Digestible Intake Research Articles

Supplementing urea molasses mineral block improves growth performances and blood biochemical parameters of Mithun calves (Bos frontalis)

This experiment aimed to determine the effect of urea molasses mineral block (UMMB) supplementation on growth performances and blood biochemical parameters of Mithun calves (Bos frontalis). Ten growing Mithun calves were allocated into two groups (control and UMMB) and the diet including natural grass (50%) and tree forage (50%) was used as basal diet. The Mithun calves from control group were fed only basal diet and calves from treatment group were fed basal diet with supplementation of UMMB. This experiment lasted for 12 weeks and nutrient intakes, digestibility, energy status, body weight gain and blood biochemical parameters were measured. The intakes, digestibilities and digestible intakes of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre, energy intake, energy balance, mineral intake, total weight gain and average daily gain (ADG) were higher (p < 0.05) in UMMB supplemented group than in control group. The serum glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), globulin, calcium, available phosphorus, sodium and potassium concentrations of UMMB supplemented group was also significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of control group, however the albumin and chloride concentrations were not different (p > 0.05). Thus, UMMB supplementation increased the growth performances and some blood biochemical parameters of growing Mithun calves.

Growth performance, blood metabolites, ruminal fermentation, and bacterial community in preweaning dairy calves fed corn silage-included starter and total mixed ration

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of whole-plant corn silage (WPCS) in a starter or total mixed ration (TMR) on growth, blood metabolites, ruminal fermentation, and microbial community in preweaning dairy calves. A total of 45 healthy dairy calves were blocked by date of birth and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: 100% calf starter (CONS), a mix of 85% calf starter and 15% WPCS [dry matter (DM) basis; CSCS], or 100% WPCS-based lactation TMR (CTMR). Pasteurized normal milk was fed to all the animals under the same regimen. The experiment ran from when the calves were 2 d old to weaning at 63 d. Milk and feed intakes were recorded daily. Growth performance data and blood samples were collected on wk 3, 5, 7, and 9 of the experiment. Rumen fluid was sampled at 40 and 60 d. The 3 treatments had different particle size fractions. The CSCS group had greater medium fraction (<19 mm, >8 mm) and particles retained on 8-mm sieves than the other 2 groups, whereas the CTMR group had the greatest long (>19 mm) and fine (<4 mm) fractions and physically effective neutral detergent fiber (NDF) on 8- and 4-mm sieves, but had the smallest short fraction (<8 mm, >4 mm) and particles retained on 4-mm sieves. The 24-h in vitro digestibility of DM, crude protein (CP), NDF, and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were decreased in order by the CONS, CSCS, and CTMR groups. Compared with the CONS group, the digestibility of ether extract (EE) was lower in the CSCS and CTMR groups, whereas the digestibility of starch was similar among treatments. During the experimental period, the DM, CP, and metabolizable energy intakes from milk, solid feed, and total feed were not affected by treatments. The NDF, ADF, and EE intakes and potentially digestible intakes were greater in the CTMR group than in the other 2 groups. With the exception that body barrel was greater for calves fed CSCS, growth parameters and blood metabolites were similar among treatments. Compared with the CSCS group, the CTMR group had greater rumen pH and total volatile fatty acids, propionate, and isovalerate concentrations, but a lower acetate:propionate ratio. The CTMR group had greater relative abundances of some cellulolytic bacteria (Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group, Christensenellaceae R7, Ruminococcaceae NK4A214, Ruminococcaceae UCG, Ruminococcus, and Erysipelotrichaceae UCG) in the rumen, which may be beneficial for the early acquisition of specific adult-associated microorganisms. In summary, a WPCS-based lactation TMR, but not the WPCS-included starter, had the potential to be an alternative starter in preweaning calves without having significant adverse effects. These findings provide theoretical and practical implications for the rational application of TMR in the early life of dairy calves.

Andrographolide loaded Pickering emulsion: A bioactive component for improved growth, digestibility, and haematological properties in cultured common carp Cyprinus carpio

In aquaculture, the therapeutic potential of andrographolide had been beneficially documented but still restricted owing to its high dosage and low bioavailability. To maximize andrographolide's potential value in carps, we want to create an effective delivery mechanism. During the 8-week Cyprinus carpio feeding trial, we aimed to test a low dose (0.05 g kg−1 or 0.005%) andrographolide-supplemented diet with or without a novel delivery system (chitosan particles stabilized Pickering emulsion). The experiment included four treatment groups, having a commercial carp feed as basal diet (control), diet containing Pickering emulsion without andrographolide encapsulation (PE), diet with free andrographolide (without Pickering emulsion) (AGL), diet with andrographolide encapsulated Pickering emulsion (AGL-PE). A significantly improved (p < 0.05) body weight, thermal growth coefficient and feed conversion ratio of the AGL-PE group was observed than control or AGL alone. It demonstrated improvement of AGL's efficacy may be brought by a proper delivery system. However, the delivery system alone (PE) did not significantly interfere with the results, as the differences of PE group were non-significant (p > 0.05) with either control or AGL group. The apparent digestibility coefficient of dietary nutrients, most notably protein, fiber, carbohydrates, and energy, had improved significantly (p < 0.05) by AGL-PE treatment compared to control. This most likely resulted in improved feed utilization and growth. AGL-PE addition in carp feed did not alter the ionic concentration of common blood electrolytes or metabolites, with the exception of nitrogen factors such as NH3, urea, and creatinine, possibly because of a higher digestible intake of nitrogen. Haemato-biological parameters showed a significant increase in lymphocyte, albumin, globulin, total protein, triacylglycerol with AGL-PE group (p > 0.05) than control supporting a stress free and strengthened immune system. Additionally, AGL-PE significantly improved survivability of common carp when challenged with koi herpes virus (KHV) due to immunostimulant effect of andrographolide (and chitosan in PE). Neutrophil left shift, a marker we used for establishing immunostimulant effect, was persistently high when either PE or andrographolide was introduced in diet; even maximum when they formed a hurdle system in AGL-PE diet. Modulation of Neutrophil left shift was possibly associated with amplified gut microbiota activity that coincided with higher fiber (and NFE) digestibility of AGL-PE group. The results firmly establish application of AGL-PE system as prebiotic additive in commercial aquafeed to simultaneously improve digestibility, feed utilization, growth, immunomodulatory and haematological properties in cultured fish.

Pasture intensification in beef cattle production can affect methane emission intensity.

Increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from anthropogenic activities have contributed to global warming and consequently to climate change. Among all sources of emissions, the agricultural sector accounts for just under a quarter, mainly because of the intensification of food production systems necessary to supply the growing demand of the population. As ruminal fermentation is the largest source of methane emission in the livestock industry, emission by cattle has become the focus of studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate enteric methane emission and emission intensities of Nellore cattle at different ages submitted to levels of intensification of the grazing system. Twenty-four animals per cycle (age of 21.8 and 13.1 mo in cycles 1 and 2, respectively) were randomly distributed across different grazing systems: irrigated pasture with a high stocking rate (IHS), dryland pasture with a high stocking rate (DHS), recovering dryland pasture with a moderate stocking rate (DMS), and degraded pasture with a low stocking rate (DP). Methane emission was measured using the sulfur hexafluoride technique in each season of the cycle. Intensive systems provided higher yields of good-quality forage as well as superior animal performance when compared with DP. Methane yields were different between seasons and cycles. Methane emissions per average daily weight gain and dry matter digestible intake were different between treatments. Differences in the results were observed when they were analyzed per hectare, with the highest gain yield (P = 0.0134), stocking rate, weight gain, carcass production, and total methane emission (P < 0.0001) being found for the intensive systems. There were no differences in emissions per weight gain or carcass production between production systems, while a difference was observed between cycles (P = 0.0189 and P = 0.0255, respectively), resulting in lower emission intensities for younger animals. We conclude that more intensive systems resulted in a higher kilograms production of carcass per hectare; however, animals at 19 mo of age raised in the IHS and DMS systems had a lower emission intensity in kilogram of CO2-eq. per kilogram of carcass. Moderate intensification (DMS) using animals at about 19 mo of age might be an effective strategy to mitigate GHG emissions from Brazilian tropical pastures. Further studies are needed to understand the relationship between increasing productivity and decreasing environmental impacts, especially methane emission from ruminants.

Increasing dietary phytate has a significant anti-nutrient effect on apparent ileal amino acid digestibility and digestible amino acid intake requiring increasing doses of phytase as evidenced by prediction equations in broilers

Cobb 400, male broilers (n = 4,752) were housed in 12 pens/diet and 33 birds/pen. There were 3 levels of phytate P (0.24, 0.345, or 0.45%) and 4 phytase doses (0, 500, 1,000 or 2,000 phytase units (FTU)/kg) to evaluate the influence of phytate and phytase dose on apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and digestible nutrient intake. Diets were formulated with reduced Ca (0.22%), available P (0.20%), energy (80 to 120 kcal/kg) and amino acids (1 to 5%). On day 21, digesta was collected from 8 birds/pen. Prediction equations determined the linear or non-linear influence of phytate P, log phytase dose, and the interaction. The AID of amino acids, Ca or P and digestible amino acid or Ca intake were influenced by linear or non-linear phytate P × log phytase dose (P < 0.0001). Increasing the dietary phytate P from 0.24 to 0.345 or 0.45% was predicted to reduce the AID of amino acids in a non-linear manner by an average of 6 to 7 percentage points, respectively. This corresponded to a non-linear decrease in digestible amino acid intake of an average of 80 to 90 mg/D. The negative effect of increasing dietary phytate P from 0.24 to 0.45% on AID was greatest for cysteine (−14 percentage points), aspartic acid or glycine (−9 percentage points) and lowest for methionine, tryptophan, serine, or glutamic acid (−5 percentage points). The predicted digestible intake of lysine (−120 mg/D), aspartic acid (−180 mg/D), or glutamic acid (−290 mg/D) were reduced in birds fed diets containing 0.345% vs. 0.24% phytate P. Phytase supplementation was predicted to increase the AID of amino acids, Ca, or P in a non-linear-log or log-linear manner at all levels of phytate P, with the greatest response at higher doses of phytase in diets containing 0.345 or 0.45% phytate P. The effect of phytase on digestible nutrient intake was less clear. Prediction equations can be useful to determine the influence of phytase and phytate P on AID and digestible nutrient intake in broilers.

Is summer food intake a limiting factor for boreal browsers? Diet, temperature, and reproduction as drivers of consumption in female moose.

Food intake may limit the ability of browsing mammals to gain body mass during the growing season when the leaves and stems of woody plants are most abundant. Moose are highly productive browsers with high demands for energy and nutrients, particularly during lactation. Using an indigestible marker, we estimated dry matter intake of free ranging adult female moose with and without calves over three growing seasons. During the same period, we analyzed forage quality. Intakes were highest in late spring (280 ± 19 g·kg-0.75·d-1) when forage quality peaked; however, intakes declined by 39% throughout the summer as temperatures increased and as acid detergent fiber content of browse increased. Digestibility of dry matter declined over summer from 71% to 57% among browse. Intakes were similar for moose with and without calves. Heat loads may impair the ability of moose to consume sufficient energy and nutrients. Warming and habitat change can adversely affect browser populations when poor forage qualities and low dry matter intakes combine to suppress digestible intakes of energy and nutrients.

PHOSPHORUS REQUIREMENT OF TAMBAQUI FINGERLINGS

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine the digestible phosphorus requirement in rations for tambaqui fingerlings (Colossoma macropomum). 900 fingerlings (0.51 ± 0.06 g) were used in a completely randomized design with six treatments, five replicates, and thirty fish per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of six diets with different digestible phosphorus levels (0.12, 0.33, 0.54, 0.75, 0.95, and 1.16%). The fish were fed six times a day, for 63 days. Performance, feed efficiency, and the daily protein, fat, ash, and phosphorus deposition rates of fish were evaluated. The treatments did not influence the feed intake. The elevation of phosphorus levels increased the digestible phosphorus intake linearly, and improved of quadratic form the weight gain, specific growth rate, feed:gain ratio, protein efficiency for weight gain, and daily protein, fat, ash, and phosphorus depositions up to the estimated levels of 0.64, 0.66, 0.70, 0.70, 0.62, 0.62, 0.70, 0.71%, respectively. The phosphorus efficiency for weight gain worsened with the elevation of phosphorus levels. The recommendation of digestible phosphorus level in rations for tambaqui fingerlings to optimize weight gain and body phosphorus deposition is 0.71%, which corresponds to the estimated level of 1.04% total phosphorus.

Influence of graded concentrations of phytase in high-phytate diets on growth performance, apparent ileal amino acid digestibility, and phytate concentration in broilers from hatch to 28 D post-hatch.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate graded doses of phytase in high-phytate diets. Ross 308, male broilers (n = 600) were assigned to one of 4 diets, with 10 replicate pens/diet and 15 birds/replicate pen. Diets were a nutrient adequate positive control (PC), a negative control (NC) diet with a reduction of Ca by 0.22%, available P by 0.20%, energy by 120kcal/kg, and amino acids by 1 to 5% compared with the PC. The NC diet was supplemented with 0, 2,000, or 4,000 phytase units (FTU)/kg. Phytase increased (linear, P < 0.05) weight gain from hatch to day 18. Birds fed the NC + 4000 FTU/kg ate and gained more (P < 0.05) than birds fed the PC. The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of all nutrients and amino acids were reduced (P < 0.05) in birds fed the NC compared with birds fed the PC. Phytase increased (linear, P < 0.10) AID of most nutrients. Digestibility was lower (P < 0.10) in birds fed the NC + 4000 FTU/kg compared with birds fed the PC. Using daily intake and AID to determine digestible nutrient intake resulted in no differences between birds fed the PC or NC + 4000 FTU/kg diets. Digestible intake of methionine or glutamate was better correlated with BW gain (P < 0.0001) than AID (P > 0.10). Phytase reduced (linear, P < 0.01) phytate concentration and increased inositol (linear, P < 0.01), phytate hydrolysis (linear, P < 0.05), and jejunal expression (linear, P < 0.05) of SNAT-1 and LAT-4 transporters. Supplementation of increasing doses of phytase in high-phytate, low-nutrient dense diets improved gain and digestibility through nearly complete phytate destruction. Digestible nutrient intake may be a better indication of broiler gain than AID alone.

Effect of type and feeding frequency of high-fibre feeds on intake, total tract digestibility and ruminal fermentation in beef steers fed a high-concentrate diet

The inclusion of fibre in a total mixed ration (TMR) often has operational and economic constraints. The objective of the present study was to compare intake and ruminal fermentation of steers fed either a TMR or a diet with the fibre fraction fed separately from the concentrate fraction. Six ruminally fistulated steers were used in a six-treatments, four-period cross-over experiment. Treatment structure was a 3 × 2 factorial. The first factor was fibre delivery either as a part of a TMR or offered separately from the concentrate fraction once every 3 or 6 days. The second factor was represented by two fibre sources, namely, alfalfa hay or cotton by-products. Fibre delivery and source did not significantly affect total, concentrate, fibre and digestible dry-matter intake, compared with TMR. A similar response was observed for ruminal pH, ammonia concentration and total volatile fatty acid concentration. Intake of crude protein and fibre, as well as the concentration of total volatile fatty acids, were higher for alfalfa hay than for cotton by-products. In conclusion, feeding the fibre portion separately from the concentrate fraction once every 3 or 6 days did not negatively affect intake and rumen function compared with when a TMR was fed, regardless of fibre source.

Impact of dietary inclusion of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium Linn.) herb on blood metabolic profile in sheep

Haemato-biochemical profile serve as clinical indicator for the effect of dietary manipulations on physiological health status. The present study was undertaken with the aim to assess the effect of in-feed supplementation of Artemisia absinthium Linn. (wormwood) herb as feed additive on blood metabolic profile (BMP) in sheep. Crossbred lambs (n=15) of 4–6 months age were allotted to three groups in completely randomized design and fed for a period of 90 days followed by 6 day digestibility trial. Animals in all the groups were offered oats straw based complete feeds, supplemented with wormwood herb @ 4.50% dry matter (DM) either alone (Hrb) or in combination with exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE) cocktail @ 0.60% DM (HrbEz), whereas the complete feed without any supplementation served as control (Con). Haemato-biochemical parameters of animals in all the groups were investigated at start (0d) and subsequently at monthly intervals (30, 60 and 90d). Wormwood herb supplementation had positive significant effect on dietary digestible nutrient contents and intakes (p<0.05) as well as overall means of most of the blood cell indices, serum lipid profile and hepato-renal functioning test profile parameters (p<0.01) compared to control. The BMP of wormwood herb supplemented lambs revealed better physiological health status compared to un-supplemented animals. It is concluded that in-feed inclusion of wormwood herb either alone or in combination with EFE for lambs have no adverse effects on haemato-biochemistry suggesting its dietary incorporation for successfully raising lambs intensively.

Application of new generation phytobiotic adiCoxSOL® PF for coccidiosis prophylactics in poultry broilers

The new WHO recommendations aim to help preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics that are important for human medicine by reducing their unnecessary use in animals. In some countries, approximately 80% of total consumption of medically important antibiotics is in the animal sector, largely for growth promotion in healthy animals .Over-use and misuse of antibiotics in animals and humans is contributing to the rising threat of antibiotic resistance. After the ban of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) in the EU many alternative substances have been investigated for their potential to replace AGPs. Phytobiotics are well known for their pharmacological effects and their wide application in human medicine and are one of the most promising alternatives due to their high content of pharmacologically active compounds. Herbs develop their initial activity in the feed as flavour and, therefore, influence eating patterns, the secretion of digestive fluids and total feed intake. Stimulation of digestive secretions, including saliva, digestive enzymes, bile and mucus is often considered to be one of the important actions of phytobiotics. Last, due to herbs content develop their initial activity in the feed as flavour and influence eating patterns of poultry and swine due to the secretion of digestive fluids and total feed intake. Stimulation of digestive secretions, including saliva, digestive enzymes, bile and mucus is often considered to be one of the important actions of phytobiotics. Experiments with various products conducted with broilers show a clear tendency for improved performance and health status. Significant part of poultry farms in Poland, which are exporters of their products to EU and Asia are more and more often using phytobiotics particularly AdiCox Sol PF® for the prophylactic of subclinical coccidiosis and as a natural growth promoter in broilers. AdiCox PF® contains specially prepared Cinapis alba L., Piper nigrum L., Acorus calamus L., Saponaria officinalis L. Generally have positive effect on villi, nutrient absorption and digestal viscosity. Application of adiCoxSOL® PF solution at 22–25 days of age in broilers in dose of 1 liter per1000 liters of water for 3 days via drinking water. As a result mortality and other typical for coccidiosis clinical signs significantly decreased. Supplementation of AdiCox Sol PF® improved performance due to its positive influence on intestinal microflora and anticoccidial efficacy in broiler chicken.

Feed intake, digestibility and energy partitioning in beef cattle fed diets with cassava pulp instead of rice straw.

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to assess the effects of replacing rice straw with different proportions of cassava pulp on growth performance, feed intake, digestibility, rumen microbial population, energy partitioning and efficiency of metabolizable energy utilization in beef cattle.MethodsEighteen yearling Thai native beef cattle (Bos indicus) with an average initial body weight (BW) of 98.3±12.8 kg were allocated to one of three dietary treatments and fed ad libitum for 149 days in a randomized complete block design. Three dietary treatments using different proportions of cassava pulp (100, 300, and 500 g/kg dry matter basis) instead of rice straw as a base in a fermented total mixed ration were applied. Animals were placed in a metabolic pen equipped with a ventilated head box respiration system to determine total digestibility and energy balance.ResultsThe average daily weight gain, digestible intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and non-fiber carbohydrate, total protozoa, energy intake, energy retention and energy efficiency increased linearly (p<0.05) with an increasing proportion of cassava pulp in the diet, whereas the three main types of fibrolytic bacteria and energy excretion in the urine (p<0.05) decreased. The metabolizable energy requirement for the maintenance of yearling Thai native cattle, determined by a linear regression analysis, was 399 kJ/kg BW0.75, with an efficiency of metabolizable energy utilization for growth of 0.86.ConclusionOur results demonstrated that increasing the proportion of cassava pulp up to 500 g/kg of dry matter as a base in a fermented total mixed ration is an effective strategy for improving productivity in zebu cattle.

Penggunaan Konsentrat hijau untuk Meningkatkan Produksi Ternak Kelinci New Zealand White

The in-vivo experimental study on rabbit animals mixed of Moringa oleifera, Lamk (MOL), Gliricidia sepium, Paraserianthes falcataria and Ceiba pentandra leaf meal (1: 1: 1: 1 ratio) of 10%, 20% and 30% in concentrate feed (= green concentrate). The research was conducted at Mandiri Breeders Association, Kagrengan Ngijo Karangploso. The research aimed to evaluate the use of green concentrate with forage of cabbage leaves on feed intake, digestibility, digestible intake and average daily gain (ADG) of rabbit. The method used was the experimental method, arranged in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 4 treatments and 4 groups. The treatments applied were P0 (basal diet+concentrate 18% crude protein/CP, without leaf meal), P1 (basal diet+green concentrate 18%CP with 10% mixed leaf meal), P2 (basal diet+green concentrate 18%CP with 20% mixed leaf meal), P3 (basal diet+green concentrate 18%CP with 30% mixed leaf meal). The measured variables were feed intake, digestibility, digestible intake and average daily gain of rabbit.The results showed that the use of 10 to 30% mixed leaf meal in green concentrate of rabbits provide to produce ADG higher than concentrate without leaf meal. During the study, rabbit’s body weight increased to 1.8-2.3 kg head-1. Supplementation of mixed leaf meal up to 30% on green concentrate can produce feed intake of 4-5% dry matter (DM) from body weight, and ADG up to 19.83 ± 7.21 g head-1day-1

Protein quality as functional unit – A methodological framework for inclusion in life cycle assessment of food

In order to develop more sustainable food systems, there is a need to find methods that simultaneously consider environmental impacts and nutritional benefits. The purpose of this study was to develop a functional unit to be used in LCA of foods that builds on the nutritional value of food products. We used the content and quality of proteins as a basis, and included dietary context as part of our method, since the nutritional value of a nutrient depends on the total dietary intake. Our method uses the digestible intake of the nine essential amino acids in the product and relates these values to the equivalent total dietary intake of the same amino acids. We also employed simpler functional units such as “gram (g) protein” and “g digestible protein.” We quantified the functional units for three dietary contexts and applied it on LCA results for bread, chicken fillet, minced pork, minced beef, milk and pea soup. The results showed that the relative differences between products changed when using a protein-based functional unit, with the largest change occurring when going from mass as the functional unit to g protein. By introducing protein digestibility, the systematic under-valuation of the animal products was partly avoided with little additional effort. The most advanced functional unit affected the results compared to the mass-based functional unit most, but required significantly more data. The impact of dietary context was smaller than expected; hence, it might be possible to simplify the inclusion of dietary context by using aggregated descriptions of diets. The method presented is valuable for adding an important aspect of nutrition (protein quality and content) to the LCA results of single products, but there is a large scope for development.

Requirement of Digestible Sulfur Amino Acids in Laying Hens Fed Sorghum- and Soybean Meal-Based Diets

Two experiments were done to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of dietary digestible methionine (Met) and Met:cysteine (Met:Cys) ratio on the productivity of Hy-Line W-36 laying hens fed sorghum- and soybean meal-based diets. In Exp. 1, 160 hens from 68 to 75 weeks of age were assigned to four dietary levels of digestible Met (0.20 0.24, 0.28 and 0.32%). The digestible total sulfur amino acids:Lysine (TSAA:Lys) ratios were: 62, 68, 76 and 84%. In Exp. 2, 192 hens from 76-83 weeks of age were assigned to four dietary digestible Met:Cys ratios (160, 116.7, 85.7 and 62.5%). The digestible TSAA:Lys ratio was kept constant across diets (80%). Results were subjected to ANOVA and linear regression analyses. In Exp. 1, optimal egg production, egg mass, and feed efficiency responses were observed at 0.30 and 0.50% of dietary digestible Met and TSAA, respectively (quadratic effect, p<0.05). Live performance was maximized with digestible Met and TSAA in takes of 288 and 478 mg/hen/d, respectively. In Exp. 2, optimal egg production and feed efficiency responses were observed at 151 and 150% of dietary digestible Met:Cys ratios, respectively (quadratic effect, p<0.05). The digestible Met, Cys and TSAA intake to maximize egg production and feed efficiency were 313, 207 and 510 mg/hen/d, respectively. The requirements for sulfur AA in Hy-Line W-36 hens from 68 to 83 weeks of age fed sorghum- and soybean meal-based diets fell inside the range of the requirements previously estimated in hens fed corn-soybean meal based diets.

Influence of Amylopectin and Nitrogen Supplementation on Digestibility and Ruminal Fermentation of Dairy Heifers Based on Diets with High Ratio of Pineapple Waste Silage to Pangola Grass Hay

Abstract Four crossbred Holstein heifers were assigned in a 4x4 Latin square design to evaluate the effects of supplementing either amylopectin (AP) or nitrogen (N),and both in mixed diets containing high ratio of pineapple waste silage (PWS) to pangola grass hay (PGH) on feed intake, apparent digestibility and ruminal fermentation. The treatments included: T1) control diet, PGH and concentrate pellet (CT) at ratio of 70:30, T2) PGH, PWS and CT at ratio of 20:50:20 plus 10% cassava chip (CC) as AP source, T3) PGH, PWS and CT at ratio of 20:50:29.5 plus 0.5% urea as N source and T4) PGH, PWS and CT at ratio of 20:50:19.5 plus 10% CC and 0.5% urea. The results indicated that feed intake was similar in all groups (P>0.05) whereas the digestion coefficient and digestible nutrient intake in the control group were lower than those fed mixed diets with PWS and PGH (P 0.05). All supplements improved digestible CP intake in heifers (P 0.05) in all groups. The results suggest that supplementing either AP or N, and both may benefit to improve feed digestion and digestible nutrient intake in dairy heifers when fed diets with high PWS to PGH ratio.

Impact of dietary lipids on sow milk composition and balance of essential fatty acids during lactation in prolific sows1

Two studies were designed to determine the effects of supplementing diets with lipid sources of EFA (linoleic and α-linolenic acid) on sow milk composition to estimate the balance of EFA for sows nursing large litters. In Exp. 1, 30 sows, equally balanced by parity (1 and 3 to 5) and nursing 12 pigs, were fed diets supplemented with 6% animal-vegetable blend (A-V), 6% choice white grease (CWG), or a control diet without added lipid. Diets were corn-soybean meal based with 8% corn distiller dried grains with solubles and 6% wheat middlings and contained 3.25 g standardized ileal digestible Lys/Mcal ME. Sows fed lipid-supplemented diets secreted greater amounts of fat (P = 0.082; 499 and 559 g/d for control and lipid-added diets, respectively) than sows fed the control diet. The balance of EFA was computed as apparent ileal digestible intake of EFA minus the outflow of EFA in milk. For sows fed the control diet, the amount of linoleic acid secreted in milk was greater than the amount consumed, throughout lactation. This resulted in a pronounced negative balance of linoleic acid (-22.4, -38.0, and -14.1 g/d for d 3, 10, and 17 of lactation, respectively). In Exp. 2, 50 sows, equally balanced by parity and nursing 12 pigs, were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of diets plus a control diet without added lipids. Factors included linoleic acid (2.1% and 3.3%) and α-linolenic acid (0.15% and 0.45%). The different concentrations of EFA were obtained by adding 4% of different mixtures of canola, corn, and flaxseed oils to diets. The n-6 to n-3 fatty acid ratios in the diets ranged from 5 to 22. Increasing supplemental EFA increased (P < 0.001) milk concentrations of linoleic (16.7% and 20.8%, for 2.1% and 3.3% linoleic acid, respectively) and α-linolenic acid (P < 0.001; 1.1 and 1.9% for 0.15 and 0.45% α-linolenic acid, respectively). Increasing supplemental EFA increased the estimated balance of α-linolenic acid (P < 0.001; -0.2 and 5.3 g/d for 0.15% and 0.45% α-linolenic acid, respectively), but not linoleic acid (P = 0.14; -3.4 and 10.0 g/d for 2.1% and 3.3% linoleic acid, respectively). In conclusion, lipid supplementation to sow lactation diets improved milk fat secretion. The fatty acid composition of milk fat reflected the dietary supplementation of EFA. The net effect of supplemental EFA was to create a positive balance during lactation, which may prove to be beneficial for the development of nursing piglets and the subsequent reproduction of sows.

Effects of geophagy on food intake, body mass, and nutrient dynamics of snowshoe hares (Lepusamericanus)

Geophagy is thought to have several physiological benefits to animals, including mineral supplementation and adsorption of toxins. However, these benefits have rarely been demonstrated experimentally. Using soil from a known lick in northern Alaska, we investigated the effect of geophagy on food intake and mass loss in captive snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus Erxleben, 1777) fed a formulated ration of feltleaf willow leaves (Salix alaxensis (Andersson) Coville), a preferred forage of snowshoe hares. Lick soil contained 4.8% clay, 12.5% carbonates, and had more available Na (72.7 mg·kg−1) than willow leaves. Hares fed willow leaves consumed more soil (15.2 ± 2.0 g·kg–0.75·d−1) than those fed formulated ration (9.3 ± 1.3 g·kg–0.75·d−1). Hares had higher willow intake when offered soil (45.8 ± 2.0 g·kg–0.75·d−1) than those without soil (35.0 ± 2.1 g·kg–0.75·d−1), and willow-fed hares offered soil lost less body mass (P &lt; 0.001) than those without soil. Soil availability resulted in higher digestible intakes of N, Ca, Mg, Na, and K, but not P. These results suggest that the availability of mineral licks may alter forage use and functional response of this generalist herbivore in interior Alaska.

Responses of organic housed laying hens to dietary methionine and energy during a summer and winter season

The main dietary challenge in organic laying hen production is to fulfil the digestible methionine (MET) requirement in a diet consisting of ingredients of organic origin only.The aim of the present experiment was to determine the response of organic housed laying hens (26–34 weeks of age) to dietary energy and MET during a summer and winter trial. Per trial, a total of 128 17-week-old Brown Nick hens were allotted to 16 pens, which were connected to an outdoor run. Each experiment comprised 8 dietary treatments according to a 4 × 2 factorial design. The factors were AFD MET level (2.3, 2.7, 3.1 and 3.5 g/kg) and energy content (10.9 and 12.1 MJ).Dietary energy content did not affect energy intake (1361 kJ/d) in summer, whereas energy intake in winter was increased in hens that were fed on the 12.1-MJ diets (1514 vs. 1421 kJ/d). Maximal egg mass in summer was achieved if a diet with 3.5 g/kg MET was given, corresponding to a digestible MET intake of 421 mg/d. During winter, maximal egg mass was achieved with a digestible MET intake of 360 mg/d, which was already realised with a MET content of 2.7 g/kg.Because digestible MET content for maximal egg performance differed between the summer and winter trial, dietary energy to MET ratio might be adjusted to seasonal conditions.

Left Diaphragmatic Herniation following Orthotopic Liver Transplantation in an Adult.

Diaphragmatic herniation is an uncommon complication in the postquirurgic follow of the liver transplant. The associated symptoms are unspecific and may not suggest the correct diagnosis. It may explain why in many patients the diagnosis remains unmade or it is made only after a long interval of time. We present the case of a fifty-seven-year-old male who required an orthotopic liver transplant in 2010 due to a trifocal hepatocarcinoma. In postoperatory follow-up the patient showed alimentary regurgitation, vomiting, and dyspepsia. The diagnosis was made by an oesophagogastroduodenal transit with barium and an abdominal CT scan that showed a left diaphragmatic herniation with the gastric fundus into the thorax. With these findings we decided to perform a programmed surgery. After takedown of adhesions and replacement of the stomach into the upper abdomen, the palm-sized diaphragmatic opening was closed with a synthetic material. The patient's condition remained stable throughout the entire operation. The postoperative course was uneventful and he was discharged at the fifth day after surgery with a normal digestive intake. In a 12-month follow-up the patient shows no symptoms.