein concentration and in vitro crude protein digestibility of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae).

The study aims to assess the impact of oven-drying and decontamination on crude protein concentration and in vitro crude protein digestibility of yellow mealworms. Two kilograms of 12-wk-old mealworm larvae were subjected to freezing prior to the drying process. Approximately 1.5kg of mealworm larvae were divided into 3 groups and exposed to oven-drying at temperatures of 50 °C for 36h, 60 °C, and 70 °C for 24h each. At intervals of 2h, sets of 3 replicates were withdrawn to record water loss. Consistent weight stabilization was observed at 36h for 50 °C (T50), 18h for 60 °C (T60), and 14h for 70 °C (T70). The remaining 0.5kg of mealworm larvae was divided and dried under treatments T50, T60, and T70. Each treatment was then split into 2 portions, with one portion subjected to 90 °C for 15min (denoted as T50-90, T60-90, T70-90) to eliminate microbial contamination. The 6 treatments were then used to determine concentrations of dry matter, crude ash, crude protein, pre-caecal protein digestibility, and dry matter residues after neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and acid detergent lignin treatments. No interaction was observed between drying and decontamination treatments (P > 0.17). Pre-caecal crude protein digestibility increased with decreasing temperature (T50: 58% crude protein; T60: 51% crude protein; T70: 50% crude protein). Therefore, lower temperatures for longer times preserve crude protein digestibility. These findings are crucial for understanding how drying temperature and time impact protein bioavailability.

Growth performance, nutrients digestibility, intestinal microbiota and histology altered in broilers fed maize- or sorghum-based diets

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of varying levels of sorghum-based diets as an alternative to maize in broiler nutrition. A total of 320 one-day-old male Ross 708 broiler chickens were randomly allocated to four treatment groups (5 pens per treatment and 16 birds per pen), comprising a control group with a basal diet and groups receiving sorghum-based diets with 20%, 40%, and 100% maize replacement. The overall weight gain was significantly (p < 0.0001) higher in the control group, followed by 20%, 40%, and 100% sorghum replacement. Additionally, overall feed intake was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in the 20% sorghum replacement group compared to the control and other groups. Broilers fed sorghum-based diets exhibited a significantly (p < 0.01) increased feed conversion ratio. Carcass characteristics showed no significant differences between broilers fed corn and sorghum; however, the digestibility of crude protein and apparent metabolizable energy significantly (p < 0.01) increased in the 20% sorghum-corn replacement compared to the 40% and 100% replacement levels. Ileal villus height and width did not differ among the corn-sorghum-based diets, regardless of the replacement percentage. Furthermore, among the cecal microbiota, Lactobacillus count was significantly (p < 0.041) higher in the 20% corn-sorghum diet compared to the 40% and 100% replacement levels. These findings suggest that replacing corn up to 20% of corn with sorghum in broiler diet positively impact growth performance, gut health, nutrient digestibility, and cecal microbiota in broilers. However, larger replacements (40% and 100%) may have negative implications for broiler production and health.

Impact of replacing protein pellets with soybean grain on nutrient utilization and the rumen and blood parameters of feedlot cattle under tropical conditions.

The aim of this study was to explore the effect of replacing protein pellets with soybean grain in high-concentrate diets with or without the addition of silage, on the intake, digestibility, and rumen and blood parameters of feedlot cattle in tropical regions. Four cannulated, crossbred steers were used, 4.5 ± 0.5 years old, with an average weight of 685.55 ± 111.78kg. The steers were distributed in a 4 × 4 Latin square, in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme (two sources of protein: protein pellets or whole soybean grain, with or without added dietary bulk). There was no effect (P ≥ 0.109) from the interaction between the source of protein and the addition of silage to the diet on dry matter (DM) and nutrient intake, or the digestibility (P ≥ 0.625) of DM or crude protein (CP). However, both factors affected (P ≤ 0.052) the intake of DM, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC), as well as the independent digestibility (P ≤ 0.099) of fat, NFC, total carbohydrates (TC), and total cholesterol concentration. There was an effect (P ≤ 0.053) from the interaction between the source of protein and the addition of silage to the diet on the digestibility of NDF and total digestible nutrients (TDN), as well as on the glycose concentration (P = 0.003). Blood parameters (i.e. protein, albumin, creatinine, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)) were not affected (P ≥ 0.139) by the source of protein, the addition of silage, or their interaction. Lastly, including 150g/kg silage DM in a high-grain diet, and using soybean grain as a source of protein in substitution of protein pellet could be a suitable nutritional strategy to ensure adequate DM and nutrient intake and digestibility, with no detrimental effects on rumen and blood parameters of feedlot cattle in the tropics.

Performance, nutrient utilization and meat quality traits in Bos indicus cattle: a meta-analysis examining the effect of residual feed intake.

This meta-analysis aims to investigate the effects of residual feed intake (RFI) phenotype on performance, nutrient utilization and meat quality traits in Zebu (Bos indicus) cattle. Twenty-three peer-reviewed publications with 37 treatment means were included in the dataset. Weighted mean difference analysis compared animals categorized into low RFI (more efficient) versus medium or high RFI (less efficient) groups. Data heterogeneity via meta-regression and subgroup analysis, considering variables such as animal age, sex class, experimental duration, RFI group, dietary concentrate, and estimated metabolizable energy intake were also explored. The predominant genetic group of cattle in the dataset was Nellore (89.18%), followed by Brahman (10.81%). More efficient animals (low RFI phenotype) exhibited less dry matter intake (DMI; P < 0.010) than medium or high RFI animals (-0.95kg vs. -0.42kg/d). Cattle dietary crude protein and fiber digestibility were consistent across RFI groups (P > 0.05), while dietary ether extract digestibility tended to decrease (P = 0.050) in low RFI animals (-13.20g/kg DM). Low RFI animals tended to increased (P = 0.065) ribeye area (REA) compared to the high/medium RFI groups, while carcass backfat thickness (BFT) decreased (P = 0.042) compared to high/medium RFI groups. Moreover, there was an increase (P < 0.001) of 0.22kg in Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and a reduction (P < 0.001) in the myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI) in low RFI animals. Meat color parameters (lightness [L*] and yellowness [b*]) and visual marbling scores were consistent (P > 0.05) across RFI groups. In conclusion, Zebu cattle classified as efficient (low RFI) exhibited reduced DMI, which improves their feed efficiency. However, BFT and meat quality parameters such as tenderness (WBSF and MFI) and redness [a*] were compromised by low RFI phenotype, highlighting the challenge of enhancing feed efficiency and meat quality traits in Zebu cattle.

Effect of supplementation of berseem hay meal as replacer of mustard cake protein on nutrient intake, utilization and growth performance in Jalauni lambs

Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) hay meal (BHM) as a replacement for mustard cake (MSC) in the ration of growing Jalauni lambs was studied. About 15 Jalauni male lambs (23.25 ± 1.2 kg) were randomly distributed into three groups of five each in an experiment based on a randomized block design and were randomly assigned to one of the three dietary treatments. The animals were fed control concentrate mixture (GI) or concentrate mixtures in which 60% N of mustard cake was replaced with BHM containing 0.75% NPN (GII) or 1.0% NPN (GIII) making them iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric. Gram straw (GS) was offered ad libitum to all the animals. Total dry matter intake (DMI) was comparable among the groups. Digestibility of nutrients, namely DM, organic matter (OM), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were non-significantly different among the groups. However, crude protein (CP) digestibility was higher in GI or GII than GIII. Rumen fermentation was not affected due to the incorporation of BHM as a replacer of mustard cake in the diet. N balance was also comparable. However, N retention as % of N absorbed was significantly (p &lt;0.05) lower in GIII as compared to GI or GII. Nutrient content in terms of TDN or ME was similar among the experimental diets. However, DCP% was higher in GI or GII than GIII. Cost per kg live weight gain was significantly (p &lt;0.05) lower in BHM-incorporated diets (GII or GIII) than in the control diet (GI). It was concluded that BHM can be incorporated into the diet of growing Jalauni lambs as a replacer of mustard cake for economical livestock production.

Prolonged feeding of high-concentrate diet remodels the hindgut microbiome and modulates nutrient degradation in the rumen and the total gastrointestinal tract of cows

The aims of this research were to evaluate how prolonged feeding of a high-concentrate diet affects the ruminal degradation kinetics of fiber and starch, and to evaluate the effects of the high-concentrate diet on apparent total-tract nutrient digestibility in dairy cows. We also investigated the dysbiotic effects and the remodeling of the hindgut microbiome with prolonged high-concentrate feeding. Nine Holstein cows were used in 2 experimental periods; in each period, cows were first fed a 100% forage diet for 1 wk, followed by stepwise adaptation during one week to a high-concentrate (HC) diet (65% concentrate), which was then fed for 4 consecutive weeks. The kinetics of in situ ruminal degradability of grass silage (DM and NDF), corn grain and wheat grain (DM and starch), as well as the apparent total-tract nutrient digestibility were evaluated in the forage feeding and in wk 4 on the HC diet. Whereas the hindgut microbiome and fermentation profile were evaluated on a weekly basis. Regarding the in situ ruminal degradability due to grain type, the rate of degradation of the potentially degradable fraction and the effective rumen degradability of wheat grain were greater compared with corn grain. The in situ ruminal degradability of NDF decreased with the HC diet. However, the apparent total-tract digestibility of CP, fat, starch, NDF, ADF, and NFC increased with the HC diet compared with forage feeding. In addition, the HC diet increased the concentration of short-chain fatty acids in the hindgut, lowering fecal pH by 0.6 units, which correlated positively with microbial α diversity. This resulted in lower α diversity with the HC diet; however, α diversity (number of amplicon sequence variants) showed recovery in wk 3 and 4 on HC; in addition, microbial β diversity did not change from wk 2 onward on the HC diet. Two microbial enterotypes were identified: one for the forage diet with abundance of Akkermansia and Anaerosporobacter, and another enterotype for the HC diet with enrichment in Bifidobacterium and Butyrivibrio. Overall, results show that major microbial shifts and hindgut dysbiosis occurred in wk 1 on the HC diet. However, the hindgut microbial diversity of cows adapted after 3 wk of consuming the starch-rich ration. Thus, feeding the HC diet impaired fiber degradation in the rumen, but increased apparent total-tract nutrient digestibility. Likely, the forage diet contained less digestible NDF than the HC diet due to greater inclusion of forages with lower NDF digestibility and lower inclusion of more digestible nonforage NDF. Results also suggest that the adaptation of the hindgut microbial diversity of cows observed 3 weeks after the diet transition likely contributed to enhance total-tract nutrient digestibility.

Livestock turnover and dynamic livestock carrying capacity are crucial factors for alpine grassland management: The Qinghai-Tibetan plateau as a case study

Alpine grasslands are distributed widely on high-elevated ranges and plateaus from the wet tropics to polar regions, accounting for approximately 3% of the world's land area. The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) is the highest and largest plateau in the world, and approximately 60% of the plateau consists of alpine grassland, which is used mainly for grazing animals. Livestock structure was determined in Guinan (GN), Yushu (YS) and Maqu counties (MQ) on the QTP by interviewing 235 local pastoralists. Based on data collected from GN, the livestock carrying capacity was calculated using herbage dry matter biomass intake (LCCm) by the livestock, and the metabolizable energy yield (LCCe) and digestible crude protein (LCCp) available in pasture. The pasture area per household differed among the regions of the QTP, which was the main reason for the difference in livestock stocking rate. The householders raised the appropriate proportion of breeding females and young yaks and sheep in GN and MQ, but not in YS, to maintain a constant turnover. Most pasture in YS was used at the community level, especially in summer. The calculated carrying capacities based on metabolizable energy yield (LCCe) of the pasture and dry matter biomass (LCCm) were similar in most months except for August, when the value of LCCe was higher than LCCm. Based on the digestible protein of the pasture, the calculated livestock carrying capacity overestimated the actual carrying capacity during the herbage growing season from May to September. Appropriate practices should be taken in different regions of QTP, such as providing supplementary feed, especially protein, during the forage non-growing season. Livestock carrying capacity should be adjusted dynamically, and calculated by a number of parameters. The stocking rate should be controlled to optimize livestock production and curb or minimize grassland degradation to generate a sustainable system. This study examined the grasslands and LCC on the QTP, but the results could be applied to grasslands worldwide.

Influence of Replacing Soybean Meal with Nigella sativa Seed Meal on Feed Intake, Digestibility, Growth Performance, Blood Metabolites, and Antioxidant Activity of Growing Lambs.

The present experiment aimed to evaluate the partial or complete substitution of soybean meal (SBM) with Nigella sativa seed meal (NSM) on chemical composition, in vitro ruminal fermentation, and the growth performance and economic efficiency of growing lambs. Thirty-two male Ossimi lambs weighing 41 ± 0.4 kg at 195 ± 5 d were divided randomly into four experimental groups of eight lambs each. Lambs were fed four diets containing 40% berseem clover and 60% concentrate feed mixture. Soybean meal was replaced with NSM at 0% (NSM0; control), 50% (NSM50), 75% (NSM75), or 100% (NSM100). The experiment lasted for 105 d, consisting of 15 d for adaptation and 90 days for measurements. Higher concentrations of crude protein (CP) and nonstructural carbohydrates were observed with SBM; however, NSM contained more fibers and gross energy. Moreover, SBM contained higher concentrations of individual amino acids and lower concentrations of polyphenols. The replacement did not affect in vitro gas production and decreased (p < 0.05) methane production and CP degradability. Treatments did not affect feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and diet's nutritive value measured as starch value, total digestible nutrient, digestible energy, and apparent digestible crude protein. The NSM50 and NSM75 treatments increased (p < 0.001) total weight gain and daily gain compared to the control treatment, with lower feed conversion values associated with the NSM75 treatment. Treatments decreased cholesterol (p = 0.028) and high-density lipoprotein (p = 0.029) and increased antioxidant activity. Higher economic efficiencies were observed with the NSM75 followed by NSM50 and then NSM100 treatments. It is concluded that replacing 75% of SBM with NSM enhanced feed conversion and economic efficiency.

Dietary supplementation of protease and organic acid in poultry by-product meal-based diet in broilers.

This study investigated the impact of supplementation of protease and organic acid on growth performance and other biological parameters in broilers fed poultry byproduct meal (PBM) based diet. Five hundred 1-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were distributed into five treatments with 5 replicates, each pen having 20 birds, and fed each group one of five isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets in two phases: stater phase (1 to 21 days) metabolizable energy (ME) 3000 kcal/kg; crude protein (CP) 22%, and a finisher phase (22 to 35 days) ME 3,200 kcal/kg; CP 19.5%. The dietary treatments were: i) standard broiler ration (Cont); ii) The control diet with 25% of the soybean meal replaced by PBM on an equivalent protein basis (PBM); iii) PBM diet supplemented with 0.5 g/kg of protease (PBMP); iv) PBM diet supplemented with 1 g/kg organic acid (PBMO); and v) PBM diet addition with 0.5 g/kg protease and 1 g/kg organic acid (PBMPO). The overall data showed that feed conversion ratio was improved (p<0.05) in the PBMP group. Apparent CP digestibility was higher (p<0.05) in both Cont and PBMP groups. Jejunal villus height increased (p<0.05) in PBMP and PBMPO groups, while only the PBMO group exhibited a higher (p<0.05) crypt depth. Lipase activity was increased (p<0.05) in the PBMP, PBMO, and PBMPO dietary treatments. However, trypsin activity showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in the PBMP and PBMO groups. Serum biochemistry increased (p<0.05) globulin and total protein levels in the PBMP group. PBM could partially replace the soybean meal with supplementation of either protease or organic acid in broiler diets without impairing overall growth performance. Furthermore, careful optimization must be considered when combining protease and organic acids.

Implementation of Microcapsules of Noni Fruit Extract (Morinda citrifolia L) as a Feed Additive on Nutritional Digestibility and Performance of Sentul Chickens

The continuous use of growth promoter (AGP) antibiotics in rearing chickens will cause residues in the meat. Finding a natural antibiotic derived from herbal plants that noni fruit is necessary. Microencapsulation of noni fruit extract (MNFE) was reported to positively affect poultry nutrition absorption. The research was conducted to determine the effect of MNFE with maltodextrin and its implementation as a feed additive to nutrient digestibility and the performance of Sentul chicken. The experiment used 100 Sentul chicks with a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), with five treatments and four replications. The treatment consisted of basal ration T0 (control), T1 (basal ration + 50 mg/kg Zinc-Bacitracin), T2 (basal ration + 125 mg/kg MNFE), T3 (basal ration + 125 mg/kg MNFE), and T4 (basal ration + 375 mg/kg MNFE). Variables observed were nutrient digestibility (crude protein digestibility, dry matter digestibility, organic matter digestibility, metabolic energy, nitrogen retention) and performance (feed consumption, body weight gain, feed efficiency). The results showed that Crude Protein Digestibility (CPD), Dry Matter Digestibility (DMD), Organic Matter Digestibility (OMD), metabolic energy, nitrogen retention, and performance of Sentul chicken were significantly (p&lt;0.05) different in the group when compared to controls. It was concluded that adding 250 mg/kg MNFE could improve Sentul chicken's best nutrient digestibility and growth performance. It is recommended to be used as a feed additive to replace AGP.

Effect of Adding Yeast Cultures to High-Grain Conditions on Production Performance, Rumen Fermentation Profile, Microbial Abundance, and Immunity in Goats.

It is a common practice among farmers to utilize high-grain diets with the intention of promoting ruminant growth. However, this approach bears the risk of inducing rumen disorders and nutrient metabolism diseases. Yeast culture (YC) showed advantages in ruminant applications. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding two different types of YC to high-grain conditions on production performance, rumen fermentation profile, microbial abundance, and immunity in goats. A total of 30 male goats with similar body condition were randomly distributed into 3 dietary treatments with 10 replicates per treatment as follows: basic diet group (CON); basic diet + 0.5% yeast culture 1 (YC1) group; basic diet + 0.5% yeast culture 2 (YC2) group. The trial lasted for 36 days. The results demonstrated that dietary YC supplementation led to an increase in the average daily gain and a reduction in feed intake and weight gain ratio in goats. It increased the apparent digestibility of crude protein, NDF, and ADF (p < 0.05). The serum concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in the control group were significantly higher than those of the YC groups (p < 0.05). The serum concentrations of Immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgG in the control group were significantly lower than those in the YC groups (p < 0.05). The rumen concentration of microbial protein (MCP) in the control group was significantly lower than that in the YC groups (p < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between the concentration of IL-10 and Bacteroidota, Spirochaetota, and Succinivibrio, while there was a positive correlation between concentrations of IL-10 and Firmicutes. Nevertheless, discrepancies were observed in the impact of the two different types of YC on the physiological and biochemical indicators of the animals. The concentration of triglyceride in the YC1 group was significantly higher than that of the CON and YC2 groups, while the concentration of urea in the YC2 group was significantly higher than that of the CON and YC1 groups (p < 0.05). At the phylum level, the addition of YC2 to the diet significantly increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidota and Fibrobacterota and significantly decreased Firmicutes compared to the control. At the genus level, the addition of YC1 to the HGD significantly reduced the relative abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, while the addition of YC2 to the HGD significantly increased the relative abundance of Prevotellace-ae_UCG-001, Fibrobacter, and Prevotellaceae_UCG-003 (p < 0.05). The addition of YC significantly improved growth performance, increased nutrient digestibility, beneficially manipulated ruminal fermentation and microbial diversity, and improved immune function. The choice of yeast cultures can be customized according to specific production conditions.

Effect of drinking water frequency on nutrient digestibility in lactating Deoni cows

A trial was conducted to study the effect of drinking water frequency on production performance of lactating Deoni cows with the objectives to assess the effect of different drinking water frequency on water intake, dry matter intake and nutrient digestibility. Nine lactating Deoni cows were selected on the basis of age, body weight, parity, stage of lactation and milk yield and divided into three groups comprising of 3 animals in each group. The experiment was conducted in three periods in Switch over design in order to expose each group to all the three treatments. The control treatment (T1) received ad libitum drinking water whereas, treatment T2 and T3 received drinking water twice and thrice daily, respectively. Significantly higher water intake was noticed in thrice daily watering than rest of the treatments, while intake of water was decreased in twice daily watering compared to other treatments. Dry matter intake was positively correlated with water intake. Significant increase in dry matter intake was observed in ad libitum and thrice daily watering whereas, dry matter intake was decreased when frequency of watering adjusted to twice daily. The apparent digestibilities of all the nutrients including DM, CP, CF, EE and NFE was significantly improved due to restriction of drinking water to twice daily (T2). However, ad libitum and thrice daily watering were at par for DM, CP, CF and NFE digestibility except EE digestibility differ significantly in all the treatments.

Effects of a biotechnologically produced Pleurotus sapidus mycelium on gut microbiome, liver transcriptome and plasma metabolome of broilers

Submerged cultivation using low-value agro-industrial side streams allows large-scale and efficient production of fungal mycelia, which has a high nutritional value. As the dietary properties of fungal mycelia in poultry are largely unknown, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of feeding a Pleurotus sapidus (PSA) mycelium as a feed supplement on growth performance, composition of the cecal microbiota and several physiological traits including gut integrity, nutrient digestibility, liver lipids, liver transcriptome and plasma metabolome in broilers. 72 males, 1-day-old Cobb 500 broilers were randomly assigned to 3 different groups and fed 3 different adequate diets containing either 0% (PSA-0), 2.5% (PSA-2.5) and 5% (PSA-5.0) P. sapidus mycelium in a 3-phase feeding system for 35 d. Each group consisted of 6 cages (replicates) with 4 broilers/cage. Body weight gain, feed intake and feed:gain ratio and apparent ileal digestibility of crude protein, ether extract and amino acids were not different between groups. Metagenomic analysis of the cecal microbiota revealed no differences between groups, except that one α-diversity metric (Shannon index) and the abundance of 2 low-abundance bacterial taxa (Clostridia UCG 014, Eubacteriales) differed between groups (P < 0.05). Concentrations of total and individual short-chain fatty acids in the cecal digesta and concentrations of plasma lipopolysaccharide and mRNA levels of proinflammatory genes, tight-junction proteins, and mucins in the cecum mucosa did not differ between groups. None of the plasma metabolites analyzed using targeted-metabolomics differed across the groups. Hepatic transcript profiling revealed a total of 144 transcripts to be differentially expressed between group PSA-5.0 and group PSA-0 but none of these genes was regulated greater 2-fold. Considering either the lack of effects or the very weak effects of feeding the P. sapidus mycelium in the broilers it can be concluded that inclusion of a sustainably produced fungal mycelium in broiler diets at the expense of other feed components has no negative consequences on broilers´ performance and metabolism.

Effect of Enzyme Supplementation on Nutrient Utilization and Production Performance in Lactating Murrah Buffaloes

Background: Enzyme stimulates metabolic and digestive processes leading to increased feed intake and improved nutrient availability in animals. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of enzyme supplementation on nutrient utilization and production performance in lactating Murrah Buffaloes during winter season. Methods: Twenty four lactating Murrah buffaloes were selected for the study from Livestock Research Centre, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Modipuram, Meerut (UP). All the selected animals were randomly allocated into four treatment groups having six animals in each group on the basis of body weight, lactation length and milk yield. The daily nutrient requirements of lactating Murrah buffaloes in term of DM, DCP and TDN were provided as per the feeding standards of Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi (2013). Total Mixed Ration for buffaloes was prepared by mixing of roughage and concentrates in the ratio of 60:40 after grinding/chaffing. Roughage part was consisting of available winter season green fodder e.g. oat and wheat straw available at research centre. Feeding trial was planned into four treatment groups viz. T1 (Basal diet without enzyme supplementation), T2 (Basal diet with supplementation of Xylanase @ 800000 IU), T3 (Basal diet with supplementation of Cellulase @ 240000 IU) and T4 (Basal diet with supplementation of Xylanase @ 800000 IU and Cellulase @ 240000 IU). Result: From the present study, it was observed that the average milk yield (5.34 litre/day) was higher in T4 as compared to other treatment groups, but the difference was non-significant. The average milk fat percent was recorded as 7.52, 7.58. 7.60 and 7.65 in T1, T2, T3 and T4 treatment groups, respectively. Although the results of T4 group animals were comparatively higher in all major milk constituents the differences were found to be statistically non-significant. The average DM intake (kg/d, kg/100 kg BW and g/kg W0.75) and CP intake (g/d, g/100 kg BW) were almost similar in all treatment groups. The TDN intake (kg/d, kg/100 kg BW and g/kg W0.75) was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in enzyme supplemented groups. The digestibility coefficient of CP, CF, NDF and ADF were higher (P less than 0.05) in buffaloes of T4 over control (T1) group. So, it was concluded from the above study that the milk production and milk composition could be improved with the combine use of Xylanase and Cellulase enzyme in murrah buffaloes due to improved CP and fibre digestibility.

Effect of a Multi-Species Direct-Fed Microbial on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Intestinal Morphology and Colonic Volatile Fatty Acids in Weanling Pigs

The potentials of ABO replacer of ENZ and DFM on growth performance, AID, colonic VFAs, gut morphology, fecal score and diarrhea incidence were evaluated. We randomly assigned 120 piglets to four experimental diets that included: (1) control diet (CON), fed the basal ration; (2) ABO was added at 250 ppm of in-feed ABO; (3) ENZ was added at a rate of 3 kg/ton feed; (4) DFM was added with 50 × 106 cfu/g of Bacillus subtilis and 2 × 106 cfu/g of Lactobacillus spp. at a rate of 1.2 kg/ton feed. A complete randomized design used six pens per treatment with five pigs per pen. Pigs had ad libitum access to feed and water throughout the 6-week trial. Feed intake and BW were recorded on weeks 0, 2, 4 and 6, as well as fecal scores and diarrhea incidences (visually recorded and calculated). At weeks 2 and 4, a sub-sample of pigs (n = 6) was sacrificed for intestinal morphology, enzyme activity and VFAs. The results of the study demonstrated that DFM piglets showed increased final BW (3 kg) (p &lt; 0.001) vs. CON. Likewise, ADG was positively affected by the incorporation of ABO, ENZ and DFM in the diets, with an average increase of 8 to 17% on ADG compared with CON (p &lt; 0.001). The AID of gross energy, organic matter, CP and EAAs in piglets fed ENZ and DFM were significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) than those of CON and ABO at weeks 2 and 4. Inclusion of DFM increased intestinal morphology, enzymatic activities and propionic and butyric acid more than in pigs fed CON, ABO and ENZ (p &lt; 0.05). The fecal score and diarrhea incidence generally decreased over time in pigs fed DFM (p &lt; 0.05). These findings indicate that dietary supplementation with DFM has better effects at any period on growth performance, CP and AA digestibility and beneficially altered the intestinal health in weanling piglets.

Biotransforming of Poultry and Swine Slaughterhouse Waste as an Alternative Protein Source for Ruminant Feeding

The biotransformation of poultry (PSW) and swine (SSW) slaughterhouse waste might provide protein feedstuffs, ensuring efficient ruminant systems while safeguarding the environment. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of PSW and SSW as alternative protein feed for ruminant animals. A total of 24 lambs [25.4 ± 3.13 kg of body weight (BW), mean ± SD] were randomly allocated to one of three groups (n = 8): a control diet formulated with typical protein ingredients (CTRL) and two diets formulated with PSW or SSW meal as a protein source. Dietary inclusion of PSW or SSW did not alter (p = 0.05) dry matter intake or final BW. However, animals fed SSW showed the highest average daily gain (ADG, p = 0.04). In addition, substituting PSW and SSW improved the feed conversation ratio (FCR, p = 0.05). There were no diet effects (p = 0.05) on N intake, while fecal N excretion increased (p = 0.03) with SSW feeding. Compared to CTRL and PSW, ingestion of SSW decreased (p = 0.001) and retained N. The digestibility of crude protein and organic matter remained unchanged (p = 0.05). Additionally, there were no differences (p = 0.05) in potential microbial protein synthesis based on either protein content (SPMp) or energy content (SPMe). Similarly, potential metabolizable protein by protein (PMp) and potential metabolizable energy by protein (PMe) were not affected (p = 0.05). Overall, both PSW and SSW positively influenced the growth performance of ewe lambs. However, further studies are warranted to explore the impact of PWS or SSW feeding on rumen function, nitrogen pollution, and protein escaping the rumen into the intestine in ruminants.

Effects of probiotic-supplemented milk replacer on growth, blood biochemistry, fermentation, digestibility, and carcass traits in lambs

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of feeding cow's milk replacer and probiotic supplementation on growth performance, blood metabolites, ruminal fermentation parameters, and nutrient digestibility in male lambs, with ewe's milk serving as the control treatment. Eighteen male lambs with an average initial body weight of 5.0 ± 1.2 kg and age of 15 ± 4 days were randomly assigned to three experimental groups: ewe's milk, cow's milk replacer, and cow's milk replacer with probiotic supplementation. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design. Lambs fed ewe's milk showed significantly higher average daily gain (218.4 g/day) compared to those fed cow's milk replacer (183.7 g/day) or cow's milk replacer with probiotic (209.1 g/day). Similarly, dry matter intake was highest in the ewe's milk group (585.6 g/day) compared to the cow's milk replacer (435.9 g/day) and cow's milk replacer with probiotic (510.5 g/day) groups. Blood glucose levels were higher in the ewe's milk group (75.3 mg/dL) compared to the cow's milk replacer (70.3 mg/dL) and cow's milk replacer with probiotic (72.1 mg/dL) groups. Probiotic supplementation resulted in increased blood urea nitrogen (15.6 mg/dL) and total protein (7.3 g/dL) levels compared to the other groups. Furthermore, the ewe's milk group showed higher apparent dry matter (76.1%) and crude protein (68.5%) digestibility compared to the other treatments. The fecal score on day 30 was higher in the cow's milk replacer group (2.34) compared to the ewe's milk (1.24) and cow's milk replacer with probiotic (1.45) groups. There were no significant differences in the carcass traits of the experimental lambs. In conclusion, based on the results of this study, it seems that feeding cow's milk + probiotic as a replacement for ewe's milk did not significantly affect the performance, carcass traits, and blood and fermentation parameters in infant lambs.

Effects of Defatted and Hydrolyzed Black Soldier Fly Larvae Meal as an Alternative Fish Meal in Weaning Pigs.

In Experiment 1, a total of eighteen crossbred ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) barrows with an initial body weight of 6.74 ± 0.68 kg were randomly divided into three dietary treatments (one pig per cage and six replicates per treatment) and housed in metabolic cages that were equipped with a feeder and slatted floor to collect urine and feces. In Experiment 2, a total of 96 crossbred ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) barrows with an initial body weight of 8.25 ± 0.42 kg were used in the 6-week trial. The pigs were randomly divided into three dietary treatments (three pigs per pen and eight replicates per treatment). In Experiment 1, nutrient composition of defatted black soldier fly larvae meal (BLM) was superior to that of hydrolyzed BLM but lower than that of fish meal (FM). Also, defatted BLM and FM had better apparent total track digestibility (ATTD) of crude protein (CP) and better nitrogen retention (p < 0.05) than hydrolyzed BLM, but there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between defatted BLM and FM. In Experiment 2, defatted BLM improved (p < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and feed cost per kg gain (FCG) compared with FM. Defatted BLM could replace soybean meal and fish meal as an alternative protein source for weaning pigs.

Tropical grass digestibility assessed by the mobile bag and in vitro methods in horses

This study aimed to compare the digestibility of tropical grasses by horses by the in vivo method using mobile nylon bags with the in vitro digestibility method using horse feces as a source of inoculum. Five horses were used in a 2 × 5 factorial design with randomized blocks featuring two methods (in vivo and in vitro) and five grasses: Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon spp.), sixweeks threeawn grass (Aristida adsencionis, Linn), Alexandergrass (Brachiaria plantaginea (Link) Hitchc.), capim-de-raiz (Chloris orthonoton, Doell), and Sabi grass (Urochloa mosambicensis). No difference (P>0.05) was found between the in vivo and in vitro methods regarding nutrient digestibility of Sabi grass and sixweeks threeawn. Tifton 85 was the only grass that showed differences (P<0.05) between the two methods concerning the apparent digestibility of all nutrients. Alexandergrass, Tifton 85, and capim-de-raiz exhibited the best digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and organic matter by the mobile bag method compared to the in vitro method. Tifton 85 and capim-de-raiz had higher crude protein digestibility by the mobile bag method than by the in vitro method. The mean retention time of the mobile bags in the digestive tract of the horses was 43.69 h. The bags with samples of sixweeks threeawn and Sabi grass had shorter retention times than capim-de-raiz and Alexandergrass (P<0.0001). It is concluded that, for sixweeks threeawn and Sabi grass, digestibility in horses can be assessed using the in vitro method in place of the mobile nylon bag method.

Effects of different concentrate levels in AGRI-002E sorghum silage-based diets on nutrient intake and digestibility, ruminal pH and ammonia concentration, ruminal degradability, and microbial efficiency in beef cattle

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing concentrate levels in AGRI-002E sorghum silage (SS)-based diets on nutrient intake and digestibility, ruminal pH and ammonia concentration, Nitrogen (N) balance, efficiency of microbial protein synthesis, and in situ degradability of complete diets. Five rumen-cannulated Nellore bulls (age = 8 ± 1.0 months; initial BW = 242 ± 5 kg) received five dietary treatments in a 5×5 Latin square experimental design. The dietary treatments consisted of five concentrate levels (0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 g of concentrate/kg on a DM basis) in SS-based diets. The experiment lasted 120 d, with five periods of 24 d. Each period consisted of 17 d for dietary adaptation, and 7 d for data collection. In situ degradability assays were conducted to estimate ruminal degradability. Total feces and urine collection were performed to estimate nutrient intake and digestibility and estimate N balance. Omasal and ruminal digesta collection were performed to estimate ruminal digestibility and ruminal parameters. Increasing concentrate levels in SS-based diets led to linear increases (P<0.001) in the intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and ether extract (EE). Neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein contamination (apNDF) and starch intake showed quadratic responses (P≤0.008). Ruminal digestibility of DM, OM and CP responded quadratically (P≤0.040), while apNDF exhibited linear decrease (P=0.003). Starch ruminal digestibility exhibited a cubic effect (P=0.016). Apparent total-tract digestibility of DM, OM, and EE increased linearly (P≤0.001), whereas apNDF, and CP digestibility decreased linearly (P≤0.012), and starch presented a quadratic effect (P=0.029). In situ ruminal degradation parameters increased linearly with higher concentrate levels (P<0.001). Ruminal pH exhibited a quadratic pattern (P=0.006), ammonia concentration linearly decreased (P=0.003). Total volatile fatty acids, and butyrate showed linear increases (P<0.001), acetate and propionate had quadratic effects (P<0.001), while the ratio Acetate to Propionate decreased linearly (P<0.001). N intake, fecal N excretion, retained N, total digestible nutrients, digestible organic matter, and microbial production increased linearly (P<0.001), although urine N excretion, urinary urea, and blood urea concentration decreased linearly (P<0.028). Therefore, increasing concentrate levels in AGRI-002E sorghum silage-based diets improve TDN intake, microbial protein synthesis efficiency, in situ ruminal degradability parameters, and nitrogen utilization. Moreover, our findings indicate that AGRI-002E sorghum silage demonstrates potential as a fiber source for high-concentrate diets. However, its effectiveness is limited without concentrate supplementation, emphasizing the importance of balanced dietary composition for optimal utilization in beef cattle.