Digestibility Trial Research Articles

Matrix values for exogenous enzymes and their application in the real world

Summary The use of enzymes in commercial practice is most often associated with the application of a nutrient matrix to account for the expected effects. Such matrices are determined by a number of different methods and in many cases digestibility and/or performance trials are employed. Each has its limitations, but particular care must be taken if digestibility trials are used in isolation as they ignore intake and postabsorptive effects. Moreover, the response to a feed enzyme is very much dependent upon a multitude of environmental, dietary, and husbandry–related factors, and as a consequence, the commercial nutritionist should take into consideration the divergence between the conditions of the assay used to generate a matrix and the conditions under which the enzyme will be employed. In their application, nutrient matrices assigned to enzymes may not necessarily reduce costs as expected if ingredient constraints (e.g. min fat concentration) prevent reductions in expensive, nutrient rich ingredients. Furthermore, most enzymes are formulated in at a fixed dose, but this limits their value as the majority tend to release nutrients in a log dose: linear nutrient release relationship. Methods to take such an effect into account exist and enable true least cost formulation of the enzyme as an ingredient. Finally, often a commercial ration may employ 3 enzymes, each of which has an associated energy matrix, for example. Even though the mechanisms through which they deliver this value may be different, it is prudent to ensure that their matrices are truly additive before application in the field.

384 Metabolizable energy content of feeds: Errors that need attention

Abstract Feedlot performance is predicted reliably from DMI and diet NE. Tabular NE values in turn commonly are calculated from TDN either measured in digestion trials or predicted from nutrient compositions. When estimated from nutrient composition (NRBC, 2016), TDN values for feeds were related imprecisely (R2 = 0.83) to in vivo TDN values (NRC, 2000); deviations ranged from -29% to 162%. Traditionally, DE has been calculated as TDN percentage times 0.044, an assumed calorie content of carbohydrate (4.4 kcal/g). Surprisingly, this value is 5% greater than the heats of combustion of DM from isolated starch, cellulose, and glycogen (4.1788, 4.1810, and 4.1868 kcal/g; Blaxter, 1962; The Energy Metabolism of Ruminants). Being “carbohydrate-equivalent energy,” TDN includes the extra calories from lipid whereas urinary energy (UE) lost during catabolism of digested protein automatically is deducted. When determined calorimetrically, ME equals DE minus both gas energy (GasE) loss and UE. But when DE is being calculated from TDN, UE from digested CP already has been subtracted. Double deduction for UE underestimates ME content of high protein feeds. When DE is calculated from TDN, ME equals DE minus only GasE. Using data assembled by Galyean et al. (2016), multiple regression revealed that GasE was predicted more accurately from dietary NDF and lipid concentrations (GasE, % of DE = 4.87 + 0.131 x NDF - 0.331 x EE; R2 = 0.69) than from diet DE (R2 = 0.27). From this formula, GasE loss as a fraction of DE of feeds ranges from 5 to 15% except for isolated fats than have a negative value; non-additivity across feeds complicates formulation of least cost diets. Correcting discrepancies in calculating ME from TDN should improve reliability of predicting the cost of ME from various feeds and for quantifying feed requirements for maintenance and gain of cattle fed diverse diets.

43 Nutritional management for tropical-subtropical-adapted cattle receiving high-concentrate diets

Abstract Contemporary nutritional research investigates the effects of diet formulation and feeding strategies on animal performance and global sustainability under different climates. Functional nutrition models have incorporated the effects of heat stress on net energy for maintenance requirements, dry matter intake (DMI), and milk production when accounting for animal and the environmental factors. It is commonly assumed that growing Bos indicus breeds receiving feedlot-type diets in tropical and subtropical regions have exhibited lower maintenance energy requirements than Bos taurus breeds. However, the ability to predict supplies of energy, protein, and minerals available to meet animal requirements depends on the accuracy and consistency of feed composition values obtained through digestibility trials and chemical analyses. Empirical observations indicate that feedstuffs grown in high temperatures affect cell wall lignification and metabolic activity rates, requiring special procedures for digestion trials. Similarly, physiological adaptation mechanisms in cattle in response to heat stress conditions include evapotranspiration, sweating, and drooling. Heat stress studies have reported a correlation between reduced DMI and increased dry matter digestibility for all breeds of cattle exposed to temperatures that exceed the upper critical temperatures. For that reason, diet formulation with integrated mathematical nutrition modeling can account for nutrient and animal variability, to improve total digestible nutrient values. Furthermore, the water requirement is influenced by stage and type of production, activity, diet composition, feed intake and environmental temperature. Adjustments in management practices could potentially result in reduced production losses caused by thermal heat stress. The utilization of region-specific facilities that accommodate cattle and ensure the availability and quality of drinking water will improve overall animal health and production. Cattle receiving high-concentrate diets in tropical and subtropical regions require adjustments in management and nutrition to mitigate challenges induced by heat stress environments, but improvements are warranted for required energy and water for Bos indicus breeds.

Ameliorating effects of organic and inorganic mycotoxin binders on the performance of Ossimi sheep.

This investigation is an endeavor to prevent or limit the negative effects resulted of ingesting diets contaminated with a combination of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA). This experiment aimed to evaluate the efficacy of supplementing diets with organic, inorganic and/or mixed toxin binders, throughout a feeding and digestibility trials, to relieve mycotoxins' negative effect towards maintaining the productive and reproductive performance of Ossimi ewes and their offspring. One hundred Ossimi ewes averaged 38.97 ± 0.55 kg body weight and aged 3 to 4 years were chosen, 30 days before the expected lambing date and divided randomly into five equal groups (20 each). The first group received an uncontaminated diet and served as a negative control (NC). The second group fed a diet contaminated with AFB1 mixed with OTA and served as a positive control (PC), while the third group fed contaminated diets and supplemented with organic toxin binder (OB). The fourth group fed contaminated diet supplemented with inorganic toxin binder (IOB) and the fifth group fed contaminated diet and supplemented with a mixture of OB and IOB (OB+IOB).The results showed that PC group had decrease in levels of digestibility coefficients, feeding values, milk production, feed intake, serum total protein, albumin, glucose and cholesterol while had increase of ALT, AST and urea concentrations. The decrease of ewes’ body weight was associated with increased age at 1st estrous post-lambing versus decreasing the fertility parameters of the PC group. Besides, there was a decrease in thyroid hormones and antioxidant activities versus the increase in malondialdehyde concentrations. In the same group, changes in ewes’ body weight decreased, while the feed conversion ratio increased with the PC group compared to the NC control group. Whereas, all treatments tested in the current study could reverse the mycotoxin-induced effects significantly and restore the normal levels of animals. In conclusion, IOB alone, or the mixture of OB+IOB, can be added to ewes’ diets for the relief of symptoms induced by mycotoxin.

IMPROVEMENT OF NUTRITIONAL VALUE FOR DATE PALM LEAVES USING UREA TREATMENT AND ITS EFFECT ON SMALL RUMINANTS FEEDING.

Purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing alfalfa hay with date palm tree leaves (DPL) untreated or treated with urea in diets and study its effect on sheep feeding. The effect of using urea with different levels (4, 6 and 8%) on chemical composition and fiber constituents of date palm leaves was studied in laboratory experiment; also, four rations included different ratios of date palm leaves (15, 25, 35 and 50%) were carried out to choose two of them. Then the chosen two ratios of DPL were used to study the effect of the three levels of urea on the chemical composition and in vitronutrients disappearance of these ratios. Then the perfect ratio of DPL treated with different urea levels used to study its effect on sheep performance, the rations were: C: ration contains 50% CFM + 50% berseem hay BH (control). R (1): control replaced by 35% DPL. R (2): control replaced by 35% untreated DPL (4% urea). R (3): control replaced by 35% DPL (6% urea) and R (4): control replaced by 35% DPL (8% urea). Main results indicated that urea treatment improved chemical composition of DPL compared with untreated as CP content increased while CF and its fractions decreased (P≤0.01). The enhancement in CP, CF, cellulose and hemicellulose contents and the improvement of nutrients disappearance for rations contained 35% DPL treated with urea (4, 6 and 8%) suggested using these rations in digestibility trial which indicated significant increase (P≤0.01) for digestibility coefficients, nutritive values, nitrogen balance and rumen fermentations and microbes compared to untreated ration. Also, treated rations significantly (P≤0.01) enhanced serum total proteins and albumin concentrations more than control and untreated rations, although they increased urea concentration.

NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION OF SUBSTITUTING MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAVES MEAL (MOLM) AS A SOURCE OF PROTEIN INSTEAD OF SOYBEAN MEAL IN DIETS OF GROWING RABBITS IN NORTH SINAI

The objective of this study was to evaluate the utilization of Moringa oleifera leaves meal (MOLM) as a source of protein in feeding growing rabbits. Thirty six weaned New Zealand white rabbits of both sexes aged 6 wk and weighted 858 g were randomly divided into three groups (12 each). Rabbits were fed ad-libitum diets containing 0, 7.5 and 15% MOLM for groups T0, T7.5 and T15, respectively as a subtitute for soybean meal. Fresh water was supplied ad-libitum during the experimental period (8 wk). At the end of experimental period, digestibility trials were carried out to determine the digestibility of feed nutrients and the feeding values of experimental diets. Three rabbits from each group were slaughtered to evaluate carcass traits and some blood parameters. Results revealed that substituting MOLM instead of soybean meal in rabbit’s diets did not significantly affect live body weight (LBW), daily weight gain (DWG) and total feed intake (TFI). Meanwhile, feed conversion ratio was significantly affected by inclusion of MOLM in the diet, however, control group (T0) recorded the best value (4.28) followed by 15% MOLM (4.43) while 7.5% MOLM reflected worst value (4.65). All nutrient digestibilies, except CF and nutrient values (TDN, DCP and DE) of experimental diets were significantly decreased with increasing MOLM level in the diet. All carcass traits were not affected by dietary treatments. There were no significant differences among dietary treatments in most blood constituents (total protein, bilirubin, cholesterol, urea-N, creatinine, ALT and AST). Glucose, albumin, globulin and Alb/ Glo ratio were significantly affected by MOLM inclusion in the diet. Glucose was increased (p<0.05) in rabbits fed MOLM diets compared to the control. Albumen and Alb/ Glo ratio were decreased (p<0.05). However, globulin was increased in rabbits fed 7.5% MOLM compared to those fed MOLM-free diet or 15 % MOLM. All blood biochemical parameters were within the normal range for healthy rabbits. IgM and Anti-nuclear Antibody (ANA) were increased (p<0.05) in MOLM diets compared with the control. Economic efficiency (E. E) and relative E. E (%) were increased by increasing MOLM level in the diets. It could be concluded that Moringa oleifera leaves meal can be used as a substitute of soybean meal as a source of protein in rabbit’s diets without detrimental effects on productive performance, health status and economic efficiency.

Digestibility and energy content of Paulownia (Paulownia elongata S.Y.Hu) leaves

Abstract. The aim of the study was to determine the digestibility and energy content of Paulownia elongata S.Y.Hu leaves after leaf fall. Leaves together with petioles were dried at room temperature and milled with a roughage mill before feeding to animals. A classical digestion trial was performed, with three rams weighing 55.4kg on average, by determining the chemical composition of consumed feed, feed leftovers and excreted faeces. Digestibility was evaluated as difference in the amount of ingested nutrients and nutrients excreted with faeces and it was determined to be 50.72, 52.08, 31.63, 54.09, 55.15 and 56.06% for dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF) and nitrogen-free extract (NFE). The energy value for ruminants calculated on the basis of chemical composition and established digestibility was 8.29 MJ digestible energy (DE)/kg DM, 6.55 MJ metabolizable energy (ME)/ kg DM, 0.59 feed units for milk (FUM)/kg DM and 0.52 feed units for growth (FUG)/kg DM.

EFFECT OF ADDITION OF ANISE, CLOVE AND THYME ESSENTIAL OILS ON BARKI LAMBS PERFORMANCE, DIGESTIBILITY, RUMEN FERMENTATION, CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS AND INTRAMUSCULAR FATTY ACIDS

Recently, some plants essential oils (EO) are used as natural feed additives for ruminants because their major bioactive compounds have antimicrobial properties that can be effective against undesirable rumen microbes. In addition, EO have not an adverse effect either on animal or human health and environment. This work was carried out to evaluate the effect of natural additives as essential oils addition on animal performance, feed intake, apparent digestibility, carcass characteristics, chemical composition and fatty acids profile of longissimus lumborum muscle of Barki lambs. Twenty weaned male Barki lambs ( 19.72 ± 2.09) kg BW, 3 months old were randomly assigned in one of four diet groups, 5 animals each , were received the same basal diet,(50% berseem hay, BH, and 50% concentrate feed mixture). All experimental animals were kept in individual pens for 195 days for fattening trial and 15 days for digestibility trial. At the end of the experiment all lambs were slaughtered for carcass characteristics evaluation and meat fatty acids (FAs) profile determination. The control lambs were fed their basal diet without EO supply. The other three groups were orally given, by syringe, one of the three tested EO before morning feeding as follow: the basal diet plus 2 ml/day/lamb of anise EO (Anise group), 2 ml/day /lamb clove EO (Clove group) or 2 ml/day/lamb thyme EO (Thyme group). According to the results, the experimental EO had no significant effects on nutrients intake, lamb's performance (final body weight, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio) (P> 0.05). Clove EO improved dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), acid detergent fiber (ADF) digestibility (P<0.05) and nitrogen balance% of intake (P<0.05). Ruminal parameters showed higher ruminal ammonia with thyme EO supply (P<0.05). Most of carcass characteristics were not affected by EO addition but lambs of clove group showed a significant increase in weight of feet (P<0.05), full (P<0.01) and empty (P<0.05) digestive tract, tail fat (P<0.01) and liver (P<0.05) compared with control lambs. Some blood plasma metabolites were affected by EO where plasma createnine and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were increased (P <0.05) in thyme group however, total lipids and cholesterol increased in clove group. Fatty acids content of longissimus lumborum muscle was slightly affected by addition of EO where palmitoleic (C16:1n-7) was increased and arachidonic acids (C20:4n-6) was decreased (P<0.05) in meat of lambs fed clove. Also, clove inclusion in lambs diet increased monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) deposition in their meat (P<0.05). Overall, addition of anise, clove or thyme EO to lambs' diets may not have the potential to improve animal growth performance, blood metabolites and meat chemical composition. Clove EO has a considerable positive effect on nutrients digestibility and improve carcass characteristics, meat FA profile. Further research are needed with higher concentrations of EO for longer duration of supply.

Effect of Substrate Characteristics and Process Fluid Percolation on Dry Anaerobic Digestion Processes

AbstractThe dry anaerobic batch digestion process is an organic waste treatment technology most appropriate for the treatment of stackable (non‐free‐flowing) dry organic waste materials. The effect of the process fluid percolation and substrate permeability on methane production of organic household waste was investigated in anaerobic dry digestion trials at pilot scale. The container system consisted of two percolation digesters and a fixed‐bed methane digester. The experimental results indicate that material compaction occurs during the digestion process and can have a negative effect on substrate permeability. Structure material addition reduced material compaction and as a result increased the substrate permeability.

Predicting the standardized ileal digestibility of crude protein in feather meal fed to broiler chickens using a pH-stat and a FT-Raman method

The present study assessed the suitability of a three-enzyme pH-stat method and of novel FT-Raman methods to predict the ileal digestibility of crude protein (CP) in feather meals (FeMs). A broiler digestibility trial was conducted to assess the ileal digestibility of crude protein in nine FeMs of different origins. One of the nine FeMs (FeM9) was the pre-treated ingredient stream of a commercially available FeM (FeM8). The pre-treatment was previously developed in our laboratory and consists of incubating FeM in 200% distilled water (%FeM w/w), with 0.5% of a commercial protease (%FeM w/w) and 2% sodium sulphite (%FeM w/w) at 55 °C for 24 hr in a shaking incubator. The degree of hydrolysis (DH) was measured after 10 minutes using a three-enzyme pH-stat method. Levels of disulphide conformers trans-gauche-trans (SStgt), gauche-gauche-trans (SSggt) and gauche-gauche-gauche (SSggg) in the nine FeMs were studied by means of FT-Raman. The effects of the disulphide conformers and of their interactions on AIDCP and SIDCP in FeM were assessed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and fitted using a third-order interaction model.The coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility of CP (AIDCP) in the FeMs ranged from 0.368 to 0.594, whereas the coefficient of standard ileal digestibility of CP (SIDCP) ranged from 0.398 to 0.644. The pre-treatment significantly improved (P < 0.05) the AIDCP and SIDCP in FeM8 from 0.499 to 0.594 and from 0.546 to 0.644, respectively. DH correlated positively with AIDCP (R2 = 0.50, P < 0.05) and SIDCP (R2 = 0.49, P < 0.05). Significant (P < 0.05) positive linear relationships existed between total disulphide bonds and the ileal digestibility of CP in FeMs. All three types of disulphide conformers, as well as their interactions, had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the ileal digestibility of CP in FeM. Third-order interaction models enabled predictions equation based on all three disulphide levels, with regression coefficients (R2) of 0.675 for AIDCP (P < 0.05) and 0.674 (P < 0.05) for SIDCP. Positive linear regression analysis of the predicted values of ileal digestibility of CP with the observed values of ileal digestibility of CP in FeMs in the two models revealed significant (P < 0.05) correlation coefficients (R2) of 0.96 and 0.93 for AIDCP and SIDCP, respectively.This study highlights that the ileal digestibility of CP in FeM is greatly affected by the disulphide bond conformers present, which can be used as predictors of AIDCP and SIDCP.

Use of salmon by‐product meals as a replacement for anchovy meal in practical diets for the Pacific white shrimp ( Litopenaeus vannamei )

A series of trials were conducted with Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei, to evaluate the efficiency of two salmon meals as compared to anchovy meal. The basal diet contained 200 g/kg anchovy meal, which was systematically replaced (0%, 50%, 75% and 100%) with salmon meal on an isonitrogenous basis. Another two diets were formulated with a hydrolysed salmon meal to replace 50% and 100% anchovy meal. Each diet was randomly fed to four replicate groups of 25 and 30 shrimp per tank in clear (indoor) and green (outdoor) water trials, respectively. The results showed that growth performance and feed conversion ratio were not statistically different when salmon meal replaced anchovy meal in both trials. However, when hydrolysed salmon meal was used to replace 100% of the anchovy meal, growth performance of the shrimp significantly decreased. The four kinds of fish meal (anchovy, salmon by-product meals and menhaden) were evaluated in an ingredient digestibility trial using the 70:30 replacement technique. In general, dry matter, energy, protein and individual amino acids digestibility of salmon meal were significantly higher than those of menhaden and anchovy meal. Results of this study demonstrated that salmon meals are a good protein sources which can replace anchovy meal.

Establishing the optimal adenosine 5′-monophosphate level for hybrid striped bass Morone chrysops × Morone saxatilis: Effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and immune modulation during acute and chronic stress

Five separate feeding trials were conducted with juvenile hybrid striped bass to evaluate the effects of dietary adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP) on growth performance, innate immunity, digestibility, digestive enzyme activity, and physiological responses after acute and chronic stress challenges. For all trials, a basal diet was formulated principally from soybean meal, soy protein concentrate, and fishmeal to contain 40% crude protein, 10% lipid, and 2.5 kcal estimated digestible energy g−1. The experimental diets were prepared for the dose-response trial by supplementing AMP to the basal diet at six graded levels (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.5 and 2.0% of dry weight) at the expense of cellulose. Based on weight gain and protein retention responses after 8 weeks of feeding, the minimum requirement was estimated in a two-slope broken line model to be 0.46% and 0.34% of dry diet, respectively. Therefore, a diet supplemented with 0.5% AMP was evaluated against the basal dietary treatment in the four follow-up trials. The subsequent digestibility trial (4-week) showed that dietary AMP at 0.5% significantly (P < 0.05) improved apparent digestibility coefficient for organic matter and energy. Nevertheless, after 8 weeks of feeding, there were no significant interaction effects on the digestive enzymes trypsin, lipase, amylase, alkaline and acid phosphatases due to diet (basal and 0.5% AMP), intestinal section (anterior and posterior), or sampling time (10 h after and 20 h post prandial). In the acute-stress challenge trial, fish fed the diet with 0.5% AMP for 6 weeks had significant (P < 0.05) enhancement of innate immunity as reflected in the activity of plasma anti-protease at 0.5 and 1 h post-stress challenge (air exposure). A subsequent chronic stress trial, in which fish were cultured in 15 ppt salinity for 4 weeks, showed that plasma lysozyme activity and anti-protease activity were significantly immunosuppressed in fish fed the basal diet compared to those fed the diet supplemented with AMP at 0.5%. In addition, blood glucose was significantly higher in fish fed the basal diet; whereas, no statistical significance was detected in weight gain, plasma cortisol, hematocrit, or osmolality between both dietary treatments. To conclude, this study demonstrated that an exogenous supply of AMP at 0.5% of diet enhanced growth response of juvenile hybrid striped bass, enhanced their protein retention and increased digestibility coefficients for organic matter and energy. Furthermore, dietary AMP at 0.5% of dry weight showed capabilities to modulate immune responses under stressful conditions through enhancement of innate immunity and resistance to stress-induced immunosuppression.

REPLACEMENT CORN SILAGE BY ORANGE WASTE SILAGE IN BARKI RAM LAMBS RATIONS

The present work was conducted to study the effect of replacement corn silage (CS) by orange waste silage (OR) improved the performance of Barki lambs using one of the following rations: R1: 50% concentrate feed mixture (CFM) + 40% corn silage (CS) + 10% rice straw (RS) (control). R2: 50% CFM + 20% CS + 20% orange waste silage (OS) + 10% RS and R3: 50% CFM + 40% OS + 10% RS. Two experimental trials were conducted: Results showed the silages had good smell and were free from any signs of molds in all groups. Digestibility trial was conducted using nine mature local Barki breed rams were divided in three groups (3 animals each) weighting with average body weight 57 kg ± 1.5 kg and 3 years old. R3 recorded (P 0.05) among the three tested groups in all blood parameters. Eighteen Barki lambs with average body weight 21.00 ± 0.20 kg/head were used. Lambs were divided into three groups (6 animals each) and fed the three respective rations with the same regime of feeding the experimental lasted for month. R3 recorded the highest value of average daily gain compared with R2 and R1. Also, R3 recorded the best value of feed conversion (6.24) followed by the R2 (6.52) than the control (7.03). It was concluded that corn silage by orange waste silage to rations of growing Barki lambs could improve their performance especially replacement of 100% corn silage by orange waste silage (R3).

EFFECT OF USING DRIED DISTILLER GRAINS WITH SOLUBLE (DDGS) AS A NEW PROTEIN SOURCE ON MEAT AND MILK PRODUCTION AND THEIR QUALITIES. 2- COMPARATIVE STUDIES TO USE DRIED DISTILLER GRAINS WITH SOLUBLE (DDGS) INSTEAD OF COTTON SEED OR SOYBEAN MEALS AS A SOURCE OF PROTEIN IN RATION OF FATTENING FRIESIAN CALVES.

The aim of this investigation was to determine the effect of using dried distiller grains with soluble (DDGS) instead of cotton seed cake or soybean meal as a source of protein in ration formulation of growing crossed Friesian calves .Twenty - four crossed Friesian calves averaging 322 kg live body weight (LBW) were randomly chosen and divided into four groups ( 6 in each).Animals were received four experimental rations containing concentrate feed mixture (CFM), berseem hay (BH) and rice straw (RS) with rate of 60,25 and 15%,respectively.The CFM of ration B ,C and D contained cotton seed cake, soybean meal and dried distiller grains with soluble (DDGS), respectively as a source of 50% protein. CFM of ration A (control ration) contained the three previous items which gave 50% as a source of protein. The feeding trial lasted about 180 days, in which feed intake, body weight and feed utilization efficiency were determined. Four digestibility trials were carried out using acid insoluble ash (AIA) technique to determine digestibility coefficients and nutritive values of the experimental rations. The results showed significantly (P<0.05) increase in digestibility coefficient of all nutrients and feeding values of ration D (containing DDGS). Significantly increased in total and daily gains were observed in animals fed ration D, recording 202.21 and 1.125 kg, respectively. The feed efficiency expressed as kg DM/kg gain was significant (P<0.05) higher with ration D, while increasing in feed efficiency as kg TDN or DCP /kg gain was not significant. Moreover, ration D (containing DDGS) recorded the highest net revenue and economic efficiency with the lowest feed cost to get one kg weight gain. At the same time the rumen parameters and blood measurements with using DDGS in ration D showed no adverse effect and the parameters were within normal values. Generally, using DDGS as a source of protein in CFM in crossed Friesian calves rations increased digestibility , feeding values , daily gain, net revenue and decreased feed cost to get one kg gains. Moreover, rumen parameters and liver and kidney function measurements were normal with no adverse effect.

EFFECTS OF DIETARY MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAVES AND LIVE YEAST SUPPLEMENTATION ON NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY, NUTRITIVE VALUE AND RUMEN FERMENTATION IN SHEEP

This study investigated the impacts of dietary Moringa Oleifera leaves (MOL) and yeast culture (YC) (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation on nutrient digestibility, feeding value and rumen fermentation in sheep. Four digestibility trials were carried out using four healthy mature Saidi rams were used for each trail as 4x4 Latin square. Each trial lasted for three weeks, the first two weeks were considered as a preliminary period followed by one week collection period. The groups were a control group fed basal diet without supplement and treated groups fed MO,2.5% of concentrate mixture (T1), YC, 0.5% of concentrate mixture (T2) and 2.5% MOL + 0.5% YC of concentrate mixture (T3). All of Moringa leaves or yeast culture (YC) was mixed with concentrate diet. All animals were fed 60% of their requirements as DM, concentrate mixture while, wheat straw was given as roughages ad libitum. The experimental design was Latin square model. The data were statistically analyzed using general linear model (G.L.M) procedure of S.A.S (2001) program, version 8.2. The results referred that, the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fibre and ether extract were improved (P<0.05) for T3 diet compared with control diet. However, no significant differences were found between T1 and T2 diets or between T2 and T3 diets. Also, the feeding value expressed as total digestible nutrient (TDN), digestible crude protein (DCP) and digestible energy (DE) were higher for T2 and T3 diets than T1 and control diets.No significant differences were observed in ruminal pH among groups. Supplementation of Moringa leaves with live yeast culture to concentrate diet (T3) increased (P <0.05) rumen ammonia nitrogen as compared with other groups. However, the volatile fatty acids (VFAs) was higher (P<0.05) with supplement YC to concentrate diet group (T2) than other groups. The total bacteria count in rumen liquid was higher (P<0.05) in yeast group (T2) than other groups. Also, all treated groups were higher in total bacteria count than control one. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of Moringa leaves and live yeast culture (S. cerevisiae) to concentrate mixture may improve nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation patterns in sheep

Apparent energy, dry matter and amino acid digestibility of differently sourced soybean meal fed to Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

Due to the variations in nutrient quality of soybean meal (SBM) that is a result of differences in production location and processing specifications, a study was conducted to determine the fluctuations in apparent digestibility coefficients of differently sourced SBM fed to Pacific white shrimps (Litopenaeus vannamei). Twenty-four SBM-based diets were formulated by mixing a basal diet and test ingredients on a dry matter basis (70:30 ratio), while 1% chromic oxide was used as the inert marker. The digestibility trial was carried out in a semi-closed recirculation system with six replicate groups per treatment (mean shrimp weight of 10.2 g). Significant differences were observed for apparent dry matter, energy and protein digestibility coefficients (p < .05 was considered significant) among 24 sources of SBM and digestibility values ranged from 45% to 90%, 56% to 93% and 87% to 98%, respectively. Based on multivariate analysis, acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre, lignin, raffinose and trypsin inhibitor were screened as the key chemical characteristics in SBM that influenced digestibility of nutrients in Pacific white shrimps. Variations in growth performances of shrimp were in line with the variations in apparent digestibility coefficients of SBM verifying the importance of digestibility data in shrimp feed formulations.

Fruit and vegetable discards preserved with sodium metabisulfite as a high-moisture ingredient in total mixed ration for ruminants: effect on in vitro ruminal fermentation and in vivo metabolism.

ObjectiveOur recent series of laboratory- and large-scale experiments confirmed that under aerobic and anaerobic conditions, sodium metabisulfite (SMB) was effective in preserving nutrients and antioxidant capacity of highly perishable fruit and vegetable discards (FVD). Hence, the purpose of this study was to examine how partial inclusion of SMB-treated FVD in total mixed ration (TMR) influences in vitro ruminal fermentation, whole-tract digestibility, nitrogen metabolism, blood metabolites, and voluntary feed intake of sheep.MethodsThe FVD were mixed thoroughly with 6 g SMB/kg wet biomass and kept outdoors under aerobic conditions for 7 days. Four TMRs including four levels of SMB-treated FVD (as-fed basis) at 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% (equaling to 0%, 1.9%, 3.8%, and 5.7% on dry matter basis, respectively), were prepared as replacement for corn grain. The ruminal fermentation metabolites were studied using an in vitro gas production test. Four mature male Corriedale sheep were assigned at random to the 4 diets for two separate sub-experiments; i) digestibility trial with four 21-d periods, and ii) voluntary feed intake trial with four 28-d periods.ResultsInclusion of SMB-treated FVD in the TMR tended to quadratically increase partitioning factor. No effect was seen on total-tract digestibility of organic matter, ether extract, crude protein, and acid detergent fiber, except for neutral detergent fiber digestibility that tended to linearly increase with increasing SMB-treated FVD in the TMR. The progressive increase of FVD preserved with SMB in the diet had no effect on nitrogen metabolism. Treatment had no effect on serum antioxidant capacity and blood metabolites assayed. Voluntary feed intake was not impaired by inclusion of SMB-treated FVD in the TMR.ConclusionIt appears that FVD preserved with SMB can be safely incorporated into TMR as replacement of corn grain without impairment of nutrient metabolism and feed intake.

“Effect of temperature x THI on acclimatization in buffaloes subjected to simulated heat stress: physio-metabolic profile, methane emission and nutrient digestibility”

ABSTRACT The study was conducted on four adult murrah buffaloes to evaluate the acclimatization process during simulated thermal stress. The animals were exposed to 25, 30, 35 and 40°C in climatic chamber, daily for five hours for 21 days at each treatment. Physiological variables i.e. respiration rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT) and pulse rate (PR) were recorded daily, while blood collection was done every fifth day for biochemical and hormonal estimation. Digestibility trial (apparent) and methane collection was performed during last four days at all the treatments. The physiological variables increased significantly at 35°C and 40°C as compared to other treatments (P < 0.05). An increase in feed intake, dry matter and ether extract digestibility was confirmed while, the average methane emission decreased during heat stress than at optimum temperatures. Thyroid hormones declined and glucocorticoids increased at 35°C and 40°C. A decrease was also recorded for urea nitrogen and creatinine but, total protein and albumin initially decreased and then increased back to pre stress levels at 40°C. The physiological responses are immediately activated as acclimatory process followed by metabolic, digestive and endocrinal changes aimed at systemic acclimatization. It was observed that, for successful homeorhetic and homeostatic response to multi-stressors the buffaloes require more than 21 days acclimatization period.

Effects of dietary inclusion of Lactobacillus and inulin on growth performance, gut microbiota, nutrient utilization, and immune parameters in broilers

The effects of dietary Lactobacillus (BCRC 16092) and inulin on growth performance, intestinal microflora, mineral utilization, and tissue mineral contents were evaluated in broilers. The experiment was conducted using 1,152 one-day-old broilers randomly distributed to 9 treatments in a factorial arrangement (3 × 3) using 3 levels of inulin (0, 1, and 2%) and 3 levels of Lactobacillus addition (108, 109, and 1010 CFU/kg). Broilers (1 D of age; 8 replicates per treatments and 16 broilers per replicate) with an initial body weight of 48.36 ± 0.21g were evaluated for 42 D. A 4-D mineral digestibility trial was conducted during the final week of the experiment. The results showed that Lactobacillus supplementation can increase average daily gain and nutrient digestibility and improve feed/gain in broilers (P < 0.05). Moreover, Lactobacillus and inulin supplementation increased the numbers of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria, increased serum concentration of IgG and IgA, and decreased the numbers of Escherichia coli and pH in ileum and cecum. The present study demonstrated Lactobacillus and inulin fed to broilers has a positive effect on gut microbiota, growth and nutrient utilization, immune system, and mineral metabolism.

English

The study was conducted with the objective of measuring feed intake, digestibility, and growth performance of Begait sheep fed hay basal diet and supplemented with different levels of Tsara (Pterocarpus lucens) leaves, Pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) leaves and concentrate mixture on iso-nitrogenous basis to supply 66.60 g/day crude protein (CP) on dry matter (DM) basis. Twenty five yearling male Begait sheep with initial body weight (BW) of 24.2±1.1 kg (Mean±standard deviation, SD) were used in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) based on their initial BW. The hay was fed to all sheep on ad libitum basis. Treatments were hay alone (T1), or supplemented with 400 g DM Tsara (P. lucens) leaf (T2), 320 g DM pigeon pea (C. cajan) leaf (T3), 360 g DM mixtures of Tsara (P. lucens) and pigeon pea (C. cajan) leaves (T4) and 300 g DM concentrate mixture (75% rice bran and 25% sesame seed cake; T5). The study consisted of 90 days feeding and 7 days of digestibility trials. Hay DM intake ranged from 850 to 985 g/day and was the highest for T1, while total DM intake was the highest for T2 (1299 g/day), lowest for T1 (985 g/day) and intermediate for the other three treatments (1143-1202 g/day). The CP intake was higher (P T2 (72%) > T4 (65%) while the value for T3 (66.4%) was similar with that of T2 and T4. The average daily gain (ADG) was 31, 85, 52, 54 and 107 g/day (SEM = 1.83) in the order of T5 > T2 > T3 = T4 > T1. In conclusion, based on the biological performance results supplementation of concentrate mixture (T5) and Tsara (T2) (P. lucens) leaf induced a comparable response of feed intake, digestibility and body weight gain and were better than the supplemental feeds that contained Pigeon pea and are therefore recommended. Key words: Average daily gain, feed conversion efficiency, nutrient intake.