Digestible Energy Research Articles

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 < 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 < 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.

Estimation of the digestible energy value of fat obtained from black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) for growing pigs

ABSTRACT An experiment was conducted to determine the digestible energy (DE) of insect fat (IF) from black soldier fly larvae (BSLF) for growing pigs. Saturated fatty acids (SFA) were the dominant group of fatty acids in the IF, with lauric acid (C12:0) and palmitic acid (C16:0) comprising the greatest concentrations in this group. Linoleic acids (C18:2) and oleic acids (C18:1) were the main unsaturated fatty acids. The IF contained 37.63 MJ/kg gross energy and 2.55 g/kg nitrogen. During the experiment, a DE bioassay was performed wherein growing pigs were fed one of the two experimental diets (either a maize–wheat–barley–soy basal diet or a diet containing 50 g/kg IF plus 950 g/kg of the basal diet). The DE of the IF was calculated based on the differences between the DE values of basal and test diet (substitution method). The DE of the IF was determined to be 36.86 MJ/kg. The IF contains a DE level comparable to vegetable oils, including soybean, rapeseed, corn and palm oils. The results showed that the examined fat from BSLF is a good source of available energy and can be incorporated in pig diets as an alternative energy source.

Metabolomics and proteomics insights into hepatic responses of weaned piglets to dietary Spirulina inclusion and lysozyme supplementation

BackgroundStudying the effect of dietary Spirulina and lysozyme supplementation on the metabolome and proteome of liver tissue contributes to understanding potential hepatic adaptations of piglets to these novel diets. This study aimed to understand the influence of including 10% Spirulina on the metabolome and proteome of piglet liver tissue. Three groups of 10 post-weaned piglets, housed in pairs, were fed for 28 days with one of three experimental diets: a cereal and soybean meal-based diet (Control), a base diet with 10% Spirulina (SP), and an SP diet supplemented with 0.01% lysozyme (SP + L). At the end of the trial, animals were sacrificed and liver tissue was collected. Metabolomics analysis (n = 10) was performed using NMR data analysed with PCA and PLS-DA. Proteomics analysis (n = 5) was conducted using a filter aided sample preparation (FASP) protocol and Tandem Mass Tag (TMT)-based quantitative approach with an Orbitrap mass spectrometer.ResultsGrowth performance showed an average daily gain reduction of 9.5% and a feed conversion ratio increase of 10.6% in groups fed Spirulina compared to the control group. Metabolomic analysis revealed no significant differences among the groups and identified 60 metabolites in the liver tissue. Proteomics analysis identified 2,560 proteins, with 132, 11, and 52 differentially expressed in the Control vs. SP, Control vs. SP + L and SP vs. SP + L comparisons, respectively. This study demonstrated that Spirulina enhances liver energy conversion efficiency, detoxification and cellular secretion. It improves hepatic metabolic efficiency through alterations in fatty acid oxidation (e.g., upregulation of enzymes like fatty acid synthase and increased acetyl-CoA levels), carbohydrate catabolism (e.g., increased glucose and glucose-6-phosphate), pyruvate metabolism (e.g., higher levels of pyruvate and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase), and cellular defence mechanisms (e.g., upregulation of glutathione and metallothionein). Lysozyme supplementation mitigates some adverse effects of Spirulina, bringing physiological responses closer to control levels. This includes fewer differentially expressed proteins and improved dry matter, organic matter and energy digestibility. Lysozyme also enhances coenzyme availability, skeletal myofibril assembly, actin-mediated cell contraction, tissue regeneration and development through mesenchymal migration and nucleic acid synthesis pathways.ConclusionsWhile Spirulina inclusion had some adverse effects on growth performance, it also enhanced hepatic metabolic efficiency by improving fatty acid oxidation, carbohydrate catabolism and cellular defence mechanisms. The addition of lysozyme further improved these benefits by reducing some of the negative impacts on growth and enhancing nutrient digestibility, tissue regeneration, and overall metabolic balance. Together, Spirulina and lysozyme demonstrate potential as functional dietary components, but further optimization is needed to fully realize their benefits without compromising growth performance.

Nutritional composition of manatee’s diet in the Western Caribbean: from the river to the reef

The endangered Greater Caribbean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus), one of the largest aquatic herbivores in the Caribbean, plays a crucial role in nutrient recycling within the ecosystem, and the study of its feeding ecology is important for its conservation. Despite several studies determining the items consumed by manatees, there remains limited understanding of their nutritional significance for the species in the Western Caribbean. This study, aimed to analyze the bromatological composition of the food components in the manatee’s diet in the Mexican Caribbean across three distinct environments. We manually collected aquatic and semi-aquatic primary producers potentially part of the manatee diet in marine, brackish and riverine areas of the southern region of Quintana Roo, Mexico. Then, we analyzed them for moisture, crude protein, crude fiber, ash, ether extract, digestible nutrients, and digestible energy. We present the initial data on nutrient values in the manatee diet in the Caribbean, establishing a foundation for exploring the factors that influence spatial, temporal, and species-specific variations in nutrient content at a regional level. Our bromatological analysis demonstrated that the most nutritionally important plants for manatees, based mainly on protein content and freshwater contribution, include the seagrasses Halodule wrightii, Syringodium filiforme, Thalassia testudinum, the water lily Pontederia crassipes, and Vallisneria sp. Effective habitat management for manatees is crucial for their survival, ensuring that feeding resources are maintained in both enough quantity and high quality. Given its nutritional significance for manatees, we recommend that seagrasses in the region should be prioritized as conservation targets.

Nutritional values of soybean meal from different sources in multiparous sows

This study determined the available energy content, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, and ileal amino acid (AA) digestibility of soybean meal (SBM) from different sources in non-gestating, non-lactating sows. In Exp. 1, 24 multiparous Landrace × Yorkshire (LY) sows (parity 3–5) were allotted to a replicated 12 × 3 Youden square design consisting of 12 diets and 3 periods. The 12 diets included 11 test diets containing SBM from different sources and a corn-based diet. Each period included a 5-d adaptation and a 5-d total fecal and urine collection. In Exp. 2, 8 multiparous LY sows (parity 3–5) were allotted to a replicated 4 × 3 Youden square design with 4 diets and 3 periods. The 4 diets included a nitrogen-free diet and 3 SBM diets (3 representative SBM samples were selected from Exp. 1). Our results showed that the coefficient of variation of ether extract, crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber levels in 11 SBM samples were > 20%. There were no differences in digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and the ATTD of gross energy, nitrogen, and neutral detergent fiber values between different SBM samples (P > 0.05). Additionally, no differences in AA digestibility were identified among the 3 representative SBM samples (P > 0.05). In conclusion, there were no differences in DE, ME, and AA digestibility between different SBM samples fed to multiparous non-gestating sows. When formulating diets for sows, it is important to consider the differences in the nutritional value of SBM at different physiological stages.

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.

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.

Optimizing low-protein diets with edible dock powder: Integrated effects on growth performance, slaughter quality, Organ weights, Muscle quality, and Cecal microbiota in growing Sanhua geese

This study evaluated the effects of supplementing low-protein diets with Edible Dock Powder (EDP) on the growth performance, slaughter traits, serum biochemical parameters, muscle quality, and cecal microbiota of Sanhua geese. A total of 288 healthy, five-week-old Sanhua geese were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments in a 3 × 2 factorial design, with three crude protein levels (16.00 %, 14.50 %, and 13.00 %) and two levels of EDP supplementation (0 % and 2.50 %). Two-way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range test were used for statistical analysis. EDP supplementation significantly increased average daily gain (ADG) and improved feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) during both growth phases (P<0.01). Lower protein levels significantly reduced average daily feed intake (ADFI) and increased the apparent digestibility of gross energy (ADGE) (P<0.01). EDP significantly improved slaughter rate and eviscerated yield (P<0.05), while reducing liver weight and webbed feet yield (P<0.01). Reduced protein levels decreased serum globulin (GLB) and increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels (P<0.05), with significant interactions between protein levels and EDP supplementation (P<0.05). EDP also significantly altered the cecal microbiota composition, reducing the relative abundance of Actinobacteria, Megamonas, and Collinsella (P<0.05), and affecting KEGG pathways related to protein modification and secondary metabolite degradation (P<0.05). In conclusion, EDP supplementation in low-protein diets improved growth performance, slaughter characteristics, and cecal microbiota, showing potential as a sustainable feed additive for reducing environmental impact and improving the economic efficiency of poultry production.

Macroalgae and microalga blend in dogs' food: Effects on palatability, digestibility, and fecal metabolites and microbiota

The promotion of dogs' nutrition, health, and well-being are highly valued by pet owners, leading to an increasing interest in pet food with alternative, functional, and more sustainable supplements, such as algae. Few studies have assessed the supplementation of dog food with individual algae species, but no information exists on combined macro- and microalgae. This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation of a commercial algal blend, composed of two macroalgae (Ulva rigida and Fucus vesiculosus) and one microalga (Chlorella vulgaris) on palatability, intake, digestibility, metabolizable energy (ME), and fecal characteristics, metabolites, and microbiota of adult healthy Beagle dogs. Palatability was assessed by comparing a complete diet without (control) and with 1.5 % algae blend using twelve dogs. Then, six of these dogs were randomly selected for the digestibility trials. Following an initial trial to determine the control diet digestibility, a replicated Latin square was performed with three experimental periods of 10 days each, and three algal blend supplementation levels (0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 %). Dietary algal blend did not affect the first approach and first taste, but dogs preferred the control diet. Algal blend levels had no impact on intake, but organic matter, fiber, and energy digestibility increased with 1.5 % inclusion compared with 0.5 %. At the highest level, algae blend promoted fecal total short chain fatty acids and acetate while at lowest fecal propionate decreased and fecal production increased. Compared with the control diet, algal blend-supplemented diets promoted most nutrients and energy digestibility, diet ME content, and fecal quality, while reducing fecal butyrate. Fecal microbiota diversity and abundance were mostly unaffected by algae blend supplementation, with health-promoting genera Turicibacter and Blautia being the most abundant in all samples. Overall, results suggest algal blend as a promising alternative supplement for dog food, but further research is needed to unveil potential health-promoting effects.

Impact of Germinated off Season Sorghum Dietary on Apparent Digestibility and Small Intestinal Histology of Broilers in Maroua Far North Cameroon

In order to find a solution to maize in the composition of poultry feed, a study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the substitution of maize by germinated off-season sorghum as an alternative energy source on nutrients digestibility and histological of small intestinal of broilers. To achieve this, 180 of the 1-day-old chicks of the "Cobb 500" strain with a live weight of 34g ± 3.26, were randomly divided into 9 batches corresponding to 3 treatments with 3 replicates of 20 subjects. The batches were subjected to one of 3 diets: 100% maize (R0), 50% maize and 50% germinated off-season sorghum (R1) and 100% germinated off-season sorghum (R2). To achieve these objectives at 18 and then at 35 days of age, a total of 36 broilers were used, i.e. 18 in the start-up phase at a rate of 6 subjects per treatment and 18 in the growth/finishing phase at a rate of 6 subjects per treatment and the droppings and feed from digestibility trials; measured apparent digestibility (Ad) for energy, protein, fiber, mineral matter and organic matter; histological studies of the small intestine were performed. Energy, organic matter, mineral matter, proteins and fibres were not significantly influenced by the experimental diets used at the 0.05% threshold for digestibility and the histological sections did not show any structural and morphological alterations. We can therefore conclude that maize can be substituted at 50% and 100% by germinated off-season sorghum without negatively impacting digestibility in broilers at the start, as well as in growth/finishing.

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.

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.

Cupric citrate supplementation improves growth performance, nutrient utilization, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microbiota of broilers.

This study aimed to examine the impact of cupric citrate on broilers and compare it with the copper sulfate groups and a control group. A total of 360 1-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned into 5 groups, each with 6 replicates of 12 broilers per treatment. The control group was fed a basal diet without any copper supplementation. In contrast, the other groups received basal diets supplemented with either 50 mg/kg (CS-50) or 100 mg/kg (CS-100) of copper in the form of copper sulfate, or 50 mg/kg (CC-50) or 100 mg/kg (CC-100) of copper in the form of cupric citrate, for a period of 42 days. The results showed that copper supplementation affected the average daily gain from day 1 to 21 (p = 0.026) and day 1 to 42 (p = 0.025) in a source-dependent manner. Copper source also influenced the energy digestibility (p = 0.004), with the CC-100 being the most effective treatment. Notably, birds in the CC-100 groups had significantly reduced concentrations of Escherichia coli (p < 0.05) in the cecum, and the Lactobacillus in the ileum, compared to the control group. Dietary copper supplementation also increased the pH in the duodenum (p < 0.05) irrespective of the sources and levels. In addition, the source of copper affected the activities of ceruloplasmin (p = 0.014) and Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (p = 0.025) in the serum, with the CC-100 group showing the highest levels of both enzymes. Copper supplementation generally improves the growth, nutrient utilization, intestinal microflora, gastrointestinal pH, and antioxidant defences of broilers. Moreover, cupric citrate is as effective as copper sulfate even at equal or lower concentrations.

Effects of Dietary Energy Profiles on Energy Metabolic Partition and Excreta in Songliao Black Pigs Under Different Ambient Temperature.

In order to further reveal the special characteristics of energy metabolism and the characteristics of energy requirements of fattening pigs grown in low-temperature environments, this study used a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial array of treatments, which harnessed two temperatures (low-temperature, LT group: 10 °C; normal-temperature, NT group: 20 °C), two feed energy levels (normal-energy, NE group: 14.02 MJ/kg metabolic energy; high-energy, HE group: 15.14 MJ/kg metabolic energy), and two feed energy sources (LF group: low fat, HF group: high fat). Thirty-two Songliao black fattening pigs with an initial body weight of 85.48 ± 2.31 kg were completely randomized into eight treatment groups, with four replicates in each treatment group and one pig in each replicate. The pigs were placed in a respiratory metabolic chamber for a 6-day trial. There was one pig per respiratory metabolic chamber in a single cage. The results showed that the average daily weight gain in the normal-temperature, high-energy, and high-fat groups was higher than that of the low-temperature, normal-energy, and low-fat groups (p < 0.05). The fat deposition rate, protein oxidation, and fat oxidation of the high-fat group were higher than those of the low-fat group (p < 0.05). The energy digestibility, protein digestibility, and fat digestibility in the high-fat group were higher than those in the normal-energy group (p < 0.05). The fat digestibility and energy deposition rate in the high-fat group were higher than those in the low-fat group (p < 0.05). The respiratory quotient in the high-energy group was lower than that in the normal-energy group (p < 0.05), and the respiratory quotient in the high-fat group was lower than that in the low-fat group (p < 0.05). There was an interaction between temperature and energy sources in terms of the respiratory quotient, fat oxidation, blood urea nitrogen content, and glucose content (p < 0.05). Appropriately increasing the energy level of the diet and improving the energy structure of the feed (increasing the level of fats and oils) will benefit Songliao black fattening pigs by increasing their energy use efficiency and at the same time reducing greenhouse gas CO2 emissions, and these changes are more pronounced in cold environments.

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.

Standardized Ileal Digestibility of Amino Acids in Hybrid Rye Ground to Two Particle Sizes and Fed With or Without Multienzyme Supplement to Young Growing Pigs.

A newly developed hybrid rye with enhanced ergot resistance has potential as an alternative energy source for pigs. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of particle size (PS) and multienzyme supplement (MES) on the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy and nutrients and the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in hybrid rye fed to growing pigs. Bono and Gatano, two hybrid rye varieties, were ground to either a coarse (1111 and 1210 μm) or a fine (594 and 717 μm) PS using a hammer mill. Eighteen ileal-cannulated barrows (initial BW = 18.2 ± 1.0 kg) were randomly assigned to 1 of 9 dietary treatments in a replicated 9 × 3 incomplete Latin square design to give six observations per treatment. Among the nine experimental diets, eight featured two hybrid rye varieties (Bono or Gatano), either coarsely or finely ground, as the only source of AA with or without MES, while an N-free diet was used to estimate the endogenous losses of AA at the distal ileum. All diets contained titanium dioxide as an indigestible marker. Each period lasted 9 days, with the first 5 days being for adaptation followed by 2 days each for faecal and ileal digesta collection. Data were analysed using the MIXED procedure of SAS, with the final model having variety, PS, MES, their two-way interactions, and a three-way interaction. No interactions were noted except that the apparent ileal digestibility and SID of crude protein (CP) and most AA in Gatano had greater effects of MES than Bono (Variety × MES; p < 0.05). The ATTD of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE) and CP were greater (p < 0.05) in Bono diets than in Gatano diets. Finely ground hybrid rye diets had higher (p < 0.05) ATTD of neutral detergent fibre assayed with a heat stable amylase and expressed inclusive of residual ash (NDF) and ether extract compared to coarsely ground hybrid rye diets. Dietary MES supplementation increased (p < 0.05) the ATTD of DM, GE, CP, NDF, acid detergent fibre expressed inclusive of residual ash, and ash in hybrid rye diets. In conclusion, the nutrients digestibility of hybrid rye can be affected by its variety. PS reduction improved the nutrient digestibility in hybrid rye, and MES supplementation improved the energy and AA digestibility in hybrid rye fed to growing pigs.

Evaluation of Associative Effects on Degradability, Fermentation Parameters, and In Vitro Methane Production as a Result of Variation in the Ruminants Diets Constituents

This study aimed to investigate the effect of different forage sources and forage-to-concentrate ratios on digestibility, energy concentration, fermentation parameters, and in vitro estimate of methane. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design using a 3 × 6 factorial arrangement with three forages varying the chemical composition (pineapple crop waste silage [PS], corn silage [CS], and Tifton hay [TH]) associated with concentrate feed (C) in six combinations, using triplicates for each ratio. We evaluated in vitro digestibility, metabolizable and net energy, pH, redox potential, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and methane production. The in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD) decreased (p = 0.0011) with the inclusion of concentrate. It was also affected by the forage source, but this fact was only observed in CS up to the 50:50 ratio. In TH, this fact occurred from the 80:20 ratio, and this behavior was not observed in the PS. Data on methane production, VFA, and fermentation parameters varied according to forage source and concentrate inclusion. In conclusion, the inclusion of concentrate reduces methane production, increasing the system’s energy contribution. Overall, the different forage sources and the inclusion of concentrate change digestion and fermentation parameters.

Energy Values and Standardized Ileal Digestibility of Amino Acids in Fermented Soybean Meal Fed to Growing Pigs.

This study aimed to evaluate the digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in fermented soybean meal (FSBM) fed to growing pigs. In experiment 1, twenty-two growing pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire; 32.0 ± 4.2 kg BW) were fed one of 11 diets in a replicated 11 × 3 incomplete Latin square design to determine the DE and ME of FSBM. The diets included a corn-based diet and 10 experimental diets formulated by replacing the corn with 29.10% FSBM. In experiment 2, eleven growing pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire; 24.3 ± 2.3 kg BW) were surgically equipped with a T-cannula and arranged in an 11 × 6 incomplete Latin square design with 11 diets and six periods. The diets included an N-free diet and 10 experimental diets containing 40% FSBM as the sole source of AA. The results showed that the contents of dry matter (DM), gross energy, crude protein, crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, calcium, and phosphorus averaged 91.83% (ranging from 89.24 to 94.55%), 18.44 MJ/kg (ranging from 18.00 to 18.95 MJ/kg), 50.63% (ranging from 50.00 to 51.81%), 4.51% (ranging from 3.41 to 5.40%), 9.17% (ranging from 7.02 to 10.30%), 6.38% (ranging from 4.97 to 7.45%), 0.32% (ranging from 0.29 to 0.34%), and 0.67% (ranging from 0.61 to 0.84%), respectively. The average DE and ME were 17.55 and 16.33 MJ/kg DM, respectively, with ranges of 15.72 to 18.80 MJ/kg DM and 14.30 to 17.72 MJ/kg DM, respectively. Significant differences were observed in the SID of essential AA (p < 0.05), except for Thr and Arg. The SID of Lys, Met, Trp, and Thr ranged from 68.13 to 83.27% (mean = 76.62%), 62.23 to 89.30% (mean = 75.25%), 72.30 to 90.29% (mean = 80.96%), and 74.17 to 84.41% (mean = 77.90%), respectively. These results indicate significant variability in chemical composition, energy content, and the SID of AA among the selected FSBM samples. The chemical composition of FSBM can be used to predict DE and ME values.

Effects of Alanyl-Glutamine Dipeptide Supplementation on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Digestive Enzyme Activity, Immunity, and Antioxidant Status in Growing Laying Hens.

Alanyl-glutamine (Aln-Gln), a highly soluble and stable Glutamine-dipeptide, is known to improve the performance of poultry birds. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Aln-Gln during the rearing period on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, digestive enzyme activity, immunity, antioxidant status and relative gene expression of Hy-Line brown hens. A total of 480 healthy day-old Hy-line brown chicks with similar body weights were randomly divided into four dietary groups (8 replicates/group and 15 birds/replicate). Groups A, B, C and D were fed diets containing 0%, 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3% Aln-Gln, respectively, for 6 weeks. The body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) were higher in hens fed test diets compared with the control (p < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was better in test groups as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The ADFI showed no significant difference between the groups. Dietary treatments had no effect on dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and crude fiber (CF) digestibility. The Aln-Gln also improved gross energy (GE) and crude protein (CP) digestibility (p < 0.05). It has also increased IgG levels in groups C and D. IgM levels were similar to the control in B, C and D. The Aln-Gln increased IL-1 in B and C, IL-2 in C and D, and IL-6 in all test groups (p < 0.05). The supplementation of Aln-Gln had no effect on serum antioxidant indices like CAT, MDA, GSH-PX, GSH, and SOD in 42-day-old growing hens. Aln-Gln supplementation had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on the activity of amylase and lipase, however, a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in the activities of trypsin and chymotrypsin was observed in the test groups. Supplemented Aln-Gln levels in the birds' diets led to an increase in the expression of genes related to growth factors (IGF-1, IGFBP-5), immune markers (IL-1, IL-2, IL-6) and antioxidant status (GSH-Px1), as compared to control group. Aln-Gln supplementation in Hy-Line brown hens during their growing period improved growth, nutrient digestibility, immunity and digestive enzymes activity. These findings suggest that Aln-Gln is a promising dietary additive for enhancing poultry performance.

The effect of increasing canola oil and soybean oil addition to beef cattle rations based on corn silage and barley grain on the in vitro ruminal gas production and rumen fermentation

AbstractThe purpose of the current experiment was to determine the effects of ruminal fermentation parameters of the additions of canola or soybean oils at different rates (4, 8 and 12%) to beef cattle total mix rations (TMR), based on corn silage and barley grain. The addition of 4% soybean oil to TMR positively affected in vitro gas production, net energy lactation (NEL), metabolic energy (ME), and organic matter digestion (OMd). The additions of 8% and 12% of soybean oil to TMR linearly decreased ME, NEL and OMd (p &lt; 0.05). The additions of 4, 8 and 12% canola oil to the TMR linearly decreased the in vitro gas production and estimated fermentation values (ME, NEL and OMd) (p &lt; 0.05). All doses of soybean or canola oils in TMR reduced the molarities of total short‐chain fatty acids (tSFCA), acetic (AA), butyric (BA), propionic (PA), valeric (VA), iso‐valeric (IVA) and iso‐butyric acids (IBA) for in vitro fermentation fluid (p &lt; 0.05). There was a negative correlation between the increasing dietary stearic, oleic and linoleic acid and the end‐products of in vitro rumen fermentation. However, increasing dietary α‐linolenic acids had no adverse effect on in vitro ruminal fermentation end‐products. As a result, 4% addition of the soybean oil, which included a higher rate of α‐linolenic acid and saturated fatty acids and a lower rate of oleic, linoleic acids according to those of canola oil, to the TMR positively affected in vitro ruminal fermentation. In addition, the ≥8% addition of canola or soybean oil adversely affected the in vitro fermentation values.