Feed Digestibility Research Articles

Pulsed electric field (PEF) processing of microalga Chlorella vulgaris and its digestibility in broiler feed

Microalgae have potentially beneficial effects on animal health and nutritional value when added to feed. Crucial hereby is that intracellular bio-active molecules are released in the intestinal tract. Digestibility of Chlorella vulgaris and its impact on total digestibility of broiler feed is a first step in assessing its characteristics as feed supplement. Different methods could be used to increase the digestibility of the algae. Among other, pulsed electric field (PEF) and freezing to disrupt autotrophic (A) and heterotrophic (H) Chlorella vulgaris cells was assessed to increase their availability followed by in-vivo trials. In these trials effect of algae type (A and H) and effect of PEF-processing was evaluated on the apparent nutrient digestibility. Pulsed electric field showed to have a disruption efficiency of 83.90% and 79.20% for heterotrophic and autotrophic C. vulgaris respectively. Freezing C. vulgaris only showed efficiencies ranging from 3.86 to 11.58%. In the in-vivo trials, microscopic counting of intact C. vulgaris cells showed an increase in digested intact C. vulgaris cells of PEF-processed C. vulgaris compared to nonprocessed cells ranging from 12.16% to 15.20%. Autotrophic C. vulgaris had a higher digestibility compared to heterotrophic C. vulgaris, with an increase of 7.29, 9.44, and 17.29% in digestibility of C. vulgaris in the 1, 2, and 5% feed respectively. Feeds with PEF-processed C. vulgaris showed no significant increase in digestibility compared to nonprocessed C. vulgaris supplemented feeds. The 5% C. vulgaris feeds showed lower fat digestibility than the 1 and 2% and control feeds. Protein digestibility was lower for all C. vulgaris feeds compared to the control feed. There was a significant linear decreasing effect (P < 0.001) for all digestibility parameters. Except for crude ash digestibility, which first lowered for the 1 and 2% feeds, but then increased at 5% inclusion. Considering this study, including low dosages of 1 and 2% of C. vulgaris in broiler feed does not compromise its digestibility.

The use of &lt;i&gt;Quercus cortex&lt;/i&gt; extract and chlortetracycline in the diet: feed digestibility, slaughter traits and the content of chemicals in organism of broilers

In the poultry industry, feed additives with positive effects on the condition of the poultry are constantly used. Antimicrobials are used for this purpose. However, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics accelerates the spread of antibiotic resistance among bacteria. Hence, researchers have increased interest in finding alternative feed additives. Plant extracts are of considerable interest in this matter as they have a wide range of biological properties including antibacterial activity. Phytobiotics, have been found to increase productivity, feed conversion ratio, safety and meat quality. Among the potential phytobiotics, oak bark extract (Quercus cortex) should be emphasized, the activity of which is associated with the content of more active substances. With this in mind, the purpose of this work was formulated to study the effect of Quercus cortex extract and the feed antibiotic Biovit 200 based on 20% chlorotetracycline on feed digestibility, its slaughter properties and the content of chemicals in the body of broilers.The results obtained during the study suggest that the use of Quercus cortex extract (at a dose of 0,2 ml/kg) both alone and in combination with Biovit 200 (at a dose of 0,63 g/kg w.m./day contributed to an increase in the EIP index, digestibility coefficients. An excess in slaughter yield in I, II and III groups over the control group was recorded.

Importance of Nano-Sized Feed Additives in Animal Nutrition

"Nano", which derives from the Latin word nanus and means dwarf, refers to a very small unit of measurement equal to one billionth of a meter. Nanotechnology, which deals with the manipulation of matter at the atomic and molecular level, has an application area in animal husbandry as well as in many fields. Nano-sized feed additives, which have come to the forefront in the livestock sector in recent years, have become an innovative application used to increase the nutritional value of feeds and optimize animal health and performance. Since these additives are nano-sized particles with increased specific surface area, they can have a positive effect on a number of factors such as digestibility, nutrient absorption, immune system, growth and development. Minerals in the form of nanoparticles used as feed additives can increase bioavailability by passing through the intestinal wall to body cells faster compared to larger particles. The nano level of the substance not only increases the productivity of animals, but also brings the potential to improve the functionality of feed molecules. Nano feed additives increase the digestion and absorption of feed, allowing animals to benefit from feed more effectively. However, there are several challenges associated with this approach. These include the potential for endotoxin production, reduced nutrient absorption due to interaction with natural nutrients, the possibility of nanoparticle accumulation in the animal body, health risks, ethical considerations, environmental concerns and some negative effects such as interference with natural nutrients that can be avoided by encapsulation. This article discusses recent studies on nano-sized feed additives that offer potential benefits in animal nutrition.

Biotechnological Processing of Sugarcane Bagasse through Solid-State Fermentation with White Rot Fungi into Nutritionally Rich and Digestible Ruminant Feed

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) bagasse (SCB) is one of the most widely produced lignocellulosic biomasses and has great potential to be recycled for sustainable food production as ruminant animal feed. However, due to severe lignification, i.e., lignin-(hemi)-cellulose complexes, ruminants can only ferment a minor fraction of the polysaccharides trapped in such recalcitrant lignocellulosic biomasses. This study was therefore designed to systematically evaluate the improvement in nutritional value, the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and the rate and extent of in vitro total gas (IVGP) and methane (CH4) production during the 72 h in vitro ruminal fermentation of SCB, bioprocessed with Agaricus bisporus, Pleurotus djamor, Calocybe indica and Pleurotus ostreatus under solid-state fermentation (SSF) for 0, 21 and 56 days. The contents of neutral detergent fiber, lignin, hemicellulose and CH4 production (% of IVGP) decreased (p &lt; 0.05), whereas crude protein (CP), IVDMD and total IVGP increased (p &lt; 0.05) after the treatment of SCB for 21 and 56 days with all white-rot fungi (WRF) species. The greatest (p &lt; 0.05) improvement in CP (104.1%), IVDMD (38.8%) and IVGP (49.24%) and the greatest (p &lt; 0.05) reduction in lignin (49.3%) and CH4 (23.2%) fractions in total IVGP were recorded for SCB treated with C. indica for 56 days. Notably, C. indica degraded more than (p &lt; 0.05) lignin and caused greater (p &lt; 0.05) improvement in IVDMD than those recorded for other WRF species after 56 days. The increase in IVGP was strongly associated with lignin degradation (R2 = 0.72) and a decrease in the lignin-to-cellulose ratio (R2 = 0.95) during the bioprocessing of SCB. Our results demonstrated that treatment of SCB with (selective) lignin-degrading WRF can improve the nutritional value and digestibility of SCB, and C. indica presents excellent prospects for the rapid, selective and more extensive degradation of lignin and, as such, for the improvement in nutritional value and digestibility of SCB for ruminant nutrition.

Growth and Digestion Level of Baronang Fish (Siganus sp.) Fed with the Addition of Alstonia acuminata Plants

One of the main challenges in cultivation is the availability of feed made from local raw materials. Artificial feed with good nutritional value is known to increase fish growth and feed digestibility. Therefore, we must look for cheaper raw materials so that we can reduce feed prices. One approach that can be used is to use natural ingredients, both vegetable and animal, based on local raw materials, as energy providers for fish growth. The use of the Alstonia acuminata plant as a local raw material component for feed is aimed at increasing growth, feed digestibility, and resistance to disease. This research aims to determine the addition of A. acuminata plants at different doses in feed to increase the growth, survival, and feed efficiency of rabbitfish fry. This research used a completely randomized design consisting of four treatments and three replications. A. acuminata plants at doses of 0, 1, 2, and 3% were mixed into isoprotein feed. The test fish used were rabbitfish fry with an initial weight of around 10–20 g, kept in an aquarium measuring 50 cm x 40 cm x 40 cm with a stocking density of 10 fish per aquarium. Fish were given test feed twice a day at 07.00 and 17.00 at satiation. Maintenance was carried out for 42 days. Growth measurements were carried out at the beginning and end of the experiment. The results showed that treatment C provided absolute growth, the highest specific growth rate, a 100% survival rate, as well as high feed efficiency.

Effects of Allium sativum on Growth Performance, Kidney and Liver Function Markers, Microbial Flora and Feed Digestibility in Broiler Chickens

Introduction: The global ban on antibiotics as a feed additive, prompted by concerns over microbial resistance and the accumulation of antibiotic residues in animal products, has urged researchers to explore natural alternatives. These alternatives modulate the gut microbiota and enhance animal production performance. This study aimed to assess the impact of Allium sativum on the production performance of broiler chickens. Materials and methods: A total of 280 day-old broiler chicks were examined for 42 days. After being sexed, they were randomly allocated into five groups, each consisting of 14 chicks, with four replications. The control group was fed on a ration without additives (R0-). The treatment groups consisted of a control diet supplemented with 1 g of antibiotic Doxycycline® per kg of basal diet and per liter of drinking water (R0+) and 5 g garlic per kg of basal feed and also per liter of drinking water (RAs), respectively. To facilitate the oral administration, the solution was absorbed by charcoal from the fruit stones of Canarium schweinfurthii at a rate of 100 g and 100 ml per kg of diet and per liter of drinking water, respectively. The investigated parameters included growth performance, microbial flora, markers of kidney, and liver function, and feed digestibility. Results: The results revealed Allium sativum significantly decreased feed intake, feed conversion ratio, serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and urea levels regardless of the administration mode in broiler chickens, compared to the negative control. When administered through both feed and drinking water, garlic significantly increased live weight, weight gain, and lactic acid bacteria count, compared to the negative control. Feeding garlic to broilers had insignificantly affected the digestibility of feed components irrespective of the administration mode. Conclusion: In conclusion, Allium sativum can effectively serve as a feed additive in broiler diets or drinking water, promoting growth performance without harming kidney and liver functions. The present findings help address concerns about antibiotic resistance and residues in poultry products.

Effectiveness of coconut meat waste in feed intake, digestion and protein retention in goats

The objective of the experiment was to determine the proportion of coconut meat waste on feed consumption, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen retention of goats. The experiment was conducted using a Latin square design on 4 male Bach Thao goat (16.2±2.93 kg). Treatments were 4 levels of coconut meat waste (CMW) at 0, 5, 10 and 15% in basal diet of rice distillers’ by-product, cabbage waste, Operculina turpethum vines, urea and premix. Results indicated that dry matter intake per body weight tended to increase from CMW0 to CMW5 treatment but it was gradually reduced from CMW5 to CMW10 and CMW5 treatments (3.34; 3.50; 3.46 and 3.28, respectively). The ME consumption was higher at supplemented treatments coconut meat waste compared to CMW0 treatment. The nutrient digestibility (%) was gradually increased from CMW0 to CMW15 treatment. Similarly, digestive nutrients tended to increase with increasing coconut meat waste in the diet. The nitrogen retention was numerically lower for the CMW5, CMW10 and CMW15 treatments compared to CMW0, while daily weight gain was not different among treatments. In conclusion, 10% coconut meat waste could be used as an additional source of dietary regimen in goats, without negative effects on animal fattening performance.

Effects of Different Dosages and Methods of Saponin Preparation from Mucuna pruriens Leaves on In Vitro Feed Digestibility

Effects of Different Dosages and Methods of Saponin Preparation from Mucuna pruriens Leaves on In Vitro Feed Digestibility

Microbiological analysis of broiler chicken slaughter products using “Subtiform” probiotic and establishment of safety and technological process criteria

Feeding broiler chickens a probiotic biopreparation containing bacteria of the genus Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis leads to improved feed digestion, increased productivity, and immune status, as well as reduced insemination by opportunistic and pathogenic microorganisms of slaughter products. It enhances the level of prevention and treatment of various poultry diseases. The purpose of the work is to carry out a microbiological analysis of the slaughter products of broiler chickens after drinking the probiotic biological preparation “Subtiform” in doses of 0.5 g, 2.0, and 4.0 g per 10 dm3 of water. The material (major pectoral muscle and internal organs) was examined by bacteriological methods. It was established that the content of MAFAM in the control and experimental groups 1, 2, and 3 of the chilled slaughter products of broiler chickens for 1, 3, and 5 days of storage at a temperature of 0–4 °С was within the limits of standards (no more than 1.0×104 CFU/d). It was established that when broiler chickens were given 4.0 g/10 dm3 of water, the MAFAM content for one day of poultry meat storage decreased by 10.4 % (Р &lt; 0.05); on the third day of storage, it decreased by 9.6 % (Р &lt; 0.05); at the beginning of the fifth day of storage, the decrease was, respectively, by 11.3 % (Р &lt; 0.01) compared to the indicators of the control group. The content of MAFAM in offal, in particular in the heart of broiler chickens, was reduced in experimental group 3 by 36.9 % (Р &lt; 0.001); in the liver – by 33.6% (Р &lt; 0.001); in the muscular part of the stomach – by 27.2 % (Р &lt; 0.001); in the spleen and lungs, there was also a decrease in the content of MAFAM in experimental group 3, respectively, by 20.2 % (Р &lt; 0.01) and 23.6 % (Р &lt; 0.01) compared to the indicators of the control group of broiler chickens. It was established that opportunistic pathogenic microorganisms, in particular BGCP, bacteria of the genus Proteus, and pathogenic microorganisms, in specific bacteria of the genus Salmonella, bacteria of the species Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes in 25 grams of the large pectoral muscle of broiler chickens and internal organs (heart, spleen, liver, the muscular part of the stomach and lungs) were not detected. According to the results of the conducted research, an adverse effect of the probiotic biopreparation at a dose of 4.0 g/10 dm3 of water on the development of microorganisms in the large pectoral muscle and internal organs of broiler chickens was established. Therefore, the probiotic “Subtiform” at a dose of 4.0 g/10 dm3 of water during the drinking of broiler chickens can be recommended to increase productivity and obtain safe slaughter products. The practical value of the work consisted of establishing the microbiological indicators of poultry slaughter products after drinking probiotics, as well as establishing safety criteria and the technological process.

Sunflower oil supplementation in the diets of lactating cows: productive and nutritional performance

Eight Jersey cows (2nd-4th lactation; 483 ± 43 kg body weight; milk yield 21±2.2 kg day-1) were used in a double 4x4 latin square design to evaluate whether the inclusion of increasing levels of sunflower oil in the concentrate up to the limit of 110.0 g kg-1 DM of EE, in replacement to corn grain, has an impact on milk production and composition, feed efficiency, energy balance, intake and digestibility. of diets, and the fatty acid profile of milk fat from Jersey cows. The treatments consisted in lipid supplementation with increasing levels of sunflower oil replacing the corn grain and wheat bran of concentrate, including: CD (control diet), without sunflower oil and with 38 g kg-1 of EE dry matter (DM); and three treatmens with sunflower oil concentrate-included: SF65= 65 g kg-1 DM of EE; SF86=86 g kg-1 DM of EE and SF110=110 g kg-1 DM of EE. The increase of EE in diets did not affect the dry matter intake, neutral detergent fiber or crude protein. There was a linear increase in the digestibility coefficients for organic matter, crude protein, EE, neutral detergent fiber and blood levels of cholesterol. Treatments did not affect milk production, fat content, lactose or total solids. It is possible to use up to a limit of 110.0 g kg-1 DM of EE in the diet, decreasing the concentrate total amount.

The Growth &amp; Survival of Tilapia Fry (Oreochronis niloticus) with the Addition of Fermented Coconut Pulp to Feed

Feed is one of the components that support the aquaculture business, hence the available feed must be sufficient and meet the needs of the fish. The use of coconut pulp as a feed ingredient is limited by its low protein content and high crude fiber content, which reduces the feed's digestibility level. Fermentation is a technology used to increase protein content and reduce crude fiber content, and increase protein digestibility. A. adding fermented coconut pulp 65%, commercial feed 35%, B. adding fermented coconut pulp 45%, commercial feed 55%, C. adding fermented coconut pulp 25%, 75% commercial feed, D. Control (100% commercial feed). This study aimed to analyze the effect of adding fermented coconut pulp to the commercial feed on the growth and survival of tilapia fry (Orechromis niloticus). The research is an experimental study using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 3 replications for 12 experimental units. The results showed that the addition of fermented coconut pulp to tilapia feed had no significant effect on absolute weight and absolute length growth, but had a significant effect on the survival rate of tilapia fry. The best dose of adding fermented coconut pulp to the feed was found in the 25% treatment. The addition of fermented coconut pulp up to 45% did not make a significant difference with the use of commercial feed (control). This indicates the addition of fermented coconut pulp up to 45% can still be given to fish, hence it can be recommended that the addition of fermented coconut pulp to the feed should not exceed 45%.

The Potential Impacts of Antioxidant Micronutrients on Productive and Reproductive Performances of Mammalian Species during Stressful Conditions

Background: The antioxidant micronutrients supplementation to mammalian species during stressful condition have gained great attention of nutritionists to alleviate stressful peri parturient factors, which negatively effect on productive and reproductive performances in subtropics. Methods: The antioxidant micronutrients given to mammalian species refer to minerals (copper, zinc and selenium) and vitamins (vitamins A, C and E). The balanced diet needs an adequate amount of antioxidant micronutrients during stressful conditions for mammalian species. Result: The antioxidant micronutrients are played pivotal roles for body functions especially during transitional period in ruminants. They are given to improve quality of feed, cell functions, carbohydrates, protein and metabolism. Changes in animals’ production, reproduction and therapeutic performances have been confirmed over antioxidant micronutrients supplementations. The antioxidant micronutrients change feed intake, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation and energy production. Such increases in feed digestibility and growth performance resulted in improvement of oocyte, embryo and fetus qualities. In addition, blood cells and plasma biochemistry, immunity and therapeutic performances were altered due to antioxidant micronutrient supplementation. Hence, the review article was designed to collect, consolidate and discuss the effects of antioxidant micronutrient supplementation on productive, reproductive and therapeutic performances on ruminant species during transitional period in subtropics.

Nutrient digestibility, characteristics of rumen fermentation, and microbial protein synthesis from Pesisir cattle diet containing non-fiber carbohydrate to rumen degradable protein ratio and sulfur supplement.

To achieve optimal feed efficiency in ruminants, especially Pesisir cattle, it is necessary to maintain a harmonious equilibrium between energy and protein levels within the rumen. Sulfur supplementation can potentially escalate the energy-protein balance in the rumen. The aim of this study was to explore the formulation of ruminant diets by synchronizing rumen degradable protein (RDP) and non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) while adding sulfur minerals at different levels. Nutrient digestibility, NH3 concentration, volatile fatty acids (VFA) production, microbial protein synthesis (MPS), and methane gas production were assessed. We employed a randomized block design with a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial arrangement and examined diverse incubation periods of 6, 24, and 48 h. Treatment consisted of RDP (60% and 65%), NFC (35% and 40%), and sulfur (0%, 0.15%, and 0.3%) levels. In this study, the Tilley and Terry in vitro technique, which used Pesisir cattle's rumen fluid, was employed to assess the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and RDP-Rumen undegradable protein. In addition, it measures various rumen fluid attributes, including pH, NH3, VFA, MPS, and methane gas production. Treatment with a coordinated combination of 65% RDP and 40% NFC combined with 0.15% sulfur supplement yielded significantly improved digestibility and notably reduced methane gas production (p < 0.05). The enhancement in digestibility and reduction in methane gas emissions can be attributed to the interaction of RDP, NFC, and sulfur. Feed digestibility was increased in the 65% RDP treatment with 40% NFC and 0.15% sulfur, along with a decrease in methane gas production.

Maintaining the physical quality and digestibility of pellet feed through the use of plant-based pellet binder.

This study aimed to analyze the effects of the use of binders on the physical quality and digestibility of Alabio ducks (Anas platyrinchos Borneo). Pellet binders used tapioca meal (TM) (Manihot utilissima), sago meal (SM) (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.), and sweet potato meal (SPM) (Ipomoea batatas) pelleted feed. Laying Alabio ducks, around 120 birds, aged 20 weeks with an average body weight of 1,426 ± 113.5 gm, were used. A fully randomized design with 4 treatments and 15 repeats was used in this study. The variables measured include the physical quality and digestibility of pellet feed. Data analysis used a Fisher test. For the distinction between treatments, the Duncan multiple-range test was conducted. The finding showed that the plant-based pellet binder had a natural effect on physical properties, including pellet durability index, moisture content, threshold power, stack density, and stack compacted density. The strength of the pellet binder is seen in the durability index of TM 98.12%, SM 97.64%, and SPM 97.35%, respectively. However, these variables did not differ significantly in terms of specific gravity and stack angle. Pellet binders considerably affect the consumption of feed and vary markedly in dry matter, organic matter, and metabolizable energy digestibility. Plant-based pellet binders influence the physical quality and digestibility of pelleted feed in Alabio ducks. TM can maintain physical quality and digestibility compared to SM and SPM as plant-based pellet binders.

Improving Feed Intake, Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, and Blood Profiles in Kacang Goats through Pueraria phaseoloides Supplementation in Kume Grass Hay Diets

Improving Feed Intake, Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, and Blood Profiles in Kacang Goats through Pueraria phaseoloides Supplementation in Kume Grass Hay Diets

An Overview of Anaerobic Digestion of Cow Dung

In the past decade, governments and development agencies have contributed significantly to society through anaerobic digestion technology (ADT). Anaerobic digestion technology (ADT) has become an important tool in the fight against global poverty and environmental issues, leading to positive change in communities around the world. The technology works as a wet or dry process, depending on its classification. The process is complex and yields multiple benefits, such as creating a natural fertilizer that can be used to help crops grow, as well as generating renewable energy sources. It is common knowledge that many household-sized digesters installed in different areas are one-stage digesters. One-stage digesters do not require a separate pre-treatment stage before the digestion process. This makes them simpler and more cost-effective to install and operate than traditional two-stage digesters. Thus, some drawbacks are associated with these systems since they feed on just one type of feedstock. Many researchers fail to adequately address interactions critical to ADT’s operation, including interactions among growth factors and operating parameters. In a single-stage and one-substrate digester, researchers commonly neglect to study the digester feeding and operational conditions. Anaerobic digestion was the subject of this review, covering research conducted between 2001 and 2022. The study identified a significant drawback associated with mono-digestion and single-stage digestion. The findings illustrate that mono-substrate and single-stage digestion are worthwhile approaches, even though they have their challenges. However, adding a further digestion stage can significantly improve biogas production.

Dynamic changes of rumen microbiota and serum metabolome revealed increases in meat quality and growth performances of sheep fed bio-fermented rice straw

BackgroundProviding high-quality roughage is crucial for improvement of ruminant production because it is an essential component of their feed. Our previous study showed that feeding bio-fermented rice straw (BF) improved the feed intake and weight gain of sheep. However, it remains unclear why feeding BF to sheep increased their feed intake and weight gain. Therefore, the purposes of this research were to investigate how the rumen microbiota and serum metabolome are dynamically changing after feeding BF, as well as how their changes influence the feed intake, digestibility, nutrient transport, meat quality and growth performances of sheep. Twelve growing Hu sheep were allocated into 3 groups: alfalfa hay fed group (AH: positive control), rice straw fed group (RS: negative control) and BF fed group (BF: treatment). Samples of rumen content, blood, rumen epithelium, muscle, feed offered and refusals were collected for the subsequent analysis.ResultsFeeding BF changed the microbial community and rumen fermentation, particularly increasing (P < 0.05) relative abundance of Prevotella and propionate production, and decreasing (P < 0.05) enteric methane yield. The histomorphology (height, width, area and thickness) of rumen papillae and gene expression for carbohydrate transport (MCT1), tight junction (claudin-1, claudin-4), and cell proliferation (CDK4, Cyclin A2, Cyclin E1) were improved (P < 0.05) in sheep fed BF. Additionally, serum metabolome was also dynamically changed, which led to up-regulating (P < 0.05) the primary bile acid biosynthesis and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acid in sheep fed BF. As a result, the higher (P < 0.05) feed intake, digestibility, growth rate, feed efficiency, meat quality and mono-unsaturated fatty acid concentration in muscle, and the lower (P < 0.05) feed cost per kg of live weight were achieved by feeding BF.ConclusionsFeeding BF improved the growth performances and meat quality of sheep and reduced their feed cost. Therefore, bio-fermentation of rice straw could be an innovative way for improving ruminant production with minimizing production costs.Graphical

Apparent nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization of Panicum maximum-based diets fed to West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep

An experiment was carried out to investigate the apparent nutrient digestibility and nitrogen utilization of feed for West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep fed five selected plants in small ruminant research farm, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos. Twenty WAD sheep were subjected to five dietary treatments with four animals per treatment in a completely randomized design for an in vivo experiment that lasted for 84 days. The animals were fed Anacardium occidentale, Gmelina arborea, Mangifera indica and Gliricidia sepium leaves using Panicum maximum as a basal diet. Dry matter (DM) digestibility varied (p&lt;0.05) between sheep fed Mangifera indica + Panicum maximum and Anacardium occidentale + Panicum maximum respectively. Crude protein digestibility was highest (p&lt;0.05) in sheep fed Anacardium occidentale + Panicum maximum and lowest in sheep fed Mangifera indica + Panicum maximum. Nitrogen digestibility ranged from 79.64% in animals fed Panicum maximum (control) to 93.62% in animals fed Anacardium occidentale + Panicum maximum. Sheep fed Anacardium occidentale + Panicum maximum had highest (p&lt;0.05) value (1.63 g/d) urinary nitrogen while the lowest value (0.65 g/d) was observed in animals fed Mangifera indica + Panicum maximum. Nitrogen absorbed had least value (2.36g/d) in animals fed the control diet whereas significant highest value was recorded in animals fed Anacardium occidentale + Panicum maximum (7.56g/d). The study concluded that sheep fed Anacardium occidentale supplemented with Panicum maximum had the higher values of nutrient digestibilities and nitrogen intake.

Supplementing Broiler Chicken Diet with Uvaria chamae Leaf Meal: Effects on Immune Response, Gut Microbial Population and Growth Performance

The purpose of this experiment was to determine how supplementing Uvaria chamae leaf meal (UCLM) affects growth performance and a few hematological markers of broiler chicken. For a 56-day study, 500 one-day-old (Ross 307) broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five treatments, each consisting of 100 birds. Standard feed was formulated according to the nutritional standards for broilers. Treatment 1 (T1) was fed a standard diet with 0.25 g/kg oxytetracycline while T2, T3, T4, and T5 were provided a standard diet supplemented with UCLM at 5g, 10g, 15g, and 20g, respectively. The treatments had a significant impact on body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and mortality. In contrast, the mortality rate and Escherichia coli counts were higher in T1 and T2 compared to other groups, whereas body weight gain was higher in T2, T3, T4, and T5 compared to T1. Regarding crude fiber digestibility and average daily feed intake, there was no statistically significant difference. The dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, ash digestibility, hemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cell, lymphocytes, monocytes, immunoglobulin A, Y, and M and Lactobacillus sp. counts of the birds supplemented with UCLM at 2 g/kg (T2), 4 g/kg (T3), 6 g/kg (T4), and 8 g/kg (T5) were similar but significantly greater than those of T1 (0.25 g/kg oxytetracycline). It was determined that broilers' diets can include up to 20 g/kg of UCLM supplementation without harming the birds' health.

Influence of various sources of amino acids on composition of intestinal microflora of meat chickens and roosters of parent herd of cross “Smena 9”

Relevance. The intensin’s microbiota plays a crucial role in feed digestion and nutrient digestion in farm poultry, influencing zootechnical performance.The aim of the study was to compare the effect of the addition of lysine and methionine in various forms to the diet on the composition of the intestinal microflora of chickens and roosters of the «Smena 9» cross, as well as to establish a connection between the composition of microflora in different diets with the zootechnical indicators of birds.Methods. Physiological reseach were carried out on meat chickens of the Plimutrock breed and roosters of the Cornish breed of the parent herd of the domestic cross “Smena 9” selection of the “Smena” SSC. 4 groups were formed (control 1A and experimental 2A-4A) such as of 9 laying heads and 4 groups of 9 rooster heads (control 1B and experimental 2B-4B). Analysis of samples of the contents of blind processes of the intestine of birds was carried out by PCR.Results. As shown by the quantitative PCR method, the studied feeding factors: various sources of lysine and methionine and a 5% reduced level of metabolic energy of feed had a different effect on the composition of the microflora of chickens and roosters of the parent stock of the new cross «Smena 9». For example, with a decrease in the level of metabolic energy in the diets of chickens, there was a decrease from 1.2 to 5.0 times in such representatives of the normoflora as Bacteroidetes and Eubacteriaceae, compared with similar groups with a basic amount of metabolic energy (p &lt; 0.05). When lysine was introduced into the diet in the form of monochlorohydrate and DL-methionine, a decrease in the weight of ovaries with an oviduct by 6.9 g was noted against the background of a decrease in the level of metabolic energy compared with the corresponding group with a base content of metabolic energy (p ≤ 0.05), whereas when using lysine in the form of sulfate and methionine in the form of a hydroxyanalog of methionine, a similar effect was reduced not noted (p &gt; 0.05). At the same time, shifts in the composition of microflora against the background of changes in diets did not have any connection with the studied zootechnical parameters in chickens and roosters.