Nutrient Digestibility Of Diets Research Articles

The role of fulvic acid in feeding heifers of reproductive age in the conditions of the Novgorod region

Many domestic and foreign researchers have drawn attention to humic and fulvic acids, which are successfully used in animal husbandry, poultry farming and aquaculture. In search of new ways to increase livestock productivity, as well as the quality of livestock products, the number of scientific studies on the use of humic substances of various origins in animal husbandry has increased significantly, which emphasizes the role of feed additives obtained from local resources. In the article the effectiveness of the use of fulvic acid in the diets of young cattle is presented. Experimental studies were conducted in the Ilyich Agricultural Cooperative of the Starorussky district of the Novgorod region on heifers of the Holstein breed of Dutch breeding older than a year (repair heifers of reproductive age). The animals of the control group consumed a nutritionally balanced basic diet (HR), the first experimental group – HR + fulvic acid (10 ml/head / day), the second experimental group - HR + fulvic acid (15 ml/head /day), 10 heads in each group. As a result of the conducted studies, the positive effect of the use of fulvic acid in the diets of young animals was determined, its effect on the digestibility of nutrients in diets, biochemical parameters of blood, reproductive function was studied, the optimal dose of fulvic acid feeding in this age period was determined. The use of fulvic acid in the diet of young animals allowed to increase the absorption of nutrients from the diet, improve blood biochemical parameters, and improve the reproductive qualities of heifers by 15.5–20.2 %. The results obtained allow us to recommend fulvic acid for use in the diets of repair heifers of reproductive age on farms in the Northwestern region in the amount of 10 ml per head per day.

Hesperidin facilitating gastrointestinal motility by “Gut-brain axis” and “SCF/C-Kit signaling pathways”

Hesperidin shows promising results as a potential feed additive for enhancing gastrointestinal motility in animals. Gastrointestinal function plays a pivotal role in animal growth and the digestibility of dietary nutrients, with gastrointestinal motor function serving as a crucial component. However, limited research has been conducted on the application of hesperidin as a feed additive to promote gastrointestinal motility. The present study aims to assess the efficacy of Hesperidin as a feed additive in promoting gastrointestinal motility and elucidating its underlying mechanism. A total of 200 newly hatched (1-day-old) broilers with similar body weight were randomly allocated into 4 groups as follows: the control group receiving only the basal diet, and the other 3 groups supplemented with 50, 100, and 150 mg of hesperidin per kg of the basal diet, respectively. Each group consisted of 5 replicates with ten broilers per replicate, and the feeding trial lasted for a duration of 21 d. At 21 d of age, a 5% w/v Evans Blue solution in distilled water was utilized to measure intestinal transit rates (ITR). Gastric emptying (GE) was evaluated by administering a phenol red solution at a concentration of 0.05% w/v (1 mL/broiler). Fifteen broilers from each group were euthanized and immediately dissected to obtain gizzard, hypothalamus, duodenum, and jugular blood samples. Jugular blood samples were collected for brain-gut peptide content analysis, while gizzard, hypothalamus, and duodenum samples were used for immunohistochemical analysis. Real-time qPCR was performed on gizzard samples. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in the GE and ITR of broilers in all treatment groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05), particularly in the 100mg/Kg and 150mg/Kg hesperidin group. Incorporation of hesperidin into the broilers' diet significantly enhances serum levels of ghrelin, encompassing serotonin (5-HT), motilin (MTL), cholecystokinin (CCK), and Stem Cell Factor (SCF) as well as substance P (SP) in the gizzard and duodenal tissues while reducing vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) levels (P < 0.05). The group administered a dosage of 150mg/Kg exhibited the most pronounced effect.Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that hesperidin supplementation up-regulated SP protein content and down-regulated VIP protein content in the hypothalamus, gizzard, and duodenum of broilers (P < 0.05), with the most pronounced effect illustrated in the 150mg/Kg hesperidin group. Furthermore, addition of hesperidin to broiler feed resulted in a significant up-regulation of protein expression and gene expression related to SCF and The protein expression of Receptor tyrosine kinase (C-Kit) was significantly upregulated in the 150mg/Kg group, while the gene expression of C-Kit was significantly upregulated in the 50 mg/Kg group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, hesperidin exhibits promising potential as a feed additive for broilers, as its dietary supplementation of hesperidin improves gastrointestinal motility through modulation of both "gut-brain axis" signaling pathways and "SCF/C-Kit signaling pathways" within broiler chicken's digestive system. Notably, basal diet supplemented with 150mg/Kg hesperidin demonstrates superior efficacy.

Carbohydrase enzyme and polyethylene glycol altered the chemical composition, growth performance and apparent nutrient digestibility of Prosopis juliflora pods meal diets fed to Boschveld chicken breed

This study was designed to evaluate how treating Prosopis juliflora pods with polyethylene glycol and carbohydrase enzyme will affect its chemical composition and how the inclusion of treated P. juliflora pods in Boschveld chicken's diets will affect growth performance and nutrient digestibility. Before P. juliflora pods were administrated to the diets, they were pre-treated with enzyme, PEG and a combination of both and analysed for their nutrient content. Five diets, namely PJPM1: commercial standard pullet grower diet as a control; PJPM2: commercial standard grower diet with untreated 30 % of P. juliflora; PJPM3: commercial standard grower diet with PEG treated 30 % of P. juliflora; PJPM4: commercial standard grower diet with carbohydrase enzyme treated 30 % of P. juliflora; PJPM5: commercial standard grower diet with PEG and carbohydrase enzyme treated 30 % of P. juliflora. A total of 300 six-week-old Boschveld chickens were used in this trial. After 42 days of feeding trial, three Boschveld chickens per replicate (n = 90) were randomly selected for the determination of nutrient digestibility. Results on the chemical composition of raw P. juliflora pods meal, pre-treated with enzyme, PEG and combination of both show significant difference (P <0.05) in CP, Ash, NDF, CF, EE, Hemicellulose, NFC and NFE. Only overall feed intake shows significant different (P <0.05) in all dietary treatments and all the measured parameters of nutrient digestibility. Enzyme and PEG positively contribute to the chemical composition, growth performance, and nutrient digestibility of diets containing P. juliflora fed to Boschveld chickens.

Use of non-alkaloid lupine grain of the variety Deko in compound feed for young laying hens

The purpose of the research was to study the use of alkaloid-free lupine grain of the variety Deco in compound feed for young laying hens of the cross Hisex Brown. The studies were carried out under the conditions of enterprises of the Volgograd region on poultry of the highly productive egg-laying сross Hisex Brown. The nutritional value of lupine with diff erent levels of its introduction into compound feed recipes instead of full-fat soy for young egg-laying hens was assessed. The positive eff ect of lupine use on such important animal science and physiological indicators as digestibility and assimilation of nutrients in diets, live weight of young hens, hematological indicators of experimental chickens, and economic eficiency was substantiated. Thus, the digestibility coefficient of dry matter of feed in the control group was 70.96 %, in the 1st experimental group it was 71.87 %, which was by 0.91 abs.% more than in the control group; in the 2nd experimental group it was 72.23 %, which was also higher than the control by 1.27 abs.% and in the 3rd experimental group the studied indicator was 72.07 % and was higher than the control group by 1.11 abs.%. The indicators of total and average daily live weight gain in the experimental groups were higher than in the control group. Thus, in the 1st experimental group these indicators were higher in comparison with the control by 12.5 g and 0.11 g (0.95 %). In the 2nd experimental group these indicators were higher than in the control group by 29.31 g and 0.25 g (2.23 %) and in the 3rd group by 18.38 g and 0.15 g (1.4 %), respectively. The economic efficiency in terms of cost indicators of compound feed for poultry in the control and experimental groups was within the following limits: in the 1st experimental group 857.5 rubles, in the 2nd experimental group 1286.25 rubles, and in the 3rd experimental group 1715.0 rubles.

Influence of probiotic and vitamin C on productivity, digestibility and accessibility of nutrients in the diet of meat quails while reducing the risk of aflatoxicosis

Of all known aflatoxicones, the most dangerous is afl atoxin B1, produced by mold of the genus Aspergillus. It destroys the liver parenchyma, very often leading to cirrhosis of this gland. In addition, aflatoxin B1 suppresses the vital activity of beneficial microfl ora of the digestive tract and the processes of digestion and absorption of nutrients in compound feed. The purpose of the research was to study the effect of vitamin C and the probiotic Bioxymin Chicken on the livability, growth rate, digestibility and accessibility of nutrients in compound feed for meat quails with a tolerant level of aflatoxin B1. The studies have shown that in order to improve the survival rate of livestock, growth rate, increase digestibility and accessibility of nutrients in the diet, vitamin C at a dose of 500 g/t and probiotic Bioxymin Chicken at a dose of 1500 g/t of the compound feed should be included in the composition of complete compound feeds (barley-sorghum-soy type) at a tolerant level of afl atoxin B1. This resulted in a significant (p &lt; 0.05) superiority of the quails of the 3rd experimental group over the control analogues in terms of digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fi ber and nitrogen-free extractive substances. The results of the studies have shown that the activity indices of proteinases, cellulases, lipases, amylases in the chyme of the small intestine are completely consistent with the indices of digestibility and assimilation of nutrients in quail diets. In addition, in comparison with the quails of the control group, the meat quails of the 3rd experimental group showed a higher digestibility of feed nitrogen by 7.10 % (p &lt; 0.05), with an increase in the level of use of this element from the amount taken per day with feed by 3.69 abs.%.

Effect of S. cerevisiae strain KA500 supplementation on feed performance, feed efficiency, and digestion ability in feedlot buffaloes.

Live yeasts have favorable characteristics for use in animal feed, and may become a beneficial tool to improve digestive efficiency in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis). The productive performance, feed efficiency, and digestion ability of buffaloes fed diets supplemented with yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain KA500) were evaluated. Eighteen male Murrah buffaloes, with initial weight 250 ± 31 kg (mean ± standard deviation), and aged approximately 12 months, were randomly assigned to one of two treatments. The treatments included experimental feed containing 10 g of the live yeast capable of forming 2 × 1010 colony forming units (CFU) and control (feed with no added yeast). The daily weight gain tended to be lower (p = 0.07) in buffaloes supplemented with yeast. There was a reduction in daily dry matter intake (DMI) and in % yield of live weight in buffaloes supplemented with yeast. There was no effect of live yeast supplementation on weight gain/kg dry matter intake, height at withers or rump, body condition score, total weight gain, carcass yield, plasma urea nitrogen concentrations, purine derivatives, and plasma glucose concentrations. The digestibility of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) were lower (p < 0.05) with the supplementation of live yeast, although live yeast supplementation did not affect the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and non-NDF OM. The strain and dosage of live yeast used did not have a positive effect on buffalo performance and digestibility of dietary nutrients.

Impact of extrusion temperature and moisture incorporation on nutrient digestibility in barramundi (Lates calcarifer) diet

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of extrusion temperature and moisture incorporation procedure on nutrient digestibility of diets fed to barramundi (Lates calcarifer). A single premix was processed under six contrasted extrusion processing conditions, with extruder barrel temperatures set at 100 °C and 110 °C, and liquid water either incorporated in the preconditioner, in the barrel, or in both. In a subsequent 33-day feeding trial, grow-out fish (758.3 ± 24.5 g) were fed the 6 diets and apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) were assessed for 42 fatty acids, 17 amino acids, protein, lipids and energy. Digestibility of protein (92.3–93.7%), lipid (84.1–89.4%), and energy (69.4–75.2%) also remained unaffected by extrusion settings (P > 0.05). However, lower extrusion temperature and moisture incorporation in both preconditioner and barrel resulted in higher digestibility of poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), long-chain poly-unsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), omega-3, omega-6 and 22:6 docosahexaenoic n-3 (DHA). Moreover, lower extrusion temperature significantly improved ADCs of essential amino acids, except lysine, histidine, and threonine (P < 0.05). The results showed no significant impact (P > 0.05) of the tested extrusion parameters on fish growth (TGC: 2.11 ± 0.17), feed intake, or feed conversion performance (FCR: 1.67 ± 0.13). The study unveils diverse responses to extrusion temperature and moisture levels regarding amino acid and fatty acid digestibility. These findings highlight the advantages of preconditioning during the extrusion process to enhance fatty acid digestibility.

Chemical composition, energy content, and nutrient digestibility of rye grain in broiler chickens

The development of livestock farming is always associated with the search for new dietary components that increase feed efficiency or reduce feed costs. The maximum use of regional, conventional feed in the feeding of farm animals is quite relevant today. Furthermore, certain feeds, the production of which is accompanied by low greenhouse gas emissions, help reduce the carbon footprint of the diet as a whole. The purpose of this study was to determine the nutritional value of rye grain of the modern hybrid KWS Tayo and the digestibility of nutrients in poultry. The chemical composition of grain, digestibility of nutrients in broiler chickens, and total energy content were investigated. The chemical composition of feed, compound feed, and litter was determined according to the Wende method. Nutrient digestibility studies were conducted on broiler chickens of the ROSS-308 cross. For the physiological experiment, 5 chickens aged 22 days were selected. The experiment was carried out using a complex method, by replacing part of the basic diet. The experiment consisted of 2 parts. In the first experiment, the nutrient digestibility of the main diet was determined – compound feed containing 5% rye grain; in the second, the main diet with an additional 5% rye grain was used. The calculation was made on the assumption that the digestibility of nutrients in the main diet was the same in both experiments. The compound feed was balanced according to the recommendations of the cross developer. The energy content of rye grain was calculated in J of metabolisable energy by the regression equation, based on the data on the content of digestible protein, fat, fibre, and NFES determined in the physiological experiment. The average dry matter content of the rye samples was 87.4%. The content of the main nutrients in the grain of natural moisture was as follows: crude protein – 8.87±0.484%; crude fat – 1.63±0.105%; NFES – 73.95±0.494%, and crude ash – 0.53±0.109%. The nutrient digestibility of rye grain was as follows: crude protein – 76%; crude fat – 82%, crude fibre – 8%; NFES – 81% and organic matter – 78%. The total energy value of rye grain was 12.420±0.2573 MJ/kg of metabolic energy for poultry. Nutritionists can use the nutritional and nutrient digestibility data of rye grain to develop practical recipes for poultry compound feed

Feeding a Multi-Enzyme Blend to Enhance the Nutrient Digestibility of Wheat-Canola Expeller Diets in Ileal-Cannulated Weaned Pigs.

Canola expeller (CE) contains ~200 g/kg residual oil, but also fiber that impairs nutrient digestibility in weaned pigs. To study if feed enzymes increase digestibility, six diets containing either the basal or two CE samples mixed in at 250 g/kg (CE-A or CE-B) were formulated with or without a multi-enzyme blend containing cellulase, xylanase, glucanase, amylase, protease, invertase, and pectinase. The basal diet containing 620 g/kg wheat and 150 g/kg barley served as control. Twelve ileal-cannulated barrows (9-15 kg) were fed the six diets in a replicated 6 (pigs) × 3 (periods) Youden square. Ileal digestibility of gross energy and amino acids was 5% greater for basal than CE diets without differences between CE samples. Diet energy values were 4% greater for CE than basal diets due to residual oil in CE. Inclusion of the multi-enzyme blend increased total tract digestibility of energy of the basal but not CE diets by 2%. Net energy value was greater for CE-A than CE-B because CE-A contained more residual oil. In conclusion, feeding 250 g/kg CE increased diet energy values; thus, CE can substitute added fat in weaned pig diets. Feeding the multi-enzyme blend increased the energy digestibility of wheat and barley-based diets fed to weaned pigs. However, research is needed to identify enzyme combinations that increase the nutrient digestibility of CE.

Effects of phytase inclusion in diets containing rice protein concentrate (RPC) on the nutrient digestibility, growth and chemical characteristics of rohu (Labeo rohita).

The objective of the current study was to assess the impact of dietary phytase supplementation on Labeo rohita fingerlings and to examine the effects on growth, nutrient digestibility and chemical characteristics of diets containing rice protein concentrate (RPC) as a major protein source. Six experimental diets were made, i.e., a positive control (fishmeal-based diet with no phytase), FM0; a negative control (RPC-based diet with no phytase), RPC0; and four supplemental phytase levels (250, 500, 1000, and 2000 FTU/kg). Fingerlings with an average weight of 9.42 ± 0.02 grams (mean ± SD) were randomly distributed into six experimental groups of three replicates, each containing 25 fish per tank (75 liters of water), provided with experimental diets at a rate equivalent to 5% of their body weight for 90 days, and uneaten feed was collected after 2 hours to determine feed consumption. The feces were collected before feeding to estimate digestibility. Phytase in combination with the RPC-based diet significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced phytate phosphorus in vitro hydrolysis; growth performance; nutrient (crude protein, crude fat, moisture and gross energy) and mineral (P, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Zn, Mn and Cu) digestibility; digestive enzyme (protease, lipase and amylase) activity; and mineral deposition up to 1000 FTU/kg phytase. However, the hepatosomatic and viscerosomatic indices and carcass composition were not influenced (p > 0.05) by phytase supplementation. Increasing phytase supplementation in the RPC-based diets led to a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the serum biochemical parameters (alkaline phosphatase activity, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase), which resulted in improved liver health. In conclusion, phytase-supplemented RPC-based diets improved the growth, mineral/nutrient digestibility, digestive enzymes, serum biochemistry, and mineral deposition of L. rohita fingerlings up to 1000 FTU/kg. Broken line regression analysis revealed that the optimum phytase concentration in the RPC-based diet for L. rohita was 874.19 FTU/kg.

PSI-14 Effect of dietary xylanase supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and digesta viscosity of weaned pigs fed wheat-soybean meal-based diets

Abstract Xylanase supplementation can improve nutrient digestibility in pig diets by degrading cell wall non-starch polysaccharides and reducing digesta viscosity as well as promoting intestinal health of pigs after weaning. This study determined the effects of dietary xylanase supplementation on growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, and digesta viscosity in different digestive sites of weaned pigs. A total of 312 weaned pigs [body weight (BW) = 5.1 ± 0.9 kg] were weaned into 48 pens and assigned to one of six dietary treatments, each treatment with 8 pens, 6 to 7 pigs per pen, and sex ratios maintained within BW blocks. Experimental diets were formulated in a 3-phase nursery feeding program: Phase 1 (d 0 - d 7), Phase 2 (d 8 - d 21), and Phase 3 (d 22 – d 42). Experimental diets consisted of a wheat/soybean meal-based diet formulated to meet pig requirements (positive control, PC), the PC diet with reduction of 100 kcal of ME (negative control, NC), and the NC diet supplemented with either 900, 1,800, 3,600, or 7,200 units of xylanase. Feed disappearance and body weight were measured at d 7, 14, 21, and 42. Pen fecal score was assessed daily during d 0 to 14 and three times a week during d 15 to 28. On d 21 to 24 of the experiment (12 pigs per day), one pig per pen was selected for sample collection: ileal, cecal, and mid-colon digesta for viscosity and ileal digesta and feces for nutrient digestibility. Orthogonal polynomial contrasts were used to determine the linear and quadratic effects of increasing levels of xylanase in NC diets. Contrast analysis was used to compare PC and NC groups with xylanase-supplemented groups. Fecal score data were analyzed using the PROC FREQ procedure. Supplementing xylanase to NC diets did not improve pig growth performance (P &amp;gt; 0.05) through the nursery period. In wk 2 and wk 3, pigs fed the PC and NC diets had a greater (χ2 &amp;lt; 0.05) incidence of fecal scores 3 &amp; 4 (diarrhea) than the xylanase-supplemented pigs. The AID of DM and ATTD of crude protein, gross energy, and NDF were greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in the PC and 900-xylanase supplemented diets than in the other dietary treatments. In addition, the ATTD of NDF and ADF increased linearly (P &amp;lt; 0.1) in response to xylanase supplementation. Xylanase supplementation (900 to 7,200 U) decreased digesta viscosity in colon when compared with PC and NC diets. Overall, xylanase supplementation can improve nutrient digestibility, particularly at total tract level, and reduce viscosity in the hindgut, which could be related with decreasing the occurrence of looseness. However, the effects on growth performance were not expressive when xylanase was supplemented to wheat-soybean meal-based diets with reduction of 100 kcal of ME.

Effects of Phytase and Tannase Enzyme Supplementation on in Vitro Nutrient Digestibility and Tannin Degradation of Sorghum-Based Broiler Diets

An in vitro study was conducted to assess the effects of phytase and tannase enzyme supplementation on nutrient digestibility and tannin degradability in sorghum-based broiler diets. A two-stage in vitro experiment involving simulation of gastric and ileal digestion in vivo was used. Data were analysed using Statistical Analysis System (SAS, 2011). The data were analysed for descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were performed to check for possible associations among variables. Analysis of variance were performed to determine the effects of sorghum inclusion level as well as the effects of exogenous phytase and tannase supplementation on nutrients digestibility and tannin degradability using the GLM procedure. All tests were done at p&lt;0.05 level of significance. The results of this study indicated that phytase and tannase supplementation significantly influenced calcium, phosphorus, fat and crude protein digestibility (p&lt; 0.01). Sorghum inclusion level had no significant effect on calcium, phosphorus, fat and crude protein digestibility. Sorghum inclusion level significantly influenced tannin degradability (p&lt;0.01). Chi-square test showed that there was an association between sorghum inclusion level and tannin hence increasing sorghum level increased tannin degradability. Both enzyme supplementation and sorghum inclusion level had significant effect on crude fibre and tannin degradability.

236 The effects of replacing dried distiller’s grains with solubles with heat-treated soybean meal on nutrient intake and digestibility in forage-based diets

Abstract Cattle growth is calculated through dry matter intake, average daily gain and gain:feed measures that assume performance and digestibility are correlated. Hence, evaluating nutrient digestibility and flow provides additional explanations for subsequent growth performance. Therefore, five fistulated Jersey steers [Initial body weight (BW) = 288 ± 22 kg) fitted with ruminal, duodenal, and ileal cannulas were utilized in a 4 × 5 row-column design to determine intake and total tract nutrient digestibility when replacing dried distiller’s grains plus solubles (DDGS) with heat-treated soybean meal (TSBM) in forage-based growing diets. The 56-d study contained 4 periods, each period lasting 14 d [9 d of adaptation and 5 d of collection (d 0 to 4)]. Dietary treatments partially replaced DDGS, included at 16% diet dry matter (DM), with TSBM at increasing inclusion levels of 0 (TSBM0), 4 (TSBM4), 8 (TSBM8), and 12% (TSBM12) DM. Basal diets contained 43.5% corn silage, 36.5% oat hay, and 4% meal supplement (DM). Chromic oxide was incorporated into the diet daily at 0.25% DM as a digesta marker. Steers were housed in individual tie stalls during the 5-d collection period. Treatment diets were fed daily at 0800 h with orts being weighed at 0730 h and subsampled on d 0 to d 4 each period. Fecal collection bags were harnessed to each steer from d 0 to d 4 to collect fecal weight and subsampled twice daily (0700 and 1900 h). Digestibility and feed intake were analyzed utilizing the MIXED procedure of SAS with treatment and period as fixed effects and animal as a random effect. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.14) in DM, organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), starch and nitrogen (N) intakes among treatments. Fecal DM, OM, NDF, starch, and N output resulted in no treatment effects (P ≥ 0.24). Subsequently, total tract apparent digestibility differences (P ≥ 0.32) were not detected for DM, OM, NDF, and starch content. However, N total tract apparent digestibility was significantly different (P &amp;lt; 0.03) with TSBM0 resulting in less N digestibility than TSBM12 (65.54% and 71.59%, respectively). Replacing a portion of DDGS with TSBM does not result in deleterious digestive effects in forage-based growing diets. As a result, the utilization of DDGS or TSBM as the primary protein source will depend on growth performance, feedstuff availability and economics.

PSI-12 Dietary isoacids modulate nutrient digestibility and fermentation products in ileal digesta and feces of growing pigs fed corn-soybean meal diets

Abstract Branched-chain fatty acids, or isoacids, are the product of branched-chain amino acid fermentation and have been associated with benefits on the productivity of ruminants, primarily by positively modulating gut microbes and promoting gastrointestinal health. The objective of this study was to determine the optimal inclusion level of isoacid blend product based on apparent ileal digestibility (AID), apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, and fermentation products in growing pigs fed corn-soybean meal diets. Twelve cannulated pigs [body weight (BW) = 20.9 + 0.6 kg] were used in a 5-period switch-back design with 6 diets and 2 replicate pigs in each period (n = 10 observations per dietary treatment). Experimental diets consisted of increasing levels (0%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1%, 1.25%, and 1.5%) of an isoacid blend (isobutyrate, isovalerate, and 2-methyl butyrate, 1:1:1) added to a corn-soybean meal basal diet containing titanium dioxide as an indigestible marker. Each experimental period lasted 14 d: 10 d for acclimatization to the diets, 2 d for fecal collection, and 2 d for digesta collection. Diets, fecal, and ileal digesta samples were analyzed for gross energy (GE), crude protein (CP), fiber composition, amino acids (AA), and titanium. The concentration of short-chain fatty acids and ammonia were analyzed in digesta and fecal samples. Orthogonal polynomial contrasts were used to determine the linear and quadratic effects of increasing levels of isoacids. Dietary supplementation of isoacids improved (P &amp;lt; 0.1, linear and/or quadratic) AID of crude fiber and hemicellulose and most of the indispensable AA (except Met+Cys, Trp, and Val) as well as ATTD of CP, GE, neutral detergent fiber, and hemicellulose. In addition, ATTD of Arg, His, Ile, Leu, Met+Cys, Phe, Thr, Trp, and Val increased quadratically (P &amp;lt; 0.1). Collectively, 1% isoacid inclusion promoted the greatest responses in most measured variables (% increase: unsupplemented vs. 1%): AID of Lys (9.3%), Met (5.7%), Thr (17.8%), Leu (7.4%), Ile (9.2%), Phe (7.8%), His (5.9%), Arg (4.9%); ATTD of CP (2.1%), GE (1.3%), NDF (3.9%), hemicellulose (&amp;gt;50%), overall indispensable AA (9.5%), overall dispensable AA (8.6%). On the other hand, the inclusion of isoacids quadratically increased (P = 0.071) the concentration of ammonia and decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.1) the concentration of acetic acid, iso-valeric acid, and total VFA in ileal digesta samples. In fecal samples, the proportion of acetic acid decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) quadratically while the proportion of propionic, valeric, and caproic acids increased (P &amp;lt; 0.1). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of isoacids at 1% can improve dietary nutrient digestibility, particularly ileal AA digestibility. Based on the changes in fermentation products, the modulation of intestinal microbiota through the gastrointestinal tract could be potentially related to the effects of isoacids on nutrient digestibility. However, the effects of isoacids supplementation on intestinal microbiota must be determined.

168 Effects of feeding barley-based diets differing in fermentable starch and fiber on nutrient digestion and body composition in weaned pigs

Abstract Hulled and hull-less barley grains containing low insoluble fiber are alternative energy sources in weaning diets but are typically not part of weaned pig diets. The range in fermentable starch and fiber content among barley cultivars presents opportunities to investigate whether these fermentable carbohydrates of barley grain do influence nutrient digestion, gut short chain fatty acid (SCFA) profile and body composition. To explore, pigs [n = 40; body weight (BW) = 8.6 kg; 1-wk post-weaning] were housed individually and fed 1 of 4 diets containing 600 to 705 g of cereal grain/kg: 1) low-fermentable wheat (LFW); 2) high β-glucan, hull-less barley (HFBB); 3) high amylose, hull-less barley (HFAB); or 4) low-fermentable hulled barley (LFB). Diets provided 10.2 and 9.8 MJ NE/kg, and 1.32 and 1.21 g standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine/MJ NE for phase 1 (d 0–14) and phase 2 (d 15–28), respectively. At the end of the trial, feces were collected, and pigs were slaughtered to collect digesta and the carcass that was subsequently ground. Subsamples of feces, digesta, and carcasses were freeze-dried and analyzed. The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of crude protein (CP) and gross energy (GE) did not differ among diets. The AID of β-glucan was 3 times greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for LFW than HFBB and HFAB, while AID of starch was 12% less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for HFAB than the other diets. Apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of GE and CP was 4.2 and 8.9% less (P &amp;lt; 0.05), respectively, for the 3 barley diets than the wheat diet. The apparent hindgut fermentation (AHF) of β-glucan was 2.6 times greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for HFAB and HFBB than LFW, while AHF of starch was 7.5 times greater for HFAB than LFW. The calculated NE value was greatest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for LFW, intermediate for HFBB and HFAB, and least for LFB. Among diets, HFAB increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the concentration of butyrate (indicator of gut health) and propionate in cecal and colonic digesta, with butyrate up to 50% more (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than that of LFW. Carcass protein and lipid concentration did not differ among pigs fed the 4 diets. In conclusion, feeding barley instead of wheat grain to weaned pigs reduced diet nutrient digestibility but did not affect carcass protein and lipid concentration. Feeding high amylose barley increased gut SCFA concentration. Barley grain with increasing fermentable carbohydrates can thus be included as alternative ingredient in diets of young pigs.

Evaluation of equations for predicting ileal nutrient digestibility and digestible nutrient content of broiler diets based on their gross chemical composition

The coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID) and ileal digestible contents (IDC) of nutrients of 56 diets using 10 feed ingredients were measured in broilers (21–24 d post-hatch). Diets contained varying inclusion levels of traditional and non-traditional ingredients and differed widely in chemical composition. The chemical composition and in vivo digestibility values were used to establish prediction equations for CAID and IDC of nutrients using stepwise multiple regression. The strength and accuracy of the developed equations were evaluated by root mean square error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R2), adjusted R2 (adj. R2), and Akaikie’s Information Criteria (AIC). The bootstrap method was used to validate the choice of variables by stepwise selection method in the original equation based on their frequencies of selection. Selection of variables was validated if the variables that appear in the original stepwise model were selected in more than 30% of the 1000 bootstrap samples. A close agreement between the original equations and bootstrap resampling was observed for CAID of nitrogen (N) and energy and IDC of energy, starch, and calcium (Ca). Additionally, the original data was subjected to another run of stepwise regression analysis using the selected variables by bootstrapping. The initial regression showed that the CAID of N and energy was highly dependent on crude fibre (CF) and energy contents of the diets. The CAID of energy can be predicted (R2 = 0.89 and RMSE = 0.035) by CF, gross energy (GE), CF2, and starch-to-CF ratio (starch:CF). Calcium content had a positive influence, while phosphorus (P) content had a negative influence on the prediction of CAID of fat. The main variable to predict CAID and IDC of most nutrients was the dietary CF content. Based on the lowest RMSE and AIC, the best predictors for IDC of N were ash, N, fat, CF, CF2, and starch:CF, while the best predictors for IDC of energy were CF, GE, CF2, and starch:CF. The results of the original stepwise regression models and the stepwise regression with the selected variables from the bootstrap results for CAID of N, energy, fat, and DM, as well as IDC of energy, starch, and Ca, were the same with no differences in R2, Adj. R2, RMSE, and AIC. This method can be useful for developing stable and reproducible models using stepwise regression. However, an external validation is needed to confirm the use of these equations in commercial settings.

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.

Effect of acidification or fermentation of barley grain using Limosilactobacillus reuteri or Weissella cibaria on inositol phosphate hydrolysis in vitro

Fermentation of cereal grains may hydrolyse myo-inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakis (dihydrogen phosphate) (InsP6) and increase concentration of lower order inositol phosphates (InsP) in vitro, thereby increasing nutrient digestibility in diets of swine and poultry. Effects of chemical acidification or fermentation with the lactic acid-producing bacteria Limosilactobacillus reuteri or Weisella cibaria of high β-glucan hull-less barley grain on pH, organic acid concentration, InsP6 hydrolysis and lower order InsP formation were assessed in vitro. In 3 batches, ground barley grain was treated in four forms balanced for water content: 1) unfermented barley (Control); 2) chemically acidified barley with lactic acid and acetic acid (0.019 L/kg barley grain at a ratio of 4:1 (volume/volume)) (ACD); 3) barley fermented with L. reuteri TMW 1.656 (Fermented with L. reuteri); and 4) barley fermented with W. cibaria 10 M FUA3120 (Fermented with W. cibaria). For 24 h in an incubator, ACD and Fermented with L. reuteri were incubated at 37 °C and Fermented with W. cibaria at 30 °C. Barley inositol phosphate6-phosphorus (InsP6-P) was 68%, 64% and 41% lower, respectively, for ACD, Fermented with L. reuteri or Fermented with W. cibaria than Control. Barley grain pH after 24 h, concentration of InsP6-P, inositol phosphate5-phosphorus (InsP5-P), inositol phosphate4-phosphorus (InsP4-P) and sum inositol phosphate6–2-phosphorus (InsP6–2-P) were lower (P < 0.05) for ACD and Fermented barley grain than Control and Fermented with L. reuteri than W. cibaria. Acetate, lactate, inositol phosphate3-phosphorus (InsP3-P) and inositol phosphate2-phosphorus (InsP2-P) concentration was greater (P < 0.05) for ACD and Fermented barley grain than Control. Lactate and InsP2-P concentration were greater (P < 0.01) for Fermented with L. reuteri than W. cibaria. Total P release, cumulative P release of InsP6-P, InsP5-P, InsP4-P and InsP3-P were greater (P < 0.01) for Fermented with L. reuteri than W. cibaria. In conclusion, lower pH in ACD and Fermentation indicated that acidification is important for InsP6 hydrolysis via intrinsic phytase activation in barley grain in vitro. Between strains, fermentation with L. reuteri maximised acidification, lactate concentration and degradation of InsP6-P, InsP5-P, InsP4-P in barley grain.

Effect of extrusion on energy and nutrient digestibility of lentil-based diets containing either supplemental plant or animal protein fed to growing pigs.

Non-food grade and excess lentil grain production may be included in swine feeds to provide starch and protein and reduce feed cost. Extrusion processing may increase energy and nutrient digestibility of lentil-based diets containing either supplemental plant or animal protein sources. Therefore, the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA), apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE), and digestible energy (DE) value of lentil-based diets were assessed in growing pigs. Two diets were formulated to provide 2.4 Mcal net energy (NE)/kg and 4.35g standardized ileal digestible lysine/Mcal NE: (1) soybean meal (SBM) diet, containing 50% lentil, 31% wheat, and 12.8% SBM; and (2) fish meal (FM) diet, containing 40% lentil, 45% wheat, and 10% FM. Following mixing, each diet batch was divided into two parts: one part remained as mash, whereas the other part was extruded using a single-screw extruder (400rpm, 250kg/h). Eight ileal-cannulated barrows (32.3 ± 1.5kg) were fed the four diets at 2.8 times maintenance DE requirement (110 kcal per kg of body weight0.75) for four 9-d periods in a double 4 × 4 Latin square to achieve 8 observations per diet. Data were analyzed as a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement including protein source, post-mixing processing, and their interaction as fixed effects. The lentil sample contained 32.3% starch, 24.4% CP, 9.3% total dietary fiber, and 1.7mg/g of trypsin inhibitor activity on as is-basis. Interactions between dietary protein source and post-mixing processing were not observed. Feeding FM diets resulted in greater (P < 0.05) AID of dry matter (DM), GE, and most AA, and ATTD of CP, but lower apparent hindgut fermentation of DM and GE than SBM diets. Extrusion increased (P < 0.05) the ATTD of GE and DE value of diets. The AID of CP and AA was 3.2 and 4.7%-units greater (P < 0.05), respectively, for the extruded than mash diets. In conclusion, feeding FM diets resulted in greater ileal digestibility of DM, GE, and AA than SBM diets. Extrusion increased the AID of CP and most AA, and DE value of lentil-based diets containing either supplemental plant protein or animal-protein, indicating that extrusion can increase the energy and protein value of plant-based diets fed to pigs.

Effect of day-old chick weight on the response of broilers to high doses of exogenous phytase

A total of 360 Ross 708 male broiler chicks were used in an 8 treatment and 9 replicate cage study to explore the influence of day-old chick weight on the efficacy of exogenous phytase. Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 4 factorial with the factors being diet (a positive (PC) and negative control (NC) varying in nutrient density fed without or with 2 concentrations of exogenous phytase) and chick weight (light; <38.5 g or heavy; >42 g). Chicks were sourced from the same breeder flock, with light and heavy chicks being selected from the naturally occurring heterogeneity in the population. The diets were corn-soybean meal based and the PC was formulated to meet the nutrient requirements of male broiler chicks. The NC was formulated to contain 120 kcal/kg, 0.5, 0.18, and 0.18% less apparent metabolizable energy (AME), crude protein (CP), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P), respectively, than the PC. Amino acid (AA) density in the NC was also reduced in line with the reduction in CP and the manufacturers' recommendations for the effect of phytase on amino acid digestibility. Phytase at either 1,000 FYT/kg or 3,000 FYT/kg was added only to the NC to create a total of 4 diets. Water and mash feed were available ad libitum and were offered to 8 replicate cages, each containing 5 chicks. The experiment was conducted over a period of 3 wk and diets were offered in 2 phases (starter from d 1 to 10 and grower from d 11 to 21). Growth performance was monitored at the end of each diet phase and on d 21 ileal digesta were collected for estimation of apparent digestibility of energy (DE), nitrogen (N), Ca, P, dry matter (DM), and AA. There were no statistically significant interactions between diet and day-old chick weight for any of the measured parameters. Light chicks had significantly lower weight gain (approx. 5%) at both d 10 and d 21 compared with heavy chicks. This effect was principally associated with reduced feed intake and there was no significant effect of chick weight on feed conversion ratio (FCR). Chick weight had no effect on ileal nutrient digestibility. The reduction in nutrient density from the PC to the NC generated a significant reduction in weight gain (around 12%) and a significant increase in FCR (1.68 vs. 1.83). This effect was associated with a significant reduction in ileal DE (approximately 150 kcal/kg) and in the digestibility of several AA. Exogenous phytase significantly increased weight gain, reduced FCR and generated a significant increase in the ileal digestibility of energy, N, P, and several AA. Although chick weight and diet did not interact statistically, heavy chicks benefited more than light chicks from high doses of exogenous phytase across almost all measured end points which was confirmed by regression analysis. In conclusion, light chicks have inferior performance outcomes than heavy chicks principally because of reduced feed intake, but putatively not in digestive capacity per se. Exogenous phytase is effective in improving performance and nutrient digestibility in nutrient deficient diets. The effect of chick weight per se, and also breeder flock age, on the utility of supra-nutritional inclusion concentrations of exogenous phytase warrants further study.