Higher Feed Conversion Ratio Research Articles

Effect of faba bean Vicia faba L. water/alcohol extract on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, textural properties, and collagen deposition in the swim bladder of juvenile Nibea coibor.

Faba bean has gained attention as a cost-effective protein source with the potential to enhance product quality (texture properties, collagen content, etc.) in fish. However, its anti-nutrition factor, high feed conversion ratio, poor growth performance, etc. limit the widely application as a dietary source, especially in carnivorous fish. The water or alcohol extract of faba bean might resolve the problem. In this study, the juvenile Nibea coibor, known for their high-protein, large-sized, and high-grade swim bladder, were fed with seven isoproteic and isolipid experimental diets with the additive of faba bean water extract (1.25%, 2.5%, and 5%) or faba bean alcohol extract (0.9%, 1.8%, and 3.6%), with a control group without faba bean extract. After the 10-week feeding trail, the growth, antioxidant capacity, textural properties, and collagen deposition of the swim bladder were analyzed. Results showed that the 1.25% faba bean water extract group could significantly promote growth, textural quality of the swim bladder, and have beneficial effects on antioxidant response of fish. Conversely, dietary supplementation of faba bean alcohol extract resulted in reduced growth performance in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, fish fed diet with 1.25% faba bean water extract exhibited increased collagen content and upregulated collagen-related gene expression in the swim bladder, which was consistent with the Masson stain analysis for collagen fiber. Our results suggested that the anti-nutrient factor and bioactive component of faba bean may mainly be enriched in alcohol extract and water extract of faba bean, respectively. Besides, the appropriate addition of water extract of faba bean may improve the texture quality of the swim bladder by promoting collagen deposition. This study would provide a theoretical basis for the formulated diets with faba bean extract to promote product quality of marine fish.

The American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) residue could partially replace the dietary fish meal in the juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) residue is a by-product of P. americana meal after extracting active ingredients with ethanol, and it still contains high protein, lipid, and a certain amount of active ingredients, may be a potential fish meal alternative. Five isonitrogenous and isolipidic experimental diets were formulated to replace 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of dietary fish meal with P. americana residue, and defined as Diet 1, Diet 2, Diet 3, Diet 4, and Diet 5, respectively. The juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with an initial body weight of 2.98 ± 0.01 g was fed with respective diets for 10 weeks, which was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary fish meal replacement by P. americana residue on the growth performance, proximate composition, amino acid profile, metabolism, antioxidant capacity, and immunity of juvenile O. niloticus. There were no significant differences in the final body weight, weight gain rate, and specific growth rate among five diet groups, while the highest feed conversion ratio and the lowest protein efficiency ratio were recorded in Diet 4. There were no significant differences in the contents of crude protein, total lipid, ash, and total amino acid in the whole fish body among all groups. The Diet 1 and Diet 2 had higher activities of trypsin, α-amylase, and chitinase in the intestine and α-amylase in the liver. The highest serum urea content was detected in Diet 4, while the lowest liver urea content and the highest serum total protein content were detected in Diet 3. A higher liver catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and serum lysozyme activities were detected in Diet 2, and the lowest serum malondialdehyde content was detected in Diet 2. In conclusion, dietary fish meal replacement by the P. americana residue had no negative effects on the growth performance and body composition of juvenile O. niloticus, and significantly improved the antioxidant capacity and immunity, while feed utilization rate was reduced when dietary fish meal replacement levels exceeded 75%.

The Substitution of Fish Meal or Chicken Meal With Yeast Culture in Diets of Bullfrogs (Lithobates catesbeianus): Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Indices, Intestinal Digestive Enzyme, Hepatic Antioxidant, and Hepatic and Intestinal Histology

The aim of this study was to reveal the effects of yeast culture replacing fish meal (FM) or chicken meal (CM) on the growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, intestinal digestive enzyme activities, hepatic antioxidant, and hepatic and intestinal histology of bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus). The basal diet contained 100 g/kg FM and 100 g/kg CM, and then yeast culture was used to decrease FM or CM level to 75 and 50 g/kg with yeast culture inclusion of 32 and 64 g/kg, respectively, resulting in five groups of isonitrogenous diets (control, FM75, FM50, CM75, and CM50). A total of 450 bullfrogs (45.5 ± 0.4 g initial weight) were fed the five diets for 50 days. (1) The FM50 group presented significantly lower weight gain, condition factor, hind leg index, and higher feed conversion ratio than the control group, while the other three groups of FM75, CM75, and CM50 showed no significant difference in growth performance when compared to the control group. (2) The serum triglyceride content of FM50 group was significantly lower, while the alkaline phosphatase activity was significantly higher than those of the control group. The serum total cholesterol levels were significantly lower in the CM50 group compared to the control group. (3) In intestinal digestive enzyme activities, the trypsin and α‐amylase activities in the CM75 and CM50 groups, the trypsin activity in the FM75 group, and lipase activity in the CM50 group were all significantly higher than those in the other groups. (4) The replacement of 50% FM with yeast culture (FM50 and CM50 groups) promoted the total antioxidant capacity in the liver, but compared to the control group, the intestinal villi height and muscularis propria thickness in the FM50 group were significantly lower. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in liver histology among all the groups. In conclusion, in a basal diet containing 100 g/kg FM and 100 g/kg CM, 32.0 and 64.0 g/kg yeast cultures could successfully replace 25% of dietary FM and 50% of dietary CM without negative effects on the growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, and hepatic and intestinal health of bullfrogs.

Comparison of differences in performance between pigs whose sires were identified using different selection strategies after experimental infection with PRRSV.

The objective of this study was to evaluate differences in the performance of offspring of boars selected with an index emphasizing resilience and boars selected based on a traditional index, emphasizing feed efficiency and carcass quality (traditional) index vs. a customized (resilience) index. The resilience index was identical to the traditional index, except that extra emphasis was placed on piglet vitality (increased by 66%), growth rate (decreased by 14%), and feed intake (increased substantially by 5,157%). Sows were mated to either boars selected based on the resilience index or boars selected on the traditional index. Weaned offspring were vaccinated for Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) and experimentally infected with PRRSV RFLP 1-7-4 four weeks later. Offspring were allocated to pens (n ~ 27 pigs/pen; n = 27 pens/group) by sire-selection group for a total of 1,458 pigs in 54 pens. The weight of each pen was recorded on 0, 42, and 110 d postinfection (DPI) and used to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Mortalities were recorded from 0 to 110 DPI and necropsies were routinely performed to characterize pathogens present within the barn. Pigs classified as full value (i.e., >104kg and void of defects) were slaughtered and hot carcass weight (HCW), backfat, loin depth, and lean weight were obtained from the slaughter plant. Effects of progeny group on performance, carcass characteristics, and mortality rate were estimated with a mixed linear model. Differences between progeny groups in ADG (P > 0.27), HCW (P = 0.68), backfat (P = 0.13), or loin depth (P = 0.39), and mortality rate (P = 0.29) were not detected. From 0 to 42 DPI, offspring of boars selected based on the resilience index had higher ADFI (0.06kg/d, P = 0.01) and higher FCR (0.12, P = 0.01). In summary, results from this study do not support selection of boars for increased feed intake, piglet viability, and robustness in order to prevent losses caused by PRRSV, but selection response was only measured after one generation of male selection. The impact of multiple generations of selection, or the development of an index including traits derived from data collected under disease-challenged conditions should be explored. The data collected for this study are a valuable resource to explore additional genetic selection strategies for enhanced resilience to a multifactorial PRRS challenge.

A comparative study on the expression of myogenic genes, and their effects on performance and meat quality in broiler chicken strains.

The aims of current investigation were to study the growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality and expression profile of Myostatin (MSTN), Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I), Myogenin (MyoG) and Myogenic regulatory factor 4 (MRF4) genes in three commercial broiler strains including Ross (Ross 308), Cobb (Cobb 500), and Arian in 2023. A total number of 240 one-day-old chicks were reared under an equalized standard management condition for 6 weeks. Performance, organ weights, meat quality and the expression level of the myogenic genes in the pectoral muscle were investigated. The lowest body weight (BW), feed intake, weight gain and highest feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed for Arian at the end of the study. The meat quality was similar between strains. The IGF-I expression level was significantly higher on 42 days of age in Cobb compared to Ross and Arian. The MRF4 expression level was significantly higher on 28 days of age in Cobb compared to Ross. The MyoG expression level was significantly lower in Arian compared to Cobb on 42 days of age. Furthermore, the MSTN expression level was significantly lower in Cobb compared to Ross and Arian on 42 days of age. The remarkable differences in gene expression levels at the end of the rearing period was supported by higher growth performance and BW of Cobb compared to Ross and Arian strains. In conclusion, the findings of current study could conveniently help assess the performance of these broiler strains under similar rearing condition.

Metabolomic assessment of African snail (Achatina fulica) meal on growth performance of giant river prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)

This study aimed to investigate the effects of replacing fishmeal (FM) with African giant snail (Achatina fulica) meal (SM) on the growth performance of giant river prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), as well as to analyze the associated metabolomic changes. Six diets were formulated, replacing FM with SM at different inclusion levels ranging from 0 % to 100 %. Growth performance and feed conversion ratio of prawns fed diets with FM replaced by SM up to 80 % were not significantly different from control. In contrast, significantly decreased growth performance and higher feed conversion ratio (FCR) occurred with diets containing 100 % SM. To gain insights into the metabolic regulation of prawns fed different diets, a 1H NMR metabolomics approach was used to assess the metabolic changes in prawns fed diets containing 0 % and 80 % SM. The results revealed up-regulated metabolites significantly involved in several metabolic pathways, including alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism; citrate cycle (TCA cycle); aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis; and valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis. These findings imply that including SM in the diet might modulate the regulation of muscle amino acids and tRNA synthesis, suggesting a potential impact on protein biosynthesis mechanisms. Additionally, alterations in the TCA cycle may reflect changes in carbon utilization, potentially contributing to the growth performance of giant river prawns when fishmeal is replaced with SM without adversely affecting their growth. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that SM could be a promising alternative protein source in aquafeed. The metabolomic approach provides valuable insights into the metabolic changes in prawns fed different diets, aiding in the development of more effective aquafeeds in the future. The study's limitations, such as the simplified diet formulation and the limited scope of the metabolomic analysis, were acknowledged and discussed, highlighting the need for further research to build upon these findings.

Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilizations of Heterobranchus bidorsalis (Geoffory Saint Hilaire, 1809) Fed on Fermented Sorghum Bran Meal Diets

The growth of aquaculture faces a high cost of feed which is about 60% to 75% of total production costs. An effort should be made to increase the profit by reducing the cost of feed as minimal as possible. This study investigated the growth performance and nutrient utilizations of Heterobranchus bidorsalis fed on fermented sorghum bran meal diets. sorghum bran was fermented at 10% moisture for seven days and samples for proximate analysis were collected on the first, fourth and seventh day. The highest crude protein was obtained in seventh day fermentation with 17.59±1.53% and the lowest was obtained in the zero day (control) with 10.53±1.53. Four isoproteic diets (40% crude protein) were formulated at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% inclusion level to replace maize meal. The diets were fed to H.bidorsalis for twelve weeks. The experimental fish were fed 5% body weight throughout the experiment. The results obtained from the feeding trial showed that the fish fed on 100% inclusion level shows significance difference (p<0.05) in mean weight gain compared to fish fed on other diets. The highest mean weight gain (MWG) was obtained in the fish fed on 100% inclusion level diet (D5) with 43.39±1.86g and the lowest was obtained in control diet (D1) with 28.97±0.54g. The highest Average Daily Growth (ADG) and Specific Growth Rate (SGR) were obtained in the fish fed on (D5) with 0.52±0.56 and 1.07±0.64 while the lowest were obtained in the fish fed on control diet with 0.35±0.51 and 0.91±0.65 respectively. The nutrient utilizations showed significant difference (p<0.05) in fish fed on (D5) compared to others. The highest feed conversion ratio (FCR) was obtained in fish fed on (D5) with 0.48±0.16 and the lowest was obtained in control with 0.41±0.24. The highest protein intake (PI), protein rating (PR) and protein growth rate (PGR) were obtained in the fish fed on (D5) with 43.12±1.27, 0.52±0.72 and 1.04±0.71 while the lowest were obtained in the fish fed on control with 29.99±0.71, 0.35±0.45 and 1.00±0.53 respectively. The highest Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER) was obtained in the fish fed on (D5) with 1.01±0.07 and the lowest was obtained in the fish fed 50% inclusion level diet (D3) with 0.95±0.62. The highest Apparent Net Protein Utilization (ANPU) and Apparent Net Lipid Utilization (ANLU) were recorded in the fish fed on (D5) with 23.35±0.92 and 161.22±0.26 while the lowest were recorded in the fish fed on (D1) with 14.68±1.05 and 131.27±0.74 respectively. This study revealed the positive effects of incorporating fermented Sorghum bran meal into the diet of H. bidorsalis.

Fresh aquaculture sludge management with black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) larvae: investigation on bioconversion performances

Aquaculture solid waste (ASW) is a nutrient rich material that can pose a significant environment challenge if not properly managed. This study investigated the potential of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae in converting this waste into biomass. Five substrates comprising chicken feed supplemented with varying proportions of fresh ASW (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) were formulated and evaluated for larval growth and waste bioconversion efficiency. High nutrients retention (N: 23.25 ± 1.40%; C: 21.94 ± 0.99%; S: 12.20 ± 1.33%) and feed conversion ratio (1.78 ± 0.08) were detected on substrate 100ASW, although the limited feeding rate (114.54 ± 5.38 mg dry substrate/larvae) and the high amount of indigestible fibres (ADF = 15.87 ± 0.24%; ADL = 6.36 ± 0.17%) were translated to low larval growth (final larval average weight: 66.17 ± 1.81 mg). Decreasing ASW content resulted in reduced fibres and ash, increase in non-fibrous carbohydrates and C/N ratio, and improved larval growth and substrate utilization. However, high larval metabolic activity suggested higher nutrients loss to the environment. Substrate 75ASW demonstrated the best performances in terms of larval production (final larval average weight: 176.30 ± 12.12 mg), waste reduction (substrate reduction corrected by percentage of ASW: 26.76 ± 0.86%) and nutrients assimilation (N: 22.14 ± 1.14%; C: 15.29 ± 0.82%; S: 15.40 ± 0.99%). This substrate closely aligned with optimal BSF rearing substrates reported in literature. Overall, this study highlights the potential of BSF larvae in managing fresh ASW, offering a dual benefit of waste reduction and insect biomass production.

Effects of thermal stress responses in goldfish (Carassius auratus): growth performance, total carotenoids and coloration, hematology, liver histology, and critical thermal maximum.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of thermal stress on growth, feed utilization, coloration, hematology, liver histology, and critical thermal maximum (CTmax) in goldfish (Carassius auratus) cultured at three different acclimation temperatures including 27°C, 30°C, and 34°C for 10weeks. Goldfish were assigned randomly to tanks with a quadruplicate setup, accommodating 20 fish per tank. The result showed that fish acclimated to different temperatures did not significantly differ in weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR). However, increasing temperature significantly decreased feed efficiency ratio (FER), protein efficiency ratio (PER), and protein productive value (PPV), but significantlyincreased feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.05). The coloration parameters significantly decreased by high temperature in the trunk region withincreasing temperature (L* and a* at week 5; L*, a*, and b* at week 10; P < 0.05). Total carotenoid contents in serum, fin, muscle, and skin also significantly decreased with increasing temperature (P < 0.05). Total protein, albumin, and globulin levels exhibited a notable decrease, while the albumin: globulin ratio showed a slight insignificant increase, with increasing temperature. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total cholesterol, and triglycerides significantly increased with increasing temperature (P < 0.05). While, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) decreased linearly (P < 0.05). Glucose and cortisol levels linearly increased with increasing temperature, the highest levels being observed in the 34°C group. Liver histology showed swollen hepatocytes, nuclei displacement, and infiltration of inflammation in fish cultured at 34°C. Goldfish acclimated to 34°C displayed a higher CTmax of 43.83°C compared to other groups. The present study showed that temperature should be kept below 34°C for goldfish culture to prevent high FCR, fading coloration, and liver damages.

Effects of different stocking densities and feeding frequencies on growth, physiological and biochemical indexes, and intestinal microflora of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) under land-based round pond

Land-based Round Pond is an emerging and efficient aquaculture technique widely adopted in Southwest China. To study the effects of stocking density and feeding frequency on growth, oxidative stress, physiological characteristics, and intestinal flora of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in Land-Based Round Pond, 3 × 2 two-factor treatment groups were set with three stocking densities (30, 40, and 50 fish/m3) and two feeding frequencies (2 and 3 times/day). Largemouth bass (initial weight of 155.62 ± 2.43 g) were stocked for 60 days. The yield of 30 fish/m3 groups were close to 40 fish/m3 groups, but the 30 fish/m3 groups demonstrated significantly higher growth rate, condition factor and lipid content compared to other density groups with a lower feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). The feeding frequency of 3 times per day resulted in higher growth rate than 2 times per day with a higher feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). Physiological and biochemical analyses showed that levels of TC, TG, lysozyme, ALP, T-SOD, CAT, AOC, lipase, and trypsin were significantly higher in the 30 fish/m3 groups than those of other density groups, while MDA content were highest in the 50 fish/m3 groups than other groups (p < 0.05). The T-SOD and CAT activity were significantly higher in the 3 times per day groups than those in the 2 times per day groups (p < 0.05), and no significant effect of feeding frequency on the immunity was observed. No pathological changes were found in muscle and intestinal histology, but infiltration of hemocytes was found in liver in the 50 fish/m3 groups. In intestinal microbial analysis, the 40 and 50 fish/m3 density groups had a higher relative abundance of Proteobacteria, suggesting a higher probability of disease occurrence and an unstable intestinal microflora. These results demonstrate that the optimal stocking density for largemouth bass in Land-Based Round Ponds is 30 fish/m3 (155 g/fish) at a size stage ranging from 155.62 g to 353.83 g, with the optimal feeding frequency of 3 times per day. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of Land-Based Round Ponds.

Effects of dietary supplementation with organic acids mixture on growth, feed efficiency, hematobiochemical parameters, immunity, and intestinal microbiota of Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) juveniles

This trial assessed for 90 days the influences of dietary organic acids mixture (Aquagest ® OM) on the performance of Gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata; n = 360; initial weight= 9.15 ± 0.10 g). A diet without organic acids supplement was specified as control (D0), whereas another five diets were supplemented by 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, and 0.5% for diets D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5, respectively. The fish fed on the control diet [D0] and 0.5% organic acids mixture-based diet [D5] exhibited the lowest final weight [Wt.90], weight gain [Wt.G.], average daily gain [A.D.G.], specific growth rate [S.G.R.], and feed intake [F.I.], as well as the highest feed conversion ratio [F.C.R.]. In comparison, the best results were with 0.2% and 0.3% organic acids mixture-based diets [D2 and D3]. The condition factor (K) rises when the amount of organic acid mixture in the diet is increased ≥ 0.2% [D2 – D5]. At the same time, the highest hepatosomatic indices [H.S.I.] were in the D5 and D1 groups. Furthermore, the lowest values for hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cells [RBCs] were observed in fish fed a basal diet, and the highest records were in fish-fed D2 and D3 diets. The best lysozyme and phagocytic activities were in D2 and D3 groups. Regarding total bacterial count, Vibrio, and Escherichia coli, fish given a basal diet (D0) showed the highest microbiota records, while fish fed on diets fortified with organic acids exhibited lower counts. No alterations between the experimental groups in body proximate composition, white blood cells [WBCs], total proteins, alanine transaminase [ALT], aspartate transaminase [AST], albumin, urea, creatinine, and acid-fermentative bacteria counts. In conclusion, based on the polynomial regression analysis of S.G.R., F.C.R., lysozyme activity, and phagocytic activity on organic acids levels, the optimal levels of the organic acids mixture ranged from 0.18% to 0.28%.

Can conventional forages be replaced with cotton plant (Gossypium hirsutum) wastes in fattening lambs? Laboratory and animal studies.

The cotton plant (Gossypium hirsutum) is a shrub native to many arid and semi-arid regions around the world, while the nutritional value of its wastes has been less scientifically investigated. Different components of whole cotton plant wastes (WCPW) including leaf blade, cotton pod, stem, root, bract, petiole, and cottonseed were evaluated for their nutritional values by standard laboratory methods. After that, we tested the WCPW for partial substitution (0, 20, 40, and 60% substitution or 0, 10, 20, and 30% of dietary dry matter (DM)) with dietary common forage in a completely randomized design with 32 feedlot male lambs for 90 days. A diverse range of chemical and mineral compositions was found among the different WCPW's components. The cottonseed had the highest crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) contents, while the lowest neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were observed in the leaf blade (P < 0.0001). The highest contents of calcium, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, and iron were also observed in the leaf blade (P < 0.0001). Higher potential gas production, in vitro organic matter digestibility (OMD), in vitro dry matter digestibility (DMD), and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) were also related to the leaf blade (P < 0.0001). Bract had the highest acid-base buffering capacity (P < 0.0001). The lambs fed on 30% of dietary DM with WCPW exhibited lower final body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), CP or NDF digestibility, ruminal TVFA, propionate, plasma total protein, and higher feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group. Generally, WCPW can be substituted up to 40% of common forages (or 20% of diet DM) without any adverse effect on growth performance and blood metabolites of feedlot lambs, especially during feed shortages.

312 Emissions Intensity of Growing Cattle with Contrasting Residual Methane Production, Average Daily Gain, Feed Conversion Ratio, Residual Feed Intake, and Feed Intake

Abstract Various options exist to produce beef from growing cattle with low environmental footprint normally linked to the genetic merit of animals for traits such as residual feed intake (RFI), residual methane production (RMP), residual CO2e production (RCeP), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and dry matter intake (DMI; % of BW). The ultimate environmental footprint can be measured through the intensity of methane emissions (IME) in g CH4/kg ADG or the intensity of CO2e (ICDE) adding up both CH4 and CO2 production in g CO2e/kg ADG. The objective of the present study was to compare the IME and ICDE of animals with low, medium, and high traits for RMP, RCDE, ADG, FCR, RFI, and DMI. Five cohorts of 77 steers composite steers and heifers (Angus, Charolais, and Shorthorn) were tested for RFI for 70 d using electronic feeders and CH4 and CO2 production measured using two GreenFeed units in the pens. Only animals with more than 25 visits longer than 3 min were used for the analysis and the final dataset contained 202 animals. Animals within each RFI test were divided into equal groups with low, medium, and high values for each variable RFI, RMP, ADG, FCR, and DMI. Data were averaged for each animal and trial, and analyzed using ANOVA with the fixed effects of group, trial, and their interaction. The IME were different for animals with contrasting RMP, ADG, and FCR (P &amp;lt; 0.05) but not between animals with contrasting DMI and RFI (P &amp;gt; 0.05). The largest difference on IME was found between animals with low and high RMP, ADG, and FCR, and least for RFI and DMI with values being 33.9, 28.1, 22.3, 6.2, and 1.5 g CH4/kg ADG, respectively (Table 1). Results were similar when emissions intensity were expressed as ICDE (Table 1), except animals with low RFI produced less ICDE compared with those with high FI (P = 0.02). Results indicate that the environmental footprint of growing cattle can be reduced with animals with low RMP and high ADG at similar extents, whereas RFI and DMI have lesser impact.

Optimizing feed utilization and reducing deterioration of African catfish feed with sodium propionate supplementation

A 56-day, two-phased experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of sodium propionate (NaP) on the growth performance of African catfish and the feed quality. One hundred juveniles with an average body weight of 50.47 g ( ± 4.60) were procured and used for the study’s first phase. Fish were randomly assigned to five groups (A, control group), B, C, D, and E) and replicated four times with five fish each. Respective groups were fed diets containing NaP at 0, 1.67, 3.33, 5.00, and 6.67 g kg−1 feed, respectively. For the second trial, the individual diets were analyzed for quality characteristics on 0-, 28- and 56-days of storage, using a mixed-model analysis of variance. Results showed significant differences in most growth performance parameters among groups except for the final body length and condition factor. Group C had lower final body weight (FW), weight gain (WG), average feed intake (AFI), specific growth rate (SGR), and higher feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the control. However, these parameters did not differ in Group D, which also showed lower AFI compared to the control. Increasing NaP decreased the sensory attribute scores of the feed and its crude protein (CP), ether, and ash levels while increasing moldiness, crude fiber, nitrogen-free extract, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs). NaP inclusion in feed resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in the feed deterioration, as seen in the lowered aggregate changes in sensory attributes, CP, moisture, and ash levels, with Group D having an optimal effect. The TBARs level (rancidity) decreased in Group B but increased in Group E during the study. The study concludes that there was a loss of fish feed quality with increasing storage time and that NaP particularly at 5.0 g kg−1 feed optimally improves feed utilization and effectively lowers feed deterioration for 56 days. Therefore, the use of NaP is recommended for improved aquaculture production.

Effect of the Incorporation Level of Ripe Avocado Pulp Powder Persea americana on the Zootechnical Performances of Clarias jaensis Juveniles (Boulanger, 1909)

In order to contribute to the valorization of agricultural by-products in fish feed, the effect of the incorporation level of the ripe avocado pulp powder persea americana on the zootechnical performance of Clarias jaensis Juveniles (Boulanger, 1909), was studied between February and July 2019 in the highland zone of West Cameroon. To attend the aims, 156 juvenile Clarias jaensis (25.82 ± 7.43g) settled in triplicates in floating tanks were fed four iso-protein rations (40% crude protein) corresponding to 0, 8, 12 and 16% incorporation of ripe avocado. Feed were distributed twice daily (8 am and 6 pm) at 5% of the fish biomass for 63 days. The following results were as follows: Survival rate, final mean weight, daily mean weight gain, specific growth rate and condition factor K were higher and non-significant in batches receiving 8% of ripe avocado pulp powder with a lower feed conversion ratio (99,14 ± 0,50% ; 40,22 ± 10,5g; 0,14 ± 0,44 g/d, 0,41 ± 1,07 %g/d; 0,70 ± 0,09 %g/cm3 and 1,87 ± 0,09) and lower with a highest feed conversion ratio at 16% incorporation (93,67 ± 8,47 %; 30,02 ± 8,00g; 0,08 ± 0,22 g/d; 0,28 ± 0,77 % g /d; 0,68 ± 0,15 %g/cm3 and 2,018 ± 017). Body composition varied with the level of pulp meal incorporation, water content was high with 0% (79.14%), and dry matter (23.87%), crude protein (15.35%) and fat (5.23%). It was higher with 16%, while ash was higher (3.45%) in batches fed with 12% incorporation. The feed cost was lower at 8% incorporation (734.89Fcfa/kg of fish produced). The incorporation of 8% avocado pulp meal was found to improve the growth of Clarias jaensis juveniles and reduce the feed cost. Producers can use spoiled avocados as fish feed to reduce production costs, without negative impact on the final product.

Specific Growth Rate (SGR) in Different Stages of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Production Cycle in Cemented Tank Based Semi-Intensive Aquaculture System

Traditional assessment of specific growth rate (SGR) using the data of the beginning and the end of aquaculture production cycle, avoiding intermediary data, is criticized as misleading way by the scholars. However, by knowing SGR in different stages of fish growth, the utilization of feed by fish can be well known. The study was conducted with aim to assess SGR of Tilapia in six concrete tanks for 90 days from 8th May to 10th August, 2017. Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry was released at the rate of 4 fry per tank equivalent to the stocking density of 160 fishes/decimal as of the semi-intensive aquaculture system. Sinking and floating feeds were used for feeding the fish in T1 and T2, respectively with three replications for each treatment. During the experimental period, feed was given at the rate of 20%, 15% and 10% of the body weight in 1st, 2nd and 3rd month, respectively. Moreover, aeration facilities were installed for 24 hours using air stone aerator. The weight of fish was recorded using digital balance in 3 days interval to measure SGR. The water quality parameters i.e., temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) were recorded twice daily. The weight gains of fish were 49.90±2.40 g and 63.12±4.97g for T1 and T2, respectively. The mean percent weight gain of Tilapia was higher in T2 (747±0.00 g) than T1 (253.51±0.00 g). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) in T1 and T2 were 1.70±0.07 and 2.53±0.20, respectively. Considering the data at the beginning and the end of the production cycle, the SGR (% per day) of Tilapia in T1 and T2 were 6.27±3.27 and 6.26±3.83, respectively. The SGR for floating feed was higher at the initial stage of production cycle and lower in the later stages. For sinking feed, SGR was almost static from the beginning to the end. The higher FCR in T2 correlated with the lower SGR in the later stage of the culture period. This confirmed that farmers using floating feed with pre-determined amount of feeding ration, waste the expensive feed and money. Higher total production was obtained in T2 (830.96 g) than T1 (610 g) with 100% survival in both treatments. Therefore, determining SGR in a specific interval, at least 15 days interval, might be the efficient feeding practice of Tilapia farmers.

Growth performance of Thai Pangus (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) using different synthetic amino acids in plant protein based formulated diets

An experiment was carried out for a period of 120 days to evaluate three formulated diets among of which T1 was formulated based on animal protein, T2 was partially replaced animal protein with plant protein and adding amino acid whereas the T3 was formulated with fully plant protein with adding amino acid to assess the growth performance of Thai Pangus, Pangasionodon hypophthalmus. Each treatment had three replicates using 9 (nine) mini experimental ponds. The stocking density was 120 fish/decimal. Initially, the fish were fed twice daily at a rate of 5% of their body weight, which was progressively reduced to 2% by the end of the experiment. During the experimental period, the water quality parameters observed (temperature 26.0°C-31.5°C, pH 7.50-8.44, DO 4.30-5.94 mgL-1, ammonia-nitrogen 0.01 to 0.03 mgL-1, and total alkalinity 155-185 mgL-1) were found to be optimal and stable. The mean weight gains (WG) of Thai Pangus were 421.6±4.71 g, 407.34±1.97 g and 345.89±4.44 g for T1, T2 and T3, respectively and significantly (p&lt;0.05) highest WG was obtained in T1 and T2 followed by T3. The specific growth rate (SGR) was found highest in T2 (2.70±0.03) followed by T1 (2.53±0.06) and T3 (2.16±0.04), respectively. The highest feed conversion ratio (FCR) was found in T1 (1.62) whereas lowest FCR obtained from T2 (1.52±0.01) followed by T3 (1.55). The protein efficiency ratio (PER) values were ranged between 2.03 and 2.13 and highest was found in T2 (2.13±0.05). The highest production was attained from T1 (13557.50±51.60 kg ha-1) followed by T2 (13227.71±50.72 kg ha-1) and T3 (11450.60±49.87 kg ha-1), respectively. The findings of this study revealed that, the partial replacement of animal protein with plant protein adding limited amino acid (lysine and methionine) exhibited the best performance on the basis of nutritive value and growth performance.

Effect of light restriction on productive results and behavior of broiler chickens

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of light restriction (18L:6D vs. 14L:10D), genotype (A vs. B), and sex on performance, behavior, and meat quality, and the occurrence of wooden breast (WB) and white striping (WS) in broiler chickens. To this purpose 704 one-day-old chickens of 2 genotypes, half males and half females, were reared from hatching until slaughtering at 45 d of age in 32 collective pens (22 chickens per pen). Light restriction reduced growth rate and final live weight (LW), but improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.01) and reduced inactive behaviors of chickens (P < 0.001). Light restriction also reduced WS occurrence in breasts (89.5 to 64.6%; P < 0.001) and reduced meat shear force (2.64 to 2.20 kg/g; P < 0.05) and ether extract content (2.29 to 1.87%; P < 0.05). Regarding genotype, compared to genotype B, chickens of genotype A were heavier (3,242 g vs. 3,124 g; P < 0.01) with higher cold carcass weight and Pectoralis major muscle yield (12.9 vs. 12.0%; P < 0.001) and a higher FCR (1.63 vs. 1.61; P < 0.01). Finally, females had lower final LW (2,852 g vs. 3,513 g) and higher FCR (1.64 vs. 1.59) than males (P < 0.001), but a higher proportion of breast and P. major (P < 0.001), lower cooking losses (P < 0.001) and shear force (P < 0.01), and higher protein content (21.6 vs. 20.7%; P < 0.001). In conclusion, light restriction depressed growth, but was effective in decreasing WS occurrence and improved feed conversion. The decrease in inactive behaviors (sitting/laying) of light-restricted chickens can be positively considered in view of animal welfare.

Utilization of Maggot Meal for Eel Fish Feed (Angguila bicolor bicolor)

The increase in aquaculture production must be accompanied by effective and efficient feed, thus requiring innovation to obtain the appropriate feed ingredients. This research aims to determine the effect of maggot meal and commercial eel feed on the growth, protein digestibility, and production cost of eel (Anguilla bicolor bicolor) aquaculture. Eels were reared in 15 aquariums measuring 60 × 40 × 40 cm, equipped with water filters, with five treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of maggot meal + eel feed in the following proportions: A1 (0% + 100%), A2 (25% + 75%), A3 (50% + 50%), A4 (75% + 25%), and A5 (100% + 0%). The feed was given twice a day, morning and afternoon, according to the requirements. Data on growth rate and feed efficiency were collected every two weeks, while protein digestibility and production cost were calculated at the end of the 60-day study period. Treatment A2 showed a daily growth rate of 1.218±0.409%, which approached the growth rate of the commercial feed treatment (A1). Treatment A5 had a growth rate of 0.309±0.218% per day, while treatment A1 had a growth rate of 1.440±0.364%. The best feed conversion ratio (FCR) in each phase was obtained in treatment A1, with a value of 1.862±0.086. The highest FCR was found in treatment A5, with a value of 6.455±1.158 in each phase. The best feed efficiency was observed in treatment A2 at 82.79%, while the lowest digestibility was in treatment A4 at 34.88%. The digestibility of feed in treatment A2 was the highest at 58.42%. According to the research findings, the production cost per kilogram of eel was more cost-effective and required less time in treatment A2, with a feed cost of Rp 105,000/kg. The utilization of a combination of maggot meal and commercial feed shows potential as a feed that can be used to enhance growth rate.

Protective effects of feed additives on broiler chickens exposed to aflatoxins-contaminated feed: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Aflatoxin contamination in feed is a common problem in broiler chickens. The present systematic review and meta-analysis examined the impact of aflatoxin-contaminated feed and the efficacy of various feed additives on the production performance of broiler chickens fed aflatoxin-contaminated feed (AF-feed). A total of 35 studies comprising 53 AF-feed experiments were selected following PRISMA guidelines. Feed additives included in the analyses were toxins binder (TB), mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), organic acid (OA), probiotics (PRO), protein supplementation (PROT), phytobiotics (PHY), and additive mixture (MIX). Random effects model and a frequentist network meta-analysis (NMA) were performed to rank the efficacy of feed additives, reported as standardized means difference (SMD) at 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Overall, broiler chickens fed AF-feed had significantly lower final body weight (BW) (SMD = 198; 95% CI = 198 to 238) and higher feed conversion ratio (SMD = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.13 to 0.21) than control. Treatments with TB, MOS, and PHY improved the BW of birds fed AF-feed (P < 0.05) to be comparable with non-contaminated feed or control. Predictions on final BW from the broiler-fed aflatoxin-contaminated diet were 15% lower than the control diet. Including feed additives in the aflatoxins diet could ameliorate the depressive effect. Remarkably, our network meta-analysis highlighted that TB was the highest-performing additive (P-score = 0.797) to remedy aflatoxicosis. Altogether, several additives, especially TB, are promising to ameliorate aflatoxicosis in broiler chickens, although the efficacy was low regarding the severity of the aflatoxicosis.