Factorial Arrangement Of Treatments Research Articles

Dietary muramidase increases ileal amino acid digestibility of wheat and corn-based broiler diets without affecting endogenous amino acid losses

The objective of these studies was to evaluate the impact of dietary muramidase (MUR) on endogenous amino acids (AA) losses and digestibility of nutrients in wheat and corn-based broiler diets. In experiment 1, the effect of dietary MUR on the flow of endogenous AA (EAA) at the jejunum and terminal ileum of broilers were assessed using either the nitrogen (N) free diet method (NFD) or the highly digestible protein diet method (HDP; 100 g casein/kg diet). Sialic acid and muramic acid concentrations were measured in the jejunal content. In experiment 2, a 2x2x2 factorial arrangement of treatments with 2 base grains (wheat or corn), with low or high metabolizable energy (ME) levels, and without or with MUR supplementation was implemented. All diets contained phytase, xylanase, and cellulase. Apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of dry matter (DM), protein (CP), amino acids (AA), crude fat, and energy, as well as the apparent total tract metabolizability (ATTM) of DM, CP, and gross energy (GE) were determined. The standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of AA was obtained by correcting AID values for basal ileal EAA obtained from chicks fed with NFD or HDP in experiment 1, jejunal EAA flow of all AA was higher (P < 0.001) compared to the ileum, but this effect was method dependent. Jejunal, but not ileal, EAA flow measured with HDP was higher compared to NFD, as well as sialic acid (P < 0.001) and muramic acid (P < 0.004) concentrations. Muramidase inclusion had no effect on basal EAA flow, independently of the segment and the method used. In experiment 2, dietary MUR supplementation increased the AID of CP (P < 0.05), all AA, and tended (P=0.07) to increase the AID of GE, independently of the cereal type used. However, ATTM of DM and GE, but not CP, increased with MUR inclusion compared with the control treatments, especially in wheat and low ME diets (P < 0.05). In conclusion, MUR supplementation improved AID of CP and AA without affecting EAA losses and increases energy utilization.

Supplemental Microbial Phytase Improves Bioavailability of Dietary Zinc to Weanling Pigs

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of supplemental microbial phytase on utilization of dietary zinc by weanling pigs. Experiment 1 was a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments with 24 pigs for 4 wk. Two levels of phytase activity (0 and 1350 units/g) and three levels of zinc (0, 30 and 60 mg/kg as ZnSO4.7H2O) were added to a corn-soybean meal basal diet. Weekly measures included growth performance, plasma alkaline phosphatase activity and plasma mineral concentrations. In Experiment 2, mineral balances were determined in 12 pigs fed the basal diet or the diet with added zinc (30 mg/kg) or phytase (1350 units/g). The results indicated that either supplemental phytase or supplemental zinc increased plasma alkaline phosphatase activity and plasma zinc concentrations, but these increases were not additive. Supplemental phytase decreased plasma alkaline phosphatase activity in pigs supplemented with zinc. Supplemental phytase also significantly enhanced weight gain, feed intake, gain:feed ratio, plasma concentrations of inorganic phosphorus, and retention of phosphorus and calcium. Neither supplemental phytase nor zinc affected zinc retention. Supplementing corn-soybean meal diets with microbial phytase at 1350 units/g feed improves bioavailability of zinc as well as of phytate phosphorus to weanling pigs.

Fruit characterization and plant quality of Spanish cedar (Cedrela odorata L.) during the early nursery stage

Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize Spanish cedar (Cedrela odorata L.) fruits and seeds, and to evaluate the effects of provenance, substrata, and fertilizer on germination and plant quality in nursery. Design/Methodology/Approach: The fruits and seeds from Spanish cedars were collected in three different towns: C-32 (Francisco Trujillo Gurria), C-40 (Ernesto Aguirre Colorado), and C-41 (Carlos A. Madrazo). Those towns are in Plan Chontalpa, Tabasco, Mexico. After they were harvested, the samples were morphometrically characterized. Seed production efficiency (SPE), germination (%), and Dickson Quality Index (DQI) were estimated. Two completely randomized experimental designs with factorial arrangement of treatments were used. The factors were the provenance, four or three substrata, and two levels of Greenfool® 600 fertilizer. Results: Fruits of 3.46 cm in length and 1.81 cm in width were collected; the mean number of seeds per fruit was 49.36. Seed production efficiency ranged from 48.1% to 52.72%, with 32.86% germination. The seeds from Town C-41 obtained the highest germination percentage, with the use of black soil:sand as substrate. The plants fertilized and developed in black soil:sand substrate obtained a higher DQI. Study Limitations/Implications: The activity restriction caused by the Sars-Cov-2 pandemic was the main limitation. The lower number of producers and plantations from Town C-32 was the implication. Findings/Conclusions: Fruit and seed characteristics were different among provenances. The provenance impacted on seed germination, but not on the plant quality index (DQI). Instead, the substrate and fertilizer impacted on the DQI.

Feeding rumen-protected lysine altered immune and metabolic biomarkers in dairy cows during the transition period

This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of feeding rumen-protected lysine (RPL; AjiPro-L Generation 3, Ajinomoto Health and Nutrition North America Inc.) from -26 ± 4.6 d prepartum (0.54% RPL of dietary dry matter intake) to 28 d postpartum (0.39% RPL of dietary dry matter intake) on immunometabolic status and liver composition in dairy cows. Seventy-five multiparous Holstein cows, blocked by parity, previous 305-d mature-equivalent milk production, expected calving date, and body condition score during the far-off dry period were assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments in a randomized, complete block design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Treatments prepartum consisted of total mixed ration top dressed with RPL (PRE-L) or without RPL (PRE-C), and postpartum treatments consisted of total mixed ration top dressed PRE-L prepartum and postpartum, PRE-L prepartum and PRE-C postpartum, PRE-C prepartum and PRE-L postpartum, and PRE-C prepartum and postpartum in 300 g of molasses. Blood samples were taken on -7 ± 0.5, 0 ± 0.5, 7 ± 0.9, 14 ± 0.9, and 28 ± 0.5 d relative to calving. Whole blood samples were taken on -14 ± 0.5, -7 ± 0.5, 7 ± 0.9, and 14 ± 0.9 d relative to calving for oxidative burst and phagocytic capacity of monocytes and neutrophils. Liver samples were collected via a biopsy on -12 ± 4.95 and 13 ± 2.62 d relative to calving and analyzed for liver composition (triacylglyceride and carnitine concentrations), mRNA expression of hepatic genes, and protein abundance. Protein abundance was calculated by normalizing intensity bands for a specific protein with glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. Concentrations of haptoglobin and glutathione peroxidase activity in plasma were lower at d 0 for cows in PRE-L (102 µg/mL and 339 nmol/min per mL, respectively) compared with cows in PRE-C (165 µg/mL and 405 nmol/min per mL, respectively). Oxidative burst capacity in monocytes tended to be greater on d 7 postpartum for cows in PRE-L (65.6%) than cows in PRE-C (57.5%). Additionally, feeding RPL altered the mRNA expression in liver tissue prepartum [decreased INSR (insulin receptor), CPT1A (carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A), and IL1B (interleukin 1 β)] and postpartum [increased IL8 (interleukin 8), EHMT2 (euchromatic histone lysine methyltransferase 2), TSPO (translocator protein), and SLC3A2 (solute carrier family 3 member 2); and decreased SLC7A1 (solute carrier family 7 member 1), SOD1 (superoxide dismutase 1), and SAA3 (serum amyloid A 3)] compared with cows not consuming RPL]. Additionally, cows in the PRE-C prepartum and PRE-L postpartum treatment tended to have greater protein abundance of mTOR postpartum compared with the PRE-C prepartum and postpartum treatment. Protein abundance of SLC7A7 (solute carrier family 7 member 7) pre- and postpartum tended to be greater and BBOX1 (gamma-butyrobetaine dioxygenase 1) tended to be less when RPL was consumed prepartum. In conclusion, cows that consumed RPL during the transition period had molecular changes related to liver composition, enhanced liver function indicated by greater total protein and albumin concentrations in plasma, and improved immune status indicated by decreased haptoglobin, glutathione peroxidase activity, and immune related mRNA expression.

Effects of coated folic acid and coated methionine on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation in Simmental bulls

In one-carbon metabolism, methionine (Met) is methyl donor and folic acid (FA) is responsible for the transfer of methyl groups. Approximately 25 % of coated methionine (CMet) and coated folic acid (CFA) released in the rumen at 24 h of incubation. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of CMet or/and CFA on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation in bulls. Forty Simmental bulls, 464 ± 15.9 kg of body weight (BW), were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to four groups in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatment, with factors being CFA 0 or 6 mg FA/kg dietary dry matter (DM) and CMet 0 or 0.66 g Met/kg dietary DM. The experiment period was 81 days long with 20 days for adaptation and 61 days for data and sample collection. Dry matter intake increased (P = 0.001) with CFA or CMet addition. The CFA × CMet interaction was noticed on average daily gain (ADG; P = 0.001) and feed conversion ratio (FCR; P = 0.020); the improvements in ADG and FCR were greater for supplementing CMet in diets with CFA than in diets without CFA. The digestibility of DM, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber increased (P < 0.050) with CFA or CMet addition. When CMet was supplemented, crude protein digestibility increased in CFA diets and was unchanged in diets without CFA. Ruminal pH decreased (P < 0.050), but total volatile fatty acid concentration increased (P < 0.050) with CFA or CMet addition. Acetate to propionate ratio was unchanged with CFA addition, but decreased (P = 0.039) with CMet addition. Rumen ammonia-N concentration decreased (P < 0.050) for either CFA or CMet addition. The activities of carboxymethyl cellulase, protease, α-amylase and cellobiase and populations of protozoa, total bacteria, fungi, dominant cellulolytic bacteria, Ruminobacter amylophilus and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens increased (P < 0.050) with CFA or CMet supplementation. The CFA × CMet interaction was noticed on Ruminococcus albus population (P = 0.014); when CMet was supplemented, R. albus population increased for diets without CFA and was unchanged for diets with CFA. The activities of chymotrypsin in duodenum increased (P < 0.050) with CFA or CMet supplementation, and that of amylopsin and trypsin in ileum increased (P < 0.050) for bulls receiving CFA addition. The concentrations of glucose, albumin and urea nitrogen in blood were unchanged and homocysteine decreased (P < 0.050) with CFA or CMet supplementation. The CFA × CMet interaction was noticed on blood total protein concentration (P = 0.045); when CMet was added, blood total protein concentration increased for diets without CFA and was unchanged for diets with CFA. The concentration of folate in blood increased (P = 0.001) for CFA addition. The concentration of Met increased (P = 0.002) for CMet supplementation. The results indicated that dietary CFA or/and CMet supplementation improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation, and the greatest daily gain was observed for combined addition of CFA and CMet in bulls.

Establishment yield and nutrient composition of four legumes as influenced by age of growth in a cool tropical climate at Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria

An experiment was conducted with 2 temperate (Trifolium pratense and T. repens) and 2 tropical (Stylosanthes guianensis and Centrosema molle syn. C. pubescens) forage legumes in an elevated tropical environment of Jos, Nigeria to determine the influence of age of growth on forage yield and nutrient concentrations in the establishment year. The experiment was a 4 harvest times (9, 13, 17 and 21 weeks after sowing; WAS) × 4 legume species (2 temperate and 2 tropical) factorial treatment arrangement in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications, conducted in the growing seasons of 2015 and again 2016. In 2015, S. guianensis produced highest (P&lt;0.05) dry matter yield (8.2 t DM/ha), while T. pratense produced the highest yield (3.6 t DM/ha) in 2016. In both years leaf:stem ratio decreased significantly with age. In 2016 crude protein (CP) concentration declined in all species as age at harvest increased (P&lt;0.05), while at any given age highest CP concentration occurred in T. repens and lowest in S. guianensis (P&lt;0.05). At any age, concentration of calcium followed the pattern T. pratense&gt;T. repens&gt;C. molle&gt;S. guianensis (P&lt;0.05), while phosphorus concentration in forage declined with age at harvest with significant (P&lt;0.05) differences only for tropical legumes. The detergent fiber concentrations (NDF and ADF) were higher in S. guianensis (P&lt;0.05) at any harvest stage. Non-linear regression analysis suggested that these forage legumes, when planted in early June in this environment, could be harvested at the optimum stages of 15, 16, 18 and 21 WAS for T. pratense, T. repens, S. guianensis and C. molle, respectively. However, more studies, especially with earlier planting dates, need to be conducted on the temperate legumes to determine their full yield potential in this environment, especially over a wider range of seasonal conditions.

The effects of native lactic acid bacteria on the microbiome, fermentation profile, and nutritive value of Napier grass silage prepared with different legume ratios.

Mixing grass with legumes before ensiling is beneficial for improving dry matter and crude protein yield, but additional information is needed to balance nutrient content and fermentation quality. In this study, the microbial community, fermentation characteristics, and nutrient content of Napier grass mixed with alfalfa at different proportions were assessed. Tested proportions included: 100:0 (M0), 70:30 (M3), 50:50 (M5), 30:70 (M7), and 0:100 (MF). Treatments included: (CK) sterilized deionized water; (IN) selected lactic acid bacteria: Lactobacillus plantarum CGMCC 23166 and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CGMCC 18233 (1.5 × 105 cfu/g of fresh weight for each inoculant); and (CO) commercial lactic acid bacteria: L. plantarum (1 × 105 cfu/g of fresh weight). All mixtures were ensiled for 60 days. Data analysis was used as a completely randomized design with a 5-by-3 factorial arrangement of treatments. The results showed that with increasing alfalfa mixing ratio, dry matter, and crude protein increased, while neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber decreased both before and after ensiling (p < 0.05), which was not influenced by fermentation. Inoculation with IN and CO decreased pH and increased the lactic acid content compared to CK (p < 0.05), especially in silages M7 and MF. The highest Shannon index (6.24) and Simpson index (0.93) were observed in the MF silage CK treatment (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of Lactiplantibacillus decreased with increasing alfalfa mixing ratio, while the abundance of Lactiplantibacillus was significantly higher in the IN-treated group than in other treatment groups (p < 0.05). A higher alfalfa mixing ratio improved the nutrient value, but also made fermentation more difficult. Inoculants improved the fermentation quality by increasing the abundance of Lactiplantibacillus. In conclusion, the groups M3 and M5 achieved the optimal balance of nutrients and fermentation. If a higher proportion of alfalfa needs to be used, it is recommended to use inoculants to ensure sufficient fermentation.

Effect of dietary phosphorus and restricted feeding on performance, egg quality and serum biochemical traits of laying hens at the second production phase

The effect of available phosphorus and restriction of feeding on the performance, egg quality, serum biochemical and yolk fatty acid profiles in laying hens at 40 to 60 weeks of age was studied. A total 540 laying hens (Lohmann Brown) aged at 40 weeks were randomly placed in a 2×3 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments including two levels of available phosphorus (AP, 0.32 and 0.45%) and three restricted feeding levels (RFL, 90, 95 and 100%) having 5 replicates in each treatment, and the experiment were conducted for twenty weeks. The results showed that dietary interaction between AP and RFL had significant effects on egg production percentage (P&lt;0.01), egg weight (P&lt;0.05), daily egg mass (P&lt;0.01) and feed conversion ratio (P&lt;0.01). Production performance was significantly (P&lt;0.01) affected by RFL; and both 95% and 100% RFL had showed similar mean value in egg production and egg weight. Egg quality traits: eggshell color and eggshell breaking strength were differed (P&lt;0.05) among the treatments. Moreover, albumen height, Haugh unit and eggshell breaking strength significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased in diet contained 0.45% AP. Dietary limitation of feed did not alter the egg quality except eggshell color. Serum albumin was influenced among the treatments and the mean value of albumin and total protein were same in sole effect of 95% and 100% RFL. Higher serum glucose was obtained in response to the primary effect of 0.32% AP. The total concentration of yolk fatty acid profiles was not assorted in the impacts of AP, RFL and in their interaction. Therefore, the results suggest that 95% feeding was sufficient to hens during second production period, for optimum production performance and egg quality as well as diet containing 0.45% inorganic phosphorus could have influenced positively on egg quality. Bangladesh J. Agri. 2022, 47(2): 119-132

Effect of exogenous emulsifier and different fat sources on the performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and serum lipid profile of broiler chickens

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of an emulsifier on reduced-energy diets using two fat sources for broilers. The study was designed as a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. The first factor was 2 fat sources (poultry fat or beef tallow). The second factor was a basal diet with the recommended energy levels, a diet with a 0.83 MJ/kg of energy reduction, and a diet with an energy reduction and inclusion of 1 g emulsifier/kg of diet. The emulsifier used in this study was composed of soy lecithin and polyethylene glycol ricinoleate. The emulsifier increased apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn) in beef tallow diets compared to energy-reduced diets (P&lt;0.001). Broilers fed poultry fat had higher weights and weight gains at 35 and 42 d of age (p=0.001), and they had higher daily deposition of fat in the carcass (P = 0.025) when compared to diets with beef tallow. The inclusion of emulsifiers in broiler diets improves AME and AMEn but did not affect the energy reduction diets, whichresulted in reduced performance, decreasing daily fat deposition, but without effects on serum lipid profile in broilers.

In vitro rumen fermentation pattern: insights from concentrate level and plant oil supplement.

The addition of oil to ruminant diets and oil fatty acid profiles are major factors that negatively affect ruminal fermentation, while increased forage level attenuates the adverse effects. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of oil source supplementation and concentrate level in the diet on in vitro ruminal fermentation kinetics. Pomegranate, garlic or sunflower oils were added (2 % dry matter (DM) basis) to the diets containing 40 % or 60 % (DM basis) concentrates. In vitro gas production parameters, pH, ammonia nitrogen concentration and total protozoa count were measured. Additionally, metabolizable energy (ME), short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production and organic matter digestibility (OMD) were determined. Rumen fermentation parameters and protozoal population counts were analyzed as a completely randomized design with a 2 3 factorial arrangement of treatments, and gas production parameters were analyzed as a 2 3 factorial arrangement in a randomized block design. The results showed that the HCPO (high (60 %) concentrate diet containing pomegranate oil) and HCSO (high (60 %) concentrate diet containing sunflower oil) diets produced the highest (5.40 mg dL ) and lowest (2.61 mg dL ) concentrations of NH -N ( ), respectively. Total protozoa count tended ( ) to be highest in HCPO and lowest in HCSO diets (5.10 vs. 4.81Log10 g digesta). No interaction effects between the concentrate level and oil source were found on in vitro gas production parameters, pH, estimated ME, SCFA and OMD, and Entodinium and Diplodinium populations ( ). It is concluded that dietary supplementation with highly unsaturated oil from three different sources at 2 % level (DM basis) had no apparent effects on in vitro ruminal fermentation patterns.

In vitro gas production kinetics are influenced by grain processing, flake density, starch retrogradation, and Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract containing α-amylase activity.

Grain processing such as particle size, flake density, or starch retrogradation can influence ruminal degradability characteristics; however, it is unclear how exogenous α-amylase supplementation interacts with different processed grains. Four experiments were conducted to compare the effects of Aspergillus oryzae fermentation extract (Amaize; Alltech Biotechnology Inc., Nicholasville, KY) supplementation on in vitro gas production kinetics of grain substrates with different processing methods that are common in the feedlot industry. In experiment 1, corn processing (dry-rolled, high-moisture, steam-flaked) and Amaize supplementation (0 or 15 U α-amylase activity/100 mL) were evaluated in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The rate of gas production for dry-rolled corn was higher (P < 0.001) with Amaize supplementation. In experiment 2, flake density (296, 322, 348, 373, and 399 g/L) and starch retrogradation (storage in heat-sealed foil bags for 3 d at 23 or 55°C) were evaluated in a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. There was a flake density × starch retrogradation interaction (P < 0.01) for the rate of gas production because the decrease in the rate of gas production with starch retrogradation was greater at lighter flake densities compared with heavier flake densities. In experiment 3, Amaize supplementation was evaluated across flake densities of nonretrograded steam-flaked corn (stored at 23°C) used in experiment 2. There was a flake density × Amaize interaction (P < 0.01) for the rate of gas production where Amaize supplementation resulted in a lower rate of gas production at lighter flake densities (296, 322, and 348 g/L) but a higher rate of gas production at heavier flake densities (373 and 399 g/L). In experiment 4, Amaize supplementation was evaluated across flake densities of retrograded steam-flaked corn (stored at 55°C) used in experiment 2. Gas production was lower after 24 h with Amaize supplementation for retrograded flakes produced to a density of 322 and 399 g/L while Amaize supplementation did not influence gas production at 24 h at other flake densities. There was a flake density × Amaize interaction for the rate of gas production because Amaize supplementation resulted in a faster (P < 0.01) rate of gas production for all flake densities except retrograded flakes produced to a density of 296 g/L. Enzymatic starch availability was positively correlated with the rate of gas production. These data demonstrate that supplementation of 15 U/100 mL of Amaize resulted in greater rates of gas production for dry-rolled corn, corn steam-flaked to heavier densities, and retrograded steam-flaked corn.

Effects of starch sources varying in particle sizes on ruminal fermentation, nutrient flow, starch digestibility, and lactation performance of dairy cows.

Cereal grains are the predominant starch source (SS) for dairy cows; however, starch digestibility varies greatly depending on source, grain processing, and potentially interactions between these factors. The objective was to study the effects of the interactions between SS, and particle sizes (PS) on ruminal fermentation, nutrient flow, starch digestibility, and lactation performance of dairy cows. Four ruminally cannulated multiparous Holstein cows were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Two SS (corn or sorghum) used in this study were either finely or coarsely ground (using a 1- or 4-mm screen sieve). Digesta flow was quantified using the reticular sampling technique, applying the triple-marker method. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS version 9.3 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). For ruminal pH, data were analysed with time as repeated measure. There were no interactions between SS and PS on production or intake, flow, and digestibility of nutrients. Dry matter intake was greater for the corn diet compared to the sorghum diet (25.15 vs. 21.98 kg/d), which consequently affected nutrient intake, however, PS did not affect intake. Milk yield was not affected by SS; however, it was greater for cows fed fine grains than cows fed coarser grains (25.32 vs. 23.16 kg/d). Milk fat and milk protein were not affected by SS or PS. Interactions (SS × PS) were observed for ruminal pH, reticular pH, and volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentrations but not for ruminal NH3-N concentration. Ruminal and reticular pH were greater for sorghum when coarsely ground and the total VFA concentration was decreased, compared to coarse corn and fine sorghum; however, coarsely grinding corn did not affect ruminal or reticular pH nor VFA concentration. Acetate concentration was lower for corn when finely ground; however, finely grinding sorghum did not affect acetate. Decreasing PS increased ruminal digestibility of starch (87.18% vs. 83.43%), reduced the flow of starch to the reticulum (0.79 vs. 0.96 kg/d) but decreased neutral detergent fiber digestibility in the rumen (30.23% vs. 34.88%). Although SS were differently affected by processing, the effects of PS on production, intake, flow, and digestibility of nutrients were observed regardless of the SS. Furthermore, the effects of decreasing PS on pH and VFA concentrations were more pronounced in sorghum compared to corn.

Ewe early gestation supplementation with eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids affects the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue fatty acid profile and liver mRNA expression in the offspring.

Our objectives were to assess the effects of eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA) supplementation to pregnant ewes during the first third of gestation on their offspring's liver, adipose, and muscle tissues fatty acid (FA) profile and liver mRNA expression after a finishing period receiving diets with different FA profiles. Twenty-four post-weaning lambs, blocked by sex and body weight, were used in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The first factor was dam supplementation (DS) in the first third of gestation with 1.61% of Ca salts of palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) or Ca salts enriched with EPA-DHA. Ewes were exposed to rams with marking paint harnesses during the breeding. Ewes started DS at the day of mating, considered day 1 of conception. Twenty-eight days after mating, ultrasonography was used to confirm pregnancy, and nonpregnant ewes were removed from the groups. After weaning, the offspring lambs were supplemented (LS, second main factor) with two different FA sources (1.48% of PFAD or 1.48% of EPA-DHA) during the growing and fattening phase. Lambs were fed the LS diet for 56 d and sent to slaughter, where the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue samples were collected for FA analysis. Liver samples were collected for relative mRNA expression for genes associated with FA transport and metabolism. The data were analyzed as a mixed model in SAS (9.4). In the liver, the amount of C20:5 and C22:6 (P < 0.01) increased in lambs with LS-EPA-DHA, while some C18:1 cis FA isomers were greater in the lambs from DS-PFAD. In muscle, amounts of C22:1, C20:5, and C22:5 increased (P < 0.05) in lambs born from DS-EPA-DHA. The adipose tissue amounts of C20:5, C22:5, and C22:6 were greater (P < 0.01) in lambs from LS-EPA-DHA. Interactions (DS × LS; P < 0.05) were observed for DNMT3β, FABP-1, FABP-5, SCD, and SREBP-1; having greater mRNA expression in liver tissue of LS-EPA-DHA, DS-PFAD and LS-PFAD, DS-EPA-DHA lambs compared with the lambs in the other two treatments. Liver ELOVL2 mRNA relative expression (P < 0.03) was greater in the offspring of DS-PFAD. Relative mRNA expression (P < 0.05) of GLUT1, IGF-1, LPL, and PPARγ increased in the liver from LS-EPA-DHA lambs. Dam supplementation during early gestation using with different FA sources changed the lipid FA profile in MT, LT, and SAT during the finishing period depending on the tissue and type of FA source administered during the growing phase.

Roughage level and supplemental fat for newly received finishing calves: effects on growth performance, health, and physiological responses.

This experiment evaluated the effects of roughage levels and supplemental fat on intake, growth performance, health, and physiological responses of newly received finishing cattle during 58-d receiving period. A total of 72 crossbred steers (initial body weight [BW] = 200 ± 13 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, consisting of two roughage levels (wheat hay at 30% [R30] or 60% [R60]; dry matter [DM] basis) and two levels of supplemental fat (yellow grease at 0% [-FAT; no additional fat] or 3.5% [+FAT]; DM basis). Upon arrival, calves were individually weighed, blocked by off-truck shrunk BW, and assigned to 24 soil-surfaced pens (three calves per pen). Shrunk BW was also collected on day 58 for the calculation of average daily gain (ADG). Throughout the study, calves were assessed for bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Effects of roughage level × supplemental fat interaction were only observed for diet particle size distribution and estimated physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) of diets (P ≤ 0.10). Adding fat to R60 diets tended to increase the percentage of particles retained in the 8-mm screen (P = 0.06) and the estimated peNDF (P = 0.10), but did not affect R30 diets. Dietary roughage level did not affect DM intake (DMI; P = 0.85). Calves-fed R30 tended to have greater ADG and final BW than calves-fed R60 (P ≤ 0.08). Gain efficiency (gain:feed ratio; G:F) was greater for calves-fed R30 than calves-fed R60 (P = 0.01). Dietary roughage level did not affect morbidity and mortality (P ≥ 0.11). Supplemental fat did not affect DMI (P = 0.6) but tended (P = 0.09) to increase ADG compared to -FAT diets. The G:F was greater for calves-fed +FAT than -FAT (P = 0.03). The +FAT diet tended (P = 0.10) to increase the number of retreatments against BRD compared to -FAT, although the total number of antimicrobial treatments required to treat sick calves (P = 0.78) and the mortality rate (P = 0.99) were not affected by supplemental fat. Feeding +FAT diet tended (P ≤ 0.09) to increase plasma concentration of cortisol and immunoglobulin-G compared to -FAT. In summary, feeding 30% roughage diets or adding 3.5% yellow grease (DM basis) as supplemental fat increased G:F during the feedlot receiving period.

Effects of Aspergillus oryzae prebiotic on animal performance, nutrients digestibility, and feeding behavior of backgrounding beef heifers fed with either a sorghum silage- or a byproducts-based diet.

Eighty-four Angus crossbred heifers (13 ± 1 mo of age, 329.5 ± 61.92 kg of body weight [BW]) were used in a generalized randomized block design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The factors evaluated were: 1) diet type (whole plant sorghum silage [SS] vs. byproducts-based [BP]), and 2) feed additive: Aspergillus oryzae prebiotic (AOP; 2 g/d) vs. Negative control (CTL; 0 g/d), resulting in four treatments: sorghum silage-control (SC), sorghum silage-AOP (SA), byproducts-control (BC), and byproducts-AOP (BA). Heifers were stratified by body weight (BW), randomly assigned to treatments (21 heifers per treatment) and housed in 12 pens equipped with two GrowSafe feed bunks each to measure individual dry matter intake (DMI). After a 14-d adaptation, BW was measured every 14 d for 56 d. Chewing activity was monitored through collar-mounted HR-Tags (heat-related tags). Following the performance period, apparent total tract digestibility was measured in 40 heifers, using indigestible neutral detergent fiber as a marker. Heifers fed with the BP diets had greater DMI (2.92% vs. 2.59% of BW, P < 0.01) and average daily gain (ADG; 1.16 vs. 0.68 kg, P ≤ 0.01) than heifers fed with SS diets. Compared with BP-fed animals, heifers consuming the SS diets had 23 more visits/d to the feed bunks (P ≤ 0.01), consumed 53% less dry matter on each visit (P ≤ 0.01), and spent 39% more min chewing/d and 63% more min chewing/kg of DMI (P ≤ 0.01). However, chewing measured in min/kg of neutral detergent fiber intake was not affected by treatment (average 111.3 min/kg of NDF intake). Feeding AOP improved gain:feed (GF) by 15% in BP-fed heifers (0.120 vs. 0.104 kg/kg; P < 0.05). Inclusion of AOP increased organic matter digestibility (OMD) in SS diets (55.88% vs. 49.83%; P < 0.01), whereas it decreased OMD in BP diets (61.67% vs. 65.77%; P < 0.05). In conclusion, ADG and GF of BP-fed heifers was greater than SS-fed heifers, and GF was greater with AOP supplementation in BP-fed heifers. Improvement in GF in BP-fed heifers was likely not related to differences in nutrient digestibility as AOP inclusion did not enhance digestibility in the BP diet. Additionally, the effects of the AOP inclusion appear to be diet-dependent, where the 15% improvement in GF by AOP occurred in heifers fed with the more fermentable diet. Therefore, further research should explore the mechanisms responsible for the observed improvements in growth performance when feeding AOP to BP-fed heifers.

The age-related metabolizable energy of cereal grains, oilseed meals, corn gluten meals, and feather meals for broilers.

A 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments with two ages of broilers (11 to 14 or 25 to 28 d of age) and three samples of feed ingredients was utilized to compare metabolizable energy (ME) and ratio of ME to gross energy (GE) in each group of three cereal grains (CG, including one corn, two wheat flour), three oilseed meals (OM, including one soybean meal, one peanut meal, and one cottonseed meal), three corn gluten meals (CGM A, B, and C), and three feather meals (FM A, B, and C). Each treatment contained six replicates of four Arbor Acre male broilers in energy balance experiments. Trends toward interactions between age and source of CG were observed on the ME and ME/GE of CG (0.05 <P < 0.10). The ME and ME/GE in corn were greater for broilers from 25 to 28 than for 11 to 14 d of age (P < 0.05). However, the ME and ME/GE in wheat flour A and B were not affected by the age of the broilers. The ME and ME/GE of OM were not affected by the age of broilers but differed across sources (P < 0.01). Conversely, the ME and ME/GE of FM were not different across sources of FM, but the ME and ME/GE of FM were less for broilers from 11 to 14 compared to 25 to 28 d of age (P < 0.01). Significant interactions between age and sources of CGM affected the ME and ME/GE of CGM (P < 0.05). The ME and ME/GE of CGM A were greater than CGM B (P < 0.05) when fed to broilers from 25 to 28 d of age but there was no effect from 11 to 14 d of age. The ME and ME/GE of CGM were less in broilers from 11 to 14 compared to 25 to 28 d of age (P < 0.05). These results indicate that the energy value of wheat flour and OM are similar regardless of age, but the ME in starter diets with corn, CGM, and FM may be overestimated if the ME values are obtained from growing broilers.

Effect of forage types differing in undigested neutral detergent fiber concentration and forage inclusion rate on reticulo-ruminal motility and fermentation, total tract barrier function, and blood metabolites of finishing beef heifers.

This study evaluated the effects of forages (BarS vs. STR) that differ in the uNDF concentration and FI rate on ruminal fermentation, total tract barrier function, reticulo-ruminal motility, and blood metabolites of beef heifers. Six ruminally cannulated Hereford × Simmental heifers (699 ± 69.1 kg BW) were used in a 6 × 6 Latin square (26 d periods) with a 2 × 3 factorial treatment arrangement. However, 1 heifer was removed from the study after period 2 due to health problems unrelated to treatment, resulting in an incomplete 6 × 6 Latin square design. Barley grain-based diets were formulated using BarS or wheat STR to alter uNDF (7.1% vs. 8.5% DM) with FI rates of 5%, 10%, or 15% of DM. There were limited interactions between the forage type and FI. DM intake was not affected (P ≥ 0.10) by forage type or FI. Use of STR vs. BarS increased uNDF intake (P < 0.001). Increasing FI increased (P < 0.001) uNDF intake for those fed 15% forage. Ruminal pH was not affected (P ≥ 0.10) by forage type; however, cattle fed 5% FI had lesser (P = 0.017) mean ruminal pH and maximum pH (P = 0.018) than those fed 10% and 15% of forage. The total SCFA concentration was not affected by forage type (P = 0.84) but cattle fed the 5% FI rate had lesser (P < 0.001) molar proportion of acetate when compared with cattle fed 10% and 15% forage. Increasing the FI rate decreased the molar proportion of propionate (P < 0.001). Feeding STR relative to BarS decreased (P = 0.041) the reticulo-ruminal contraction duration. In contrast, cattle fed the 10% and 15% FI rates had a greater (P = 0.028) contraction frequency with lower (P = 0.048) contraction area than those fed 5% forage. Plasma glucose, serum insulin, and serum amyloid A were not affected by forage type or FI rate (P ≥ 0.10). Cattle fed 15% forage had lesser (P = 0.040) concentration of serum haptoglobin when compared with cattle fed 5% or 10% forage. In conclusion, forage type used to affect the dietary uNDF concentration, and FI rate act independently suggesting that the provision of STR to increase uNDF reduces reticulo-ruminal contraction duration and total tract permeability but may not affect ruminal pH. Increasing the FI increased dietary uNDF, stabilized ruminal pH, stimulated more frequent reticulo-ruminal contractions, and may decrease the permeability of the gastrointestinal tract and systemic inflammation.

Comparison of standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids in faba beans and field peas in broiler chickens and pigs.

An experiment, using the same set of five diets was conducted to determine and compare the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in faba beans and three cultivars of field peas in broiler chickens and pigs. Four test diets were prepared to contain faba beans, DS-Admiral field peas, Hampton field peas, or 4010 field peas as the sole source of nitrogen. A nitrogen-free diet (NFD), as the fifth diet, was prepared to estimate the basal endogenous losses of AA to determine the SID of AA in the test ingredients. A total of 416 male broiler chickens with an initial body weight (BW) of 951 ± 111 g were allotted to five diets in a randomized complete block design with BW as a blocking factor on day 21 posthatching. There were 8 replicate cages with 10 birds per cage for diets containing test ingredients and 12 birds per cage for NFD. All birds were allowed ad-libitum access to feed for 5 days. On day 26 posthatching, all birds were euthanized by CO2 asphyxiation and digesta contents were collected from the distal two-thirds of the ileum. Twenty barrows with an initial BW of 30.2 ± 1.58 kg, surgically fitted with T-cannulas in the distal ileum, were divided into four blocks according to BW and each block was assigned to a 5 × 2 incomplete Latin Square design that consisted of five dietary treatments and two experimental periods. For each experimental period, there was a 5-day adaptation period followed by a 2-day collection of ileal digesta samples. The data were analyzed as a 2 × 4 factorial treatment arrangement with the effect of species (i.e., broiler chickens and pigs) and test diets (i.e., four test ingredients). For broiler chickens, the SID of Lys in faba beans, DS-Admiral field peas, and Hampton field peas were above 90% but in 4010 field peas, it was 85.1%. The SID of Lys in faba beans, DS-Admiral field peas, and Hampton field peas for pigs was above 80% but was 78.9% in 4010 field peas. The respective SID of Met in faba beans, DS-Admiral field peas, Hampton field peas, and 4010 field peas were 84.1%, 87.3%, 89.8%, and 72.1% for broiler chickens, and 71.5%, 80.4%, 81.8%, and 68.1% for pigs. The SID of AA in 4010 field peas was the least (P < 0.05) for chickens, but in pigs, it was comparable with faba beans. In conclusion, the SID of AA in faba beans and field peas was greater in broiler chickens compared with pigs and there was a cultivar effect.

Evaluation of carinata meal or cottonseed meal as protein sources in silage-based diets on behavior, nutrient digestibility, and performance in backgrounding beef heifers.

Changing climatic conditions are imposing risks and diminishing yields in agriculture. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) silage is a feasible option for backgrounding beef cattle in terms of economic risk management and animal productivity when compared with corn (Zea mays) silage, due to its drought adaptability. Similarly, Brassica carinata meal has proven to be a viable alternative as a protein supplement in forage-based beef cattle systems, when included at 10% of the diet dry matter (DM). However, research is scarce regarding its inclusion in silage-based diets for backgrounding animals. The objective of this trial was to compare a processor-chopped sorghum silage (SS) against a typical corn silage (CS) in a digestibility and performance trial while supplementing two protein sources; one traditionally used like cottonseed meal (CSM) and one novel like B. carinata meal (BCM). A total of 84 Angus crossbred heifers (307 ± 33 kg BW) were evaluated in a randomized block design with a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement with type of silage and protein source as factors. Diets were fed ad libitum, consisting of 89% silage source plus 10% protein source, and 1% mineral inclusion on DM basis. The experimental period consisted of 14 d of adaptation followed by 5 d of apparent total tract digestibility measurements and 56 d of animal performance and intake behavior measurements. Heifers fed SS showed greater number of daily meals but decreased meal sizes (P ≤ 0.05), not differing in meal length (P > 0.10) when compared with CS. Dry matter and organic matter (OM) digestibility showed a silage type × protein source interaction (P ≤ 0.01), where in CS diets, OM tended to be more digestible with CSM vs. BCM, and it did not differ between protein sources in SS based diets. There was an effect of protein (P ≤ 0.01) on ADF digestibility, where CSM was greater than BCM. No effect of treatment was observed (P ≥ 0.10) on DM intake. Average daily gain (ADG) and gain-to-feed ratio were greater for CS than SS (P ≤ 0.01) regardless of protein source. Although heifers fed CS had greater feed efficiency and digestibility, SS can still be considered a viable option for backgrounding beef heifers, obtaining adequate ADG rates of 0.945 kg/d. Lastly, BCM did not differ from CSM in terms of feed efficiency and animal performance, proving to be a viable alternative protein source in silage-based diets.

Influence of fiber type and carbohydrase supplementation on nutrient digestibility, energy and nitrogen balance, and physiology of sows at mid and late gestation.

Carbohydrase supplementation in grow-finish pig diets improves energy, nutrient digestibility, and gastrointestinal function, but their efficacy in gestation diets is understudied. The experimental objective was to evaluate the efficacy of a multicarbohydrase to improve digestion, energetics, and various physiological functions in gestating sows fed soluble and insoluble fiber diets. On day 28 of gestation, 36 sows (186 ± 4.6 kg body weight), blocked by parity, were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments (n = 9). Factors included fiber type of insoluble (IF; 20% dried distiller grains with solubles) or soluble fiber (SF; 20% sugar beet pulp) and with (+) or without (-) enzyme (0.05%, Rovabio Advance P10; Adisseo, Antony, France). Diets were fed from days 28 to 109 of gestation at a feeding level of 2.1 kg (SID-Lys 11 g/d and 4.5 net energy-Mcal/d). Two separate 9-d metabolism periods were conducted on days 50 to 59 (mid) and 99 to 108 (late) of gestation. During each period, days 1 to 3 served as an adaptation period, days 4 to 7 total urine and feces were collected (96-h) and followed by a 48-h lactulose-mannitol study. Serum and plasma were collected on days 50 and 99. Data were analyzed as repeated records using a linear mixed model with block as a random effect and fiber type, enzyme, and period and their interactions as fixed effects. Sows fed SF+ had increased serum IL-1ra (Fiber × Enzyme P = 0.035), and IL-2 (Fiber × Enzyme P = 0.042). In the presence of IF, multicarbohydrases increased serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, but not when supplemented with SF (Fiber × Enzyme P = 0.028). Circulating IL-8 and TNF-α were decreased in sows fed multicarbohydrases (P < 0.05). Multicarbohydrase supplementation increased the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE), dry matter, and neutral detergent fiber by 2.8%, 3.4%, and 8.3%, respectively (P < 0.05). Compared to IF-, the ATTD of hemicellulose was 5.3% greater in sows fed IF+ but did not differ from SF- and SF+ (Fiber × Enzyme P = 0.037). Sows fed IF+ had the greatest ATTD of insoluble dietary fiber (Fiber × Enzyme P = 0.011). Sows fed multicarbohydrases excreted less energy in their urine (519 vs. 469 GE kcal/d; Enzyme P = 0.033) and in their feces (985 vs. 900 GE kcal/d; Enzyme P = 0.003). This resulted in an improvement in both digestible energy (Enzyme P < 0.01) and metabolizable energy (Enzyme P = 0.041), irrespective of fiber type. In conclusion, multicarbohydrase supplementation increased the digestibility and energetic contribution of fiber, irrespective of adaptation time or fiber type, but modulation of inflammatory responses was unique to dietary fiber type.