Digestibility Of Ether Extract Research Articles

The Combination of Plant Extracts and Probiotics Improved Jejunal Barrier and Absorption Capacity of Weaned Piglets

Plant extracts and probiotics play a vital role in maintaining animal intestinal health. However, their joint compatibility program still needs to be further explored. In our study, thirty two piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) were selected to divided into four treatments, which included basal diet, basal diet + 1000 mg/kg probiotics with added glucose oxidase (PGO), basal diet + 500 mg/kg Illicium verum extracts (IVE), and basal diet + 500 mg/kg IVE + 1000 mg/kg PGO. All the piglets were housed individually for the 42-d trial period after 7-d adaptation. Results showed that dietary supplementation of PGO and IVE increased the digestibility of ether extract (EE), crude protein (CP), and lysine (p < 0.05). Likewise, the net protein utilization (NPU) was also improved (p < 0.05). What is more, adding PGO and IVE reduced crypt depth, increased villus length, and chrionic gland ratio of piglets (p < 0.05). Additionally, IVE or PGO that was applied alone can increase the expression of Occludin, Zona occludens 1 (ZO-1), and Sodium-dependent glucose transporters 1 (SGLT1) in jejunum (p < 0.05). Our results strongly suggest that the combination of IVE and PGO can improve the nutrient digestibility of weaned piglets by increasing the expression of nutrient transport vectors (SGLT1 and CAT1) and tight junction proteins (Occludin and ZO-1) in the jejunum. In conclusion, the combination of plant extracts and probiotics is a vital strategy to improve animal health before the advent of antibiotic substitutes with absolute advantages.

Effect of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) seed supplementation on production performance, nutrient digestibility and haemato-biochemical profile of Mehsana goats

A study was carried out to investigate the effect of supplementation of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) seed (CS)on the production performance, nutrient digestibility and hemato-biochemical profiles of lactating Mehsana goats.Twenty lactating Mehsana goats (7 days post-partum) were assigned randomly into two groups (10 animals ineach), control (CON: fed basal diet without supplement) and treatment (CS: basal diet supplemented with10 g/animal/d of CS) for the duration of 60 days. The final body weight was significantly higher (38.09 vs. 34.04kg) in the animals of CS group than the CON group. Feeding of cumin seed to the lactating goats did not influencedaily dry matter intake. However, cumin seed supplementation increased milk yield (985 vs. 859 g/d), 4% FCM(818 vs 623 g/d) and ECM (952 vs. 742 g/d) as compared to the CON group. The percentages of milk fat, SNF, totalsolids and lactose were also improved by the supplementation of cumin seed. Apparent digestibility of dry matterwas comparable in CON and CS groups. However, the digestibilities of crude protein (58.19 vs. 66.97%), crude fibre(47.05 vs. 55.28%), ether extract (67.00 vs.75.82%) and nitrogen free extract (65.25 vs. 75.32%) were significantlyimproved in cumin supplemented group. There was no effect on haematological parameters between the CON andCS groups. The supplementation of cumin has significantly improved glucose concentration in CS group whencompared to the CON group. The concentrations of other estimated blood metabolites were not affected by thecumin supplementation in lactating goats. Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded that cuminsupplementation in the diet of lactating Mehsana goats at the rate of 10 g/d improved milk yield, nutrient digestibility and feed efficiency without any adverse effect on haemato-biochemical parameters

Effects of Rubber Seed Kernel Fermented with Yeast on Feed Utilization, Rumen Fermentation and Microbial Protein Synthesis in Dairy Heifers

Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) has been used to improve the nutritive value of feedstuffs, especially rubber seed kernel. In the current study, rubber seed kernel was grated and subjected to solid-state fermentation with yeast to enhance the nutritive value. The yeast-fermented rubber seed kernel (YERSEK) was substituted for soybean meal in ruminant diets to evaluate the effect of YERSEK on feed intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation and microbial protein synthesis in dairy heifers. Five Holstein Friesian crossbred heifers with an initial body weight (BW) of 215 ± 20 kg were used in this research. The experimental design was a 5 × 5 Latin squared design and the dietary treatments were five levels of YERSEK at 0, 100, 150, 200 and 250 g/kg dry matter in concentrate at 1% of BW, with rice straw fed ad libitum. The supplementation with YERSEK reduced rice straw and total DM intake linearly (p < 0.05). The intake of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber decreased linearly (p < 0.05), while ether extract intake increased linearly (p < 0.01) with YERSEK supplementation. The ether extract digestibility tended to be high (p < 0.01) with increasing levels of YERSEK. Supplementation with the YERSEK did not change (p > 0.05) ruminal pH and blood urea nitrogen in this study, but ruminal ammonia nitrogen was increased (p < 0.01) in the heifers receiving YERSEK. Increasing the YERSEK levels did not adversely affect the proportion of volatile fatty acids (VFA), which included acetate, propionate and butyrate and the microbial population (p > 0.05). Microbial protein synthesis was similar among the treatments (p > 0.05). The inclusion of YERSEK at 250 g/kg DM in concentrate feed had no effect on the utilization of feed, rumen fermentation characteristics and microbial protein synthesis. The YERSEK could be used as a protein replacement for up to 86% of the soybean meal in feed concentrate for dairy heifers.

Meat production, feed and water efficiencies of selected South African sheep breeds

The study compared water intake, balance and efficiency, nutrient intake, digestibility and utilisation, growth performance, carcass attributes and income over feed costs for six South African sheep breeds; Pedi, Damara, Meatmaster, Dorper, Dohne Merino and Merino. Wether lambs (4–5 mo) were adapted to a pelleted total mixed diet containing 143.5 g crude protein/ kg DM and 10.29 MJ/ kg DM metabolisable energy for 21 d followed by 7 d and 42 d of digestibility and performance data collection, respectively. Water and nutrient intakes were lowest in Pedi and highest in Meatmaster (P ≤ 0.05). Compared to other breeds, Damara and Meatmaster had higher (P ≤ 0.05) DM digestibility, nitrogen balance and average daily gain, while Dorper and Damara had higher (P ≤ 0.05) neutral detergent fibre and ether extract digestibility, respectively. Pedi had lower (P ≤ 0.05) water balance than the rest of the breeds. Water and feed conversion ratios were lowest for the Pedi and Damara and highest for Dohne Merino (P ≤ 0.05). Damara and Pedi had lower (P ≤ 0.05) dressing percentages, hot and cold carcass weights than the other breeds. The lowest and highest income over feed costs were reported for Pedi and Dohne Merino, respectively. It was concluded that although Damara and Pedi had the most inferior meat production attributes, they were the most feed and water efficient breeds.

The Impact of Enhancing Diet Quality or Dietary Supplementation of Flavor and Multi-Enzymes on Primiparous Lactating Sows.

Simple SummaryInsufficient energy and nutrient ingestion of primiparous lactating sows causes excess body weight loss and oxidative stress and compromises piglet growth. Two strategies to enhance the daily intake of dietary energy and nutrients were compared with a standard lactation diet to understand the potential modes of action. We found that feeding on either high-quality or flavor plus multi-enzyme diets both improved sow feed digestibility and consequently increased the growth of piglets. In addition, the flavor plus multi-enzyme diet also improved the antioxidant capacity and health of sows. The data suggest that dietary supplementation with flavor and multi-enzymes may be more promising than a high-quality diet from a health and economic perspective like enhancing utilization of cereal byproducts and thus reducing expenditure of corn and soybeans.This study was aimed to explore how a high-quality diet or a flavor plus multi-enzyme diet affects the feed intake, nutrient digestibility and antioxidation capacity of lactating sows and the growth of their progeny. Thirty primiparous sows were randomly assigned to three treatments from d 2 of lactation until weaning (d 21): control (CON), with a basal diet; high quality (HQ), with 200 kcal/kg higher net energy than CON; or the CON diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg flavor and 100 mg/kg multi-enzymes (F + E). Sows fed with the HQ or F + E diets improved piglets’ live weight (p < 0.05) and average daily weight gain (p < 0.10), litter weight gain (p < 0.10) and piglet growth to milk yield ratio (p < 0.10). Compared with CON, the HQ and F + E groups increased the digestibility of ether extract, ash, neutral detergent fiber, crude fiber and phosphorus (p < 0.10), and the HQ group also increased dry matter, gross energy, crude protein, acid detergent fiber and energy intake (p < 0.05). Compared with CON, the F + E group decreased serum urea nitrogen and aspartate aminotransferase (p < 0.05) and enhanced superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase, but it decreased malondialdehyde in milk supernatant (p < 0.05).

Effect of dietary supplementation of rice bran crude lecithin on nutrient metabolism, methanogenesis and metabolic profile of crossbred calves

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of rice bran crude lecithin (RBCL) on nutrient digestion and balance, performance, methanogenesis and blood profile in crossbred calves. Crossbred calves (18) were randomly divided into three groups; RBCL-0, RBCL-8 and RBCL-12 and fed wheat straw based diet with concentrate mixture containing 0, 8 and 12% RBCL respectively. The dry matter, organic matter and crude protein intake were comparable but tended to decrease with the RBCL levels. The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, total carbohydrate and gross energy decreased while crude protein and ether extract digestibility increased with RBCL levels. Fibre fractions (NDF and ADF) digestibility was significantly lower in RBCL supplemented groupsin comparison to control group. The body weight gain and average daily gain decreased with increasing level of RBCL. The per cent of nitrogen and calcium retention decreased, while phosphorus retention was significantly lower with inclusion levels of RBCL. Methane production (L/d, L/kgW0.75) was significantly lower in RBCL-12 followed by RBCL-8 as compared to RBCL-0 group. The cholesterol and blood urea concentration was significantly higher in RBCL-12 group as compared to control group. It can be concluded that RBCL is helpful in methane mitigation for cleaner production and can be a cheap source of energy in place of corn for ruminants but at present levels (8 and 12%) the average daily gain depression was seen. Further studies in large number of livestock are warranted toexplore the potential of RBCL in the ruminant ration.

Evaluation of Growth Performance, Nitrogen Balance and Blood Metabolites of Mutton Sheep Fed an Ammonia-Treated Aflatoxin B1-Contaminated Diet.

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of an aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-contaminated diet treated with ammonia on the diet detoxification and growth performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen utilization, and blood metabolites in sheep. Twenty-four female mutton sheep with an initial body weight of 50 ± 2.5 kg were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) control diet (C); (2) aflatoxin diet (T; control diet supplemented with 75 μg of AFB1/kg of dry matter); and (3) ammoniated diet (AT; ammoniated aflatoxin diet). The results showed decreases (p < 0.05) in average daily feed intake, nutrient digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and ether extract, and retained nitrogen, and an increase (p < 0.05) in urine nitrogen excretion in sheep fed diet T compared with those fed the other diets. In comparison to C and AT, feeding T decreased (p < 0.05) the concentrations of total protein, immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidants and increased (p < 0.05) the concentrations of alanine amino transferase, malondialdehyde, and interleukin-6. In summary, ammonia treatment has the potential to decrease the concentration of AFB1 and alleviate the adverse effects of AFB1.

Whole Corn Germ as an Energy Source in the Feeding of Feedlot Lambs: Metabolic and Productive Performance.

Simple SummaryBy-products are the focus of many ruminant nutrition studies in recent decades. These alternative feeds show different concentrations of ideal nutrients for feeding ruminants. These are generally less expensive than common ingredients used in traditional diets (soybean meal and corn). From the corn industry we obtain the by-product whole corn germ (WCG). The highest lipid content of corn is found in WCG (85%), which makes it useful for increasing the energy density of diets. This research aims to evaluate the inclusion in the diet of different levels of WCG, an energy source, on the metabolic and productive behavior of feedlot lambs. Although some changes in nutrient intake and digestibility were observed, the inclusion of WCG in the diet did not promote changes in nitrogen retention, productive performance, and blood parameters. In this way, the use of WCG up to 120 g/kg DM, in the total diet, is recommended as an alternative source of energy for feedlot lambs.The aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary inclusion (0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 g/kg DM) of whole corn germ (WCG), an energy source, on the metabolic and productive performance of feedlot lambs. To this end, two complementary experiments were carried out. In Experiment I, we tested the effects of WCG inclusion levels on the metabolism of 10 uncastrated Santa Inês male lambs, which were distributed into two 5 × 5 Latin squares design. Non-fibrous carbohydrates digestibility decreased (p = 0.01), whereas ether extract digestibility increased (p < 0.01) with the inclusion of WCG. Retained nitrogen did not change (p = 0.99) with the WCG inclusion. In Experiment II, we tested the effect of WCG inclusion levels on the production performance of 40 uncastrated Santa Inês male lambs, in a completely randomized design. There was a reduction in the intake of nutritional components (p < 0.05), except EE (p < 0.01), which increased with the increasing WCG levels. Production performance and blood parameters did not change. Based on the observed metabolism, performance, and feed efficiency, the use of WCG at up to 120 g/kg DM, in the total diet, is recommended as an alternative energy source for feedlot lambs.

Effects of Fat Type and Exogenous Bile Acids on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Lipid Metabolism and Breast Muscle Fatty Acid Composition in Broiler Chickens.

Simple SummaryExogenous BAs can serve as emulsifiers and when supplemented in broiler chicken diets, they can facilitate the absorption of fat and fat-soluble nutrients. As far as we know, no research compared the impacts of BAs on broiler chickens fed with animal fat and vegetable oil. Therefore, the current research aimed to explore the impacts of fat type and BAs on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, lipid metabolism, and breast muscle fatty acids composition in broiler chickens. The results showed that the positive impacts of BAs were obvious for broiler chickens fed diets with lard compared with soybean oil.The current study aimed to explore the effects of fat type and exogenous bile acids (BAs) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, lipid metabolism, and breast muscle fatty acids composition in broiler chickens. A total of 432 one-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers were stochastically distributed to a 2 × 2 factorial design comprised of two fat types (soybean oil and lard) and two levels of BAs (0 and 80 mg/kg) included in diets, totaling 4 treatments of 6 replicate pens with 18 chicks per replicate pen. Compared with treatments with soybean oil, dietary inclusion of lard increased the digestibility of ether extract (EE) in diets and the percentage of breast muscle on d 42, and increased the level of serum triglycerides and decreased serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity on d 21 (p < 0.05). The level of saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and the n-6 to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio in breast muscle were also increased (p < 0.05) when feeding lard versus soybean oil. Dietary supplementation with BAs elevated average daily gain and reduced the ratio of feed to gain at d 0–21 and 0–42, significantly (p < 0.05). The digestibility of EE in diets and the percentage of breast muscle on d 42 were also increased by BAs (p < 0.05). Serum total cholesterol content as well as the percentage of abdominal fat on d 42, and ALT activity on d 21 were decreased when BAs were fed (p < 0.05). The concentration of total fatty acids, saturated fatty acids, and MUFAs of breast muscle were decreased by BAs. These results indicate that BAs can increase growth performance and nutrient digestibility, elevate carcass characteristics, and improve lipid metabolism, and their effects on nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics were more pronounced in broiler chickens fed diets with lard.

A comparative evaluation on the energetic values and digestibility of fatty acids in rice bran oil and palm oil for broilers

The objective of this study was to compare the digestibility of energy and fatty acids (FA) in rice bran oil (RBO) and palm oil (PO) fed to growing Arbor Acre (AA) broilers. A corn-soybean meal basal diet and the basal diet supplemented with 8% RBO or PO were evaluated. A total of 72 AA male broilers (initial BW = 1,173 ± 6 g; age = 22 d) were randomly divided to 3 dietary treatments with 6 replicates of 4 broilers in each. The growth performance and the ME and FA digestibility in oils were compared with a balance experiment of broilers from d 22 to 28. The ME of the RBO diet was greater (P < 0.05) than PO diet and basal diet, and the ME of the PO diet was greater (P < 0.05) than basal diet. However, no statistical difference was observed in the ME intake of broilers fed basal, RBO, and PO diets. To maintain daily ME intake, broilers ingested more basal diet relative to other diets, resulting in increased CP intake (P < 0.01) and retention (P < 0.01) than broilers fed diets supplemented with RBO and PO. This finding resulted in greater (P < 0.01) BWG and ADG from d 22 to 28 for broilers fed the basal diet relative to other diets, but there was no difference for BWG and ADG across oil sources. However, broilers fed RBO had numerically greater BWD and ADG than those fed PO, likely because the RBO provided greater AME, AMEn, AME/GE, AMEn/GE (P < 0.01) as well as ether extract (EE) digestibility (P = 0.0536) relative to PO. The digestibility of palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0), oleic (C18:1), and linoleic (C18:2) were greater (P < 0.01) in RBO than PO, which positively influenced the energy values for RBO. These results indicate RBO has greater ME and digestibility of EE and FA, which positively influenced the growth performance of AA broilers. Therefore, RBO can be used to replace PO in broiler diets.

Nutritional and productive performance of grazing system beef heifers receiving multiple supplementation in the dry season

This research was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementation multiple on intake, digestibility, and microbial protein synthesis and, productive performance of grazing system receiving multiple supplementation in the dry season. Twelve Nellore heifers (averaging 214.6 ± 7.3 kg initial BW and 8.0 ± 0.10 months) were distributed to a completely randomized design in two treatments: unsupplemented (only mineral) and; supplemented (1 kg per animal day-1 of multiple supplement). Only the crude protein (CP) intake was increased by supplementation (P &lt; 0.05). In addition, the supplementation increased the digestibility of organic matter (OM), CP, ether extract (EE), non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) and dietary content of digested OM (DOM) (P &lt; 0.05). The supplementation decreased microbial nitrogen to ingested nitrogen ratio (MICNR) (P &lt; 0.05) and increased the serum urea nitrogen (SUN) concentration and urinary nitrogen excretion (UNE) (P &lt; 0.05) in the animals. Finally, average daily gain (ADG) and final BW (FBW) were not affected by supplementation (P &gt; 0.05). In summary, the provision 1 kg per animal day-1 of multiple supplement for beef heifers in grazing system does not improve productive performance in dry season when there is adequate qualitative and quantitative availability of forage mass. However, provision of supplement increases the total nutrients digestibility and nitrogen statuses in the animals.

Crude glycerin and cottonseed cake replacing common energy and protein sources on the metabolism of feedlot lambs

This study proposed to evaluate the effects of replacing ground corn by crude glycerin and soybean meal by cottonseed cake, in association or not, on nutrient intake, apparent digestibility, feeding behavior, ruminal fermentation, nitrogen utilization, and blood metabolites of feedlot lambs. Eight ruminally-cannulated lambs (average age: 1 year; initial body weight: 51.10 ± 8.94 kg) were randomly distributed in a 4 × 4 double Latin square design, in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme, with 21-day periods (last six days for data collection). Four experimental diets were tested with different sources or combinations of energy and protein ingredients in the concentrate, respectively: 1) ground corn and soybean meal; 2) ground corn and cottonseed cake; 3) crude glycerin and soybean meal; 4) crude glycerin and cottonseed cake. An interaction effect between energy and protein sources occurred on nutrient intake and digestibility of ether extract (EE; P < 0.05). The lowest values of nutrient intake other than EE were observed in lambs fed with crude glycerin (P < 0.05). Higher intake of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) was observed in lambs fed with cottonseed cake (P < 0.05). Higher apparent digestibilities of crude protein (CP) and EE, and lower non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) were observed in lambs fed with crude glycerin (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in the time spent in feeding, rumination, idling activities, chewing, number and time per period spent doing the activities, as well as the feeding and rumination efficiencies of DM and NDF (P > 0.05). Diet and time effects were observed on ruminal fermentation parameters (P < 0.05). An interaction effect occurred between the energy source and time was observed for pH, acetate, and butyrate concentrations, and acetate:propionate ratio (P < 0.05). Lambs fed with crude glycerin showed lower intake and fecal excretion of nitrogen than those fed ground corn (P < 0.05). The triglyceride concentration was affected by the energy source (P < 0.05); with higher concentrations being observed when crude glycerin replaced ground corn. Furthermore, there was an interaction effect between energy and protein sources in the concentrations of total proteins (P < 0.01) and globulin (P < 0.01); with lower values in diets with ground corn and cottonseed cake. Cottonseed cake can replace 100% of soybean meal in diets without affecting the ingestive behavior and metabolism of feedlot lambs. On the other hand, replacing 100% ground corn with crude glycerin has potential for use in lamb feedlot diets; however more studies need to be performed. Furthermore, we recommend the use of these alternative sources, since the combination of crude glycerin and cottonseed cake can replace 100% of ground corn and soybean meal in sheep diets.

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) silage compared peanut vine hay (Arachis hypogaea L.) exhibits greater feed efficiency via enhancing nutrient digestion and promoting rumen fermentation more efficiently in feedlotting lambs

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) is an important alternative crop plant that is cultivated in Northern China. To explore its forage-use potential, a feeding trial of 60 healthy male feedlotting lambs weighing 23 ± 0.36 kg was conducted to determine the effects of replacing peanut vine hay (PVH) with different ratios (0%, 20%, 60%, and100%) of foxtail millet silage (FMS) as forage in rations on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation characteristics, and bacterial community. The feeding trial was completed in two stages (Stage 1: days 1–42, forage: concentrate = 25:75; Stage 2: days 43–84, forage: concentrate = 20:80). The results show that dry matter intake (DMI) and average daily gain (ADG) increased linearly with the inclusion level of FMS in the diet (P < 0.05). Increasing the FMS replacement of PVH in rations quadratically increased the nutrient digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and ether extract (P < 0.01) during the two stages, but the improvement of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in response to FMS inclusion was observed during stage 2 (P < 0.01) instead of stage 1. Increasing the forage inclusion level of FMS linearly increased the digestibility of acid detergent fiber (ADF) at two stages (P < 0.05). Regarding rumen fermentation characteristics, increasing the FMS replacement of PVH in rations decreased rumen pH and linearly increased microbial crude protein (MCP) for the two stages (P < 0.05) and linearly increased NH3-N and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) (P < 0.05) during stage 2 instead of stage 1. Regarding rumen VFA pattern, increasing the FMS replacement of PVH in rations increased molar propionate proportion and remarkably decreased the acetate: proportion ratio after lamb feeding, suggesting that rumen fermentation shifted to glucogenic propionate production. Furthermore, the rumen contents of each treatment were subjected to high-throughput sequencing analysis of 16 S rRNA genes in the V3-V4 hypervariable region; here, increasing the FMS replacement of PVH in the rations did not change the alpha diversity indexes, except for the Simpson index, including Chao1, ACE, and OTUs in rumen, while increasing the FMS level in the rations linearly increased the Simpson index (P < 0.01). Increasing the FMS replacement of PVH in the rations did not alter the relative abundance of the major bacteria phyla, nor most of the major genera of rumen in lambs, except for an increasing trend in Proteobacteria. Increasing the FMS replacement of PVH in rations numerically increased starch hydrolysis bacteria, including Prevotella (P = 0.06) and Selenomonas (P = 0.05), while it linearly decreased fiber hydrolysis bacteria involved Ruminococcus and unclassified_Ruminococcaceae (P < 0.05), with numerical improvement occurring in unclassified_Lachnospiraceae (P = 0.11) in the rumen. In brief, increasing the FMS replacement of PVH in rations exhibited greater feed efficiency with increased nutrient digestibility, promoting the total VFA production as available energy in the rumen of feedlotting lambs. Rumen fermentation shifted toward glucogenic propionate production in response to dietary FMS inclusion, and this shift was found to be associated with the increased growth abundance of Prevotella and Selenomonas and the inhibition of Ruminococcus in the rumen.

Effect of Cinnamon Powder Supplementation with Diets Containing Maize Cobs and Sugarcane Pulps/Peels on In-Vitro Methane Emission and Performance of Goats

The study was conducted to examine the effects of cinnamon powder as additive in diets containing maize cobs and sugarcane pulps/peels on in-vitro methane production and performance of goats using a completely randomized design. The basal and each of the supplementary diets that were used in a ratio of 60: 40 in treatment diets D1, D2, D3 and D4 contained 0%, 1%, 2% and 3% on dry matter basis of cinnamon powder inclusion respectively in the study. About 200mg of each of the diets in three replicates with a mixture of medium solution and rumen liquor (2:1) were used for in-vitro methane emission. Thirty-two West African dwarf goats of about 7 to 8 months of age with average body weight of 7.00 ± 0.80kg were randomly assigned to the four treatment diets. The experiment lasted for 84 days. Data obtained on in-vitro gas production, live-weight gain, digestibility and nitrogen retention variables were analysed using inferential statistics that was one-way analysis of variance. Results showed that gas production, methane emission, substrate degraded, neutral detergent fibre degradation, ether extract digestibility, nitrogen intake, faecal with urinary nitrogen output and feed conversion ratio were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in diet D1 than other diets. Feed intake, live weight gain, digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre with nitrogen free extract and nitrogen retention were significantly (p&lt;0.05) better in diet D3 as compared with diets D1, D2 and D4. Reduction in methane gas production was best in D3. In conclusion, the use of 2% cinnamon powder as additive to diet containing 22% maize cobs and 19% sugarcane pulps/peels enhanced performance in goats

Effects of Altitude on the Digestion Performance, Serum Antioxidative Characteristics, Rumen Fermentation Parameters, and Rumen Bacteria of Sanhe Heifers.

The production efficiency of dairy cows is affected by altitude, with lower efficiency reported at higher altitudes. However, only a few studies have investigated the digestion performance, serum antioxidative characteristics, rumen fermentation performance, and rumen bacteria of Sanhe heifers at different altitudes. Therefore, in this study, we explored the effects of altitude on these aspects of Sanhe heifers. We evaluated the effects of altitude on the apparent digestibility of nutrients, serum antioxidative characteristics, rumen fermentation parameters, and rumen bacteria in Sanhe heifers. Twenty Sanhe heifers from the same herd and managed with the same practice were used. However, the heifers were from two regions in China: 10 were fed in Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (119°57′E, 47°17′N; approximately 700 m altitude, named LA) and 10 were fed in Lhasa City, Tibet Autonomous Region (91°06′E, 29°36′N; approximately 3,750 m altitude, named HA). The dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), and DMI/ADG ratio were higher (p < 0.05) in LA than in HA heifers, whereas the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, ether extract, and crude proteins were higher (p < 0.05) in the HA group. Compared with LA heifers, the HA heifers showed decreased (p < 0.05) serum concentrations of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and increased serum concentration of hydrogen peroxide (p < 0.05). Altitude did not significantly affect the volatile fatty acid concentration in the rumen, but HA presented a lower acetate-to-propionate ratio than LA. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing data showed that altitude significantly affected the rumen microbial composition. At the phylum level, the HA heifers presented a lower relative abundance of Actinobacteria (p < 0.05) and higher relative abundance of Spirochaetae (p < 0.05) than the LA heifers. The correlation analysis revealed that the operational taxonomic units belonging to the genus Prevotella_1 were correlated (p < 0.05) with altitude and DMI. The results indicate that altitude can influence the apparent digestibility of nutrients, serum antioxidant capacity, rumen fermentation, and rumen bacteria composition of Sanhe heifers. The study provides insights into the adaptation mechanism of Sanhe heifers to high-altitude areas.

Age-dependent response to fasting during assessment of metabolizable energy and total tract digestibility in chicken

Fasting is typically used to empty the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and assess feed metabolizable energy (ME). However, the effects of fasting on energy and nutrient utilization are not well understood. This study aimed to explore the difference in GIT emptying, energy and nutrient utilization of broilers and adult roosters fed corn-soybean meal-based diet upon fasting. In experiment 1, 7 cages of broilers/adult roosters were selected and fasted for 72 h, and excreta were collected from 12 h of fasting and analyzed every 12 h to explore GIT emptying. Results indicated the GIT emptying time of free-feeding broilers or adult roosters is 12 or 24 h, respectively. In experiment 2, 4 treatments were used that consisted of 2 ages of birds (25 d broilers and 30 wk adult roosters) and 2 feeding forms (fed ad libitum or fasted for 36 h before formal feeding). Excreta was collected during refeeding, and the total collection method (TCM) and the index method (IM) were used for data analysis. Compared to non-fasted group, fasting increased the total tract digestibility of ME, gross energy (GE), and ether extract (EE) (by 1.80, 3.50 and 18.56%, respectively, all P < 0.05) in broilers, but decreased the total tract digestibility of nitrogen by 8.10% (P < 0.05). Conversely, fasting increased total tract digestibility of nitrogen in adult roosters (−0.37% vs. 11.65%, P < 0.05). The comparative analysis found that total tract digestibility of nitrogen obtained by TCM was greater than the result calculated by IM (17.76 % vs. −0.37). Similarly, total tract digestibility of GE calculated by TCM was significantly higher than the value observed by IM (P < 0.05). However, the results of total tract digestibility of GE and nitrogen in broilers calculated by TCM were consistent with those obtained by IM. Overall, fasting increases total tract digestibility in broilers and total tract digestibility of nitrogen in adult roosters, respectively. Additionally, total tract digestibility calculated by TCM may be overestimated.

Effects of Concentrate Levels in Prepartum Diet on Milk Performance, Energy Balance and Rumen Fermentation of Transition Montbéliarde-Holstein Crossbred Cows.

Simple SummaryThe transition period (3 wks before to 3 wks after calving) is an important period in the lactation cycle of dairy cows. During this period, dairy cows undergo a series of physiological and metabolic changes due to the demands of pregnancy, parturition and postpartum lactation, which can easily lead to a negative energy balance (NEB). Therefore, the energy balance and nutritional regulation mechanism of dairy cows during the transition period are the focus of dairy cow nutrition and physiology research. However, crossbred cows have received less attention to date. Our study showed that feeding a prenatal concentrate mix at a rate of 0.6% of the body weight of Montbéliarde–Holstein crossbred cows has no negative effect on the performance and rumen fermentation of postpartum dairy cows and can satisfy the energy needs of dairy cows in the prepartum period. Furthermore, our data provide a theoretical basis for further revisions to the feeding standard and to alleviate the NEB of Montbéliarde–Holstein crossbred cows in China.This study was conducted to investigate the effect of three rates of prepartum dietary concentrate feeding on the milk performance, energy balance, and rumen fermentation of Montbéliarde–Holstein crossbred cows. Eighteen transition Montbéliarde–Holstein crossbred cows with similar days of gestation (258 ± 12 day) and body weights (622 ± 44 kg) were selected and randomly divided into three groups. In the prepartum period, the addition of concentrates accounted for 0.3% (low concentrate, LC), 0.6% (medium concentrate, MC), and 0.9% (high concentrate, HC) of the cow’s body weight. The forage was corn stover, which was fed to the cows ad libitum with free access to water. Postpartum, all of the cows were fed a common lactation total mixed ration. The experimental period lasted from 21 days prepartum to 28 days postpartum. The energy balance (EB), net energy intake (NEI), and dry matter intake (DMI) of the HC group were greater than those of the other groups (p < 0.05). Likewise, the non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), and total bilirubin (TBIL) in the blood of the LC group had significantly higher concentrations than they did in the other groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, the increase in the level of dietary concentrate had no significant effect on the rumen fermentation parameters (p > 0.05), and the total intestinal digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and ether extract (EE) in the HC group was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than it was in the other groups during the prepartum period. In conclusion, the administration of the MC diet in the prepartum period had no negative effect on the performance and rumen fermentation of postpartum dairy cows and can satisfy the energy needs of prepartum dairy cows. Therefore, under our experimental conditions, the 0.6% prenatal concentrate feeding amount was the most appropriate for Montbéliarde–Holstein crossbred cows.

Increasing doses of biocholine on apparent digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and performance in dairy cows

Biocholine is an herbal feed additive considered a natural alternative to synthetic choline, with relatively low rumen degradability composed of cellulose and choline conjugates, namely phosphatidylcholine. Rumen-protected choline has been largely evaluated during the peripartum period, but few studies evaluated the effects of choline supplementation after the transition period. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of increasing doses of biocholine on feed intake, feed particle sorting, total apparent digestibility, ruminal fermentation, milk yield and composition, purine derivative excretion, and nitrogen balance. Twenty-four Holstein cows (163 ± 98 days in milk, 27.6 ± 7.14 kg/d milk yield), 4 of which were ruminally cannulated, were enrolled to this study. Cows were blocked according to milk yield, days in milk, and presence of ruminal cannulas, then all cows were randomly assigned to a treatment sequence in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square experiment design. The experimental treatments were a control (CON) diet, and biocholine (BC; Biocholine FC®, Nutriquest Technofeed Nutrição Animal Ltda., Campinas, Brazil) fed at 7, 14, and 21 g/d. Cows were allowed 14 d of adaptation to treatments and the last 7 days of each period were used for sampling. The forage to concentrate ratio of the basal diet was 48:52 (on a dry matter basis) with corn silage as the single forage source, and diet was provided in the form of total mixed ration. No treatment effects were detected on feed intake, but BC quadratically affected (P = 0.010) sorting for feed particles >19 mm and linearly increased (P = 0.037) ether extract digestibility (840, 834, 843, and 853 g/kg for cows fed BC at 0, 7, 14, and 21 g/d, respectively). Biocholine supplementation tended to quadratically decrease ruminal pH (6.17, 6.04, 6.11, and 6.11 for cows fed BC at 0, 7, 14, and 21 g/d, respectively) but had no effect on concentrations of total volatile fatty acids and NH3-N. Biocholine had a positive quadratic effect (P ≤ 0.042) on milk yield (29.5, 30.5, 30.0, and 29.8 kg/d for cows fed BC at 0, 7, 14, and 21 g/d, respectively) and feed efficiency (1.20, 1.25, 1.21, and 1.21 kg milk/kg DM intake for cows fed BC at 0, 7, 14, and 21 g/d, respectively). Biocholine tended to quadratically affect (P = 0.058) N excretion through milk (157, 162, 160, and 159 g/d for cows fed BC at 0, 7, 14, and 21 g/d, respectively). There was no evidence for treatment effects on purine derivatives excretion. In conclusion, feeding BC may improve milk yield and feed efficiency of dairy cows. Predicted maxima response in milk yield and feed efficiency were observed at 10 g/d of BC.

Feeding of faba beans (Vicia faba L.) enhances the growth performance of lambs

Background and Aim:The high price of conventional diet ingredients led livestock producers to search for alternative feed sources such as faba beans (Vicia faba L.; FB). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding FB on the growth performance of lambs.Materials and Methods:A total of 24 male lambs were distributed randomly into two groups and fed a control diet (CON; n=12) and 200 g/kg FB (FB200; n=12) dietary dry matter (DM). The study lasted for 70 days. The first 7 days were used for acclimatization, followed by 63 days of data collection (i.e., nutrient intake and digestibility and growth performance). A complete randomized design was used for the statistical analysis.Results:The average initial body weight (BW) (20.54±0.798 kg) was similar between the diet treatment groups. Lambs fed the FB200 diet demonstrated higher (p≤0.008) nutrient intake than lambs fed the CON diet. The FB200 diet tended to improve the digestibility of DM, crude protein, and acid detergent fiber more than the CON diet (p≤0.072). Neutral detergent fiber and ether extract digestibility were higher (p<0.05) in lambs fed the FB200 diet than those fed the CON diet. Next, nitrogen retention increased (p<0.05) in lambs fed the FB200 diet compared with the CON diet. Final BW did not differ (p=0.221) between the two groups. However, the average daily gain was higher (p=0.028) in lambs fed the FB200 diet than in lambs fed the CON diet. Furthermore, the cost of gain decreased more (p=0.04) with the FB200 diet than with the CON diet.Conclusion:The results obtained in this study demonstrate the feasibility of using FB in feeding growing lambs, as it was shown to improve growth performance and reduce the cost of diet and gain.

Protective Effect of Date Pits on Growth Performance, Carcass Traits, Blood Indices, Intestinal Morphology, Nutrient Digestibility, and Hepatic Aflatoxin Residues of Aflatoxin B1-Exposed Broilers

This research aimed to assess the influence of date pits (DP) on reducing toxic influences of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in broilers by examining the growth performance, carcass characteristics, serum indices, ileum morphology, apparent nutrient digestibility, and liver AFB1 residues. In total, 360 11-day-old straight-run broilers (Ross 308) were randomly allocated into 6 dietary treatments, with 10 replications of 6 birds each, in a 20-day experiment. The treatments were as follows: standard basal diet (negative control, NC); NC + 0.25 mg/kg AFB1 (positive control, PC); NC + 2% DP; NC + 4% DP; PC + 2% DP; PC + 4% DP. Compared to the NC diet, feeding the PC diet decreased the daily feed intake (DFI) during the grower and overall periods (p &lt; 0.01); reduced the daily weight gain (DWG) and production efficiency factor (PEF); increased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) during all experimental periods (p &lt; 0.001); diminished the dressing percentage, breast meat yield, serum concentrations of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), glucose (GLU), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), villus height (VH), villus surface area (VSA), apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE), apparent metabolizable energy (AME), and nitrogen-corrected AME (AMEn) (p &lt; 0.001); and raised the proportional liver weight, serum activities of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), and residues of AFB1 in the liver (p &lt; 0.001). Compared to the PC diet, feeding the PC + 2% DP or PC + 4% DP diets increased the DWG during finisher and overall periods, PEF during the finisher period, serum levels of TP, GLU, T-AOC, and T-SOD, VH, and apparent digestibility of CP and EE, AME, and AMEn, and decreased FCR during all experimental periods and AFB1 residues in the liver (p &lt; 0.001). Moreover, feeding the PC + 4% DP diet increased the DWG during the grower period, PEF during the overall period, dressing percentage, serum ALB level, and VSA, and decreased the proportional liver weight and serum GOT and GPT activities when compared to the PC diet (p &lt; 0.001). To conclude, our findings demonstrate that a dietary addition of 4% DP can deliver a better safeguard against the adverse influences of AFB1 in broiler chickens.