Digestibility Trial Research Articles

Effect of macroalgae and yeast culture on body performance, blood metabolites, ruminal fermentation and digestibility coefficients of Ossimi lambs

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of macroalgae (Halimeda opuntia) and yeast culture (saccharomyces cerevisiae) as feed additives on body performance, some blood plasma constituents, some rumen parameters and nutrients digestibility of growing lambs. Fifteen Ossimi lambs 5-6 months old and 25.51 ± 2 kg live body weight were randomly divided into three equal groups (5 animals each). Control group (CON) was fed the basal diet and other two treatment groups were fed the same basal diet, supplemented with either 1% macroalgae powder (ALG) or 1% yeast culture (YC). Lambs were weighed to determine performance of growing lambs and adjusted the requirement. Blood samples were collected monthly from all animals before morning feeding. Rumen samples were collected to determine ruminal pH values, ammonia-N concentration and total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs) concentration. The digestibility trials were carried out to evaluate nutrients digestibility of the different experimental rations. Final body weight and total gain not affected by treatments. Lambs of ALG group had the worst feed conversion ratio compared with YC and CON group. Ruminal pH, ammonia-N concentration and TVFAs were not affected by treatments. Dietary yeast or macroalgae increased (P<0.05) blood plasma total protein and albumin concentrations, while decreased (P <0.05) plasma urea -N concentration compared with those of control animals. Dietary macroalgae increased (P<0.05) DM, OM, CP, CF and NFE digestibility compared with YC and CON groups. In conclusion, macroalgae and yeast culture as feed additives may have a beneficial effect on nutrients digestibility and blood metabolites of Ossimi sheep male.

IMPACT OF USING DIFFERENT LEVELS OF DRIED POMEGRANATE BY- PROUDUCTSAS FEED ADDITIVES ON PERFORMANCE OF GROWING BARKI LAMBS

The present study was conducted to investigate the impact of adding different levels of dried Pomegranate by-products (DPB):10g/head /day (R2), 20g/head /day (R3), 30g/head /day (R4),versus an supplemented ration (R1) control ration which consists of 70% concentrate and 30% alfalfa hay without any additives) on growth performance, blood parameters , feed efficiency and economical efficiency of twenty growing Barki lambs (averaged 5-6months old and weighed on average 28kg ) in the growth trial(120 days ) . Twelve adult rams (weighed 42 kg) were used in digestion trials to estimate nutritive values, digestion coefficient, some rumen parameters. The Results could be summarized as follows: Pomegranate by-products contained numerous active metabolites such linalool, myrcene, menthol and thymol. The DPP contained 380, 149, 71, 172 and 65 mg/100 g of Ca, P, Na, K, and Mg, respectively. Also, it contained Se, Fe, and Zn respectively. Moreover, it contained vitamin C; vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin B 1 and vitamin B2. Adding different levels of dried Pomegranate by-products (DPB):10g/head /day ( R2), 20g/head /day ( R3), 30g/head /day ( R4), improved all nutrients digestibility (DM, OM, CP, CF, EE and NFE) and nutritive values as TDN, DCP compared with control ration. The highest significant (P<0.05) values were found with lambs fed ration containing 20 g/ head/day of DPB (R3) followed by 10 g/ head/day of DPB (R2) compared to the control group. Also, adding different levels of dried Pomegranate by-products (DPB) improved the blood parameters .Pomegranate by-products decreased cholesterol level in plasma, with the highest effect for R3 followed by R2 and R4 compared to the control group. Moreover, Pomegranate by-products significantly (P<0.05) decreased total lipid and increased total plasma protein and globulin comparing with the control group. Additionally, Pomegranate by-products significantly (P<0.05) improved the daily gain by175.8 g , 175 g ,158.3g for R2, R3, R4, respectively compared to the control group by 150g .Also, Pomegranate by-products significantly (Pexhibited positive effect on productive performance of Barki lambs, weight gain, feed efficiency and economic efficiency, and decrease plasma cholesterol and total lipids.

Histidine requirement of rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) fed a low fishmeal‐based diet for maximum growth and protein retention

A two-phase feeding trial was conducted to estimate the dietary histidine requirement of juvenile and post-juvenile rainbow trout for maximum growth and protein retention. Twelve isonitrogenous experimental diets were formulated where diet 1 was an 8% fishmeal basal diet having 0.5% histidine. Histidine was added to diets 2–6 to achieve levels of 0.7, 0.9, 1.1, 1.3 and 1.5% histidine respectively. Diets 7–12 were identical to diets 1–6 except for pellet size. In trial 1, fish (4 g) were fed test diets 1–6, and in trial 2, fish (40 g) were fed diets 7–12, to four replicate tanks per diet for 12 weeks. A nutrient digestibility trial was also conducted with trout from trial 2. Growth performance and feed utilization were not significantly influenced by dietary histidine supplementation above the basal diet level in either rainbow trout juveniles or post-juveniles. Supplementation of histidine significantly increased protein and histidine digestibility, and it was lowest in the basal diet group. The highest histidine retention was in the lowest dietary histidine treatment group, and histidine retention progressively decreased at each increase in dietary histidine. In post-juvenile trout, the same pattern was observed except that for the two lowest histidine levels, retention was similar and high. Finally, considering the overall growth and nutrient retention performances, the dietary histidine requirement is relatively higher in post-juvenile trout (>0.6%) rather than juvenile trout (0.6%) under the present experimental conditions.

Do Growing Rabbits with a High Growth Rate Require Diets with High Levels of Essential Amino Acids? A Choice-Feeding Trial.

Simple SummaryTwo diets were designed to investigate the effect of the growth rate on amino acid requirements in growing rabbits: M diet (with medium levels of amino acids, following current nutritional recommendations for growing rabbits) and H diet (with high levels of lysine, sulphur amino acids and threonine compared with current nutritional recommendations). Performance, nutrient retention and digestibility (faecal and ileal) trials, as well as a choice-feeding test were conducted. We found no differences in animal performance, nutrient retention and digestibility parameters between diets, but the animals showed a preference for the M diet, expressed by a high intra-individual repeatability in preference. Our results provide useful information and nutrition tools to move towards precision protein nutrition in growing rabbits.As a consequence of the genetic selection process in growing rabbits, there are currently fast-growing animals exhibiting an average daily gain that may exceed 45 g/d. The protein requirements of these animals, namely amino acid requirements, may differ from animals with low growth rates. The objective of this work was to evaluate growth performance, the coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD), the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of amino acids and nutrient retention of fast-growing rabbits when they had access to a diet with high levels of amino acids and/or a diet formulated with current nutritional recommendations in a choice-feeding trial. To this end, two diets were formulated: the M diet following current nutritional recommendations for growing rabbits (including 8.1, 5.8 and 6.9 g/kg dry matter (DM) of total lysine, sulphur amino acids and threonine, respectively) and the H diet with higher levels of total lysine, sulphur amino acids and threonine (9.4, 6.6 and 7.8 g/kg DM, respectively). A total of 220 weaned rabbits, from a paternal line selected for the growth rate, had free access to the M diet, the H diet or both (MH) diets from 28 to 63 days of age. The CTTAD of DM, crude protein and gross energy from 49 to 53 days of age as well as the AID of amino acids of the diets at 63 days of age were determined. Protein, amino acids and energy retained in the empty body from 28 to 63 days of age were also registered. No significant differences in growth performance, CTTAD, AID and nutrient retention between dietary treatments were observed. However, animals fed the H diet showed a higher AID of cysteine (p < 0.05) and higher threonine retention (p < 0.05) compared to the M diet. As regards the choice-feeding trial, MH animals showed a higher feed intake of the M diet compared to the H diet (+8.61%; p < 0.001), and furthermore, more than 50% of the animals preferred the M diet throughout the experimental period (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that animals with high growth rates do not show significantly higher productive traits when fed the H diet compared to the M diet. As regards choice feeding, MH animals were capable of choosing their preferred diet, showing high intra-individual repeatability in preference for the M diet. It would be interesting to continue studying this behaviour of choice based on amino acid levels.

Soybean meal sourced from Argentina, Brazil, China, India and USA as an ingredient in practical diets for Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

Soybean meal (SBM) from China, Argentina, Brazil, the USA and India was collected to evaluate their performances in the diet of Pacific white shrimp. SBM samples were analysed for proximate composition, amino acid profiles, sugars, fibres, macro and micro minerals. A growth trial was conducted using SBM-based test diets (350 g kg−1 protein and 80 g kg−1 lipid), and a digestibility trial was carried out from digestibility diets formulated by mixing the basal diet and test ingredients (70:30) on a dry matter basis. Significantly higher growth (as standardized Thermal growth coefficient) was observed in shrimp fed SBM from China over Brazilian SBM. However, growth performances of shrimp fed SBM sourced from USA, Argentina and India were not different to that of Chinese and Brazilian SBM. No significant differences were observed for apparent dry matter, energy and protein digestibility coefficients (<0.05) of SBM among the countries. The differences observed in the ingredient chemical profile of SBM between countries were not reflected in the growth and digestibility data of shrimp. These results highlight the importance of multiple variables influencing the biological value of soybean meals and that simplified generalizations such as country of origin, poorly define the quality of an ingredient.

Animals selected for postweaning weight gain rate have similar maintenance energy requirements regardless of their residual feed intake classification.

Data of comparative slaughter were used to determine Nellore bulls' net energy requirements classified as efficient or inefficient according to residual feed intake (RFI) and selection lines (SL). Sixty-seven Nellore bulls from the selected (SE) and control (CO) lines of the selection program for postweaning weight gain were used. The animals underwent digestibility trials before being submitted to the finishing trial. Sixteen bulls were slaughtered at the beginning of the finishing trial, and their body composition was used as the baseline for the remaining animals. For body composition determinations, whole empty body components were weighed, ground, and subsampled for chemical analyses. Initial body composition was determined with equations developed from the baseline group using shrunk body weight, fat, and protein. The low RFI (LRFI) and CO animals had a lower dry matter (DMI) and nutrient intake (P < 0.05) than high RFI (HRFI) and SE animals, without alterations in digestibility coefficients (P > 0.05). During the finishing trial, DMI remained lower for LRFI and CO animals. Growth performance was similar between RFI classes, except for empty body weight gain that tended to be higher for LRFI than HRFI (P = 0.091). The SE animals had less fat content on the empty body (P = 0.005) than CO. Carcasses tended to be leaner for LRFI than HRFI (P = 0.080) and for SE than CO (P = 0.066) animals. LRFI animals retained more energy (P = 0.049) and had lower heat production (HP; P = 0.033) than the HRFI ones. Retained energy was not influenced by SL (P = 0.165), but HP tended to be higher for SE when compared to CO (P = 0.075) animals. Net energy requirement for maintenance (NEm) was lower for LRFI than HRFI (P = 0.009), and higher for SE than CO (P = 0.046) animals. There was an interaction tendency between RFI and SL (P = 0.063), suggesting that NEm was lower for LRFI+CO than HRFI+CO (P = 0.006), with no differences for SE (P = 0.527) animals. The efficiency of ME utilization for maintenance (km) of LRFI and HRFI animals were 62.6% and 58.4%, respectively, and for SE and CO were 59.0% and 62.1%, respectively. The breeding program for postweaning weight has not improved feed efficiency over the years, with RFI classification not being a promising selection tool for SE animals. Classification based on RFI seems to be useful in animals that have not undergone the breeding program, with LRFI animals having lower energy requirements than the HRFI ones.

Comparação dos parâmetros de digestibilidade de alimentos secos comerciais para cães com diferentes conteúdos

ABSTRACT This study was aimed to evaluate and compare the nutrient digestibility of grain-inclusive and grain-free commercial dry dog foods using the method of total fecal collection and also explore their effects on fecal consistency. 21 different foods, including 14 grain-inclusive (7 grain-chicken meat, 7 grain-lamb meat) and 7 grain-free were investigated. 12 adult Golden retriever dogs (age 3-4 years, body weight=22.5±1.7kg) were divided into 3 groups. The results of digestibility trials indicated that the grain-lamb meat foods showed the highest digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude fiber. Overall, in the grain-inclusive and grain-free group evaluation, grain-inclusive foods showed higher digestibility of crude fibers while grain-free foods had higher ether extract digestibility whereas the differences in the scores of fecal consistencies between the groups were insignificant. Contrary to popular belief, grain-inclusive foods were more digestive than grain-free foods in terms of dry matter and organic matter. There are studies involving starch sources in the dog food formulations, but there is a need to study the digestibility of complete dog food to supply them with adequate nutrients. Also, each diet should be assessed based on its overall nutrient profile and digestibility rather than individual ingredients.

Agronomic characteristics and nutritive value of pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] harvested at different stages of maturity.

This study was divided into three parts. The first evaluated the effects of five stages of plant maturity (60, 75, 90,120 and 180 d) on the agronomic characteristics, chemical composition and in vitro degradability (IVDMD) of pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] 'Kaki' and its anatomical fractions, leaves and stems. In the second part, the selective consumption of this legume was studied. In the third part, the effects of the inclusion of pigeon pea in diets based on tropical grass hay for goats on voluntary intake, and digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were determined. Plant height increased and leaf :stem ratio decreased, as the plants grew. In the whole plant, DM and NDF content increased (P &lt; 0.05) by 13.9 and 19.2 percentage units, but CP content numerically decreased by 4.8 units as plant maturity progressed from 60 to 120 d. At the five successive stages evaluated, CP content in the leaves exceeded that of the stems, whereas NDF content showed the opposite trend. The IVDMD values were 69.6% in the whole plant, 73.9% in the leaves, and 50.4% in the stems. Whole plant IVDMD decreased (P &lt; 0.05), with advancing plant maturity, from 71.2% at 60 d to 55.8% at 180 d. In the selective consumption trial, intake of fresh pigeon pea was compared with that of fresh native tropical grass (NTG) or NTG hay. A high selection of pigeon pea was observed for the first 10 minutes, but during the following 20 minutes this selection decreased. In the voluntary intake and digestibility trial that utilized six goats (26.4 kg live weight) to evaluate the inclusion of 25% of pigeon pea in a NTG-based diet, CP intake was markedly higher (P &lt; 0.05) with legume supplementation. Dietary inclusion of the legume also tended to improve the digestibility of DM and CP but not at the P &lt; 0.05 level of significance (56.7% vs. 51.4% and 58.7 vs. 51.2%); however, it did not affect NDF digestibility. As the pigeon pea plant increased in height, changes occurred in leafistem proportions and chemical composition. The IVDMD results suggest that the interval from 75 to 120 d of growth is favorable for possible utilization of pigeon pea as fresh forage in diets for small ruminants.

The combination of quillaja and yucca saponins in broilers: effects on performance, nutrient digestibility and ileal morphometrics

ABSTRACT 1. Two series of studies were conducted to determine the effects of a combination of ground plant material derived from Quillaja saponaria trees and Yucca schidigera plants (QY) as sources of saponin, on performance, productivity, nutrient digestibility and ileal morphology of growing broilers. In each trial, 480 Cobb male birds were allocated equally to 24 pens at one-day-of-age according to body weight 2. The studies consisted of two identical floor pen trials in which performance and nutrient digestibility were assessed and two trials where performance and ileal morphology were determined. In each trial, 0, 250 or 500 ppm QY were included in feed given to the broilers from 1–35 or 1–42 d of age, respectively. Eight (digestibility) or 12 (morphology) randomised replicate pens were used. 3. In the digestibility trials, two birds per pen were moved to metabolism cages at d 21. Excreta was collected for a five-day period (d 21 to 25) for the determination of apparent total tract digestibility of dry and organic matter, fat and ash and nitrogen retention. For intestinal morphology, ileal segments were collected from four birds/pen on d 21 to determine villus height and crypt depth. Performance data were collected in each trial series. 4. Results showed that feeding graded levels of QY produced significant linear improvements in performance and productivity at d 35, and similar linear effects were observed for N retention and all apparent digestibility measurements. Morphology data showed that birds receiving 250 and 500 ppm QY had significantly increased villus height 5. These results indicated that QY exerted a positive influence on the intestinal tract by increasing the absorptive surface and improving nutrient digestibility. These effects were considered to be associated with the performance improvements recorded in both experiments.

Effect of Dietary Protein Level during Estrus Cycle: Nutrient Digestibility, Quality of Embryo and Pregnancy Rate by Embryo Transfer in Thai Crossbred Goats during Hot Season

Tis study aimed to evaluate the embryo quality and embryo transfer rate of Thai crossbred goats fed different levels of protein in total mixed rations (TMR) during the hot season. Twenty-four non- pregnant Thai crossbred goats with an average body weight of 26±5.9 kg were assigned with a random complete block design (RCBD). Dietary treatments contained 8, 13, and 18 % crude protein (CP) in TMR. The feeding trial lasted for 42 days. Does (female goat) were scheduled to determine embryo quality by surgical laparotomy and flushing. At the end of the feeding trial, the digestion trial was conducted by the total collection method for a 5-day period. The results showed that the average total feed intake and feed conversion ratio did not differ among all treatments (p ˃ 0.05), however, digestible protein intake had increased from 70.39, 79.77 to 89.11 g/d in 8, 13, and 18 % CP group, respectively. Increasing CP levels in TMR resulted in linearly increased goat final body weight (30.25, 28.75, and 32.00 kg), weight gain (3.00, 4.00, and 4.25 kg), and average daily gain (ADG) (87.84, 114.87 and 121.63 g/d). Embryo quality (1, 1, and 3.5 morular follicle state) and pregnancy of embryo transfer rate (25, 25, and 50 %) of the animal received CP level at 8 and 13 % less than that 18 %. These results indicated that dietary protein level during program superovulation regimen affected the good quality of an embryo and the pregnancy rate in an embryo transfer in Thai crossbred goats.

Performance and ileal amino acid digestibility in broilers fed diets containing solid-state fermented and enzyme-supplemented canola meals

Two experiments were conducted to determine the performance and ileal amino acid digestibility in growing male broilers fed diets containing solid-state fermented canola meal (SSFCM) and enzyme-supplemented canola meal (CM). In experiment 1 (performance trial), a total of 300-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were allotted to six dietary treatments with five replicate pens of 10 birds each. Diet 1 was based on corn-soybean meal (SBM) as reference, diets 2 and 3 contained 300 g/kg CM and 300 g/kg SSFCM, respectively. Diet 4 contained 300 g/kg CM + phytase (PHY). Diet 5 contained 300 g/kg CM + xylanase (XYL). Diet 6 contained 300 g/kg CM + PHY + XYL. PHY at 500 FTU/kg and XYL at 1000 U/kg were added to the respective diets. During the experimental period (1–21 d), birds fed SBM and SSFCM diets recorded improved FI (p < 0.05). Broilers fed CM diet with enzyme supplementation had improved FCR compared to SSFCM diet. In experiment 2 (digestibility trial), a total of 240-twenty-one-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were assigned to six dietary treatments with five replicate cages of eight birds each. Diet 1 was based on SBM, diets 2 and 3 contained 400 g/kg CM and 400 g/kg SSFCM, respectively. Diet 4 contained 400 g/kg CM + PHY. Diet 5 contained 400 g/kg CM + XYL. Diet 6 contained 400 g/kg CM + PHY + XYL. The inclusion of SSFCM and enzyme-supplemented CM in diets did not improve the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of amino acids. The AID of calcium (Ca) was highest (p < 0.05) in SBM, CM and SSFCM. The AID of phosphorus (P) was increased (p < 0.05) in SBM and CM + PHY. Ca retention was higher (p < 0.05) in SSFCM and CM + PHY + XYL. Feeding SBM, SSFCM, CM + PHY and CM + PHY + XYL diets enhanced P retention. Further studies are required to establish the practical and nutritional implication of SSFCM on performance and ileal amino acid digestibility in broilers.

Effect of replacement of rice offal with graded levels of melon (Citrullus Vulgaris) seed offal on performance of growing rabbits

The feeding value of melon (Citrulus vulgaris) seed offal (MSO) was determined in a 12-week feeding trial using 25 six weeks old male rabbits with an average initial weight of 485g. The animals were fed diets containing 0,7.5, 15, 22.5 and 30% MSO in a completely randomized design (CRD). Digestibility trial and economic benefits of using the test material were carried out. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and differences between means were also determine. Results obtained showed no significant (P&gt;0.05) treatment effects on daily weight gain (DWG), daily feed intake (DFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The cost of feeding diets 1 and 2 was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher (A$152.34 and N157.20) than for diets 4 and 5 (AL143.53 and N135.56). The cost generally decreased from N152.34- N135.56 with increase in the level of MSO in the diets. The digestibilities of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) were significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected by increase in the levels of MSO in the diets. DM and CP digestibilities were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher at 15 and 30% MSO levels when compared with the control and other MSO levels. MSO inclusion in the diets significantly (P&lt;0.05) improved EE digestibility above that of control diet but EE digestibility did not differ significantly (P&gt; 0.05) among diets containing MSO. Crude fibre (CF) and Nitrogen free extract (NFE) digestibilities were similar (P&gt;0.05) for all the diets. It can be concluded that MSO could be used up to 100% replacement for RO in rabbit diets. &#x0D;

Effect of different blend levels of spineless cactus and Mombasa hay as roughage on intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior, and performance of lambs.

This study aimed to determine the best level of the blend of spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera) and Mombasa (Panicum maximum) hay as roughage in the diet of lambs based on intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior, and lamb performance. Forty-eight uncastrated crossbred Santa Ines breed lambs with an average age of 4 months old and an average initial BW of 20.5 kg ± 2.8 kg were distributed in two experiments using a completely randomized design: experiment 1: 16 lambs (four treatments and four replicates) for in vivo digestibility trial in metabolic cage; experiment 2: 32 lambs (four treatments and eight replicates) in feedlot to determine intake, ingestive behavior, and performance. As the amount of cactus in the roughage increased, there was a linear reduction (P <0.001) on intake (g/day) of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) digestibility, time spent ruminating, feeding efficiency of NDF (P = 0.0153), NDF rumination efficiency rate (P = 0.032), final BW, TWG, and ADG of lamb. However, there was a linear increase (P <0.001) on the intake of the NFC and TDN, digestibility coefficient of DM, CP, total carbohydrates (TC) and NDF gross energy, metabolizable energy, and time spent idling when spineless cactus increased in the roughage blend. The least amount of cactus in the roughage (112-637 g/kg DM) promoted higher intake of DM and CP, improving lamb performance. However, the blend up to 450-300 g/kg DM improved digestibility and energy production as well as it did not affect the feed efficiency.

Effect of a dietary inclusion of full-fat or defatted silkworm pupa meal on the nutrient digestibility and faecal microbiome of fattening quails

Silkworm (Bombyx mori L.) pupae are a by-product derived from silk production, which is often treated as waste and thus discarded: this can cause serious environmental problems and a loss of nutrients. Silkworm pupae are a rich source of protein and lipids, and the resulting protein meal can provide promising outcomes as livestock feed, notably for monogastric species. However, one possible issue that needs to be considered is the possible implication of the 1-Deoxynojirimycin (1-DNJ), a bio-compound of the silkworm that impairs glucose absorption, in poultry nutrition. Therefore, the present study evaluated the effect of the dietary inclusion of full-fat or defatted silkworm pupa meal (SWM) on the apparent digestibility of nutrients, feed choice and faecal microbiome in meat-producing quails. For the digestibility trial, a total of thirty-three 27-day-old Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were individually housed in digestibility cages and received three experimental diets: a control diet (control, commercial feed for fattening quails), and two other diets containing the 12.5% of either a full-fat SWM (SWM-FULL) or a defatted SWM (SWM-DEF). Subsequently, twenty-seven 33-day-old quails were simultaneously provided with Control, SWM-FULL and SWM-DEF diets for a 10-day feed choice trial. The results of the digestibility trial showed that the DM intake and excreta production were higher in both SWM groups than in the Control one (P < 0.001). The apparent digestibility of DM, organic matter, CP, ether extract, starch and energy was lower in both SWM groups than in the control group (P < 0.001), suggesting the possible implication of chitin and 1-DNJ. The feed choice test showed that quails preferred the Control diet (P < 0.001). From the microbiome analysis of the excreta, families such as Streptococcaceae (P < 0.05), Rikenellaceae and Eubacteriaceae (P < 0.01) and taxa at species level such as Lactobacillus delbrueckii (P < 0.05), Aneurinibacillus thermoaerophilus and Bacillus thermoamylovorans (P < 0.01) scored higher in SWM-FULL quails than in SWM-DEF and Control treatments. The present study demonstrated that a successful dietary inclusion of SWM for fattening quails needs to overcome the digestive criticalities caused by the of presence specific bio-compounds, namely chitin and 1-DNJ.

Dietary glycerol inclusion decreases growth performance and nitrogen retention efficiency in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Glycerol is an inexpensive source of dietary energy, although its inclusion in compound feeds has been barely investigated in fish. The effects of dietary refined glycerol inclusion on growth performance, nitrogen and energy balance, as well as its digestibility and intestinal digestive enzyme activities was studied in rainbow trout. Fish (initial BW 20.2 ± 0.1 g, mean ± SE) were divided into nine tanks (1.66 kg m−3), each one assigned to the experimental diets, in triplicates. Fish were fed twice a day to apparent satiation for 60 days three diets including 0, 25, or 50 g kg−1 of refined glycerol (G0, G25, and G50, respectively) with similar digestible protein to energy ratios (22 mg kJ−1). A digestibility trial was conducted in parallel to the growth trial by using a Choubert System to collect feces, in triplicates. Refined glycerol was well digested (ADCglycerol > 99.7%) when included up to 50 g kg−1. Specific growth rate (SGR) decreased as glycerol inclusion levels increased in the diet (P = 0.029). Feed intake was enhanced with increasing dietary inclusion levels of glycerol (P = 0.013). The feed efficiency decreased linearly as the glycerol inclusion levels increased in the diet, reflected in a higher FCR ratio, particularly in the G50 group compared to the G0 or G25 groups (1.04 ± 0.02, 0.90 ± 0.02 and 0.91 ± 0.02, respectively). Total ammonia nitrogen excretion rate (TANER) was measured in trout at the end of the growth trial, displaying increased values with higher dietary glycerol inclusion levels (P < 0.001). As a result, trout fed G25 or G50 diets displayed an increased energy intake, which was not reflected in a reduction of the nitrogen excretion rate. Contrary to expected, glycerol had a negative effect on nitrogen efficiency, indicating that dietary inclusion of this compound does not spare the use of proteins as a metabolic fuel. In addition, amylase, but not proteases and lipase, was altered in the intestine of trout by refined glycerol inclusion, as this digestive enzyme activity increased 6 h post-feeding in trout fed G25 and G50 diets. In conclusion, dietary refined glycerol inclusion on rainbow trout was not reflected in beneficial effects on fish performance or in the quantity of nitrogen waste products excreted to the environment by this carnivorous species.

Trans-gauche-trans disulphide conformers measured by means of FT-Raman may be predictors of apparent digestibility of crude protein in feather meal fed to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The present study assessed the suitability of an FT-Raman method previously developed in our laboratory to predict the digestibility of crude protein (CP) in feather meals (FeMs) fed to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Since we have already demonstrated that this FT-Raman method could efficiently predict the digestibility of CP in FeMs fed to broiler chickens, we decided to assess the suitability of this method in rainbow trout nutrition. A digestibility trial was conducted to assess the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of CP in 7 FeMs of different origins in rainbow trout. Levels of disulphide conformers trans-gauche-trans (SStgt), gauche-gauche-trans (SSggt) and gauche-gauche-gauche (SSggg) in the 7 FeMs were studied by means of FT-Raman spectroscopy. Values of ADC were regressed against disulphide conformers to determine the presence of linear and quadratic correlations. The ADC of CP in the FeMs ranged from 0.64 to 0.71. Significant (P < 0.05) positive linear correlation existed between total disulphide bonds (P < 0.05) and ADC of CP in FeMs. Moreover, we observed significant linear and quadratic correlations between SStgt and ADC of CP in FeMs. The slope equations generated by the linear and quadratic regressions of SStgt against ADC of CP provided predicted values of ADC of CP that correlated linearly with observed values of ADC of CP in statistically significant fashions (P < 0.001). This study showed correlations between the digestibility of CP in FeM and SStgt levels, which may be used as predictors of ADC of CP in FeMs fed to rainbow trout.This study indicated that the ileal digestibility of CP in FeM may be affected by SStgt levels, which can be used as predictors of ADC of CP in FeMs fed to rainbow trout.

THE NUTRITIVE VALUE OF HAY FROM FOUR GRASS SPECIES CUT AT THREE STAGES OF GROWTH AT IBADAN

Four grass species namely: Cynodon nlemfuensis var robustus (M); Pennisetum purpureum Schum (N); Cynodon nlemfuensis var nlemfuensis (P); and Panicum maximum Jacq. (Q), each between the 4th and 5th, 6th and 7th, and 8th and 9th week of regrowth, was cut in the fourth and fifth years of grazing for hay (i. e. in 1972 and 1973). Digestion trials with West African dwarf sheep showed that there were significant differences in the extent to which the dry matter of the different grass species was digested (P 0.001) and among the stages of growth (P 0.01). The differences between animals within and between treatments and the interactions between treatments and periods of cutting were statistically not significant. The differences among treatment means indicated that treatment Q (68.5 ± 2.73%) was digested better than treatment M (54.9 ± 7.18%, P 0.001), and treatments N and P (60.3 ± 5.37% and 58.7 ± 5.30% P 0.01) respectively. The digestibility of crude protein was generally low in each of the grass specie studied. This is probably a reflection of the low crude protein content of the grass hays which was below 9 percent of dry matter. It ranged from approximately 27.3 percent in treatment N for the 6th week regrowth hay to 51.9 percent in treatment Q for the hay harvested in the 8th week of regrowth. The differences among treatments, stage of maturity, and the interactions between treatments and stage of cutting were not statistically significant. Significant differences between treatments were observed in the digestion of the energy content of the feeds (P 0.001). Treatments N and Q were better digested than M and P (P 0.05). Expressed on metabolic size basis, the intakes of dry matter, crude protein, and energy showed significant differences between treatments and between ages at harvest. The intakes of dry matter in treatments Q, M, and P were significantly higher (P 0.05) than treatment N while there was more dry matter taken from the 4th and 8th week hays than from the hays made from the species harvested in the 6th week of regrowth (P 0.01). More crude protein was consumed per kg0.75 in treatments M, P and Q than in treatment N (P 0.01), and in treatment M than Q (P 0.05). There were higher protein intakes from hays made in the 4th and 8th than those made in 6th week of regrowth (P 0.05). Treatment Q supplied more energy per kgl. 75 than treatments M, P and N (P 0.05), while more energy was consumed per kilogramme of metabolic size in treatment P than in treatment N (P 0.05).&#x0D; Nutritive Value of Hay. The intake of digestible crude protein was relatively low and this probably accounted for the losses in the liveweight of the experimental animals. The results of the experiment are suggestive of the need for supplementary protein feed during the dry season if animals are to make any liveweight gains.

Further Studies on the Utilization of Cocoa Husk in Ruminant Rations

THE effect on body weight changes of sheep and goats and digestibility of maintenance rations in which cocoa husk constituted, 0%, 20%, 40% and 50% of the basal ration respectively were studied. These rations were fed to wethers and castrated goats in separate but concurrent digestibility trials. There was no significant change in body weight of both the sheep and the goat. Significant decreases in apparent digestibility occurred in dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fibre and total digestible nutrients. The 40% cocoa husk ration in which cocoa husk existed with maize in the ratio 2:1 appeared to be next best to the control ration for fibre digestibility. Apparent digestibility of the crude fibre component of the feed was significantly higher in the sheep than in the goats.

INFLUENCE OF CORN CONDENSED DISTILLERS SOLUBLES (CCDS) ON RATION DIGESTIBILITY. NITROGEN/ENERGY UTILIZATION AND RUMEN FLUID CHARACTERISTICS OF LACTATING DAIRY COWS

Digestion and Balance trials were conducted with 18 lactating dairy cows in their 7-8 weeks of lactation using 7 day total collection to determine nitrogen and energy balance and digestibility of ration nutrients by lactating dairy cows fed three levels (0.8 and 16%) of corn condensed distillers solubles (CCDS). Cows were fed treatment rations for 4 weeks before collection. Following digestion and balance trials, rumen fluid samples were collected esophagially before feeding and 3 hours after feeding to determine the influence of CCDS on rumen pH, ammonia nitrogen and volatile fatty acids. Corn condensed distilers solubles significantly (P&lt;0.05) improved the digestibility of the neutral detergent fiber and ether extract but depressed the digestibility of the ash. Apparent nitrogen retention was significantly (P &lt;0.05) lower for animals on 8% CCDS ration. There were no significant differences in energy utilization among groups. Corn condensed distilers soluble did not significantly affect rumen pH, but depressed rumen ammonia nitrogen. On molar percentage basis, animals on the 8% CCDS ration had significantly (P&lt; 0.05) higher acetate in the rumen 3 hours after feeding. Other VFA remained relatively unaffected by treatments.

Effects of feed form and particle size on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics, and gastric health in growing-finishing pigs

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to evaluate the effects of feed processing and particle size on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics, and gastric health in growing-finishing pigs.MethodsA total of 360 growing pigs (22.64±0.014 kg initial body weight [BW]) were allocated to 1 of 6 treatments with 6 replicates by BW and sex, and 10 pigs were housed in one pen in a randomized complete block design. The BW and feed intake were recorded to calculate growth performance. For the digestibility trial, a total of 24 barrows with an initial BW of 33.65±0.372 kg were split into 6 treatments with a completely randomized design. Dietary treatments were designed by a 2×3 factorial arrangement of treatments based on two main factors, particle size (600, 750, 900 μm) and feed form (mash and pellet) of diet. Experimental diets were formulated to contain the requirements of the NRC (2012).ResultsThe BW and average daily gain were not changed by dietary treatments, and the feed intake of finishing pigs (wks 6 to 12) was increased when the pigs were fed a mash diet (p<0.05). For the overall period, the feed efficiency of pigs was improved with the pellet diet (p<0.01) and reduced particle size (p<0.05). The pellet diet had effects on increasing crude fat digestibility (p<0.01) relative to a mash diet, but there was no considerable change in dry matter and crude protein digestibilities by dietary treatments. In the evaluation of gastric health, a trend for an increased incidence of keratinization in the esophageal region was observed as particle size decreased (p = 0.07).ConclusionFeed efficiency could be improved by pellet diet and reduced particle size. Nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics, and gastric health were not affected by feed form, and particle size ranged from 600 to 900 μm.