Digestibility Coefficients Of Ether Extract Research Articles

Effect of feed particle size in pelleted diets on growth performance and digestibility of weaning piglets

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of particle size in pelleted diet on nutrient digestibility and growth performance of weaning piglets. 352 uncastrated males, aged 28 to 63 d, were distributed in a randomized block design (initial weight) according to treatments. The experimental feeds were divided into two phases, pre-initial (28 to 42 d) and initial (43 to 63 d) and produced with different corn particle sizes ground in a hammer mill, which provided a geometric mean diameter (GMD) of 394 µm, 534 µm, 647 µm, and 695 µm respectively, to the pre-initial phase diets. In the initial phase the GMD were 587 µm, 625 µm, 798 µm, and 943 µm. All feeds were pelleted (pellet diameter 2.5 mm) and supplied ad libitum. After an analysis of variance (P < 0.05), orthogonal contrasts were constructed to evaluate the linear and quadratic effect of increasing feed particle size on digestibility and growth performance. In the pre-initial phase, there was no difference in daily feed intake and daily weight gain between treatments; however, there was a quadratic response (P < 0.05) in feed/gain ratio, and the reduction of GMD to 534 µm was positively correlated with feed/gain ratio. In the initial phase, feed intake increased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing GMD in the pelleted diet. GMD had no effect on feed/gain ratio, but there was a linear correlation (P < 0.05) between GMD and weight gain in this phase, owing to greater feed consumption. There was a linear response (P < 0.05) in dry matter and ether extract digestibility coefficients, with the highest values determined in pigs consuming the finest diets (587 µm). GMD had no effect on crude protein digestibility, but there was a quadratic correlation (P < 0.05) between particle size and digestible energy, as digestible energy reduced when GMD increased up to 798 µm, followed by a slight increase at 943 µm. In conclusion, as the weaning pigs become older, their growth performance response increases with increasing particle size of the pelleted diet. The GMD for an optimal pelleted feed is 534 µm for pre-initial and 943 µm for initial phase. Additionally, during the initial phase, fine particle sizes results in better efficiency of feed utilization.

Honey Bee Pollen in Meagre (Argyrosomus regius) Juvenile Diets: Effects on Growth, Diet Digestibility, Intestinal Traits, and Biochemical Markers Related to Health and Stress.

Simple SummaryRecently, several studies have focused on the use of nutraceuticals and honey bee products to improve the welfare and sustainability of animal husbandry. Honey bee pollen is rich in bioactive substances, presenting a strong antioxidant activity with possible positive effects on growth performance and non-specific immune responses in reared fish. Despite its favorable characteristics, the addition of honey bee pollen to a meagre (Argyrosomus regius) diet in our trial resulted in a reduction of growth performances and diet digestibility, histological alterations of intestinal morphology, and high levels of biomolecular stress markers, probably due to its complex ultrastructure, which is indigestible for monogastric animals. These negative effects could be overcome by using bioactive component extraction methods and thus eliminating the indigestible fractions. Our results confirmed the general assumption that it should always be considered necessary to test nutraceutical additives of natural origin in a given species in order to verify the effective positive action and exclude any negative repercussions on animal health.This research aimed to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of honey bee pollen (HBP) in meagre (Argyrosoumus regius) juveniles’ diets on growth performance, diet digestibility, intestinal morphology, and immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, stress-related molecular markers and biochemical blood profile of fish were evaluated, together with mineral trace and toxic element concentration in pollen and diets. Specimens of meagre (360) of 3.34 ± 0.14 g initial body weight, were randomly allocated to twelve 500 L circular tanks (30 fish per tank). Four diets were formulated: a control diet and three experimental diets with 1%, 2.5%, and 4% of HBP inclusion. All the growth parameters and crude protein and ether extract digestibility coefficients were negatively linearly affected by increased HBP inclusion (p < 0.0001). Histology of medium intestine showed slight signs of alterations in group HPB1 and HPB2.5 compared to control. Fish from HBP4 group showed severe alterations at the intestinal mucosa level. Immunohistochemical detection of TNF-α in the medium intestine showed the presence of TNF-α+ cells in the lamina propria, which resulted in accordance with the increased level of the TNF-α protein detected by immunoblotting in the liver. This stress situation was confirmed by the increased hepatic level of HSP70 (p < 0.05) in fish fed the HBP4 diet and by the linear decrease of total serum protein levels in HBP-containing diets (p < 0.0001). These negative effects can be related to the ultrastructure of the bee pollen grain walls, which make the bioactive substances unavailable and can irritate the intestine of a carnivorous fish such as meagre.

Performance and Ruminal Parameters of Boer Crossbred Goats Fed Diets that Contain Crude Glycerin.

Simple SummaryThere is an increasing interest in the use of by-products, such as crude glycerin in animal feeding, and many studies emphasize that the addition of these ingredients can reduce feed costs, avoid environmental problems, and serve as good energy sources for ruminants. However, there is little information available on the replacement of ground corn with crude glycerin in goat diets. We analyzed the effects of replacing corn with crude glycerin up to 150 g/kg of diet on feed intake and growth performance of goats. This substitution reduced consumption, digestibility, and performance.This study aimed to evaluate the effects of four levels of crude glycerin (0, 50, 100, or 150 g/kg on a dry matter basis) on intake, digestibility, production performance, and ruminal parameters for finishing Boer crossbred goats. Thirty-two crossbred, castrated Boer × undefined breed goat kids, with an initial average weight of 17.8 ± 2.2 kg and approximately four months old, were distributed in a completely randomized design, with four treatments and eight repetitions. The dry matter and neutral detergent fiber intakes, both in g/day and percent of body weight, linearly decreased (p ≤ 0.05) with increased inclusion levels of crude glycerin in the diet. The dietary crude glycerin levels linearly decreased (p ≤ 0.01) the digestibility coefficients of ether extract and quadratically increased (p = 0.04) digestibility coefficients of neutral detergent fiber. The final weight, total weight gain, and average daily gain for the animals showed a linear decrease (p ≤ 0.02) as dietary crude glycerin levels increased. The addition of crude glycerin caused a linear increase in ruminal pH (p ≤ 0.01), which ranged from 6.27 to 6.49 for diets with 0 and 150 g/kg crude glycerin, respectively. The concentration of ruminal NH3–N exhibited a linear decrease as the crude glycerin inclusion levels increased (p ≤ 0.01). Total short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration, individual molar ratio, and the acetate: Propionate ratio in the ruminal fluid of the animals were not influenced (p ≥ 0.07) by the dietary crude glycerin levels. These data indicate that crude glycerin should not be used to replace ground corn in the diets of growing goats that are finished in a feedlot because the substitution reduces the intake and digestibility of several nutrients and decreases performance.

Nutritive value of elephant grass silage added with cottonseed cake in diet for sheep

The objective was to evaluate the intake, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance in sheep fed diets containing elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum) silage containing 0; 7; 14 and 21% cottonseed cake. Twenty Morada Nova sheep were used in a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replicates. The diets were isoproteic, isoenergetic and isofibrous. There was no effect of cottonseed cake levels on nutrient intake and digestibility coefficient of ether extract. The digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, total carbohydrates and non-fiber carbohydrates presented a linear reduction with the levels of cottonseed cake varying from, respectively, 537.97 to 421.21; 566.54 to 446.42; 595, 38 to 415.62; 544.90 to 421.84 and 697.85 to 521.03, at levels 0 and 21%. The N intake and the urinary N, in the various forms, as well as the fecal N expressed in g day-1 and g kg-0.75, were not influenced by the cottonseed cake levels in the silages. The fecal N presented a quadratic response with a minimum value of 39.09% NI when 3.20% cottonseed cake was added to elephant grass silage. Nitrogen balance showed a quadratic response with a maximum value of 6.50 g day-1; 0.79 g kg-0.75 and 35.07% NI at the levels of 3.25, 5.00 and 4.95% cottonseed cake, respectively. The inclusion of 5% cottonseed cake in elephant grass silage promotes better efficiency in the use of protein sources when aimed at using silage in the composition of a balanced diet.

Growth Performance and Apparent Nutrient Digestibility Coefficients of Weaned Rabbits Fed Diets Containing Different Forms of Cocoa Pod Husk Meal

The growth performance and apparent nutrient digestibility co – efficients of weaned rabbits fed corn – soybean meal basal diets containing different forms of cocoa pod husk meal were determined. A total of 60 mixed breed rabbits of both sexes (30 bucks and 30 does) with average initial weight of 606.42±1.30g were used in a nine week feeding trial using a completely randomized design. Twelve is nitrogenous and is caloric diets were formulated containing sundried (T1 T2, T3 & T4), fermented (T5 T6, T7 & T8), and hot - water treated (T9 T10, T11 & T12) cocoa pod husk meal (CPHM) each at 0, 12.5, 25 and 37.5% levels of inclusion, respectively. Diet with 0% CPHM served as the control in the different forms of the cocoa pod husk meal based diets. Growth performance parameters (feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio) were determined, while apparent nutrient digestibility coefficients were determined at the 9th week using the direct in vivo method. The digestibility co - efficients were calculated using appropriate formula. Results of the study revealed that the final weight, total weight gain and average daily feed intake recorded significant (P<0.05) differences between dietary treatments. When compared with values in the control, diets with the highest inclusion level (37.5%) CPHM had the least total weight gain with the sundried, fermented and hot – water treated groups having 557.50, 570.83 and 390.00 g/rabbit respectively. The average daily feed intake declined with increasing levels of sundried CPHM (i.e. 66.94, 62.56, 59.27 and 52.98 g/rabbit/day, respectively). The hot – water treated CPHM diets recorded the worst FCR beyond 12.5% level when compared with other forms of CPHM. Some of the apparent nutrient digestibility coefficients for ash and NFE recorded significant (P<0.05) differences between dietary treatments, while crude protein, crude fibre and ether extract digestibility coefficients were statistically similar across dietary treatments in all the three forms of CPHM. The sundried CPHM had the least digestible crude protein (75.07%) at the highest inclusion level (37.5%). The study concludes that the three different forms of cocoa pod husk meal in the following order of superiority (fermented, hot – water treated and sundried) can be included in diets meant for rabbits at levels not exceeding 25% for optimum growth performance and apparent nutrient digestibility co - efficients.

Effects of enzymatic treatment and shell content of palm kernel expeller meal on performance, nutrient digestibility, and ileal bacterial population in broiler chickens

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of enzymatic treatment and shell content of palm kernel expeller meal (PKE) on the performance, nutrient digestibility, and ileal bacteria population in broiler chickens. Part of the PKE sample was sieved (3 mm) to remove the shell (lower shell PKE) and part was used as is. The primary mannan-oligosaccharides in the experimental diets were determined using HPLC analysis. During the finisher phase, one hundred male broiler chickens (Cobb-500) were fed a control diet or the diets containing 200 g/kg of normal PKE (70 g/kg shell), low shell PKE (30 g/kg shell), enzymatically (cellulase and mannanase) treated PKE, or low shell, enzymatically treated PKE. The DM, CP, and ether extract digestibility coefficients were measured using acid insoluble ash as an insoluble marker. The quantitative rea-time PCR was used to determine the ileal bacteria populations. The enzymatic treatment significantly increased the mannose and also mannan-oligosaccharides content of PKE. Feed intake was not affected by dietary inclusion of PKE. In the birds fed the low shell PKE diet the average daily weight gain was lower and the feed conversion ratio was higher than those in the control and other PKE fed groups. The digestibility coefficients of dry matter and ash were lower in PKE containing diets than the control diet. However, there were no differences in the crude protein and ether extracts digestibility coefficients between the diets containing the enzymatic treated PKE (normal or low shell) and the control diet. The lowest ileal Lactobacilli population was found in the chickens fed the low shell PKE diet. Dietary normal PKE or low shell-enzymatic treated PKE decreased the Escherichia coli population compared to the control diet. The results suggested that PKE could be included up to 200 g/kg in the finisher diet without any apparent adverse effect on performance in broilers; however, any screening practice to reduce the shell content of PKE without enzymatic degradation of β-mannan, decreased its nutritive value.

INCLUSION OF DRIED AGRO-INDUSTRIAL STRAWBERRY BY- PRODUCTS IN GROWING RABBIT DIETS

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of using dried strawberry by-product (ASB) in growing rabbit diets on growth performance, nutrients digestibility coefficients, some blood parameter and relative economic efficiency. Seventy two weaned male New Zealand White rabbits at 6 weeks received diets containing 0, 25, 50 and 75% ASB as a replace of berseem hay. The growth trial lasted for 8 weeks. Results obtained could be summarized as follows: There were significant increases in body weight gain with increasing ASB levels in the diets. Whereas, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio were not significantly affected by ASB feeding. Ether extract digestibility coefficients were significantly decreased with increasing dietary level of ASB, while the digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CP and CF were higher in treatments containing ASB, while the digestibility coefficients of OM, CP and CF were significantly higher in treatments containing ASB. Dressing percentages of rabbits were significantly higher with 75% ASB feeding compared with other treatments. Dietary ASB treatments had no significant effects on meat chemical analysis (moisture, DM and CP contents). But EE and ash contents were decreased with ASB feeding. Blood plasma concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL, vLDL and total lipids were significantly decreased with increasing the level of ASB in rabbit diets. Feeding ASB had a significant positive effect on blood plasma antioxidant profile. Leveling up dietary ASB inclusion rate decreased MDA level and increased the TAC capacity in an incremental manner with increasing ASB of the diet. Using ASB as a feed ingredient improved the relative economic efficiency of diets. It could be concluded that ASB can be used in the growing rabbit diets with no adverse effects on performance and health status of the rabbit. Besides, ASB could reduce the cost of the diet.

Apparent digestibility of nutrients, energy, and amino acid of nontoxic and detoxified physic nut cakes for Nile tilapia

Abstract:The objective of this work was to evaluate the apparent digestibility coefficients of nutrients, energy, and amino acids of nontoxic and detoxified physic nut cakes treated with solvent plus posterior extrusion, for Nile tilapia. The apparent digestibility coefficients of crude protein and gross energy were higher for detoxified than for nontoxic physic nut cake. However, the apparent digestibility coefficient of ether extract of the nontoxic physic nut cake was higher than that of the detoxified one. The apparent digestibility coefficient of amino acids of both feed ingredients was superior to 80%, except for glycine, for the nontoxic psychic nut cake, and for threonine, for the detoxified one. Nontoxic and detoxified physic nut cakes show apparent digestibility coefficient values equivalent to those of the other evaluated oilseeds and potential for inclusion in Nile tilapia diets.

Effect of dietary supplementation of butyric acid glycerides on performance, immunological responses, ileal microflora, and nutrient digestibility in laying hens fed different basal diets

A total of 150 laying hens (55-wk-old) were used to investigate the effect of different levels of butyric acid glycerides (BAG) on performance, egg quality, ileal microbial populations, and nutrient digestibility in hens fed different basal diets. Dietary treatments consisted of 2 different basal diets (corn- or wheat-based diets) and 3 supplemental BAG levels (0, 2.5, and 5.0g/kg) in a 2×3 factorial arrangement with 5 replicate cages and 5 hens per cage. The study lasted for 77d, including 7d for adaptation and 70d as the main experimental period. In addition to performance variables, antibody responses to different antigens were assessed after the inoculation. Furthermore, ileal digesta was collected from 3 euthanized hens per replicate at the end of the study to determine microbial count and ileal nutrient digestibility. Results showed that dietary BAG supplementation (2.5 and 5.0g/kg) increased egg production and egg mass, but it had more impact in hens fed wheat-based diets (basal diet×BAG, P<0.05). Dietary supplementation of BAG increased both egg production and egg mass, but those response criteria were greater with 5.0g/kg compared with 2.5g/kg. The heavier egg weights were observed for the hens fed corn-based diets (P=0.001), however, feed intake was not influenced by dietary treatments. Supplemental BAG (2.5 and 5.0g/kg) improved feed conversion ratio and it was lower in hens fed 5.0g/kg than those fed 2.5g/kg of BAG, especially in those hens fed the wheat-based diets (basal diet×BAG, P=0.022). Yolk color index was greater (P<0.001) in eggs produced by hens fed on corn-based diets. In contrast to Newcastle antibody titer, dietary inclusion of BAG (2.5 and 5.0g/kg) increased (P=0.011) antibody response against sheep red blood cell during primary response. Serum concentrations of triglycerides and cholesterol were lower (P<0.01) in hens fed wheat-based diets, and they increased (P<0.01) as supplemental BAG level was increased. Total bacterial count and Escherichia coli (E. coli) population were greater (P<0.05) when hens were fed wheat-based diets, and dietary BAG supplementation (2.5 and 5.0g/kg) reduced (P<0.05) total bacteria and ileal E. coli enumerations. Supplemental BAG (2.5 and 5.0g/kg) increased digestibility coefficients of ether extract (P=0.009) and also total ash, even though there was the interaction on total ash (P=0.045). The present findings indicate that BAG supplementation of diets could increase production performance of laying hens, probably because of the decreased intestinal E. coli count, and this effect was more obvious in wheat-based diets.

The use of Dried Orange Pulp for Feeding Meat Rabbits

This study aimed to evaluate the growth performance, carcass traits and digestibility coefficients of growing rabbits fed different levels of orange pulp. Orange pulp was replaced for barley in the basal diet at 4 levels (0, 7.5, 15 and 30 %). A total number of 36 growing V-line rabbits at 7 weeks of age, with an average initial live body weight of 760.9 ± 33.9 g, were individually weighed and randomly assigned individually into four groups in a completely randomized design representing the four experimental groups. Each group was divided into three replicates of three rabbits each. All rabbits were kept under the same management and hygienic conditions and were housed in metal battery cages supplied with separated feeders. Diets were offered ad-libitum and fresh water was available all times from automatic nipple drinkers. The experimental period lasted for 42 days. The obtained results showed that barley replacement levels by dried orange pulp up to 30 % showed insignificant differences on the performance and carcass traits of growing rabbits when compared with the control diet. Also, there were insignificant differences in dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fiber, and nitrogen free extract digestibility among the experimental diets and control diet, however, the digestibility coefficient of ether extract was recorded highest (P ≤ 0.05) values for 7.5, 15 and 30 % substitution level of orange pulp when compared to the control diet. The nitrogen free extract digestibility recorded the lowest value with 30% substitution of orange pulp when compared to the control diet and other replacement levels of barley by dried orange pulp; however, the difference was not significant. Metabolizable energy (ME), total digestible nutrients (TDN) and digestible crude protein (DCP) recorded insignificant difference among control diet and 7.5, 15, and 30 % substitution levels of orange pulp. It could be concluded that barley replacement levels by dried orange pulp up to 30 % had no negative effects on growth performance, carcass and digestibility coefficients of nutrients.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF UNDEGRADABLE PROTEIN ON THE NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY , RUMEN FERMENTATION AND SOME BIOLOGICAL TRAITS IN AWASSI LAMBS.

This study was carried out by using 9 Awassi Lambs, 10-12 months of age with average body weight 48.25kg. The lambs were divided into three groups each of three lambs, and fed on one of the three rations which contained different levels of undegradable protein (UDP) (20, 40, 60%) of the total protein of the rations. Results indicated that there were no significant effect of the different levels of UDP on dry and organic matter and crud protein digestibility. While, the digestibility coefficient of ether extract was highly (P < 0.01) increased in group fed on the rations contained 40 or 60% UDP as compared with 20% UDP, it was ranged between 60.39 – 82.28%. The digestibility coefficient of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber were significantly (P < 0.01) in the ration contained 40% UDP as compared with 20 and 60% UDP. The average digestibility coefficient were ranged between 52.26 – 63.3 % and 36.68 – 49.52% respectively. Rumen liquor pH before feeding was not affected by UDP levels, but it was significantly (P < 0.01) decreased 4hrs after feeding in 20 and 40% UDP (5.82 and 5.83) as compared with 60% UDP (6.14). In contrast, ammonia concentration in rumen liquor was significantly (P < 0.01) decreased before feeding in ration (60% UDP) 4.29 mg/100ml. as compared with ration (20 and 40% UDP) 9.24 and 8.43mg/100ml. While ammonia concentration were similar in the samples taken 4hrs after feeding in all rations. The calculated microbial protein synthesis according to the digested organic matter was significantly (P < 0.01) higher in the lambs fed on 40% UDP (128.16g/d) as compared with 20 and 60% UDP (109.45 and 109.03 g/d) respectively, Statistical analysis of blood constituents showed no significant difference between the three levels of UDP on blood glucose, total protein, albumin globulin and triglyceride concentration.

Nutritional Evaluation of Sheabutter Fat in Fattening of Yankasa Sheep

2 Abstract: Fifteen Yankasa rams, balanced for their weight, were used to evaluate the effects of feeding basal diet of Pterocarpus erinaceus forage supplemented with Sheabutter Fat (SBF) based concentrate diets on performance, nutrient digestibility and economic benefit. The rams were submitted to four supplemental diets containing: 0 g/kg SBF (control), 50 g/kg SBF and 100 g/kg SBF in a completely randomized design for 56 days. Average Daily Gain (ADG), intakes of Ether Extract (EE) and Crude Protein (CP), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), digestibility coefficients of EE and Organic Matter (OM), digestible OM, digestible and metabolizable energy concentrations and net benefit improved (p<0.05) with increasing levels of SB F supplementation. While forage intake was reduced (p<0.05) in SBF diets, the reverse was the case for the concentrate (p<0.05). Dry Matter (DM) intake and intake as the percentage of live weight, CP, OM and Crude Fibre (CF) intakes and CF digestibility were similar among the treatments. SBF diets improved (p<0.05) digestibilities of DM and CP compared to the control. OM intake was higher (p<0.05) in 50 g/kg SBF than in the control which compared with 100 g/kg SBF. Cost of feed consumed/sheep was lower (p<0.05) for 100 g/kg SBF compared to the control and 50 g/kg SBF. Feed cost/kg of mutton decreased (p<0.05) progressively from the control to 100 g/kg SBF. Differential and relative benefits were more (p<0.05) for 100 g/kg SBF than for 50 g/kg. 100 g/kg SBF supplementation improved the performance, nutrient digestibility and economic benefit.

Desempenho produtivo e digestibilidade pela tilápia do NILO (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758) alimentada com dietas suplementadas com níveis crescentes de silagem ácida de pescado

Conduziram-se estes experimentos para avaliar os coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes e da energia bruta da silagem ácida de resíduos da filetagem de tilápias e o desempenho produtivo da tilápia alimentada com dietas contendo (0, 10, 20, 30 e 40%) da silagem ácida em substituição à farinha de peixe. Na digestibilidade foram utilizados 200 alevinos revertidos sexualmente, com peso médio de 5,0 g e acondicionados em aquários de 40 litros. A coleta de fezes foi feita por metodologia indireta, utilizando-se 1,0% de Cr2O3 como indicador, incorporado à ração. No desempenho foram utilizados 2000 alevinos de tilápia nilótica, com peso médio inicial de 0,525g, acondicionados em hapas de 1m², dispostos em 1 viveiro escavado. As variáveis analisadas foram: ganho de peso final (GPF), consumo de ração total (CRT), conversão alimentar aparente (CAA) e acréscimo em comprimento (AC). O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os valores de digestibilidade encontrados foram: coeficiente de digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca (CDA), 95,5%; CDA da proteína bruta, 96,7%; CDA do extrato etéreo, 97,2% e CDA da energia bruta, 95,4%. Não houve diferença significativa no consumo de ração total. Observou-se efeito quadrático para ganho de peso final, conversão alimentar aparente e acréscimo em comprimento. Conclui-se que este alimento pode ser eficientemente utilizado pela tilápia nilótica.

Sunflower cake in the diet ofQuarter Horses in activity

The increased availability of sunflower cake, a by-product of oilseed extraction for biodiesel production, prompted us to test the scope of its utilization in the diet of Quarter Horses employed in equestrian shows. We substituted 600 and 1200 g of feed with 300 and 600 g of sunflower cake, respectively, so as to obtain isoproteic and isoenergetic diets. Digestibility evaluation by the AIA method evidenced generally improved nutrient utilization with the lower cake diet (300 g sunflower). The higher cake diet was associated with a reduction in organic matter, protein and ether extract digestibility coefficients. In particular, the trend of the protein coefficients (88.5 - 91.5 - 87.7 for control, 300 and 600 g sunflower cake, respectively) was confirmed by higher plasma urea levels.

Effect of free-choice feeding on the performance and ileal digestibility of nutrients in broilers

An experiment was conducted to study ileal digestibility of nutrients and to verify the ability of broilers to select feed in order to meet their requirements for protein and energy. The treatments consisted of six diets: R+S: free-choice feeding with rice bran (energy) and soybean meal (protein); C+G: free-choice feeding with corn (energy) and corn gluten meal (protein); R+G: free-choice feeding with rice bran (energy) and corn gluten meal (protein); C+S: free-choice feeding with corn (energy) and soybean meal (protein); R+C+G+S: free-choice feeding with rice bran and corn (energy) and corn gluten meal and soybean meal (protein); and BD: basal diet represented by a complete diet composed of 63% corn and 33% soybean meal. The results indicated that the adjustment to nutritional requirements does not depend only on the ability of birds to select feed. It might also depend on intake and ingredient quality, since some ingredients did not provide a balanced amount of nutrients. The birds were able to fulfill their requirements for maintenance, that is, they consumed the minimum amount of amino acids (g per day) for maximum growth. The free-choice group with corn gluten meal as the protein source had the worst performance, which indicated that this feed is not recommended as a primary source of amino acids for broilers. The C+G diet presented the highest digestibility coefficient of dry matter and crude protein, whereas the C+S diet resulted in the highest digestibility coefficient of ether extract and nitrogen-free extract, indicating that diet digestibility was affected by the type of feed used as energy and protein sources. In general, the high digestibility values indicate that broilers are able to efficiently digest and absorb the supplied feed.

Níveis de óleo e adição de complexo enzimático na ração de frangos de corte

Dois experimentos foram conduzidos para avaliar o efeito da adição de óleo de soja e de um complexo enzimático em rações à base de milho e farelo de soja, sobre o desempenho de frangos de corte e a digestibilidade dos nutrientes. No experimento 1, foram utilizados 960 pintos de corte, não sexados, os quais receberam os tratamentos em esquema fatorial 4 x 2 (quatro níveis de inclusão de óleo de soja: 0; 2,5; 5,0 e 7,5%, com ou sem adição de um complexo enzimático contendo amilase, xilanase e protease), em quatro repetições de 30 aves cada, no período de 1 a 21 dias de idade. Dos 22 aos 42 dias de idade, todas as aves receberam uma mesma ração de crescimento, para avaliação de possível efeito residual dos tratamentos aplicados na fase inicial de criação sobre a fase seguinte. Aos 21 dias de idade, 90 aves (três machos e duas fêmeas de cada unidade experimental) foram transferidas para uma sala de metabolismo (experimento 2), em que as aves receberam as mesmas rações experimentais, para determinação dos valores energéticos e dos coeficientes de digestibilidade da matéria seca e do extrato etéreo. Não houve efeito da adição do complexo enzimático, nem interação dos níveis de óleo e suplementação com enzimas sobre o desempenho das aves. O valor energético das rações melhorou em 2,3% com a adição de óleo, não havendo efeito da adição de enzimas. O nível de 2,33% de óleo permitiu máxima digestibilidade do extrato etéreo. Concluiu-se que a inclusão de óleo na ração melhorou o desempenho das aves e a conversão alimentar permaneceu constante a partir de 2,18% de inclusão.

Prediction of digestibility of nutrients and energy values of pig diets from chemical analysis.

The DE and ME values and digestible nutrient contents of 114 diets were measured in 45-kg growing pigs (four to five animals per diet) fed approximately 500 kcal of ME/kg BW.60. Diets differed widely with regard to their chemical characteristics and their ingredients. Chemical composition of each diet was measured by at least four laboratories. The results were used to establish prediction equations of DE or ME values, digestible nutrient contents, and digestibility coefficients of energy and nutrients from chemical characteristics. Digestibility coefficients of energy (range: 65 to 95%) and CP (range: 64 to 94%) were highly dependent on dietary fiber and mineral contents. The digestibility coefficient of ether extract increased curvilinearly (from 2 to 84%) with the dietary fat content. The digestibility of fiber was lower (45% for NDF) than for the other chemical constituents. The ME:DE ratio averaged 96.3% and was negatively correlated to the dietary protein content. The DE and ME values could be accurately predicted (R2 > .90 and CV < 2%) from chemical characteristics; the best equations were obtained when the following predictors were combined in a linear model: ash, ether extract, crude protein, and an estimate of dietary fiber. The accuracy of the prediction was higher with NDF than with ADF or Weende crude fiber. The results suggest that even a rather large proportion of dietary fiber (approximately 50%) is degraded in the digestive tract, the amount of available energy from fiber digestion is negligible in connection with increased endogenous protein and fat losses. The equations obtained in the present study represent a basis for the prediction of the energy values of mixed diets with a composition of unknown ingredients.

THE EFFECTS OF FAT SUPPLEMENTATION ON ILEAL VERSUS FECAL FAT DIGESTIBILITIES, PERFORMANCE AND BODY COMPOSITION OF WEANED PIGS

Two experiments were conducted with 28-d-old pigs to study the effects of 0 or 8% added fat to the diet when constant nutrient to energy ratios were maintained. In exp. 1, 24 pigs were assigned to one of six treatments. Pigs were fed either ad libitum or restricted. Digestibility values were determined using fecal and terminal ileum collection methods. Only apparent ether extract digestibility increased (P &lt; 0.001) with the addition of fat to the diet. Ether extract digestibility coefficients determined by the ileal collection method were significantly larger (P &lt; 0.001) than those determined by fecal collection. In contrast apparent energy, dry matter and crude protein digestibilities based on ileal collection were significantly lower than the equivalent digestibilities based on fecal collection. The second experiment compared the performance and carcass composition of pigs fed the same diets as in exp. 1. Pigs 7 d after weaning contained less fat (P &lt; 0.01), more water (P &lt; 0.001) and more protein (P &lt; 0.01) than pigs at weaning. Carcass composition of the pigs 7 d after weaning and at 20 kg liveweight were similar (P &gt; 0.05). Feed conversion efficiency was improved (P &lt; 0.001) by the addition of fat to the diet. Key words: Weaned pigs, fat, digestibility, performance, body composition

The effect of level of water intake on some aspects of digestion and nitrogen metabolism of the ‘desert sheep’ of the Sudan

SUMMARYFive successive trials were conducted using eight adult rams (Sudan desert sheep) to study the effect of restriction of water intake on some aspects of digestion and nitrogen metabolism. The feeds used in this study were berseem hay (Medicago sativa), lubia hay (Dolichos lablab), maize hay (Zea mais), a concentrate mixture, and dry desert grasses (hummra) (a mixture ofDactyloctenium aegyptium, Schoenefeldia gracilis, Eragrostis pilosa, Aristida funiculataandAristidaspp.).Restriction of water did not affect the digestibility coefficients of organic matter, crude protein and crude fibre significantly. The digestibility coefficient of ether extract was significantly reduced whereas that of nitrogen-free extract was slightly higher when water was restricted.The concentrations of ammonia and volatile fatty acids in the rumen and of urea in the blood were recorded before and 3 h after feeding. Increases in rumen ammonia and blood urea nitrogen concentration were reduced by water restriction except when hummra was fed.Restriction of water intake also slightly increased thein vitrorate of fermentation of rumen contents which is taken as a measure of microbial activity in the rumen, and the retention of nitrogen. These results are interpreted as indications of more efficient nitrogen utilization under conditions of water restriction.There were no significant effects of the treatments on changes in the concentration of volatile fatty acids.The significance of these findings in relation to the management of desert sheep in the arid parts of the Sudan is discussed with special reference to the effect of the level of dry-matter intake on nitrogen balance.

Effect of Helminthosporium Maydis Infection on Feeding Value of Corn

Four experiments involving swine, rats and rabbits were used to evaluate the feeding value and possible toxic effects of corn damaged by Helminthosporium maydis. In a statistical analysis of two trials, TDN and apparent digestibility coefficients of ether extract, nitrogen free extract (P<.01), dry matter and energy (P<.0S) were significantly lower with diets containing the blighted corn. There was no significant (P>.05) difference in rate of gain or feed utilization of pigs and rats when given diets with normal versus blight damaged corn. However, feed efficiency was approximately 7% lower in the pig trial which may be an indication of a slight decrease of energy utilization with blight damaged corn. Pregnant rabbits were fed diets with normal or blighted corn. All does had normal gestation periods and produced normal, healthy litters. Corn damaged by Helminthosporium maydis was palatable and did not appear to have any toxic or adverse effects on the test animals. Chemical analysis of the corn revealed that crude protein was increased and NFE portion was slightly decreased in the fungus infected grain, but there was no significant change in percent of crude fiber, ether extract or ash content of the grain.