Digestibility Parameters Research Articles

Oral Antacid Use Is Negatively Associated with Serum Prealbumin Levels in Japanese Individuals Undergoing Health Checkups.

The aim of this study is to investigate the association between physical and chemical digestion and nutrition markers (serum albumin (ALB), prealbumin (PAB), and vitamin B12 (B12) levels). During a detailed checkup at Fujita Health University, we examined the associations of physical (occlusal force, masticatory performance, and swallowing ability (via the 10-item Eating Assessment Tool, EAT-10)) and chemical (Helicobacter pylori (HP) eradication history, HP antibody levels, and oral antacid (proton pump inhibitors) use) digestion parameters with serum ALB, PAB, and B12 levels in 92 individuals (M:67, F:25). Forty-eight percent of the participants were older than 65 years of age, 19% had decreased occlusal force, 3.2% had decreased masticatory strength, 3.2% had decreased swallowing function, 24% had a history of HP eradication, 23% were HP antibody positive, and 16% were taking oral antacid medication. Additionally, 14% and 11% of the patients had low serum ALB and PAB levels, respectively, and 14% of the patients had B12 deficiency. Multivariate analysis adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and C-reactive protein levels revealed that there were no significant associations between the physical digestion parameters and the serum PAB, ALB, or B12 levels. On the other hand, there was a significant association between oral antacid use and PAB levels (β = -3.3, p = 0.04). Independent of physical or chemical digestion parameters, serum PAB and B12 levels were significantly associated with protein and B12 intake, respectively. Oral antacid use may decrease serum PAB levels, indicating protein synthesis.

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

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

Effect of Replacing Barley Grain by Urea in the Diet of Iraqi Lambs

This study conducted to seeks the effects of partially changing barley grain (BG) with different levels amount of urea on growth performance, rumen fermentation, nutrient digestion and blood parameters in fattening lambs. Twelve Awassi male lambs were divided according to body weight (BW) into three equal groups (4 lambs per each group) and housed in individual pens and assigned to one of three dietary treatments in a randomized block design: barley grain (BG)were given to animals according to the body weight of lambs (3 % of BW) and (BG) reduced and replace with 0, 10, 20, gm urea. Compared with the control the lambs fed the reduced GB diet plus urea was higher (p < 0.01) concentrations of ruminal ammonia and increased with increasing the urea supplementation. As well as increased the crude protein (CP) intake , blood urea nitrogen (BUN), final BW, dry matter intake (DMI) and average daily gain (ADG) were observed with the increasing urea addition to the diet, results showed that 10 gm of urea could substitute of 10 gm BG per kg feed DM without any negative effect on health performance of fattening lambs when fed urea.

Toxicity effects of hexavalent chromium on hematological, biochemical and digestive enzyme profiles of Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822).

The study provides a descriptive understanding of the toxic effect of heavy metal chromium on the hematological, biochemical, and digestive enzyme profiles in the fingerlings of Labeo rohita. The 96-h LC50 of hexavalent chromium was found to be 15.76 mg/L. Further, the toxicity study was conducted with four different sub-lethal concentrations of 96-h LC50 viz. 1/40th, 1/20th, 1/10th, and 1/5th respectively. The blood samples from the control and treated groups exposed to different concentrations were examined for various physiological parameters. The obtained data showed that, with the increase in sub-lethal concentration, a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in red blood cell (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Hct) was observed, while total white blood cell (WBCs), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) increased significantly (p < 0.05) in all the treatments. Fishes exposed to chromium for 30 days responded by becoming hyperglycemic, hyperproteineric, and hypoalbuminemia with a gradual rise in concentrations. Alteration in the intestinal digestive enzyme profiles was also observed after 30 days of study. The activity of protease (89.76%), and amylase (41.88%) decreased in the intestine with the highest concentration compared to the control. Conversely, compared to the control, the highest concentration resulted in an increase (146%) in lipase activity. Overall, this study has greatly enhanced our comprehension of the impact of chromium toxicity on various hematological, biochemical, and digestive enzyme parameters in Labeo rohita.

Crassocephalum crepidioides as a sustainable protein supplement in Chocolatemahseer (Neolissochilus hexagonolepis) diets: Implications for growth,health, and economic viability in sustainable aquaculture

This study investigated the potential of Crassocephalum crepidioides, an abundant weed as a protein supplement in chocolate mahseer (Neolissochilus hexagonolepis) diets. The plant replaced a combination of fish meal and mustard oil cake at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% in experimental diets. A 12-week feeding trial was conducted to assess growth performance, survival, biomass yield, digestive enzyme activity, blood parameters, and economic viability. Results indicated that C. crepidioides can effectively replace up to 61.3% of the combined fish meal and mustard oil cake protein without negatively impacting fish health or growth, while reducing feed costs. Fish fed diets with 25% replacement showed improved weight gain (15.5±0.7 g) and biomass yield (6.05±0.25 kg/m³) compared to the control (14.6±0.8 g and 5.75±0.28 kg/m³, respectively). Survival rates were high across all treatments (94.0- 97.3%). Digestive enzyme activities and blood parameters remained within normal ranges for inclusion levels up to 75%. Economic analysis revealed potential cost savings of up to 15.5% when incorporating C. crepidioides into mahseer diets. This finding presents an opportunity to develop low-cost fish feed for resource-poor farmers in Meghalaya, effectively converting a local weed into a valuable aquaculture input, with broader implications for sustainable aquaculture practices globally.

Trade-offs between selection of crude protein and tannins in growing lambs.

Tannins are phenolic compounds that provide benefits to ruminants due to their protein-binding affinities and antioxidant properties. However, tannins may also have negative orosensorial and postingestive effects that decrease feed intake. This study explored how lambs trade-off the ingestion of crude protein (CP) with the ingestion of potentially beneficial and toxic condensed and hydrolyzable tannins, and the ensuing impacts on diet digestibility, animal performance, and blood parameters. Thirty-two lambs were housed in individual pens for 8 weeks and had access to two isoenergetic diets that varied in the concentration of CP (High-HP or Low-LP) and the presence of a mix of condensed and hydrolyzable tannins (4% DM). Animals were assigned to 4 treatment groups (N=8 lambs/group) and received a simultaneous offer of: HP and LP (Control); HP and LP+tannins (HP-LP+); HP+tannins and LP (HP+LP-); and both HP and LP with tannins (HP+LP+). All lambs preferred HP over LP and they avoided tannins in the diets (P < 0.001). Dry matter and CP intake were the lowest in HP+LP- (P < 0.0001), and DMD did not differ between Control and the other groups (P > 0.05), but it was greater for HP-LP+ (P < 0.0001). Crude protein digestibility was greater for groups without tannins in HP (P < 0.0001), but ADG did not differ among treatments (P > 0.05). No differences between Control and HP+LP+ were found in plasma antioxidant activity, total phenolic concentration, or haptoglobin concentration (P > 0.05). Intake of tannins was HP+LP+ > HP+LP- > HP-LP+ (P < 0.0001), and fecal excretion of nitrogen (N) was HP+LP+ > HP-LP+ = HP+LP- > Control (P < 0.05). In addition, intake of tannins with both diets reduced blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration relative to Control (P < 0.05), thus suggesting a shift in the partitioning of N excretion from urine to feces. In summary, lambs prioritized selection of HP over LP, regardless of the presence of a tannin extract in either or both diets. Nevertheless, lambs modulated their tannin consumption as a function of the specific diet where the tannin extract was added, with increasing levels of intake as tannins were present in just LP, then in just HP, and finally in both diets. Dietary tannins did not constrain ADG and resulted in a shift in the partitioning of N excretion from urine to feces. Such shifts have been found to result in reduced production of environmental pollutants such as ammonia, nitrous oxide, and nitrates.

Carbohydrase enzyme and polyethylene glycol altered the chemical composition, growth performance and apparent nutrient digestibility of Prosopis juliflora pods meal diets fed to Boschveld chicken breed

This study was designed to evaluate how treating Prosopis juliflora pods with polyethylene glycol and carbohydrase enzyme will affect its chemical composition and how the inclusion of treated P. juliflora pods in Boschveld chicken's diets will affect growth performance and nutrient digestibility. Before P. juliflora pods were administrated to the diets, they were pre-treated with enzyme, PEG and a combination of both and analysed for their nutrient content. Five diets, namely PJPM1: commercial standard pullet grower diet as a control; PJPM2: commercial standard grower diet with untreated 30 % of P. juliflora; PJPM3: commercial standard grower diet with PEG treated 30 % of P. juliflora; PJPM4: commercial standard grower diet with carbohydrase enzyme treated 30 % of P. juliflora; PJPM5: commercial standard grower diet with PEG and carbohydrase enzyme treated 30 % of P. juliflora. A total of 300 six-week-old Boschveld chickens were used in this trial. After 42 days of feeding trial, three Boschveld chickens per replicate (n = 90) were randomly selected for the determination of nutrient digestibility. Results on the chemical composition of raw P. juliflora pods meal, pre-treated with enzyme, PEG and combination of both show significant difference (P <0.05) in CP, Ash, NDF, CF, EE, Hemicellulose, NFC and NFE. Only overall feed intake shows significant different (P <0.05) in all dietary treatments and all the measured parameters of nutrient digestibility. Enzyme and PEG positively contribute to the chemical composition, growth performance, and nutrient digestibility of diets containing P. juliflora fed to Boschveld chickens.

Exploring the impact of digestive physicochemical parameters of adults and infants on the pathophysiology of Cryptosporidium parvum using the dynamic TIM-1 gastrointestinal model

BackgroundHuman cryptosporidiosis is distributed worldwide, and it is recognised as a leading cause of acute diarrhoea and death in infants in low- and middle-income countries. Besides immune status, the higher incidence and severity of this gastrointestinal disease in young children could also be attributed to the digestive environment. For instance, human gastrointestinal physiology undergoes significant changes with age, however the role this variability plays in Cryptosporidium parvum pathogenesis is not known. In this study, we analysed for the first time the impact of digestive physicochemical parameters on C. parvum infection in a human and age-dependent context using a dynamic in vitro gastrointestinal model.ResultsOur results showed that the parasite excystation, releasing sporozoites from oocysts, occurs in the duodenum compartment after one hour of digestion in both child (from 6 months to 2 years) and adult experimental conditions. In the child small intestine, slightly less sporozoites were released from excystation compared to adult, however they exhibited a higher luciferase activity, suggesting a better physiological state. Sporozoites collected from the child jejunum compartment also showed a higher ability to invade human intestinal epithelial cells compared to the adult condition. Global analysis of the parasite transcriptome through RNA-sequencing demonstrated a more pronounced modulation in ileal effluents compared to gastric ones, albeit showing less susceptibility to age-related digestive condition. Further analysis of gene expression and enriched pathways showed that oocysts are highly active in protein synthesis in the stomach compartment, whereas sporozoites released in the ileum showed downregulation of glycolysis as well as strong modulation of genes potentially related to gliding motility and secreted effectors.ConclusionsDigestion in a sophisticated in vitro gastrointestinal model revealed that invasive sporozoite stages are released in the small intestine, and are highly abundant and active in the ileum compartment, supporting reported C. parvum tissue tropism. Our comparative analysis suggests that physicochemical parameters encountered in the child digestive environment can influence the amount, physiological state and possibly invasiveness of sporozoites released in the small intestine, thus potentially contributing to the higher susceptibility of young individuals to cryptosporidiosis.

Changes in Digestive Health, Satiety and Overall Well-Being after 14 Days of a Multi-Functional GI Primer Supplement.

A recent review proposed a role for multi-functional food or supplement products in priming the gut to support both digestive and systemic health. Accordingly, we designed and eva-luated the effect of a multi-functional gastrointestinal (GI) primer supplement on participant-reported measures for digestive health, quality-of-life (e.g., energy/vitality and general health), and reasons for satiation (e.g., attitudes towards food and eating). In this single-arm clinical trial, 68 participants with mild digestive symptoms consumed the GI primer supplement daily for 14 days. Digestive symptoms were evaluated daily from baseline (Day 0) through Day 14. At baseline and Day 14, participants reported their stool consistency, reasons for satiation, and quality-of-life measures using validated questionnaires. At Day 14, participants reported significant improvements in all (13/13) digestive symptom parameters (p-values < 0.05) and an increase in % of stools with normal consistencies. There were significant improvements (p-values < 0.05) in energy/vitality and general health, and in specific attitudes towards food and eating (e.g., physical satisfaction, planned amount, decreased eating priority, decreased food appeal, and self-consciousness). Results suggest the GI primer supplement promotes digestive health, improves quality of life, and impacts attitudes towards food/eating. This study provides preliminary support for the gut priming hypothesis through which multi-functional digestive products may improve GI health.

The Effect of Boiled African Pear Seed Meal (Dacryodes edulis) on Growth Performance and Nutrient Digestibility of Weaner Rabbits

This study was carried out to determine the effects of boiled African pear seed meal on the performance and nutrient digestibility coefficient of Weaner rabbits. African pear seeds were washed, chopped into pieces, boiled for one hour, sundried and milled to produce a boiled African pear seed meal (BAPSM). Four diets were formulated and designated T1, T2, T3 and T4. T1 contained maize as the main energy source, and T2, T3, and T4 contained BAPSM at 5, 10 and 15% levels, respectively, replacing maize in the diets. Thirty-two Weaner rabbits aged between 6 – 7 weeks were used for the study. The rabbits were divided into four treatments of eight rabbits, and each treatment was allotted one of the diets in a completely randomized design (CRD). Each group was further divided into four replicates of two rabbits per replicate. The experiment lasted 12 weeks, and the data obtained were statistically analyzed. There were significant differences (p&lt;0.05) in feed intake, final body weight, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio values. All investigated nutrient digestibility coefficient parameters were significantly affected (p&lt;0.05) by the diets. It was concluded that boiled African pear seed meal could be included in Weaner rabbits' diets up to 15% level to enhance the performance and nutrient digestibility coefficient of the animals.

PSXIII-22 Intake, digestibility, and ruminal parameters of Nellore cattle fed with amylolytic and fibrolytic enzymes in feedlot

Abstract This study was carried out to evaluate the use of dietary exogenous enzyme (ENZ) products with amylolytic and fibrolytic activity on nutrient intake, digestibility, and ruminal volatile fatty acids production (VFA) of Nellore cattle in feedlot. Rumen-cannulated Nellore steers [n = 10; body weight (BW) = 543 kg ± 28.6 BW] were distributed in a replicated Latin-square design (5 × 5) in individual pens. The treatments consisted of a negative control (CON; without ENZ); Amylase (AML; Amaize, Alltech, 0.5 g/kg of DM); Xylanase (FBL, Fibrozyme, Alltech, 0.9 g/kg of DM); Half dose (HD; AML 0.25 g/kg of diet DM and FBL 0.45 g/kg of diet DM); and Full dose (FD; AML 0.5 g/kg of diet DM and FBL 0.90 g/kg of diet DM; Table 1). The experimental period lasted 19 d (14 d of adaptation and 5 d of collection). Between d 15 and 18, total fecal collection was performed and on d 19 rumen fluid was collected at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 h post-feeding for ammonia, VFA, and pH determination. The data were analyzed as orthogonal contrasts using SAS: (C1) CON vs. ENZ, (C2) AML vs. FBL, (C3) HD vs. FD, and (C4) AML + FBL vs. HD + FD. There were no C1 differences for nutrient digestibility, total VFA, or ruminal pH (P &amp;gt; 0.10). However, a tendency effect in neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake (P = 0.065) was observed, where animals fed ENZ had reduced values compared with animals kept in CON group. In the same way, ENZ reduced ther extract (EE) intake (P = 0.023), ruminal ammonia (P &amp;lt; 0.001), and isovalerate proportion (P = 0.080) as well as increased proportion of acetate (P &amp;lt; 0.001), valerate (P &amp;lt; 0.001) and acetate:propionate ratio (P = 0.030). No differences were observed in nutrient intake between AML and FBL (P &amp;gt; 0.10), but AML had greater organic matter (OM) digestibility (P = 0.097) and ruminal valerate (P = 0.039) and decreased butyrate proportion (P = 0.068). Animals that received FD had greater values of dry matter (DM; P = 0.009) and OM (P &amp;lt; 0.001) digestibility than HD. The enzyme combination resulted in greater DM (P = 0.026), OM (P = 0.062), crude protein (P = 0.018), EE (P = 0.063) and NDF (P = 0.040) intake and reduced OM digestibility (P = 0.008) compared with AML and FBL alone. The addition of exogenous enzymes in feedlot diets affected nutrient utilization and ruminal fermentation of Nellore cattle fed a feedlot finishing diet.

The effect of sprouted wheat wholemeal inclusion in bread recipes on postprandial blood glucose and satiety responses in healthy adults: a randomized trial

Sprouted wheat wholemeal was reported to enhance the nutritional and sensory properties of cereal products, but few human studies exist. The effect of blending 50 % sprouted wheat wholemeal in a bread recipe on the postprandial glycemic and satiety responses, and sensory-related sensations was investigated in this randomized crossover human study with 12 healthy participants. Capillary blood samples were collected and glycemic response was determined at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120 min. Satiety visual analogue scales were given every 30 min. While substituting bread wheat flour with sprouted wheat wholemeal significantly increased the α-amylase activity in the dough (p < 0.05), it did not alter in vitro digestibility or postprandial glycemic and satiety responses (p > 0.05). Likewise, participant overall acceptability was not adversely affected. Sprouted wheat wholemeal can be used as a functional ingredient in breadmaking, although it did not, in this study, significantly affect digestibility parameters.

Dietary Effect of a Plant-Based Mixture (Phyto AquaMeric) on Growth Performance, Biochemical Analysis, Intestinal Histology, Gene Expression and Environmental Parameters of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

This study aimed to assess the effect of dietary supplementation of a mixture of botanical compounds and essential oil (Phyto AquaMeric, PAM) on the growth, immune and antioxidant parameters and environmental benefits in Nile tilapia. Two diets including a control and a PAM-supplemented diet at 0.5 g kg−1 were prepared for the trial. The diets were isonitrogenous (30% crude protein) and isoenergetic (17 MJ kg−1) extruded diets. Nile tilapia weighing initially 74.22 ± 1.96 g fish−1 were stocked in 2 m3 hapas at a density of 20 fish per m3 (40 fish per hapa). Each group was tested in triplicates over 80 days. The antioxidant potential of PAM was compared to vitamin C through KRL test, showing a higher value from 35 to 100 mg. The in vivo trial did not exhibit any significant growth performance improvement. However, the PAM group had a significantly improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER). Moreover, the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), Malondialdehyde (MDA), immune parameters (ACH50, lysozyme, phagocytic and phenoloxidase activities), digestive enzymes and hepatic enzymes were significantly improved in the PAM-fed group. An evaluation of eutrophication potential of PAM supplementation revealed a low input in the system. In conclusion, this mixture of botanicals and essential oil exhibited in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential, improved health and digestive parameters and contributed to a reduced eutrophication risk in the tilapia production system.

Effects of Partial Replacement of Corn Grains With Mango Seed Kernel on Nutrient Digestibility, Blood Metabolites and Rumen Parameters of Growing Calves.

Fruit by-products are a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional grain feed for livestock. One of the most important by-products is mango seed kernel (MSK), which can be used as a valuable energy source for feeding growing calves in the tropical and subtropical productive regions of the world. This study investigated the effect of replacing corn grains (CGs) with MSK on intake, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites and rumen parameters. Eighteen growing male Friesian calves (200 ± 6.55 kg of body weight and 9-11 months old) were randomly assigned to three treatment groups. Three concentrate feed mixtures were formulated such that MSK replaced CG at 0%, 25% and 50%. Dry matter intake was unaffected, whereas dry matter, organic matter and fibre digestibility increased linearly (p < 0.05) with increased inclusion of MSK. Ruminal pH (p = 0.053) and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration (p = 0.041) increased linearly. There was a linear decrease in cholesterol (p = 0.029) and AST (p = 0.028) levels in the blood of calves. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the positive effect of replacing 50% of CG with MSK on rumen parameters, including a higher ruminal pH and total VFA concentration, alongside higher nutrient digestibility. The dietary inclusion of mango seed can serve as a valuable and sustainable dietary component for growing calves.

Comparison of Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Food Waste and Livestock Manure at Various Mixing Ratios under Mesophilic and Thermophilic Temperatures

In this study, the optimum mixing ratio of food waste (FW) and livestock manure (LM) was investigated to improve the methane yield efficiency and prohibit the inhibition factors (organic loading rate and NH4+) from inhibiting the anaerobic co-digestion of FW and LM under mesophilic and thermophilic conditions. The research involved the following: (I) the analysis of the characteristics of FW and LM, (II) the evaluation of the potential and toxicity of the anaerobic digestion of I have confirmed that there is no problem. FW and LM using the biochemical methane potential (BMP) and anaerobic toxicity assay (ATA) tests, (III) the evaluation of the anaerobic co-digestion of FW and LM using the BMP test, and (IV) the evaluation of the optimum mixing ratio using mathematical modeling. The characteristics of FW and LM were analyzed to evaluate the theoretical methane potential and inhibition factor. The BMP test was carried out to evaluate the concentration of the biodegradable organic matter, biogas production rate, and methane yield. The ATA test was carried out to evaluate the impact of the inhibition concentration. Ultimately, mathematical models, such as a first-order reaction and a modified Gompertz model, were implemented to evaluate the optimum mixing ratio for the anaerobic co-digestion of FW and LM. FW had a higher concentration of degradable organic matter than LM. The initial operational parameters of the anaerobic digestion were determined to be appropriate at an organic matter concentration of less than 2.5 g/L and a TN concentration of 2,000 mg/L. In conclusion, as a result of evaluation through mathematical models, it was determined that anaerobic microorganisms were more sensitive to inhibitory factors under the thermophilic condition than under the mesophilic condition, and the optimum mixing ratio of FW to LM was 5:1 (vol:vol) based on kinetic results (k: 0.080; Bu: 0.23 L CH4/g VSadded; P: 100.84 mL; Rm: 10.23 mL/day; λ: 1.44 days).

Dynamic Changes in the Nutrient Digestibility, Rumen Fermentation, Serum Parameters of Perinatal Ewes and Their Relationship with Rumen Microbiota.

Changes in physiological and biochemical parameters are crucial for the reproductive performance and health of perinatal ewes. This study investigated the temporal variations in feed intake, nutrient digestibility, serum parameters, and ruminal fermentation on days 21, 14, and 7 before lambing (Q21, Q14, and Q7) and days 3, 7, and 14 after lambing (H3, H7, and H14). The results showed that dry matter intake (DMI) and glucose (Glu) gradually decreased (p < 0.05) before lambing and increased (p < 0.05) after lambing. The digestibility of dry matter (DMD), crude protein (CPD), and acid detergent fiber (ADFD) increased (p < 0.05) before lambing, then decreased (p < 0.05) on day H3, and then increased (p < 0.05) on day H14. The rumen pH, NH3-N, and triglycerides (TG) gradually increased (p < 0.05) before lambing and were higher (p < 0.05) on day Q7 than after lambing. The concentrations of acetate, butyrate, and total volatile fatty acids (T-VFA) were lower (p < 0.05) on day Q7 than those on days Q21 and Q14, then increased (p < 0.05) after lambing. Total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations gradually decreased (p < 0.05) in perinatal ewes. BHBA and NEFA concentrations were lower (p < 0.05) on day Q21 than those from days Q14 to H14. The rumen microbiota compositions were different (p < 0.05) in perinatal ewes, and g_Anaerovibrio, g_Lachnobacterium, and g_Schwartzia were positively correlated (p < 0.05) with DMI, Glu, acetate, propionate, and T-VFA, and negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with LDL-C. g_Bacillus was negatively correlated (p < 0.05) with DMI, Glu, acetate, propionate, butyrate, and T-VFA, but positively correlated (p < 0.05) with rumen pH and LDL-C. In summary, the DMI, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and serum parameters changed during the perinatal period of ewes, and the changes in DMI, serum glucose, acetate, propionate, and T-VFA were related to the rumen bacteria.

The role of monoammonium glycyrrhizinate as a methane inhibitor to limit the rumen methane emissions of Karakul sheep

Methane (CH4) from ruminant production systems produces greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Our goal was to determine whether monoammonium glycyrrhizinate could inhibit CH4 emissions over the long term without affecting animal performance and immune indices in Karakul sheep. This study aimed to assess the effects of medium−term (60 days) addition of monoammonium glycyrrhizinate on growth performance, apparent digestibility, CH4 emissions, methanogens, fibre-degrading bacteria and blood characteristics in Karakul sheep. Twelve male Karakul sheep (40.1 ± 3.59 kg) with fistula were randomly divided into two groups (n = 6): the Control group received a basal diet + the same volume of distilled water (30 ml) and the Treatment group received a basal diet + 8.75 g/kg monoammonium glycyrrhizinate injected via fistula. The adaptation stage was 15 days, and the measurement stage was 60 days. The sampling during the measurement stage was divided into two stages, stage I (1 ∼ 30 d) and stage II (31 ∼ 60 d). The results showed that monoammonium glycyrrhizinate significantly reduced the relative abundance of Bacteroides caccae, daily CH4 emission and protozoa population, significantly increased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae bacterium AD3010, Lachnospiraceae bacterium FE2018, Lachnospiraceae bacterium NK3A20, Lachnospiraceae bacterium NK4A179 and Lachnospiraceae bacterium V9D3004 in stage I (P < 0.05); significantly increased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae bacterium AD3010, but significantly decreased the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae bacterium NK4A179 and Lachnospiraceae bacterium C6A11 in stage II (P < 0.05). Therefore, monoammonium glycyrrhizinate could be used as a CH4 inhibitor to limit the rumen CH4 emissions of Karakul sheep in short−term period (30 days) without affecting the growth performance, fibre digestibility and blood parameters.

PERFORMANCE OF SOKOTO RED GOAT FED UREA TREATED GROUNDNUT (ARACHIS HYPOGAEA) SHELL

The study that assessed the impact of treatment of groundnut shell on performance, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen utilization by Sokoto red goats was carried out at Professor Lawal Abdu Saulawa Livestock Teaching and Research Farm, Federal University Dustin-Ma, Katsina State. Fifteen growing male goats used for the experiment were allotted to three treatments at five for each treatment in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with each one serving as a replicate. The experiment comprised of three treatments namely T1, T2 and T3 at inclusion levels of urea treated GNS at 0%, 10% and 20% respectively. The feeding trial was carried out for 84 days. Growth, digestibility, and nitrogen utilization parameters were measured. The proximate analysis revealed slight increase in crude protein while crude fibre decreased with increased level of inclusion of GNS. Lignin composition also slightly reduced from 11.90% in T1 to 10.90% (T3). There were significant differences (P&lt;0.05) in weight gain per day, daily feed intake and feed efficiency. Average daily weight gain (75g/day) and feed efficiency (0.15) were higher in treatment T3 than those of other treatments but with lower average dry matter intake (490.83g/day). The nitrogen intake, faecal nitrogen, urine nitrogen, nitrogen absorbed, nitrogen balance, and nitrogen retained were significantly different (P&lt;0.05) across the treatments. Treatment T3 which contained 20% inclusion level of UGNS was the best among all the diets because it contained 86.90% CPD, 95.66% EED, 92.76%, CFD 17.45%, 14.27 g/day nitrogen balance and 81.82% nitrogen retention. The feed cost per kg liveweight gain was significantly less (P&lt;0.05) in treatment T3. The conclusion of the study was that treatment T3, which contained 20% urea treated GNS performed better than others.

Effects of high-level dietary distillers dried grains with solubles supplemented with multienzymes on growth performance, nutrient utilization, intestinal morphology, and pellet quality in broiler chickens.

With the increasing cost of bulk raw materials and advancements in the feed enzyme industry, corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) have shown more opportunities for use in broiler diets. Supplementation with multiple enzymes could mitigate anti-nutritional factors in DDGS, enhance nutrient digestibility, and thereby increase its utilization in broiler diets, leading to reduced feed costs. This study evaluated the effects of multienzyme supplementation on growth performance, nutrient utilization, intestinal morphology, and pellet quality in broiler chickens fed diets containing conventional levels of DDGS (C-DDGS) and higher levels of DDGS (H-DDGS). A total of 800 1-day-old Cobb 500 chicks was assigned to four dietary treatments with eight replicates of 25 birds each: C-DDGS (5% DDGS in Starter and 10% in Grower), C-DDGS + Enzyme (C-DDGS diet supplemented with multienzyme), H-DDGS (10% and 20%) + Enzyme (H-DDGS diet supplemented with multienzyme, 10% DDGS in Starter and 20% in Grower), and H-DDGS (15% and 30%) + Enzyme. The C-DDGS + enzyme diet increased (p < 0.05) body weight gain (BWG), reduced the feed conversion ratio, enhanced (p < 0.05) digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein, and hemicellulose (HC), and improved (p < 0.05) intestinal villus height and villus: crypt ratio of broilers. The H-DDGS (10% and 20%) + enzyme diet exhibited no difference in (p > 0.05) growth performance, nutrient digestibility (except HC), and intestinal morphological parameters, whereas the H-DDGS (15% and 30%) + enzyme diet decreased (p < 0.05) feed intake and BWG and reduced (p < 0.05) energy and DM digestibility by impact (p < 0.05) intestinal morphology compared with the C-DDGS enzyme-free diet. The H-DDGS diet had lower (p < 0.05) pellet hardness and poorer durability than the C-DDGS diet. Supplementing multienzyme in the C-DDGS (5% and 10%) diet improved growth performance from day 0 to 28 and diminished growth performance in the H-DDGS (15% and 30%) diet by influencing intestinal morphology and feed pellet quality in broiler chickens. In addition, when supplemented with multienzyme, the dietary DDGS level can be safely included at levels of 10% in 0-7 days and 20% in 8-28 days of age.

Comparative Study Among Boer, Damascus and Their Crossbred Goats: Performance, Digestion, Nutritive Values and Blood Parameters

Comparative Study Among Boer, Damascus and Their Crossbred Goats: Performance, Digestion, Nutritive Values and Blood Parameters