Higher Feed Efficiency Research Articles

The Potency of Bifidobacterium spp. as an Alternative to Antibiotic Growth Promoters on Feed Conversion Ratio, Feed Efficiency, and Nutrient Intake in Laying Hens

This article describes a new idea about using Bifidobacteriumsp isolates as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters, based on the ability of Bifidobacteriumsp isolates, which have the potential as a probiotic in laying hens. This study aims to prove that Bifobacteriumsp could improve production performance, including feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency, and nutrient intake (feed intake, crude protein intake, crude fiber intake, lipid intake, and organic matter). A total of 150 laying hens at 25 weeks of age were divided into three groups (P0: control, P1: 0.1% antibiotic growth promoters, P1: 0.05% Bifidobacterium spp. probiotic) and fed on a basal diet containing 2750 kcal/kg metabolizable energy and 18% crude protein for four weeks. The different supplementation to the basal diets showed significant differences (p<0.05) on feed conversion ratio, feed efficiency, feed intake, crude protein intake, crude fiber intake, lipid intake, and organic matter intake among the treatments. However, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, crude protein intake, crude fiber intake, lipid intake, and organic matter intake were lowest in the group fed with 0.5% of Bifidobacterium spp. The highest feed efficiency was obtained from the groups fed with 0.5% of Bifidobacterium spp, compared with the control and supplemented antibiotics growth promoters group. 0.5% of Bifidobacterium spp. supplementation to the diet of laying hens is beneficial for increasing feed efficiency and improving feed conversion ratio. The practical and theoretical significance of the results is that Bifidobacterium spp. can be used to improve production performance in laying hens.

Differences in net fat oxidation, heat production, and liver mitochondrial DNA copy numbers between high and low feed-efficient dairy cows

Improving feed utilization efficiency in dairy cattle could have positive economic and environmental effects that would support the sustainability of the dairy industry. Identifying key differences in metabolism between high and low feed-efficient animals is vital to enhancing feed conversion efficiency. Therefore, our objectives were (1) to determine whether cows grouped by either high or low feed efficiency have measurable differences in net fat and carbohydrate metabolism that account for differences in heat production (HP), and if so, whether these differences also exists under conditions of feed withdrawal when the effect of feeding on HP is minimized, and (2) to determine whether the abundance of mitochondria in the liver can be related to the high or low feed-efficient groups. Ten dairy cows from a herd of 15 (parity = 2) were retrospectively grouped into either a high (H) or a low (L) feed-efficient group (n = 5 per group) based on weekly energy-corrected milk (ECM) divided by dry mater intake (DMI) from wk 4 through 30 of lactation. Livers were biopsied at wk -4, 2, and 12, and blood was sampled weekly from wk -3 to 12 relative to parturition. Blood was subset to be analyzed for the transition period (wk -3 to 3) and from wk 4 to 12. In wk 5.70 ± 0.82 (mean ± SD) postpartum (PP), cows spent 2 d in respiration chambers (RC), in which CO2, O2, and CH4 gases were measured every 6 min for 24 h. Fatty acid oxidation (FOX), carbohydrate oxidation (COX), metabolic respiratory quotient (RQ), and HP were calculated from gas measurements for 23 h. Cows were fed ad libitum (AD-LIB) on d 1 and had feed withdrawn (RES, restricted diet) on d 2. Additional blood samples were taken at the end of the AD-LIB and RES feeding periods in the RC. During wk 4 to 30 PP, H had greater DMI/kg of metabolic body weight (BW0.75), ECM per kilogram of BW0.75 yield, and ECM/DMI ratio, compared with L, but a lower body condition score between wk 4 and 12 PP. In the RC period, we detected no differences in BW, DMI, or milk yield between groups. We also detected no significant group or group by feeding period interactions for plasma metabolites except for Revised Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index, which tended to have a group by feeding period interaction. The H group had lower HP and HP per kilogram of BW0.75 compared with L. Additionally, H had lower FOX and FOX per kilogram of BW0.75 compared with L during the AD-LIB period. Methane, CH4 per kilogram of BW0.75, and CH4 per kilogram of milk yield were lower in H compared with L, but, when adjusted for DMI, CH4/DMI did not differ between groups, nor did HP/DMI. Relative mitochondrial DNA copy numbers in the liver were lower in the L than in the H group. These results suggest that lower feed efficiency in dairy cows may result from fewer mitochondria per liver cell as well as a greater whole-body HP, which likely partially results from higher net fat oxidation.

Genetic basis and identification of candidate genes for wooden breast and white striping in commercial broiler chickens

Wooden breast (WB) and white striping (WS) are highly prevalent and economically damaging muscle disorders of modern commercial broiler chickens characterized respectively by palpable firmness and fatty white striations running parallel to the muscle fiber. High feed efficiency and rapid growth, especially of the breast muscle, are believed to contribute to development of such muscle defects; however, their etiology remains poorly understood. To gain insight into the genetic basis of these myopathies, a genome-wide association study was conducted using a commercial crossbred broiler population (n = 1193). Heritability was estimated at 0.5 for WB and WS with high genetic correlation between them (0.88). GWAS revealed 28 quantitative trait loci (QTL) on five chromosomes for WB and 6 QTL on one chromosome for WS, with the majority of QTL for both myopathies located in a ~ 8 Mb region of chromosome 5. This region has highly conserved synteny with a portion of human chromosome 11 containing a cluster of imprinted genes associated with growth and metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome. Candidate genes include potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily Q member 1 (KCNQ1), involved in insulin secretion and cardiac electrical activity, lymphocyte-specific protein 1 (LSP1), involved in inflammation and immune response.

Rumen biohydrogenation and milk fatty acid profile in dairy ewes divergent for feed efficiency

A sustainable increase in livestock production would require selection for improved feed efficiency, but the mechanisms underlying this trait and explaining its large individual variation in dairy ruminants remain unclear. This study was conducted in lactating ewes to test the hypothesis that rumen biohydrogenation (BH) would differ between high- and low-efficiency animals, and these differences would be reflected in rumen fatty acid (FA) profile and affect milk FA composition. A second aim was to identify differences in FA that may serve as biomarkers of feed efficiency. Data of daily feed intake and milk yield and composition, as well as body weight, were collected individually over a 3-wk period in 40 ewes. The difference between the mean actual and predicted feed intake (estimated through metabolizable energy requirements for maintenance, production, and body weight change) over the period was used as the feed efficiency index (FEI) to select 8 of the highest feed efficiency (H-FE) and 8 of the lowest feed efficiency (L-FE) animals. In addition, residual feed intake (RFI) was estimated as the residual term from the regression of feed intake on various energy sinks. Rumen and milk FA composition were characterized by using gas chromatography, and results were analyzed using a statistical model that included the fixed effect of the group (H-FE vs. L-FE). The FEI averaged -0.29 ± 0.046 and 0.81 ± 0.084 in H-FE and L-FE, respectively, whereas RFI averaged -0.16 ± 0.084 and 0.18 ± 0.082, respectively. The correlation coefficient between both metrics was 0.69. Feed intake was similar in both groups, but H-FE showed greater milk yield, with increases in lactose content and yield, and in milk protein and fat production. Results from rumen FA profiles included a lower proportion of 18:2n-6, cis-9 18:1, and of several of their BH metabolites, and a greater concentration of 18:0, which may indicate that the apparent BH would be more complete in more efficient sheep. Milk FA analysis suggested that the greater fat yield in the H-FE group was mostly explained by increased de novo FA synthesis, whereas their milk would have lower proportions of cis-9 18:1 and C20 to 22n-6 polyunsaturated FA than L-FE. Stepwise multiple linear regression suggested that milk C20 to 22n-6 PUFA might be convenient biomarkers to discriminate more efficient dairy sheep. Further research is needed to validate these findings (e.g., under different dietary conditions).

Effects of Feeding Level and Breed Composition on Intake, Digestibility, and Methane Emissions of Dairy Heifers.

Simple SummaryThe nutrients requirements of dairy cattle is the most used system to formulate dairy cattle diets. However, these guidelines were developed based on research using mostly purebred Holstein in temperate conditions and did not determine nutrient requirements of crossbred Holstein × Gyr or Gyr animals raised in a tropical environment. Studies conducted in tropical conditions demonstrated that breed largely affected the nutrient requirements of crossbred and Gyr cattle, which limits the use of this system. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of two feeding levels and three breed compositions on nutrient intake, digestibility, performance, and methane emissions of prepubertal (10-month-old) dairy heifers. We observed that feeding diets to allow gains of 400 and 800 g/day resulted in greater daily gain than the formulated, overestimating the nutritional requirements of the heifers. Overall, breed composition did not affect dry matter intake, but it did result in differences in nutrients digestibility coefficients and feed efficiency. Feeding prepubertal heifers above maintenance requirements was the main driver in reducing CH4 intensity in confinement conditions.The dairy Nutrients Requirements of Cattle (NRC) was developed using data from purebred Holsteins and it might not accurately predict the performance of crossbred cattle. Our objectives were to evaluate the effects of two feeding levels (FLs) and three breed compositions (BCs) on nutrient intake, digestibility, performance, and methane (CH4) emissions of prepubertal dairy heifers. We used thirty-six heifers from three BCs: purebred Holstein (H), purebred Gyr (G), and F1 Holstein × Gyr (HG). Each BC had 12 animals and the experiment was designed as twelve incomplete three by three Latin squares, in a factorial arrangement three by two, with three BCs and two FLs (400 and 800 g/day). Total tract nutrient digestibility was determined using total fecal collection and DMI was individually measured. The data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED in SAS. Dry matter intake of all nutrients increased from the medium to high feeding level and the nutrients digestibility coefficients did differ among BCs. Achieved body weight gain in the medium FL treatment was greater than those predicted using the NRC, suggesting that crossbred and Gyr heifers have similar performance to Holsteins. Breed composition does not influence body weight gain of confined dairy heifers, but Holstein heifers fed a medium FL had higher feed efficiency and reduced CH4 emissions intensity.

Identification of Predictor Genes for Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle by Applying Machine Learning Methods to Multi-Tissue Transcriptome Data.

Machine learning (ML) methods have shown promising results in identifying genes when applied to large transcriptome datasets. However, no attempt has been made to compare the performance of combining different ML methods together in the prediction of high feed efficiency (HFE) and low feed efficiency (LFE) animals. In this study, using RNA sequencing data of five tissues (adrenal gland, hypothalamus, liver, skeletal muscle, and pituitary) from nine HFE and nine LFE Nellore bulls, we evaluated the prediction accuracies of five analytical methods in classifying FE animals. These included two conventional methods for differential gene expression (DGE) analysis (t-test and edgeR) as benchmarks, and three ML methods: Random Forests (RFs), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and combination of both RF and XGBoost (RX). Utility of a subset of candidate genes selected from each method for classification of FE animals was assessed by support vector machine (SVM). Among all methods, the smallest subsets of genes (117) identified by RX outperformed those chosen by t-test, edgeR, RF, or XGBoost in classification accuracy of animals. Gene co-expression network analysis confirmed the interactivity existing among these genes and their relevance within the network related to their prediction ranking based on ML. The results demonstrate a great potential for applying a combination of ML methods to large transcriptome datasets to identify biologically important genes for accurately classifying FE animals.

Leptin administration during lactation leads to different nutritional, biometric, hemodynamic, and cardiac outcomes in prepubertal and adult female Wistar rats.

Literature reports that insults, such as hormonal disturbances, during critical periods of development may modulate organism physiology and metabolism favoring cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) later in life. Studies show that leptin administration during lactation leads to cardiovascular dysfunction in young and adult male Wistar rats. However, there are sex differences regarding CVD. Thus, the present work aimed to investigate neonatal leptin administration's consequences on different outcomes in female rats at prepubertal and adult age. Newborn Wistar female rats were divided into two groups, Leptin and Control, receiving daily subcutaneous injections of this adipokine (8 μg/100 g) or saline for the first 10 of 21 d of lactation. Nutritional, biometric, hemodynamic, and echocardiographic parameters, as well as maximal effort ergometer performance, were determined at postnatal days (PND) 30 and 150. Leptin group presented lower food intake (p = 0.0003) and higher feed efficiency (p = 0.0058) between PND 21 and 30. Differences concerning echocardiographic parameters revealed higher left ventricle internal diameter (LVID) in systole (p = 0.0051), as well as lower left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) (p = 0.0111) and fractional shortening (FS) (p = 0.0405) for this group at PND 30. Older rats treated with leptin during lactation presented only higher LVID in systole (p = 0.0270). Systolic blood pressure and maximum effort ergometer test performance was similar between groups at both ages. These data suggest that nutritional, biometric, and cardiac outcomes due to neonatal leptin administration in female rats are age-dependent.

Community composition of cecal microbiota in commercial yellow broilers with high and low feed efficiencies

The cecal microbiota plays important roles in host food digestion and nutrient absorption, which may in part affect feed efficiency (FE). To investigate the composition and functional differences of cecal microbiota between high (n = 30) and low (n = 29) feed conversion ratio (FCR; metric for FE) groups, we performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing and predicted the metagenome function using Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved Species in yellow broilers. The results showed that the 2 groups had the same prominent microbes but with differing abundance. Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria were 3 prominent bacterial phyla in the cecal microbial community. Although there were no differences in microbial diversity, compositional differences related to FCR were found via linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size; the genus Bacteroides had a significantly higher abundance (LDA >2) in the high FE (HFE) group than in the low FE group. Furthermore, genus Bacteroides had a negative FCR-associated correlation (P < 0.05). Oscillospira was positively correlated with Bacteroides in both groups, whereas Dorea was negatively correlated with Bacteroides in the HFE group. Predictive functional analysis revealed that metabolic pathways such as “starch and sucrose metabolism,” “phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis,” and “carbohydrate metabolism” were significantly enriched in the HFE group. The relatively subtle differences in FE-associated cecal microbiota composition suggest a possible link between cecal microbiota and FE. Moreover, Bacteroides may potentially be used as biomarkers for FE to improve growth performance in yellow broilers.

Comparison of Growth Performance and Meat Quality Traits of Commercial Cross-Bred Pigs versus the Large Black Pig Breed.

Simple SummaryEmphasis on improving meat quality is growing in the meat industry. Pigs under the same diet and environment could present with difference in meat quality if they have diverse genetic backgrounds. The Large Black pig is a British native pig breed which is famous for its hardness and resistance to extensive farming; compared with commercial cross-bred pigs, they have a slower growth rate. The aim of this study is to investigate the carcass and meat quality traits of Large Black pigs and commercial cross-bred pigs in relation to their transcriptome profiles, and consequently clarify the phenotypic and genotypic differences between these two groups of pigs. The results showed that Large Black pigs had greater intramuscular fat content than commercial cross-bred pigs, while the growth performance of commercial cross-bred pigs was better, and the transcriptomic differences between these two groups of pigs may be the cause of meat quality and growth performance variances. The outcome of the study provides new sights into the adoption of the Large Black breed in the pig industry.The meat quality of different pig breeds is associated with their different muscle tissue physiological processes, which involves a large variety of genes related with muscle fat and energy metabolism. Understanding the differences of biological processes of muscle after slaughter is helpful to reveal the meat quality development of different breeds. Therefore, eight native Large Black pigs (BP), with high fat content in meat, and seven cross-bred commercial pigs (CP), which had a high feed efficiency with high lean meat, were used to investigate the differences in their meat quality and RNA transcriptomes. The average daily gain (ADG) and hot carcass weight (HCW) of CP were higher than BP, but the back-fat thickness of BP was higher than CP (p < 0.05). The CP had higher a* (redness) but lower h (hue angle) than BP (p < 0.05). The metmyoglobin (MMb) percentage of CP was higher (p < 0.05) than BP. The fat content and oxygen consumption of longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles in BP were higher (p < 0.05) than CP. BP had higher monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) content, but CP had higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content (p < 0.05). The RNA-seq data highlighted 201 genes differentially expressed between the two groups (corrected false discovery rate (FDR) p < 0.05), with 75 up-regulated and 126 down-regulated genes in BP compared with CP using the fold change (FC). The real-time PCR was used to validate the results of RNA-seq for eight genes, and the genes related to lipid and energy metabolism were highly expressed in BP (p < 0.05). Based on the results, BP had superior intramuscular fat content to CP, while the growth performance of CP was better, and the transcriptomic differences between these two groups of pigs may cause the meat quality and growth performance variance.

Effect of space allowance and mixing on growth performance and body lesions of grower-finisher pigs in pens with a single wet-dry feeder

BackgroundLow space allowance (SA) and mixing may result in reduced growth performance (GP) and animal welfare issues because of adverse social behaviours directed to pen mates. This could be exacerbated in pens with single space feeders owing to social facilitation of feeding behaviour. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of SA and mixing on GP and body lesions (BL) in pens with one single space wet-dry feeder.ResultsTwo experiments were conducted on grower-finisher pigs from 10 to 21 weeks of age. In Exp1, pigs (N = 216) were assigned to three SA; 0.96 m2/pig (n = 6 pens; 10 pigs/pen; SA96), 0.84 m2/pig (n = 6; 12 pigs/pen; SA84) and 0.72 m2/pig (n = 6; 14 pigs/pen; SA72), in a randomized design. In Exp2, pigs (N = 230) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial randomized design considering SA and mixing as treatments. Pigs were assigned to two SA; 0.96 m2/pig (n = 10 pens; 10 pigs/pen; SA96) and 0.78 m2/pig (n = 10; 13 pigs/pen; SA78) and were either mixed or not at the entry to the finishing facility. GP was not affected by SA (P > 0.05) in either experiment. In Exp2, non-mixed pigs were 5.4 kg heavier (P < 0.001), gained 74 g more per day (P = 0.004), consumed 101.8 g more of feed per day (P = 0.007) and tended to have higher feed efficiency (P = 0.079) than mixed pigs from 11 to 21 weeks of age. Number of BL was affected by SA in both experiments. In Exp1, SA72 pigs had 74.4 and 97.4% more BL than SA96 and SA84 pigs at 20 weeks of age respectively (P < 0.01). In Exp2, SA78 pigs had 48.6, 43.6 and 101.3% more BL than SA96 pigs at 12, 16 and 21 weeks of age respectively (P < 0.05). Mixing did not affect the number of BL from 12 to 21 weeks of age in Exp2 (P > 0.05).ConclusionMixing had a considerable effect on growth performance thus, strategies to avoid or mitigate mixing should be considered. Although space allowance had no effect on growth performance, high number of body lesions in the lower space allowance indicates that space allowances equal or below 0.78 m2/pig are detrimental to the welfare of pigs despite following the EU legislation.

Upstream Regulator Analysis of Wooden Breast Myopathy Proteomics in Commercial Broilers and Comparison to Feed Efficiency Proteomics in Pedigree Male Broilers.

In an effort to understand the apparent trade-off between the continual push for growth performance and the recent emergence of muscle pathologies, shotgun proteomics was conducted on breast muscle obtained at ~8 weeks from commercial broilers with wooden breast (WB) myopathy and compared with that in pedigree male (PedM) broilers exhibiting high feed efficiency (FE). Comparison of the two proteomic datasets was facilitated using the overlay function of Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) (Qiagen, CA, USA). We focused on upstream regulator analysis and disease-function analysis that provides predictions of activation or inhibition of molecules based on (a) expression of downstream target molecules, (b) the IPA scientific citation database. Angiopoeitin 2 (ANGPT2) exhibited the highest predicted activation Z-score of all molecules in the WB dataset, suggesting that the proteomic landscape of WB myopathy would promote vascularization. Overlaying the FE proteomics data on the WB ANGPT2 upstream regulator network presented no commonality of protein expression and no prediction of ANGPT2 activation. Peroxisome proliferator coactivator 1 alpha (PGC1α) was predicted to be inhibited, suggesting that mitochondrial biogenesis was suppressed in WB. PGC1α was predicted to be activated in high FE pedigree male broilers. Whereas RICTOR (rapamycin independent companion of mammalian target of rapamycin) was predicted to be inhibited in both WB and FE datasets, the predictions were based on different downstream molecules. Other transcription factors predicted to be activated in WB muscle included epidermal growth factor (EGFR), X box binding protein (XBP1), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFB1) and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NFE2L2). Inhibitions of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), AHR nuclear translocator (ARNT) and estrogen related receptor gamma (ESRRG) were also predicted in the WB muscle. These findings indicate that there are considerable differences in upstream regulators based on downstream protein expression observed in WB myopathy and in high FE PedM broilers that may provide additional insight into the etiology of WB myopathy.

Divergent selection towards body weight and betaine supplementation on quails performance in tropical environment

Initial body weight may affect animal performance. This study investigated the effect of divergent selection based on body weight and betaine supplementation on performance of quails in the tropical environment. In total, 900 7-day-old female Japanese quails were divided into 30 cages of 30 birds in a 3×2 factorial design. The first factor was body weight (Random, High, and Low), and the second factor was betaine supplementation (0% and 0.14%), resulting in 6 treatments. Performance data were collected for 2 periods of 28 days during the laying phase. The variables observed included feed consumption, egg production, egg weight, and feed conversion. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance and continued with Duncan’s Test for significant results. The results showed that there was no interaction between body weight and betaine supplementation on quails’ performance. Random body weight produced more eggs and the highest feed efficiency than Low body weight (P&lt;0.05), although the result did not differ from High body weight. Betaine supplementation enhanced egg weight (P&lt;0.05) than the non-supplemented group but did not affect other variables. It is concluded that Random and High weight and betaine supplementation can be applied to optimize the performance of quails in a tropical environment.

Ingestion of xylooligosaccharides during the suckling period improve the feed efficiency and hindgut fermentation capacity of piglets after weaning.

Fiber ingestion during the suckling period is helpful for gut development and probiotic colonization. Xylooligosaccharides (Xos) and xylan (Xyl) were selected to investigate the effects of different polymerization degree fiber ingestion on the growth performance and microbiota fermentation capacity of pre- and post-weanling piglets. An in vitro fermentation trial was also conducted to verify the microbial fermentation capacity of weanling piglet fecal microbiota. Results showed that Xos and Xyl ingestion had no significant effect on the piglet body weight and D-lactate level in the plasma at 21 d during the suckling period. After weaning, piglets in the Xyl group had a lower average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.05), vitro dry matter (DM) fermentability (P < 0.05) and activity of xylanase (P < 0.05) than the control and Xos groups. The Xos group had no significant difference in the ADG when compared with the control group, but a significantly lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.05) than the control group, which means a high feed efficiency in the Xos group. The highest carbohydrate digestion and absorption ability of fecal microbiota (P < 0.05) was found in the Xos group. Meanwhile, the Xos group had the highest butyrate production ability (P < 0.05) and activity of xylanase (P < 0.05) during in vitro fermentation. The ingestion of Xyl during the suckling period had negative effects on the feed efficiency and hindgut fermentation capacity of weanling piglets. Xylooligosaccharide ingestion to suckling piglets improves growth performance and feed efficiency after weaning through increasing the fermentation capacity of microbiota and fiber-degrading enzyme secretion.

Administration of Saccharomyces boulardii mafic-1701 improves feed conversion ratio, promotes antioxidant capacity, alleviates intestinal inflammation and modulates gut microbiota in weaned piglets

BackgroundProbiotics are used as a means to improve animal health and intestinal development. Saccharomyces boulardii is a well-known probiotic; however, few studies have examined the effects of S. boulardii on weaned piglet performance. Therefore, this 28-day study compared the effects of S. boulardii mafic-1701 and aureomycin in diets for weaned piglets on growth performance, antioxidant parameters, inflammation and intestinal microbiota. One hundred and eight piglets, weaned at 28 d of age (8.5 ± 1.1 kg), were randomly divided into the three dietary treatment groups with six pens and six piglets per pen (half male and half female). The dietary treatment groups were as follows: 1) basal diet (CON); 2) basal diet supplemented with 75 mg/kg aureomycin (ANT); 3) basal diet supplemented with 1 × 108 CFU/kg S. boulardii mafic-1701 (SB).ResultsCompared to CON group, SB group had higher feed efficiency (P < 0.05) in the last 14 d and lower diarrhea rate (P < 0.05) over the entire 28 d. Total superoxide dismutase in serum was markedly increased in SB group (P < 0.05). Moreover, compared with CON group, SB group decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (P < 0.01) and Tumor necrosis factor-α (P < 0.05) in jejunum. Supplementation of S. boulardii mafic-1701 increased the abundance of Ruminococcaceae_UCG_009 and Turicibacter (P < 0.05), whereas the abundance of unclassified_Clostridiaceae_4 was decreased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, S. boulardii mafic-1701 administration increased cecal concentration of microbial metabolites, isobutyrate and valerate (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe improvement in feed conversion ratio, reduction in diarrhea rate in weaned piglets provided diets supplemented with S. boulardii mafic-1701 may be associated with enhanced antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory responses and improved intestinal microbial ecology.

Artificial Feed from Organic Waste for Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

Carp ( Cyprinus carpio L.) is one of the widely cultivated fishes in Indonesia. Utilization of organic waste from the traditional market such as chicken intestines, corn husk, and water spinach stems into artificial feed for carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) var. Majalaya is discussed in this study. Compared to the commercial feed commonly used by fish farmers in Pontianak, artificial feed with a protein content of 30% showed the best growth rate of body length and weight, and highest feed efficiency. With the proper cultivating condition, artificial feed presents a huge opportunity to be an alternative solution to reduce the cost of carp farm production.

Impacts of Feeding Restriction Regimes on Economic and Productive Performance of Nile Tilapia Fish

This study investigated the effect of feeding restriction regimes on economic and productive performance of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Sixty Nile tilapia fish were randomly classified into three groups (n=10/group) with similar initial body weight. Group I (Control group) was fed three times daily for 32 days. Group II was deprived for 4 days and then re-fed for 16 days, while Group III was deprived for 8 days and then re-fed for 32 days. The experiment was terminated after 10 weeks. All groups were fed on commercial diet at 2% of body mass. Indicate parameters measured were weight gain, feed efficiency, feed conversion ratio, economic conversion ratio and water quality. The above parameters were measured every 2 weeks. The results revealed that, after 64 days, Fishes which exposed to long starvation periods (8F:32R) consumed significantly (P= .01) more feed compared to other the restricted group (4F:16R). The highest feed efficiency was observed in fish exposed to 4F:16R. However, this group showed less feed intake than the 8F:32R and control groups. Moreover, cost benefit analysis under restriction indicated that, the highest return observed in control group and restricted fish for 4 days and the lowest in restricted fish for 8 days (P= .05). On the other hand, parameters of water quality (pH, Dissolved oxygen, Turbidity and Ammonia) were significantly (P= .01) affected by feed restriction regimes. Turbidity and ammonia levels were more in control group than the restricted groups.

Grouping crossbred Holstein x Gyr heifers according to different feed efficiency indexes and its effects on energy and nitrogen partitioning, blood metabolic variables and gas exchanges

The objectives of this study were: i) to classify animals into groups of high and low feed efficiency (FE) using three FE indexes (Residual feed intake (RFI), Residual weight gain (RG) and Feed conversion efficiency (FCE)), and ii) to evaluate whether crossbreed Holstein x Gyr heifers divergent for FE indexes exhibit differences in nutrient intake and digestibility, energy partitioning, heat production, methane emissions, nitrogen partitioning and blood parameters. Thirty-five heifers were housed in a tie-stall, received ad libitum TMR (75:25, corn silage: concentrate) and were ranked and classified into high (HE) or low efficiency (LE) for RFI, RG and FCE. The number of animals for each HE group were 13 (< 0.5 standard deviation (SD) for RFI, 11 for RG and 11 for FCE (> 0.5 SD) and for the LE were 10 (> 0.5 SD) for RFI, 11 for RG and 12 for FCE (< 0.5 SD). Gas exchanges (O2 consumption, CO2 and CH4 production) in open-circuit respiratory chambers and whole tract digestibility trial was performed. A completely randomized experimental design was used and the data were analyzed by ANOVA and correlation study. High efficiency animals for RFI produced less CO2, consumed less O2 and had lower heat production (HP). Methane production was positively correlated with RFI. High efficiency RG had higher O2 consumption and CO2 production in relation to LE-RG. High efficiency FCE had greater NFC digestibility, higher positive energy balance (EB) and excreted (11.4 g/d) less nitrogen in urine. High efficiency RG and FCE groups emitted less CH4 per kg of weight gain than LE animals. Animals HE for RFI and FCE had lower β-hydroxybutyrate and higher glucose concentrations, respectively. The differences in intake, digestibility, energy and nitrogen partition, CH4 emission, blood metabolic variables and heat production between the HE and LE groups varied according to the efficiency indexes adopted. The HP (kcal/d/BW0.75) was lower for HE animals for RFI and FCE indexes.

Residual Feed Intake in Dairy Ewes: An Evidence of Intraflock Variability.

Simple SummaryFew, if any, reference is available in residual feed intake in dairy sheep. In this study, carried out during more than two months with French Lacaune dairy ewes in mid-lactation, we demonstrated an intraflock variability in feed efficiency determined by, beyond litter size and daily milking frequency, evident differences between the individuals in their efficiency of using the available total mixed rations.This study examined the intraflock variability of feed efficiency in dairy ewes, through monitoring residual feed intakes (RFI). Primiparous lactating ewes (n = 43; 57.7 ± 0.91 kg body weight [BW] at lambing), representative of a French Lacaune dairy flock, were allocated in an equilibrated 2 × 2 factorial design experiment, lasting for 63 days during mid-lactation and combining 2 litter sizes (singletons, SING or twins, TWIN) and 2 daily milking frequencies (once, ONE or twice, TWO). Weaning occurred, and milking started, at 35 days after lambing (DIM). Ewes were individually fed a diet based on ryegrass silage, local hay, and supplements. Individual dry matter intake (DMI) was recorded daily and further used to evaluate (and compare) differences in RFI between ewes at 42, 49, 56, 63, 70, 77, 84, 91, and 98. Average individual RFI were calculated weekly since the first week (i.e., 35–42 DIM). Total (BW) and metabolic (BW0.75) body weight, body condition score BCS, milk yield, and plasma non-esterified fatty acids NEFA were monitored weekly. Differences in DMI were mainly due to the lactation stage and litter size and were 11% higher in ewes with TWIN compared to SING. This was positively correlated to milk yield and consistent with differences in RFI which varied due to litter size and to the milking frequency × lactation stage interaction. Ewes that lambed SING showed higher feed efficiency (−0.08 ± 0.018 vs. 0.13 ± 0.014 kg DM/ewe/d of RFI in SING vs. TWIN, respectively), whereas there were no differences in BW or BCS. Milking frequency did not affect DMI but milk yields were higher in TWO, which was related to a higher feed efficiency in this group (0.115 ± 0.016 vs. −0.07 ± 0.016 kg DM/ewe/d of RFI in ONE vs. TWO, respectively). Average RFI was affected (p < 0.0001) by the ewe, thus allowing a ranking among individuals to be established. High (n = 22) or low (n = 21) feed efficiency ewes averaged −0.17 ± 0.09 or 0.18 ± 0.09 kg DM/d RFI, respectively. Estimates of RFI were not correlated to the individual milk production potential. Even if no differences in BW, BW0.75, or BCS were detected, high-efficiency ewes mobilized 1.5 times their body reserves (0.30 vs. 0.20 mmol NEFA/L of plasma) when compared to the low-efficiency group. The observed intraflock variability in feed efficiency of this dairy ewes’ flock was affected by litter size and milking frequency but also by evident differences between individuals’ physiologies.

Feed efficiency and income over feed cost of Ettawa crossbred goats fed different quality of dry complete feed supplemented with mineral

This study aim was to evaluate the effect of different quality of dry complete feed and mineral (Zn-Se) supplementation on feed efficiency and income over feed cost of Ettawa crossbred goats. Sixteen weaned female goats aged 4-month-old were used in this study. The experiment was conducted in factorial 2x2 in a completely randomized design with 4 replications and 2 factors. The first factor was different levels of energy and protein in the diets: 14% CP + 63% TDN (T1); and 16% CP + 67% TDN (T2). The second factor was the Zn-Se supplementation (treatment and control). The concentration of Zn and Se in the supplement were 20 mg/kg and 0.2 mg/kg, respectively. Results showed that goats in T1 group lost the body weight (BW) by 11.07 g, whereas T2 group gained 10.48 g of BW within 6 weeks of experimental period. Supplementation of Zn-Se in the T2 diets prevented the BW lost and resulted in the highest BW gain (7.15 kg) within 14 weeks. Moreover, the T2 diets plus Zn-Se supplement also resulted in the highest feed efficiency (11.82%) as well as income over feed cost (IDR. 1,722 head/d). It is concluded that dry complete feed containing 16%CP and 67% TDN with Zn-Se supplementation (Zn 20 mg/kg + Se 0.2 mg/kg). It is recommended for female weaned-goat for the optimal growth and increase the income over feed cost. It is recommended for female kid goat at the growth phase.

The effects of seaweed, Sargassum sp. meal dosages in the artificial diet on growth, feed intake, feed efficiency, protein efficiency ratio, and nutritional body composition of Rabbitfish, Siganus guttatus

Sargassum sp. meal is a plant ingredient that has not been used properly, and its potential has not fully realized as an herbivorous fish diet. This experiment aims to determine the potential use of sargassum meal in the grow-out of the rabbitfish diet. Rabbitfish (initial weight of 51.76 ± 0.11 g ind−1) those were cultivated in fifteen floating net cages sized 1×1×1.5 m3 at 20 fish cage−1 stocking density lasted for 90 days. This experiment was designed as Completely Randomized Design with five treatments of sargassum meal dosages in diets, which were 0.0, 7.5, 15.0, 22.5, and 30.0%, with three replications each. The results showed that no significant effect (P>0.05) of different sargassum meal dosages on the specific growth rate and survival rate of rabbitfish. However, feed intake increased with increasing sargassum meal, where the highest was obtained at 22.5% (275.6±9.2 g fish−1) and 30.0% (270.8±8.4 g fish−1) dosages which were significantly higher (P<0.05) than the other dosages. At the same time, sargassum meal dosages were significantly different (P<0.05) on feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio, where they both seem to decrease with the increase of sargassum meal. The highest feed efficiency was obtained at the dosage of 0.0% (68.6±3.6%) that had no significant effect (P>0.05) with 7.5% (63.7±2.2%) and for protein efficiency ratio was obtained at 0.0% (2.29±0.12) that had no significant effect (P>0.05) with 7.5% (2.20±0.08) and 15.0% (2.12±0.05) dosages. The use of sargassum meal as much as 30.0% caused a lower crude lipid and higher crude protein contents in the nutritional body composition of rabbitfish, and was significantly different (P<0.05) compared to 0.0% dosage. Based on the growth rate of fish, the optimum dosage of sargassum meal in rabbitfish grow-out diet was estimated at 19.46%, but only 7.5% of sargassum meal could be used in the diet based on feed efficiency.