Digestibility Values Research Articles

Forage-Yield and Nutrient Quality of New Brown Midrib (BMR) Mutant Lines of Sorghum

The objective of this study was to evaluate the yield, nutrient profile and in vitro digestibility of new BMR mutant lines of sorghum in Indonesia. These mutant lines were GH2.1, GH2.2, GH2.3, GH4.1, GH4.2, GH4.3 and GH4.4. One sorghum mutant line (CTY) and two national sorghum varieties (Super 1 and Bioguma) were also evaluated as controls. In vitro digestibility and rumen fermentation were measured using Ankom Daisy Fermenter and Hohenheim gas test methods, respectively. In vitro measurement consisted of ten treatments with five replications following a completely randomized design. The highest stem sugar content was found in Bioguma (11.22%) and GH4.4 (9.32%) (p<0.05). The Bioguma variety and the GH2.3 mutant line had a higher number of stem segments and fresh forage yield than the Super 1 variety (p<0.05). A greater concentration of crude protein (CP) was observed for the GH.2.1, GH2.2, GH2.3 and GH4.1 lines (p<0.05). The GH2.3 mutant line had the lowest acid detergent lignin (ADL) content (p<0.05), while Bioguma had the highest level of non-fibre carbohydrate (NFC) compounds (p<0.05). The highest relative feed value (RFV) was observed for the GH2.3 line (p<0.05). Furthermore, GH4.2 and GH2.3 had greater in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) (p<0.05) but were not significantly different from Bioguma. Regarding yield characteristics, nutrient composition and in vitro digestibility values, the highest values were found in the Bioguma variety and the GH2.3 mutant line. Except for n-valerate (nC5), significant differences in all rumen fermentation parameters were observed among sorghum cultivars (p<0.05). Regarding the interrelationship between parameters, we found a medium correlation of DMD with the ADL and cellulose content of sorghum forage (R2 = -0.489 and R2 = -0.674, respectively). Based on these findings, the GH2.3 BMR mutant line should be further developed as forage sorghum.

Forage Accumulation and Nutritional Characteristics of Brachiaria Cultivars Grown in a Semi-arid Environment

The evaluation of the nutritional value and parameters of ruminal fermentation of tropical forages is important, aiming at its efficient use in ruminant feeding. This study was developed to evaluate the forage accumulation, chemical composition, protodioscin content, digestibility, and in vitro degradation kinetics of different Brachiaria spp. cultivars in different evaluation periods. The research was carried out in the semi-arid region of Brazil, from April 2016 to April 2017. The experiment was laid out as a split-plot arrangement in a randomized block design in which five cultivars ( B. decumbens cv. Basilisk, and B. brizantha cvs. Marandu, Paiaguás, Piatã, and Xaraés) represented the plot and four evaluation periods (establishment, transition, dry, and rainy) the subplot. There was a cultivar × period interaction effect for forage accumulation rate (FAR), for which cv. Xaraés showed the highest mean (54.1 kg/ha.day DM) in the rainy season. The lowest yield was found in cv. Paiaguás in the dry season (24.1 kg/ha.day DM). Cultivars Basilisk, Marandu, and Paiaguás had the highest crude protein content. The highest in vitro dry matter digestibility values were found in cv. Basilisk in the dry, transition, and rainy periods; cv. Marandu in the transition period, and cvs. Paiaguás and Piatã in their establishment. A correlation was found between the parameters of in vitro degradation kinetics and chemical composition. The protodioscin content was highest in cv. Basilisk, during its establishment (5.5 g/kg DM). Cultivars Paiaguás, Piatã, and Xaraés showed low protodioscin values (<1.0 g/kg DM). Cultivars Basilisk, Marandu, Paiaguás, Piatã, and Xaraés can be used as forage options in the semi-arid environment, as their forage accumulation potential and nutritional value are suitable for animal production even in periods of lower water availability.

Feed Value of Emmer Wheat (Triticum dicoccum) and By-products for Ruminant Animals

Ancient wheat species attracts more attention recently due to their health benefits and suitability for organic farming. With this attention, the possibilities of using ancient wheat species and especially their by-products in animal nutrition are emerging. Unlike modern wheat varieties, emmer is known as one of the ancient wheat varieties, has hull covering its grains. Approximately 70% of the total plant weight consists of hulls and stalks. Looking at the literature, limited studies has been conducted regarding the evaluation of the hull and stalk parts of emmer wheat as feed. Herein, this study aims to determine the nutritional values of emmer wheat and its by-products. The feed value of the plant was analyzed in five parts (hulled grain, stalk of plant, hull, naked grain and flour). For each part, dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether exract (EE), crude ash (CA), starch, crude fiber (CF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent insoluble crude protein (ADICP), neutral detergent insoluble crude protein (NDICP), lignin and mineral analyzes were made. In addition, non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC), digestible dry matter (DDM), dry matter intake by animal body weight (DMIBW), total digestible nutriton (TDN1X), net energy lactation (NEL3X), metabolic energy (ME), net energy maintanence (NEM), net energy gain (NEG), energy and digestibility calculations were performed. The protein content of emmer grain was observed higher than that of modern wheat. ADF and NDF values of the emmer wheat stalks are lower than modern wheat stalks and therefore have better digestibility values. Additionally, the higher resistance to starch digestion compared to modern wheat varieties may be a reason for preference in ruminant feeding.

Complete Feed Based on Fermented Sago Waste Against the Consumption and Digestion of Goat

A common method used to improve the nutritional quality of feed is by fermentation method. The working principle is that fermentation activates the growth and metabolism of microorganism so that it can increase the digestibility of feed and produce the preferred aroma of livestock. This study aims to find out the effect of giving fermented sago waste on the consumption and digestibility of goat and cattle. Two feed treatments were tested on 12 goats. The results showed that the consumption and digestibility value of Dry Matter (DM) and Crude Protein (CP) showed no noticeable difference in goat cattle. The study concluded that complete feed-based fermented sago waste did not affect the consumption and digestibility of CP and DM of goat. Keywords: Sago waste, completed feed, consumption, digestion, dry matter, crude protein

The effect of corn grain micronization on diet digestibility and blood biochemical parameters in weaned Holstein calves

Aim of study: To evaluate corn grain micronization for calves fed a grower diet. Area of study: Padinska Skela – Belgrade, Serbia. Material and methods: Thirty weaned Holstein dairy calves (65–74 days of age) were randomly assigned to one of two treatments with growers containing micronized (MCG) or untreated corn grain (UCG). The experimental period lasted for 60 days. Main results: The values of total tract apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and nonfiber carbohydrates (NFC) were higher for calves fed MCG versus those within the UCG treatment by 3.9% (p&lt;0.05), 7.0% (p&lt;0.01), 7.1% (p&lt;0.01) and 7.5% (p&lt;0.05), respectively, for the days 25–30 of the experimental period. In addition, the values of digestibility of OM, CP, and NFC were higher by 4.9% (p&lt;0.05), 5.7% (p&lt;0.05), and 6.0% (p&lt;0.05), respectively, for the days 55–60 of the experimental period. The density of metabolizable energy, net energy for maintenance and gain in consumed dietary DM was higher (p&lt;0.001) by 4.7, 5.5, and 7.2%, respectively for calves fed on the grower containing micronized corn grain (MCG), during the first digestibility period, and by 3.0, 3.6, and 4.6%, respectively, during the second digestibility period. Energy intake was lower (p&lt;0.05) during the second digestibility period, for calves fed a diet with micronized corn. Blood urea N was affected (p&lt;0.001) by dietary treatments. Lower values (10.2%) were observed for calves fed the grower containing MCG. Research highlights: The micronization of corn grain is a useful tool for optimizing weaned calf production due to the improvement in the digestibility and energy content of the ration.

Comparison of digestible and available phosphorus release values for a novel phytase determined with fecal phosphorus digestibility and bone mineralization in weaner pigs

The objective of this study was to compare digestible and available P release from phytase through measuring fecal P digestibility and bone mineralization. A total of 336 weaner pigs (7.4 ± 0.9 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design. Three diets were established by including 2.5 (control), 6.0 or 9.5 g/kg monocalcium phosphate (MCP) to establish the standard response curves. The other 4 diets included a novel phytase at 500, 1000, 2000 or 3000 phytase units (FYT)/kg feed to the control. Each diet was fed to 6 pens of 8 pigs each for 21 days. All diets included 3 g/kg TiO2, and fecal samples were collected on d 13–15 of trial. At the end, one pig per pen was sacrificed for the collection of tibias. The results showed that increasing supplementation of MCP linearly (P < 0.001) improved growth performance (body weight gain, feed intake and gain:feed and bone mineralization (percent bone ash and weights of dry bone, bone ash, and bone Ca and P). These parameters responded to the supplementation of phytase both linearly and quadratically (P < 0.01). Supplemental phytase or MCP increased apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of Ca and P as well as the amount of ATTD P, but reduced the ATTD Ca-to-ATTD P ratio both linearly and quadratically (P < 0.01). Both MCP and phytase linearly (P < 0.05) increased percent bone ash P. The true total tract digestibility (TTTD) coefficient of P in MCP was estimated to be 0.94 by regressing the ATTD P against the dietary P concentration. The available P release increased from 1.58 to 2.21, 1.77–2.62, 1.17–1.82 and 1.25–1.97 g/kg feed when body weight gain, gain:feed, percent bone ash and bone P weight were used as the response variables, respectively, with increasing phytase dose from 500 to 3000 FYT/kg feed, whereas the digestible P release by phytase calculated from ATTD coefficient of P increased from 1.05 to 1.99 g/kg feed. By multiplying the TTTD coefficient of MCP (0.94), the available P release values based on bone P weight were transformed to their equivalent digestible values of 1.18–1.86 g/kg feed. In conclusion, the available P release from phytase depends on the response variables. Using the TTTD coefficient of P in MCP to convert the available P release values to digestible P values for phytase did not generate comparable results as measured from ATTD coefficient of P.

Evaluation of a yeast β-glucan blend in a pet food application to determine its impact on stool quality, apparent nutrient digestibility, and intestinal health when fed to dogs

Oral supplementation of β-glucans may be able to improve the health of companion animals. However, little is understood regarding the effects of yeast β-glucan on diet processing and intestinal function. Therefore, the objectives of this research were to determine the carry through of yeast β-glucan during extruded diet production and its impact on diet utilization by dogs. Three diets were formulated to contain increasing levels of a yeast β-glucan blend at 0, 0.012 and 0.023% inclusion. Processing inputs were held constant during extrusion to allow for evaluation of output parameters and physical characteristics of kibble. Yeast β-glucan concentration was analyzed in extruded diets using the glucan enzymatic method, resulting in &amp;gt;100% recovery. Twenty-four Labrador Retrievers were assigned to one of three dietary groups of 8 dogs each with an equal distribution of sex and age. Dogs were fed dietary treatments for 24-d adaption followed by 4-d total fecal collection. Feces were scored on a 1-5 scale, with 1 representing liquid diarrhea and 5 hard pellet-like with a fecal score of 3.5-4 considered ideal. Fresh fecal samples were collected for analysis of short chain fatty acid concentrations. Apparent total tract digestibility was calculated by total fecal collection (TFC) and titanium (TI) marker methods. Data were analyzed using a mixed model procedure in software (version 9.4, SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, NC). Dry bulk density, kibble diameter, and kibble length did not differ among dietary treatments. Intake was similar among dietary treatments (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Dogs required about 26% more food than estimated [130*BWkg0.75] to maintain body weight among all treatments. Fecal score was not different (P &amp;gt; 0.05) among dietary treatments but was lower than ideal at an average of 2.6. Nutrient digestibility was not affected (P &amp;gt; 0.05) by inclusion of the yeast β-glucan. By method, the TFC procedure resulted in higher (P&amp;lt; 0.05) digestibility values when compared to the TI procedure. In addition, yeast β-glucan did not alter short or branched chain fatty acid proportions. Overall, processing parameters, physical characteristics of kibble, stool quality, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal health in dogs were not affected by the yeast β-glucan blend.

Is there a difference in ruminal fermentation control between cattle and sheep? A meta-analytical test of a hypothesis on differential particle and fluid retention

Ruminant species differ in digestive physiology. The species-specific ratio of mean retention time of particles and fluid (MRTparticle/MRTfluid) in the reticulorumen has been interpreted as controlling ruminal fermentation: a higher ratio indicates of a more distinct ‘washing’ of particulate digesta by liquid. This should increase the harvest of microbes from the reticulorumen, and keep the microbiome in a state of more intense growth; at the same time, this should increase the metabolic losses of faecal nitrogen of microbial origin, leading to lower values for the apparent digestibility of crude protein (aD CP). A systematic difference has been hypothesized between cattle (higher ratio) and sheep (lower ratio), with a lower MRTfluid in cattle due to a higher saliva production. Here, we test these hypotheses in a meta-analysis, using only studies that investigated cattle and sheep simultaneously. The datasets included 12 studies on MRT (of which 11 contained information on feed intake), yielding 102 (or 89) individual data; and 26 studies on protein digestibility (of which 18 contained information on intake), yielding 349 individual data. Cattle had a higher MRTparticle/MRTfluid (2.1) than sheep (1.7), mainly due to longer MRTparticle; only if body mass was included in the model, MRTfluid was significantly shorter in cattle in the larger MRT dataset (and tended to be shorter in the slightly smaller dataset). Cattle had a significantly lower aD CP than sheep, while there was no such difference in overall (dry or organic matter) digestibility. The dataset confirms a shift in fermentation strategy towards microbial production in cattle. While this has been suggested for ruminants in general, cattle appear particularly far on an evolutionary trajectory of maximizing microbial yield from the forestomach. The application of more specific digestive physiology data (like endogenous losses) gained from sheep to cattle should be done bearing these differences in mind.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PLANS OF NUTRITION ON GROWTH, FEED EFFICIENCY, BLOOD METABOLITES AND RELATIVE ECONOMICS IN SAHIWAL HEIFERS

This trial was designed with the objectives to select best and economical feedingstrategies to accelerate growth pattern for reducing age at maturity in buffalo heifers. Twenty Sahiwalheifers (Age = 24 ± 2-month and wt. = 200 ± 30 kg) were divided into four equal groups(n-5) on thebasis completely randomized design, Control group (D) of heifers was fed on green fodder only and noration was offered while test diets were comprised on TMR based on wheat straw (A), fodder(B) andsilage(C) with crude protein 10-11 percent. Feed intake of each experimental animal were recordeddaily. Animals were weighed at the start of experiment and fortnightly thereafter. Animals of group Cgained higher body weight (averaged 580 grams daily) comparing with other groups while animals ofgroup (D)fed on fodder only yielded very poorly growth. Dry Matter Intakes of all groups were similarand there was no effect of treatment of different plans of diet fed to animals. Dry matter, Crude proteinand crude fiber digestibility values were higher in animals fed total mixed ration based on corn silageand dry ration as compared to those fed other diets. Blood urea nitrogen values were higher in group Afed on TMR wheat straw based diet while blood glucose values were higher in animals of group B andC fed corn silage or green fodder based diet as indicator for availability of nutrients for growth.

Effects of full-fat high-oleic soybean meal in layer diets on nutrient digestibility and egg quality parameters of a white laying hen strain

This study was conducted to understand the impact of including full fat high-oleic soybean meal in layer hen diets on nutrient digestibility and added nutritional value in eggs. Forty-eight layers (∼36 wk old) were randomly assigned to one of 4 isonitrogenous (18.5% crude protein) treatment diets with 12 replicate birds per treatment in a 3-wk study. Treatments were 1) solvent extracted defatted soybean meal+corn diet, 2) dry extruded defatted soybean meal+corn, 3) full-fat soybean meal+corn, 4) high-oleic full-fat soybean meal+corn diet. Apparent ileal digestibility of crude fat (CF) and crude protein (CP) were determined using celite (∼2%) as an indigestible marker. Tibia strength and egg quality parameters (egg weight, shell strength, Haugh unit, shell color, and yolk color) were recorded during the study. Fatty acid profiles, including the monounsaturated fatty acid, oleic acid (C18:1, cis), in eggs and adipogenic tissue (liver, muscle, and fat pad) were measured using gas chromatography (GC-FID). Digestibility values of CF ranged from 71 to 84% and CP varied from 67 to 72% for treatment diets, with treatment mean values being no different (P > 0.05) between treatment diets. No differences between treatment diets in tibia strength or egg quality parameters (egg weight, shell strength, and Haugh unit) were observed (P > 0.05) except for yolk color. Similarly, there were no differences in the total lipids in egg yolk (P > 0.05) between treatment diets. However, oleic acid percentage of total lipid in egg and tissue was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in hens given the high-oleic full-fat soybean meal diet than in other treatment groups. No difference was observed in oleic acid percentage of total lipid in egg between the other 3 treatment diets (P > 0.05). Overall, the results exhibited that the eggs and tissue of layer hens fed the full-fat high-oleic acid soybean meal diet were higher in oleic acid while the CF and CP digestibility remained similar to the digestibility of the other diets.

Apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility of mildly cooked human-grade vegan dog foods and their effects on the blood metabolites and fecal characteristics, microbiota, and metabolites of adult dogs.

Vegan, mildly cooked, and human-grade dog foods are becoming more popular, as beliefs and views of pet owners change. To our knowledge, however, dog studies have not examined the digestibility of commercial vegan diets. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of mildly cooked human-grade vegan dog foods and their effects on blood metabolites and fecal microbiota, characteristics, and metabolites of adult dogs consuming them. Three commercial dog foods were tested. Two were mildly cooked human-grade vegan dog diets, while the third was a chicken-based extruded dog diet. Twelve healthy adult female beagles (7.81 ± 0.65 kg; 7.73 ± 1.65 yr) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin Square design. The study consisted of three experimental periods, with each composed of a 7 d diet adaptation phase, 15 d of consuming 100% of the diet, a 5 d phase for fecal collection for ATTD measurement, and 1 d for blood collection for serum chemistry and hematology. During the fecal collection period, a fresh sample was collected for fecal scoring and dry matter, pH, metabolite, and microbiota measurements. All data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS (version 9.4). All three diets were shown to be highly digestible, with all macronutrients having digestibility values above 80%. The vegan diets had higher (P < 0.001) ATTD of fat, but lower (P < 0.05) ATTD of organic matter than the extruded diet. Dogs consuming the vegan diets had lower circulating cholesterol (P < 0.001), triglyceride (P < 0.001), and platelet (P < 0.009) concentrations and lower (P < 0.010) blood neutrophil percentages than dogs consuming the extruded diet. Dogs consuming vegan diets had lower (P < 0.001) fecal dry matter percentages, lower (P < 0.001) fecal phenol and indole concentrations, and higher (P = 0.05) fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations than those consuming the extruded diet. Fecal bacterial alpha and beta diversities were not different (P > 0.05) among diets, but dogs consuming vegan diets had altered (P < 0.05) relative abundances of nearly 20 bacterial genera when compared with those consuming the extruded diet. In conclusion, the mildly cooked human-grade vegan dog foods tested in this study performed well, resulting in desirable fecal characteristics, ATTD, and serum chemistries. The vegan diets tested also led to positive changes to serum lipids and fecal metabolites, and interesting changes to the fecal microbial community.

Nutritional value of a new source of cheese coproduct fed to weanling pigs.

Three experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that values for standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) and metabolizable energy (ME) in a the cheese coproduct are greater than in fish meal or enzyme-treated soybean meal (ESBM). The second objective was to test the hypothesis that pigs fed a diet containing cheese coproduct will have growth performance that is not different from that of pigs fed other sources of protein. In experiment 1, eight ileal-cannulated barrows (11.0 ± 0.4 kg) were allotted to a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with four diets and four periods and two pigs per diet in each period. The four diets included an N-free diet and three diets that contained ESBM, fish meal, or the cheese coproduct as the source of AA. Results indicated that the cheese coproduct had greater (P < 0.05) SID of most AA compared with ESBM and fish meal. In experiment 2, 32 weanling barrows (14.0 ± 1.1 kg) were housed individually in metabolism crates and randomly allotted to one of four diets. A corn-based diet and three diets that contained corn and ESBM, fish meal, or cheese coproduct were formulated. Feces and urine were collected quantitatively. The ME in cheese coproduct was greater (P < 0.05) than in ESBM and fish meal. In experiment 3, 128 weaned pigs (6.2 ± 0.6 kg) were allotted to a randomized complete block design with four treatments and 8 replicate pens per diet. Phase 1 diets that contained 0%, 6.65%, 7.35%, or 14% cheese coproduct were fed from days 1 to 14 and a common phase 2 diet without cheese coproduct was fed from days 15 to 28. Individual pig weights were recorded at the beginning of the experiment, on days 14 and 28, and daily feed allotments were also recorded. Two blood samples were collected from 1 pig per pen on day 14 to analyze for blood urea N, albumin, total plasma protein, peptide YY, immunoglobulin G, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-10. No differences were observed in average daily gain among treatments, but there was a tendency (P < 0.10) for total protein on day 14 to increase as cheese coproduct increased in the diets. In conclusion, the cheese coproduct used in this experiment has a greater SID of AA and greater ME than ESBM and fish meal and the cheese coproduct may be included in prestarter diets for weanling pigs without negatively impacting growth performance or indicators of intestinal health.

Nutritional value of high protein ingredients fed to growing pigs in comparison to commonly used protein sources in swine diets.

Two experiments were conducted to test the hypothesis that 2 high protein dried distillers with solubles and yeast mass added (GDDY) products fed to growing pigs had comparable amino acid (AA) digestibility and metabolizable energy (ME) to feeds commonly used in swine diets. In Exp. 1, 7 barrows with initial body weight (BW) of 25 ± 0.8kg were fitted with a simple T-cannula at the distal ileum to allow for digesta collection. Experimental diets were N-free diet and 6 cornstarch-based diets containing 6 ingredients as the sole source of AA: spray dried GDDY, ring dried GDDY, corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), soybean meal (SBM), enzymatically treated soybean meal (ESBM), and Fish meal (FM) provided at 4% of BW. The experiment was conducted as a 7 × 7 Latin square design with 7 collection periods of 7d (5d adaptation and 2d ileal digesta collection). In Exp. 2, a total of 28 barrows (28.8 ± 1.4kg BW) were used in a 2-period switch back design with 7 diets and 4 replicate pigs in each period (n=8 reps/diet). Experimental diets were a corn-based basal diet and 6 corn-based diets containing spray dried GDDY, ring dried GDDY, DDGS, SBM, ESBM and FM. Fecal and urine samples were collected using the marker-to-marker approach for 5d after 7d of adaptation to determine ME concentration. Overall, SID values were within the mean +/- SD of NRC (2012) values for all ingredients evaluated. The SID of AA was greater (P < 0.05) in ESBM than the other protein feedstuffs (90.09% vs. 78.71 - 81.51%). There were not significant differences in SID of AA (P > 0.05) in SBM, FM, spray dried GDDY and ring dried GDDY (81.49, 78.71, 81.52, and 79.20 %). With respect to the most common first limiting AA for swine, the SID of Lys was greater (P < 0.05) in spray dried GDDY than ring dried GDDY and DDGS (83.56 vs. 77.33 and 68.53 %, respectively). There were not significant differences (P > 0.05) for ME in corn (3313 Kcal/kg), ESBM (3323 Kcal/kg), and FM (3454 Kcal/kg) when compared with spray dried GDDY and ring dried GDDY (3995 Kcal/kg and 3442 Kcal/kg respectively). However, spray dried GDDY had greater DE and ME when compared to SBM. Collectively, this study demonstrates that GDDY products have an AA profile and digestibility comparable to SBM; ME in GDDY products is not different than corn. Therefore, GDDY has potential as a feed ingredient for pigs, which could provide an alternative source of protein and energy in swine diets.

In vivo study of the biological value of amaranth protein concentrate and its module with chicken egg protein

Amaranth (Amaranthus L.), like other pseudocereals as quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), chia (Salvia hispanica L.) and buckwheat (Fagopyrum sp.), is a promising source of dietary protein. Depending on the subspecies and breeds of amaranth, the protein content in its grain is estimated from 13.1 to 21.5%, and its amino acid score varies over a significant range and can be limited. The aim of this study was to obtain a protein concentrate from amaranth (Amaranthus L.) grain of the Voronezh breed, enrich it with chicken egg protein, determine the amino acid score of the obtained protein module, and experimentally evaluate in vivo its true digestibility and biological value. Material and methods. The amaranth protein concentrate was obtained from grain according to the technological scheme, including its enzymatic treatment, alkaline extraction, acid precipitation of proteins, microfiltration and lyophilization. The amino acid composition and amino acid score of the concentrate were determined. The protein module was obtained by mixing amaranth protein concentrate and chicken egg protein in a weight ratio of 58:42. The true digestibility and biological value of the protein module has been determined in vivo. The experiment was carried out on 32 Wistar male rats divided into 2 groups (n=16 rats): control group 1 with a body weight of 118.7±3.1 g and experimental group 2 with a body weight of 119.5±3.0 g. Animals of groups 1 and 2 received diets in which egg protein and a protein module were used as a protein source, respectively. Within 15 days of the experiment, individual indicators of food intake and body weight gain of each animal were determined. From the 14th to the 15th day food intake was determined and feces were collected. The amount of nitrogen in the food and feces was determined for each rat using the Kjeldahl method. The true digestibility of the protein was determined according to obtained data. Results. The resulting amaranth protein concentrate contained 70.4±0.6% of protein, 17.0±1.0% fat, 9.8±0.8% carbohydrates, 1.8±0.2% ash, its moisture content was 1.4±0.1%. There were no significant differences in food intake and body weight gain between animals of both groups. The calculated value of the true digestibility of chicken egg protein was 98.8±0.1% for the control group 1, of the protein module was 99.0±0.1% for the experimental group 2, the differences between the groups were not significant. Conclusion. The results of amino acid analysis and the in vivo study of the true digestibility of the protein module (composition amaranth protein/chicken egg protein) indicate the absence of limitation relative to the amino acid scale of the "ideal" protein (FAO/WHO, 2007) and high true digestibility. The biological value of the protein module, calculated according to PDCAAS, is 99.0±0.1%, which confirms the prospects for its inclusion in specialized foods.

Nutrient digestibility and enzyme activity of microbial floc, Tetraselmis chuii, and Spirulina platensis fed on Juvenile Cobia (Rachycentron canadum)

Cobia is a relatively new species of marine carnivorous fish with high aquaculture potential because of its fast growth (4-6 kg in a year) and ability to adapt and reproduce in the cultivation environment. This study aims to evaluate the nutrient digestibility and enzyme activity of cobia juveniles fed pelleted feed with microbial floc meal (MF), microalga Tetraselmis chuii (MT) meal, and microalga Spirulina platensis (MS) meal. Fish were fed pellets twice a day at satiation. The results showed that MS feed had higher and significantly different (p&lt;0.05) of protein digestibility, enzyme activity, amylase and lipase, glycogen and lipid in the liver of juvenile cobia than MF feed. These two raw materials generally had no negative effect on cobia juvenile growth. Conversely, the value of nutrient digestibility and enzyme activity of MT feed could not be determined because the fish did not consume the feed.

Assessment of growth responses of Wistar rats fed with a diet containing composite flour premix

Composite flour technology involves the process of mixing cereals and legumes to facilitate the usage of locally available raw materials to produce high-quality food products economically. The present investigation evaluated the growth responses of a composite flour blend formulated using selected cereals, pulses and oil seed (a total of nine grains) were evaluated in two-month-old growing Wistar rats. The feeding trial was conducted for four weeks after an acclimatization period of five days. Daily feed intake and weekly body weight were recorded and parameters such as weight gain, feed conversion efficiency and digestibility of protein were estimated. A significantly higher average final live weight, weekly weight gain and better feed conversion efficiency (p&lt;0.05) were observed in the treatment group. The observed values of digestibility of protein were 84.74 ± 0.85 % and 65.16 ± 0.89 % respectively for the treatment and control diets. Data were analyzed statistically using Analysis of Variance in SPSS 24 software. The investigation revealed that the formulated composite flour premix promotes growth with good protein digestibility in rats and could be used for nutraceutical fortifications to support human life and good health.

Inclusion of spray dried plasma in diets based on different ingredient combinations increases the digestibility of energy, fiber, Ca, and P by young pigs.

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that inclusion of spray dried plasma (SDP) in diets increases apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and/or the standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of gross energy (GE) and nutrients in diets for young pigs, and that ATTD of energy and nutrients or STTD of P in individual ingredients are additive in diets containing SDP. Eighty barrows (body weight: 9.30 ± 0.97 kg) were housed in individual metabolism crates and allotted to 1 of 10 diets in a randomized complete block design with 8 replicate pigs per diet. Four diets were prepared without SDP and contained ingredients commonly used in the United States, Canada, the European Union, or Asia. Four additional diets were prepared by mixing 94% of the previous four diets and 6% SDP. A diet containing SDP as the sole source of P and a P-free diet were also formulated. The ATTD of GE and nutrients and the STTD of P were calculated in all diets except the P-free diet and for the four regional diets containing 6% SDP, values were also predicted from the digestibility obtained in SDP alone and the regional diets without SDP. Differences between measured and predicted values for digestibility of GE and nutrients were also calculated. An interaction was observed between SDP and region for the ATTD of soluble dietary fiber where the digestibility decreased (P < 0.05) for pigs fed the U.S. diet with 6% SDP compared with 0% SDP, but that was not the case for the other regional diets. There was no interaction for the ATTD of GE, N, insoluble dietary fiber (IDF), total dietary fiber (TDF), Ca, and P or the STTD of P, but the ATTD and STTD values were greater (P < 0.05) or tended to be greater (P < 0.10%) when 6% SDP was included in the diet compared with diets with 0% SDP. The ATTD of GE, IDF, TDF, and P, and the STTD of P was greater (P < 0.05) for the Asia diet compared with the other diets regardless of inclusion of SDP. The measured ATTD of IDF and TDF was greater (P < 0.05) than the predicted values for the U.S. and European Union diets, and the measured ATTD of GE, N, Ca, and P and the STTD of P was greater (P < 0.05) than the predicted values for the Asia diet. In conclusion, addition of 6% SDP to a diet will increase the ATTD of energy and nutrients and the STTD of P in diets for weanling pigs, and in some cases, the measured ATTD of energy and nutrients or the STTD of P by pigs fed diets containing SDP is greater than predicted from individual ingredients.

Digestibility of tarum leaf flour (Indigofera zollingeriana) the fermented Aspergillus niger as a diet ingredients jaya sakti carp larvae (Cyprinus carpio, L)

Tarum leaves (Indigofera zollingeriana) is an alternative local raw ingredients that can be used as fish diet ingredients. I. zollingeriana has a fairly good nutritional content, namely 29.06% protein. Utilization of I. zollingeriana is faced with the constraint of a high fiber content of 15.25% which reduces the digestibility of the diet. Efforts to overcome this problem are through a fermentation process, one of which uses Aspergillus niger. This research aims to look at the digestibility of I. zollingeriana leaf flour fermented by A. niger as a diet ingredient for the Jaya Sakti Carp larvae. This study consisted of two treatments and each with four replicates. commercial diet as a reference diet, non-fermented I. zollingeriana leaf flour and fermented I. zollingeriana leaf flour as test diet and added Cr2O3 as an indicator of digestibility. The test fish used were Carp larvae, 7-8 cm long, 8-9 grams in weight, kept in a 60x50x40 cm aquarium. Each aquarium was filled with 90 fish or at a density of 83 fish/cm2 and fed at satiasion 3 times a day. Based on the results of research that has been done, the use of Indigofera zollingeriana leaf flour fermented by Aspergillus niger as a diet ingredient for carp larvae gives a digestibility value of 42.53%, protein digestibility 77.19% and energy digestibility 66.21% the best compared to leaf flour diet. I. zollingeriana is non-fermented so it can be used in fish enlargement diet formulations and is expected to improve fish growth performance.

DIGESTIBILITY OF ADDITIONAL CRUDE PROTEIN FROM TROPICAL LEGUMES IN MIXED GRASS-LEGUME RATIONS FOR RUMINANTS

The digestibility of crude protein (CP) from tropical legumes in grass-legume mixed diets was studied based on literature data by regressing the digestible CP (digCP) on the proportion of CP from legumes in the diet. In vivo studies reporting on CP concentration and in vivo CP digestibility values of ruminants fed diets with tropical legumes and grasses with no other feed, were selected for the analysis (56 publications, 213 dietary treatments (150 legume forages, 63 grasses)). First, observations were classified into categories based on the CP concentration of the control grass using the first and the third quartile of the grass CP concentration (LOW, MEDIUM, and HIGH grass quality). Second, legumes were divided based on their growth habit: herbs, shrubs, and trees. Based on the slopes and coefficients of the regressions of the digCP supply on the proportion of CP from legumes, CP digestibility of legumes was higher than that of LOW quality grasses, but lower than that of MEDIUM and HIGH quality grasses. Furthermore, the digestibility of the additional CP from legumes was higher when combined with MEDIUM quality grasses (0.493) compared with those of LOW quality (0.432), while it decreased when combined with HIGH quality grasses (0.305). No differences appeared in the digestibility of additional CP from legumes depending on their growth habit (range 0.415 to 0.421). These results can help optimize the assimilation of CP supplemented by tropical legumes.

Effect of replacing soybean meal with shrimp waste meal in the diets of growing turkeys on nutrient digestibility and metabolisable energy

Abstract Soybean meal (SBM), one of the main protein sources in turkey production is becoming expensive. Shrimp waste meal (SWM), a by‑product of the shrimp industry is a good prospect as a cheaper alternative. It was hypothesised that Nigerian indigenous turkeys (NIT) should be able to digest and utilise SWM better than British United Turkeys (BUT) because of their hardy nature. A 56‑day study was carried out to determine metabolisable energy and apparent nutrient digestibility of growing turkeys fed diets containing SWM. Four diets were formulated such that SBM in the control diet (diet 1) was substituted by SWM at 150, 300 and 450 g/kg (protein for protein) in diets 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Eighty (80) four‑weeks‑old male sex BUT and 80 NIT were allotted on weight equalisation into four dietary treatments replicated four times with five turkeys per replicate in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement. The total faecal collection method was used for determining apparent and true nutrient digestibility and metabolisable energy values. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomised design and data collected were analysed using ANOVA with SAS package. At the starter phase, NIT recorded (p &lt; 0.05) higher values for dry matter (DM), Ether extract (EE), nitrogen‑free extract (NFE), Apparent metabolisable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) but lower true metabolisable energy corrected for nitrogen (TMEn). Turkeys fed SWM recorded higher (p &lt; 0.05) AMEn. At the grower phase, turkeys fed 300 g/kg SWM recorded higher (p &lt; 0.05) values for CF and ash. Ash and CP digestibility values were higher (p &lt; 0.05) in BUT ditto for TMEn. It was concluded that NIT could handle SWM better than BUT, however, only at the starter phase at 300 g/kg substitution for SBM.