Mash Feed Research Articles

Comparative study of mash vs pellet feed on growth performance and feed utilization by goat

This study was conducted in Bharatpur-11, Chitwan, Nepal, to evaluate the effects of two feed forms (mash and pellet) on the growth performance and feed utilization in goats. Twenty Boer cross female goats, averaging five months in age, were assigned to either mash or pellet feed treatments, with 10 goats in each group, for a 90-day period, with two weeks of adaptation. The experimental animals were given concentrate feed at 1% of their body weight daily, along with ad libitum access to Napier grass and clean drinking water. Both feed types had a dry matter content of 90% and a crude protein level of 17%. Key parameters assessed included feed and forage intake, body weight changes, and feed wastage. Goats on pelleted feed showed a significantly higher average daily weight gain of 62.00 g/day compared to 26.11 g/day for those on mash feed. Final body weights were also greater in the pellet-fed group (28.88 kg) compared to the mash-fed group (25.04 kg). Additionally, pelleted feed led to higher intake of concentrate and forages and significantly reduced feed wastage, with pellet feed waste being 1.22 g/day versus 27.65 g/day for mash feed. These findings indicate that pelleted feed enhances growth performance, feed intake, and feed efficiency in goats. Therefore, this study indicated that pelleted feed is a more effective option for enhancing goat productivity and reducing feed wastage.

Effect of Adding Date Palm Pollen and Physical Diet Form on Productive Performance and Egg Quality of Female Quail

This experiment was conducted to estimate the main effect of adding Data palm pollen (DPP) and the form of diet on the productive performance of female quail compliant with: Hen day egg production (HD), Egg weight (EW), Egg mass (EM), Feed intake (FI) and Feed conversion ratio (FCR) and eggs quality of quail compliant with: Shape index (ShI %), shell weight (%), yolk weight (%), albumen weight (%), Yolk index (YI%), Albumen Index (AI%) and Hough unit (HU). For eight weeks, from February 14 to April 13, 2023. Two hindered fifty-two female quail with age about forty-seven days were divided into six treatments, each including forty-two birds with three replicates (four ten quail of each). The treatments were T1: 0% DPP with mash feed form, T2: 0% DPP with pellet feed form, T3: 0.5% DPP with mash feed form, T4: 0.5% DPP with pellet feed form, T5: 1% DPP with mash feed form and T6: 1% DPP with pellet feed form. The quail were fed a productive diet with 2794 kcal/kg energy and 18.39% crude protein, and similar rearing conditions. Results showed there were significant effects in the percentage of HD, EW., EM, and (FCR) in treatments with DPP and pellet feed form when compared with the other treatments, as well as an improvement in egg quality in treatments with DPP and pellet feed form when compared with the other treatments.

Growth performance and nutritional profile of Tenebrio molitor raised on a diet composed of livestock feedstuff

AbstractEdible insects such as the mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) are emerging as an alternative animal protein resource to meet the needs of a growing global population. However, despite the successful mass production of edible insects, research into practical compound feed for edible insect is still insufficient. In this study, mealworms were fed wheat bran, layer chicken feed mash, chicken pellets and cattle pellets for 1 to 36 days, after which their body length was measured. In the groups fed with chicken feed mash, chicken pellets or cattle pellets, the mean body lengths were 2.88, 2.92 and 2.95 cm, respectively, similar to the 2.95 cm of the control T. molitor fed with wheat bran. Individual weight measurements yielded similar results: control, 7.87 g; chicken feed mash, 7.43 g; chicken pellets, 7.60 g; and cattle pellets, 7.63 g. Analysis of livestock feed intake showed that the intake was 290.4 g in control insects, 137.7 g in insects fed chicken feed mash, 220.2 g in insects fed chicken pellets and 230.3 g in insects fed cattle pellets. In the excretion analysis, the excretion of the control insects (161.60 g) was larger than that of the insects fed with chicken feed mash (93.37 g), chicken pellets (93.40 g) or cattle pellets (133.87 g). An analysis of the nutritional content of T. molitor based on nine major nutrients showed no significant differences between the control and the test groups. These results can be used to improve the price competitiveness and quality of T. molitor for commercial development.

The influence of the form of feed on the productivity of Broiler chickens

Several factors influence livestock productivity, including feed intake, weight gain and ration conversion. This study aims to determine the effect of feed forms on feed intake, weight gain and ration conversion. This study used a randomized design complete with 3 treats and 3 repeats. The treatment used A1: mash feed, A2: pellet feed without adhesive, and A3: Pellet feed using adhesive. The results showed that the form of feed did not affect livestock productivity, but in value, it can be seen that the highest feed consumption in A3 treatment, amounting to 77,06 g/head/day. The highest weight gain was obtained in the A1 treatment, amounting to 105 g. The best FCR value in the A1 treatment was 1,21.

Introduction of a model for the modification of masticatory activity to investigate induced neural and behavioral alterations in mice

In the literature, there is consistent evidence related to the influence of chewing on brain functions, either from experimental models or in humans. In the case of humans, most results are restricted to functional tests, lacking cellular or molecular evidence. In the described method, the possibility of using experimental models is presented, as well as the mimicry of deprivation and rehabilitation of masticatory activity and without stress impact. By opting for the use of mash feed, instead of extracting or implanting an intraoral device, alternations between restriction and rehabilitation of mastication were imposed on murine models. The animals completed various temporal windows, with aging also representing a potential factor for translational dementia associations. Additionally, animals were segregated into environments characterized as either standard, simulating a sedentary lifestyle, or enriched, rich in sensorimotor and visuospatial stimulation. Thus, it was possible to study the influence of changes in masticatory activity, associated with aging and environmental enrichment, on cells from subregions of the hippocampus, as well as on performance in tests of learning and spatial memory.•Animal model for masticatory activity alteration;•Masticatory deprivation and rehabilitation, and•Models to study the interaction among masticatory activity, aging and enrichment environment.

Performances of upgraded Dwarf-Fayoumi chicken genotype in different feeding systems under smallholder farm management

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of upgraded Dwarf-Fayoumi genotype (IDC♂ × Fay♀) with three different feeding regimes from onset of lay to 72 weeks of age. A total of 90 IDC♂ × Fay♀ birds of third generation (F3) at 16 weeks of age were distributed to 15 selected farmers nearby three villages of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. The villages were Kewatkhali, Boyra and Sutiakhali that selected for intensive, semi-scavenging and scavenging feeding systems, respectively. Each farmer was also given 5 pullets and 1 cockerel. The birds of full feeding and semi-scavenging system were given 76 g and 38 g mash feed per day, respectively. Pullets of semi-scavenging condition were allowed to scavenge in the farmer homesteads. The birds under scavenging condition reared without supplementation and were allowed to scavenge all day long. Result showed a significant difference (p<0.05) among the feeding systems (intensive, semi-scavenging and scavenging) in production and reproduction traits, where intensive full feeding system exerted better performances. However, performance efficiency index (52.24), egg-feed price ratio (2.81) and return over feed cost (4.48) were found to be significantly higher (p<0.001) in semi-scavenging feeding system. The egg weight (p<0.01), breaking strength (p<0.01) and dry yolk weights (p<0.05) were significantly lower in the birds reared under scavenging feeding system, however, these traits were found statistically similar in the birds of intensive and semi-scavenging feeding system. Feeding systems had no impact on survivability of the experimental birds. Taking altogether, it could be concluded that IDC♂ × Fay♀ upgraded chicken under semi-scavenging system performed better than intensive and scavenging system under smallholder farm management. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 53 (1): 13-22, 2024

Feed form and perch design do not interact to production performance, gastrointestinal tract traits, behaviour and welfare of laying hens reared in enriched cages

ABSTRACT 1. It was hypothesised that perch material and design may affect utility and maintenance energy demand in laying hens, affecting their feed form preferences and daily feed consumption. Accordingly, perch design and feed form on hen performance, gastrointestinal tract functions and some behavioural and welfare-related traits were studied in laying hens (ATAK-S) reared in enriched colony cages from 24 to 40 weeks of age. 2. The experiment was a 2 × 2 factorial investigating two perch materials and design (circular steel or mushroom-shaped plastic) and feed form (mash or crumble). A total of 396 hens were randomly assigned to one of the four treatment groups with nine replicates each (11 birds per replicate). 3. Except for feeding behaviour and prevalence of foot pad dermatitis at 40 weeks of age, the modification of the perch design did not have a significant effect on the traits examined. Mushroom-shaped plastic perches reduced feeding behaviour (p < 0.01) and the incidence of foot pad dermatitis at 40 weeks of age (p < 0.001). 4. Performance traits were not affected by feed form. Intake, final body weight and FCR for crumble-fed laying hens were greater than those fed mash (p < 0.01). 5. Hens fed mash had higher (p < 0.01) relative gizzard weights along with lower (p < 0.05) pH values, pancreatic chymotrypsin, amylase and lipase activities (p < 0.05), and duodenal absorption surface areas (p < 0.01). Ultimately, this gave higher protein digestibility (p < 0.05) compared to those receiving crumble. 6. In conclusion, in enriched cage rearing systems, mashed feed was preferred over crumble to efficiently maintain productive performance. Compared to circular steel, plastic mushroom-shaped perches were associated with better footpad health and welfare.

Body Weight, Hematological and Biochemical Parameters of Wistar Albino Rats Fed with Chia Seed Concentrate

Chia seeds are among commonly used natural remedies to control obesity, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases. A research was conducted to evaluate the effects of chia seeds on Body weights, hematological parameters, blood glucose, and lipid profiles in Wistar rats. In the current study, Wistar rats were fed on chia seed powder mixed with broiler chicken feed mash at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%. Body weights, hematological parameters, blood glucose, and lipid profiles were monitored for 28 days. Results indicate that for the treated groups, there was significant increase in white blood cell (WBC) count and lymphocytes in a dose dependent manner (R2 = 0.87; p = 0.032). Plasma glucose and lipid profiles also decreased significantly in an dose dependent manner, whereby, for glucose, group 4 rats-decreased from 138.5 ± 0.8 to 80.3 ± 12.9 mg/dL from day 0 to day 28 of treatment. The results show no significant difference on weight gain in chia treated groups compared to control group. There were no significant variations in the other hematological parameters. In conclusion, findings in this study illustrated that chia seeds can be the good candidate for controlling blood glucose, lipid profiles and improving hematological parameters and also body weight in animals.

Comparative effect of crumbled or mashed feed form on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, backfat thickness, and carcass quality of growing-finishing pigs

Comparative effect of crumbled or mashed feed form on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, backfat thickness, and carcass quality of growing-finishing pigs

Effect of day-old chick weight on the response of broilers to high doses of exogenous phytase

A total of 360 Ross 708 male broiler chicks were used in an 8 treatment and 9 replicate cage study to explore the influence of day-old chick weight on the efficacy of exogenous phytase. Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 4 factorial with the factors being diet (a positive (PC) and negative control (NC) varying in nutrient density fed without or with 2 concentrations of exogenous phytase) and chick weight (light; <38.5 g or heavy; >42 g). Chicks were sourced from the same breeder flock, with light and heavy chicks being selected from the naturally occurring heterogeneity in the population. The diets were corn-soybean meal based and the PC was formulated to meet the nutrient requirements of male broiler chicks. The NC was formulated to contain 120 kcal/kg, 0.5, 0.18, and 0.18% less apparent metabolizable energy (AME), crude protein (CP), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P), respectively, than the PC. Amino acid (AA) density in the NC was also reduced in line with the reduction in CP and the manufacturers' recommendations for the effect of phytase on amino acid digestibility. Phytase at either 1,000 FYT/kg or 3,000 FYT/kg was added only to the NC to create a total of 4 diets. Water and mash feed were available ad libitum and were offered to 8 replicate cages, each containing 5 chicks. The experiment was conducted over a period of 3 wk and diets were offered in 2 phases (starter from d 1 to 10 and grower from d 11 to 21). Growth performance was monitored at the end of each diet phase and on d 21 ileal digesta were collected for estimation of apparent digestibility of energy (DE), nitrogen (N), Ca, P, dry matter (DM), and AA. There were no statistically significant interactions between diet and day-old chick weight for any of the measured parameters. Light chicks had significantly lower weight gain (approx. 5%) at both d 10 and d 21 compared with heavy chicks. This effect was principally associated with reduced feed intake and there was no significant effect of chick weight on feed conversion ratio (FCR). Chick weight had no effect on ileal nutrient digestibility. The reduction in nutrient density from the PC to the NC generated a significant reduction in weight gain (around 12%) and a significant increase in FCR (1.68 vs. 1.83). This effect was associated with a significant reduction in ileal DE (approximately 150 kcal/kg) and in the digestibility of several AA. Exogenous phytase significantly increased weight gain, reduced FCR and generated a significant increase in the ileal digestibility of energy, N, P, and several AA. Although chick weight and diet did not interact statistically, heavy chicks benefited more than light chicks from high doses of exogenous phytase across almost all measured end points which was confirmed by regression analysis. In conclusion, light chicks have inferior performance outcomes than heavy chicks principally because of reduced feed intake, but putatively not in digestive capacity per se. Exogenous phytase is effective in improving performance and nutrient digestibility in nutrient deficient diets. The effect of chick weight per se, and also breeder flock age, on the utility of supra-nutritional inclusion concentrations of exogenous phytase warrants further study.

Aflatoxin levels in poultry feed: a comparison of mash and pellet forms

The current research was conducted to determine the aflatoxigenic and non-aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus isolates and the frequency of aflatoxin levels (B1, B2, G1, G2), in main feed ingredients (corn and soybean meal) and poultry finished feed (in mash and pellet forms). Eighty-five samples of corn, soybean meal, and poultry finished feed was randomly collected from feed mills in Iran. Regarding macro and microscopic morphological criteria, Aspergillus isolates were identified, and aflatoxins were determined by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). All of poultry feed samples were contaminated with different levels of aflatoxins, ranging from ND (they were not detected in those samples) to 5.58 µg/kg. At all stages of processing, the poultry feed had lower levels of aflatoxins in comparison with the accepted/residue levels of poultry feed mills. Higher amounts of aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1, G2, and total) were detected in pelleted feed, compared to other poultry samples (P < 0.05). The total toxin level in mash feed samples reached a maximum of 3.31 ppb. The results indicate that finished feed samples in pellet form may pose a greater risk than their individual ingredients in poultry feed, particularly when suboptimal conditions exist for eliminating fungal populations. So, the prevention and reduction of (Aspergillus section Flavi) are highly important in maintaining quality control of poultry feed, as the production of aflatoxins can occur during the process of converting raw ingredients into finished feed.

Effects of Different Concentrations of Coconut Water Extended with Glycerol and Ringers Solution Extenders on Cockerel Semen Preservation

The study was conducted at the Poultry Unit of the Teaching and Research Farm, Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Kashere, Gombe State. Nigeria, Kashere is located at an elevation of 431metre above the sea level. Its coordinates lies between latitude 9°46''O''N and longitude 100o57'0'' E, Altitude 349m (2006, census). The aim of the study was to determine the effects of cryptoprotectants on cockerel semen preservation. A total of twelve (12) indigenous cockerels with ages ranging from 12 to 15 months, with an unknown previous management background from local markets in Kashere were used. The cockerels were managed intensively and put into pens as experimental units. Cockerels were fed daily with growers mash feed and served water ad libitum; the birds were trained once a day in the morning by abdominal massage for two weeks. The cockerels were randomly allotted into three treatments. Each treatment had 3 replicates. The indigenous cockerels were trained once a day and semen was collected between 10:00am and 11:00am. The cockerels were allowed a period of two week for adaptation, Semen were collected by abdominal massage method described by Burrows and Quinn (1937). The semen concentration were measured using haemocytometer with the direct cell count method. The coconut water was collected from a freshly harvested coconut plant. Five milliliters of the coconut water was placed into different sampling bottles and diluted with different percentages of glycerol. The data on the percentage of sperm progressive motility, live/dead sperm, morphological normal intact sperm, total abnormal head, mid-piece/neck, tail and overall abnormalities were subjected to a one way analysis of variance using statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 23, 2015). coconut water extended with ringer solution at 2% glycerol at 0-7% concentration showed no significance difference (P&lt;0.05). In this study head sperm was significantly high (P&lt;0.05) at 2%, 3%, 5% and ..

Optimization of the use of local feed ingredients from agricultural waste against the weight of broiler chicken carcasses

Feed is made from a mixture of ingredients that contain nutrients needed by livestock, these feed ingredients are the result of agricultural production and agricultural production waste. This study aims to determine the body weight of broiler chickens with feed derived from agricultural waste in Merauke Regency. This study used a randomized group design with 3 treatments and 3 repeats (A1: mash feed, A2: pellet feed without adhesive, A3: Pellet feed using adhesive). The results of research using feed ingredients derived from agricultural waste in Merauke Regency showed that the highest broiler carcass weight was obtained in the pellet feed treatment using adhesive with a value of 992 gr, then at the A2 treatment (Pellets without adhesive) of 962.67 gr, and finally the carcass weight was obtained at the A1 (Mash) treatment, amounting to 932 gr, the maintenance time for 35 days. This shows that Merauke Regency’s agricultural waste can be used as feed ingredients.

Brycon amazonicus larviculture cannibalism is reduced in biofloc systems

This study evaluated matrinxã Brycon amazonicus larviculture performance at different total suspended solid (TSS) concentrations in a biofloc technology (BFT) system, for 5 and 10 days. Larvae 24 h after hatching were used at a stocking density of 10 larvae L−1 for 10 days in four treatments: clear water (CW – control, 100% water renewal per day and no bioflocs), and three TSS concentrations in BFT systems: Low BFT (BFTL) - up to 200 mg L−1, Medium BFT (BFTM) - 200 to 350 mg L−1 and High BFT (BFTH) - 350 to 500 mg L−1. The matrinxã larvae were fed artemia nauplii until the 5th day and artemia nauplii plus mash feed containing 55% crude protein from the 6th to the 10 th day. Water quality, performance, morphology, and type II cannibalism (complete larvae ingestion) (n = 30) were evaluated after 5 and 10 days. Water quality, although altered, remained within the appropriate matrinxã limits in all treatments, with about a 90% water consumption decrease observed in the BFT systems. The BFT treatments resulted in larval survival increases of over 170% compared to the CW group, at 5 (p < 0.05) and 10 (p < 0.05) days of rearing, with CW = 31.4 and 17.9%; BFTL = 81.5 and 39.4%; BFTM = 88.9 and 59.9% and BFTH = 87 and 53.5% respectively. Larvae growth (p < 0.05) and morphological development (p < 0.05) at 5 days were lower in the BFTH treatment, due to the presence of more developed cannibalistic larvae compared to the other treatments, evidencing greater predation capacity. Cannibalism was observed after 5 and 10 days in all treatments, except for the BFTH group at 5 days and BFTM group at 10 days, proving the influence of high TSS levels and, consequently, turbidity, in reducing this behavior. The findings reported herein indicate matrinxã larviculture BFT system efficiency and suggest the use of TSS concentrations between 200 and 350 mg L−1 as an alternative to reduce cannibal behavior and increase matrinxã productivity, in addition to maintaining good quality and reducing water use.

Capillary rheometry as a model methodology for obtaining insight in feed mash behaviour at conditions approximating pellet manufacturing

Pellet manufacturing is a useful tool for improving the handling of livestock feed. Pellet manufacturing consists, among others, of a compaction step, which is strongly affected by feed formulation. The role of feed formulation is thought to result from the fact that feed mash physicochemical properties change depending on ingredient composition. This variation in physicochemical properties subsequently affects mash behaviour during compaction, leading to variation in both physical pellet quality and energy costs during pellet manufacturing. Methodologies that allow for the study of material behaviour at pellet manufacturing conditions are needed to investigate the effect of feed formulation on mash flow behaviour. Such methodologies, however, are currently not generally available in the field of feed manufacturing. In this short communication we aim to discuss the application of capillary rheometry as a potential method for studying feed behaviour in the die, at conditions comparable to those during pellet manufacturing. The similarity between the design of the capillary rheometer and the geometry of a ring-die compactor allows for the simulation of some of the conditions experienced by feed mash during compaction, using smaller quantities of sample materials. The observed relation between flux and pressure gradient, for feed mashes evaluated in this short communication, resembles a Herschel-Bulkley relation, indicating that the increase in pressure gradient depends non-linearly on flow rate. While individual pressure gradients provide insight in the relative energy costs of compaction, a modelling approach is recommended to simulate the behaviour of feed mash at conditions more closely approximating those during pellet manufacturing. In summary, capillary rheometry provides an option for studying feed mash behaviour at conditions approximating those in the pellet press during pellet manufacturing.

Effects of Colored Polymer Light and Feed Forms on the Performance of Broiler Chickens in the Humid Tropical Climate

Aims: The colours of the polymer used during brooding could impair the vision of the chicks. For chicks reared in the dark environment, they have limited access to daylight and find it difficult to gain access to feed and water. Therefore, for better understanding of the effect of the polymer colours on broiler production in the humid tropical climate, a study was carried out to evaluate the effect of coloured polymer light filter and feed forms on performance of broiler chickens.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of two hundred and forty (240) chicks were allocated in 2 × 4 factorial arrangements with two feed forms (mash and pellet). The chicks were reared under four (4) different coloured polymer light filter, namely; white (T1), blue (T2), black (T3), and green (T4) and an incandescent bulb (100 Watts) each.&#x0D; Results: The results showed that the birds reared under the white polymer light filter had the highest weight gain (1565.28 g), while the least weight gain (1469.72 g) was observed in birds reared under black polymer light filter. For rectal temperature of the birds, it was discovered that broiler chicken reared under white polymer light filter had the highest rectal temperature (39.63°C), while the least rectal temperature of 39.33°C was observed in the chicken reared under black polymer light filter. The highest environmental temperature (34.03°C) was observed in birds reared under black polymer light filter, while the least environmental temperature (30.03°C) was observed in birds reared under white polymer light filter. The results further showed that birds fed with pelletized feed form had the highest weight gain than the birds fed with mashed feed form.&#x0D; Conclusions: From the findings of this study, it is certain that polymer light filter and feed forms are important factors that could influence birds’ performance.

Lignin from sugarcane bagasse as a prebiotic additive for poultry feed

Diet is a crucial factor on health and well-being of livestock animals. Nutritional strengthening with diet formulations is essential to the livestock industry and animal perfor-mance. Searching for valuable feed additives among by-products may promote not only circular economy, but also functional diets. Lignin from sugarcane bagasse was proposed as a potential prebiotic additive for chickens and incorporated at 1 % (w/w) in commercial chicken feed, tested in two feed forms, namely, mash and pellets. Physico-chemical characterization of both feed types with and without lignin was performed. Also, the prebiotic potential for feeds with lignin was assessed by an in vitro gastrointestinal model and evaluated the impact on chicken cecal Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. As for the pellet's physical quality, there was a higher cohesion of the pellets with lignin, indicating a higher resistance to breakout and lignin decreases the tendency of the pellets for microbial contamination. Regarding the prebiotic potential, mash feed with lignin showed higher promotion of Bifidobacterium in comparison with mash feed without lignin and to pellet feed with lignin. Lignin from sugarcane bagasse has prebiotic potential as additive to chicken feed when supplemented in mash feed diets, presenting itself as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to chicken feed additives supplementation.

Effects of Supplementation with different levels of a multi strain probiotic on the performance of laying chicken

Use of antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production to enhance performance is not recommended due to accumulation of antibiotic residues in the end products which can confer antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to consumers. Inclusion of probiotics in layers diets has reportedly enhanced laying performance and egg quality without the risks of AMR. A study to determine the effect of supplementation of a multi-strain probiotic on performance and egg quality was carried. A multi-strain probiotic (MolaPlus®) was purchased from a reputable supplier and administered to laying birds via drinking water at different levels; Prob0(control), Prob2.5(2.5ml/L), Prob5(5ml/L), Prob10(10ml/L) and Prob15(15ml/L). The birds were fed on mash feed which was purchased from a reputable feed manufacturer. One hundred and fifty (150) 65-weeks old ISA Brown were recruited from a laying flock and assigned to the five (5) treatments. The feed intake, body weight, egg weight, egg specific gravity, yolk colour, eggshell weight, and thickness was recorded weekly for 5 weeks. Hen day egg production and water intake were recorded daily while the mineral content of the eggshells (Ca &amp; P) was determined during the 1st, 3rd and 5th week. The mean daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), body weight, hen day egg production, water intake, yolk colour, egg weight, specific gravity, shell weight, shell thickness and eggshell % were not influenced significantly (p &gt; 0.05) by probiotic inclusion levels. There was a significant (p &lt; 0.05) increase in calcium content of the shells with inclusion of probiotics with Prob5 (52.8%) being the highest. The phosphorus content of the eggshells was significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) for Prob5 (0.5311) and Prob15 (0.5093) compared to control (Prob0), Prob2.5 and Prob10. From the findings, it can be concluded that a multi-strain probiotic (MolaPlus®) can be included in layers diet via drinking water to improve egg quality

Harvesting the benefits of nutritional research to address global challenges in the 21st century

AbstractOver the past 20 years, substantial progress has been made in improving feeds and feeding technologies for most aquaculture species. Notable improvements in feed conversion efficiency (through a better understanding of requirements and improved feed management) and ingredient sustainability (through increased capability to use a wider range of ingredients) have been achieved. While advances have been made in understanding the requirements of many of the main aquaculture species, there is still much to be done in defining requirements, especially for many of the species being farmed in the developing world. Gains in the efficiency of feeds are slowing for developed species, but potential gains are still appreciable for less developed species. There is a growing need to more precisely prescribe the required levels of essential nutrients and various additives in the diet based on age, genotype, environment, and immune status to deliver a “precision nutrition” approach to farming aquaculture species. There is still further need to diversify our ingredient options to provide greater resilience, as the sustainability of different feed ingredient sources, including possible climate change impacts, is becoming a growing issue. There is a growing demand for biocircularity in our feed ingredient supply chains. Ultimately, what is needed to sustain future feed ingredient needs are sustainable sources of cost‐effective protein, some essential amino acid additives, some omega‐3 fatty acid resources, and various minerals and vitamin additives. The increasing use of new and varied resources will ensure that food safety remains an important issue throughout the world. Feed manufacturing has evolved from a simplistic exercise to a highly complex science with state‐of‐the‐art engineering, but its application is not consistent across all sectors, as there is still widespread use of pelleting, mash, and trash fish feeding in the developing world. Similarly, feed management has also dichotomized between the developed and developing world, with a high reliance on manual skilled labor in the developing world, whereas more advanced aquaculture systems are becoming increasingly reliant on automated computer‐controlled feeding systems.

Effect of seeds, oil, and black seed meal on Japanese Quail's productive performance

.The research aims to effect using seeds, oil and black seeds meal on the productive performance of Japanese Quail. Seven experimental diets were used in the study; T1 was the control (with 0% seeds, oil or black seed meal), and T2 and T3 contained black seeds (BC) at two levels, 0.80 and 1.60%, respectively. T4 and T5 black seed oil (BSO) was added at 0.50 and 1% levels, respectively, while the last two treatments, T6 and T7, contained black seed meal (BSM) at two levels of 7 and 14%, respectively. Mash feed and water were submitted ad libitum during the whole period. The study includes one stage; the growth period (1-35 days old). This research was conducted at a poultry farm, Animal Production Department, College of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Mosul, Mosul, Iraq. A total of 588 desert color Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica), unsexed at one day old, were randomly distributed in seven previous treatments of six replicates with 14 birds in each in the growth period. The results showed significant effect (p≤ 0.05) in body weight(g/bird),body weight gain(g/bird), Protein digestion coefficient(%), Preslaughter weight(g/bird), carcass weight(g/bird), for T3. While the data showed a significant effect (p≤ 0.05) for T2 in water intake. The data confirmed the superiority of the T3, T5 and T7 in carbohydrate digestion coefficient(%). The growth rate recorded a significant effect (p≤ 0.05) for T3, T4, T5 and T6. As well as, T3 reported a low significant effect (p≤ 0.05) on feed conversion ratio(g feed: g WG) and water conversion ratio(ml: g WG). The best net revenue(Iraqi Dinar: g WG ) was T7 and T3. No significant differences were founded in all other traits in this study. Keys words: seeds, oil, black seeds meal-productive performance -Japanese Quail.