Digestibility Trial Research Articles

Effect of fibrolytic enzyme supplementation of urea-treated wheat straw on nutrient intake, digestion, growth performance, and blood parameters of growing lambs

This research aimed to evaluate the effects of the supplementation of an exogenous fibrolytic enzyme (EFE; 1:1 v/v mixture of cellulase PLUS and xylanase PLUS, Dyadic International Inc, USA) to untreated (Control(WS)) and urea pretreated wheat straw (UWS) on feed intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, ruminal fermentation, growth performance and blood metabolites of meat lambs. The diet contained 50 % wheat straw and 50 % concentrate (DM basis), and the EFE was applied at 1 mL/ kg DM to the straw. Lambs were arranged in a completely randomized design with four treatments (n = 5 lambs per treatment): Control(WS), WS+EFE, UWS, UWS+EFE. The lambs were housed individually in metabolic crates for 56 d divided into three experimental periods: d0–21 adaptation period, d21–28 digestibility trial and average daily gain (ADG) measurements and d28–56 for only ADG measurements. All studied treatments have no effect on nutrients intake. As compared to the control WS, only the EFE supplementation affected the nutrients digestibility. The EFE addition improved the digestibility of dry matter by 9 % and 14 %, organic matter by 8 % and 13 %, crude protein by 7 % and 6 %, neutral detergent fiber by 24 % and 47 %, and acid detergent fiber by 30 % and 48 % for WS+EFE and UWS+EFE as compared to Control(WS) and UWS, respectively. The ruminal NH3-N concentrations measured during d21, d24 and d28 were lower for animals fed WS+EFE and UWS+EFE than those fed on Control(WS) and UWS. The nitrogen retention improved only for UWS+EFE. The EFE supplementation to straw had no effect on ruminal pH and blood metabolites. For the ADG, the highest total ADG improvement (22 %) was recorded for UWS+EFE. These results indicate that urea treatment alone was inefficient in improving straw digestibility and lamb growth performance. However, the EFE supplementation was efficient on lamb growth, especially when combined with urea treatment due to increased ruminal digestibility and nitrogen retention.

Exogenous enzymes, meal size, and meal frequency: effect on ileal and total tract digestibility of carbohydrates, and energy and fiber degradation in growing pigs fed a wheat-barley grain-based high-fiber diet.

When conducting a digestibility trial, pigs are usually fed only twice a day with a restricted feed intake which is not representative of the feeding conditions in a commercial farm. This study aimed to determine the effects of meal size and frequency, and exogenous enzymes (xylanase and phytase) on the digestibility of a high-fiber diet using porcine in vivo and in vitro approaches. Pigs (n = 6) were fitted with a T cannula, and each received all treatments using a 6 × 6 Latin square experimental design. The diets were supplemented (Enz) or not with a combination of xylanase and phytase and distributed into three feeding programs: one received two meals per day that met three times the maintenance energy requirement (2M), one received the same quantity of feed in eight meals (8M), and another received an amount that met five times the maintenance energy requirements in eight meals (8M+). For in vitro experiment, the degradability of fiber with or without xylanase supplementation only was determined. Enzyme supplementation increased apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of dry matter, starch, and degradation of insoluble non-starch polysaccharides (I-NSP) in all in vivo treatments (P < 0.05). The 2M compared with 8M increased the AID of starch and total tract digestibility of organic matter and I-NSP (P < 0.05). Enzyme supplementation decreased the content of insoluble arabinoxylan (P < 0.05) and increased arabinoxylan oligosaccharides (P < 0.05) in the in vivo ileal digesta and in vitro incubation. The results of this study confirm degradation by xylanase of the fiber fraction at the ileal level, which resulted in less fermentation of fiber in the large intestine. However, number and size of meals had little influence on feed digestibility. The consequences of shifting fiber fermentation more towards the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract need further investigation. The in vitro model provided a confirmation of the action of xylanase on the degradation of non-starch polysaccharides.

Defatted silkworm pupae meal as an alternative protein source for cattle.

Silkworm pupae meal (SWP) is a protein-rich by-product of the silk reeling industry, available in a significant quantity. However, there has been little and insignificant research into the use of SWP in ruminants to date. In this view, the present study was conducted in two phases to evaluate the effect of different inclusion levels of defatted silkworm pupae meal (DSWP) on rumen fermentation, microbial protein synthesis and nutrient utilisation in cattle fed on finger millet straw (FMS)-based diet. Four isonitrogenous concentrate mixtures (CM) were prepared with DSWP replacing soybean meal (SBM) protein at 0 (T0), 10 (T1), 20 (T2) and 30% (T3). In phase I, a rumen fermentation experiment was conducted in a 4 × 4 Latin square design using four crossbred steers to study the effect of different levels of DSWP on rumen fermentation. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed in rumen fermentation parameters such as pH, ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and total volatile fatty acids (VFA) among the experimental groups. In phase II, the digestibility trial was conducted in 20 crossbred cattle (311.2 ± 4.81kg), which were divided into four experimental groups of five animals each in a completely randomised design to study the effect of different rations (T0, T1, T2, T3) on microbial protein synthesis and nutrient utilisation. The intake and digestibility of nutrients, excretion of urinary purine derivatives and microbial protein synthesis were not significantly different among the experimental groups. In addition, feeding DSWP revealed no significant (P > 0.05) change in the blood biochemical parameters of animals. Furthermore, at the same price as SBM, DSWP provides two units more crude protein. Therefore, the results of the present study indicated that DSWP can be incorporated into the ration of cattle up to 30% by replacing SBM without affecting rumen fermentation pattern and nutrient utilisation.

PSVIII-17 Nutrient Digestibility of Beef Steers Consuming Finishing Diets with an Added Nutritional Packet in a Calf-fed System

Abstract The effects of a nutritional packet containing a direct-fed microbial combined with vitamins/electrolytes offered to beef steers in a calf-fed system on apparent total tract nutrient digestibility were evaluated. Angus crossbred steer-calves (n = 60; BW = 234 ± 4 kg) were assigned to a randomized complete block design (block = body weight; steer = experimental unit) and stratified into 2 treatments: a) control (no packet, finely-ground corn carrier only); and b) 30 g of DM/animal-daily of a nutritional packet [live-yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae; 8.7 Log CFU/g), Vitamin C (5.4 g/kg of Ascorbic acid), Vitamin B1 (13.33 g/kg of Thiamine hydrochloride), and electrolytes of NaCl (80 g/kg) and KCl (80 g/kg)]. Animals were individually offered [electronic feed-bunks (Smart-Feed/C-Lock Inc.)] a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet ad libitum, once daily for 233 d. Treatments were offered during the first (phase-1) and last (phase-2) 60 d on feed. At the conclusion of each phase, feed samples were collected once daily (1400 h), while fecal samples twice daily (0700 and 1700 h) from each steer during 4 consecutive days. Fecal and feed sample composites were dehydrated (55oC), ground (1 mm), and analyzed to assess DM, OM, NDF, ADF, and hemicellulose. The 288-h indigestible NDF was used as dietary internal marker to estimate fecal output and used to calculate nutrient digestibility. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Intake of DM, OM, and fiber components during both digestibility trials were not affected (P ≥ 0.56) by treatments. Steers offered the nutritional packet had increased (P &amp;lt; 0.01) apparent total tract digestibility of DM, OM, NDF, ADF, and hemicellulose by at least 2.4, 2.4, 8.3, 10, and 7.5%, respectively, in both digestibility phases. Superior nutrient digestibility without affecting nutrient intake may justify a potential enhanced carcass energy deposition.

Azolla (Azolla microphylla) Supplementation Improves Nutrient Utilization in Lactating Murrah Buffaloes

Balanced feeding of dairy animals is a costly affair in developing countries due to a lack of sufficient resources. A feeding cum digestion trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of dried green Azolla (Azolla microphylla) incorporation in lactating Murrah buffalo’s diet. Multiparous Murrah buffaloes (n = 10) with an average of 30 d in milk and yielding 11.29 kg/d were distributed randomly into two equal groups. The control group of buffaloes was fed a concentrated mixture prepared with commonly available feed ingredients – including maize grain, wheat bran, cottonseed cake, groundnut cake, mustard cake, mineral mixture, and salt – whereas the concentrate mixture of the treatment group was prepared, including 10% of the dried Azolla, by keeping both the concentrate mixtures iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric. After 3 wk of preliminary feeding, a digestion trial was conducted for the assessment of nutrient utilization in two groups. Results indicated a positive response on the digestibility of dry matter (P &lt; 0.05), organic matter (P &lt; 0.05), neutral detergent fiber (P = 0.01), and acid detergent fiber (P = 0.015), whereas the digestibility of crude protein and ether extract remained unaffected (P &gt; 0.05). Improvement in the digestibility of different nutrients without influencing the intake of nutrients indicated the importance of dried Azolla in the ration of lactating Murrah buffaloes.

RESPONSE OF GROWER RABBITS FED DIETS CONTAINING ROASTED KARAYA GUM TREE (Sterculia setigera) SEED MEAL

This study was carried out to determine the response of weaned rabbits to roasted Karaya gum tree seed meal in a twelve weeks experiment. Three diets were formulated with control diet (I) having 0 % Karaya gum tree seed meal (KGSM) while diets II and III had 5 % and 10 % KGSM respectively. Thirty-six heterogenous mixed sexes of weaned rabbits with average initial weight of 525 g were allocated to the three diets in completely randomized design with twelve rabbits per treatment. At the end of the twelve weeks, digestibility trial was conducted. Feed intake and weight gains were determined. Feed intake and weight gains were significantly (P&lt; 0.05) higher in diet containing 5 % KGSM. Feed conversion ratio was lower (P&lt; 0.05) in treatment containing 5 % KGSM than control and 10 % KGSM diets. Nutrient digestibility was significantly (P&lt; 0.05) higher in diet containing 0 % roasted KGSM (control) than treatments with 5 % and 10 % KGSM. However, the values for nutrient digestibility of diet containing 0 % roasted KGSM (control) and treatment with 5 % KGSM were numerically within close range indicating 5 % level of inclusion is comparable to 0 % inclusion. Nutrient digestibility decreased with increase (10 %) in roasted KGSM in the diet. This experiment had revealed that up to 5 % level of inclusion of roasted Karaya gum tree seed meal can be incorporated in the diet of rabbit without negative effects on growth performance and nutrient digestibility.

Effect of a Bacillus probiotic strain on Nellore cattle finished on pasture during the dry season

The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive performance of Nellore bulls raised under grazing conditions during the dry season and fed a diet supplemented with a Bacillus probiotic strain, and its influence on ruminal and intestinal mucosa development. In addition, the probiotic effects on digestibility and ruminal fermentation were determined. The experiment was conducted between July and November 2017, corresponding to the dry period in the state of Goias, Brazil. Eighty-four animals (approximately 24 months old) were included in the study. Four animals were randomly slaughtered at the beginning of the experiment to assess carcass yield. The remaining animals (80 Nellore bulls, initial body weight (BW) of 354 ± 3.4 kg) were blocked based on their initial BW and assigned to one of two treatments: concentrate with probiotics and concentrate without probiotics (control). Bulls were divided into 16 paddocks of palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha spp.) pasture, supplemented with concentrate at 2% BW. After 133 days, the animals were slaughtered, and carcass traits were measured. Tissues from the ruminal ventral sac and jejunum were collected to evaluate the morphology of the rumen papillae and intestinal villi. No differences were detected in performance data; a tendency was found in improving the dressing percentage, carcass average daily gain (ADG), and gain to feed ratio based on carcass ADG. The 12th rib fat thickness was significantly lower in animals fed probiotic than in control group (4.06 vs. 2.97 mm, p < 0.05). No significant effect on the development of the ruminal and intestinal epithelia was observed with the use of probiotics. Later, an in vivo digestibility trial was carried out to investigate the influence of the Bacillus probiotic strain on rumen fermentation, with the same treatments, using eight rumen-cannulated steers in a cross-over design. Fecal output and forage intake were estimated using titanium dioxide and indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF), respectively. Administration of the probiotics did not improve dry matter (DM) intake or nutrient digestibility. Isovalerate levels were higher in animals fed probiotics (2.01 vs. 1.55, p < 0.05), and no other differences were observed in the rumen fermentation parameters. The tested Bacillus probiotic strain significantly reduced carcass fat deposition in Nellore bulls finished in tropical grass pastures supplemented with a high-concentrate diet during the dry season.

Distribution and Species Richness of Adult Odonata in Urban Wetlands in Tagum City, Mindanao, Philippines

Balanced feeding of dairy animals is a costly affair in developing countries due to a lack of sufficient resources. A feeding cum digestion trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of dried green Azolla (Azolla microphylla) incorporation in lactating Murrah buffalo’s diet. Multiparous Murrah buffaloes (n = 10) with an average of 30 d in milk and yielding 11.29 kg/d were distributed randomly into two equal groups. The control group of buffaloes was fed a concentrated mixture prepared with commonly available feed ingredients – including maize grain, wheat bran, cottonseed cake, groundnut cake, mustard cake, mineral mixture, and salt – whereas the concentrate mixture of the treatment group was prepared, including 10% of the dried Azolla, by keeping both the concentrate mixtures iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric. After 3 wk of preliminary feeding, a digestion trial was conducted for the assessment of nutrient utilization in two groups. Results indicated a positive response on the digestibility of dry matter (P &lt; 0.05), organic matter (P &lt; 0.05), neutral detergent fiber (P = 0.01), and acid detergent fiber (P = 0.015), whereas the digestibility of crude protein and ether extract remained unaffected (P &gt; 0.05). Improvement in the digestibility of different nutrients without influencing the intake of nutrients indicated the importance of dried Azolla in the ration of lactating Murrah buffaloes.

Protein supplement potential of Dodonaea angustifolia leaves by replacing atella on nutrient utilization and performance of Farta sheep fed natural pasture hay basal diet.

BackgroundProtein feed resources for ruminant animal productions are deficit in Ethiopia.ObjectivesTo evaluate the supplementation effects of dried Dodonaea angustifolia leaves (DDL), dried traditional brewery by‐product locally called atella and their mixtures on nutrient utilization and growth performance of Farta sheep fed natural pasture hay (NPH) as basal diet.MethodsTwenty‐five yearling intact male Farta sheep with average initial body weight of 14.53 ± 1.35 kg (mean ± SD) were used for the study. The experimental sheep were allocated into five blocks of five animals based on their initial body weight. The experiment lasted for 90 days of feeding trial followed by 7 days of digestibility trial. The experimental feeds were NPH ad libitum + 100% DDL + 100 g wheat bran (WB; T1), NPH ad libitum + 75% DDL + 25% dried atella + 100 g WB(T2), NPH ad libitum + 50% DDL + 50% deried atella + 100 g WB (T3), NPH ad libitum + 25% DDL +75% dried atella +100 g WB (T4) and NPH ad libitum + 100% dried atella + 100 g WB (T5).ResultsNPH, DDL and dried atella contained 7.42, 15.39, 21.13% crude protein (CP) and 66, 36, 34% neutral detergent fiber, respectively. Sheep supplemented with increasing level of atella had more dry matter intake (DMI) and crude protein intake (CPI) and the highest of these DMI and CPI were in T5 (868 g/d for dry matter and 113 g/d for CP). This progressive increased CPI from T1 up to T5 was reflected in a significant (p < 0.001) fibers and estimated metabolizable energy intake in the order of T5 > T4 > T3 > T2 > T1. Significant difference (p < 0.001) was recorded on nutrient utilization and the highest was for T5 and lowest for T1. Average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) were significantly (p < 0.001) increased as the atella inclusion level increased. Sheep in T4 and T5 had the highest ADG and FCE with the order of T5 = T4 > T3 > T2 > T1. ADG was correlated positively and highly significant with nutrients intake and digestibility.Conclusion Atella supplementation better than DDL and then their mixture (T2–T4) supplementation could be recommended in sheep fattening in the study area.

Effect of dietary inorganic and organic chromium on nutrient utilization and growth performance in Black Bengal goats (Capra hircus)

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary chromium (Cr) supplementation on nutrient utilization and growth performance in Black Bengal goats. Thirty Black Bengal kids of 3–5 months (5.40 ± 0.34 kg body weight) were assigned randomly to five groups. The experimental diets consisted of a basal diet supplemented with Cr at the rate of 0 (basal diet without any supplementation), 1.0 and 1.5 mg/kg (inorganic Cr), and 1.0 and 1.5 mg/kg (organic Cr). The duration of the growth experiment was 150 d, followed by a 7-d digestibility trial. Results showed that the total dry matter and crude protein intake of Cr supplemented groups were comparable with the control group (P = 1.00). However, the nutrient utilization in the 1.5 mg/kg inorganic Cr and 1.5 mg/kg organic Cr groups were better, with a higher digestibility coefficient for dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, organic matter, total carbohydrate, and hemicellulose (P < 0.05) when compared with the remaining groups. The average daily gain of 1.5 mg/kg organic Cr supplemented groups were significantly higher than the rest of the groups (P = 0.039). Cr supplementation tended to improve the feed conversion ratio per dry matter intake (P = 0.09) and crude protein intake (P = 0.023) in all the treatment groups. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 1.5 mg/kg organic Cr may positively influence the nutrient utilization and body weight gain of Black Bengal goats.

Effects of guanidinoacetic acid and betaine on growth performance, energy and nitrogen metabolism, and rumen microbial protein synthesis in lambs

In this study, we investigated the effects of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) and betaine (BT) on growth performance, nutrient digestion, energy-nitrogen metabolism, and microbial protein synthesis in lambs. Forty-eight 3-month-old Dorper × Thin-tailed Han first crossbred generation ram lambs with similar body weight (22.03 ± 1.3 kg; mean ± SD) were randomly divided into 4 groups. According to the 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, lambs in each of the 4 groups were fed basal diets, or basal diets supplemented with 0.9 g GAA/kg dietary dry matter (DM), 5 g BT/day, or 5 g BT/day + 0.9 g GAA/kg dietary DM. Before the formal trial, all lambs were allowed to adapt to the facilities as well as the basal diet for 15 days. This study lasted for 71 days including a 60-day period for feeding trial and an 11-day period for digestion and metabolism trials. The results showed that supplementation with GAA or BT increased the average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (FE). However, no further increase in ADG or FE was observed with the combination of GAA and BT compared to that induced by addition of GAA or BT alone. Moreover, the addition of GAA or BT improved the apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), while GAA increased acid detergent fiber (ADF). GAA or BT supplementation decreased ruminal pH but increased the concentration of total volatile fatty acids (T-VFA), propionate, and valerate. Ruminal ammonia N content was not influenced by GAA or BT supplementation. Addition of GAA or BT resulted in an increase in microbial protein (MCP) synthesis. Additionally, supplementation with GAA or BT promoted digestible nitrogen (N), retained N, digestible energy and apparent digestibility of gross energy, and reduced fecal N. Supplementation with GAA decreased urinary N and increased metabolizable energy. The addition of GAA or BT increased total protein and creatine levels in serum, but the addition of BT alone decreased blood homocysteine (Hcy) levels. GAA elevated blood insulin-like growth factors-1 (IGF-1). These results demonstrate that supplementation with GAA or BT improves growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and energy-nitrogen metabolism, but the addition of BT and GAA in combination does not further improve the growth of lambs.

Enzyme inhibitory activities of phenolic compounds in pecan and the effect on starch digestion

Pecan has been widely recognized for its high phenolic content and related health benefits. Previous studies indicated that pecan consumption might be beneficial in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The objective of this study was to investigate the enzyme inhibitory activities of pecan phenolic compounds (PPC) and the effect in starch hydrolysis by in vitro simulation digestion. PPC was extracted with a solvent mixture from pecan powder and freeze-dried. PPC was tested for the inhibitory effects on α-amylase and α-glucosidase via enzyme kinetics study. Static in vitro digestion trials were conducted to evaluate the effect of intake of PPC and pecan powder on starch digestion. PPC displayed a potent inhibition effect against α-amylase and α-glucosidase with IC50 of 77.9 μg/mL and 9.02 μg/mL, respectively. Both PPC and pecan powder inhibited starch hydrolysis during in vitro digestion. However, the level of inhibition was lower than that from the catalytic kinetics study, and PPC exhibited a higher inhibition effect than pecan powder. The results confirmed the potential of PPC as a novel enzyme inhibitor for T2DM management. The information is helpful to promote the intake of pecan nuts for health-enhancing effects.

Faecal dry matter excretion per se affects faecal calcium and phosphorus losses in dogs.

The study aimed to investigate the effect of faecal dry matter (DM) excretion on faecal losses of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) without potentially confounding factors. Dogs were fed two levels of the same basal diet (cooked pork, rice, gelatine; 8.5 ± 0.7 and 12.6 ± 1.2 g DM/kg BW). Mineral supplements were added separately for identical Ca and P supply independent of DM intake (Ca 226 and P ~170 mg/kg BW). Digestion trials (10 days adaptation, 5 days quantitative faecal collection) were carried out. Digestibility of DM averaged 87% in both trials. Faecal DM and mineral excretion increased highly significant (DM 1.1 ± 0.3 to 1.7 ± 0.2 g/kg BW, p = 0.00005; Ca 185 ± 34 and 233 ± 22 mg/kg BW, p = 0.00119; P 99 ± 23 to 127 ± 12 mg/kg BW, p = 0.00212), revealing a highly significant correlation. Apparent digestibility of Ca was positive in the first trial and negative in the second leading to a slightly negative Ca retention in the latter one. The results suggest that in dogs (i) factors influencing Ca and P absorption can only be compared if faecal DM excretion is identical and (ii) Ca requirements may be affected by DM intake and digestibility.

Effect of daily or intermittent addition of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) seeds to concentrate on intake, digestion, and growth performance of Barbarine lamb

An 82-day experiment was carried out to determine the response of growing lambs to the intermittent administration of fenugreek (FG) seeds (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) into concentrate. Twenty-Four 3-month-old Barbarine lambs (initial body weight 16.6 ± 0.42 kg) were divided into four equal groups (n = 6). All lambs received 600 g alfalfa pellets and 250 g concentrate containing or not 12% ground FG seeds. Control concentrate (CC) was composed (as fed) of barley (200 g), faba bean (40 g) and mineral and vitamin supplement (MVS, 14 g). The experimental concentrate (CE) contained barley (200 g), FG seeds (30 g) and MVS (14 g). The two concentrates have the same crude protein content. The control group (FG-0) received CC while groups FG-D, FG-2D and FG-4D received CE daily, or in alternation with concentrate CC at 2 or 4-day intervals (FG-2D or FG-4D, respectively). The feeding trial was followed by a 5-day in vivo digestibility trial. The frequency of distribution of FG-containing concentrate (CE) had no effect (P > 0.05) on diet intake and diet apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and cell wall (NDFom), nitrogen balance and the concentrations of urea, total protein and glucose in sheep plasma. The intermittent supply of FG seeds in concentrate tended to increase (P = 0.087)the average daily gain in FG-2D and FG-4D lambs and the microbial nitrogen synthesis (P = 0.052)with the FG administration. However, it decreased (P < 0.001) ruminal protozoa count by 33%, 44% and 66% in the FG-D, FG-2D and FG-4D lambs, respectively compared to FG-0 group. Similarly, the intermittent administration of FG seeds decreased ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) concentrations (P < 0.001) by 28%, 31% and 35% in the FG-D, FG-2D and FG-4D, respectively. The antiprotozoal activity of FG seeds could have been induced by secondary compounds like saponins. This activity was more efficient when the frequency of incorporation of FG seeds into the concentrate is wider. It is concluded that the intermittent administration of 120 g/kg to concentrate (DM basis), had an antiprotozoal effect but failed to improve diet digestibility and growth performance of Barbarine lambs. Therefore, there is a need to emphasize further investigation to identify the active components responsible for the antiprotozoal activity of FG seeds.

Performance of blackhead Ogaden sheep fed different grasses (Chloris gayana, Pennisetum purpureum, Panicum maximum and Cynodon dactylon) basal diets and the same concentrate mixture

A study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding Rhodes grass (RG; Chloris gayana) as treatment 1 (T1), elephant grass (EG; Pennisetum purpureum as T2), guinea grass (GG; Panicum maximum as T3) and bermuda grass (BG; Cynodon dactylon as T4) supplemented with a similar amount of concentrate mixture (CM; wheat bran (WB) and Noug seed cake (NSC) at 67:33 ratio) on performance and economy of fattening of Blackhead Ogaden sheep. The study consisted of a feeding and digestibility trials of 90 and 7 days long, respectively. Twenty-four intact yearling Blackhead Ogaden sheep with an initial body weight (BW) of 15.83±0.04 kg (mean±SD) were used in a randomized complete block design based on their initial BW with four treatments and six replications. All animals received 300 g dry matter (DM) of CM. Nutrient concentration of RG, EG, GG, BG, NSC and WB were 5.5, 8.8, 7.6, 7.9, 24.3 and 14.0% crude protein (CP), and 83.3, 74.5, 75.4, 81.5, 39.0 and 45% neutral detergent fiber, respectively on DM basis. Intake of DM was 696, 700, 719 and 716 g/day (SEM = 0.004) for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively and was lowest for T1 and highest for T3. The CP intake was also lowest for T1 (89 g/day), and similar among the other 3 treatments (99-103 g/day). Digestibility of CP and organic matter were highest for T2, intermediate for T3 and T4 and lowest for T1. Average daily gain was in the order of T2 &gt; T3 = T4 &gt; T1 (27, 63, 50 and 45 g/day (SEM = 13.1) for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively); whereas hot carcass weight did not significantly differ among treatments (5.7, 6.4, 6.1 and 6.3 kg (SEM = 0.36) for T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively). Total return, net income and marginal rate of return were all in the order of T2 &gt; T4 &gt; T3 &gt; T1. Therefore, based on biological performance as well as economic return, sheep fed elephant grass perform better. However, variations in performance and economic return among the four grass species needs to be taken cautiously as part of the difference might have attributed to differences in the stage of maturity of the grasses up on harvest for feeding the lambs. Keywords: Blackhead Ogaden sheep, Digestibility, Feed intake, Performance, Weight gain.

Innovative swine blood hydrolysates as promising ingredients for European seabass diets: Impact on growth performance and resistance to Tenacibaculum maritimum infection

Hydrolysates from high-protein coproducts are rich in bioactive peptides (small amino acid chains with properties beyond their nutritional value). When included in aquafeeds, they may promote fish robustness while increasing animal blood value and minimizing waste, contributing to a circular economy. This work assessed how innovatively produced blood hydrolysates (BH) included in plant-based diets for European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) affected growth performance and resistance to Tenacibaculum maritimum infection. Three fractions of swine BH obtained by autohydrolysis (AH) or enzymatically were selected. AH fraction was oven-dried, whilst the enzymatically obtained BH were further submitted to a micro (RMF) and nanofiltration (RNF) and the respective retentates freeze-dried. A commercially based diet was formulated, where 50% of fishmeal was replaced by vegetable proteins, and used as negative control (NC). Each BH fraction was then added at 3% to the NC and further compared to a fishmeal-based diet (positive control, PC); all diets remained isolipidic and isoproteic. Diets were assigned to triplicate groups of European seabass juveniles (12.3 ± 1.4 g) and fed three times daily until apparent satiation in a recirculating saltwater system. After a 12-week growth trial, fish were bath challenged with T. maritimum and cumulative mortality followed for 8 days. A digestibility trial was also performed in parallel. Hydrolysates-containing diets had a significantly lower apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of dry matter compared to the PC, but RNF did not differ from the NC. RMF and AH had lower lipid ADCs than both controls, while the RNF only differed from the PC. Mineral ADCs of PC, NC and RNF were similar. Calcium ADC in RMF and AH was significantly lower than all other diets; RMF also displayed lower copper and potassium ADCs. Fish fed PC had the highest final weight, followed by NC and RNF. Daily growth index and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of RNF was similar to both controls. RMF induced the lowest final weight, highest FCR and reduced villus length in anterior intestine. This diet has also resulted in increased plasmatic peroxidase, but lower lysozyme, compared to all other treatments, showing the lowest disease resistance. Results clearly show that the RNF was the only test diet that significantly reduced European seabass mortality after T. maritimum infection, without affecting fish growth in relation to a practical plant-protein based diet, highlighting its high potential for aquafeeds supplementation.

Effect of processed sweet lupin (Lupinus angustifolius) grain supplementation on growth performance and socioeconomic feasibility of Doyogena sheep in Ethiopia.

BackgroundThe experiment evaluated the effect of supplementing sheep fed natural pasture hay withprocessed sweet lupin grain on growth performance and its economic feasibility. The finding revealed that use of steamed lupin shown to improve the nutritivevalue of the grain and sheep performance.MethodsThe experiment was carried out using 24 yearling lambs with initial body weight of 27.53 ± 2.67 kg (mean ± SD) for 126 days (21 days quarantine, 15 days of adaptation and 90 days growth trial followed by 7 days digestibility trial). The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design consisting of four treatments and six blocks. Treatments comprised the feeding of natural pasture hay ad libitum + concentrate mix 440 g (T1), natural pasture hay + 440 g/day roasted, coarsely ground sweet lupin grain (T2), natural pasture hay + 440 g/day sweet lupin grain soaked in water for 72 h (T3), natural pasture hay + 440 g/day steamed sweet lupin grain (T4).ResultsThere was improvements in total dry matter intake and digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre in sheep supplemented with processed sweet lupin grains compared (T4) by 58.49%, 24.66%, 39.39%, 22.97% and 39.68%, respectively, over the control group. Specifically sheep supplemented with T4 had significantly higher (p < 0.001) average daily gain (by 51.04%), feed conversion efficiency (46.34%) and daily weight gain (144.78 g/day) compared to the control treatment, respectively. All processing methods resulted in favourable average daily gain and net return, thus can be employed in feeding systems depending on their availability and relative cost.ConclusionsSupplementing sheep fed natural pasture hay with 440 g/day steamed sweet lupin grains improved growth performance and fattening economics of Doyogena sheep compared to T2 (roasted sweet lupin grain), T3 (soaked sweet lupin grain) or the control (T1).

Performance of sokoto red goat buck fed urea treated and untreated rice milling waste in North Western Nigeria

The study was carried out at the Livestock Teaching and Research Farm of Federal University Dutsin-Ma to monitor the performance of Sokoto red bucks fed urea treated and untreated rice milling waste. Twenty entire male Sokoto red bucks were used. The experimental animals were allotted (n=5) in a completely randomized design (CRD) to diets A and B with 15% and 30% inclusion levels of untreated rice milling waste, respectively, while C and D contained 15% and 30% inclusion levels of urea treated rice milling waste, respectively, in a completely randomized design (CRD). The feeding trial lasted for 84 days while the digestibility trial lasted for 14 days. Three randomly selected experimental bucks from each experimental treatment were housed in the metabolic cages and their faeces collected for seven days using faecal bag after the seven days adaptation period. The faeces were weighed and bulked 10% collected and oven-dried before they were stored in polythene bags until required for analysis. Urine was also collected for seven days inside the metabolic cages using urinary funnel piped into the bottle containing 2 ml 10% sulphuric acid to trap the nitrogen content. 10% of the urine was sampled and stored in freezer at -2C for chemical analysis. The dry matter intake was significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) in treatments A and B than other treatments. However, this did not result in significantly better (P&lt;0.05) performance (feed efficiency and Cost of feed/ live weight gain) as shown with treatment C and D that had significantly better (P&lt;0.05) weight gain, feed efficiency, nutrients digestibility and nitrogen retention. The cost of feed per kg live weight was shown to be significantly lower (P&lt;0.05) in treatments C and D compared to treatment B which was significantly lower (P&lt;0.05) than treatment A. The study concluded that diet D which contained 30% inclusion level of urea treated rice milling waste was the best among all the diets because of the lowest cost per feed live weight of 1.40 USD/kg and feed efficiency of 0.10. Key words: Nutrients, productivity, ruminant, urea, digestibility, buck, goat, Nigeria

Modulation of dietary protein to lipid ratios for gilthead seabream on-growing during summer temperature conditions

Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) tend to increase fat deposition during summer farming conditions in the Mediterranean, which may negatively affect productive performance and consumers’ quality perception of the final product. Therefore, this study evaluated the impacts of protein to lipid ratios in low fishmeal/fish oil diets on growth performance, body composition, feed conversion and nutrient utilization of seabream on-grown during summer temperature conditions. The experimental diets contained low levels of fishmeal, fish oil, and crude protein (39%), differing in crude lipid content: 16% (MF diet) or 12% (LF diet). A growth trial was performed with seabream (initial weight: 100 ± 7 g) from August to October (water temperature: 23.1 ± 2.2 ºC). A digestibility trial was also performed (at 23 ºC). Key performance indicators, whole-body composition and activities of digestive enzymes were evaluated at the end of the experiment (64 days). Low dietary lipid levels negatively affected lipid, energy, and amino acid digestibility, and as a result, fish fed the LF diet presented higher nitrogen faecal losses. Still, the decrease in nutrient digestibility was not related to dietary effects on the digestive enzyme activities. The experimental diets did not compromise the activity of pancreatic, gastric, and intestinal digestive enzymes nor feed utilization, but a slight growth impairment was observed in fish fed the LF diet, probably due to the lower amino acid and lipid digestibility. However, a potential benefit of this dietary treatment towards reducing fat accumulation in seabream during summer was observed. Nevertheless, the environmental impact of the nitrogen losses during seabream on-growing should be considered when estimating the sustainability of the production. This study demonstrated that the optimisation of diet formulations should account for the environmental conditions, especially in Mediterranean aquaculture, so the economic and environmental impacts may be correctly evaluated towards a more sustainable fish production.

Rumen Fluid from Slaughtered Animals: A Standardized Procedure for Sampling, Storage and Use in Digestibility Trials.

Digestibility trials need a viable rumen fluid as inoculum to degrade feeds. The variability of rumen fluid depends on the animal’s diet, while its viability is greatly influenced by the sampling and handling procedures. In this article, we present a replicable protocol for sampling the rumen fluid from slaughtered animals for in vitro digestibility trials. A detailed list of the tools and a step-by-step standardized procedure for the collection, storage and the transportation of the rumen fluid from the slaughterhouse to the laboratory is presented. We also describe a digestibility trial for establishing the maximum storage time of rumen fluid from sampling to its use. The results show that the rumen fluid, collected and maintained according to the proposed protocol, can be stored and used from 30 to 300 min from sampling without significantly compromising the fermentative activity of the microbial population.