Protein Source In Feed Research Articles

Pengaruh pemberian sampah organik terhadap pertumbuhan dan kandungan astaxanthin pada pupa black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus))

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus)) atau BSF merupakan serangga pengolah sampah organik yang fase larvanya memiliki kandungan nutrisi tinggi sehingga berpotensi sebagai sumber protein alternatif pakan dan pangan. Astaxanthin merupakan senyawa antioksidan yang lazim diperoleh dari tumbuhan, alga, dan Crustacea. Deteksi astaxanthin pada Bombyx mori (Linnaeus) menjadi titik tolak dugaan bahwa astaxanthin potensial ditemukan pada serangga lain termasuk BSF. Penelitian bertujuan untuk mempelajari pengaruh pemberian jenis pakan sampah organik terhadap pertumbuhan larva BSF dan kandungan astaxanthin pada pupa BSF. Desain penelitian menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap dengan 4 perlakuan jenis pakan sampah organik berupa sisa buah dan sayur (BS), ampas tahu (AT), sisa nasi (N), campuran sisa buah dan sayur, ampas tahu dan sisa nasi (C). Pakan ternak T51 digunakan sebagai kontrol. Setiap perlakuan pakan diulang 3 kali. Parameter penelitian terukur meliputi parameter pertumbuhan larva berupa berat, panjang, dan karakteristik larva; dan parameter kandungan senyawa kimia termasuk astaxanthin pada pupa BSF. Ekstraksi pupa dilakukan dengan metode maserasi triphasic menggunakan kombinasi 5 pelarut berupa n-heptane, etil asetat, acetonitrile, butanol-l, dan akuades, sedangkan identifikasi senyawa dilakukan menggunakan uji kualitatif terpenoid, uji thin layer chromatography (TLC), dan liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa buah dan sayur (BS) paling berpengaruh meningkatkan pertambahan ukuran tubuh larva dengan berat 0,09 ± 0,04 gram/larva dan panjang 1,49 ± 0,31 cm/larva. Analisis LC-MS mendeteksi senyawa dereplikasi lutein, anisodamine, derivat resveratrol, dehydroarginine, dan senyawa dereplikasi astaxanthin dengan massa molekuler sebesar 597,23 m/z pada larva BSF yang diberi pakan buah dan sayur.

Microalgae Application in Ruminants Feeds on The Production and Quality of Meat and Milk: A Review

Abstract Research focusing on microalgal as an alternative source of protein and fat in ruminant feed shows a growing trend. Microalgae are rich in carbohydrates, proteins, fats, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and carotene. Ruminants can digest the cell walls of microalgae, positively affecting their health, growth, metabolism, reproduction, production, and product quality. This paper introduces the latest review of microalgae on ruminant feed and its effect on performance, production, and quality of meat and milk. The results showed that using microalgae does not increase milk production in dairy cows but substitutes protein from corn and soybean meal. Microalgae improves the quality of meat and milk through the changes in fatty acid profiles associated with omega 3, especially DHA and PUFA, which benefit human health. However, some microalgae species reduce palatability, feed consumption, and weight gain. Feeding microalgae to livestock as a supplement or substitute protein for soybean meal protein or other ingredients requires considering the limiting factors of lipid concentration and the economic value of microalgae species.

The Existence of Macroalgae in Indonesia: Unlocking the Nutritive Potential for Sustainable Beef Production

Abstract Assessment of the existence of macroalgae and revealing the chemical composition to investigate the potential usage for feed to support sustainable beef production has been conducted in Indonesian prominent livestock production area specifically Lombok, Bali, Yogyakarta, Lampung and Bengkulu. These regions host numerous seaweed production centres, while others hold the capacity to develop into seaweed cultivation zones. To assess the existence, utilisation, and accessibility of macroalgae in each region, observations and interviews were conducted. Subsequently, dominant macroalgae species were sampled and subjected to proximate analysis to determine their nutritional profiles. The results showed that the dominant macroalgae observed included red algae (Rhodophyta) like Eucheuma sp., Gracilaria sp., and Acanthophora sp., green algae (Chlorophyta) such as Ulva sp. and Caulerpa sp., and the brown alga (Phaeophyta) Sargassum sp. The dominant macroalgae found in all five observation sites with high abundance were Sargassum sp., Gracilaria sp., and Eucheuma cottonii. Ulva sp. and Eucheuma spinosum were present at four sites, while Acanthophora sp. and Caulerpa sp. were found at three sites. The dry matter content of the macroalgae ranged from 9.92% to 17.01%, with the highest values observed in the Eucheuma group (14.11%-17.01%). This was followed by Sargassum sp. (12.55 ± 2.40%), Ulva sp. (12.28 ± 2.33%), and Gracilaria sp. (11.09 ± 3.79%). Caulerpa sp. exhibited the lowest dry matter content (9.92 ± 1.29%). The crude protein (CP) content varied both within and between groups of algae species and observation sites. Gracilaria sp. exhibited the highest CP content (13.55 ± 0.16%), followed by Caulerpa sp. (11.87 ± 2.22%), Sargassum sp. (8.98 ± 0.42%), and Ulva sp. (6.98 ± 0.94%). The mineral content of the macroalgae was noticeably high, which is reflected in the low organic matter content. Ulva sp. had the highest organic matter content (80.17%), followed by Sargassum sp. (70.55%), Gracilaria sp. (66.53%), Caulerpa sp. (47.61%), and Eucheuma cottonii (43.50%). The readily available seaweed in this study tend to exhibit moderate to high protein and mineral content, making it a promising partial replacement or supplement for conventional feed, potentially contributing to sustainable beef production. Gracilaria sp., the most readily available seaweed, high in nutrient content with the potential to partially replace conventional feed protein sources. Its abundance of vitamins and minerals may enrich the overall value of the feed.

Model-based process optimization of black soldier fly egg production.

Black soldier fly (BSF) larvae (Hermetia illucens) serve as a valuable protein source for animal feed. Limiting factors in the industrial rearing of BSF are the reproduction process and egg output. Studies indicate the potential to shorten preoviposition time and increase egg output through better utilization of environmental variables, such as temperature and light, in industrial settings. Excessive stimulation, however, can lead to stress, elevated production costs, and reduced egg numbers, emphasizing the need for a delicate balance. This study addresses these challenges by investigating controlled manipulation of environmental variables to stimulate mating and enhance egg production, thereby developing a comprehensive model encompassing the adult fly life cycle, mating, and egg production. Model parameters were fitted using literature data, and the model's plausibility was tested through simulations. Using the model and optimal control methods, the calculated dynamic trajectories for environmental variables when compared to the standard approach in a constant environment demonstrated higher output and shorter production cycles at reasonable energy costs. Applications for this model-based optimization are demonstrated for various scenarios, highlighting the practical utility and versatility of the developed model. This study contributes valuable insights for improving rearing practices of BSF through environmental stimulation, offering potential advancements in egg production efficiency and overall sustainability.

An overview of alternative protein sources for ruminants in the tropical area

Abstract Investigating alternative protein sources for ruminants in tropical regions is crucial due to distinct climatic conditions and limited resources. Scientists, acknowledging the challenges, are exploring locally accessible alternatives to develop cost-effective and sustainable protein supplements for ruminant nutrition, emphasizing the importance of understanding the nutritional composition for advancing livestock husbandry sustainability. The aim of this research is to elucidate alternative local protein sources for ruminants in tropical areas and assess their effectiveness in promoting sustainable production and enhancing ruminant nutrition. Protein feed sources are essential for providing amino acids to animals and producing animal products such as meat, milk, and wool. Inadequate protein in animal feed may have a detrimental impact on rumen fermentation and animal output. Therefore, alternative protein sources have received increased attention in order to replace the main protein source. The alternative protein sources in this review were divided into five categories: agricultural biomass, fodder shrubs, biological protein and plant weeds, insect protein and agro-industry biomass. Furthermore, plant secondary compounds found in alternative protein sources might be used to modulate rumen fermentation and improve animal performance. By focusing on regional sources of protein, feed costs are reduced while availability is raised. Based on this analysis, it can be concluded that there are a number of alternative protein sources that might be used in place of primary protein sources and that they could support ruminant production in the face of several animal feed crises. However, the potential use of any protein source should be assessed in light of the country’s availability and animal production practices.

Assessment of the USDA Biomass Harvest Trap (USDA-BHT) device as an insect harvest and mosquito surveillance tool.

Insects are a promising source of high-quality protein, and the insect farming industry will lead to higher sustainability when it overcomes scaling up, cost effectiveness, and automation. In contrast to insect farming (raising and breeding insects as livestock), wild insect harvesting (collecting agricultural insect pests), may constitute a simple sustainable animal protein supplementation strategy. For wild harvest to be successful sufficient insect biomass needs to be collected while simultaneously avoiding the collection of nontarget insects. We assessed the performance of the USDA Biomass Harvest Trap (USDA-BHT) device to collect flying insect biomass and as a mosquito surveillance tool. The USDA-BHT device was compared to other suction traps commonly used for mosquito surveillance (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light traps, Encephalitis virus surveillance traps, and Biogents Sentinel traps). The insect biomass harvested in the USDA-BHT was statistically higher than the one harvested in the other traps, however the mosquito collections between traps were not statistically significantly different. The USDA-BHT collected some beneficial insects, although it was observed that their collection was minimized at night. These findings coupled with the fact that sorting time to separate the mosquitoes from the other collected insects was significantly longer for the USDA-BHT, indicate that the use of this device for insect biomass collection conflicts with its use as an efficient mosquito surveillance tool. Nevertheless, the device efficiently collected insect biomass, and thus can be used to generate an alternative protein source for animal feed.

Mosquitoes harvested from rice fields as alternative protein ingredient in broiler feed: insights from the first pilot study.

Global population continuous growth and increasing consumers' demands for protein-rich diets have posed sustainability challenges for traditional livestock feed sources. Consequently, exploring alternative and sustainable protein sources has become imperative to address the environmental burden and resource limitations associated with conventional ingredients. With respect to food security assurance, insects have emerged as a promising solution due to their exceptional nutritional profile, rapid reproduction rates, and low environmental impact. In the present pilot study, 10% of a soybean meal-based diet was replaced by adult mosquitoes harvested from rice fields. The objective was to assess the effect of this partial substitution on meat quality aspects and consumer acceptance. A total of 40 Cobb hybrid broiler chickens were randomly placed in a control and a mosquito-fed group. The study was conducted for 42 days and carcass physicochemical, nutritional, and microbiological characteristics, as well as sensory attributes were evaluated. Overall, results regarding quality attributes were comparable between the control and the treatment group. The organoleptic evaluation showed that the thighs from the mosquito-fed group had the highest overall consumer acceptance. These outcomes indicate that mosquitoes could be successfully used as a protein source for broiler feed without compromising the quality and acceptability of the meat.

Dietary Tenebrio molitor larvae meal effects on cellular stress responses, antioxidant statusand intermediate metabolism of Oncorhynchus mykiss.

In the context of evaluating the impact of environmentally friendly and sustainably produced alternative protein sources in fish feed, the present study's aim was to examine the overall physiological stress response in one of the main fish species of European freshwater aquaculture, Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout), following the partial substitution of fish meal (FM) with a Tenebrio molitor (TM) (yellow mealworm) full-fat meal. In total, 222 rainbow trout individuals (115.2 ± 14.2 g) were allocated randomly into six tanks, three per dietary treatment, and were fed a formulated diet containing 60% yellow mealworm (TM60) compared to a control diet without insect meal (TM0). Both diets contained equal amounts of crude protein, dry matter and, lipid content, while the FM in TM60 was 100 g kg-1 corresponding to the one seventh of the TM0. Heat shock response (HSR), MAPK signalling, cell death pathways (apoptosis and autophagy), antioxidant defence mechanisms, and intermediate metabolism were evaluated. In general, HSR and MAPK signalling were activated in response to the inclusion of T. molitor. Moreover, triggering of apoptotic and autophagic processes and the onset of antioxidant defence mechanisms underlined the existence of physiological stress. Despite the apparent dietary-induced stress, rainbow trout in the present study exhibited no mortality and no significant effects regarding growth performance parameters. Specifically, TM60 dietary inclusion resulted in no changes in final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate. However, feed intakedepicted a statistically significant decrease in TM60 fish compared to TM0 individuals. Nevertheless, nutrient stress should be considered a limiting factor regarding the utilization of T. molitor in O. mykiss diet due to the associated risks for health and welfare.

Robustness of business models for insect production for feed and food in Europe

Abstract Insects and their derivatives are increasingly recognised as a (more) sustainable and circular protein source for feed and food. The European insect industry is growing, but upscaling remains a challenge due to multiple uncertainties. This study analysed the robustness of three different business models for insect production for feed and food in six future scenarios. Business models and scenarios were identified through literature review and refined through expert elicitation (n = 5). The three business models comprised: (1) full-liner black soldier fly production for pet food, (2) decentralised black soldier fly production for aquafeed, and (3) mealworm processing cooperative for food. The six scenarios addressed uncertainties around the use of side streams, insect welfare, energy, and sustainability. We used the Business Model Stress Test in four focus groups with experts (n = 23) from six European countries. Heat maps for three distinct business models were presented, detailing the impacts of scenarios on business model components. Experts regarded full-liner black soldier fly production for pet food and mealworm processing cooperative for food as more robust than decentralised black soldier fly production for aquafeed. These differences were mainly related to the customer segments, value proposition, revenue structure, and cost structure. In full-liner black soldier fly production for pet food, stringent regulations were expected to have no negative impact on business model components, in contrast to liberal regulations with anticipated adverse effects. Examination of regulatory uncertainty indicated strict legislation’s advantageous expected impact on consumer trust in the pet food and food market. High energy prices were anticipated as a major challenge across all business models, while improved sustainability compliance was viewed positively. The classification in relatively more or less robust business models serves as a guide for business and policy in further developing the insect sector for feed and food in Europe.

Enhancing pig growth and gut health with fermented Jatropha curcas cake: Impacts on microbiota, metabolites, and neurotransmitters

AbstractGiven the escalating global crisis in feed protein availability, Jatropha curcas L. cake has attracted significant interest as a viable alternative protein source in animal feed. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of fermented Jatropha curcas L. cake (FJCC) as a protein feed in the diet of pigs. A total of 96 growing pigs with an average weight of 27.60 ± 1.59 kg were divided into three dietary groups with varying FJCC inclusion levels (0, 2.5, and 5%) for a 28 d trial. Results showed that the diet with 5% FJCC (FJCC5) demonstrated significant improvements in average daily gain (p = 0.009), feed‐to‐gain ratio (p = 0.036), nutrient digestibility, and intestinal morphology. Furthermore, the FJCC5 diet resulted in a decrease in pH values in different gut sections (jejunum p = 0.045, cecum p = 0.001, colon p = 0.012), and favorably altered the profile of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) with increased butyric acid content (p = 0.005) and total SCFAs (p = 0.019). Additionally, this diet notably decreased IL‐6 levels in the jejunum (p = 0.008) and colon (=0.047), significantly reduced IL‐1 levels in the hypothalamus (p < 0.001), and lowered IL‐1, IL‐6, and IL‐10 levels in plasma (p < 0.05). Microbiota and metabolite profile analysis revealed an elevated abundance of beneficial microbes (p < 0.05) and key metabolites such as 4‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) (p = 0.003) and serotonin (5‐HT) (p = 0.022), linked to neuroactive ligand‐receptor interaction. Moreover, FJCC5 significantly boosted circulating neurotransmitter levels of 5‐HT (p = 0.006) and GABA (p = 0.002) in plasma and hypothalamus, with corresponding increases in precursor amino acids (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that FJCC, particularly at a 5% inclusion rate, can be an effective substitute for traditional protein sources like soybean meal, offering benefits beyond growth enhancement to gut health and potentially impacting the gut‐brain axis. This research underscores FJCC's potential as a valuable component in sustainable animal nutrition strategies.

Content and Bioaccessibility of Minerals and Proteins in Fish-Bone Containing Side-Streams from Seafood Industries.

With the aim to upcycle fish side-streams, enzymatic hydrolysis is often applied to produce protein hydrolysates with bioactive properties or just as a protein source for food and feed. However, the production of hydrolysates generates a side-stream. For underutilized fish and fish backbone this side-stream will contain fish bones and make it rich in minerals. The aim of this study was to assess the relative bioaccessibility (using the standardized in vitro model INFOGEST 2.0) of minerals in a dietary supplement compared to bone powder generated after enzymatic hydrolysis of three different fish side-streams: undersized whole hake, cod and salmon backbones consisting of insoluble protein and bones. Differences in the bioaccessibility of protein between the powders were also investigated. The enzyme hydrolysis was carried out using different enzymes and hydrolysis conditions for the different fish side-streams. The content and bioaccessibility of protein and the minerals phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) were measured to evaluate the potential of the powder as an ingredient in, e.g., dietary supplements. The bone powders contained bioaccessible proteins and minerals. Thus, new side-streams generated from enzymatic hydrolysis can have possible applications in the food sector due to bioaccessible proteins and minerals.

Environmental, economic and quality assessment of hybrid solar-electric drying of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae

The exploration of insects as a sustainable protein source is gaining interest as an alternative solution to ensure food security and meet the increasing global food demand. Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae (BSFL) present a natural and sustainable protein source for both feed and food applications. In the process of incorporating them into feed and food products, larvae typically undergo a drying stage as the initial step. This research aims to delve into the Hybrid Solar-Electrical Drying (HSED) of BSFL at four different temperatures: 40, 50, 60, and 70 °C. The energy payback time for the dryer is determined to be 1.57 ± 0.09 years, with CO2 emissions measuring 72.58 ± 2.90 kg CO2/year and a net CO2 mitigation of 57.19 ± 2.35 tons over its lifespan, highlighting its environmentally friendly nature. The proposed HSED system exhibits a remarkably short payback period of only 0.71 years. Furthermore, the dryer has the potential to save up to 1496.04 USD annually, emphasizing its economic efficiency and financial benefits. The larvae dried using the HSED have a protein content ranging from 38.14 ± 0.28% to 42.33 ± 0.12% exceeding the minimum requirement of 34% set by leading companies in the insect production market. This makes them highly competitive in the market. Furthermore, the dried larvae produced with this hybrid dryer exhibit superior quality compared to conventional drying methods, specifically in terms of protein content, with a margin of 7.08%.

Evaluation of blow fly, Chrysomya megacephala (Calliphoridae: Diptera) as an alternate source of protein in broiler feed

Abstract Poultry industry is one of the fastest growing agri-businesses in the world. However, the usage of expensive soybean meal and fishmeal as poultry feed ingredients is making it less profitable and environmentally unsustainable. Insects are becoming more popular as an alternate protein source in poultry feed because they are more sustainable, cost-efficient and eco-friendly than most of the conventional poultry feed sources. In the present study, we replaced 4%, 8% and 12% soybean meal with blow fly, Chrysomya megacephala (Calliphoridae: Diptera) larvae and evaluated its impact on growth performances, hematological parameters, intestinal morphometry and meat quality of Ross 308 broiler. For comparison, we also evaluated commercially available full fat Hermetia illucens (Stratiomyidae: Diptera) larvae. Three hundred and fifty 1-day-old chicks with initial weight of 40.28 g/chick were randomly divided into seven experimental diets (5 pens per treatment and 10 birds per pen). All the dietary treatments were isocaloric and isonitrogenous, meeting the nutrient requirements of the broilers. The results revealed that the broiler fed on 12% C. megacephala or H. illucens had significantly higher () live weight, average daily weight gain and better feed conversion ratios. The diets containing 12% C. megacephala or H. illucens significantly improved the blood haematology and serum bio-chemistry in the broiler. The gut histological indices of jejunum and ileum such as villus height (Vh), crypt depth (Cd), villus width (Vw), and Vh/Cd ratios also improved by the feeding of 12% C. megacephala and H. illucens diets. The broiler fed on 12% H. illucens diet showed higher L* (lightness) and a* (redness), while those fed on 12% C. megacephala showed higher b* (yellowness) in breast meat (Pectoralis major). Both species performed equally well in growth performance, haematology, serum bio-chemistry, gut histology and meat quality. It was concluded that replacement of soybean meal with 12% C. megacephala or H. illucens larvae improves the growth performance, blood haematology, gut histology and meat color and lightness traits of broiler and thus can be used as an alternate source of protein in broiler feed.

Sustainability of insect-based feed and consumer willingness to pay for novel food: A stated preference study

In recent years, numerous studies have highlighted insects as a promising protein source for poultry feed, offering environmental benefits and improved animal welfare. However, insects are still considered unconventional in Western diets, limiting their acceptance among consumers. This study examines to what extent information on animal welfare and environmental benefits of insect-based feed can counteract factors like neophobia and established food habits, hence enhancing consumer acceptability of novel poultry products from animals fed with insect-based feed. A contingent valuation survey involving 512 Italian consumers divided into four groups was conducted: a control group with no information, an animal welfare information group, an environmental information group, and a group receiving both sets of information. Results indicate that providing information about the advantages of insect-based feed can reduce consumer reluctance towards the innovative product. Moreover, information on environmental benefits affects consumer preferences more than information on animal welfare.

Mining exotic germplasm for genetic improvement of protein quantity and quality in soybean (Glycine max)

AbstractSoybean meal is the main protein source for animal feed, but it has low content of the essential amino acids cysteine (Cys) and methionine (Met). In this research, an exotic germplasm (PI 399000) was crossed with ‘Woodruff’ to develop an F5‐derived recombinant inbred line (RIL) population for mapping quantitative trait loci for seed composition. The population was grown in six environments, and protein, oil, Cys, and Met were determined with near‐infrared spectroscopy. RILs were genotyped with the SoySNP6K BeadChip, and 1865 SNPs were used for analysis. QTL analysis identified three loci on chromosomes (Chrs) 6, 15 and 17 in at least five environments for protein; two QTLs on Chrs 14 and 17 in all environments for oil; three QTLs on Chrs 3, 6 and 10 for Cys and Met in at least three environments; and two QTLs for seed size on Chrs 17 and 20 in all environments. Stacking of protein and Cys + Met QTLs can increase both traits simultaneously, and 13 breeding lines were identified with improved seed composition. The markers linked to the QTLs can be used to assist the development of cultivars with improved meal quality.

78 Assessing nutrient digestibility in boer×spanish castrated male goats feeding varied levels of hempseed meal

Abstract Hempseed meal (HSM) has gained considerable attention as a potential alternative protein source for animal feed in the US, although its FDA approval for this purpose remains pending due to an insufficiency of comprehensive scientific data. The HSM is a byproduct of hemp oil production. Tuskegee University, a ruminant coalition group in the US is assessing this byproduct in meat goats. The present study was designed to investigate the influence of varying HSM inclusion rates on the nutrient digestibility in Boer×Spanish castrated meat goats using a 4×4 Latin square design. Four uniform mature Boer×Spanish castrated goats (14-16 months) were randomly assigned to four treatments. These goats received ad libitum access to experimental diets containing 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% HSM on an as-fed basis. Experimental diets were iso-nitrogenous (crude protein: 16%) and iso-caloric (total digestible nutrients: 64%). The experiment was conducted for 21 d in four phases where 16 d was for diet adjustment and 5 d for sample collection. Feed, feces, and urine were collected during the sample collection period and composited. The feed intake and refusal, fecal and urine outputs were monitored during the sample collection period. The feed, fecal, and urine samples were analyzed for nutrient composition. Nutrient digestibility data were analyzed in SPSS 29 and Microsoft Excel 2021. Our findings revealed no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, non-fibrous carbohydrate, neutral detergent fiber, hemicellulose, and ash among experimental groups, except for acid detergent fiber, where a significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed. These results shed light on the potential of hempseed meal in meat-goat diets and emphasize the importance of understanding its impact on specific nutrient digestibility for optimal dietary formulation.

Pod-shattering characteristic differences between shattering-resistant and shattering-susceptible common vetch accessions are associated with lignin biosynthesis

The common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) is a self-pollinated annual forage legume that is widely distributed worldwide. It has wide adaptability and high nutritional value and is commonly used as an important protein source for livestock feed. However, pod shattering seriously limits the yield of common vetch. To clarify the mechanism of pod shattering in common vetch, the pod walls of three shattering-resistant (SR) accessions (B65, B135, and B392) and three shattering-susceptible (SS) accessions (L33, L170, and L461) were selected for transcriptome sequencing. A total of 17190 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the pod wall of B135 and L461 common vetch at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 days after anthesis. KEGG analysis showed that “phenylpropanoid biosynthesis” was the most significantly enriched pathway, and 40 structural genes associated with lignin biosynthesis were identified and differentially expressed in B135 and L461 common vetch. We analysed the DEGs in the pod wall of three SR and three SS accessions at 15 days after anthesis, and most of the DEGs were consistent with the significant enrichment pathways identified in B135 and L461 common vetch. The total lignin content of SR accessions was significantly lower than the SS accessions. The present study lays a foundation for understanding the molecular regulatory mechanism of pod shattering related to lignin biosynthesis in common vetch and provides reference functional genes for breeders to further cultivate shattering-resistant common vetch varieties.

Effects of Dietary Inclusion of a Crude Protein Source Exhibiting the Strongest Attractiveness to Red Sea Bream (Pagrus major) on Growth, Feed Availability, and Economic Efficiency.

Dietary incorporation of an attractive feed protein source is a practical method of enhancing feed intake and consequently improving the growth of fish. The attractiveness of 18 crude protein sources to juvenile red sea bream (Pagrus major) and the effects of the dietary inclusion of the crude protein source that exhibited the strongest attractiveness on growth, feed availability, and economic efficiency were determined. Jack mackerel meal (JMM) showed the strongest attractiveness to red sea bream among 18 crude protein ingredients. In an 8-week feeding trial, 810 juveniles were randomly distributed into 27 tanks (30 fish/tank). Nine experimental diets were prepared. The control (Con) diet included 60% fish meal (FM). Various levels (1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 40, 60, and 100%) of JMM were included at the expense of FM in the Con diet, and the resulting diets were named the JMM1, JMM3, JMM5, JMM10, JMM20, JMM40, JMM60, and JMM100 diets, respectively. Fish were hand-fed to apparent satiation twice daily for 8 weeks. The weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed consumption of red sea bream that were fed the JMM40, JMM60, and JMM100 diets were significantly (p < 0.0001 for all) higher than those of the fish fed all other diets. However, dietary JMM inclusion had no remarkable impacts on the feed utilization, biological indices, and chemical composition of the whole body of red sea bream. In terms of the economic view of the study, the economic profit index of red sea bream fed the JMM40, JMM60, and JMM100 diets was significantly (p < 0.0001) greater than that of the fish fed all other diets. In conclusion, the strongest attractiveness to red sea bream among 18 crude protein sources was observed in JMM. The inclusion of more than 40% JMM at the expense of FM in the diet of red sea bream is highly recommended for practical feed formulations to induce remarkable improvement in the growth performance of fish and the economic returns for farmers.

Fish feed formulation: Does Nigerian farmers' risk and time preference play a part in choosing feed protein sources for intensively farmed fish?

Fish meal is commonly used in the diets of fish, but its high cost and sustainability as a feed ingredient raise concerns. In order to reduce dependence on fish meal, proteins from plant sources are increasingly being recommended as an alternative ingredient in fish diets. The paper aims to examine whether risk attitudes and time preferences influence the decision to choose feed protein sources for intensively farmed fish. Using measures based on behavioural economics theories, we elicit risk attitudes and time preferences of 100 Nigerian fish farmers and estimate a double hurdle regression by assuming that fish farmers make their feed protein substitution decisions in two steps. The results indicate that risk-seeking farmers are less likely to substitute (risk-increasing) fish meal for plant-based proteins in fish feed. There is no statistically significant effect of time preference on the decision to substitute fish meal for plant-based proteins. Other results show that a higher level of education and income and a larger farm size positively influenced the decision to substitute fish meal for plant-based proteins, while male farmers were less likely to substitute fish meal for plant-based proteins. These findings suggest that farmers' risk attitudes, education, income, farm size, and gender are critical factors that policymakers and stakeholders should consider in interventions to encourage farmers to transition to more sustainable feed input.

Evaluating Acheta domesticus (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) for the reduction of fumonisin B1 levels in livestock feed.

Mycotoxins that contaminate grain can cause the devaluation of agricultural products and create health risks for the consumer. Fumonisins are one such mycotoxin. Produced primarily by Fusarium verticillioides (Hypocreales: Nectriaceae) (Nirenberg, 1976) on corn, fumonisins' economic impact can be significant by causing various diseases in livestock if contaminated corn is not monitored and removed from animal feed. Finding safe alternatives to the destruction and waste of contaminated grain and restoring its economic value is needed for a sustainable future. Safe reintroduction into the farm food web may be possible through a consumable intermediary such as insects. This study demonstrates the suitability of the house cricket, Acheta domesticus L., as an alternative protein source in domestic animal feed by quantifying fumonisin B1 (FB1) levels in their subsequent insect meal and frass. Small colonies of 2nd instar A. domesticus were reared to 5th instar adults on nutrient-optimized corn-based diets treated with 4 levels of FB1 from 0 to 20 ppm. Increasing levels of FB1 had no adverse effects on the survivorship or growth of A. domesticus. Insect meals prepared from A. domesticus had significantly lower levels of FB1, at 3%-5% of their respective diets, while frass did not differ significantly from their diet. The successful rearing to adulthood of A. domesticus on fumonisin-contaminated diet paired with lower levels of FB1 in their processed insect meal supports the idea that more sustainable agricultural practices can be developed through remediation of low-value mycotoxin-contaminated grain with safer, higher-value insects as livestock feed components.