Higher Crude Protein Digestibility Research Articles

Tropical grass digestibility assessed by the mobile bag and in vitro methods in horses

This study aimed to compare the digestibility of tropical grasses by horses by the in vivo method using mobile nylon bags with the in vitro digestibility method using horse feces as a source of inoculum. Five horses were used in a 2 × 5 factorial design with randomized blocks featuring two methods (in vivo and in vitro) and five grasses: Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon spp.), sixweeks threeawn grass (Aristida adsencionis, Linn), Alexandergrass (Brachiaria plantaginea (Link) Hitchc.), capim-de-raiz (Chloris orthonoton, Doell), and Sabi grass (Urochloa mosambicensis). No difference (P>0.05) was found between the in vivo and in vitro methods regarding nutrient digestibility of Sabi grass and sixweeks threeawn. Tifton 85 was the only grass that showed differences (P<0.05) between the two methods concerning the apparent digestibility of all nutrients. Alexandergrass, Tifton 85, and capim-de-raiz exhibited the best digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and organic matter by the mobile bag method compared to the in vitro method. Tifton 85 and capim-de-raiz had higher crude protein digestibility by the mobile bag method than by the in vitro method. The mean retention time of the mobile bags in the digestive tract of the horses was 43.69 h. The bags with samples of sixweeks threeawn and Sabi grass had shorter retention times than capim-de-raiz and Alexandergrass (P<0.0001). It is concluded that, for sixweeks threeawn and Sabi grass, digestibility in horses can be assessed using the in vitro method in place of the mobile nylon bag method.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Cinnamon, Flaxseed, and Lemon Seed Essential Oils’ Effects on In Vitro Gas Formation and Nutrient Degradability in Diets

This study aimed to assess the impact of essential oils (EOs) on in vitro gas formation and the degradability of dairy and beef cattle diets. This study also aimed to investigate the effects of different types of EOs on nutrient utilization and rumen microbial activity. The current study was conducted using a fully randomized design consisting of eight experimental treatments, including two control treatments without any additives, and treatments with cinnamon essential oil (CEO), flaxseed essential oil (FEO), and lemon seed essential oil (LEO) at a concentration of 60 mg/kg fresh mass. Two control treatments were used, one with alfalfa silage and dairy concentrate (DC, CON-DC) and the other with alfalfa silage and fattening concentrate (FC, CON-FC). Gas formation, dry matter (DM) digestibility, crude protein (CP) digestibility, effective degradability (ED), and soluble fractions of DM and organic matter (OM) were evaluated. CEO had a substantial effect on gas formation (p &lt; 0.05). When EOs were added to the diets, they increased dry matter digestibility after 24 h of incubation as compared to control treatments. After 24 h of incubation, FCCEO and FCFEO had the highest CP digestibility among the diets. FCLEO considerably enhanced ED, as well as the soluble fraction of DM (a) at a passage rate of 2% per hour. Treatment with FCCEO resulted in a significant increase in soluble fractions compared to the control diets. At a passage rate of 2% h, DCCEO had the maximum ED value. When EOs were introduced to the diet, they dramatically decreased the insoluble portion of CP (b). Compared to the control treatments, gas production was significantly lower in the presence of LEO (FCLEO; p &lt; 0.05). The addition of EOs to cattle diets may increase nutrient utilization and enhance rumen microbial activity. EOs extracted from lemon seeds (at a dose of 60 mg/kg of diet) lowered gas production in both dairy cattle and fattening diets.

Evaluation of a dacitic (rhyolitic) tuff breccia use on performance, inflammatory, and antioxidant responses in broilers mildly challenged with Eimeria spp.

The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of a dacitic tuff breccia (DTB) on Eimeria-infected broilers. A total of 600 one-day-old Cobb 500 male chickens were randomly assigned to 5 treatments with 10 replicates of 12 birds. Treatments were: an unchallenged control (UC), a challenged (CC) control (0% DTB), and 3 challenged groups with 0.125, 0.25, or 0.5% DTB. At d 14, birds in the CC and DTB groups were orally gavaged with mixed Eimeria spp., while the UC received water. Growth performance was evaluated during prechallenge, challenge, and postchallenge periods (0-14 d; 14-20 d; and 20-26 d, respectively). Gastrointestinal permeability was measured at 5 days postinfection (dpi). Intestinal histology and nutrient digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and ileal digestible energy (IDE) were measured at 6 dpi. Liver activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) was determined at 6 dpi, and concentrations of reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were analyzed at 6 and 12 dpi. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model analysis and Tukey's test (P ≤ 0.05). From 0 to 14 d, similar average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI, P > 0.05) were observed. Gain:feed ratio (GF) was higher in 0.125, 0.25, and 0.5% of DTB than the CC and UC (P < 0.001). From 14 to 20 d, the UC had the highest ADG, ADFI, and GF (P < 0.001). At 5 dpi, intestinal permeability was higher in the challenged groups than the UC. Additionally, the UC showed the highest apparent ileal digestibility of CP, whereas 0.125% DTB had higher CP digestibility than the CC and 0.5% DTB (P < 0.001). At 6 dpi, 0.125% DTB increased GSH-Px activity compared to the CC, 0.5% DTB, and UC (P < 0.001). At 12 dpi, 0.125% DTB showed increased GSH concentration compared to the CC, 0.25% DTB, and 0.5% DTB (P < 0.01). The mild coccidia infection negatively impacted growth performance, apparent ileal nutrient digestibility, intestinal histology, and gastrointestinal integrity in broilers. The use of 0.125% DTB exhibited potential in improving antioxidant responses, apparent ileal digestibility of CP, and growth performance.

Dietary Crude Protein and Total Digestible Nutrient on The Performance of Boerka Goats Male Growing Phase

Boerka goat is the best meat type goat. Feed quality is one of the biggest factors that affect productivity, so it is necessary to know in advance the need for nutrients. The purpose of this study was to determine the dietray of crude protein (CP) and Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) in efficient feed for the production of Boerka goats male growing phase. This study was designed in a completely randomized design, consisting of six combination feed treatments with six replications. Namely: 1 (CP 13.00% and TDN 63.10%); 2 (CP 13.03% and TDN 65.07%); 3 (CP 13.00% and TDN 70.00%); 4 (CP 15.00% and TDN 62.69%); 5 (CP 15.12% and TDN 65.00%); 6 (CP 15.00% and TDN 70.00%). The observed variables were feed consumption, feed consumption ratio (FCR), nutrient digestibility (dry matter, organic matter, crude protein) and average daily gain (ADG). Results of this study show that the balanced of CP and TDN has no significant effect on consumption and FCR. However, it was significantly different for digestibility and ADG. Feed treatment (CP 13.03% and TDN 65.07%) obtained the higher digestibility of DM and OM (71.49 and 70.5%), while the highest CP digestibility was treated with CP 15.05% and TDN 62.69% (71.59%). The ADG response of Boerka goats with CP 13.03% and TDN 65.07% was the good results (144.90 g head-1day-1) while the lowest response was on CP 13.08% and TDN 63.10%. It is concluded that the dietray of CP 13.03% and TDN 65.07% is a recommended of Boerka goat male growing phase.

Effect of organic acid treated diets on growth, apparent nutrient digestibility and faecal moisture of broiler chickens

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of four organic acids (acetic, bubric, citric and formic acids) inclusion in the diets of broilers on growth, nutrient digestibility and faecal moisture. One hundred and fifty one day old Arbor-Acre-plus chicks were used. There were five dietary treatments. Basal diet which served as control contained no organic acid was formulated, while diets 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively contained 0.25% acetic, butyric, citric and formic acids formed by adding 0.25% of each acid to the basal diet. Each treatment was replicated three times with 10 birds per replicate, arranged in completely randomized design (CRD). Diets were both isocaloric and isonitrogenous. The experiment lasted for 4 from the fourth to the eight week. Feed and water were given ad libitum. There were no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) in live weight, -daily gain, feed intake, feed: gain ratio and protein efficiency ratio. Acetic acid significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased water intake. Fecal moisture was significantly reduced by citric and butyric acids. Higher crude protein digestibility was achieved by butyric acid (69.98%) citric (69.67%) and formicucid (71.33%) than the control (63.75%). Digestibility of CF, EE and ash was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in all the organic acid groups. Feeding of diets treated with 0.25% of the test organic acids at the finisher phase, in that despite improved digestibility of nutrients the practice should not be encouraged for reasons of insignificant growth performance.

Effect of organic acid treated diets on growth, apparent nutrient digestibility and faecal moisture of broiler chickens

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of four organic acids (acetic, butyric, citric and formic acids) inclusion in the diets of broilers on growth, nutrient digestibility and faecal moisture. One hundred and fifty one day old Arbor-Acre - plus chicks were used. There were five dietary treatments. Basal diet which served as control contained no organic acid was formulated, while diets 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively contained 0.25% acetic, butyric, citric and formic acids formed by adding 0.25% of each acid to the basal diet. Each treatment was replicated three times with 10 birds per replicate, arranged in completely randomized design (CRD). Diets were both isocaloric and isonitrogenous. The experiment lasted for 4 from the fourth to the eight week. Feed and water were given ad libitum. There were no significant differences (P&gt;0.05) in live weight, daily gain, feed intake, feed: gain ratio and protein efficiency ratio. Acetic acid significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased water intake. Fecal moisture was significantly reduced by citric and butyric acids. Higher crude protein digestibility was achieved by butyric acid (69.98%) citric (69.67%) and formic acid (71.33%) than the control (63.75%). Digestibility of CF, EE and ash was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in all the organic acid groups. Feeding of diets treated with 0.25% of the test organic acids at the finisher phase, in that despite improved digestibility of nutrients the practice should not be encouraged for reasons of insignificant growth performance.

Nutrient utilization by rabbits fed brewers' dried grains from different proportions of barley, maize and sorghum

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the energy and protein of Brewers' Dried Grains (BDG) produced from different proportions of harley, maize and sorghum on the performance of rabbits. Sixteen (16) rabbits made up of New Zealand and Chinchilla, eight (8) weeks old averaging 1.20kg were used in the trial in a completely randomized design. The four (4) diets were BDG (maize: barley: sorghum) (BDG MBS); BDG (maize: harley) (BDGMB); BDG (maize: sorghum) (BDG MS) and BDG (sorghum) (BDG S). The diets were the only source of protein and energy. The treatment effect was significant (p &lt; 0.05) with the highest crude protein digestibility and nitrogen retention values recorded for BDG MBS. The digestible and metabolizable energy values were not significantly different (p &gt; 0.05) for the BDG investigated. The digestible energy values determined for BDG MS, BDGS, BDG MBS and BDG MB in W/kg of dry matter were 16.97, 15.57, 14.84 and 13.35 respectively while the values for ME in MJ/kg of dry matter were 16.32, 14.91, 14.31 and 12.34 respectively. BDG from local sources have potential to make complete feed for rabbits judging from their impressive energy and protein values.

Gut Histomorphometric and Blood Profile of Broiler Chicks Fed Varied Levels Of Protein

Gut plays active role in screening what goes into the blood stream and blood is very important parameter to access for us to establish the health status of animal to any dietary variation, this will help the producer ability to guaranty the consumers’ health. Therefore this research was designed to determine gut histomorphometry and blood profile of broiler starter fed varied levels of protein. Material and method is A total of 144 days-old-broiler chicks were used for the study. Broiler standard starter mash with varied protein percentages of 20, 23, and 26%, respectively for treatments 1, 2 and 3 were used. Data were analysed using ANOVA at α0.05. Results is Except crude protein and ash contents, others nutrient digestibilities were not affected by the dietary treatments. Birds fed lower crude protein had the lowest crude protein digestibility while birds fed standard diet (23% CP) had the best and highest crude protein digestibility. White blood cell decrease with decrease dietary protein, this might have serious effect on the immunity level of the broilers. Also globulin increases while albumin decreases with increase in dietary protein levels. Serum total protein increases with increase in the dietary protein levels and diet with26% CP recorded the highest value (5.82g/dL). Serum cholesterol values were significantly higher at lower protein level unlike serum protein whiledifferent gut parts response significantly different to dietary treatments. Conclusion is at early stage broiler growth, diet need to have higher CP to improve the immunity and health growth of gut.

Partial substitution of soy protein isolates with cricket flour during extrusion affects firmness andin vitro protein digestibility

The rapid increase in global population and the unsustainable conventional meat production have created demand for alternative animal-derived protein. Traditionally, soy has been utilised in structuring meat analogues. Currently, edible insects are researched as a potential alternative source of proteins and a valuable ingredient in development of meat analogues. High moisture extrusion was applied to a mixture of soy protein isolate (SPI) and full or low-fat cricket flour (CF) and the impact of cricket inclusion levels as well as extruder barrel temperature on the firmness andin vitro protein digestibility was evaluated. The SPI flour was substituted at 0 (control), 15, 30 and 45% and extruded on a laboratory co-rotating twin-screw extruder with a throughput of 1 kg/h at 150 rpm screw speed. Cooking temperature was varied at 120, 140 and 160 °C and water flowrate set to 10 ml/min. Texture as evaluated on all the treatments by texture profile analysis while thein vitro crude protein digestibility (CPD) was done on raw flours and extrudates with 15 and 45% CF inclusion and at 120 and 160 °C. The extrusion temperature had a negative correlation (r=-0.49) with the CPD but the CF inclusion had a correlation; r=0.71 (120 °C) and -0.28 (160 °C). The highest CPD (50%) was recorded from 45% full-fat CF extruded blend at 120 °C. Firmness was positively influenced (r=0.56) by temperature but negatively influenced (r≈-0.57) by CF inclusions at selected temperatures. Overall the low-fat CF blends had lower firmness values compared to their full-fat counterparts and control samples. The findings from this research demonstrated to be relevant for processing of high-protein and insect-based meat alternatives for food dependencies.

Effect of additives on fermentation characteristics, nutrient values and &lt;i&gt;in vitro&lt;/i&gt; fermentation profile of &lt;i&gt;Neolamarckia cadamba&lt;/i&gt; leaf silage

This study was designed to investigate the effects of additives on the ensiling characteristics of Neolamarckia cadamba leaf (NCL) silage. The NCL were allocated to six ensiling treatments, namely control (C-S), uncompacted (UC-S) (negative control), with the addition of sodium sulphite (S-S), with propionate (P-S), with citric acid plus sodium acetate (CA-S), and with glucose (G-S). Fermentation parameters, chemical compositions and in vitro fermentation profile of the silages were investigated after 60 days’ storage. Compared with the control, the application of additives improved dry matter recovery (DMR), while UC-S had a poorer DMR. All the silages increased in pH value and acetate content, except for P-S. Lactate concentration was higher in S-S and G-S, and lower in UC-S, P-S, and CA-S. P-S, CA-S, and G-S had increased water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) concentrations. Soluble crude protein was higher in UC-S and CA-S. All the treated silage had greater gas production at slower rates, except for S-S. The fermentation of S-S, P-S and CA-S resulted in higher content of short-chain fatty acids and microbial crude protein relative to UC-S. S-S (38.82%) and CA-S (37.89%) had higher organic matter digestibility relative to the control (36.43%). S-S (42.80%) and P-S (43.99%) had higher crude protein digestibility, which was lower in UC-S (30.73%) when compared with the control (37.74%). There was no difference in the predicted available energy of these silages. The low ammonium nitrogen ratio and the high proportion of true protein inferred that protein was well preserved in these silages, even the uncompacted silage. These results suggest that sulphite and organic acids, such as propionate and citrate, could be an option to improve the feed quality of NCL silage, and its great protein conservation deserves more attention. Keywords: feed quality, in vitro technique, Neolamarckia cadamba , ruminant nutrition, silage processing

Fine grinding or expanding of feed as pre-treatment for pelleting in dependence on dietary rapeseed expeller proportion: Nutritional consequences for broilers

ABSTRACTAlthough commercial broiler feed is usually differently conditioned before pelleting, the nutritional consequences of fine grinding or expanding as pre-pelleting treatments are poorly defined so far. Therefore, the effects of these two pre-treatments on nutrient digestibility, broiler performance and digestive tract of broilers were tested. In order to investigate possible interactions between pre-treatments and diet composition two diets differing in rapeseed expeller proportion were tested in a two by two factorial design. Thus, four diets were designed including two diets containing 6% rapeseed expeller (RSE) which were pre-treated by fine grinding (6%FgP) or expanding (6%ExP), and two corresponding diets containing 12% RSE (12%FgP and 12%ExP). For the experiments, 864 male broilers were used. There was a significant diet-by-technical feed treatment (TFT) interaction in case of the digestibility of all considered crude nutrients (p < 0.05). Diet 6%ExP showed higher crude protein digestibility compared to other feeds (p < 0.001). The highest digestibility of organic matter, ether extract, crude fibre and N-free extractives achieved diet 12%FgP. Diets 6%ExP and 12%FgP showed higher N-corrected metabolisable energy content (p < 0.001). TFT affected daily feed intake (DFI) and body weight (BW) gain in a diet-dependent manner (p < 0.001). Feeding of 6%FgP enhanced DFI and BW gain compared to other feeds but 6%ExP reduced both parameters (p < 0.001). Weights of proventriculi and gizzards of animals fed 6%ExP were increased compared with 6%FgP (p < 0.01). In contrast, proventricular length in animals fed 6%FgP was increased compared with diet 6%ExP (p = 0.042). Moreover, animals fed 6%FgP had wider proventriculi than animals fed 12%FgP (p = 0.023). Feed 6%ExP increased proventricular weight compared to 12%ExP (p = 0.001). With regard to the strong relationships between diet and TFT no specific processing method can be recommended according to considered nutritional aspects. A marked prevention of proventricular dilatation due to pellet feeding could not be realised by various used TFT or feed formulations. Used amounts of RSE had no obvious adverse effects on considered nutritional aspects.

Upgrading of by-product from beverage industry through solid-state fermentation with Candida utilis and Bacillus subtilis.

Yellow wine lees (YWL) are the main co-products in yellow wine industry with unbalanced amino acid (AA) profiles. Solid-state fermentation was employed in this study to upgrade the YWL for ruminant animals. A 3×3 orthogonal design was conducted to optimize the fermentation condition for optimal crude protein (CP) yield as follows: ratio of water to total solid medium at 50:100 (v/w), temperature of 30°C, and ratio of Candida utilis to Bacillus subtilis at 2:1. The contents of CP, peptides and AA of fermented products were 14·5, 40·9 and 26·1% higher than those of the unfermented respectively. In particular, the essential AA were highly improved, especially for lysine and methionine. The fermentation increased the invitro microbial protein synthesis with higher CP digestibility and dramatically enhanced the ability of scavenging free radicals of the YWL. It is concluded that the microbial pretreatment can greatly improve the nutritional value of YWL, making these materials more suitable as feeds for animals, including ruminants. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Yellow wine lees (YWL) are the main co-products in yellow wine industry with unbalanced amino acid (AA) profiles and are not well utilized. A strain combination of Candida utilis and Bacillus subtilis was employed to upgrade YWL. Contents of crude protein and peptides of YWL were greatly increased by microbial fermentation. Essential AAs of YWL were highly improved after the solid-state fermentation and no negative impact was observed in invitro digestibility. Fermented YWL may be a good feed source for ruminants.

Influence of various concentrate‐to‐roughage ratios on dietary intake and nutrient digestibilities of weanling horses

The objective of this study was to compare the feed intake and the apparent digestibilities of three different diets varying in concentrate-to-roughage ratios in weanling horses (n=24) at 5 and 8months of age. Horses were stratified by breed, gender, birth date and body weight and assigned to one of three dietary treatments containing the following concentrate-to-roughage ratios on an as-fed basis: 70:30 (High Con), 50:50 (Equal) and 30:70 (Low Con). All horses were fed their respective diets for a 10-day adaptation period and a 4-day collection period at 5 and 8months. There were no differences in BW or daily feed intake among treatments during both trials. The horses consuming Low Con had a greater amount of faecal output than High Con at both 5 and 8months (p<0.01). At 5months, High Con had the highest crude protein (CP) digestibility (p<0.05). At 8months, High Con had a higher CP digestibility than Low Con (p<0.01) and tended to be higher than Equal (p=0.07). Acid detergent fibre (ADF) digestibility did not differ among treatments; however, horses fed the Low Con tended to digest a higher percentage of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) than both the Equal and High Con treatments (p=0.09). Horses in the High Con treatment tended to digest a higher percentage of energy than those in the Low Con treatment (p=0.06). Weanlings seem to digest protein more thoroughly when fed high-concentrate diets and may digest fibre more efficiently when fed diets higher in fibre.

Effect of feeding larvae meal in the diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and meat quality in broiler chicken

Larvae meal has been reported as a suitable alternative protein source to fish meal and soybean meal. It contains necessary essential amino acids required in poultry feeding. A feeding trial was conducted to assess the effects of feeding different levels of larvae meal on broiler performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass and meat quality, and bacterial count. Day-old male broiler chicks (216) were raised for 42 days. Birds were weighed and randomly allotted into 6 dietary treatments consisting of 6 replicates (pens) per treatment and 6 birds in each replicate. The dietary treatments were supplemented with earth larvae meal by 0% (control group), 2%, 4%, 6%, 8% and 10%. The feed and drinking water were provided ad lib. The findings showed that body weight, average daily gain and total weight gain for group of birds fed 0% larvae meal significantly decreased compared to those chickens fed 8% and 10% larvae meal. A higher crude protein digestibility was found in birds fed with larvae meal. Control group had the highest Enterobacteriaceae count compared to the other treatments. Larvae meal supplementation improved the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and meat quality of broiler chicken and decreased excreta Enterobacteriaceae counts.

Chemical characterisation of Moringa oleifera (MO) leaves and the apparent digestibility of MO leaf meal-based diets offered to three chicken strains

The utility of Moringa oleifera leaves as a nutraceutical component of chicken diets depends on the leaves’ chemical composition and in vivo digestibility, parameters that are largely unknown. Therefore, this study investigates the chemical composition of M. oleifera leaves at different stages of maturity as well as the apparent digestibility of M. oleifera leaf meal (MOLM)-based diets when offered to three chicken strains. Tender and mature leaves were separately harvested from 12 individual trees and stored separately for processing and chemical analyses. The leaves were air-dried in a well-ventilated laboratory to constant weight and milled to pass through a 1 mm sieve before being analysed for proximate and mineral components. A mixture of tender and mature leaves was also collected from all the trees and bulked before being similarly processed to produce a bulk leaf meal. The bulk leaf meal was used to dilute a commercial broiler finisher diet at 0 (MOLM0), 25 (MOLM25), 50 (MOLM50), and 100 (MOLM100) g/kg DM, producing four isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets whose digestibility was evaluated in 90-day old Potchefstroom koekoek (PK), Ovambo (OV) and Black Australop (BA) chickens. Crude protein content was significantly higher in tender (324.63 g/kg DM) than in mature (285.2 g/kg DM) leaves. Tender leaves had higher concentrations of Ca (19.15 g/kg) and P (4.15 g/kg). However, Fe content for mature leaves (150.5 dpm) was higher compared to tender leaves (110.5 dpm). The level of phenolics was higher in mature leaves. In BA chickens, the control diet (MOLM0) had highest crude protein digestibility (87.0%) followed by MOLM100 (85.4%). In OV and PK strains, diets with higher levels of MOLM had higher crude protein digestibility. It can be concluded that the inclusion of MOLM in chicken diets did not negatively affect nutrient digestibility in OV and PK chickens, thus there is potential to utilize this feed resource for improved productivity in these extensively-reared chickens.

Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Meat Quality of Bali Cattle Fed a Ration Supplemented with Soybean Oil Calcium Soap and Cashew Fruit Flour

The study to evaluate growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites profile and meat fatty acid of Bali cattle treated with 3 different types of rations were conducted using a completely randomized block design with 4 replications. Ration treatments were R1: 40% native grass (NG) + 60% concentrate, R2: 40% NG + 60% concentrate supplemented with 5% soybean oil calcium soap (SOCS), and R3: (40% NG + 60% concentrate supplemented with 5% SOCS + 10% cashew fruit flour (CFF). Variables measured were growth performance, nutrients digestibility, blood metabolites, and meat fatty acid profile. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the differences between treatment means were examined by Duncan Multiple Range Test. Results of the study showed that the 3 different feed treatments did not have any significant effect on dry matter intake and organic matter intake, daily body weight gain, feed efficiency, crude fiber, ADF and NDF digestibilities, cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), total fatty acid contents and content of unsaturated and saturated meat fatty acids of Bali cattle meat. Different treatment rations also did not affect dry matter digestibility, however the treatments significantly affect the organic matter, crude protein, and fat digestibility (P<0.05). Bali cattle fed 5% SOCS (R2) and 5% SOCS + 10% CFF (R3) had higher organic matter and ether extract digestibilities and linoleic acid content of meat (P<0.05) compared with the control (R1). The Bali cattle fed with R1 and R2 had higher crude protein digestibility (P<0.05) compared with that of R3. It is concluded that the supplementation of 5% SOCS and 10% CFF in the ration improved the digestibility of organic matter, ether extract and linoleic fatty acids content in Bali cattle meat.

Effects of different sources of forage in high-concentrate diets on fermentation parameters, ruminal biohydrogenation and microbiota in Nellore feedlot steers

SUMMARYModifying the extent of fatty acid (FA) biohydrogenation (BH) in the rumen through diet formulation is an effective strategy for changing the content of unsaturated FAs (USFAs) in meat. The present study investigated the effects of different sources of forage in high-concentrate diets on intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, ruminal BH, duodenal flow of FAs and rumen microbiota in Nellore steers. Intake of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) was higher in animals fed with maize silage (MS) than in those fed with sugar cane (SC) and sugar cane bagasse (SB). Higher digestibility of dry matter and NDF was found in animals fed with MS than in those fed with the other diets. In addition, higher crude protein digestibility was observed in animals fed with sugar cane bagasse than in those fed with SC. Non-fibre carbohydrate (NFC) digestibility was higher in animals fed with sugar cane than in those fed with the other diets. Intake of total and individual FAs such as C18 : 1cis-9, C18 : 2, and C18 : 3 was similar between animals fed with MS and SB, but decreased in animals fed with SC. Diets containing MS and SB showed higher total digestibility of saturated FAs (SFAs) and USFAs, respectively and total FAs and ruminal BH of C18 : 1 and USFA. Intestinal digestibility of overall FAs did not differ among treatments, except for C18 : 3, which increased in animals fed with SC and SB. The profile of FAs in duodenal digesta and faecal outputs did not differ among treatments. However, the flow of NDF was higher in animals fed with SC than in those fed with MS and SB. Animals fed with SB showed higher values of pH than those fed with MS and SC. Animals fed with SC showed lower values of ammonia-nitrogen. Protozoan counts were only influenced by diet for species that belonged to the generaDasytrichaandIsotricha. Populations of fibrolytic bacteria (Ruminococus flavefaciens, Ruminococus albusandFibrobacter succinogenes) were similar among diets. Populations ofSelenomonas ruminantiumincreased 2·5 and 5 times in animals fed with MS when compared with those fed with SC and SB, respectively. The use of MS increased intake and digestibility of NDF, and the use of SC decreased ruminal BH of total USFA without changing the flow of FAs to the duodenum. Thus, different sources of forage in high-concentrate diets do not modify the duodenal flow of USFA or fibrolytic bacteria. This must be taken into account when formulating diets to modulate ruminal upsets without altering intake.

Effects of decreasing metabolizable protein and rumen-undegradable protein on milk production and composition and blood metabolites of Holstein dairy cows in early lactation

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of decreasing dietary protein and rumen-undegradable protein (RUP) on production performance, nitrogen retention, and nutrient digestibility in high-producing Holstein cows in early lactation. Twelve multiparous Holstein lactating cows (2 lactations; 50±7 d in milk; 47 kg/d of milk production) were used in a Latin square design with 4 treatments and 3 replicates (cows). Treatments 1 to 4 consisted of diets containing 18, 17.2, 16.4, and 15.6% crude protein (CP), respectively, with the 18% CP diet considered the control group. Rumen-degradable protein levels were constant across the treatments (approximately 10.9% on a dry matter basis), whereas RUP was gradually decreased. All diets were calculated to supply a postruminal Lys:Met ratio of about 3:1. Dietary CP had no significant effects on milk production or milk composition. In fact, 16.4% dietary CP compared with 18% dietary CP led to higher milk production; however, this effect was not significant. Feed intake was higher for 16.4% CP than for 18% CP (25.7 vs. 24.3 kg/d). Control cows had greater CP and RUP intakes, which resulted in higher concentrations of plasma urea nitrogen and milk urea nitrogen; cows receiving 16.4 and 15.6% CP, respectively, exhibited lower concentrations of milk urea nitrogen (15.2 and 15.1 vs. 17.3 mg/dL). The control diet had a significant effect on predicted urinary N. Higher CP digestibility was recorded for 18% CP compared with the other diets. Decreasing CP and RUP to 15.6 and 4.6% of dietary dry matter, respectively, had no negative effects on milk production or composition when the amounts of Lys and Met and the Lys:Met ratio were balanced. Furthermore, decreasing CP and RUP to 16.4 and 5.4%, respectively, increased dry matter intake.

어분 종류 및 소맥분 함량이 다른 배합사료가 넙치 (Paralichthys olivaceus)의 성장과 소화율에 미치는 영향

A feeding trial was carried out to investigate the effect of different fish meal and wheat flour contents in extruded pellets on the growth and apparent nutrient digestibility of olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. Four extruded pellets (HB1, HB1T, HB2 and HB2T) were prepared using two kinds of high quality brown fish meal and low quality tuna fish meal. Two diets (HB1 and HB2) contained two different kinds of brown fish meal, respectively; in HB1T and HB2T, we substituted 50 % of the brown fish meal with 10 % wheat flour. Three replicate groups of fish (initial body weight of 82 g) were fed the experimental pellets to visual satiation for 15 weeks. The highest weight gain was observed in fish fed HB1, and weight gain of fish fed HB2 was significantly higher than that of fish fed HB2T (P<0.05). Feeding efficiency for fish fed HB1 was significantly higher than that of fish fed HB1T and HB2T (P<0.05), but was not significantly different from fish fed HB2. Apparent dry matter digestibility in HB1 and HB2 was significantly higher than in HB1T and HB2T (P<0.05). The highest crude protein digestibility was observed in HB1, and protein digestibility in HB1T and HB2 was higher than in HB2T (P<0.05). The results of this study suggest that fish meal quality considerably affects growth and nutrient digestibility of olive flounder fed extruded pellets, and the use of HB1 is recommended over HB1T, HB2 and HB2T for efficient olive flounder production.

Relationship between faecal scoring and in vitro digestibility of the diet in buffalo cows

Samples of faeces were collected monthly for 3 and 2 times respectively from 12 lactating and 12 dry buffalo cows. The samples, evaluated for faecal scoring (Faecal Consistency, FC and Undigested Fractions, UF), were used as inocula (dilution 1:2 with anaerobic medium) to determine in vitro digestibility (IVTD) of organic matter, crude protein and NDF after 48 h of incubation using the apparatus DaisyII ANKOM. The IVTD of organic matter was significantly higher (46.5 vs 32.9 and 33.0 %, P<0.01) in lactating (FC = 3) than in dry animals (FC = 3.5 and 4), probably due to the higher fibre content of diet of the latter. The higher crude protein digestibility obtained for dry animals (59.1 vs 65.6 and 66.4 %, respectively for FC = 3 – 3.5 and 4, P<0.01) could be due to the higher efficiency of nutrient utilisation of the micro organisms. Faeces with higher UF showed significantly higher organic matter digestibility (35.6 vs 38.8 %, respectively for UF=1 and 2, P<0.01). Finally, the equations able to estimate IVTD from faecal scores were always statistically significant (P<0.01) and the highest R2 value was reached for organic matter (about 0.83). The latter results suggest that the combination of FC and UF scores allows a good estimation of in vitro digestibility of organic matter, crude protein and NDF.