Dry Matter Digestibility Coefficients Research Articles

Solid-state fermentation converts rice bran into a high-protein feed ingredient for Penaeus monodon

Fermented rice bran (FRB) was evaluated as an alternative protein source to soybean meal (SM) in practical diets for juvenile black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon. This feed ingredient was tested in a feeding trial to replace soybean meal in P. monodon diets at 0% (T0), 12.5% (T12.5), 25% (T25), 37.5% (T37.5), and 50% (T50). Five iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric experimental diets containing 44% crude protein were fed to groups of juvenile shrimp (0.47 ± 0.002 g) randomly assigned to twenty 60-l rectangular tanks equipped with a recirculating seawater system. Each dietary treatment was run in 4 replicates, and the feeding trial lasted 50 days. Results show significant improvement in weight gain, specific growth rate, and protein efficiency ratio in treatment T12.5 and T25. Treatments with higher levels of SM replacement with FRB exhibited similar growth indices to those of the control group. Polynomial regression analysis indicates that the optimum replacement of soybean meal with FRB for optimum growth is 21.08%. The apparent dry matter and protein digestibility coefficients of FRB are 83.05 ± 0.02% and 87.20 ± 0.30%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the whole-body composition (dry matter, protein, lipid, ash) among treatments of shrimp fed with FRB replacement. The data suggest that FRB replacement of dietary soybean meal is feasible at 50% without affecting the growth performance but may promote growth at 21.08% replacement of P. monodon.

Influence of Jerusalem artichoke tuber as a prebiotic on the nutrient utilization, weaning stress indicators and immunocompetence of crossbred calves during the pre- and post-weaning phases

This study explored the potential prebiotic properties of pulverized Jerusalem artichoke tuber (JAP) in pre- and post-weaned calves. Accordingly, 24 fifteen-day-old calves were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 6). The groups received JAP supplementation at levels of 0 (CON), 1 (JAP1), 2 (JAP2), and 3 (JAP3) percent of dry matter intake (DMI) during the first 60 days of the 120-day experiment. Two 6-days digestion trials were conducted: one during the 4th week of the experiment (pre-wean), and the second during the tenth week (post-wean). Additionally, serum concentrations of cortisol and epinephrine were measured in both the pre- and post-weaning phases to assess the stress levels. Immunocompetence of the calves during both the stages was evaluated through lymphocyte proliferation response. In the pre-weaning phase, the calves supplemented with JAP had better (P < 0.05) protein intake and digestion compared to the control group. In the post-weaning phase, the JAP supplemented groups exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) improved digestibility coefficients for dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, and neutral detergent fibre. Although cortisol levels didn't show significant differences (P > 0.05) between the groups during both pre-weaning and post-weaning stages, the post-weaning stage did reveal a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in epinephrine levels in JAP1 compared to the other groups. Additionally, JAP supplementation enhanced (P < 0.05) the calves' response to lymphocyte proliferation during the post-weaning phase. Considering the improved nutrient digestibility, enhanced systemic immunity, and reduced epinephrine levels observed in the JAP supplemented groups, our findings suggest that JAP may have promising potential as a prebiotic for calves.

Effect of Varying Feeding Formulas on The Growth Performance of Buffalo Heifers

The present experiment was conducted at dairy farm during the year 2020-21 at CSAUA&amp;T Kanpur. The growth rate of buffalo heifers is a major problem at dairy farms. Twelve buffalo heifers were selected for digestibility that on a nutrition slide sample contains 86.50% DM, 20.10 %CP, 2.00 EE, 15.5% CF, 52.70% NFE and 9.50%Ash. The average dry matter intake per 100 kg body weight was (6.34, 5.44, 7.06 kg) the digestibility coefficient of DM was recorded (61.40, 59.95, 62.77) and digestibility coefficient of CP (63.55, 61.78, 65.77) and digestibility coefficient of CF (56.11, 54.75, 58.99) and digestibility coefficient of EE (64.89, 64.39, 67.52) and digestibility coefficient of NFE (64.06, 62.58, 65.75) and digestibility coefficient of Organic matter (64.45, 62.75, 66.99). The average live weight in buffalo heifers was increased (627.04, 610.44, 687.73) g per day in group I, II and III groups respectively. The growth parameters were statistically significant. Group III was shown better performance in respect of growth parameters in other groups I and II from the present study, it was apparent that the extra concentrate to be added in diet for proper development of growing heifers, III group was higher in growth. Digestibility coefficients of Dry matter, Crude Fiber, Ether extract, Nitrogen free extract and Organic matter were also higher in group III.

Effect of inoculating the Awassi rumen fluid with its counterpart from Iraqi buffaloes on in vitro digestibility coefficient of barley straw and some characteristics of the rumen fluid

The study was conducted at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences / University of Baghdad for the period from 3-30-2022 to 4-10-2022 with the aim of determining the extent of improvement or change in the rumen fluid of Awassi lambs after inoculation with Iraqi buffalo rumen fluid. 5 ratios of Iraqi buffalo rumen fluid were used. Which was collected immediately after slaughter and (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8) represented the treatments (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5) were added to the rumen fluid of Awassi lambs in in vitro digestion tubes to estimate the in vitro digestibility coefficient of the dry and organic matter of barley straw, pH, and total number of microorganisms in rumen fluid. The results showed a highly significant improvement (P&lt;0.01) for the treatments (T3, T4, and T5) in the in vitro digestibility coefficient of organic matter and dry matter compared to the two treatments (T1 and T2). The results also indicated a highly significant (P&lt;0.01) superiority in the pH value of the two treatments (T2 and T4) with buffalo rumen fluid compared to the other treatments depending on the timing during which the pH was measured. In the same context, the treatments (T3, T4, and T5) outperformed the total number of microorganisms, and the results showed highly significant differences (P&lt;0.01) for the two treatments (T3 and T4) in the total number of microorganisms compared to the treatments (T1, T2, and T5).From the results achieved above, we conclude that the two treatments (T3 and T4) for inoculation with buffalo rumen fluid were significantly superior in improving the in vitro digestibility coefficient of dry and organic matter and improving the characteristics of the rumen fluid in light of the results achieved above. This study is one of the first studies to improve the rumen environment in Awassi lambs through inoculation with different proportions of rumen fluid taken from Iraqi buffaloes after slaughter.

Impact of Inoculation of rumen fluid of Awassi lambs with ruminal fluid of Iraqi buffalo on in vitro digestion of Iraqi wild Reeds and some ruminal fluid characteristics

The study was conducted at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences / University of Baghdad for the period from 3-30-2022 until 4-10-2022 to determine the extent of improvement or change in the rumen fluid of Awassi lambs after inoculation with Iraqi buffalo rumen fluid, and 5 different percentages of Iraqi buffalo rumen fluid were used. Which was collected immediately after slaughter and (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8) represented the parameters (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5). It was added to the rumen fluid of Awassi lambs in in vitro digestion tubes to estimate the in vitro digestibility coefficient for the dry and organic matter of the Iraqi wild Reeds, pH, and total number of microorganisms in rumen fluid. The results showed a highly significant increase (P&lt;0.01) for the two treatments (T4 and T5) in the in vitro digestibility coefficient of organic matter and dry matter compared to the treatments (T1, T2, and T3). While the digestibility coefficient of organic matter improved significantly compared to dry matter. The pH values recorded a highly significant increase (P&lt;0.01) after 9 and 12 hours for all treatments compared to their values after 6 hours of in vitro digestion. The results showed a highly significant (P&lt;0.01) superiority of the two treatments (T2 and T4) with buffalo rumen fluid in the pH values compared. With parameters (T1, T3, and T5) with different times during which the pH was measured. The treatments (T3, T4, and T5) were highly significantly (P&lt;0.01) superior in terms of the total number of microorganisms compared to the two inoculation treatments with buffalo rumen fluid (T1 and T2), while the two inoculation treatments (T3 and T5) recorded a highly significant (P&lt;0.01) superiority in The total number of microorganisms in rumen fluid compared to other treatments. From the results achieved above, we conclude that the treatments (T3, T4, and T5) are considered the best rates for inoculation with buffalo rumen fluid, and the T4 treatment is considered the best compared to other inoculation treatments.

INFLUENCE OF SUPPLEMENTATION OF FALLEN APPLE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF LACTATING COWS

The present study was conducted to evaluate the influence of supplementation of feeding fallen apple on the performance of lactating cows. Eighteen multiparous dairy cows (2-4 lactation number) were divided into three groups based on the average milk yield. The animals in the group-1(6 cows, average milk yield of 7.34 kg per day,control group- C) where fed maize fodder, concentrate mixture as per the requirement, while the animals in the group-2(6 cows, average milk yield of 7.35 kg per day, Apple fed group, T1) were fed maize fodder, concentrate mixture as per the requirement and chopped fresh fallen apple 4 kg per animal per day, while the animals in the group-3 (6 cows, average milk yield of 7.37 kg per day, Urea treated apple fed group, T2) where fed maize fodder, concentrate mixture as per the requirement and 4% urea treated fallen apple 500g per animal per day. The milk yield in lactating cows of C, T1 and T2 were comparable and did not vary significantly. There were no significant differences in the haematological parameters of C, T1 and T2 groups. Dry matter intake (DMI) was similar among the three groups. Average fortnightly body weight were not statistically significant among the three experimental groups. It was observed that apparent digestibility coefficients (%) of dry matter, organic matter, ether extract, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre were comparable among the three groups. The milk yield, dry matter intake, fortnightly body weight changes, digestibility of the nutrients were also not statistically significant among the threegroups. Hence, it is concluded that the supplementation of fallen apple and urea treated apple on the lactating cows did not affect significantly the intake and digestibility of nutrients as well as milk production and its composition.

Digestibility of feed nutrients when the NAA feed additive is included in the diet of geese

The purpose of the research was to study the digestibility of feed nutrients when different doses of the NAA feed additive were included in the diet of meat geese and to analyze the gain in live weight of the experimental poultry. The geese received the feed additive throughout the entire rearing cycle (from 1 to 60 days). A physiological experiment to study the digestibility of feed nutrients was carried out when the geese were 50 days old. On 6 geese from each group, the digestibility coefficients of dry matter, protein, fiber, fat, nitrogen-free extractive substances and ash were determined. During the experiment the amount of compound feed eaten, the amount of excreted litter and the live weight of the geese were taken into account. The results obtained indicate that of the three tested dosages (0,5 ml, 1,0 and 2,0 ml per 1 kg of compound feed), the dose of 1,0 ml per 1 kg of compound feed turned out to be optimal. Nutrient digestibility coefficients were higher in geese of the 3rd experimental group, whose diet was supplemented with 1,0 ml of feed additive per 1 kg of compound feed. The digestibility coefficients of dry matter, protein, fi ber and nitrogen-free extractive substances were higher in the 3rd experimental group compared to the values of herdmates in the 1st control group by 3,03 abs.%, 2,28 abs.%, 3,34 abs.% and 5,24 abs.%, respectively. In the 2nd and 4th experimental groups the coeffi cients of digestibility of dry matter of protein, fi ber, nitrogen-free extractive substances and ash were almost at the same level as the results of the 1st control group. The fat digestibility coeffi cient in the 1st control group was 84,49 %, and in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th experimental groups it was 82,44 %, 81,49 and 82,94 %, respectively. The feed additive at the dose of 1,0 ml per 1 kg of compound feed, which the geese of the 3rd experimental group received, had the significant impact on the dynamics of the live weight of the poultry. Already at 10 days of age geese from the 3rd experimental group were 10,2 g (p ≤ 0,05) heavier than their herdmates from the 1st control group; at 30 and 60 days of age, this difference was significantly higher than in 1st control group by 7,48 and 5,38 % (p ≤ 0,05), respectively.

Use of Cactus Pear Meal in the Feeding of Laying Hens in Semi-Intensive System.

Little information is available in the literature on the use of cactus pear meal (CPM) in poultry diets; therefore, it is important to evaluate diets that provide excellent performance and lower production costs. Our objective was to study the use of Miúda CPM in the diets of laying hens. In the first study, two diets for male and female chicks were used-1: 80% reference diet + 20% Miúda cactus pear meal (CPM) and 2: 80% reference diet + 20% Gigante cactus pear meal (CPM). The variety Miúda provided a better use of metabolizable energy, as well as a greater digestibility coefficient of dry matter, protein, and mineral matter. In the second study, a control diet was compared to three diets with different levels of Miúda CPM for laying hens in the proportions of 3%, 6%, and 9%. No significant differences were found in productive performance. However, there were significant differences in the some parameters egg quality, texture and color profile of the cooked yolk, egg composition, fatty acids and cholesterol in the yolk. It is possible to use 9% Miúda CPM in the diet of laying hens in a semi-intensive system that does not compromise performance and egg quality, and using 3% Miúda CPM provides a higher economic return.

Effects of yeast extract supplemented in diet on growth performance, digestibility, intestinal histology, and the antioxidant capacity of the juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus).

An 8-week feeding experiment was conducted on the juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) to evaluate the influence of yeast extract (YE) supplementation in the diet on growth performance, feed utilization, body composition, nutrient digestibility, intestinal histology, and antioxidant capacity. Four experimental diets were formulated with graded levels of yeast extract 0 (YE0), 1% (YE1), 3% (YE3), and 5% (YE5) and fed to turbots (initial body weight: 4.2 ± 0.1g) with three replicates per diet and 200 fish in each replicate, respectively. The results showed that turbots fed with diets YE1 and YE3 displayed a significantly higher specific growth rate and protein efficiency rate than those fed with diets YE0 and YE5, while the feed conversion ratios in YE1 and YE3 groups were lower than those in YE0 and YE5. Fish fed with diets YE3 and YE5 showed higher body crude protein contents than those in groups YE0 and YE1. The highest apparent digestibility coefficients for dry matter and crude protein, digestive enzyme activities (trypsin, lipase, and amylase), and the height of the intestinal fold were observed in the YE3 group. YE3 treatment displayed a significantly higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity than the YE0 group, while the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in YE1 was significantly lower than those in YE0 and YE5. No significant difference was observed in serum physiological and biochemical parameters among all treatments. Overall, appropriate dietary supplementation of the yeast extract could improve the growth performance, digestibility, and antioxidant capacity of the juvenile turbot, and the recommended yeast extract level in the feed is 2.47%.

Evaluation of andean lupin (Lupinus mutabilis) seed meal as a dietary component on growth performance, feed utilization, nutrient digestibility, and liver histology of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Juveniles

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary inclusion of Andean lupin (Lupinus mutabilis) on the growth performance, carcass composition, liver histology, and nutrient digestibility in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) juveniles. The experiment involved triplicate groups of fish (initial body weight 32.10 ± 0.79 g) fed four extruded experimental diets with varying levels of Andean lupin (0, 50, 100, and 200 g kg−1) twice a day to apparent satiety over a period of 40 days. Faecal samples were collected daily for nutrient digestibility analysis. No significant correlations were observed between the dietary inclusion of Andean lupin and final weight, survival, weight gain, protein efficiency retention, thermal growth rate, feed conversion rate, and feed intake (P > 0.05). Similarly, there were no significant relationships between increasing dietary inclusion of Andean lupin and apparent digestibility coefficients for dry matter, crude protein, carbohydrate, and energy. However, the inclusion of Andean lupin led to a decrease in apparent digestibility coefficients for ash (R2 =0.6, P < 0.05). Furthermore, the digestibility of Mg and Zn decreased in a quadratic manner (P < 0.01) with increasing levels of Andean lupin inclusion. The dietary treatments did not significantly affect whole-body composition, spleen-somatic index, and intestine-somatic index (P > 0.05). However, the hepatosomatic index decreased quadratically with increasing inclusion of Andean lupin (R2 =0.51, P < 0.05), likely due to a slight reduction in cytoplasmic vacuolization of hepatocytes. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that Andean lupin is a promising plant protein ingredient for rainbow trout diets. It can be included at levels up to 200 g kg−1 without adversely affecting growth performance and nutrient digestibility. These findings contribute to the expanding knowledge on alternative protein sources in aquaculture feed formulation.

Evaluación nutricional y uso del polvillo de arroz en la alimentación de cuyes (Cavia porcellus)

Two studies were carried out with the aim of determining the digestible energy and the digestibility coefficient of the dry matter and protein of the rice polish; and assess the effect of five levels of rice polish (Oryza sativa) to replace wheat bran in diets for growing guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) on productive parameters. In Study I, they were used 12 types I male guinea pigs with an average live weight of 875 g, the digestibility coefficients and digestible energy of rice polish were determined by the indirect method, with the total collection technique. The digestibility coefficient of dry matter was 80.33%, protein 75.51%, energy 78.06% and the digestible energy of rice polish was 3.77 Mcal/kg DM. In Study II, 80 type I improved male guinea pigs were used, of 14+2 days of age and average weight of 441 g, to evaluate the effect of five levels of rice polish: 0%, 4.5%, 7.5%, 15% and 30% in replacement of wheat bran, in 49-day growth diets. As a result, it was observed that there is no significant difference for weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion and carcass yield by replacing wheat bran with rice polish. The inclusion of rice polish at levels greater than 7.5 % affects the productive response in guinea pigs.

Fermentation Characteristics (In Vitro) of Palm Oil Trunk Waste as Feed for Lactating Dairy Cow

This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of palm oil trunk waste utilization as a feed source for lactating dairy cows using an in vitro approach. This study used a randomized complete block design with 4 treatments and 3 groups. Treatment consisted of P0 (control diet), P1 (control diet supplemented with 12.5% palm oil trunk), P2 (control diet supplemented with 25% palm oil trunk), P3 (control diet with commercial concentrate). The parameters observed were rumen pH, NH3 concentration, total VFA concentration, and in vitro dry matter and organic matter digestibility (IVDMD and IVOMD) coefficients. The findings of this study showed a significant 41.73% in NH3 concentration, 24.96% in total VFA concentration, 10.47% in IVDMD, and 10.91% in IVOMD, upon introducing 25% palm oil trunk waste into the ration (p&lt;0.05), except for rumen pH. It can be concluded that palm oil trunk waste can be used at a level of up to 25% in the diet of lactating dairy cows.&#x0D; Keywords: digestibility, fermentation, in vitro, palm oil trunk, unconventional feed

Assessing the In Vitro and In Vivo Effect of Supplementation with a Garlic (Allium sativum) and Oregano (Origanum vulgare) Essential Oil Mixture on Digestibility in West African Sheep.

This study assessed the impact of a mixture of garlic (Allium sativum) and oregano (Origanum vulgare) essential oils (EOGOs) on in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and in vivo apparent nutrient digestibility. Different EOGO inclusion levels were evaluated to assess the dose response and potential effects of the mixture. Three EOGO inclusion levels (0.5, 0.75, and 1 mL/kg of incubated dry matter) were evaluated in vitro, while four treatments (0.5, 0.75, and 1 mL/day of EOGO and a control group) were tested in vivo on 12 West African sheep. A randomized controlled trial was conducted using a 4 × 4 design. Blood parameters (glucose, blood urea nitrogen, and β-hydroxybutyrate) were measured to observe the effect of EOGO on the metabolism. The results showed that the inclusion of EOGO significantly enhanced IVDMD at low levels (p < 0.052) compared with the highest levels in treatments containing 0.5 and 0.75 mL/kg of EOGO dry matter. A higher intake of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (p < 0.05) was observed in the in vivo diets with the inclusion of EOGO. In terms of in vivo apparent digestibility, significant differences were found among treatments in the digestibility coefficients of DM, CP, and NDF. EOGO inclusion increased the digestibility of DM. CP digestibility displayed a cubic effect (p < 0.038), with the lowest values of digestibility observed at 1 mL EOGO inclusion. Additionally, NDF digestibility showed a cubic effect (p < 0.012), with the highest value obtained at 0.75 mL of EOGO inclusion. The inclusion levels above 0.75 mL EOGO showed a cubic effect, which indicates that higher concentrations of EOGO may not be beneficial for the digestibility of CP and NDF. Although no significant difference was observed in total digestible nutrients, a linear trend was observed (p < 0.059). EOGO improved the intake of DM, CP, and NDF. EOGO supplementation improved the digestibility of DM and NDF, with optimal levels observed at 0.5 mL/day. No significant effects were observed in the blood parameters. These results suggest that EOGO has the potential as an additive in ruminal nutrition to improve food digestibility and serve as an alternative to antibiotic additives. The use of EOGO potentially improves fiber digestion and may reduce the use of antibiotics in livestock production. Garlic (A. sativum) and oregano (O. vulgare) essential oils effectively modulated fiber digestibility at 0.75 mL/day. Garlic (A. sativum) and oregano (O. vulgare) essential oils have the potential to improve digestibility at low inclusion levels and serve as an alternative to antibiotic additives. The effectiveness of essential oils is greater in a mixture and at lower doses.

Chemical and In Vitro Evaluation of Biscuit of Bangun-Bangun Leaf (Coleus amboinicus Lour)

One of the species of plant that contains lactagogum, which works to stimulate milk production is bangun-bangun leaf. In order to create biscuits which can be used as supplemental feed, bangun-bangun leaf can be used. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the nutritional value and digestibility of leaf biscuits. The study was carried out at the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara. It took for two months, from August to October 2022, and involved chemical analysis at the Sei Putih Goat Research Laboratory and in vitro analysis at the Feed Science and Technology Laboratory of IPB University. Complete randomization was employed in the design (CRD), which included 4 treatments and 5 replications. P0 = 0% of the leaf, P1 = 6%, P2 = 9%, and P3 = 12% of the leaf. Nutrient content in the form of crude protein, crude fiber, and crude fat were among the parameters measured, along with dry matter digestibility coefficient (DMDC), and organic matter digestibility coefficient (OMDC). The findings demonstrated that the plant-based biscuits had a significant impact (P<0.05) on the values of crude protein, crude fiber, crude fat, dry matter digestibility (DMD), and organic matter digestibility (OMD). The study’s finding is that using plant bangun leaf can improve the digestibility of dry matter and organic matter since they contain a high amount of nutrients.

Assessment of hydrolysis of partially defatted black soldier fly larvae meal in diets for Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

The chitin content of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (BSFM) is known to negatively affect its digestibility by fish. Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) tolerates well BSFM in the diet. However, chemical hydrolysis of dietary BSFM has not previously been attempted for this species. In this study, based upon a low-fishmeal control diet (40% crude protein and 9% crude fat), three levels of dietary protein, 25%, 50%, and 75%, were replaced by partially defatted BSFM, subjected or not to a prior hydrolysis treatment with formic acid and fed to Nile tilapia juveniles (initial body weight: 0.26 ± 0.00 g). The hydrolysis treatment did not modify greatly the proximate and amino acid composition of the diets, nor did it improve their in vivo apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter or crude protein. However, it significantly increased the contents of arginine, taurine, and tyrosine, and significantly reduced the contents of methionine, valine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid in muscle tissue of Nile tilapia. The hydrolysis treatment also decreased fish growth significantly. In contrast, for diets not containing hydrolyzed BSFM, not only did fish fed all three levels of protein replacement grow satisfactorily, but the diets with the levels of replacement of 50% and 75%, with final weights of 23.04 and 23.11 g, respectively, elicited superior fish performance, as compared to the diet with 25% replacement (final weight of 20.09 g). In addition, all three protein replacement diets produced significantly greater growth than the control diet (final weight of 17.72 g). The actual levels of inclusion of BSFM were, respectively, 14.11%, 28.21% and 42.33% of diet, the latter being the highest inclusion level of BSFM reported to date for successful growth of Nile Tilapia.

Spirulina in diets of Japanese quail: Productive performance, digestibility, and egg quality

The present study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of spirulina on productive performance, nutrient utilization, and egg quality of Japanese quails. One hundred twenty quails were included in a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replicates. Treatments consisted of a control diet and three diets containing 0.3, 0.6, or 0.9% of spirulina powder. Spirulina inclusion had no effect (p &gt; 0.05) on the productive performance, digestibility coefficients of dry matter and ether extract, calcium and phosphorus retention, weight and pH of the eggs, yolk index, albumen quality, and eggshell thickness when compared with the control diet. However, crude protein consumption was higher (p &lt; 0.05) and the digestibility coefficient of crude protein was lower (p &lt; 0.05) in birds in the 0.9% and 0.3% spirulina inclusion groups, respectively. The weights of the yolk and eggshell were improved (p &lt; 0.007) by the inclusion of 0.6% and 0.9% and 0.9% spirulina, respectively. Quails fed diets containing 0.3% and 0.6% spirulina exhibited lower specific gravity of eggs (p &lt; 0.019) than those fed diets containing 0.9% spirulina. Therefore, spirulina inclusion at 0.9% improved the eggshell quality and reduced the total lipid levels in the yolks.

Impact of β-glucan dietary supplementation on productive, reproductive performance and physiological response of laying hens under heat stress conditions

The exploration for effective in-feed additives is growing owing to the global climatic change trend to alleviate the negative effects of heat stress in laying hens. This research assessed the potential of using B-glucan (G) as an antiheat stress agent in Matrouh laying hens subjected to early heat shock programs during the growing period. Factorial design (3 × 3) was used, including 3 levels of heat stress (control, heat shock at 3 d and at 3 d and 8 wk of age) and 3 levels of β-glucan (0, 100, and 200 mg β-glucan /kg diet). During the first 12 wk of egg production (EP), treatments were exposed to heat challenge. The results revealed that heat shock program applications at 3 d and 8 wk of age significantly decreased body weight at 36 wk of age (P < 0.05) and reduced (P < 0.05) feed intake (FI). While significantly (P < 0.05) improved feed conversion ratio (FCR), hemoglobin, RBCs, WBCs, immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and Heat shock protein (HSP70) of the Liver (P < 0.01) as compared with the control group. At the same time, there was a decrease in lymphocyte%, H/L ratio, cortisol, and T3 compared to the thermo-neutral control. When compared to the control group, hens fed a diet containing 200 mg of βG significantly (P < 0.05) improved body weight at 16 wk and final weight at 36 wk, feed conversion (FCR) (g. feed/g. egg mass), hen-day egg production, and egg mass, as well as the digestibility coefficients of crude protein (CP), dry matter (DM), metabolizable energy (ME), and cortisol. The interactions between heat chock programs and βG levels were nonsignificant for the most studied traits except daily feed intake. Therefore, the early heat shock exposure 2 times and supplementation of Β-glucan (βG) at 200 mg/kg diet during the growth period for laying hens that are exposed to heat stress during the reproductive period could improve productive, reproductive performance, HSP70 level and enhance immunity responses.

Dietary citric acid improves phosphorus and calcium availability and intestinal morphology of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

Citric acid is an organic acid, which has been used as a feed additive because it has a reasonable cost, pleasant taste, and fast assimilation, showing positive effects on the growth and health of some livestock and aquatic species. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of increased levels of citric acid (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 g/kg) in an isonitrogenous (280.00 g/kg of digestible protein) and isoenergetic diet (12.98 MJ/kg of digestible energy) on growth performance, body composition, apparent digestibility of nutrients and minerals, hematology, pH in stomach and intestine, and intestinal histomorphometry of Nile tilapia juveniles. Fish (n = 200, initial average weight of 14.59 ± 0.81 g) were randomly distributed in 25 experimental tanks (five replicates per treatment) and fed experimental diets over a 40-day period. Increasing levels of citric acid supplementation resulted in a decrease in the pH of the experimental diets (P = 0.021). However, no significant differences in pH levels were observed in the stomach and intestine among the treatments (P > 0.05). Citric acid supplementation did not significantly (P > 0.05) affect the growth performance variables, body composition, or the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of dry matter, crude protein, gross energy, ether extract, and ash of the diets. Fish fed diets with 10 and 30 g/kg citric acid exhibited higher values for total leukocytes (P = 0.043) and total plasma protein (P = 0.019) compared to the control group. Diets supplemented with 20 g/kg citric acid showed a higher ADC value for phosphorus (P = 0.027) and calcium (P = 0.032) compared to the control. Additionally, fish fed with diets containing 20 g/kg citric acid demonstrated higher values for villus height (P = 0.002) and width (P = 0.048), crypt depth (P = 0.035), and villus: crypt ratio (P = 0.014) compared to the control group. In conclusion, the supplementation of 20 g/kg citric acid improved the availability of phosphorus and calcium and positively influenced the intestinal morphology of Nile tilapia juveniles.

Effect of replacing fish meal with chicken gut meal on growth, immune parameters, and metabolism of juvenile Fat Greenling Hexagrammos otakii

AbstractObjectiveChicken gut meal (CGM) is reasonably priced and rich in nutrients and can become a new source of protein in the diets of major aquatic products, such as fish and shrimp.MethodsAn 8‐week feeding trial was conducted to comprehensively investigate the beneficial effects of CGM on juvenile Fat Greenling Hexagrammos otakii. Juveniles (1.58 ± 0.06 g [mean ± SE]) were fed with different levels of CGM in replacement of fish meal (FM) in the basal diet: 0% (CGM0), 25% (CGM25), 50% (CGM50), 75% (CGM75), and 100% (CGM100) replacement, representing a dietary CGM level of up to 40 g/kg.ResultThe results showed that the percent weight gain; specific growth rate; feeding rate; feed conversion ratio; hepatosomatic index; and apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, protein, and lipid were significantly improved among the experimental groups. Moreover, the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly increased in the CGM25 and CGM50 groups, respectively. The activities of acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase were significantly decreased in the CGM75 and CGM100 groups. Triglycerides and total cholesterol were significantly increased in the CGM50 and CGM75 groups, respectively. Fish in the CGM100 and CGM75 groups had significantly higher activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase than the control. Moreover, the relative expression levels of the fatty acid synthase and acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase alpha genes were significantly increased in the CGM75 and CGM100 groups, while the gene expression levels of hormone‐sensitive lipase and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor alpha were significantly decreased.ConclusionIn summary, the optimal replacement level of FM with CGM was shown by curve equation analysis to be 61.30%, and their dosages were 24.52 and 15.48 g/kg, respectively.

Dietary calcium requirement of bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeiana)

This study was conducted to determine dietary calcium (Ca) requirement of bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeiana). Six diets were formulated to contain 0.55% (control), 0.96%, 1.30%, 1.72%, 2.02% and 2.53% Ca. Each diet was fed to triplicate tanks of bullfrogs (24.96 ± 0.03 g), and each tanks was stocked with 13 bullfrogs. Bullfrogs were fed twice daily (8:30 and 17:30) to apparent satiation for 8 weeks. Weight gain rate of bullfrogs fed the 1.72% Ca diet was significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.05). The content of Ca was significantly increased in the whole body and vertebrae of bullfrogs fed the 1.72%, 2.02% and 2.53% diets compared to those fed the 0.55%, 0.96% and 1.30% Ca diets (P < 0.05). Furthermore, bullfrogs fed the 1.30%, 1.72% and 2.02% diets had higher activity of trypsin than those fed the 0.55% and 2.53% Ca diets (P < 0.05). Apparent digestibility coefficient of dry matter was higher in bullfrogs fed the 1.72% Ca diet than those fed the 0.55% and 2.53% diets (P < 0.05). Bullfrogs fed the 1.72% Ca diet had higher activity of superoxide dismutase in the serum than those fed the 0.55% and 2.53% diets (P < 0.05). Compared to the control group, contents of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 and parathyroid hormone in the serum as well as vitamin D receptor and sodium-calcium exchanger genes expression in the kidney were significantly decreased in bullfrogs fed the 1.72%, 2.02% and 2.53% Ca diets (P < 0.05). Compared to the control group, intestinal sodium-calcium exchanger gene expression was significantly decreased in bullfrogs fed the 1.72% and 2.02% Ca diets (P < 0.05). Based on second order polynomial analysis of weight gain rate, dietary Ca requirement of bullfrog was 1.89%.