Crude Protein Digestibility Research Articles

Effect of Feeding Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Powder on Nutrient Digestibility of Konkan Kanyal Kids

The present study aimed to determine the Effect of feeding Ginger (Zingiber officinale) powder on nutrient digestibility of Konkan Kanyal kids. antibiotics were commonly used in animal diets to promote growth. However, due to the search for alternative additives and restrictions in many countries on using antibiotics to increase feed value, feed expenses now make up a significant part of the total cost of goat production. An experimental trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding Ginger (Zingiber officinale) powder on body weight of Konkan Kanyal kids. Twenty Konkan Kanyal kids were selected and classified in five treatments by using Randomized Block Design (RBD). Each treatment was subdivided into four replications. All the animals were fed with complete feed having mulato grass, jowar kadabi and concentrate mixture. In treatment T1 no ginger powder was supplemented while in treatment T2 3.0 g ginger powder, in treatment T3 6.0 g ginger powder, in treatment T4 9.0 g ginger powder and in treatment T5 12.0 g ginger powder was supplemented. The duration of experimental trial was 90 days. The study showed that ginger inclusion in the diet improved digestibility thus12g ginger can be included in diet of konkankanyal kids for better performance. The crude protein (CP) digestibility indicated that the animals effectively utilized dietary protein. This could be attributed to certain phytochemicals in ginger, such as tannins and saponins, which help prevent protein degradation in the rumen, allowing for better digestion in the abomasum and small intestine.

Sugarcane, corn silage and concentrate levels in cattle diet

This study evaluated two roughage types (sugarcane and corn silage) and two concentrate feed levels (0 and 25% of the total dry matter) in the cattle diet, in a 2x2 factorial design, and compared passage rate measurements (indicator and rumen evacuation). Four Holstein-Zebu heifers cannulated in the rumen and ileum were evaluated, in a 4x4 Latin square design. Stool samples (8th - 10th day) and rumen fluid (8th day) were collected and the rumen was emptied (14th and 16th day). Treatments were compared by contrast, evaluating the effects of roughage, concentrate feed and interaction between these factors. Dry matter (DM) intake and neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (apNDF) were highest for animals fed corn silage, and DM and organic matter (OM) intake were highest when fed concentrate. There was no roughage effect on ruminal mass, but concentrate decreased ruminal NDF in the total digesta mass. The coefficients of total digestion of crude protein (CP), apNDF and non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) were higher for sugarcane than corn silage. Concentrate feed improved the total digestibility of OM and NFC. Passage rates evaluated by the marker technique and rumen evacuation were similar. Corn silage or 25% concentrate in the cattle diet improved consumption, intake rate and nutrient digestibility. The particle passage rate can be estimated by rumen evacuation or by adjusting a nonlinear mathematical model.

Effect of feeding guava agroindustrial waste on nutrient utilization, lamb performance and economic analysis

Abstract. Our study sought to investigate the impact of incorporating guava agroindustrial waste (GAW) at varying concentrations on nutrient utilization, lamb performance and economic viability. Forty non-castrated, 4-month-old Santa Inês lambs with an initial mean weight of 21.3 ± 2.18 kg were utilized in a confined setting. These lambs were allocated randomly to five treatment groups, each consisting of eight replicates, and were subjected to diets containing increasing levels of GAW (0 %, 7.5 %, 15 %, 22.5 % and 30 % based on dry matter). The feed formulation also included Tifton hay, corn, soybean and mineral salt. Throughout the trial period, parameters such as dry matter intake (DMI), nutrient digestibility and economic metrics were meticulously evaluated. Notably, the performance metrics among the different GAW treatments did not exhibit statistically significant differences (p > 0.05), with an average daily gain of 328 g d−1 observed across all the groups. However, there was a discernible positive effect on the intake of ether extract (p > 0.05). Regarding nutrient digestibility, only the crude protein digestibility demonstrated no significant variance (p > 0.001) among the treatments. Consequently, our findings suggest that GAW can be effectively integrated into sheep diets at levels of up to 30 % without compromising lamb performance. Moreover, from an economic standpoint, this incorporation proves to be the most financially viable and cost-effective option among the evaluated treatments.

Dose-dependent effect of spent coffee grounds on intake, apparent digestibility, fermentation pattern, methane emissions, microbial protein supply and antioxidant status in Latxa sheep.

Spent coffee grounds (SCG), a by-product rich in polyphenols, can form part of enteric CH4 mitigation strategies while promoting the circular economy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 3 levels of SCG inclusion in the concentrate on enteric CH4 production, feed intake, apparent digestibility, ruminal fermentation pattern, microbial protein supply and gene expression of immune and antioxidant markers in peripheral blood of dry dairy ewes. In a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design, 8 non-productive Latxa ewes were assigned to a concentrate that differed in the level of SCG: Control (0g/kg DM), SCG100 (100g/kg DM), SCG150 (150g/kg DM) and SCG200 (200g/kg DM). In each period, 14 days of adaptation were allowed, followed by 7 days in individual metabolic cages, and 3 days in respiratory chambers. To avoid a carry-over effect a minimum of 7 days were allotted between periods in which ewes consumed control concentrate and grass hay. Total organic matter intake (OMI) and CH4 emissions (g/d) presented a quadratic response (P=0.008 and P<0.001, respectively) to increasing levels of SCG in the feed. However, when CH4 emissions were corrected for OMI, a linear decrease was observed with increasing levels of SCG in the concentrate (P=0.009). This reduction in CH4 emissions (g/kg OMI) could be explained by the linear decrease (P=0.034) observed in apparent digestibility of organic matter (OM), particularly in crude protein (CP) and starch (P=0.002 and P=0.003, respectively), with increasing levels of SCG in the concentrate. No significant response was found on CH4 emissions corrected for digestible OM and on ruminal fermentation pattern. Regarding microbial protein supply, a linear increase in microbial protein supply efficiency (P=0.008) was observed with increasing levels of SCG in the concentrate. Moreover, SCG inclusion linearly reduced interleukin 10 (P=0.031), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (P=0.007), nuclear factor kappa β (P=0.014), superoxide dismutase 1 (P=0.015) gene expression and tended to linearly reduce those of tumor necrosis factor-α (P=0.074) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (P=0.082). In conclusion, inclusion of SCG up to 200g/kg in the concentrate did not modify ruminal fermentation pattern, but linearly reduced CH4 emissions per kg of OMI, due to a linear decrease in apparent digestibility of CP and starch. Moreover, linearly increased the efficiency of microbial supply and improved sheep's blood antioxidant-immune status.

Cecal Microbial Diversity and Metabolome Reveal a Reduction in Growth Due to Oxidative Stress Caused by a Low-Energy Diet in Donkeys

Dietary energy level plays an important role in animal growth and development. The present study investigated the effect of dietary energy on the growth performance, antioxidative state, and nutrient digestion of meat donkeys. It simultaneously explored the probable reason for cecal microbiota and metabolome. Twelve meat donkeys (male) aged 1 year with a similar weight (150 ± 25 kg) were divided into two treatment groups: low-energy group (E1) and high-energy group (E2). The experiment was divided into a 10-day pre-trial period and a 135-day trial period. Donkeys in the trial periods were fed diets with digestible energy values (in dry matter) of 12.08 and 13.38 MJ/kg (pre-fattening, 1–45 d), 13.01 and 14.07 MJ/kg (mid-fattening, 46–90 d), and 13.54 and 14.93 MJ/kg (late-fattening, 91–135 d). The results show that E1 decreases body weight, average daily gain (ADG), and the digestibility of crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber (p &lt; 0.05), but increases cecal acetate and butyrate concentrations, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) in serum, and the ratio of dry matter intake to ADG(F/G). E1 diminished the activities of catalase and glutathione peroxidase, while it increased the content of interleukin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) (p &lt; 0.05). Cecal microbiome showed that the abundance of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria in E1 was significantly lower than in E2 (p = 0.029, p = 0.002), whereas Bacteroidetes was higher (p = 0.005). E1 increased the genera Ruminococcaceae-UCG-004, Acinetobacter, and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group. Meanwhile, cecal metabolome showed that formyl-5-hydroxykynurenamine, chorismate, 3-sulfinoalanine, and 3-isopropylmalate were upregulated in E1, while brassinolide was downregulated. The altered metabolites were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways related to energy metabolism and metabolism to mitigate oxidative stress in the meat donkeys, such as tryptophan metabolism, brassinosteroid biosynthesis metabolism, etc. In conclusion, low-energy diets resulted in a negative energy balance in meat donkeys, resulting in more nutrients being oxidized to provide energy, inducing oxidative stress, and thereby leading to decreasing growth. The reduction in meat donkey growth from low-energy diets was related to changes in cecum microbiota and metabolites.

Effect of protease supplementation on amino acid digestibility of soybean meal fed to growing-finishing pigs in two different ages.

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of protease inclusion level in two different ages on the apparent (AID) and standardized (SID) ileal digestibility of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) in soybean meal (SBM) fed to growing-finishing pigs. Ten cannulated pigs (21kg ± 2kg) were assigned to experimental diets in a duplicate 5 × 5 Latin square design. In Phase I (23 to 30 kg-pigs, 90 ± 17 days of age), ileal digesta was collected in 5 periods of 7d (5d adaptation and 2d ileal digesta collection). In phase II, (50 to 65 kg-pigs, 140 ± 17 days of age), ileal digesta was collected in 5 more periods of 7 d. For both phases, a corn starch-based diet was formulated with SBM as the sole source of CP and AA and containing titanium as an indigestible marker. Protease was supplemented at 0, 15,000, 30,000, and 45,000 NFP/kg of feed (0, 25, 50, and 75g/ton of ProAct 360®). A nitrogen-free diet was used to estimate basal ileal endogenous AA losses. Pigs were fed at 4% of their body weight, which was adjusted at the end of each period. Orthogonal polynomial contrasts were used to determine the linear and quadratic effects of dietary protease supplementation in each phase. In phase I, increasing levels of protease resulted in a linear increase (P<0.10) in SID for the 7/11 indispensable AA (Except Arg, His, Met + Cys, and Trp) and the average of all dispensable AA. In phase II, the SID of Ile, Leu, Met, Met + Cys, Val, the average of all indispensable AA, and 4/7 dispensable AA were quadratically increased (P<0.10). In most cases, supplementation with 30,000 NFP/ kg of feed (50g/ton) resulted in the greatest increase in AA digestibility. However, the linear response in phase I for some AA suggests that diets for younger pigs could be supplemented with a greater level (45,000 NFP/kg or 75g/Ton of feed). Interestingly, younger pigs had consistently increased (P<0.10) SID of CP and 15/18 AA (Except Arg, Cys, and Ser), being ~5.6% greater for indispensable AA when compared to older pigs. In conclusion, dietary protease supplementation can increase the SID of AA in soybean meal in both growing and finishing periods. Pig age can potentially influence AA digestibility, possibly related to a greater ileal endogenous AA flow in younger pigs. However, this fact warrants further investigation.

Pregnancy affects maternal performance, feed intake, and digestion kinetics parameters in beef heifers.

This study aimed to quantify the effects of physiological status (PS) and potential interaction of this factor with days of pregnancy (DOP) on beef heifers' weight variation, intake, and digestion kinetics. Twelve rumen-cannulated zebu beef heifers (n = 7 pregnant; n = 5 non-pregnant) were used. Heifers were placed in individual pens and fed medium-quality corn silage plus a protein-based supplement. Heifers' body weight was assessed at the beginning and end of each collection period. The feed intake was measured daily. Target outcomes were evaluated at 107, 170, 208, 240, 267, and 286 days of pregnancy. The apparent total-tract digestibility was determined considering the fecal spot collection, during five days within each collection period. Omasal and ruminal digesta samples were collected at 107, 208, and 267 days of pregnancy for determination of partial digestibilities and diet component outflow. For these purposes, Co-EDTA and indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF) were used as indicators. All data were analyzed using a mixed model framework, considering the PS and DOP as fixed effects and the animal as a random effect. Significant differences were declared when P ≤ 0.05. Pregnant heifers showed an increase in body reserves (+35kg) from 107 to 240 days of pregnancy, but experienced a decrease in shrunk body weight (-36kg) from 240 to 286 days of pregnancy. The intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and ash- and protein-free neutral detergent fiber (apNDF) increased as pregnancy progressed (P < 0.04). The apparent total-tract digestibility of DM tended to be lower (P = 0.09), and the apparent total-tract digestibility of apNDF was reduced (P < 0.01) in pregnant heifers. The digestibility of CP was higher (P < 0.01) on days 267 and 286 in pregnant cows compared to non-pregnant heifers. The ruminal digestibility of OM tended to be lower (P = 0.09) in pregnant beef heifers, while the ruminal digestibility of apNDF was lower (P = 0.02) in pregnant heifers compared to non-pregnant ones. The ruminal pool of wet matter and DM was lower (P ≤ 0.01) in pregnant heifers at 267 days of pregnancy. In all periods, the outflow tended to be greater (P = 0.06) in pregnant heifers compared to non-pregnant heifers. Pregnant beef heifers exhibited a faster (P = 0.01) digesta passage rate during late gestation. In conclusion, late-gestating beef heifers are less efficient in extracting energy from feed compared to non-pregnant animals.

Nutritive Value of Some Concentrate Feedstuffs for Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus).

The objective of this work was to ascertain the nutritive value of six concentrate feedstuffs commonly used in guinea pig feed manufacturing through the substitution method. Six test diets were obtained by replacing the corresponding basal mixture with 40% corn, 50% barley, 45% wheat bran, 35% soybean meal, 30% pigeon pea, or 30% Leucaena leaf meal. Sixty-three guinea pigs were randomly assigned to one of the nine experimental diets (three basal diets and six test diets, with seven animals per diet). The animals were housed in individual cages and provided with feed and water ad libitum. Following a ten-day adaptation period, the feed intake and faeces excretion were monitored for a further five days. The digestible energy content, expressed as kcal/kg dry matter (±standard error), was 3857 ± 83 for corn, 3454 ± 68 for barley, 2911 ± 110 for wheat bran, 3855 ± 81 for soybean meal, 3105 ± 79 for pigeon pea, and 2972 ± 72 for Leucaena leaf meal. The apparent total tract digestibility of crude protein, expressed as % (±standard error) was 73.8 ± 4.9 for corn, 69.5 ± 4.6 for barley, 76.4 ± 3.6 for wheat bran, 88.4 ± 1.0 for soybean meal, 62.1 ± 1.9 for pigeon pea, and 68.0 ± 1.8 for Leucaena leaf meal. Further research is required to increase knowledge about these and other feedstuffs for guinea pigs.

Interactive effect of dietary metabolizable energy levels with amino acid density in male broiler chickens: carcass yield, nutrient intake, digestibility and excretion

This study aimed to assess the interactive effects of ME and digestible amino acid (AA) densities on carcass yield, breast meat quality, nutrient digestibility, and excretion in male broiler chickens. Twelve experimental diets arranged as a 4 × 3 factorial array with 4 levels of ME (standard, -50, -100, -150 kcal) and 3 digestible AA (standard, +3.0 and +6.0%) were offered to 2400 day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens. Diets were replicated 8 times with 25 birds per replicate, and fed for starter (0-10 d), grower (11-24 d), finisher (25-35 d), and withdrawal (36-42 d) phases, with consistent reduction of ME and increase in AA density for each phase. On day 24, three birds per replicate were euthanized to collect digesta for nutrient digestibility and excreta samples were collected on day 40 for nutrient excretion analysis. On day 42, four birds per replicate were euthanized for carcass yield and quality evaluation. The birds' feed intake, along with calculated ME and AA levels, were used to determine nutrient intake. No interactions were observed between ME and AA densities on carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and excretion (P > 0.05). Reducing ME density linearly increased breast meat yield and decreased abdominal fat, regardless of AA density (P < 0.01). Increasing AA density enhanced breast meat yield but increased white striping and woody breast scores in a linear manner (P < 0.01). Dietary treatments didn't affect ileal digestibility of crude protein and gross energy, except for improved starch digestibility with 6.0% AA density (P < 0.01). Crude fat digestibility decreased linearly with decreased ME density, while reducing ME density linearly decreased fat, calcium, copper, and manganese excretion (P < 0.01). Increasing AA density linearly increased nitrogen excretion, but reduced calcium and iron excretion (P < 0.05). Over the entire production period lower ME and higher AA density increased digestible lysine intake (mg/bird/day; P < 0.01). In summary, these results suggest that dietary ME and AA density, independently, affect carcass yield, breast meat quality, nutrient digestibility, and excretion.

Enhancing growth performance and health of coloured-broiler chickens with signal grass meal (Brachiaria decumbens) supplementation under tropical conditions

This study examines the impact of signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens) as a phytobiotic supplement on the production performance and health of coloured-broiler chickens reared in tropical environments. A total of 216 day-old Sasso broiler chicks were randomly assigned to six treatment groups with six replications each. All six treatments received the same commercial diets with some adjustments: Treatment 1 (negative control) with only commercial feed, Treatment 2 (positive control) with 100 mg kg-1g kg-1 oxytetracycline, Treatment 3, 4, 5, and 6 with 1.25, 2.50, 3.75, and 5.00 g kg-1 of B. decumbens grass meal, respectively, without antibiotic. Throughout the eight-week study, body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly for each replicate to calculate body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Additional evaluations included nutrient digestibility, gut histomorphology, cecal microflora population, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Blood biomarkers and biochemistry were also analysed to evaluate the chickens' health status. Results indicated that broilers supplemented with B. decumbens grass meal, particularly T6 showed significantly (p<0.05) superior growth performance compared to the negative with reduced FCR of 6.8%. Apparent ileal digestibility was also significantly improved in T6, with 22.32% higher CP digestibility. Enhanced gut histomorphology and a healthier cecal microbial population supported improved nutrient absorption and overall gut health, as evidenced by significant increases in the villi-to-crypt ratio and a higher coliform count than the control. Enhanced carcass characteristics, such as higher full gizzard and gastrointestinal tract weights of T6 broilers, further supported improved digestibility. The supplementation also improved meat quality, with blood biomarkers indicating lower stress and inflammation levels comparable to T2. Additionally, the blood biochemistry of T6 broilers suggested hepatoprotective and hypocholesterolemic effects. Therefore, broilers in T6 demonstrated that B. decumbens has significant potential as an effective feed additive to replace antibiotics in the tropical poultry sector due to its phytocompounds profile, including high saponin content.

The Evaluation of Substituting Native Grass with Citronella Waste on the Digestibility of Dry Matter, Organic Matter, and Crude Protein in Ruminants Feeding

This study aims to determine the effect of substituting native grass with citronella waste on the digestibility of ruminants' dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein. A completely randomized design with 6 (six) treatments and 3 (three) replications is used in this research. The treatments were as follows: P1 = 50% native grass + 0% citronella waste + 50% concentrate; P2 = 40% native grass + 10% citronella waste + 50% concentrate; P3 = 30% native grass + 20% citronella waste + 50% concentrate; P4 = 20% native grass + 30% citronella waste + 50% concentrate; P5 = 10% native grass + 40% citronella waste + 50% concentrate; and P6 = 0% native grass + 50% citronella waste + 50% concentrate. The results showed that substituting native grass with citronella waste significantly affects (P&lt;0.01) the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein. The highest digestibility values were observed in the treatment using 100% native grass, with dry matter digestibility at 52.67%, organic matter at 56.58%, and crude protein at 67.55%. The study concludes that while native grass cannot be entirely replaced by citronella waste, it can substitute up to 50% of the complete feed when native grass availability is limited.

Effect of Dietary Crude Protein Reduction Levels on Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Nitrogen Utilization, Blood Parameters, Meat Quality, and Welfare Index of Broilers in Welfare-Friendly Environments.

We investigated the effects of feeding different levels of crude protein (CP) on broiler performance, blood characteristics, meat quality, nutrient and nitrogen (N) availability, stress levels, and welfare indicators in a welfare environment. A total of 625 eight-day-old male broilers were assigned to five dietary CP levels (control (CON) and 1-4% CP reductions) during the grower (8-21 days) and finisher (22-35 days) periods. The CON diet contained 20% CP in the grower phase and 19% in the finisher phase, while all birds received a 22% CP diet during the starter period (1-7 days). Intriguingly, reducing CP levels in the diet did not significantly affect growth performance. These results may be due to the adequate supplementation of essential amino acids in the diets of all treatments and the compensatory growth observed in the finisher phase. Low-CP diets reduced CP digestibility, N intake, and N excretion, while N retention efficiency improved (p < 0.001). Serum total protein (TP) levels decreased equally with decreasing CP in the diet, and the crude fat content in meat increased linearly (p < 0.01). The litter moisture content and pH decreased with lower CP levels, and the welfare indices (footpad dermatitis (FPD), serum corticosterone, etc.) improved (p < 0.01). In conclusion, an appropriate reduction in CP levels in their diet can enhance broiler welfare by reducing N excretion and improving litter quality without adversely affecting performance.

Effect of Cashew Nutshell Extract, Saponins and Tannins Addition on Methane Emissions, Nutrient Digestibility and Feeding Behavior of Beef Steers Receiving a Backgrounding Diet.

The beef industry contributes to greenhouse gas emissions through enteric methane emissions, exacerbating climate change. Anacardic acid in cashew nutshell extract (CNSE), saponins and tannins (ST) are plant secondary metabolites that show promise in methane mitigation via antimicrobial effects, potentially exerting changes in ruminal fermentation patterns. This study examined the impact of CNSE, ST, and their combination on methane emissions, digestibility, intake, and performance of sixteen Angus crossbred steers (347 ± 30 kg) receiving a backgrounding diet (70:30 corn silage: cottonseed burrs). The study used a 4 × 4 Latin square design (4 steers, 4 treatments, 4 periods) with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, including the main effects of additive (CNSE or ST) fed individually or combined. Thus, steers received the following treatments: (1) no additive, (2) CNSE only, (3) ST only, or (4) both (CNSEST). Non-supplemented steers registered eight more feedbunk visits/d than ST-steers and spent an extra 10 min/d on the feedbunk. The addition of ST tended to increase dry matter, organic matter, and neutral detergent fiber intake. Additives fed individually reduced CP digestibility. Intake of the carrier containing CNSE only was lesser and coincided with a greater methane yield in that treatment. Digestibility and methane mitigation were improved after CNSEST compared with individual inclusion, suggesting synergistic reactions enhanced methane mitigation effects in fibrous diets without affecting the digestibility of nutrients nor animal growth performance.

Development of Prediction Equations for Digestible and Metabolizable Energy in 15 Cereal Processing By-Products Fed to Growing Pigs.

The study was conducted to determine the nutrient digestibility and digestible (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) of 15 cereal processing by-products and to develop prediction equations for DE and ME based on the chemical composition in growing pigs. A total of 36 crossbred pigs were chosen and divided into three blocks according to a three 12 × 3 Youdin square experimental design. Twelve pigs in each block were allocated into six diets including a basal diet and five test diets. The feeding experiment included three periods, and each dietary treatment contained six replicates. Each period lasted 12 days, including 7 d of dietary adaption and 5 d of total feces and urine collection. The results showed that the coefficients of variation for EE, NDF, ADF, CP, and GE among 15 cereal processing by-products were 86.78%, 49.82%, 51.14%, 14.95%, and 6.26%, respectively. There were significant differences in DE, ME, and ME/DE (DM basis) among 15 cereal processing by-products (p < 0.05), ranging from 11.55 MJ/kg to 17.64 MJ/kg, from 10.90 MJ/kg to 17.40 MJ/kg, and from 89.41% to 98.63%, respectively. The digestibility of GE, DM, NDF, ADF, and CP showed a significant difference among 15 cereal processing by-products (p < 0.05). The DE and ME contents showed a negative correlation to NDF and ADF (p < 0.05), and the prediction equations for DE and ME (as-fed basis) were DE (MJ/kg) = -0.4597 × ADF (%) + 0.5988 × GE (MJ/kg) + 6.0138 (R2 = 0.74; p < 0.05) and ME (MJ/kg) = 1.0440 × DE (MJ/kg) - 1.1235 (R2 = 0.98; p < 0.05). On a DM basis, the optimal prediction equations for DE and ME were DE (MJ/kg DM) = -0.1451 × NDF (%) + 0.3026 × CP (%) + 13.8595 (R2 = 0.72; p < 0.05) and ME (MJ/kg DM) = 1.1155 × DE (MJ/kg DM) + 0.0363 × ADF (%) - 2.3412 (R2 = 0.99; p < 0.05). In conclusion, there were large variations in the chemical composition, nutrients digestibility, and available energy among the 15 different samples of cereal processing by-products. It is reasonable to develop prediction equations for DE and ME based on the chemical composition of cereal by-products for growing pigs.

Growth performance and ruminal fermentation characteristics of Thai-native beef cattle fed cassava pulp fermented with Lactobacillus casei TH14 and additives.

Raw cassava pulp is a low-nutritional agro-industry residue with a high moist content that is susceptible to rot. Biodegradation of cassava pulp by adding Lactobacillus spp. plus stimulants could boost bio-acidity to preserve cassava pulp as ruminant feed. This investigation assessed the effect of ensiled cassava pulp without or with Lactobacillus casei TH14 (LTH14), urea, and molasses on the intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, and growth performance of native Thai beef cattle. Eight Thai-native beef bulls (170.3 ± 20.2kg of initial body weight) were randomly assigned to two treatment groups in a completely randomized design: cassava pulp ensiled without additives (CPFNO; n = 4) and cassava pulp ensiled with the combination of LTH14 (2.5g per ton of fresh material), urea (4% DM), and molasses (4% DM) (CPFWA; n = 4). The intake of the concentrate diet and ensiled cassava pulp did not differ (p > 0.05) between the CPFNO and CPFWA groups, including final body weight, average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (p > 0.05). However, CPFWA affected higher rice straw intake compared to the CPFNO group (p < 0.05). The intake and digestibility of crude protein (CP) were greater for the CPFWA group at 43.86% and 30.87%, respectively, compared to the CPFNO group (p < 0.05). Ruminal ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N)and blood urea-nitrogen (BUN) were increased when animals were fed with CPFWA (p < 0.05). The average total volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration of CPFWA was greater than that of CPFNO by 27.49% (p < 0.05). In conclusion, CPFWA supplementation can enhance rice straw intake, CP intake and digestion, total ruminal VFA concentration, and BUN levels, without adversely affecting growth performance.

Oregano essential oil and Bacillus subtilis role in enhancing broiler’s growth, stress indicators, intestinal integrity, and gene expression under high stocking density

This study investigates the role of dietary Bacillus subtilis and oregano essential oil in mitigating the effects of high stocking density on growth performance, carcass traits, physiological stress indicators, gene expression, and intestinal integrity in broiler chickens. A total of, 1250 one-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were randomly allocated to five experimental groups, where each group had five replicates of 50 chicks. Group 1 (control, LSD): 15 chicks/m2 fed a basal diet without feed additive, group 2 (HSD): 20 chicks/m2 fed a basal diet without feed additive, group 3 (BHSD): 20 chicks/m2 fed a basal diet supplemented with B. subtilis (500 mg/kg diet), group 4 (OHSD): 20 chicks/m2 fed a basal diet supplemented with oregano essential oil (300 mg/kg diet), group 5 (CHSD): 20 chicks/m2 fed a basal diet supplemented with oregano essential oil and B. subtilis. At 35 days of age, there was a noticeable improvement in the growth performance of broilers fed CHSD under high stocking density through the increase in body weight gain, dressing percentage, and crude protein digestibility with a decrease in feed conversion rate compared to other groups. Adding CHSD enhanced the state of oxidation and immunity through increasing superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and the relative weight of bursa of Fabricius, while decreasing malondialdehyde, in addition to increasing plasma triiodothyronine levels. The microbial structure and morphometric parameters improved in the group that received the CHSD compared to the other groups, where villus height and Lactobacillus population increased, whereas Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens population decreased. Glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2), fatty acid transporter 1 (FABP1), and amino acid transferase 1 (CAT1) gene expression levels significantly increased when feeding on oregano essential oil with B. subtilis. In conclusion, combining oregano essential oil and B. subtilis supplements mitigated the effects of high stocking density by enhancing growth performance, antioxidative status, and intestinal integrity, in addition to modifying the genetic expression of genes related to nutrient absorption.

Effects of dietary metabolizable energy and crude protein levels on laying performance, egg quality and fecal microbiota of Taihe Silky Fowl during the peak laying period.

The experiment aimed to study the effect of dietary metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) on laying performance, egg quality, serum routine biochemical and lipid metabolism indicators, the apparent digestibility of nutrients, and fecal microbiota of Taihe Silky Fowl (TSF) during the peak laying period. A total of 540 26-week-old TSF female fowls were randomly allocated to 9 groups with 5 replicates per group and 12 fowls per replicate. The fowls were fed with a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments diets (ME:10.88,11.30, or 11.72 MJ/kg; CP: 15, 16, or 17%). With the increasing CP level, the egg weight (EW) (P=0.023), egg production (EP) (p=0.047), and egg mass (EM) (p=0.022) enhanced, while the feed conversion rate (FCR) (p=0.023) decreased. As the ME levels grew, the average daily feed intake (ADFI) (p<0.001) and FCR (p=0.045) decreased. With enhanced ME, the triglycerides (TG) (p=0.037), total cholesterol (TCHO) (p=0.041), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (p=0.028) increased, whereas the low-density serum lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (p=0.039) decreased. The apparent digestibility of crude protein increased as the ME level increased (p= 0.029) and as the CP level decreased (p=0.027). At the same time, the apparent digestibility of gross energy increased as the ME level increased (p=0.018). Different levels of ME or CP changed the composition of fecal microbiota, 17% CP increased the abundance of Bifidobacterium. It is suggested that 10.88 MJ/kg dietary ME and 17% CP level are suitable for the nutritional requirements of TSF during the peak laying period.

Nutrient density and the collaborative impact of exogenous enzyme blend on the performance of broiler chicken.

This study evaluates the collaborative effect of exogenous enzyme blend and dietary nutrient density on the performance of broiler chicken. A total of 600 Ross 308 broiler chickens with same average initial body weight were randomly assigned to 5 treatments. Each treatment contained 8 replicates, and 15 birds per replicate. The diets included a control (CON) starter/finisher (S/F) diet with metabolizable energy (ME) 3,100/3,200 in Kcal/kg and crude protein (CP) content 22.0.0/20.00 in % as (S/F 3,100/3,200 Kcal/kg + CP, 22.00/20.00 %). S/F with ME 3,060/3,150 Kcal/kg + CP 21.50/19.50 % with and without the exogenous enzyme blend as (S/F 3,060/3,150 Kcal/kg + 21.50/19.50 % with, and without the exogenous enzyme blend), and lastly, S/F with ME 3,010/3,100 Kcal/kg + CP 21.50/19.50 % with, and without the exogenous enzyme blend as (S/F 3,010/3,100 Kcal/kg + 21.50/19.50 % with, and without the exogenous enzyme blend). The impact of the treatments was tested on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites, intestinal microflora, and morphology of broiler chicken. The inclusion of exogenous enzyme blend in the nutrient-deficient diet S/F 3,060/3,150 + 21.50/19.50 increased (p<0.05) broilers body weight, feed conversion ratio, nutrient digestibility of crude protein, gross energy, phosphorus, and blood phosphorus, with tendency (p<0.10) of higher dry matter. The treatment also showed lower (p<0.05) total anaerobic bacteria, coliform, and higher (p<0.05) villus height (VH) in the jejunum, with tendencies (p<0.10) of higher lactobacillus in the ileum and caecum, and higher tendency (p<0.10) of VH in duodenum and ileum. We concluded that the improved performance could be attributed to the potency of S/F 3,060/3,150 + 21.50/19.50 supplemented with 0.05% of the multienzyme to reduce the level of potential pathogenic bacteria with an increased level of positive bacteria, which in turn creates an enabling intestinal villi structure in broiler chicken.

Effects of insect meals on fish digestibility, blood parameters, and economic performance: a meta-analysis

Abstract This review examines the use of insect meal (IM) as a substitute for fishmeal (FM) in fish feeds within the past decade. While global interest in this alternative is growing, research on its effects on fish digestibility, blood parameters, and economic performance has been limited. Meta-analysis on the apparent digestibility coefficient revealed a negative effect summary on dry matter (−0.92) and crude lipid (−0.51), although the difference between the two groups was relatively minor. However, a positive effect summary was reported in the apparent digestibility of crude protein (0.12), suggesting a potential advantage in the utilization of protein by fish fed with IM-containing diets. Whereas meta-analysis on fish blood parameters demonstrates varying effects summary, necessitating further research. Analysis of economic performance revealed an overall better economic performance in the IM diet with an effect summary of −0.08 for feed cost and 0.00 for the economic profit index. Overall use of IM in aquafeed shows promise in improving feed quality and fish performance, potentially becoming a sustainable alternative to traditional FM. Recommendations include exploring IM’s impact on fish blood parameters through more investigations. Shifting focus from traditional measures to markers directly linked with fish health and immune response can provide more precise insights. Moreover, exploring various components of IM, such as lipids and functional elements like chitin, through simplified breakdown methods, can significantly enhance our comprehension of their nutritional value. Analyzing how each part influences fish health could pave the way for a sustainable and efficient alternative to FM in aquaculture.

Dietary β-mannanase reduced post-weaning diarrhea of pigs by positively modulating gut microbiota and attenuating systemic immune responses

BackgroundAfter weaning, nursery pigs have difficulty digesting non-starch polysaccharides in their diets, which can result in growth and health problems. Among non-starch polysaccharides, β-mannan is easily found in various cereal grains that form the basis of livestock diets and interferes the digestion and utilization of nutrients. Supplementation of dietary β-mannanase in nursery diet can alleviate the negative effects on nutrient utilization efficiency caused by β-mannan and improve growth and health of pigs. This study was conducted to evaluate effects of dietary β-mannanase supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, fecal microbiota, and systemic immune responses of weaned pigs.ResultsDietary β-mannanase (MAN) improved average daily gain (P = 0.053), average daily feed intake (P < 0.05), and gain to feed ratio (P = 0.077) of pigs for 3 weeks after weaning and apparent total tract digestibility of crude protein (P = 0.060) and reduced post-weaning diarrhea (P < 0.05). The MAN did not affect the ileal morphology. Pigs fed with MAN had more diverse fecal microbiota based on the results of alpha diversity [the number of operational taxonomic units (OTUs; P = 0.061), Shannon (P = 0.071), and Simpson indices (P = 0.078)] and relative abundance of phylum Bacteroidetes (P = 0.064) and genus Prevotella (P < 0.05) than pigs fed control diet (CON). As a result of beta diversity, fecal microbiota was clustered (P < 0.05) into two distinct groups between dietary treatments. The MAN decreased (P < 0.05) packed cell volume (PCV), the number of white blood cells (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and cortisol of the pigs for 2 weeks after weaning compared with CON.ConclusionDietary β-mannanase reduced post-weaning diarrhea of pigs by positively modulating gut microbiota and attenuating systemic immune responses.