Finisher Diets Research Articles

Effects of a novel direct-fed microbial on growth performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and ruminal morphology of beef feedlot steers.

The effects of a novel direct-fed microbial (DFM) on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, digestibility, ruminal morphology, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) profile of finishing steers were evaluated. Single-source Angus-crossbred yearling steers (n = 144; initial body weight (BW) = 371 ± 19kg) were used in a randomized complete block design. Steers were blocked by initial BW and randomly assigned to treatments (12 pens/treatment; 4 steers/pen). Treatments included (A) CONTROL (no DFM, tylosin, or monensin, (B) MONTY (monensin sodium [330mg/animal-daily] and tylosin phosphate [90mg/animal-daily]), and (C) MONPRO (monensin sodium [same as previous] and Lactobacillus salivarius L28 [1 × 106 CFU/animal-daily]). Treatments were included in a steam-flaked corn-based finisher diet offered once daily using a clean-bunk management for ~149d. The digestibility assessment was performed from days 70 to 74. Ruminal fluid and rumen tissue samples were collected at the slaughter for VFA profile and papillae morphology analyses, respectively. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with pen serving as the experimental unit, treatment as fixed effect, and BW block as random effect. Steers offered MONPRO had on average 5.3% less (P < 0.01) dry matter intake (9.56kg/d) compared with either CONTROL (10.16kg/d) or MONTY (9.96kg/d). The carcass-adjusted final BW (613kg; P = 0.23), overall average daily gain (1.64kg/d; P = 0.23), and gain-efficiency (0.165; P = 0.61) were not affected by treatments. Steers offered CONTROL had greater (P < 0.01) marbling score and tended (P = 0.06) to have less carcasses grading Select and tended (P = 0.10) to have more carcasses grading Upper-Choice, while other carcass characteristics and liver-abscesses were not affected (P ≥ 0.23) by treatments. The digestibility of nutrients (P ≥ 0.13) and the ruminal VFA profile (P ≥ 0.12) were not affected by treatments. Steers offered MONPRO tended (P = 0.09) to have 16% greater average papillae number compared to other treatments. Yearlings offered finishing diets containing L. salivarius L28 plus monensin did not affect growth performance, digestibility, or ruminal VFA, but reduced feed intake. Carcass quality was negatively affected by treatments, while animals consuming L. salivarius L28 and monensin tended to improve ruminal morphology. Current findings in ruminal morphology and feed intake may warrant further assessment of diets containing L. salivarius L28 on beef cattle food safety aspects.

Dietary supplementation of dimethyl itaconate protects against chronic heat stress-induced growth performance impairment and lipid metabolism disorder in broiler chickens.

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of dietary supplementation of dimethyl itaconate (DI) on chronic heat stress (HS)-induced impairment of the growth performance and lipid metabolism in broiler chickens. 21 days old male Ross 308 broiler chickens (a total of 120, about 700 g body weight) were randomly divided into five treatment groups, including control group, HS group, HS + 50 mg/kg DI group, HS + 150 mg/kg DI group, and HS + 200 mg/kg DI group, and each group contains eight cages of twenty-four broilers. The broiler chickens in the control group were raised in the room (21 ± 1 °C) and fed with a finisher diet for 21 days. The broiler chickens of the HS group and the HS + DI groups were raised in the room (32 ± 1 °C for 8 h/day) and fed with a finisher diet containing DI at 0, 50, 150, and 200 mg/kg diet for 21 days. The results showed that HS-induced decreases in the final body weight (P < 0.01), average daily gain (P < 0.01), and average daily feed intake (P < 0.01) were alleviated by dietary supplementation of DI (P < 0.05). In addition, dietary supplementation of DI attenuated the increases in the liver index (P < 0.01) and abdominal fat rate (P < 0.01) caused by HS in broilers (P < 0.05). Treatment with DI ameliorated HS-induced lipid accumulation in the liver and serum of broiler chickens (P < 0.05). The upregulation of mRNA levels of fat synthesis factors (P < 0.01) and downregulation of mRNA levels of lipolysis-related factors (P < 0.01) caused by HS were markedly blunted after treatment with DI in the liver of broilers (P < 0.05). Broilers exposed to HS exhibited lower phosphorylated protein levels of AMP-activated protein kinase α and acetyl-CoA carboxylase α compared to the control group (P < 0.01), which were improved by treatment with DI (P < 0.01). Collectively, these results demonstrated that dietary supplementation of DI protects against chronic HS-induced growth performance impairment and lipid metabolism disorder in broiler chickens. These results not only provide a theoretical basis for DI to alleviate metabolic disorders but also provide a reference value for DI as a feed additive to improve heat stress in poultry caused by high temperature.

Evaluation of growth performance, carcass characteristics, and methane and CO2 emissions of growing and finishing cattle raised in extensive or partial-intensive cow-calf production systems.

An experiment was conducted over 2 yr to measure performance and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of weaned calves from two cow-calf production systems. Crossbred steers and heifers (n = 270, initial body weight (BW) = 207 kg, SD = 35) were used in a randomized complete block design, with treatments applied to the cow-calf system. Treatments were: 1) a traditional system consisting of April to June calving with smooth bromegrass pasture and grazed corn residue as forage resources (TRAD); 2) an alternative system consisting of July to September calving utilizing partial-drylot feeding, summer-planted oats, and corn residue grazing (ALT). Calves from both production systems were weaned at the same age and grown (diet NEg = 1.05 Mcal kg-1) for approximately 117 d. The calves then transitioned to a high-grain finishing diet (year 1: NEg = 1.32 Mcal kg-1; year 2: NEg = 1.39 Mcal kg-1) and fed to a targeted 1.52 cm backfat. Growth performance in the grower phase resulted in greater (P < 0.01) average daily gain (1.39 vs. 1.22 ± 0.02 kg), greater gain:feed (P < 0.01; 0.157 vs. 0.137 ± 0.003) for ALT calves compared to TRAD calves, However, a lower initial BW (P < 0.01; 185 vs. 229 ± 4.9 kg) resulted in a lower ending BW (P < 0.01; 347 vs. 371 ± 2.9 kg) for ALT calves compared to TRAD calves in spite of improved growth performance. In the finisher phase, ALT calves gained less (1.52 vs. 1.81 ± 0.218 kg; P = 0.02), were less efficient (0.139 vs. 173 ± 0.0151; P = 0.01) but exhibited similar hot carcass weights (HCW) (388 vs. 381 ± 3.8 kg; P = 0.14) compared to TRAD calves. Each pen of calves was put into a large pen-scale chamber that continuously measured carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) for 5 d during the grower and finisher phases. The average CH4 and CO2 production per unit of feed intake was used to calculate total GHG emissions over the entire grower and finisher phase. Overall, there were no differences (P ≥ 0.17) between treatments for CH4 per day and per kilogram dry matter intake (DMI). However, ALT calves tended to produce less (P ≤ 0.10) CO2 per day and per kilogram DMI than TRAD calves. Overall, methane emissions were greater in ALT calves (110.7 vs. 92.2 ± 8.3 g CH4 kg-1 HCW; P = 0.04) than TRAD calves. The ALT calves required 27 additional days on feed to market, which resulted in more total CH4 per animal across the entire feeding period (P = 0.02) than TRAD calves. Production systems that reduce days to market to achieve similar HCW may reduce GHG emissions.

Growth performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid composition of Angus- and Wagyu-sired finishing cattle fed for a similar days on feed or body weight endpoint.

This study evaluated the feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid (FA) composition of Wagyu-sired and Angus-sired cattle at a similar days on feed (D) or body weight (B) endpoint. Wagyu-sired steers and heifers (WA) from two different sires, selected for either growth (G) or marbling (M), were compared with Angus-sired steers (AN, n = 13) in two independent incomplete-block design experiments at a similar days on feed (DOF; WA-GD, n = 9; WA-MD, n = 12) in experiment 1 or similar final body weight (BW; WA-GB, n = 9; WA-MB, n = 13) in experiment 2. Cattle were offered a corn silage-based growing diet for 119 d before being transitioned over 3 wk to a finishing diet. Data were analyzed as a randomized incomplete block design. In experiment 1, AN and WA-GD cattle had a greater (P < 0.01) off-test BW and average daily gain (ADGP < 0.04) than WA-MD cattle and AN had a greater dry matter intake (DMI; P < 0.02) than WA-GD and WA-MD cattle. The AN and WA-GD cattle had a greater carcass weight (P < 0.02) than WA-MD cattle. Percent kidney, pelvic, and heart fat (KPH) was greatest (P < 0.01) for WA-MD cattle, followed by WA-GD cattle, and lastly AN cattle. Total lipid (P < 0.03) and polyunsaturated FA (PUFA; P < 0.01) percentage were greater for WA-MD-cattle than AN and WA-GD cattle, as they tended (P = 0.11) to have the greatest 12th rib marbling score. In experiment 2, AN-cattle needed fewer (P < 0.01) DOF and had a greater (P ≤ 0.02) ADG, DMI, and gain:feed than WA-GB- and WA-MB-cattle. The WA-MB-cattle had a greater (P < 0.01) 12th and 6th rib marbling score, USDA quality grade, and 6th rib backfat thickness than AN-cattle. Compared with AN cattle, WA-GB cattle had a greater (P ≤ 0.01) percent KPH and lesser (P ≤ 0.03) rib thickness. The WA-MB-cattle had a greater (P ≤ 0.01) concentration of total lipid and PUFA than AN- and WA-GB-cattle, and lesser saturated FA (SFA; P < 0.01) concentration than AN-cattle in the longissimus muscle (LM). The 6th rib location of the LM had a greater (P ≤ 0.01) percentage of total lipid and SFA, but less (P < 0.03) MUFA compared with the 12th rib location. In conclusion, Wagyu-sired cattle selected for marbling potential had a lesser ADG, DMI, more marbling, more PUFA, and less SFA in the LM than Angus-sired cattle regardless of slaughter endpoint. Wagyu-sired cattle selected for growth potential had a similar ADG and carcass characteristics compared with Angus-sired cattle when fed for a similar number of days on feed.

Effects of adding ruminal propionate on dry matter intake and glucose metabolism in steers fed a finishing ration.

The objective of this experiment was to determine if supplying additional propionate to the rumen alters dry matter intake (DMI), feeding behavior, glucose metabolism, and rumen fluid metabolites in steers fed a finishing diet. Ruminally cannulated steers (n = 6) were fed a finishing diet ad libitum. Steers were randomly assigned to one of three treatments in a 3 × 6 Latin rectangle design with three 15 d periods. Treatments of no Ca propionate (Control), 100 g/d (Low), or 300 g/d (High) were ruminally dosed twice daily. Individual intake was measured using an Insentec feeding system. Pre-feeding blood samples were collected on day 7 and rumen fluid samples were collected on day 13. An intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) was conducted on day 14 and liver biopsies were collected on day 15. Liver samples were analyzed for expression of genes involved in gluconeogenesis. Data were analyzed using a mixed model with period, treatment, day, and their interaction included, with day and minute within period as a repeated measure and steer as a random effect. Meal size (P = 0.049), meal frequency (P = 0.046), and DMI (P < 0.001) were decreased in High steers. Day 7 plasma glucose (P = 0.23) and lactate (P = 0.47) were not affected by treatment, but insulin was decreased (P = 0.008) and non-esterified fatty acids were increased (P = 0.044) in the High treatment compared with the Control. Rumen fluid lactate was decreased (P = 0.015) in the High treatment compared with the Low treatment. Total VFA concentrations did not differ (P = 0.88) between treatments. There was treatment × time interaction for proportions of acetate and propionate (P < 0.001) and the acetate:propionate ratio (P = 0.005). The effect on acetate was due to a decrease in the High treatment 2 h after dosing the treatment. Propionate proportions were greater in the High treatment than the Control at all time points and differed from the Low except at 0 h. Propionate treatments had no major effects on the glucose and insulin parameters observed in the IVGTT other than a tendency (P = 0.09) for an increased insulin time to peak. These data indicate that exogenous propionate decreases DMI but the decrease in propionate from fermentation due to reduced DMI might negate the supply of exogenous propionate in VFA supply to the animal. Mechanisms other than hepatic oxidation of propionate might be responsible for DMI regulation.

Effect of increasing concentration of ergot alkaloids in the diet of feedlot cattle: performance, welfare, and health parameters.

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of feeding increasing dietary concentrations of ergot alkaloids from cereal grains (EA; 0, 0.75, 1.5, 3.0 mg/kg of dietary DM) to feedlot cattle over backgrounding (BG) and finishing (FS) phases on health, welfare, and growth performance. Two hundred and forty commercial steers (280 ± 32 kg BW) were stratified by weight and randomly allocated to 16 pens (15 steers/pen), 4 of which were equipped with the GrowSafe system (1 pen/treatment) to measure individual feed intake. Each pen was randomly assigned to a treatment (n = 4/treatment). Treatments included 1) control (CTRL), no added EA; 2) CTRL + 0.75 mg/kg EA (EA075); 3) CTRL + 1.5 mg/kg EA (EA150); and 4) CTRL + 3.0 mg/kg EA (EA300). Steers were fed barley-based BG diets containing 40% concentrate: 60% silage (DM basis) for 84 d. Steers were then transitioned over 28 d to an FS diet (90% concentrate: 10% silage DM basis) and fed for 119 d before slaughter. The diet fed to EA300 steers was replaced with the CTRL diet after 190 d on feed (DOF), due to EA-induced hyperthermia starting at 165 DOF. In the BG phase, average meal length (P = 0.01) and size (P = 0.02), daily feeding duration (P = 0.03), final body weight (BW; P = 0.03), and total BW gain (P = 0.02) linearly decreased with increasing EA levels, while gain to feed (G:F) responded quadratically (P = 0.04), with EA150 having the poorest value. Increasing concentrations of EA in the diet linearly increased rectal temperature (P < 0.01) throughout the trial. Over the full FS phase, a quadratic response was observed for ADG (P = 0.05), final BW (P = 0.05), total BW gain (P = 0.02), and carcass weight (P = 0.05) with steers fed EA150 having the lowest performance, as EA300 steers were transferred to CTRL diet after 190 DOF. Dressing percentage (P = 0.02) also responded quadratically, with the lowest values observed for EA300. Thus, EA reduced ADG during BG and FS phases, although more prominently in FS, likely due to increased ambient temperatures and high-energy diet in FS triggering hyperthermia. When EA300 steers were transferred to the CTRL diet, compensatory gain promoted higher hot carcass weight (HCW) when compared with steers fed EA150. In conclusion, feeding feedlot steers diets with > 0.75 mg/kg EA caused reductions in performance and welfare concerns, although this breakpoint may be affected by duration of feeding, environmental temperatures, and EA profiles in the feed.

Metabolome of purulent materials of liver abscesses from crossbred cattle and Holstein steers fed finishing diets with or without in-feed tylosin

Liver abscesses in feedlot cattle are a polymicrobial infection with Fusobacterium necrophorum and Trueperella pyogenes as the primary and secondary etiologic agents, respectively. Cattle with liver abscesses do not exhibit clinical signs and the abscesses are detected only at slaughter. The objective was to conduct metabolomics analysis of purulent materials of liver abscesses to identify biochemicals. Liver abscesses from crossbred cattle (n = 24) and Holstein steers (n = 24), each fed high-grain finishing diet with tylosin (n = 12) or no tylosin (n = 12), were included in the study. Abscess purulent materials were analyzed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy. A total of 759 biochemicals were identified and were broadly categorized into carbohydrates, energy metabolism pathways intermediates, peptides, amino acids and their metabolites, lipids and their metabolites, nucleotides, vitamins and cofactors, xenobiotics, and partially characterized molecules. The top 50 biochemicals identified included amino acids, lipids, nucleotides, xenobiotics, peptides, and carbohydrates and their metabolites. Among the 15 amino acid metabolites in the top 50 biochemicals, four were tryptophan metabolites, indoleacrylate, indolepropionate, tryptamine, and anthranilate. The 3-phenylpropionate, a product of phenylalanine metabolism, was the predominant metabolite in purulent materials. Between the four treatment groups, a two-way ANOVA analysis identified biochemicals that exhibited significant main effects for cattle type and in-feed tylosin use and their interactions. A total of 59 and 85 biochemicals were different (P < 0.05) between the cattle type (crossbred vs. Holstein steers) and in-feed tylosin use (tylosin vs. no tylosin), respectively. Succinate, an intermediate of lactate fermentation by some bacterial species, was one of the top 30 biochemicals that differentiated the four treatment groups. A number of lysophospholipids, indicative of bacterial and host cell membrane lyses, were identified in the purulent materials. In conclusion, to our knowledge this is the first report on the metabolome of liver abscess purulent materials and several biochemicals identified were related to metabolic activities of the bacterial community, particularly F. necrophorum and T. pyogenes. Biochemicals unique to liver abscesses that appear in the blood may serve as biomarkers and be of diagnostic value to detect liver abscesses of cattle before slaughter.

COMPARATIVE GROWTH, MEAT YIELD AND BLOOD LIPID PROFILES OF ARBOR ACRES, COBB 500 AND LOHMANN BROILER STRAINS

A total of 8883, day-old broiler chicks of Arbor Acres (S1- 2706), Cobb 500 (S2- 3308) and Lohmann (S3- 2869) were assigned to 3 treatment groups having 3 replications in each strain for 28 days of the age of the bird to identify a suitable strain for profitable broiler production. The birds were fed the starter diet (0-14 days) containing 22% CP and 2900 Kcal ME/kg and the finisher diet (15-28 days) containing 20% CP and 3000 Kcal ME/kg. The birds were reared on a littered floor management system providing standard management given by the breeder. The body weight, feed intake, mortality, production cost, and net profit did not differ among the strains (p˃0.05), except for the feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p&lt;0.01). The lowest FCR was observed in S3, followed by S1 and S3, respectively. However, strain S2 tended to have higher body weight and feed intake compared to S1 and S3. Evidently but not significantly, Strain S3 had the highest production cost and lowest net profit among the strains. The strain S1 was comparable to S2 in terms of net profit. There was a tendency to increase meat yield traits and a decrease in blood lipid profiles in S2 compared to S1 or S3. Therefore, strains S2 and S1 performed better than S3 in terms of growth, net profit, meat yield, and lipid profile content of the blood. Hence, Cobb 500 (S2) was found to be superior to Arbor Acres (S1) considering the overall performance.

The Effect of Antibiotics Used Throughout Chicken Cycle on the Bacterial Count of Their Meat

There is no doubt that poultry industry is a very useful to our society Therefore poultry meat has its own value even economic value or nutrional value. The feature of poultry meat helps the consumer to obtain the more nutritional value such as Protein, Low fat, Carbs and vitamins. The contamination of poultry meat effects on the quality of meat and its content. Therefore it effects the population and can cuase infectious diseases .The present experiment was conducted on the broilers that obtained from private farm located at Egypt-Alexandria road. The broiler chicks were fed on well-balanced diet. Starter diet was given till the 20th day of age after that chicks were fed on finisher diet which was given from the 21st day till the end of the experiment. Water and food were offered adlibitium. The chicks were housed in clean well ventilated separate experimental rooms, previously fumigated with formalin and potassium permanganate. The floor was bedded by fresh clean chopped wheat straw forming litter of 3.5 cm depth. Each room was provided by suitable numbers of feeders and water utensils. Each group of bird was provided by suitable feeder and water. This study aimed to investigate the effect of antibiotics administrated during broilers chicken cycle on the bacteriological count of their meat through study of: 1- The level of mesophilc, aerobicenterobacteriacae and coliform counts among the breast and thigh samples at 15 day and 35 days of production cycle. 2- The level of mould and yeast counts among the breast and thigh samples at 15 day and 35 days of production cycle. 3- Identification of some isolated mould and yeast.4- Determination of the antibiotic residues among the breast and thigh samples at 15 day and 35 days of production cycle. The Staistical analytical results of Mesophilc aerobic bacterial counts isolated from breast and thigh of broilers at different periods of experiment was 34.15 X 103 ± 14.28 X 103 in breast at day 15 and was 38.64 X 103 ±19.88 X 103 in thigh at day 15. But in day 35 was 82.15 X 103 ± 24.51 X 103 in breast and was 89.91 X 103 ±28.99 X 103 in thigh at day 35 .The results of Enterobacteriaceae bacterial counts isolated from breast and thigh of broilers at different periods of experiment was 4.20 X 102±1.70 X 102 in breast at day 15 and was 1.51 X 103±4.70 X 102 in thigh at day 15 . But in day 35 was 9.04 X 103±3.93 X 103 n breast and was 3.21 X 103±1.32 X 103 in thigh at day 35.The results of Coliforms bacterial counts isolated from breast and thigh of broilers at different periods of experiment was 1.64 X 103 ± 1.13 X 103 in breast at day 15 and was 3.30 X 102± 6 X 10 in thigh at day 15. But in day 35 was 4.5 X 102± 1.7 X 102 in breast and was 7 X 10 ± 2 X 10 in thigh at day 35. Tht results of Moulds counts isolated from breast and thigh of broilers at different periods of experiment was 2 X 10 ± 1.0 X 10 in breast at day 15 and was 2.0 X 10 ± 1.0 X 10 in thigh at day 15. But at day 35 was 3.0 X 10 ± 1.0 X 10 in breast and was 3 X 10 ± 1.0 X 10 in thigh at day 35.The results of Yeast counts isolated from breast and thigh in different time of experiment was 0.04 X 103± 0.02 X 103 in breast at day 15 and was 0.11 X 103 ± 0.05 X 103 in thigh at day15. But at day 35 was 0.03 X 103 ± 0.01 X 103 in breast and was 0.03 X 103± 0.01 X 103 in thigh at day 35.

Effect of sprouted whole pearl millet on growth performance, intestinal development, bacterial count, and blood indices of broiler chickens.

This study investigated the effects of varying levels of sprouted whole grain pearl millet (SPM) on growth performance, intestinal morphology, microbial count, and blood indices of broiler chickens. A maize-soybean meal basal diet was formulated and fed to broiler chickens as starter (0 to 21 d) and finisher (22 to 42 d) diets. The diets comprised of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of SPM incorporated as whole grain. On 0 d, 180 unsexed broiler chickens were allocated to experimental diets in a completely randomized design. Each treatment was replicated three times; each replicate had 12 chicks. All diets were isonitrogenous and isocaloric to meet the nutrient requirements of broiler chickens. Diets and water were provided ad libitum for 42 d. Results showed that the body weight gain (BWG) of broiler chickens on SPM compared favorably with those on the control diet. BWG showed trends in increment (P < 0.10) while FCR showed decreased trends (P < 0.10) with partial inclusion of SPM at 42 d and 0 to 42 d. The drumstick weight showed quadratic effect (P = 0.044) while the wing weight showed linear effect (P = 0.047) to treatment diets at 21 d. The liver weights of broiler chickens showed linear response (P = 0.018) at 21 d and (P = 0.004) at 42 d to SPM inclusion in diets. Sprouted whole PM consistently increased low-density lipoprotein concentration and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (P < 0.05). Length and weight of small intestine and ceca showed decreasing trends on SPM levels in the treatment diets. Digesta pH assessment revealed that pH in the crop was lower (P < 0.05) on partial SPM while pH in proventriculus was reduced (P < 0.05) with inclusion of SPM in treatment diets. Lactobacilli count decreased linearly (P = 0.010) with SPM inclusion. This study suggests that SPM could be used as an alternative source of energy in production of broiler chickens. Therefore, partial replacement of maize with SPM in broiler diet had no negative effect on performance, physiological status, and overall health of broiler chickens.

Partial replacement of maize with cassava root–moringa leaf and vegetable oil concentrates in broiler finisher diets

Context Roots and leaves have potential as feed ingredients for poultry, but antinutritional factors (ANFs), high fibre and low energy may limit their efficient utilisation. There is need to improve processing methods and diet formulation for maximum utilisation of these readily available resources and reduce feed cost. Aim To investigate the replacement of maize with cassava root, moringa leaf meal and vegetable oil blend in finisher broiler diets. Methods In total, 160 male broiler chickens aged 30 days were weighed and allotted randomly to 20 deep litter pens containing eight birds of similar individual weight (1500 g ± 16.11). Four broiler finisher iso-energetic and iso-nitrogenous diets were formulated for the experiment. Diet 1 was based on maize and in Diets 2, 3 and 4, 15%, 30% and 45% of maize was replaced respectively, by a concentrate of cassava root meal, moringa leaf meal and vegetable oil combination (CMOC). Each diet was given to five pens in a completely randomised design for a period of 12 days. Key results There were no significant differences in the growth parameters of birds among treatments. Except for drumsticks of birds on the 30% CMOC diet, there were no significant effects of diet on carcass components or digestive organ weights (P &gt; 0.05). Gizzard pH was higher in the control birds than in the test groups. Feed cost per kilogram of carcass weight was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) lower with the dietary inclusion of CMOC. Conclusion Replacing up to 30% of the maize with CMOC is beneficial and replacement up to 45% is not detrimental. However, the economic benefits of maize replacement with CMOC need to be re-evaluated with ingredient costings less affected by the present COVID-19 pandemic. Implications Maximum utilisation of cassava root and moringa leaf meal in the diet will reduce cost and improve income of small- to medium-holder broiler producers.

Uma comparação dos resultados econômicos obtidos por bezerros Holstein com diferentes pesos vivos na entrada do confinamento

ABSTRACT: The study compared the economic results between five groups of Holstein steers with different arrival body weights (ABW) but similar ages in the feedlot. The average ABW were 105, 112, 117, 123 and 129 kg (30, 90, 87, 60, and 30 calves, respectively) with an age of 113 ± 1d. The calves were randomly distributed using an unbalanced design. The calves were weighed upon arrival at the feedlot and subsequently on days 112, 224, and 361 of the study. The calves were fed a steam- flaked corn-based diets. A receiving diet (2.21 Mcal of NEm/kg DM) was provided during the initial 112 days of feeding. From day 112 until harvest all steers received a finishing diet (2.27 Mcal of NEm/kg DM). Because two different diets were used, two partial (day 1 to day 112 and day 113 to day 361), and one full period (day1 to day 361) feeding periods were evaluated. Statistical differences between the final weights of all the groups were observed, which allowed a profit estimation, obtained by subtracting the purchase cost of calves plus the total feed cost from the revenue obtained from the sale of the steers. Overall weight gain and feed intake were higher with increased ABW, feeding efficiency was better for intermediate ABW groups (112 and 117 kg), with the calves with ABW of 112 kg being the most profitable (USD 15.8 more profit than the 117 Kg. group)

Age at weaning of lambs raised in an intensive production system

Context Early weaning is an alternative that may shorten the production time, and improve growth, and carcass quality. Aims The effects of different weaning ages on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Dorper × Santa Inês lambs were evaluated. Methods Initially, 33 crossbred lactating ewes Dorper × Santa Inês with initial bodyweight (BW) of 53.16 ± 9.17 kg (mean ± s.d.) were penned individually with their lambs (nine females and 36 males; 6.59 ± 0.30 kg of initial BW and 10 ± 2.22 days of age) 10 days after birth and used in a randomised complete block design (three treatments and 11 blocks). Each pen was individually equipped with a creep feed system for the lambs. The lambs received the initial diet, and the ewes were confined and received a diet with 400 g/kg of roughage and 600 g/kg of concentrate. Lambs were weaned at ages of either 45 days (W45), 60 days (W60) or 75 days (W75). At weaning, the ewes were removed from the pens and the lambs remained in the same pen for 15 days, receiving the initial diet. After 15 days of weaning, only the males continued received the finishing diet until 165 days of life. After the finishing period, the lambs were slaughtered to measure the carcass characteristics. Key results There was no influence of weaning age on BW, body condition score, dry-matter intake, and milk production and composition of ewes. Additionally, there was no effect of treatments on the lambs‘ performance. Conclusion In an intensive production system, weaning at 45, 60, and 75 days provided similar growth performance and carcass characteristics. Implications Therefore, weaning at 45 days may be an option for farmers.

The effects of a nutritional packet (live yeast, vitamins C and B1, and electrolytes) offered to steers in a calf-fed system on growth performance, nutrient digestion, feeding behavior, carcass characteristics, and ruminal variables.

Effects of a nutritional packet strategically offered to calf-fed system steers on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, feeding behavior, ruminal variables, and carcass characteristics were evaluated. Angus crossbred steer-calves (N = 60; body weight [BW] = 234 ± 4 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design (block = BW) and stratified into two treatments: 1) control; and 2) 30 g/steer-daily (dry matter [DM] basis) of a nutritional packet containing (steer-daily basis): Live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae; 1.7 × 1010 CFU), vitamin C (Ascorbic acid, 162 mg), vitamin B1 (thiamin hydrochloride, 400 mg), sodium chloride (2.4 g), and potassium chloride (2.4 g). Animals were offered (electronic feed-bunks [SmartFeed, C-Lock Inc., Rapid City, SD]), a steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet to ad libitum (individual intake), once daily for 233 d. Treatments were offered during the first and last 60 days on feed (DOF). The GLIMMIX procedure of SAS was used, with steer as the experimental unit, treatment and phase (for feeding behavior and digestibility) as fixed effects, and BW-block as a random effect. Steers offered the nutritional packet had 14% less (P < 0.01) intake and 18% greater (P = 0.01) feed efficiency during the initial 30 DOF. Intake (days 0 to 233) was 6% greater (P = 0.02) for steers offered the nutritional packet, while BW gain was not different (P ≥ 0.44). Greater (P = 0.02) dressing percent (61.1% vs. 62%) for steers offered the packet was observed, while other carcass variables were not different (P ≥ 0.33). Digestibility of DM, organic matter, and fiber were greater (P < 0.01) for steers offered the packet. Steers offered the packet spent 13% less time eating during the first 60 DOF, while during the last 60 DOF a 14% greater meal frequency and 12.3% smaller mean meal size (treatment × phase interaction, P < 0.02) were observed. Steers offered the packet had a reduced (P ≤ 0.01) mean meal duration during both phases. Regardless of treatment, a decreased rumination (P ≤ 0.03) and chewing (P ≤ 0.01) activities were observed for the last 60 DOF compared to the first 60 DOF. Ruminal papillae area was 30% greater (P = 0.02) and the total volatile fatty acid (VFA) tended (P = 0.09) to be greater for steers offered the nutritional packet. The nutritional packet offered to calf-fed steers improved feed efficiency during the initial 30 d after arrival, while inducing superior overall intake, nutrient digestibility, dressing percentage, ruminal papillae area, and total ruminal VFA.

Performance and carcass characteristics of broiler finisher fed diets containing water hyacinth meal as a replacement for wheat offal

This study was conducted to evaluate the performance and carcass characteristics of broilers finisher fed diets containing water hyacinth meal as a replacement for wheat offal at various inclusion levels. Ninety broiler finisher were used for this study which were allotted equally into three dietary treatments such that Treatment 1 served as the Control without inclusion of water hyacinth meal; Treatment 2 had inclusion of 5% water hyacinth meal and Treatment 3 were served the inclusion of 10% water hyacinth as a replacement for wheat offal respectively in a Completely Randomized Design. Data were collected on performance and carcass characteristics of the chicken, the data were subjected to analysis of variance using SAS. Result revealed that there was no significantly difference (p&gt;0.05) in the initial weight, final weight, total weight gain and average daily weight gain among the control and water hyacinth meal diets. However, there were significant (p&lt;0.05) differences in the feed intake, average daily feed intake and the feed conversion ratio of the experimental birds. There was no significant differences (p&gt;0.05) of the treatments on carcass characteristics of the chicken except in the weight of the head and shank of the chicken. Based on the result obtained, it is therefore concluded that inclusion of water hyacinth meal up to 10% as a replacement for wheat offal in broiler finisher diet did not have effect on growth performance as well as carcass characteristics. Thus it is recommended that further studies could be conducted on increasing the inclusion levels of water hyacinth meal as supplementary diet or replacement of wheat offal in broiler production

Growth Performance, Haematological, Serum Indices and Histopathology of Finisher Broiler Chickens Offered Nutritional Supplement of Comfrey (Symphytum officinale L) Leaves Extract

Present study was carried out to investigate the effect of nutritional supplement of Comfrey (Symphytum officinale L) leaves extract on the performance, haematological, serum indices and histopathology of finisher broilers. 200g of Comfrey symphytum leaves were squeezed in 1 liter of H2O with a juicer to produce comfrey symphytum leaves extract. The leaves extract were further mixed (diluted) in clean drinking water at the rate of 0ml/liter of H2O, 50ml/liter of H2O, 100ml/liter of H2O and 150ml/liter of H2O designated as T1, T3, T4 and T5. T2 was given conventional supplement (Divertamin). Five groups of 30 broiler chicks (28 days old) of Agritech breed were randomly assigned to one of the supplementary Comfrey symphytum leaves extract and the conventional supplement for 28 days in a completely randomized design. Each group was subdivided into three replicates of 10 birds each. The birds were fed normal broiler finisher diet for all the groups. At the end of the 28 days feeding trial, performance indices result showed that T5 (150ml extract/liter of H2O) gave best value (P&lt;0.05) for feed conversion ratio, average weight changes and average daily weight gain but statistically similar (P&gt;0.05) to the control. The indices for economics of production showed that T5 had high earnings for revenue and gross margin with reduced cost/kg weight gain. The haematological and serum indices were not affected significantly (P&gt;0.05). Histopathological examination revealed that comfrey leaves extract caused effaced tissue stromal elements, congestion and marked cellularity of the liver. It was concluded that Comfrey symphytum leaves extract could be used as a nutritional supplement to improve performance of broiler finishers at 100 - 150ml of extract/liter of H2O due to its cost effectiveness and increased revenue and profit margin.

The effects of a Nutritional Packet (live yeast, vitamins C and B1, and electrolytes) offered during the final phase of feedlot steers on growth performance, nutrient digestion, and feeding behavior

The effects of a Nutritional Packet offered to beef steers during the final 64 d of the feedlot-finishing phase on growth performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and feeding behavior were evaluated. Angus-crossbred steers (N = 120; initial body weight = 544 ± 52 kg) were assigned to 30 pens (4 steers per pen; 15 pens per treatment) in a randomized complete block design where pen was the experimental unit. A steam-flaked corn-based finishing diet was offered to ad libitum, and the treatments were as follows: 1) control and 2) 30 g per steer-daily (dry matter basis) of the Nutritional Packet. The Nutritional Packet was formulated to provide 1.7 × 1010 CFU per steer-daily of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, 162 mg per steer-daily of vitamin C; 400 mg per steer-daily of vitamin B1; 2.4 g per steer-daily of NaCl, and 2.4 g per steer-daily of KCl. Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS with the fixed effect of treatment and the random effect of block. The average daily gain (P = 0.89), dry matter intake (P = 0.57), and gain efficiency (P = 0.82) were not affected by the inclusion of the Nutritional Packet. Digestibility of dry and organic matter, and neutral and acid detergent fiber increased (P ≤ 0.02) for steers offered the Nutritional Packet, while a trend for the same response was observed for hemicellulose (P = 0.08). The 12th rib backfat thickness increased (P = 0.02) for carcasses of steers offered the Nutritional Packet, followed by a greater (P = 0.03) calculated yield grade, whereas other carcass traits were not affected (P ≥ 0.32). While the steers under the control diet decreased behavior activities on day 63, a consistent pattern of feeding behavior measurements (activity min/d and min/kg of dry and organic matter, fiber fractions, and digestible nutrients) were observed for steers consuming the Nutritional Packet during both feeding behavior assessment periods (treatment × period interactions, P ≤ 0.03). Overall time (min/d) spent on rumination, drinking, active, chewing, and resting were not affected (P ≥ 0.28) by treatments. The Nutritional Packet offered to steers during the final 64 d on feed induced an improvement in apparent digestibility of nutrients and carcass fat deposition, without affecting growth performance or other carcass quality indices. Such effects associated with the more consistent feeding behavior of steers receiving the Nutritional Packet may warrant a shorter time on feed during the final portion of the finishing phase.

WSTĘPNA ANALIZA WYNIKÓW PRODUKCYJNYCH ŚLIMAKA JADALNEGO HELIX ASPERSA ASPERSA ŻYWIONEGO MIESZANKĄ PASZOWĄ Z DODATKIEM PIDOLANU WAPNIA

In the last few decades there has been an upward trend in consumption of edible snails of the species Helix aspersa in European countries. In the 1990s the first Helix aspersa aspersa snail farms in Poland appeared, and the country’s heliculture now accounts for about 10% of European pro- duction. Parameters used to calculate the profitability of production play an important role in all farming systems; in the case of snails these include the feed conversion rate and yield (kg per m2). Recent years have seen growing interest in organic sources of microelements as feed additives to increase productivity and enhance immunity. Therefore the aim of the study was to conduct pilot research on the effect of the addition of calcium pidolate to the diet on selected production and quality parame- ters in snails Helix aspersa aspersa. The experiment was carried out on two plots on a snail farm. Agrimony was grown on the two plots. The snails were fed grower and finisher diets. The diet for the experimental group was supplemented with 0.075% calcium pidolate. The experiment was continued until the snails reached somatic and commercial maturity. The snails in the experimental group were shown to mature earlier and weigh more, resulting in more kilograms of live weight per m2. Moreover, the percentage of snails classified as quality class I was higher in the experimental group. The amount of feed provided until completion of the cycle was higher in the control group, which could result in a longer fattening period and higher FCR. The pilot experiment carried out in snails Helix aspersa aspersa demonstrated that the addition of calcium pidolate to the diet of snails can result in a higher final weight and lower feed consumption.

Longitudinal analysis of the faecal microbiome in pigs fed Cyberlindnera jadinii yeast as a protein source during the weanling period followed by a rapeseed- and faba bean-based grower-finisher diet.

The porcine gut microbiome is central to animal health and growth as well as it can be structurally or functionally reshaped by dietary interventions. The gut microbiota composition in relation to Cyberlindnera jadinii yeast as a protein source in a weanling diet was studied previously. Also, there is a mounting body of knowledge regarding the porcine gut microbiome composition in response to the use of rapeseed (Brassica napus subsp. napus) meal, and faba beans (Vicia faba) as protein sources during the growing/finishing period. However, there is limited data on how the porcine gut microbiome respond to a combination of C. jadinii yeast in the weanling phase and rapeseed meal and faba beans in the growing/finishing phase. This work investigated how the porcine faecal microbiome was changing in response to a novel yeast diet with a high inclusion of yeast proteins (40% of crude protein) in a weanling diet followed by a diet based on rapeseed meal and faba beans during the growing/finishing period. The faecal microbiomes of the weanling pigs fed yeast were more diverse with higher relative abundance of Firmicutes over Bacteroidetes compared with those of soybean meal-based diet fed weanlings. Reduced numbers of Prevotella in the yeast fed faecal microbiomes remained a microbiome characteristic up until two weeks after the yeast diet was changed to the rapeseed/faba bean growing finishing diet. A number of differentially abundant bacterial phylotypes along with distinct co-occurrence patterns observed during the growing/finishing period indicated the presence of a "carry-over" effect of the yeast weanling diet onto the faecal microbiomes of the grower/finisher pigs.

Effects of Glutamine on Rumen Digestive Enzymes and the Barrier Function of the Ruminal Epithelium in Hu Lambs Fed a High-Concentrate Finishing Diet.

The present experiment aimed to research the effects of glutamine (Gln) on the digestive and barrier function of the ruminal epithelium in Hu lambs fed a high-concentrate finishing diet containing some soybean meal and cottonseed meal. Thirty healthy 3-month-old male Hu lambs were randomly divided into three treatments. Lambs were fed a high-concentrate diet and supplemented with 0, 0.5, and 1% Gln on diet for 60 days. The experimental results show that the Gln treatment group had lower pepsin and cellulase enzyme activity, propionate acid concentration, and IL-6, TNF-α, claudin-1, and ZO-1 mRNA expression in the ruminal epithelium (p < 0.05); as well as increases in lipase enzyme activity, the ratio of propionic acid to acetic acid, the IL-10 content in the plasma, and the mRNA expression of IL-2 and IL-10 in the ruminal epithelium, in contrast to the CON (control group) treatment (p < 0.05). Taken together, the findings of this present study support the addition of Gln to improve digestive enzyme activity, the ruminal epithelium’s barrier, and fermentation and immune function by supplying energy to the mononuclear cells, improving the ruminal epithelium’s morphology and integrity, and mediating the mRNA expression of tight junction proteins (TJs) and cytokines.