Amino Acid Digestibility Coefficients Research Articles

PSX-2 Data Analytics of a Global Nirs Database of Soybean Meal Nutrient Content

Abstract The nutrient and energy content of soybean meal (SBM) is variable due to genetics, country of origin, agronomic conditions, and to a lesser extent, the solvent-extraction process. The analytical variability among and within-labs can increase the difficulty of detecting differences among sources and establish nutrient interrelationships to estimate some nutrients based on others that are less variable. Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) can reduce laboratory analytical inconsistencies and increase the sample size for feedstuff evaluation enhancing feed formulation accuracy. The PNE system (Adisseo) has unique NIRS curves based on direct calibrations generated with in vivo data of standard chicken metabolizable energy (AME and AMEn) and amino acid (AA) digestibility methods. This study evaluated the relationship between AA concentrations and crude protein (CP) and among proximate parameters (CP, crude fiber, ether extract, nitrogen-free extract, and ash), AA concentrations, and digestibilities with AME AMEn. The PNE database used contained 77,573 samples of SBM from Argentina (9,684), Brazil (62,322), and the U.S. (5,567) scanned in diverse countries worldwide between 2018 and 2021. Correlation and regression analyses between AA and CP were conducted. The pairwise correlations (P < 0.001) between AA and CP ranged between 0.34 and 0.82. Concentrations of all AAs in SBM can be predicted (P < 0.001) from the positive linear relationships with CP content. However, all coefficients of determination (R2) were low (0.11 to 0.68). The SBM country of origin was a significant factor and interacted with CP (P < 0.001), but R2 improved only slightly when included in these linear models. Multiple linear regression (MLR) and neural networks (NN) analyses were conducted to estimate AME and AMEn based on proximate values, AA concentrations and digestibility, and country of origin. All factors were significant (P < 0.001) in the MLR models for AME (R2 = 0.78, AICc = 643,940.6) and AMEn (R2 = 0.77, AICc = 642,785). Additionally, to have R2 below 0.80, the MLR models had collinearity for digestibility data and branched-chain AAs concentrations. The NN models had a better fit for training and validation datasets for AME (R2 = 0.88, RASE = 39.96) and AMEn (R2 = 0.87, RASE = 37.21). The NN models allowed us to visualize the greater importance of AA digestibility coefficients (His, Val, Trp, Cys, Arg, Leu, Thr) than the concentration of AAs or proximate values to estimate SBM energy values. In conclusion, AA concentrations of SBM cannot be accurately predicted from its CP content. The AA content of SBM varies by country of origin and may vary independently of CP content. The energy value of SBM may depend more on AA digestibility than proximate parameters. Data analytics of NIRS databases with direct calibration of in vivo parameters of energy utilization and AA digestibility elucidates relevant nutritional factors.

An Accurate Estimate of the Amino Acid Content of Human Milk Collected from Chinese Women Adjusted for Differences in Amino Acid Digestibility

BackgroundThe amino acid (AA) composition of human milk is used to define the AA requirements of the infant. Thus, it is important that estimates of composition be as complete and accurate as possible. When determining AA composition using standard hydrolysis methods, some AAs are progressively destroyed while others are incompletely released. For accuracy, AA composition needs to be determined using multiple hydrolysis times. The true ileal digestibility of AAs also needs to be taken into consideration. ObjectiveThe objective was to bring together AA compositional (determined using multiple hydrolysis intervals) and digestibility data determined using the piglet to give an estimate of the absorbed AA profile of human milk with reference in particular to Asian females. MethodsMature milk was collected from Chinese females. AA analysis using multiple hydrolysis intervals and a nonlinear regression model was used to accurately estimate AA composition. Human milk, as well as a protein-free diet, were fed to piglets (n = 6), and ileal digesta were collected (piglet age, 21 d) to determine the true ileal AA digestibility of AAs in human milk. ResultsTrue ileal AA digestibility coefficients ranged from (mean ± standard error of the mean) 0.61 ± 0.081 for tyrosine to 1.01 ± 0.030 for tryptophan, with a digestibility for total nitrogen of 0.90 ± 0.013. Convergence criteria were met for the modeling for each AA, and the model had a level of significance of P < 0.0001 for each AA. The amount of available AAs (total AA content as per the model prediction multiplied by the true ileal AA digestibility coefficient determined in the piglet) are reported. ConclusionsAn estimate of the absorbed AA profile of mature milk collected from Chinese females is provided. For the first time, data is presented for cysteine.

Effect of age on the standardized ileal amino acid digestibility of soybean meal and canola meal in broilers

Standardized ileal digestibility coefficients (SIDC) of nitrogen (N) and amino acids (AA) in two protein sources (soybean meal [SBM] and canola meal [CM]) were investigated at six broiler ages (d 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42). Two assay diets were formulated to contain either SBM (413 g/kg) or CM (553 g/kg) as the sole dietary AA source. Titanium dioxide (5 g/kg) was added as an indigestible marker. A total of 696 male broilers at 1 d old were allotted to 12 replicate cages per age group. Each assay diet was offered to birds for 4 d prior to the ileal digesta collection on d 7 (14 birds/cage), 14 (12 birds/cage), 21 (10 birds/cage), 28 (8 birds/cage), 35 (8 birds/cage) and 42 (6 birds/cage), respectively. The apparent digestibility coefficients were standardized using age-specific basal endogenous AA flows. In the SBM group, though the SIDC of N tended to be influenced (quadratic; P = 0.075) by age, no linear or quadratic response of age effect was observed on the average SIDC of indispensable (IAA) and total AA (TAA). An age effect (quadratic; P < 0.05) was observed on the average SIDC of dispensable AA (DAA) in SBM with the highest value recorded at d 7, followed by a decrease from d 14 to 28, which increased beyond d 35. The SIDC of some individual AA (Arg, Thr, Trp, Cys, Pro) were affected (P < 0.05 or P < 0.001) in a quadratic manner by age. In the CM, the SIDC of N, average SIDC of IAA, DAA and TAA were influenced (quadratic; P < 0.05 or P < 0.001) by age. The SIDC of N and average SIDC of DAA and TAA were higher from d 7 to 14, declined at d 21, and then increased beyond d 28. The average SIDC of IAA was low between d 7 and 28 and increased thereafter. The SIDC of individual AA were affected (linear or quadratic; P < 0.05 or P < 0.001) by different magnitudes by age. The age influence on the SIDC AA was variable, depending on the protein source and AA. The results demonstrate that age-specific SIDC AA data might need consideration in broiler feed formulations.

Dietary crude protein reductions in wheat-based diets with two energy densities compromised performance of broiler chickens from 15 to 36 days post-hatch

This study was designed to investigate the impacts of 2 energy densities (13.0 and 12.5 MJ/kg ME) in wheat-based diets with 3 tiers of CP concentrations (210, 190, and 170 g/kg) on the performance of broiler chickens. The parameters assessed included growth performance (15-36 d posthatch), carcass traits, nutrient utilization, starch-protein digestive dynamics, apparent ileal amino acid digestibility coefficients, and the free amino acid and ammonia (NH3) concentrations in systemic plasma. Also, the feasibility of substituting soybean meal with canola meal in 190 g/kg CP diets was investigated. The dietary CP reduction from 210 to 170 g/kg significantly compromised weight gain by 12.4% (1,890 vs. 2158 g/bird) and FCR by 5.33% (1.501 vs. 1.425). The 0.5 MJ energy density reduction compromised FCR by 3.25% (1.525 vs. 1.477; P=0.013) in birds offered 170 g/kg CP diets. Reducing dietary CP and energy densities interactively influenced (P=0.027) apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and nitrogen corrected metabolizable energy (AMEn) (P=0.022) such that reducing dietary CP increased these parameters but reducing dietary energy densities decreased AME and AMEn. The 150 g/kg canola meal inclusion with the elimination of soybean meal displayed some promise. Dietary CP reductions (and increased nonbound amino acid inclusions) linearly associated with increased plasma ammonia (NH3) concentrations (r=-0.607; P=0.010) and plasma NH3 was linearly related to depressed weight gains (r=-0.565; P=0.018). The association of dietary non-protein-bound amino acid (NPBAA) inclusions and elevated plasma NH3 concentrations have profound implications for the successful development of reduced-CP, wheat-based broiler diets.

The apparent metabolisable energy and ileal amino digestibility of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal for broiler chickens

ABSTRACT 1. Two experiments were conducted to determine the apparent metabolisable energy (AME) and standardised amino acid digestibility coefficients (SIDC) of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) for broiler chickens. 2. The BSFL contained, on a g/kg dry matter basis: crude protein, 486; crude fat, 320; ash, 58.5; neutral detergent fibre, 181; calcium, 6.8 and phosphorus, 9.1. 3. In Experiment 1, an AME assay was performed wherein broilers were fed two experimental diets (a maize-soy basal diet and a test diet containing 250 g/kg BSFL) for 4 d from d 18 posthatch. The AME of BSFL was calculated based on the difference between the AME values of basal and test diets. The AME and nitrogen-corrected AME were determined to be 19.1and 18.0 MJ/kg of dry matter, respectively. 4. In Experiment 2, the ileal amino acid (AA) digestibility of BSFL was determined using 22-d-old broilers by the direct method and the digesta was collected on d 25. The ratios between the AA and titanium in the diet and digesta were used to calculate the apparent digestibility and then standardised using previously published endogenous losses to estimate the SIDC of AA. The SIDC of Lys, Met, Thr, Val and average SIDC of AA in our BSFL sample were 0.85, 0.90, 0.91, 0.87 and 0.84, respectively. 5. The findings showed that the BSFL meal is a good source of available energy and digestible AA, and could be a potential substitute for soybean meal in broiler diets.

Determination and prediction of digestible energy, metabolizable energy, and standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in barley for growing pig

Two experiments were performed to determine the digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME) and standardized ileal digestibility coefficients (SIDC) of amino acids (AA) in barley for pigs, and to develop prediction equations for the DE, ME and SIDC of AA based on its chemical composition. In Exp. 1, twenty-two castrated male pigs (29.5 ± 1.3 kg) were allotted to a replicated 11 × 3 incomplete Latin square design, including 11 diets and 3 consecutive periods. A corn-soybean meal basal diet and 10 test diets containing 400 g/kg of each barley at the expense of corn and soybean meal were prepared, and all diets had a constant ratio of corn to soybean meal. Each period includes 7 d of adaption and 5 d of total feces and urine collection. The DE and ME contents were measured by the total collection method. In Exp. 2, twenty-two ileal-cannulated pigs (30.5 ± 2.1 kg) were used in a duplicated 11 × 3 incomplete Latin square design with 11 diets and three 7-day periods. Titanium dioxide (3 g/kg) was added to all diets as indicator and ieal digesta were collected on d 6 and 7 of each period. Barley was the sole nitrogen source in 10 barley diets and a nitrogen-free diet was used for the endogenous nitrogen losses. The results showed great variations in ether extract (EE), calcium (Ca), ash, acid detergent fiber (ADF) and crude fiber (CF) among samples of barley. On an air-dry basis, the DE and ME in barley for pigs were 12.26 (11.29–13.58) MJ/kg and 11.87 (10.95–13.15) MJ/kg, respectively. The optimal prediction equations for DE and ME were: DE (MJ/kg) = −23.594 + 0.358 crude protein (CP) + 0.043 EE (R2 =0.95) and ME (MJ/kg) = 0.338 + DE - 0.014 ADF (R2 =0.99), respectively. The SIDC of lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), threonine (Thr), and tryptophan (Trp) in barley were 0.767 (0.731–0.809) g/kg, 0.825 (0.803–0.872) g/kg, 0.809 (0.793–0.822) g/kg, and 0.794 (0.760–0.858) g/kg, respectively. The best-fit prediction equations for SIDC of Lys, Met, Thr and Trp in barley fed to pigs were: SIDC Lys = 0.721 + 0.002 EE (R2 =0.79), SIDC Met = 1.045–0.00041 total starch (R2 =0.69), SIDC Thr = 0.739 + 0.001 ADF (R2 =0.69) and SIDC Trp = 1.468–0.006 CP - 0.001 neutral detergent fiber (R2 =0.99), respectively. The study confirms the large variations in chemical composition of different sources of barley, which contributes to the differences of DE, ME and SIDC of AA in barley fed to pigs and the fiber fraction can be used as key predictors.

The Contribution of Phytate-Degrading Enzymes to Chicken-Meat Production.

The contribution that exogenous phytases have made towards sustainable chicken-meat production over the past two decades has been unequivocally immense. Initially, their acceptance by the global industry was negligible, but today, exogenous phytases are routine additions to broiler diets, very often at elevated inclusion levels. The genesis of this remarkable development is based on the capacity of phytases to enhance phosphorus (P) utilization, thereby reducing P excretion. This was amplified by an expanding appreciation of the powerful anti-nutritive properties of the substrate, phytate (myo-inositol hexaphosphate; IP6), which is invariably present in all plant-sourced feedstuffs and practical broiler diets. The surprisingly broad spectra of anti-nutritive properties harbored by dietary phytate are counteracted by exogenous phytases via the hydrolysis of phytate and the positive consequences of phytate degradation. Phytases enhance the utilization of minerals, including phosphorus, sodium, and calcium, the protein digestion, and the intestinal uptakes of amino acids and glucose to varying extents. The liberation of phytate-bound phosphorus (P) by phytase is fundamental; however, the impacts of phytase on protein digestion, the intestinal uptakes of amino acids, and the apparent amino acid digestibility coefficients are intriguing and important. Numerous factors are involved, but it appears that phytases have positive impacts on the initiation of protein digestion by pepsin. This extends to promoting the intestinal uptakes of amino acids stemming from the enhanced uptakes of monomeric amino acids via Na+-dependent transporters and, arguably more importantly, from the enhanced uptakes of oligopeptides via PepT-1, which is functionally dependent on the Na+/H+ exchanger, NHE. Our comprehension of the phytate-phytase axis in poultry nutrition has expanded over the past 30 years; this has promoted the extraordinary surge in acceptance of exogenous phytases, coupled with the development of more efficacious preparations in combination with the deflating inclusion costs for exogenous phytases. The purpose of this paper is to review the progress that has been made with phytate-degrading enzymes since their introduction in 1991 and the underlying mechanisms driving their positive contribution to chicken-meat production now and into the future.

Standardized amino acid digestibility and nitrogen-corrected true metabolizable energy of frozen raw, freeze-dried raw, fresh, and extruded dog foods using precision-fed cecectomized and conventional rooster assays.

Processing conditions, particularly temperature and duration of heating, impact pet food digestibility. Various commercial pet food formats are now available, but few have been tested thoroughly. The objective of this study was to determine the amino acid (AA) digestibilities and nitrogen-corrected true metabolizable energy (TMEn) values of frozen raw, freeze-dried raw, fresh (mildly cooked), and extruded dog foods using the precision-fed cecectomized and conventional rooster assays. The diets tested were Chicken and Barley Recipe [Hill's Science Diet, extruded diet (EXT)], Chicken and White Rice Recipe [Just Food for Dogs, fresh diet (FRSH)], Chicken Formula [Primal Pet Foods, frozen raw diet (FRZN)], Chicken and Sorghum Hybrid Freeze-dried Formula [Primal Pet Foods, hybrid freeze-dried raw diet (HFD)], and Chicken Dinner Patties [Stella & Chewy's, freeze-dried raw diet (FD)]. Two precision-fed rooster assays utilizing Single Comb White Leghorn roosters were conducted. Cecectomized roosters (n = 4/treatment) and conventional roosters (n = 4/treatment) were used to determine standardized AA digestibilities and TMEn, respectively. All roosters were crop intubated with 12 g of test diet and 12 g of corn, with excreta collected for 48 h. In general, FD had the highest, while EXT had the lowest AA digestibilities; however, all diets performed relatively well and few differences in AA digestibility were detected among the diets. Lysine digestibility was higher (P < 0.05) in FD and FRZN than EXT, with other diets being intermediate. Threonine digestibility was higher (P < 0.05) in FD than EXT, with other diets being intermediate. Digestibilities of the other indispensable AA were not different among diets. The reactive lysine:total lysine ratios were 0.94, 0.96, 0.93, 0.93, and 0.95 for EXT, FRSH, FRZN, HFD, and FD, respectively. TMEn was higher (P < 0.05) in FRZN than FD, FRSH, and EXT, higher (P < 0.05) in HFD than FRSH and EXT, and higher (P < 0.05) in FD than EXT. In conclusion, our results support the notion that AA digestibilities are affected by diet processing, with FD, HFD, FRZN, and FRSH diets having higher AA digestibility coefficients and greater TMEn values, than the EXT diet; however, other factors such as ingredient inclusion and macronutrient composition may also have affected these results. More research in dogs is necessary to test the effects of format on diet palatability, digestibility, stool quality, and other physiologically relevant outcomes.

Apparent digestibility coefficients of animal feed ingredients for olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus)

Apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of dry matter, crude protein, crude lipid, nitrogen-free extract, energy and essential amino acids in animal-based feed ingredients were determined for olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). A reference diet (RF) was formulated to contain 1.0% chromic oxide (Cr2O3) as an inert indicator. Nine test diets were formulated to contain RF and one of the feed ingredients (pollock meal [PM], jack mackerel meal [JMM], anchovy meal [AM], cod meal [CM], sardine meal [SM], sand eel meal [SEM], tuna meal [TM], meat meal [MM] and squid liver meal [SLM]) at a 7:3 ratio in each diet designated as PM, JMM, AM, CM, SM, SEM, TM, MM and SLM, respectively. Olive flounder, averaging 150 ± 8.0 g, were stocked at a density of 25 fish per tank in 400-L fiberglass tanks attached with fecal collection columns. Feces were collected from triplicate groups of fish one time a day for four weeks. Dry matter and crude protein ADCs of CM and SEM were significantly higher than the other tested ingredients. Lipid ADCs of JMM, CM and SEM were significantly higher than the other test ingredients. Energy ADCs of CM and SEM were significantly higher than that of the other tested ingredients. The availability of amino acids in CM was generally higher than the other animal protein sources. PM exhibited the lowest amino acid availability among the treatments. Interestingly, MM exhibited significantly higher nutrient digestibility than several marine-based ingredients. However, CM and SEM are seeming to be highly digestible and effective to use in olive flounder diet compared to the other tested ingredients. Overall, the results of this study provide information about the bioavailability of nutrients and energy in animal feedstuffs to apply when formulating cost-effective practical feeds for olive flounder.

Effects of broiler chicken age and dietary protease on the standardised ileal digestibility of amino acids in seeds from two lupin species

Abstract The extent to which lupin seeds can replace soybean meal in diets for broiler chickens is limited, and one of the reasons for this may be a lack of careful consideration given to the age-related amino acid availability differences in the feed formulation process. This study aimed to determine and compare standardised ileal digestibility (SID) coefficients of amino acids (AA) in raw seeds of the Lupinus luteus (YL) and the Lupinus angustifolius (NLL) cultivars as sole sources of AA in the diet of broiler chickens aged 14 or 28 days. An additional purpose was to check the influence of exogenous mono-component protease added to lupin-based assay diets on AA SID in birds at both ages. Each assay diet was offered to six replicatecages. On both sampling days, the contents from the lower half of the ileum were collected for determination of the apparent digestibility values. The SID coefficients were calculated using the age-appropriate basal ileal endogenous AA losses determined from birds fed a N-free diet. Results indicated a substantial advantage of YL over the NLL in SID of Met, Cys, His, Leu, Gly, Asp, Glu, Pro, Tyr and the average of total AA for 14-d-old chickens. With the exception of Cys and Tyr, there was no significant difference between these Lupinus species in the SID of AA in 28-d-old birds. The significant age-related differences within species were found only for the seeds of NLL, where the higher SID for Met, His, Ala, Pro, and the averages of total and indispensable AA were noted in birds aged 28 d. The protease increased SID of most AA from L. luteus in older broilers, whereas for L. angustifolius its efficacy was more pronounced in younger birds, giving the SID values similar to those determined at 28 d on an enzyme-unsupplemented diet. In conclusion, the SID coefficients of indispensable AA determined at 14 or 28 days of age for yellow lupin should not be applied to the precise formulation of starter-type feeds containing seeds of NLL.

166 A Comparison of key Methodologies Used to Quantify Protein Quality in Mammals: Ileal Digestibility, Indicator Amino Acid Oxidation, and in Vitro Digestibility

Abstract There are several methodologies which can be used to measure protein quality of an ingredient, however, the results of these studies are generally not compared to one another. The objectives of these studies were to 1) determine standardized ileal digestibility (SID) and in vitro digestibility coefficients for protein and amino acids (AA) from select pulses; 2) determine metabolic availability (MA) of methionine (Met) from field peas and faba beans; and, 3) compare digestibility coefficients determined via different methods. To determine SID of pulses, ileal cannulated barrows were randomly assigned to diets in a 4×4 Latin square. A nitrogen free diet was used to measure basal endogenous losses of AA and protein. Metabolic availability was determined via indicator AA oxidation by applying the principle of slope-ratio assay to F13CO2 from phenylalanine oxidation quantified through CO2 collection during breath collection using indirect calorimetry with barrows randomly assigned to diets in a 10×10 Latin square. Dietary treatments were formulated to include graded levels of Met: crystalline AA diets (Met inclusion of 50, 60, 70, and 80% of requirement), and pulse test diets (Met inclusion of 60, 70, and 80% of requirement). In vitro digestibility of diets was conducted using the TNO-gastrointestinal model. Statistical analysis of SID data was conducted using a mixed model in SAS with diet as a fixed effect and pig and period as random effects. Means were separated using Tukey HSD. Statistical comparison for digestibility coefficients compared to one another and compared to MA coefficients of Met will be conducted once all IAAO and in vitro data are finalized. The SID coefficients for protein and indispensable amino acids are summarized in Table 1. Peas had lower threonine content compared to faba beans and lentils (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Determination of in vitrodigestibility and MA of Met is in progress.

Elevated branched-chain amino acid inclusions generate distinctly divergent growth performance responses in broiler chickens offered wheat- and/or sorghum-based, reduced-crude protein diets

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of elevated branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) inclusions in 187.5 g/kg crude protein (CP) diets based on wheat, sorghum or a wheat-sorghum blend on performance parameters of broiler chickens from 7 to 28 days post-hatch. The first tier of BCAA inclusions relative to lysine were leucine 105, isoleucine 65 and valine 75. The second tier was an elevation of leucine to 150 individually and in the third tier leucine was maintained at 150 and isoleucine and valine were elevated to 75 and 85, respectively. A 3 × 3 factorial array of these dietary treatments were offered to a total of 324 male Ross 308 broiler chickens housed in six replicate cages per treatment with six birds per cage. The assessed performance parameters included growth performance, relative abdominal fat-pad weights, nutrient utilisation, apparent jejunal and ileal digestibility coefficients of starch, protein (N) and amino acids and free amino acid concentrations in systemic plasma. Treatment interactions were observed for weight gain (P < 0.001) and FCR (P < 0.014). Elevated BCAA inclusions in sorghum-based diets significantly increased weight gain by 9.26 % (1451 versus 1328 g/bird) and numerically improved FCR by 0.86 % (1.378 versus 1.390). In contrast, elevated BCAA inclusions in wheat-based diets significantly depressed both weight gain by 9.49 % (1288 versus 1423 g/bird) and FCR by 8.33 % (1.665 versus 1.537). Wheat-based diets (5.68 g/kg) generated significantly lighter relative abdominal fat-pad weights than either sorghum-based (13.48 g/kg) or blended diets (12.95 g/kg). Sorghum-based and blended diets supported superior energy utilisation and N retention in comparison to wheat-based diets. Similarly, sorghum-based and blended diets supported higher jejunal and ileal starch digestibility coefficients than wheat-based diets, but wheat supported significantly higher jejunal protein (N) digestibility by 10.5 % (0.726 versus 0.657). Treatment interactions were observed for ileal digestibility of 4 amino acids (arg, lys, val, gly), BCAA inclusions significantly influenced 3 amino acids (ile, leu, thr) and the feed grain significantly influenced 10 amino acids (his, ile, leu, met, phe, ala, asp, glu, pro, tyr). Elevating BCAA inclusions in wheat-sorghum blended diets significantly increased free plasma concentrations of leucine and influenced concentrations of isoleucine and valine. However, BCAA inclusions significantly decreased plasma concentrations of threonine, asparagine plus aspartic acid, cysteine, glycine, proline, and serine. Consideration is given to possible reasons for the remarkable weight gain treatment interaction following elevated BCAA inclusions to sorghum- or wheat-based diets.

Dietary crude protein concentrations, feed grains, and whey protein interactively influence apparent digestibility coefficients of amino acids, protein, starch, and performance of broiler chickens

The present study was designed to investigate the impacts of dietary crude protein (CP) concentrations (220 and 180 g/kg) in either maize- or wheat-based diets, without or with 25 g/kg inclusions of whey powder (WP) concentrate on performance parameters and apparent amino acid digestibility coefficients in broiler chickens. The maize and wheat used in this study had CP levels of 84 and 119 g/kg, respectively. The 2 × 2 × 2 factorial array of 8 dietary treatments was offered to a total of 336 off-sex, male Ross 308 chicks from 7 to 35 d post-hatch with 7 replicate cages (6 birds per cage) per treatment. A treatment interaction (P = 0.016) between dietary CP and feed grains was detected for weight gains, where birds offered 180 g/kg maize-based diets displayed a weight gain advantage of 6.74% (2,628 vs. 2,462 g/bird) compared to their wheat-based counterparts. An interaction (P = 0.022) between feed grains and whey protein was observed for FCR as the addition of WP to maize-based diets improved FCR by 3.45% (1.314 vs. 1.361), but compromised FCR in wheat-based diets by 2.98% (1.415 vs. 1.374). A treatment interaction (P = 0.038) between dietary CP and feed grains was recorded for relative abdominal fat-pad weights weight gains as birds offered 180 g/kg CP maize-based diets had 43.4% (11.17 vs. 7.79 g/kg) heavier fat-pads than their wheat-based counterparts. Following the reduction in dietary-CP, apparent amino acid digestibility coefficients were depressed to greater extents in wheat-based diets. However, significant interactions between CP and feed grains were found in 14 of the 16 amino acids assessed and significant interactions between CP and WP were observed for 15 amino acids. Maize was the more suitable feed grain in terms of weight gain and FCR in 180 g/kg CP diets despite causing greater fat deposition. The inclusion of WP in reduced-CP diets did not enhance bird performance. Data generated indicate concentrations of microbial amino acids in distal ileal digesta were depressing apparent amino acid digestibility coefficients, which was more evident in wheat-based diets. Higher gut viscosities in birds offered wheat-based diets may have facilitated the proliferation of microbiota along the small intestine.

Capping dietary starch: Protein ratios enhances performance of broiler chickens offered reduced-crude protein, maize-based diets

The objective of this study was to determine if capping dietary starch:protein ratios in reduced-crude protein diets enhances growth performance of broiler chickens offered maize-based diets. A total of 288 off-sex, male Ross 308 chickens were offered a 2 × 3 factorial array of dietary treatments from 7 to 35 days post-hatch. Dietary starch:protein ratios were either standard (mean: 2.47) or capped (mean: 2.12) with three dietary crude protein concentrations of 195, 185 and 175 g/kg. Dietary starch:protein ratios were capped by substituting soybean meal with full-fat soy; sourced from the same supplier. The parameters assessed included growth performance, relative abdominal fat-pad weights, nutrient utilisation, excreta nitrogen concentrations, distal jejunal and distal ileal digestibility coefficients and disappearance rates of starch and protein, jejunal and ileal starch:protein disappearance rate ratios, distal jejunal and distal ileal apparent amino acid digestibility coefficients, distal ileal amino acid disappearance rates and free amino acid concentrations in systemic plasma. Capping dietary starch:protein ratios significantly reduced ileal starch:protein disappearance rate ratios in birds offered 195, 185 and 175 g/kg crude protein by 14.6% (2.40–2.05), 13.8% (2.61–2.25) and 29.3% (3.75–2.65), respectively. Capping starch:protein ratios in 175 g/kg crude protein diets significantly improved weight gain by 3.45% (2398 versus 2318 g/bird) and feed conversion ratio by 3.75% (1.360 versus 1.413) and relative abdominal fat-pad weights were numerically lighter by 10.3% (11.47 versus 12.78 g/kg). Condensing ileal starch:protein disappearance rate ratios were quadratically related (P < 0.001) to improvements in weight gain (r = 0.740), feed conversion ratio (r = 0.786) and lighter fat-pad weights (r = 0.650). Reducing dietary crude protein concentrations depressed apparent ileal digestibility coefficients of 15 of the 16 amino acids assessed (P = 0.021 to < 0.001); average coefficients were reduced by 6.74% (0.803 versus 0.861). These compromised amino acid digestibilities probably contributed to the 6.43% inferior weight gains (2358 versus 2520 g/bird; P < 0.001) and 3.05% inferior feed conversion ratio (1.387 versus 1.346; P < 0.001) following the dietary crude protein reduction from 195 to 175 g/kg. A better comprehension of the impacts of reduced crude protein diets on endogenous amino acid flows and accumulations of microbial amino acids in distal ileal digesta needs to be achieved as both factors will influence apparent amino acid digestibility coefficients. Finally, capping dietary starch:protein ratios in 175 g/kg crude protein diets showed distinct promise in this study as both weight gain and FCR were significantly enhanced.

Comparison of True Ileal Amino Acid Digestibility between Adult Humans and Growing Pigs

It is not feasible to determine the true ileal amino acid (AA) digestibility of protein sources in humans on a routine basis, and the growing pig has been recommended as an animal model for this purpose but requires further validation. To determine and compare true ileal AA digestibility between adult human ileostomates and growing cannulated pigs for a range of food proteins. Seven protein sources (black beans, bread, collagen, pigeon peas, wheat bran, whey protein isolate, and zein) that spanned the range of digestibilities typically seen in foods were evaluated. Six female growing pigs received each of the protein sources, as well as a protein-free diet, and digesta were collected via ileal T-cannula. Adult human ileostomates consumed the same protein sources (5-8 ileostomates, depending on the protein source), as well as a protein-free diet, and digesta were collected. Titanium dioxide and celite were included in the diets as indigestible markers. True ileal AA digestibility coefficients were determined. There was a significant effect of protein source (P≤0.001) for all AAs. The effect of species was not significant (P>0.05) except for total lysine (but not for available lysine). When analyzed within diets, the statistically significant species effect for true lysine digestibility was found for black beans only. Pig and human digestibility values were generally highly and significantly (P≤0.05) correlated. A linear regression equation derived for true ileal AA digestibility (given as coefficients) determined in the human and pig for the overall mean of all AAs was (y=human, x=pig) y=1.00x - 0.010, with the slope not statistically significant (P>0.05) from unity and the intercept not different (P>0.05) from zero. True ileal AA digestibility values determined in the growing pig can be directly used for predicting digestibility in adult humans.

Apparent digestibility coefficients of selected protein ingredients for juvenile Totoaba macdonaldi

AbstractTwo feeding trials were performed to evaluate the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of dry matter, protein, and amino acids of three animal‐origin and four plant‐origin ingredients in Totoaba macdonaldi. In the first feeding trial, the animal‐origin ingredients were evaluated using totoaba juveniles with an initial weight of 529.7 ± 104.2 g, and for the second feeding trial 745.9 ± 210.6 g. Evaluated ingredients were: poultry by‐product meal, meat and bone meal, feather meal (FM), soy protein concentrate, soybean meal (SBM), corn gluten (CG), and wheat gluten (WG). Each experimental ingredient was evaluated in triplicate. ADCs of dry matter ranged from 35.9% for FM to 67.9% for poultry by‐product, while the protein ADCs values ranged from 41.7% for CG to 83.2% for poultry by‐product. Fish meal ADC (79.6%) was similar to poultry by‐product but significantly higher than WG and soy protein concentrate (72.5% and 72.6%, respectively). The ADCs for lysine were significantly higher for WG, sardine meal, poultry by‐product, and SMB (94.5%, 79.8%, 79.4%, and 79.4%, respectively). Based on the results from the present study, poultry by‐product, WG, and soy protein concentrate are the most promising alternative ingredients (i.e., to the fishmeal) for the formulation of totoaba grow‐out feeds.

The Impact of Digestive Dynamics on the Bioequivalence of Amino Acids in Broiler Chickens.

The purpose of this review is to consider the distinct possibility that dietary non-bound and protein-bound amino acids are not bioequivalent in broiler chickens. Usually, with conservative inclusions of a limited number of non-bound (synthetic, crystalline, feed-grade) amino acids in standard broiler diets, bioequivalency would not be an issue. However, reduced-crude protein (CP) broiler diets demand substantial inclusions of an extended range of non-bound amino acids to meet amino acid requirements. A standard diet may contain 5.0 g/kg non-bound amino acids, but a reduced-CP diet may contain up to 50 g/kg and this relative abundance skews the balance of non-bound to protein-bound amino acids and substantial proportions of certain amino acids are present in diets as non-bound entities. Importantly, tangible reductions in dietary CP, for example from 210 to 160 g/kg, usually both compromise broiler growth performance and increase fat deposition. Compromised growth performance is more evident in wheat- than maize-based diets but, paradoxically, fat deposition is more apparent in maize-based diets. The inability of birds to accommodate tangible dietary CP reductions appears to stem partially from the lack of bioequivalency between non-bound and protein-bound amino acids because of the differentials in intestinal uptake rates. Also, reduced-CP broiler diets generate perturbations in apparent amino acid digestibility coefficients which compound the fact that intestinal uptakes of non-bound acid acids are more rapid, and occur more anteriorly in the small intestine, than protein-bound amino acids. The likelihood is that greater proportions of non-bound amino acids transit the enterocytes of the gut mucosa without entering anabolic and/or catabolic pathways to gain entry to the portal circulation. This culminates in post-enteral amino acid imbalances and postprandial oxidation of surplus amino acids which involves deamination of amino acids and elevations in plasma ammonia (NH3) concentrations, but NH3 is inherently toxic and demands detoxification. Excessive deamination coupled with inadequate detoxification could result in 'ammonia overload' which would be expected to compromise growth performance. Thus, the hypothesis is that non-bound and protein-bound amino acids are not bioequivalent; moreover, it may be argued that this distinction is being overlooked and is thwarting the development and acceptance of reduced-CP broiler diets.

An evaluation of elevated branched-chain amino acid inclusions on the performance of broiler chickens offered reduced-crude protein, wheat-based diets from 7 to 28 days post-hatch

The physiological functions of essential branched chain amino acids (BCAA) are important in broiler nutrition, but antagonistic BCAA interactions may become evident. Given the increased implementation of reduced-crude protein (CP) diets, this study aimed to investigate whether elevated leucine inclusions in reduced-CP diets would advantage broiler growth performance, provided concomitant elevations in isoleucine and valine were employed. A total of 378 off-sex male Ross 308 broilers were allocated to 9 dietary treatments, each with 7 replicate cages and 6 birds in each. All diets were wheat-based with 190 g/kg CP. The dietary treatments comprised 3 leucine inclusions (12.71, 15.02, 17.33 g/kg) and 3 isoleucine plus valine inclusions (17.21, 20.32, 23.45 g/kg) in a 3 × 3 factorial array. The assessed parameters included growth performance, relative abdominal fat-pad weights, nutrient utilisation, apparent jejunal and ileal digestibility coefficients and disappearance rates of starch, protein (N), amino acids and free amino acid concentrations in systemic plasma. Elevated BCAA inclusions did not enhance growth performance; indeed, elevating isoleucine plus valine from 17.21 to 20.32 g/kg in the 15.02 g/kg leucine diet significantly compromised weight gain by 6.82% (1325 versus 1422 g/bird). However, elevating isoleucine plus valine inclusions from 17.21 to 20.32 g/kg decreased relative fat-pad weights by 8.49% (9.05 versus 9.89 g/kg; P = 0.046). Elevating leucine levels significantly depressed energy utilisation, AME and AMEn, by 0.39 MJ in both instances. Dietary enrichment with leucine had diverse impacts on amino acid digestibility coefficients coupled with free amino acid plasma concentrations. Increasing dietary leucine concentrations improved ileal digestibility of leucine by 4.74% (0.906 versus 0.865) but also significantly increased ileal digestibility coefficients of another 10 amino acids by an average of 3.37% ranging from 1.60% (methionine) to 4.96% (threonine). Overall, elevations of BCAA in wheat-based, reduced-CP diets did not advantage broiler growth performance. The likelihood is that several factors are responsible for this lack of response and consideration is given to these possibilities in this paper.

Influence of Age on the Standardized Ileal Amino Acid Digestibility of Corn and Barley in Broilers.

Simple SummaryEfficient amino acid (AA) utilization in broilers is crucial concerning the accuracy of feed formulation, economy of diet and minimizing nitrogenous pollution in the environment. A range of factors (ingredient type, age, sex, feed form and bird type) can affect the AA digestion in poultry. The first week of broiler life is considered the most critical period while chicks source nutrition from residual yolk. Dynamic changes are noted in the digestive tract development, secretion and activity of protein digestive enzymes during the first few weeks in broiler. Limited data exist on the age effect on AA digestibility in broilers, and the results are paradoxical. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of age on the standardized ileal digestibility coefficients (SIDCs) of AAs in corn and barley from hatching to the end of the broiler growth cycle (day 42). Based on the results, the age influence on AA digestibility is grain- and AA-dependent. The pattern of the age effect on the SIDC AA in corn was not consistent. In the case of barley, the SIDC AA increased with advancing age.The aim of this study was to determine the standardized ileal digestibility coefficients (SIDCs) of nitrogen (N) and amino acids (AAs) in corn and barley at six different ages (days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42) of broilers using the direct method. The apparent AA digestibility coefficients were corrected using age-appropriate basal endogenous AA losses. No age effect (p > 0.05) was noted for the SIDC of N in corn. The average SIDC of indispensable AAs (IAAs) and total AAs (TAAs) was influenced in a quadratic manner (p < 0.05) with the values being higher at day 7 that decreased at day 14, increased and plateaued between days 21 and 35 and dropped again at day 42. The average SIDC of dispensable AAs (DAAs) was influenced linearly (p < 0.05). In barley, the SIDC of N and average IAAs, DAAs and TAAs was affected (quadratic; p < 0.001) by age. The digestibility increased from day 7 to 21 and then plateaued up to day 42. The present findings confirm that the SIDC of AA in corn and barley are influenced by broiler age and that the age effect on AA digestibility may need to be considered for precise feed formulation.

True digestibility of the essential amino acids of high-protein sunflower meals by balanced experiments with intact and caecectomized birds from Gallus species

Abstract. Using adapted methods for balanced experiments with poultry, the true digestibility coefficients of the essential amino acids of two high protein sunflower meals – 40+® and 47® have been established. The true digestibility coefficients by using two methods – with intact and randomized (caecectomized) birds have been compared. Six birds were tube fed and six – feed deprived for both of the fodders. The amino acids were established with amino analyzer AAA-881 after preliminary HCl hydrolysis. The mean digestibility of sunflower meal 40+® is higher in intact (88.11 versus 85.73 of sunflower meal 47®) compared to randomized birds (87.20 versus 85.46 of sunflower meal 47®). The differences by lots are statistically significant only in intact birds. The authors recommend for practical needs to use the average true digestibility coefficients between both meals, established with randomized birds (ileal digestibility).