Dry Matter Digestibility Coefficients Research Articles

Effect of Total Mixed Fountain Grass Pellets on The Growth Performance of Goats

Purpose: Feed quality is inconsistent throughout the year. The nutrient composition of feed supplies is affected by the transition from wet to dry seasons, which also decreases digestibility. This study evaluated the effect of varying levels of fountain grass hay total mixed ration (TMR) pellets on the apparent digestibility, growth performance, and blood profile of Djallonké Goats in the Savanna agroecological zone of Ghana. Design/Methodology/Approach: The experimental treatments were T0 (unpelleted hay), T1 (75% pelleted hay total mixed ration), T2 (50% pelleted hay total mixed ration), and T3 (25% pelleted hay total mixed ration). Sixteen (16) weaned male Djallonke goats (5.190 kg) were randomly divided into four treatments (four bucks/treatment) using a completely randomised design (CRD). After adaptation for 14 d, the animals were fed for 84 d and 7 d to determine the digestibility coefficient. Findings: Goats fed total mixed ratio (TMR) hay pellets exhibited significantly higher (P < 0.05) dry matter intake (DMI) and digestibility coefficients than those fed unpelleted hay. The average daily gain (ADG) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in T0 and lowest in T3. Haematological and serological parameters did not differ significantly among the treatments (p>0.05). Research Limitation: This study examined the feed intake, nutrient digestibility, growth performance, and blood profile of Djallonké Goats. Its results cannot be generalised to the entire livestock industry. Practical Implication: Hay pellets could serve as an alternative feed resource for ruminants, reducing production costs and ensuring the sustainability of the animal industry in Ghana. Social Implication: This study will help address dry season feeding challenges and ensure the sustainability of the livestock industry. Originality/value: This study highlights the potential of Pennisetum purpureum hay as an underutilised native pasture that could improve ruminant production in Northern Ghana.

Effects of β-Mannanase Alone or Combined with Multi-Carbohydrase Complex in Corn-Soybean Meal Diets on Nutrient Metabolism and Gut Health of Growing Pigs.

(1) Background: This study was performed to evaluate whether the addition of β-mannanase alone or combined with a multi-carbohydrase complex can improve diet digestibility, nutrient and energy metabolism, and the gut health of growing pigs. (2) Methods: Twenty-four pigs (35.56 ± 3.81 kg) were fed a control corn-soybean meal-based diet (no addition) or a control diet with β-mannanase (BM; 300 g/ton) or control diet β-mannanase plus a multi-carbohydrase complex including xylanase, β-glucanase, and arabinofuranosidases (BM + MCC; 300 + 50 g/ton) for 13 days. Total fecal and urine samples were collected from days 6 to 12. The feces samples were collected from all the pigs to determine fecal biomarkers using commercial ELISA tests. Blood samples were collected from all the pigs on day 13 to assess the serum concentrations of acute-phase proteins. All the pigs were euthanized on day 13 for intestinal tissue collection for morphometric analysis. Data were submitted to variance analysis and differences were considered significant at p ≤ 0.05 and a trend for 0.05 < p ≤ 0.10. (3) Results: The addition of BM and BM + MCC resulted in greater dry matter, protein, and energy digestibility coefficients, and protein (2.87% and 2.60%) and energy (2.61% and 1.44%) metabolizability coefficients compared to control (p < 0.05). A greater retention of nitrogen ratio and lower fecal energy were observed in BM and BM + MCC than in the control (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the addition of BM and BM + MCC resulted in lower manure production (29.78 and 49.77%, respectively) and fecal moisture (p < 0.001) compared to the control. The BM addition resulted in a greater villus area and villi height to crypt depth ratio compared to the control (p < 0.05). The addition of BM and BM + MCC diets also reduced the fecal calprotectin levels by 52 and 56% in relation to the control pigs. (4) Conclusions: The use of β-mannanase alone or associated with multi-carbohydrase complex improved nutritional digestibility, nutrient and energy metabolism, and gut health, and reduced the manure production of growing pigs.

β-glucanase and xylanase for beef cattle on tropical pasture

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of administering an energy-protein supplement with fibrolytic enzymes, either singly or in a blend, on the intake, digestibility, ruminal, and metabolic parameters in grazing beef cattle. Five rumen-cannulated Nellore steers, averaging 36 months of age and a body weight of 559.57 ± 35 kg were evaluated using a 5 x 5 Latin Square design. The treatments included a protein-energy supplement (2 g/kg BW) without additives (Control), or supplemented with 4 g β-glucanase/animal (BGLU); 4 g xylanase/animal (XYLA); 4 g β-glucanase and 1 g xylanase/animal (BGLU+XYLA); and 4 g xylanase and 1 g β-glucanase/animal (XYLA+BGLU). The administration of either single fibrolytic enzymes or the enzyme blend did not significantly influence (P &gt; 0.05) the intakes of forage dry matter (DM), total DM, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), organic matter (OM), digestible OM, or the digestibility coefficients of DM, NDF, CP, and OM. Similarly, the use of these enzymes individually or combined did not impact (P &gt; 0.05) the levels of rumen pH, volatile fatty acids, ruminal ammonia nitrogen, microbial nitrogen, serum urea nitrogen, or urinary nitrogen excretion. Providing fibrolytic enzymes, individually or in blends, does not modify the nutrient intake, digestibility, or metabolism in beef cattle on tropical pastures receiving low levels of protein-energy supplements.

A blend of bacillus-fermented soybean meal, functional amino acids, and nucleotides improves nutrient digestibility, bolsters immune response, reduces diarrhea, and enhances growth performance in weaned piglets.

This study investigated the effects of a blend of bacillus-fermented soybean meal, functional amino acids, and nucleotides (Functional protein blend-FP Blend) as a replacement for animal protein sources in a weaner pig diet without antibiotic growth promoters on nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, intestinal morphology, diarrhea incidence, and growth performance. A total of 288 crossbred weaned piglets [♂ Duroc x ♀ (Yorkshire × Landrace)] with an average body weight (BW) of 6.89 ± 0.71kg were randomly allocated to 6 groups based on initial BW and sex (8 replicate pens per treatment; 3 gilts and 3 barrows/pen). The experiment lasted for 5wk. Dietary treatments included PC [standard diet with 3% fish meal (FM) and 2% plasma protein (PP)], NC (nonanimal protein, AP), T1 (3% FM replaced with 5% FP Blend), T2 (3% FM and 1% PP replaced with 5% FP Blend), T3 (2% PP replaced with 5%FP Blend), and T4 (3% FM and 2% PP replaced with 5% FP Blend). Data were analyzed using Minitab version 17 software. Key results indicated that FP Blend improved the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) coefficient of dry matter, gross energy, lysine, and valine in T4 compared with NC treatment (P < 0.05), whereas AID coefficient of crude protein and other amino acids remained constant (P > 0.05). Compared with NC diet, the weaned pigs fed T4 diet reduced malondialdehyde, serum IL8, TNF-α, and increased IgG (P < 0.05), while showing no effect on serum IL6, IL10, white blood cells, IgA, and endotoxin (P > 0.05). Furthermore, FP blend significantly increased villus height in the duodenum and ileum in T4 compared with NC (P < 0.05). The average daily gain (ADG) was highest in T4 (502.73g/d), followed by T1 (477.96g/d) and T2 (475.85g/d), compared with PC (450.86g/d) and NC (439.79g/d). T4's ADG significantly differed from PC and NC (P < 0.001), whereas no significant differences were observed in T1, T2, and T3 (P > 0.05). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly lower in T4 (1.45) compared with PC (1.57) and NC (1.59) (P < 0.001), with no significant differences among other groups. In conclusion, FP Blend demonstrated efficacy in improving nutrient digestibility, optimizing intestinal morphology, bolstering immune responses, reducing diarrhea incidence, alleviating the adverse effects of weaning stress, and enhancing growth performance of weaned piglets.

Full-fat black soldier fly larvae meal and yellow mealworm meal: Impact on feed protein quality, growth and nutrient utilization of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) post smolts

The shift towards insect-based alternatives in aquafeeds stems from the need to reduce the carbon footprint associated with the ingredients used in salmon feeds. In the present study, we describe the effects of full-fat insect meal incorporation on amino acid derivatives in feeds and the growth performance and nutrient utilization of Atlantic salmon post-smolts fed insect meals. A 74-day growth trial was conducted employing 520 fish (143 ± 12.8 g); these fish were fed either a control diet (CO) that contained 20 % fishmeal, 20 % soy protein concentrate (SPC), 14 % wheat gluten, 19 % plant raw materials, 13 % fish oil and 6 % rapeseed oil, or one of four insect meal diets, prepared with either 5 % and 10 % black soldier fly larvae meal (BS5, BS10) or 15 % and 30 % mealworm meal (MW15, MW30), by substituting mainly SPC, wheat gluten and rapeseed oil. The inclusion levels of BS and MW were determined based on their distinct chemical compositions, specifically their lipid content. As regards the results, HPLC-based high-throughput data on amino acid derivatives revealed the following: carboxymethyllysine was significantly higher in the MW30 feed than in BS5, BS10 and MW15 feeds; carboxyethyllysine was higher in the MW15 and MW30 feeds compared to the others; furosine was lower in the MW15 feed compared to the CO, BS5 and MW30 feeds. Regarding the effect of the insect meals on Atlantic salmon post-smolts, their inclusion had no significant effect on feed conversion ratio, health indicators and the retention efficiency of macronutrients. Apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of dry matter, lipid, ash and energy were not significantly different. However, protein digestibility in the 30 % MW group (80.4 %) was significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) compared to the control and BS5 group (84.5 %). Furthermore, the ADC of protein was found to decrease linearly with increasing levels of insect meals, with MW showing a significant relationship (adjusted r2 = 0.77, p = 0.014). Overall, our study highlights the efficacy of 5 and 10 % BS and 15 % MW as ingredients in the feeds of Atlantic salmon. Other focal points included the undesirable amino acid derivatives and a reduction in protein digestibility associated with 30 % of MW in the diet of Atlantic salmon. Hence, future investigations should focus on the effects of feed processing conditions on the protein quality of mealworm before suggesting higher inclusion levels to the feed industry.

Apparent Digestibility Coefficients of Nutrients and Energy from Animal-Origin Proteins for Macrobrachium rosenbergii Juveniles

In prawn farming, the main protein source used in aquafeed formulations is fishmeal. Nevertheless, one estimates that in the coming years, this protein source will no longer be able to meet the demand for the activity. The search for new ingredients is important to meet the increasing demand and minimize environmental impacts, such as the reduction in fish stocks and the eutrophication of aquatic systems. The objective of this study was to determine the apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), gross energy (GE), and ether extract (EE) of fishmeal, poultry co-products (viscera and hydrolysed feather), and insect meal (Gromphadorhina portentosa) for giant river prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) juveniles. To determine the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs), 90 prawns (average weight, 15 g) were randomly distributed among three experimental units. The reference feed was formulated according to the requirements of the giant river prawn, with 35% crude protein and a gross energy of 3600 kcal kg−1. The test diets comprised 70% of the reference diet and 30% of the respective test ingredients. Prawns were fed three times a day until apparent satiety. Faeces were collected using the indirect siphoning method, twice a day at the same feeding site (at 7:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.). The water parameters were temperature (27 °C), dissolved oxygen (6.65 mg L−1) and pH (7.76). The ACDs of DM, CP, EE, and GE were, respectively, 61.48; 88.28; 99.89 and 88.25 for fishmeal; 76.48; 81.55; 97.29 and 85.13 for poultry viscera meal; 73.82; 75.21; 73.17 and 76.42 for hydrolysed feather meal; and 52.35; 59,48; 87.95 and 67.64 for G. portentosa meal. The values of protein (%) and digestible energy (kcal kg−1) were 55.20 and 3711 for fishmeal; 47.27 and 4285 for poultry viscera’s meal; 65.03 and 4145 for hydrolysed feather meal; and 47.72 and 3616 for G. portentosa meal. These results showed the potential use of insect meals and poultry co-products as ingredients for the diets of M. rosenbergii juveniles, as they present digestible values close to those found for fishmeal, the main raw material used in aquaculture diets.

Fermentation and fortification of Sargassum linearifolium with multi-strain probiotics improves mucosal barrier status, inflammatory response and resistance to Vibrio harveyi infection in barramundi Lates calcarifer

While aquaculture intensification increases productivity and profitability, it can lead to increased susceptibility of fish to disease outbreaks. As such, the production of aquafeeds with immunomodulatory properties is currently of significant interest to the aquaculture sector with a view of improving on-farm welfare. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the brown seaweed Sargassum linearifolium fortified with the probiotics Lactobacillus casei and Saccharomyces cerevisiae through submerged fermentation in improving growth, overall health and the ability to resist Vibrio harveyi infection in barramundi, Lates calcarifer. Two seaweed-based diets, probiotic-fortified S. linearifolium (referred to as PF-SL) and S. linearifolium without probiotic fortification (referred to as SL), were compared with a standard barramundi diet (control). Barramundi juveniles weighing 4.25 ± 0.09 g were fed the test diets three times daily to satiety for 56 days. The results demonstrated a significantly higher growth performance in fish fed the PF-SL diet when compared to the control. However, there were no notable differences in the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of dry matter, protein, and lipid between PF-SL and control. Fish fed the PF-SL diet showed improved mucosal barrier function in both the skin and intestine, as indicated by the increased density of mucous cells. Similarly, fish fed the PF-SL diet exhibited higher glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant activity than the control. The qRT-PCR revealed significant upregulation in the expression of anti-inflammatory genes (occludin, claudin1 and nrf2) and downregulation in the expression of proinflammatory genes (hsp70 and tnf-α) in fish fed the PF-SL diet. Furthermore, the PF-SL diet resulted in a 27% mortality in a 14-day challenge trial with V. harveyi, which was lower than the mortality rates of the SL (46%) and control (67%). Overall, this study demonstrates that feeding juvenile barramundi with probiotic-fortified brown seaweed S. linearifolium was able to improve growth, immunity, and resistance against Vibrio harveyi infection, suggesting significant potential for application across the aquaculture industry for improved fish welfare.

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

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

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

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

Effect of Using Different Levels of Date by-products on in vitro Digestion

The experiment was conducted from 9/3 to 11/4/2023 to study the effects of using increasing percentages of dried dates peels (0, 15, 30, &amp; 45%) on the concentrated fodder to study its effect. on dry and organic matter digestion coefficients, methane gas production, volatile fatty acid, ammonia, pH, and total numbers of bacteria. The results show that there was a significant effect (p≤0.05) on the digestibility of dry and organic matter at 30% of date by-products. The results also showing that treatment T3 was superior in the production of total gas and methane gas for all incubation periods. The results also positive for the characteristics of ammonia nitrogen and Volatile fatty acids, T4 outperformed the rest of the treatments in total bacterial counts.

Solid-state fermentation converts rice bran into a high-protein feed ingredient for Penaeus monodon

Fermented rice bran (FRB) was evaluated as an alternative protein source to soybean meal (SM) in practical diets for juvenile black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon. This feed ingredient was tested in a feeding trial to replace soybean meal in P. monodon diets at 0% (T0), 12.5% (T12.5), 25% (T25), 37.5% (T37.5), and 50% (T50). Five iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric experimental diets containing 44% crude protein were fed to groups of juvenile shrimp (0.47 ± 0.002 g) randomly assigned to twenty 60-l rectangular tanks equipped with a recirculating seawater system. Each dietary treatment was run in 4 replicates, and the feeding trial lasted 50 days. Results show significant improvement in weight gain, specific growth rate, and protein efficiency ratio in treatment T12.5 and T25. Treatments with higher levels of SM replacement with FRB exhibited similar growth indices to those of the control group. Polynomial regression analysis indicates that the optimum replacement of soybean meal with FRB for optimum growth is 21.08%. The apparent dry matter and protein digestibility coefficients of FRB are 83.05 ± 0.02% and 87.20 ± 0.30%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the whole-body composition (dry matter, protein, lipid, ash) among treatments of shrimp fed with FRB replacement. The data suggest that FRB replacement of dietary soybean meal is feasible at 50% without affecting the growth performance but may promote growth at 21.08% replacement of P. monodon.

Influence of Jerusalem artichoke tuber as a prebiotic on the nutrient utilization, weaning stress indicators and immunocompetence of crossbred calves during the pre- and post-weaning phases

This study explored the potential prebiotic properties of pulverized Jerusalem artichoke tuber (JAP) in pre- and post-weaned calves. Accordingly, 24 fifteen-day-old calves were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 6). The groups received JAP supplementation at levels of 0 (CON), 1 (JAP1), 2 (JAP2), and 3 (JAP3) percent of dry matter intake (DMI) during the first 60 days of the 120-day experiment. Two 6-days digestion trials were conducted: one during the 4th week of the experiment (pre-wean), and the second during the tenth week (post-wean). Additionally, serum concentrations of cortisol and epinephrine were measured in both the pre- and post-weaning phases to assess the stress levels. Immunocompetence of the calves during both the stages was evaluated through lymphocyte proliferation response. In the pre-weaning phase, the calves supplemented with JAP had better (P < 0.05) protein intake and digestion compared to the control group. In the post-weaning phase, the JAP supplemented groups exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) improved digestibility coefficients for dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, and neutral detergent fibre. Although cortisol levels didn't show significant differences (P > 0.05) between the groups during both pre-weaning and post-weaning stages, the post-weaning stage did reveal a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in epinephrine levels in JAP1 compared to the other groups. Additionally, JAP supplementation enhanced (P < 0.05) the calves' response to lymphocyte proliferation during the post-weaning phase. Considering the improved nutrient digestibility, enhanced systemic immunity, and reduced epinephrine levels observed in the JAP supplemented groups, our findings suggest that JAP may have promising potential as a prebiotic for calves.

Effect of Varying Feeding Formulas on The Growth Performance of Buffalo Heifers

The present experiment was conducted at dairy farm during the year 2020-21 at CSAUA&amp;T Kanpur. The growth rate of buffalo heifers is a major problem at dairy farms. Twelve buffalo heifers were selected for digestibility that on a nutrition slide sample contains 86.50% DM, 20.10 %CP, 2.00 EE, 15.5% CF, 52.70% NFE and 9.50%Ash. The average dry matter intake per 100 kg body weight was (6.34, 5.44, 7.06 kg) the digestibility coefficient of DM was recorded (61.40, 59.95, 62.77) and digestibility coefficient of CP (63.55, 61.78, 65.77) and digestibility coefficient of CF (56.11, 54.75, 58.99) and digestibility coefficient of EE (64.89, 64.39, 67.52) and digestibility coefficient of NFE (64.06, 62.58, 65.75) and digestibility coefficient of Organic matter (64.45, 62.75, 66.99). The average live weight in buffalo heifers was increased (627.04, 610.44, 687.73) g per day in group I, II and III groups respectively. The growth parameters were statistically significant. Group III was shown better performance in respect of growth parameters in other groups I and II from the present study, it was apparent that the extra concentrate to be added in diet for proper development of growing heifers, III group was higher in growth. Digestibility coefficients of Dry matter, Crude Fiber, Ether extract, Nitrogen free extract and Organic matter were also higher in group III.

Effect of inoculating the Awassi rumen fluid with its counterpart from Iraqi buffaloes on in vitro digestibility coefficient of barley straw and some characteristics of the rumen fluid

The study was conducted at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences / University of Baghdad for the period from 3-30-2022 to 4-10-2022 with the aim of determining the extent of improvement or change in the rumen fluid of Awassi lambs after inoculation with Iraqi buffalo rumen fluid. 5 ratios of Iraqi buffalo rumen fluid were used. Which was collected immediately after slaughter and (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8) represented the treatments (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5) were added to the rumen fluid of Awassi lambs in in vitro digestion tubes to estimate the in vitro digestibility coefficient of the dry and organic matter of barley straw, pH, and total number of microorganisms in rumen fluid. The results showed a highly significant improvement (P&lt;0.01) for the treatments (T3, T4, and T5) in the in vitro digestibility coefficient of organic matter and dry matter compared to the two treatments (T1 and T2). The results also indicated a highly significant (P&lt;0.01) superiority in the pH value of the two treatments (T2 and T4) with buffalo rumen fluid compared to the other treatments depending on the timing during which the pH was measured. In the same context, the treatments (T3, T4, and T5) outperformed the total number of microorganisms, and the results showed highly significant differences (P&lt;0.01) for the two treatments (T3 and T4) in the total number of microorganisms compared to the treatments (T1, T2, and T5).From the results achieved above, we conclude that the two treatments (T3 and T4) for inoculation with buffalo rumen fluid were significantly superior in improving the in vitro digestibility coefficient of dry and organic matter and improving the characteristics of the rumen fluid in light of the results achieved above. This study is one of the first studies to improve the rumen environment in Awassi lambs through inoculation with different proportions of rumen fluid taken from Iraqi buffaloes after slaughter.

Impact of Inoculation of rumen fluid of Awassi lambs with ruminal fluid of Iraqi buffalo on in vitro digestion of Iraqi wild Reeds and some ruminal fluid characteristics

The study was conducted at the College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences / University of Baghdad for the period from 3-30-2022 until 4-10-2022 to determine the extent of improvement or change in the rumen fluid of Awassi lambs after inoculation with Iraqi buffalo rumen fluid, and 5 different percentages of Iraqi buffalo rumen fluid were used. Which was collected immediately after slaughter and (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8) represented the parameters (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5). It was added to the rumen fluid of Awassi lambs in in vitro digestion tubes to estimate the in vitro digestibility coefficient for the dry and organic matter of the Iraqi wild Reeds, pH, and total number of microorganisms in rumen fluid. The results showed a highly significant increase (P&lt;0.01) for the two treatments (T4 and T5) in the in vitro digestibility coefficient of organic matter and dry matter compared to the treatments (T1, T2, and T3). While the digestibility coefficient of organic matter improved significantly compared to dry matter. The pH values recorded a highly significant increase (P&lt;0.01) after 9 and 12 hours for all treatments compared to their values after 6 hours of in vitro digestion. The results showed a highly significant (P&lt;0.01) superiority of the two treatments (T2 and T4) with buffalo rumen fluid in the pH values compared. With parameters (T1, T3, and T5) with different times during which the pH was measured. The treatments (T3, T4, and T5) were highly significantly (P&lt;0.01) superior in terms of the total number of microorganisms compared to the two inoculation treatments with buffalo rumen fluid (T1 and T2), while the two inoculation treatments (T3 and T5) recorded a highly significant (P&lt;0.01) superiority in The total number of microorganisms in rumen fluid compared to other treatments. From the results achieved above, we conclude that the treatments (T3, T4, and T5) are considered the best rates for inoculation with buffalo rumen fluid, and the T4 treatment is considered the best compared to other inoculation treatments.

INFLUENCE OF SUPPLEMENTATION OF FALLEN APPLE ON THE PERFORMANCE OF LACTATING COWS

The present study was conducted to evaluate the influence of supplementation of feeding fallen apple on the performance of lactating cows. Eighteen multiparous dairy cows (2-4 lactation number) were divided into three groups based on the average milk yield. The animals in the group-1(6 cows, average milk yield of 7.34 kg per day,control group- C) where fed maize fodder, concentrate mixture as per the requirement, while the animals in the group-2(6 cows, average milk yield of 7.35 kg per day, Apple fed group, T1) were fed maize fodder, concentrate mixture as per the requirement and chopped fresh fallen apple 4 kg per animal per day, while the animals in the group-3 (6 cows, average milk yield of 7.37 kg per day, Urea treated apple fed group, T2) where fed maize fodder, concentrate mixture as per the requirement and 4% urea treated fallen apple 500g per animal per day. The milk yield in lactating cows of C, T1 and T2 were comparable and did not vary significantly. There were no significant differences in the haematological parameters of C, T1 and T2 groups. Dry matter intake (DMI) was similar among the three groups. Average fortnightly body weight were not statistically significant among the three experimental groups. It was observed that apparent digestibility coefficients (%) of dry matter, organic matter, ether extract, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre were comparable among the three groups. The milk yield, dry matter intake, fortnightly body weight changes, digestibility of the nutrients were also not statistically significant among the threegroups. Hence, it is concluded that the supplementation of fallen apple and urea treated apple on the lactating cows did not affect significantly the intake and digestibility of nutrients as well as milk production and its composition.

Digestibility of feed nutrients when the NAA feed additive is included in the diet of geese

The purpose of the research was to study the digestibility of feed nutrients when different doses of the NAA feed additive were included in the diet of meat geese and to analyze the gain in live weight of the experimental poultry. The geese received the feed additive throughout the entire rearing cycle (from 1 to 60 days). A physiological experiment to study the digestibility of feed nutrients was carried out when the geese were 50 days old. On 6 geese from each group, the digestibility coefficients of dry matter, protein, fiber, fat, nitrogen-free extractive substances and ash were determined. During the experiment the amount of compound feed eaten, the amount of excreted litter and the live weight of the geese were taken into account. The results obtained indicate that of the three tested dosages (0,5 ml, 1,0 and 2,0 ml per 1 kg of compound feed), the dose of 1,0 ml per 1 kg of compound feed turned out to be optimal. Nutrient digestibility coefficients were higher in geese of the 3rd experimental group, whose diet was supplemented with 1,0 ml of feed additive per 1 kg of compound feed. The digestibility coefficients of dry matter, protein, fi ber and nitrogen-free extractive substances were higher in the 3rd experimental group compared to the values of herdmates in the 1st control group by 3,03 abs.%, 2,28 abs.%, 3,34 abs.% and 5,24 abs.%, respectively. In the 2nd and 4th experimental groups the coeffi cients of digestibility of dry matter of protein, fi ber, nitrogen-free extractive substances and ash were almost at the same level as the results of the 1st control group. The fat digestibility coeffi cient in the 1st control group was 84,49 %, and in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th experimental groups it was 82,44 %, 81,49 and 82,94 %, respectively. The feed additive at the dose of 1,0 ml per 1 kg of compound feed, which the geese of the 3rd experimental group received, had the significant impact on the dynamics of the live weight of the poultry. Already at 10 days of age geese from the 3rd experimental group were 10,2 g (p ≤ 0,05) heavier than their herdmates from the 1st control group; at 30 and 60 days of age, this difference was significantly higher than in 1st control group by 7,48 and 5,38 % (p ≤ 0,05), respectively.

Use of Cactus Pear Meal in the Feeding of Laying Hens in Semi-Intensive System.

Little information is available in the literature on the use of cactus pear meal (CPM) in poultry diets; therefore, it is important to evaluate diets that provide excellent performance and lower production costs. Our objective was to study the use of Miúda CPM in the diets of laying hens. In the first study, two diets for male and female chicks were used-1: 80% reference diet + 20% Miúda cactus pear meal (CPM) and 2: 80% reference diet + 20% Gigante cactus pear meal (CPM). The variety Miúda provided a better use of metabolizable energy, as well as a greater digestibility coefficient of dry matter, protein, and mineral matter. In the second study, a control diet was compared to three diets with different levels of Miúda CPM for laying hens in the proportions of 3%, 6%, and 9%. No significant differences were found in productive performance. However, there were significant differences in the some parameters egg quality, texture and color profile of the cooked yolk, egg composition, fatty acids and cholesterol in the yolk. It is possible to use 9% Miúda CPM in the diet of laying hens in a semi-intensive system that does not compromise performance and egg quality, and using 3% Miúda CPM provides a higher economic return.

Effects of yeast extract supplemented in diet on growth performance, digestibility, intestinal histology, and the antioxidant capacity of the juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus).

An 8-week feeding experiment was conducted on the juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) to evaluate the influence of yeast extract (YE) supplementation in the diet on growth performance, feed utilization, body composition, nutrient digestibility, intestinal histology, and antioxidant capacity. Four experimental diets were formulated with graded levels of yeast extract 0 (YE0), 1% (YE1), 3% (YE3), and 5% (YE5) and fed to turbots (initial body weight: 4.2 ± 0.1g) with three replicates per diet and 200 fish in each replicate, respectively. The results showed that turbots fed with diets YE1 and YE3 displayed a significantly higher specific growth rate and protein efficiency rate than those fed with diets YE0 and YE5, while the feed conversion ratios in YE1 and YE3 groups were lower than those in YE0 and YE5. Fish fed with diets YE3 and YE5 showed higher body crude protein contents than those in groups YE0 and YE1. The highest apparent digestibility coefficients for dry matter and crude protein, digestive enzyme activities (trypsin, lipase, and amylase), and the height of the intestinal fold were observed in the YE3 group. YE3 treatment displayed a significantly higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity than the YE0 group, while the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in YE1 was significantly lower than those in YE0 and YE5. No significant difference was observed in serum physiological and biochemical parameters among all treatments. Overall, appropriate dietary supplementation of the yeast extract could improve the growth performance, digestibility, and antioxidant capacity of the juvenile turbot, and the recommended yeast extract level in the feed is 2.47%.

Evaluation of andean lupin (Lupinus mutabilis) seed meal as a dietary component on growth performance, feed utilization, nutrient digestibility, and liver histology of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Juveniles

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary inclusion of Andean lupin (Lupinus mutabilis) on the growth performance, carcass composition, liver histology, and nutrient digestibility in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) juveniles. The experiment involved triplicate groups of fish (initial body weight 32.10 ± 0.79 g) fed four extruded experimental diets with varying levels of Andean lupin (0, 50, 100, and 200 g kg−1) twice a day to apparent satiety over a period of 40 days. Faecal samples were collected daily for nutrient digestibility analysis. No significant correlations were observed between the dietary inclusion of Andean lupin and final weight, survival, weight gain, protein efficiency retention, thermal growth rate, feed conversion rate, and feed intake (P > 0.05). Similarly, there were no significant relationships between increasing dietary inclusion of Andean lupin and apparent digestibility coefficients for dry matter, crude protein, carbohydrate, and energy. However, the inclusion of Andean lupin led to a decrease in apparent digestibility coefficients for ash (R2 =0.6, P < 0.05). Furthermore, the digestibility of Mg and Zn decreased in a quadratic manner (P < 0.01) with increasing levels of Andean lupin inclusion. The dietary treatments did not significantly affect whole-body composition, spleen-somatic index, and intestine-somatic index (P > 0.05). However, the hepatosomatic index decreased quadratically with increasing inclusion of Andean lupin (R2 =0.51, P < 0.05), likely due to a slight reduction in cytoplasmic vacuolization of hepatocytes. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that Andean lupin is a promising plant protein ingredient for rainbow trout diets. It can be included at levels up to 200 g kg−1 without adversely affecting growth performance and nutrient digestibility. These findings contribute to the expanding knowledge on alternative protein sources in aquaculture feed formulation.