Meal Feeding Research Articles

Beyond soybean meal: investigating the effects of dietary protein alternatives on gut health, liver function and microbiota in traditional slow-growing chicken breeds

The use of soybean meal in animal feed is crucial for nutrition but has a significant environmental impact, especially related to deforestation and biodiversity loss. With the increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices, it becomes essential to explore alternatives to soybean meal. This study evaluated the effect of a soy-free diet, replaced with fava beans and pea protein, on an Italian slow-growing chicken breed: the Bianca di Saluzzo. The results indicate that the experimental diet did not compromise the growth, final weight or intestinal health of the animals, demonstrating a good tolerance and adaptability of the breed to these alternative ingredients. Furthermore, the analysis of the intestinal microbiota showed a positive impact, with an increase in organic acids such as succinic and citric, which could improve intestinal health and metabolic efficiency. Some changes in liver enzyme levels were observed, such as the increase in glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase, an enzyme involved in amino acid metabolism. This increase could indicate a higher efficiency in protein metabolism, suggesting that the diet based on alternative ingredients could support an improvement in liver metabolism. Although this aspect deserves further investigation, it could represent a positive effect of the diet on liver function and overall health of the animals. Further studies are needed to fully understand the long-term implications of these dietary modifications, particularly in relation to the gut microbiota and metabolism.

Partial or complete replacement of soybean meal with black soldier fly larvae meal improves feed efficiency in laying hens between 22 to 30 weeks of age

Abstract The European Commission recently authorised the inclusion of insect meal in poultry feed. Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSF) has comparable nutritional value to soybean meal (SBM) and higher calcium content, making it an attractive alternative protein source for laying hens While a few studies have explored this objective, inconsistent results have been reported, likely due to variations in hen age, breed, husbandry systems, and sunflower meal composition across studies, making it difficult to draw clear conclusions. We hypothesised that partial or complete replacement of SBM with BSF has no adverse effects on egg production and quality in laying hens at the initiation of laying (22-30 weeks of age). This study consisted of three dietary treatments and nine replicates per treatment. Diets were a control diet, and two diets containing 5% (BSF5%) and 10% (BSF10%). The experimental unit was a pen (100 × 200 × 200 cm) of 14 Brown Nick laying hens resembling an aviary setting. We found that complete replacement of SBM with BSF10% in the diet of laying hens improved feed efficiency attributed to a lower feed intake in comparison to laying hens fed the BSF5% or the control diets, while production performance, body weight, and egg quality were maintained and the colour of the egg yolk increased. Therefore, replacing SBM with up to 10% BSF in brown laying hens in aviary pens at the initiation of laying had no adverse effects on production performance, chemical and physical characteristics, and sensory attributes of eggs. Maintaining production and egg quality with a lower intake of nutrients requires further investigation.

Comparative analysis of Seabuckthorn and its significant component in enhancing fish mucosal immunity

Seabuckthorn and its significant component, gallic acid, were found to alleviate foodborne enteritis in zebrafish, a model species. To investigate the protective effects on mucosal immunity in cultured fish, seabuckthorn or gallic acid was added to soybean meal feed in a study conducted on juvenile grass carp. After a 5-week feeding trial, histopathology, enteritis-related gene expression, transcriptomics, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing were performed on the hindgut and liver tissues. The results showed that dietary inclusion of seabuckthorn (9.5 g/kg) or gallic acid (1.2 g/kg) prevented enteritis, evidenced by an increase in intestinal villi length and a decrease in goblet cell numbers. The gallic acid group showed benefits in preserving villi length, while seabuckthorn was advantageous in controlling goblet cells. On the molecular level, downregulation of pro-inflammatory genes and upregulation of anti-inflammatory genes were observed. Specifically, seabuckthorn was more effective in controlling cytokine expression, while gallic acid better protected the epithelial barrier function. Omics analysis revealed an upregulated hepatic “PPAR signaling pathway” in the seabuckthorn group and downregulated intestinal “platelet activation” in the gallic acid group, suggesting reduced inflammation and improved immune homeostasis. Regarding intestinal microbiota, both groups showed reduced pathogenic Campilobacterota and Aeromonas, and increased Bacteroides and Cetobacteria, potentially enhancing mucosal immunity. For anti-inflammatory processes, hepatic “fatty acid degradation”, “tryptophan metabolism”, and “FoxO signaling pathway” were elevated only in the seabuckthorn group. Gallic acid was advantaged with more “mitophagy” and “autophagy”. Fish-fed seabuckthorn or gallic acid were challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila to assess impacts on other mucosal surfaces. In the gill, compared to the soybean meal group, significantly higher survival rates, reduced CD4 inflammatory signals, and increased filament space were observed. Comparing seabuckthorn with its active component, seabuckthorn performed better in lipid metabolism, resistance to A. hydrophila, anti-inflammation, and probiotic abundance, while gallic acid mainly showed benefits for mucosal barrier protection, such as increased gill filament space. In summary, seabuckthorn and gallic acid improved mucosal immunity in fish, particularly in the gut and gills, enhancing resistance to bacterial infection and foodborne inflammation. Thus, gallic acid and seabuckthorn may be optimal phytotherapy choices in aquaculture.

Nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon dynamics in biofloc system of Nile tilapia fed with high non-starch polysaccharides diet

While microbiota need to consume organic carbon to maintain water quality, commercial aquaculture feed produces a post-feeding waste with a carbon to nitrogen ratio that is too low to allow the bacteria to mineralize all the waste. The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of replacing starch-rich ingredients used in a Control-diet with non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) rich ingredients resulting in a High-NSP-diet on the water quality and nutrient budgets in biofloc tanks with Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The main NSP-rich ingredients in the High-NSP-diet were palm kernel meal, rice bran and corn gluten feed. Both diets were isonitrogenous, but the High-NSP-diet contained 3 times more fiber than the Control-diet.After 8 weeks of cultivation, the individual fish growth and feed conversion ratio was similar between two dietary treatments, but due to a lower survival in tanks fed the High-NSP-diet the total biomass gain was slightly better in the Control-diet tanks. The contribution of biofloc to fish growth with the High-NSP-diet was 17 %, compared to 14 % when feeding the Control-diet. The water quality was similar between both dietary treatments, with less accumulation of nutrients in the water column in the High-NSP-diet tanks. This was shown by a 4 % lower retention efficiency of carbon (C), 12 % of nitrogen (N) and 7 % of phosphorus (P) in the water column in High-NSP-diet fed tanks than in the Control-diet tanks. The High-NSP-diet did not affect the C, N, and P concentration of the biofloc, with a relatively stable concentration of C and N among weeks and a steady increase in P concentration until week six (W6). The biofloc concentration increased until W6 and decreased in week eight.Correlation analysis revealed strong correlations between the concentrations of total suspended solids (TSS), total organic matter (TOM) and NO3, and between TSS and Chl-a. Subsequent regression analysis showed that the TSS concentration can be best predicted based on the TOM concentrations in tanks fed the Control-diet and based on the NO3 concentration in tanks fed the High-NSP-diet. This approach will help modellers or farmers to predict the amount of TSS based on a limited number of other water quality parameters. Economic analysis showed that in spite of a lower production at system level when feeding the High-NSP-diet, due to the lower cost of this diet, the effect on income is negligible, with a higher 0.03 USD profit per kg fish produced compared to the Control-diet.

Dietary Lithospermum erythrorhizon ethanol extract alleviates soybean meal-induced enteritis by improving immune tolerance profile of pearl gentian grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × E. lanceolatus ♂)

The aquaculture industry has a shortage of objected protection against soybean meal-induced enteritis (SBMIE) in carnivorous fish caused by soybean meal feed. Our initial study discovered that Lithospermum erythrorhizon (LE) ethanol extract has potential application value in improving SBMIE. A feeding trial (for eight weeks) was conducted to investigate LE ethanol extract on pearl gentian grouper SBMIE of protection to clarify the influence of LE ethanol extract on the immune tolerance profile. Three hundred and sixty pearl gentian groupers were administered one of three distinct dietary regimes: 1) 100 % fish meal (FM); 2) soybean meal substitution of 50 % fish meal protein (SBM); 3) SBM diet +0.2 % LE ethanol extract (SBMLE). Each treatment included three 1000 L cisterns—each of cisterns with 30 fish. The preliminary weight of the fish varied between 72.01 g and 72.50 g. Growth performance results showed that WGR and SGR were significantly decreased in the SBM group (P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference between the FM and SBMLE groups. There was no significant difference in survival among the three groups. The results showed that SBM-fed fish exhibited enteritis manifested by mucosal fold shortening, lamina propria widening, decreased serum immune markers (IgM, C3, and C4), and up-regulated expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (il17 and il12) and immune-related gene (tlr3, and tlr9). The addition of 0.2 % LE ethanol extract to the SBM diet, reversed the above symptoms, and anti-inflammatory cytokine (tgf-β1), gene expression increased significantly (P < 0.05). Intestinal transcriptome analysis exhibited that the DEGs between the FM group and the SBM group were mainly enriched in FoxO signaling pathway, while the DEGs between the SBM group and the SBMLE group were enriched in MAPK signaling pathway and FoxO signaling pathway. The RT-qPCR results also revealed changes in MAPK/FoxO signaling pathway-related genes, including Dusp1, jund, Irs2b, fbxo32, and ccng2. Overall, Lithospermum erythrorhizon ethanol extract may alleviate SBMIE by regulating MAPK/FoxO signaling pathway, which would be beneficial for enhancing the immune tolerance and utilization efficiency of pearl gentian groupers to dietary soybean meal.

Formulation of Complementary Feeding Food Using Pearl Millet and Its Sensory Evaluation

Infancy is a period of rapid development. As a result, the energy consumption per kilogram of body weight is higher than in adults. After birth, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for at least 4-6 months. Supplemental feeding should begin after six months, when the body's needs increase. Supplementary mixes offered on the market and given through various systems are often cereal-based. When millet is used in supplemental feeding foods, it is often ground into a fine powder to make it easier for newborns to consume. Using complementary feeding meals containing millet can help introduce your baby to new textures and flavors while also delivering the nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. However, millets have the same calorific value as grains with higher mineral content. Combining these two-three grain foods improves protein and nutritional density in later food products. Probably because of their high nutritional content, this study evaluates several studies in the literature on the utilization of these crops to generate composite food products. In the majority of underdeveloped countries, complementary foods are made from staple cereals or root crops. As a result, the current study aimed to create a supplementary mix that included pearl millet, mung beans, and pigeon peas. Sensory evaluation was conducted using composite scoring to determine the best accepted supplemental mix.

Ensiling sugar beets: Effect of mixer feed used for co-ensiling on fermentation products and losses when ensiled in vacuum bags

Co-ensiling beets with other feeds allows for year-round feeding of beets and reduces the risk of dry matter (DM) loss as effluent from the silage. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of co-ensiling high DM beets with maize and grass/clover silage, grass seed straw, fresh beet pulp, and high DM concentrates (dried beet pulp, wheat distillers’ grain solubles; DDGS, wheat bran, rapeseed meal, sunflower meal, soybean hulls, and maize gluten feed) on gaseous weight loss (GWL), loss of effluents, and silage quality. Beets from harvest year 2021 were used to produce two sets of silages in laboratory silos, resulting in a total of 2 pure beet silages and 12 mixed beets silages. GWL was measured by weighing the laboratory silos until 181 days of ensiling. Fermentation was terminated by freezing after 30, 92, and 181 days of ensiling where loss of effluent was also measured. Total GWL was highest in the two pure beet silages (mean ± SEM; 282 ± 5.47 and 250 ± 7.94 g/kg DM, respectively), and differed among the mixed silages depending on mixer feed. Effluent was only observed in the pure beet silage in Set 1. Silage DM content at 181 days of ensiling was lowest for the two pure beet silages (180 ± 10.9 and 165 ± 5.95 g/kg). For all silages, pH was below 4.25 by 30 days of ensiling. Ethanol concentrations at 181 days of ensiling were highest in the two pure beet silages (345 ± 11.5 and 287 ± 11.8 g/kg DM). L-lactate content of pure beet silages was 38.4 ± 1.85 and 31.1 ± 1.21 g/kg DM at 181 days of ensiling. In Set 1, L-lactate content was lower in beets ensiled with maize silage, grass seed straw, dried beet pulp, or DDGS compared to pure beet silage. In Set 2, L-lactate content was higher in beets ensiled with maize gluten feed compared to pure beet silage. Silage concentration of NH3 varied depending on mixer feed. The NH3 content at 181 days of ensiling was 0.817 ± 0.626 and 2.05 ± 0.601 g/kg DM for pure beet silages and was highest in beets ensiled with grass/clover silage in both silage sets (16.4 ± 0.63 and 17.6 ± 0.60 g/kg DM). Co-ensiling beets with forages, high DM concentrates, and protein-rich feeds included in this study lowered fermentation weight loss, eliminated the loss of effluent, and resulted in silages of good fermentation quality.

Use of Periplaneta americana as a Soybean Meal Substitute: A Step towards Sustainable Transformative Poultry Feeds.

Insects are becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable and nutritious alternative protein source in poultry feeds, due to their high protein content, low environmental impact, and efficient feed conversion rates. Using insect-based feeds can reduce the need for traditional protein sources like soybean meal (SBM), which often contribute to environmental issues such as deforestation and high water consumption. The current experiments were devised to assess the impacts of the partial replacement of SBM with the American cockroach Periplaneta americana and black soldier fly Hermetia illucens on the performances, hematology, gut morphometry, and meat quality of male broilers (Ross 308). A total of 350, 1-day-old chicks weighing 40.05 ± 0.27 g were divided into 7 dietary treatments (5 pens/treatment and 10 birds/pen) at random, i.e., a 4, 8, or 12% SMB replacement with P. americana and H. illucens. Soybean meal was used as a basal diet and taken as a control. The results indicated that broilers fed on 12% P. americana or H. illucens showed significant improvements (p < 0.05) in feed conversion ratio, live weight, and daily weight gain. Hematological traits significantly improved (p < 0.05). A gut histology showed increased villus height, villus width, crypt depth, and villus height/crypt depth ratios, indicating improved nutrient absorption. Broiler meat fed on 12% P. americana meal had significantly higher redness and yellowness (p < 0.05). Substituting soybean meal with up to 12% P. americana or H. illucens meal in poultry feed can enhance the broilers' growth performance, hematology, gut morphometry, and meat quality. Hence, these findings imply that P. americana or H. illucens meal are viable and constructive alternative protein sources in poultry nutrition, offering a sustainable approach to meet the increasing demand for animal protein across the world.

Supplementation of Moringa oleifera leaf meal in feed on sexual behavior and semen quality of Landrace-cross boars

Supplementation of Moringa oleifera leaf meal in feed on sexual behavior and semen quality of Landrace-cross boars

Carp growth, body composition, lipidomics, and flesh quality in response to replacing dietary fish meal with a complex protein source

Alternatives to fish meal (FM) in fish feed are urgently required in aquaculture. We therefore examined the effect of replacing FM with a complex protein source (CPS) comprising soybean meal, peanut meal, corn protein meal, feather meal, and yeast protein, on carp (Cyprinus carpio) growth, body composition, lipidomics, and flesh quality. Lipidomics analysis was conducted to reveal the impact of dietary changes on fish lipid composition and metabolism, which is closely related to flesh quality and nutritional value. Over an eight-week growth trial, fish meal was replaced with CPS at 0 % (FM only), 20 %, 40 %, 60 %, 80 %, or 100 %. Weight gain and other growth parameters did not differ significantly among the treatments. Lipid deposition (LD) was positively correlated, and protein deposition negatively correlated, with CPS levels. LD and fillet ether extract were significantly elevated at 100 % CPS, whereas superoxidase dismutase expression, claudin-1 expression, and lipase activity were significantly reduced. The n-3 PUFA level and n-3/n-6 PUFA ratio were significantly lower following CPS feeding, reducing flesh quality. These findings indicate that CPS successfully replaced 60–80 % of dietary FM in carp diets, while the 100 % replacement group provided insights into the comprehensive effects of total substitution. Future studies will further optimize formulations based on these results to resemble practical production more closely. CPS with nutrient supplementation may therefore present a viable and safe partial replacement for dietary FM.

Optimizing winged-bean meal through oven and autoclave heating as viable alternative for plant-based aquafeed

Winged-bean meal can serve as a substitute for soybean meal in plant-based fish feed, despite its trypsin-inhibitor properties, which can be alleviated through heating processes. This study aimed to explore the potential of winged-bean meal subjected to different heating methods, namely oven (110 °C for 30 minutes) and autoclave (121 °C for 30 minutes), based on proximate analysis and trypsin activity. The study applied three treatments with four replications: oven heating (O), autoclave heating (A), and control (without heating, E). All data were analyzed using analysis of variance and Duncan’s multiple range test to determine the best treatment. Data were also compared to the nutrient requirements of several cultured freshwater fish in Indonesia. Heating treatments improved in vitro trypsin activity (1300 units/O and 1135 units/A vs. 835 units) but reduced protein (29.05±1.96%/A and 31.73±1.52%/O vs. 35.17±0.38%) and moisture contents. Additionally, the O treatment met the standards for aquafeed protein content (27-45%) and potentially fulfilled the protein requirements for catfish (25-40%), Nile tilapia (30-35%), and Java barb (30-32%). Therefore, oven heating presents a viable candidate as an alternative plant-based aquafeed ingredient. Nevertheless, the in vivo application of winged-bean meal as an aquafeed ingredient should be further evaluated to determine whether heating treatment effectively enhances digestive activity, nutrient retention, and growth performance in target fish species.

Genetic parameters of feeding behaviour traits in ducks bred for foie gras production

The mule duck accounts for over 90% of French foie gras production, a sector where feed represents two-thirds of production costs. This study focuses on analysing the feeding behaviours of the mule duck and its parental populations (Pekin and Muscovy) using automated feeders. To assess feed efficiency, feed conversion ratio and residual feed intake were analysed, along with six traits derived at the daily and meal levels. Genetic parameters were estimated separately in purebred populations, as well as with a joint crossbred model that estimated the parental contributions to the hybrid crossbred performances. In relation to higher feed intakes and much−reduced feeding times (P < 0.001), the feeding rate in the Pekin population was twice as high as in the Muscovy population (19 g/min vs 9 g/min), while the mule duck exhibited a large heterosis for this trait (29 g/min). Feeding traits exhibited moderate (0.38 ± 0.11) to high (0.65 ± 0.11) heritabilities. Similar correlation patterns were observed between feeding traits in the two parental populations. In the Pekin line, the feed conversion ratio did not significantly correlate with feeding traits except for daily feed intake. However, in the Muscovy population, it was negatively correlated with the number of meals (−0.51 ± 0.21) and positively with meal feed intake and meal duration (+0.79 ± 0.17 and + 0.71 ± 0.26, respectively). The contributions of the two parental species to the hybrid’s performance differed, with the Pekin contributing more to feeding and meat traits compared to the Muscovy. They were similar only for liver weight. Additionally, unfavourable correlations between meat traits and liver traits were estimated in both pathways. Genetic relationships between feeding traits and slaughter traits varied by parental origin, suggesting different strategies for improving hybrid performance in the two parental species. However, in both pathways, genetic correlations between feed conversion ratio and meat traits (breast muscle and thigh weights) were favourable (<−0.42 ± 0.18), whereas they were unfavourable (>0.41 ± 0.20) for fatty liver weight. Altogether, improving liver traits and feed efficiency in the hybrid through selection in the parental populations could be enhanced by considering feeding traits recorded with electronic feeders, provided that adverse correlations are properly accounted for in a multitrait index.

Effect of Replacing Fishmeal with Algal Meal on Growth Parameters and Meat Composition in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss W.)

Aquafarms should reduce the use of fishmeal and fish oil in nutritional feed. One such accessible and relatively inexpensive food component that could successfully meet the challenge posed by aquaculture is algae. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the algae meal inclusion of Chlorella and Spirulina sp. in a diet for rainbow trout, evaluating its effects on fish growth, histological parameters and fillet quality. Experiments were carried out to replace 50% and 100% of fishmeal with Spirulina sp. and Chlorella vulgaris in feed for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss W.) cultured in a recirculation system. At the end of the experimental period, the highest mean live weight was measured in rainbow trout fed a feed containing 50% algal meal in the feed. The absorptive vacuolization of cells was increased the most and lamina propria was average thickened when fed 50% algae diets. Fat droplets in the hepatocytes were larger in the 50% algae meal fed group, and their nuclei were replaced in the peripheral zone of the cells. Substitution of fishmeal with 50% algal meal in fish feed resulted in a 36.44% reduction in the lipid content of rainbow trout fillets compared to control fish.

Operation optimization of cement clinker production line based on neural network and genetic algorithm

The operation control plays a great role in the running performance of an industrial process. To achieve a successful control, the key point is searching for the target value of the control parameters. The relationship between operation parameters and performance parameters is usually nonlinear and complex, so it is hard to control an industrial process excellently with workers' experience. Based on a large amount of actual operation data, a bridge between control parameters and performance parameters might be built by the neural network. Prediction model is established by using neural network, genetic algorithm was then used to refine these parameters, the optimal condition can be further achieved by combining the relation bridge and genetic algorithm (GA). Paying attention to a cement clinker production process, this article established an optimizing approach based on the neural network and genetic algorithm and one-year operation data (615 sets). The feeding mass rate of raw meal and coal at the precalciner and the feeding coal mass rate at the rotary kiln are selected as the main independent variable and control parameters, and the specific standard coal consumption is determined as the key performance parameter and the optimization objective function. The mean square error and the correlation coefficient of the established neural network model are 12.84 and 0.89, respectively. The relative errors of approximately all prediction data (92.52 %) are within ±5 %. The optimal values for the raw meal feeding rate, the coal feeding rate into precalciner, and the coal feeding rate into rotary kiln are 259.57 t/h, 7.84 t/h, and 7.40 t/h, respectively. In that optimal condition, the specific standard coal consumption reaches 80.00 kgstandard coal/tclinker (This is a relative value, as there is a slight drift in zero point of the factory's instruments). A highly accurate neural network model is developed, which can significantly reduce standard coal consumption and improve industrial energy efficiency.

Fermented mahua oil cake in the diet of Labeo rohita: effects on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and immune response

Market instability, increased competition, escalating price and reduced availability of conventional ingredients warrants the researchers to rely on alternative feed ingredients. This approach may help in producing aqua feeds in a sustainable and cost-effective way to accomplish the global food and nutritional securities. Mahua oil cake (Bassia latifolia) is an underutilized non-conventional ingredient that holds promise for incorporation into aqua feed following nutrient enhancement by solid-state fermentation. A five-month pond feeding trial was carried out to investigate the effects of Sachharomyces cerevisiae and Bacillus subtilis fermented mahua oil cake (MOC) on the production performance, nutrient utilization, digestive capacity, and innate immunological responses of Labeo rohita fingerlings. For this, two iso-nitrogenous feed were formulated and prepared incorporating fermented MOC at different levels i.e. 0 and 40 percentage replacing soybean meal and other feed ingredients and fed to rohu fingerlings of two treatment groups in pond culture for 5 months duration. Improved growth performance, feed conversion ratio, feed intake, protein efficiency ratio and digestive capacity were observed in fish fed diets with 40 percent of fermented MOC compared to control. Innate immune responses parameters (respiratory burst activity, myeloperoxidase, lysozyme and hemaglutination activities) were significantly higher (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in fishes fed with fermented MOC. Therefore, we conclude incorporation of solid state fermented mahua oil cake up to 40% level in diet of L. rohita fingerlings in pond culture without any adverse effects on growth, nutrient utilization and innate immune response.

Effect of Tropical Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv Kacang Ratu BW) on the Blood Profile in Hybrid Ducks

Abstract This study aimed to determine the effect of the use tropical alfalfa (Medicago sativa L. cv Kacang Ratu BW) meal in feed on the blood profile in hybrid ducks. 72 day-old duck were reared for 42 days using stage cages. Ducks were randomly divided into three treatments with four replications and each of the replication consisted of six hybrid ducks. The treatment in this study used tropical alfalfa powder in formulated basal diet with different levels. The study was conducted with three treatments including AL0: 0% tropical alfalfa (control), AL4: 4% tropical alfalfa, and AL8: 8% tropical alfalfa. The feed was given at the age of eight days and adapted to the needs of the ducks. Data observed were blood profile in the form of total erythrocytes, total leukocytes, hemoglobin levels, hematocrit values, heterophil levels, lymphocyte levels and H/L ratio of hybrid broiler ducks. All data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis. Statistical analysis used nonparametric tests using Kruskal-Wallis and further tests using Man Whitney for data that were significantly different between treatments. The results showed that the use of tropical alfalfa meal had no significant effect (P&gt;0.05) on total erythrocytes, total leukocytes, hemoglobin levels, hematocrit values, heterophil levels, lymphocyte levels and H/L ratio of hybrid broiler ducks. It can be concluded that the use of tropical alfalfa meal up to 8% in hybrid duck feed did not effect on blood profile.

A study on the effects of replacing fishmeal with soybean meal in the feed of Procambarus clarkii: Assessing growth performance, immunity, and gut microbiota

The unstable supply and high cost of fishmeal have led to increased interest in low fish meal feed. As such, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of replacing fishmeal in feeds with soybean meal (SM) on the growth, immunity, and gut microbiota of crayfish. A total of 750 crayfish (4.00 g) were randomly divided into five groups (SS0, SS25, SS50, SS75, and SS100) with three replicates, and were fed diets with different levels of soybean meal substituted for fishmeal for six weeks. The results revealed that crayfish subjected to high SM diets experienced a significant decrease in the final body weight, weight gain rate, and specific growth rate (p<0.05), together with enzyme activities related to nutrient digestion and absorption. Of note, the groups with 25–50 % SM replacement exhibited decreased final body weight without significance compared to that in the SS0 group (p>0.05). Moreover, increasing SM inclusion exhibited the potential to impair the intestine, characterized by the increase in hemolymph LD content, decrease in the levels of TC content, T-AOC, and AKP, along with the observed edema of the lamina propria, and up-regulated mRNA expression levels of nfkb, alf, and tlr. Furthermore, high SM diets resulted in the emergence of new species and a shift in Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, and Fusobacteriota. Specifically, the abundance of lower Firmicutes and higher Proteobacteria was observed in the SS100 group, which was closely correlated with genus-level Candidatus Bacilloplasma, and RsaHf231 abundance alterations. MENAs demonstrated that the high SM diets led to a more complex, yet fragile and unstable microbial network. The global network further indicated that the microbes contributing more to crayfish were in module eigen 4, in which 9 OTUs were identified as major biomarkers and mainly classified into Proteobacteria. Taken above, SM could replace 25 % of fishmeal in crayfish diets without negatively affecting growth performance, nutrient utilization, immunity, and antioxidant capacity. Excessive SM levels contributed to gut dysfunction and weakened the immune system of crayfish.

Enhancing nutrient digestibility and antioxidant efficacy in piglets: The impact of fermented rapeseed meal supplementation on biochemical parameters and oxidative stress markers

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effects of varying levels of dried fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) on the nutrient digestibility and antioxidant efficacy in piglets. The experiment was conducted on 300 piglets, starting at 18 days of age. The primary experimental factor was the inclusion of FRSM in the diet, substituting mainly for post-extraction soybean meal and wheat. Two control groups were established: a positive control (PC) supplemented with 2500 ppm zinc oxide, and a negative control (NC) without additives. Additionally, four experimental groups were designated based on FRSM inclusion levels: FR-8 (8% FRSM), FR-12 (12% FRSM), FR-15 (15% FRSM), and FR-25 (25% FRSM). Results indicated a positive impact on nutrient absorption and redox processes, characterized by reduced efficiency of lipid peroxidation products such as malondialdehyde and lipid hydroperoxide in both blood and organs like the liver and intestines. From this perspective, the recommended inclusion of fermented rapeseed meal in piglet feed appears to be within the range of 8–12%

Market-driven land use in the Legal Amazon

The impact on ecosystems resulting from the introduction of productive activities is a consensus worldwide. However, some analyses have veered away from scientific rigor in favor of other interests. This phenomenon becomes evident when considering productive activities within the Amazon Biome. The diversity in soil structure and vegetation justifies this study and underpins its conclusions. We aimed to assess the impact of livestock farming and soybean cultivation in the state of Mato Grosso, which partially resides within the Amazon Biome. This analysis stems from the promotion of soybean production for animal feed due to the prohibition of meat and bone meal, a regulation that emerged following the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) event. The results indicate that the prohibition of meat and bone meal in animal feed as a preventive measure against BSE transmission did not influence deforestation in the Legal Amazon in the analyzed region. Similarly, it did not affect the growth of the cattle herd, land income costs, variations in soybean prices in the international market, or beef prices in Brazil. Soybean cultivation did impact deforestation in the Legal Amazon. Government policies related to deforestation were effective in reducing encroachments on the Legal Amazon. Importantly, the most significant expansion of anthropogenic land use occurred within the Cerrado Biome of Mato Grosso rather than within the portion of the Amazon Biome.

Dietary Replacement of Soybean Meal with Zanthoxylum bungeanum Seed Meal on Growth Performance, Blood Parameters, and Nutrient Utilization in Broiler Chickens.

Zanthoxylum bungeanum seed meal (ZBM), a novel plant protein raw material, has shown promising potential in enhancing the growth of broiler chickens as a substitute for soybean meal (SBM) in feed. In the artificial digestive experiment of vitro experiments, the digestibility of ZBM and SBM were assessed using the SDS-III Single Stomach Animal Biometric Digestion System. Subsequently, 180 1-day old AA chicks were divided into three groups for in vivo experiments: corn-soybean-meal-based diet (CON group); ZBM replacing 5% soybean meal in the basal diet (ZBM-1 group); ZBM replacing 10% soybean meal in the basal diet (ZBM-2 group). The experiment period lasted for 42 days. Compared to SBM, ZBM demonstrated higher crude protein content, dry matter digestibility, and extracorporeal digestible protein. Compared with the CON group, the broilers in the ZBM-2 group showed improved ADG and ADFI during the 1-21 d, 22-42 d, and 1-42 d periods (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the ZBM groups exhibited significant increases in slaughter performance compared with the CON group (p < 0.05). The substitution of ZBM for SBM also leads to a significant reduction in serum enzyme indicators (p < 0.05). Additionally, the lipoprotein and total cholesterol of the ZBM groups were significantly lower than those of the CON group (p < 0.05). Substituting SBM with ZBM significantly enhances the activity of superoxide dismutase and the content of immunoglobulin G in broiler serum, while reducing the content of malondildehyde (p < 0.05). The ZBM groups showed significantly higher utilization of dry matter, crude protein, and energy compared with the CON group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the study confirmed that the substitution of SBM with 5-10% ZBM in broiler diets has a significant positive effect on growth, development, antioxidant capacity, immune function, and nutrient utilization. This study not only provides a theoretical foundation for the utilization of ZBM in broiler diets but also offers an effective approach for reducing reliance on soybean meal.