Improved Feed Intake Research Articles

359 Effects of dietary glycerin on carcass characteristics, fatty acid profile, and volatile compounds in longissimus dorsi muscle of Korean steers

Dietary glycerol may improve beef quality by affecting glycogen content and marbling. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of a glycerin-increased diet on growth performance, carcass characteristics, chemical composition, sensory traits, fatty acid profile, and volatile compounds in longissimus dorsi muscle (LM) of beef cattle. Twenty Korean steers (647 ± 10.49 kg BW and 27 mo of age) were divided into a control diet group (n = 10) and a glycerin-increased diet group (n = 10). Diets were formulated to meet or exceed NRC (2000) requirements. The control diet, which was conventionally designed for finishing period of Korean cattle, was used in this study. For the glycerin-increased diet, the portion of molasses and distiller's dried grains with solubles in the control diet were replaced with a 3% crude glycerin with isoenergy nutrient levels (TDN = 87%, DM basis) compared with the control diet. All steers were allowed daily to receive a concentrate with the amount of 1.5% of BW and 1.0 kg of rice straw. The feeding trial was performed for 5 wk. Water was allowed ad libitum. All data were analyzed by ANOVA using GLM of SAS. Concentrate intake was 14% higher (P < 0.01) in the glycerin group compared with control group, whereas rice straw intake was not different between the 2 groups. Average daily gain and feed efficiency (G:F) were not different between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). Animals were slaughtered after the feeding trial, and LM samples were collected from hot carcasses within 2 h after slaughter and frozen for chemical analyses. The carcasses were kept at 4°C for 24 h and graded with Korean standard grading methods. Longissimus dorsi muscle samples were also collected from cold carcasses at 24 h for analysis of sensory traits. Carcass weight, LM muscle area, back fat thickness, marbling score, yield grade, and quality grade were not different between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). Contents of protein, fat, collagen, reducing sugar, and glycogen in the LM were not different between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). Sensory traits (appearance, flavor, taste, tenderness, juiciness, and overall acceptance) and percentages of fatty acids and volatile compounds in the LM were not different between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the glycerin-increased diet improved feed intake, although it did not affect daily gain and feed efficiency. The glycerin-increased diet did not affect beef quality, including marbling, glycogen contents, sensory traits, and percentages of fatty acids and volatile compounds in the LM.

Продуктивність та неспецифічна резистентність курчат-бройлерів за дії β-каротину

&lt;p&gt;Use in feeding broiler chickens of Vitaton and Vitadeps with and without butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) improves feed intake and water, and has no effect on body weight. The feeding of broiler chickens with mix fodder of Vitaton and BHT in doses that meet and exceed the physiological need of β-carotene calculated for retinol and Vitaton with no OSH in a normal dose of β-carotene did not significantly alter the absolute number of lymphocytes blood and the ratio of their subpopulation responsible for cellular (T-lymphocytes) and humoral (B-lymphocytes) immunity. Phagocytic activity of neutrophils and phagocytic index were not significantly changed in the peripheral blood of broiler chickens at feeding Vitaton as a source of β-carotene with/without BHT. Use of Vitaton without BHT in feeding of broiler chickens at a dose of 0.7 g/kg caused a lymphocytopenia. In chickens of this group we noted a decrease in the total number of lymphocytes in the blood due to decrease of cellular and humoral immunity, namely all subpopulations of T-lymphocytes, including T-helper cells - by 58.3 %, T-suppressors - by 41.0, T-helper cells active - at 43.5, B-lymphocytes by 60.1 %, and 0-lymphocytes – by 40.0 %. This is consistent with the reduction in titer of natural antibodies in their serum by 35.3 %. This phagocytic activity of neutrophils and index of phagocytes in blood of broiler chickens unchanged compared with the control. Use of Vitadeps in feeding broiler chickens at a dose of 5.6 g/kg in mix fodder also caused lymphocytopenia. This was reflected in the decrease of absolute number of blood 0-lymphocytes by 43.4 %, T-suppressors - by 38.7 % and T-helper cells active - by 39.0 %, but their ratio in the blood was like control level. Thus, usage of Vitaton and Vitadeps with/without butylhydroxytoluene in doses that meet the bird demands of β-carotene calculated to vitamin A, ensure the normal functioning of immune organs. Use of Vitaton with BHT as a source of β-carotene for the feeding of broiler chickens at a dose exceeding the normal content of vitamin A by 7 times, does not cause the violations of immunological homeostasis of the poultry. The Vitaton without butylhydroxytoluene and Vitadeps in doses exceeding the normal content of bird β-carotene calculated to vitamin A by 7 times depressing the immunopoesis in broiler chickens.&lt;/p&gt;

Supplementation of selenium, vitamin E, chromium and betaine above recommended levels improves lactating performance of sows over summer.

Heat stress (HS) exacerbates the body weight loss of lactating sows and reduces litter weight gain. Selenium (Se), vitamin E (VE), chromium (Cr) and betaine have been shown to ameliorate symptoms of HS, and yeast nucleotides and mannan oligosaccharides have been reported to improve lactational performance and immune response in pigs. Therefore, a combination of these nutrients may improve lactational performance of sows in summer. The effects of two nutritionally enhanced diets on lactational performance of sows in summer were investigated in two experiments. In experiment 1, we compared the effects of a nutritionally fortified diet (0.4ppm Se, 95IU/kg VE, 0.4ppm Cr and 0.2% betaine; named as SVCB diet) with the NRC 2012 standard diet (0.15ppm Se, 44IU/kg VE) on lactational performance of sows in summer. Results showed that the SVCB diet reduced body weight loss (P=0.039) and tended to reduce backfat loss (P=0.075) of sows without affecting feed intake, while litter weight gain was not influenced. In experiment 2, we further enhanced the nutrients in the SVCB diet (0.8ppm Se, 1% yeast nucleotides, and 0.1% mannan oligosaccharides; named as SNM diet). Results showed that the SNM diet did not improve feed intake of sows, farrowing performance, or litter weight gain compared with the SVCB diet, but increased body weight loss of the third parity sows (P=0.037). Overall, a combined supplementation of Se, VE, Cr, and betaine above the NRC recommended levels can reduce mobilisation of body reserve of lactating sows in summer.

Improving welfare and production in the peri-weaning period: Effects of co-mingling and intermittent suckling on the stress response, performance, behaviour, and gastrointestinal tract carbohydrate absorption in young pigs

We investigated the effect of different pre-weaning interventions on performance, aspects of behaviour, and selected neuroendocrine, inflammatory and immune indices in 593 weanling pigs (59 litters, weaning age 22 ± 1.7). Measurements were taken at various time points two weeks before and after weaning. Sugar absorption tests (20% mannitol and 20% galactose solutions) were used to assess gastrointestinal tract (GIT) absorptive capacity. One week before weaning, litters were either co-mingled (CoM) for 8h daily with another litter or not co-mingled (NoCoM). Half of the litters were also subjected to intermittent suckling (IS) involving separation from their sow for 8h daily and the other half remained with their sow (NoIS). Hence, four treatments were produced in a 2×2 factorial design; (1) CoM IS (n = 16 litters), (2) CoM NoIS (n = 14 litters), (3) NoCoM IS (n = 16 litters), (4) NoCoM NoIS (n = 13 litters). Measurements are compared within each of the main effects (CoM or IS) unless otherwise stated. Acute weaning stress was evidenced by increases in cortisol, haptoglobin and N: L ratios when data were combined (P < 0.001). However, there were tendencies (P < 0.1) for lower cortisol in IS pigs and higher N: L ratios in CoM pigs at weaning. While CoM did not affect performance before weaning, growth (P < 0.05), feed intake (P < 0.05) and body weight (P < 0.05) were reduced in CoM pigs 7–14 days after weaning. One week of IS before weaning improved feed intake before weaning (P < 0.01), resulting in better growth (P = 0.01) and a tendency (P < 0.1) for a higher feed intake 2–7 days after weaning. Co-mingled piglets had more scratches 4 days before weaning (P < 0.001), but tended to have fewer scratches 2 days after weaning (P < 0.1). Pigs exposed to either IS or CoM displayed more sleeping behaviour the day after weaning (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001). A higher mannitol absorption was evident in CoM NoIS pigs 3 days after weaning (P < 0.01), and galactose absorption was reduced in IS pigs 3 days before weaning (P < 0.05) and tended to be reduced 3 days after weaning (P < 0.1), likely reflecting a GIT adaptive response. Overall, despite improvements in mannitol absorption and behaviour, there was no beneficial effect of CoM on performance after weaning. Alternatively, IS improved behaviour and performance during the first week after weaning.

Effect of garlic meal on growth performance and carcass characteristics of indigenous Venda chickens

A study was conducted to determine the growth performance and carcass characteristics of indigenous Venda chickens fed a grower’s diet supplemented with varying levels of garlic meal. The study was based on four diets containing similar energy but different garlic meal supplementation levels of 0, 10, 15 and 25 g/kg DM. At 50 to 91 days, all the growth and carcass parameters measured were improved (P less than 0.05) by garlic meal supplementation. Feed intake, growth rate, feed conversion ratio, live weight, carcass weight, dressing percent, breast meat, thigh, drumstick, gizzard and fat pad weights of Venda chickens were optimized at different garlic meal supplementation levels of 14.7, 15.8, 8.0, 16.4, 14.2, 12.7, 11.2, 12.7, 8.2, 10.5 and 15.1, respectively. These findings have implications on ration formulation for indigenous Venda chickens. Thus, it was concluded that garlic meal supplementation improved feed intake, growth rate, live weight and carcass weight of Venda chickens.

Rolfe (Daniellia oliveri) seed meal as a protein source in locally produced concentrates for lambs fed low quality basal diet

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of replacing different levels of toasted Daniellia oliveri seed meal (TDS) for groundnut cake (GNC) in the diets of fifteen growing 8-month-old ram-lambs (13 ± 0.25 kg body weight (BW)) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen utilization and ruminal fermentation. The animals were randomly assigned to one of three diets containing 0 g/kg TDS, 100 g/kg TDS and 200 g/kg TDS to replace 0, 50 and 100% of GNC (on dry matter basis) in a complete randomized design. Intakes of total dry matter (DM), digestible crude protein (DCP) and digestible organic matter (DOM), DOM, DCP, energy concentration, N retention, purine derivatives excretion, microbial protein synthesis (P < 0.01) and propionate (P < 0.05) increased linearly with increasing level of TDS. Intakes of fibre, feed conversion ratio, total N excretion, ruminal pH and NH3-N, total volatile fatty acids, acetate, acetate-to-propionate ratio and methane production progressively declined (P < 0.01), as the TDS level increased. Whereas, intakes of concentrate, non-fibre carbohydrates, condensed tannins and energy, digestibilities of DM, CP and OM, average daily gain, digestible organic matter fermented in the rumen (P < 0.01) and valerate (P < 0.05) increased linearly and quadratically, roughage intake and fibre digestibility decreased linearly and quadratically (P < 0.01). Results indicate that inclusion of 200 g/kg TDS (100% replacement of GNC) improved feed intake, nutrient digestibility, N utilization, ruminal fermentation and growth performance of lambs.

Sea Clam‐Derived Feeding Stimulants Enhance Acceptability and Intake of Reduced Fish Meal, Soy‐Based Sunshine Bass Feeds

AbstractFish meal sparing or replacement is limited by reduced diet acceptability and feed intake, particularly among carnivorous finfish. Two 8‐week feeding trials were conducted to assess whether the inclusion of sea clam (ocean quahog Arctica islandica) processing by‐products could improve the intake of reduced fish meal feeds in sunshine bass (female White Bass Morone chrysops × male Striped Bass M. saxatilis). In trial 1, juvenile fish (31.9 ± 0.2 g, average initial weight) were cultured at 18.5 ± 2.4°C and fed diets containing 30% fish meal (hereafter, “FISH”), 6.7% fish meal (remainder of dietary protein primarily provided by soybean meal; hereafter, “SOY”), or the reduced fish meal formulation amended with 1% dried clam juice (hereafter, “SOY + clam juice”), dried clam fines (hereafter, “SOY + clam fines”), or betaine as feeding stimulants. In trial 2, fish were slightly smaller at the outset (18.4 ± 0.3 g) and cultured at 27.3 ± 0.2°C. Growth performance was generally superior among fish reared in trial 2, but both trials yielded similar results in terms of dietary treatments. Feed intake and growth were reduced among fish fed the SOY feed compared with those fed the FISH feed. The addition of betaine to the reduced fish meal formulation did not improve diet acceptance or intake. However, the inclusion of clam by‐products improved feed intake and growth, with both the SOY + clam juice and SOY + clam fines feeds yielding growth equivalent to the FISH feed. Semiquantitative evaluations of feeding behavior suggest that dietary treatment effects were rooted in differences in feed acceptability and that the inclusion of clam by‐products had a corrective effect on the comparatively indifferent feeding observed among fish fed the SOY diet. The inclusion of sea clam by‐products, particularly dried clam fines, improved the intake of the reduced fish meal formulation, and these by‐products appear to be effective feeding stimulants in soy‐based feeds for juvenile sunshine bass grown in tanks.

The effects of Papain Crude Extract Addition in Diets on Broilers Production Performances

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of papain crude extract addition in mash and pellet feed forms on production performance of broiler chickens in order to obtain the best level of extract papain in mash or pellet form. This natural protease enzyme was extracted from unripe papaya. A complete random design was applied in this study and it was arranged with factorial 4 * 2 and three replications. The treatments were 4 levels of papain (0, 0.03, 0.05, and 0.07 %) and two physical forms of feed (mash and pellet). Broilers production parameters measured were: feed intake, body weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and carcass percentage. The results of analysis of variance showed that the interaction was highly significant (P &lt;0.01) for feed intake, body weight, carcass percentage respectively while feed conversion showed significant interaction (P &lt;0.05). The significant differences in the feed consumption described the role of papain enzyme through treatment of CEP and the physical form of feed. The results indicate that the all treatment of papain crude extract level both in mash and pellet feed form were able to improve feed intake, body weight, FCR and carcass percentage of broiler chickens, whereas the best performance was obtained in the treatment of 0.05% papain crude extract in mash form of diets.

The effects of Papain Crude Extract Addition in Diets on Broilers Production Performances

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of papain crude extract addition in mash and pellet feed forms on production performance of broiler chickens in order to obtain the best level of extract papain in mash or pellet form. This natural protease enzyme was extracted from unripe papaya. A complete random design was applied in this study and it was arranged with factorial 4 * 2 and three replications. The treatments were 4 levels of papain (0, 0.03, 0.05, and 0.07 %) and two physical forms of feed (mash and pellet). Broilers production parameters measured were: feed intake, body weight, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and carcass percentage. The results of analysis of variance showed that the interaction was highly significant (P &lt;0.01) for feed intake, body weight, carcass percentage respectively while feed conversion showed significant interaction (P &lt;0.05). The significant differences in the feed consumption described the role of papain enzyme through treatment of CEP and the physical form of feed. The results indicate that the all treatment of papain crude extract level both in mash and pellet feed form were able to improve feed intake, body weight, FCR and carcass percentage of broiler chickens, whereas the best performance was obtained in the treatment of 0.05% papain crude extract in mash form of diets.

Effects of phytase, calcium source, calcium concentration and particle size on broiler performance, nutrient digestibility and skeletal integrity

The study herein investigated the effect of mean particle size, calcium (Ca) source, Ca concentration and phytase on broiler performance, mineral digestibility and skeletal integrity from 1 to 28 days post-hatch. Sixteen dietary treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design consisting of two Ca sources (limestone or a highly soluble calcium, HSC), two Ca concentrations (9.0 or 6.0 g/kg from Day 0 to Day 14 and 8.0 or 5.5 g/kg from Day 15 to Day 28), two Ca particle sizes (&lt;0.5 or &gt;0.5 mm) and two phytase-supplementation levels (0 or 1000 FTU/kg). Overall performance (Days 1–28) showed that the addition of phytase to diets containing 8.0 g/kg total Ca provided by HSC improved feed intake (P &lt; 0.05), but there was no effect of the addition of phytase to birds fed Ca from limestone. Phytase supplementation decreased feed intake in birds fed limestone with a mean particle size &gt;0.5 mm and increased feed intake in birds fed HSC with a mean particle size &gt;0.5 mm, which resulted in a Ca source × Ca particle size × phytase interaction (P &lt; 0.05). Birds fed diets containing HSC had a lower liveweight gain than did birds fed diets containing limestone (P = 0.03). Increasing the dietary Ca concentration from 5.5 g/kg to 8.0 g/kg total Ca decreased liveweight gain (P = 0.01). Phytase supplementation increased final liveweight gain (P &lt; 0.001). Foot ash was observed to be higher in birds that received diets containing 8.0 g/kg Ca (P &lt; 0.05). Phytase supplementation increased foot ash percentage (P &lt; 0.05). Phytase increased Ca digestibility in birds fed diets containing Ca provided by HSC with a mean particle size &lt;0.5 mm and diets containing limestone with a mean particle size &gt;0.5 mm (P &lt; 0.05). Phytase increased Ca digestibility in birds fed 5.5 g/kg Ca, but had no effect on Ca digestibility in birds fed 8.0 g/kg Ca (P &lt; 0.05). The addition of phytase to diets improved the digestibility of phosphorus, especially in birds fed diets containing limestone (P &lt; 0.05), or 8.0 g/kg total Ca (P &lt; 0.05), or diets with a mean particle size &gt;0.5 mm (P &lt; 0.05). The results of the present study are consistent with those of previous studies by the authors, which have shown that low dietary Ca in conjunction with phytase improves broiler performance and mineral digestibility. Phytase improved growth performance, regardless of Ca source or Ca concentration and improved mineral digestibility.

Amago salmon Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae juveniles selectively bred for growth on a low fishmeal diet exhibit a good response to the low fishmeal diet due largely to an increased feed intake with a particular preference for the diet

We have previously reported that amago salmon Oncorhynchus masou ishikawae juveniles selectively bred for growth on a low fishmeal diet exhibited superior growth performance on the low fishmeal diet compared to a control group fed the same diet. However, the physiological conditions as well as the growth and feed utilization of selected juveniles were inferior to juvenile replicates fed a fishmeal-based diet. In addition, since the selected juveniles showed improvements in feed intake for both diets relative to the counterparts of the control group, it was uncertain if the selected fish potentially had a particular preference for the low fishmeal diet. This study aimed to examine if further improvements in growth performance and physiological conditions occur in amago salmon selectively bred with a low fishmeal diet for three generations and if a selection with a fishmeal-based diet increases the acceptability of a low fishmeal diet. Juveniles (ca. 8gfish−1) of F3 amago salmon selectively bred on a low fishmeal diet (LFM-S), F3 amago salmon reared on a commercial fishmeal-based diet (FM-C) as a control, and F1 amago salmon selectively bred for growth on the fishmeal diet (FM-S), respectively, were fed either of an experimental fishmeal-based diet (FMD) or a low fishmeal diet (LFMD) for 10weeks. In LFM-S fed LFMD, 1.9 times higher weight gain (1.7 times higher in F2) was observed compared to FM-C fed LFMD. The feed efficiency ratio and feed consumption rate of LFM-S fed LFMD were also significantly higher (P<0.05) than FM-C fed LFMD. Although some improvements were observed in the hematological parameters and biliary bile acid status of LFM-S fed LFMD relative to FM-C fed LFMD, the physiological conditions as well as growth were still inferior to LFM-S fed FMD. In fish fed FMD, the growth and feed consumption of FM-S were similar to LFM-S and significantly higher than those of FM-C. By contrast, since the feed consumption of LFMD in FM-S did not increase significantly compared to FM-C, the growth of FM-S was only marginally improved relative to FM-C and inferior to LFM-S, all of which were fed LFMD. These results suggest that the superiority in growth of amago salmon selectively bred on a low fishmeal diet results from an increased feed intake with a particular preference for the diet. It is also indicated that another parental fish having physiological conditions resistant to soybean anti-nutritional factors should be introduced to the present amago salmon breeding. Statement of relevanceFish strain suitable for low fishmeal diets is demanded.

Use of dry hydrolysate from squid and scallop product supplement in plant based practical diets for Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

A series of trials were designed to evaluate hydrolysates from waste streams of squid and scallop processing centers for the use in practical shrimp feeds. Towards this goal, three growth trials and a consumption trial were conducted to evaluate the use of dry hydrolysate from squid and scallop waste as specialty ingredients in commercial type feed formulations for Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. In the three six-week growth trials, the basal diet (35% crude protein, 8% lipid) consisted primarily of soybean meal (SBM), corn protein concentrate, corn starch, and whole wheat. In Trial 1, the basal diet was supplemented with 3%, 6%, and 9% from squid hydrolysate (Squ) or scallop hydrolysate (Sca) as well as two treatments using SBM which was impregnated with the hydrolysate prior to use. In Trial 2, the basal diet was supplemented with 3% Squ or Sca, shrimp but the shrimp were offered diets in slight excess to allow for possible increases in consumption of feeds. In Trial 3, Squ and Squid meal were compared at 6%. At the end of the three growth trials, no significant differences were found in final biomass, final mean weight, percent weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and survival. Additionally, a group of shrimp (3g initial mean weight) were used to estimate consumption of the feeds over three 1-hour feedings over three days. Interestingly, the estimated feed intake of the basal diet was significantly higher than that of diets supplemented with 3% Squ or Sca. Results of the present study indicate that Squ and Sca as well as the SBM impregnated with Squ or Sca are good marine ingredients and can be used as feed ingredients. However, no evidence of improved feed intake or enhancement of growth were observed even though the diets were plant based. Statement of relevanceIn this study, a series of trials were used to assess the efficacy of dry hydrolysate from squid and scallop as well as traditional squid meal use in plant based practical diets designed for the Pacific white shrimp. These findings will be useful because the feed producers are interested in how specific produce may improve performance either as a nutrient source or attractant, particularly in diets that do not contain fishmeal. The conclusion provide valuable information that indicates feed manufacturer and researchers can use these hydrolysate products as feed ingredients in diets of shrimp, but no evidence for use of these products to improve the shrimp growth performance was observed.

Production responses of reproducing ewes to a by-product-based diet inoculated with the probiotic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain H57

The potential application of the spore-forming probiotic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain H57 (H57) as a novel probiotic for ruminants was evaluated in reproducing ewes. Performance responses were determined by delivering H57 in a pelleted diet based mainly on palm kernel meal (PKM) and sorghum grain. PKM is an agro-industrial by-product with a reputation for poor palatability and the availability of the starch in sorghum grain can be limited in ruminants. The hypothesis was that H57 improves the feeding value of a relatively low quality concentrate diet. Twenty-four first-parity white Dorper ewes were fed PKM-based pellets manufactured with or without H57 (109 cfu/kg pellet) in late pregnancy. During this phase of late pregnancy, the H57 ewes ate 17% more dry matter (1019 vs 874 g/day, P = 0.03), gained more weight (194 vs 30 g/day, P = 0.008) and retained more nitrogen (6.13 vs 3.34 g/day, P = 0.01), but produced lambs with a similar birthweight (4.1 vs 4.2 kg, P = 0.73). Rumen fluid collected from H57 ewes in late pregnancy had higher pH (7.1 vs 6.8, P = 0.07), acetate : propionate ratio (3.4 vs 2.7, P = 0.04), lower ammonia (69 vs 147 mmol/L, P = 0.001) and total volatile fatty acid concentrations (40 vs 61 mg/L, P = 0.02). The digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and fibre were similar between the two groups. The lambs of the H57 ewes grew faster than those of the Control ewes for the first 21 days of lactation (349 vs 272 g/day, P = 0.03), but not thereafter. H57 can improve feed intake and maternal liveweight gain in late pregnancy of first-parity ewes fed a diet based on PKM.

Effects of cooling on the reproductive performance of gilts

The study examined the effect of cooling on the reproductive performance of gilts using 27 Large White Experimental Gilts on a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 3 systems of cooling, namely Wallow Cooling (WC), Sprinkler Cooling (SC) and Zero Cooling (ZC). Gilts were weighed at the commencement of the experiment and thereafter fed ad libitum from service to farrowing. Feed intake till farrow, feed cost, gilt weight at farrow, date of farrow, litter size and weight were recorded. The feed/piglet weight, feed intake/litter, feed cost/litter and birth weight/piglet were derived. The results showed that feed intake per litter and feed per piglet weight were highest for gilts placed on WC(P&lt; 0.05), followed by SC and least for sow placed on ZC; gilt weight before farrow was highest for sow placed on SC (69.78±0.92), followed by ZC (69.33±0.94) and least for gilts placed on WC (67.33±0.87); litter sizes of gilts placed under the WC and SC systems were similar (5.6±0.41) while that under the ZC system was comparatively smaller (5.4±0.40);while the date of farrow was lowest in the ZC system (113.8±0.32) followed by SC (114.0±0.33) and highest under the WC (114.1±0.33). However, the feed intake per litter, feed per piglet weight, litter sizes of gilts, birth weight per piglet of gilts and the average date of farrow among gilts placed on WC, SC and ZC were not statistically different at 5% level of significance. Though, there is no significant difference in the performance among gilts placed on WC, SC and ZC, temperature regulation through provision of efficient cooling system in piggery would help to increase litter size, improve feed intake per litter and reduce the average cost of feeding gilt per day in maximizing reproductive performances in pigs.Keywords: Cooling, gilts, service, farrow, piggery, litter size, piglet and birth weight

Inosine supplementation effectively provokes the growth, immune response, oxidative stress resistance and intestinal morphology of juvenile red sea bream,Pagrus major

A feeding trial was conducted to determine effects of dietary inosine on growth, immune responses, oxidative stress resistance and intestinal morphology of juvenile red sea bream. A semi-purified basal diet supplemented with 0 (D1, control), 2 g kg−1 (D2), 4 g kg−1 (D3), 6 g kg−1 (D4) and 8 g kg−1 (D5) dietary inosine, respectively, to formulate five experimental diets. Each diet was randomly allocated to triplicate groups of fish (initial weight: 8 g). After 50 days of feeding trial, fish fed diets with 4 g kg−1 inosine had the highest (p < .05) final weight, weight gain and specific growth rate. Similarly, improved feed intake, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio were also found at 4 g kg−1 inosine supplemented group. Some non-specific immune parameters such as total serum protein, lysozyme activity and bactericidal activity tended to be higher for fish fed diets supplemented with inosine. Peroxidase and catalase activity also influenced (p < .05) by dietary inosine supplementation. Fish fed 2 g kg−1 and 4 g kg−1 inosine supplemented diets showed the least oxidative stress condition. Inosine supplementation significantly increased (p < .05) anterior enterocyte height and posterior fold height, enterocyte height and microvillus height compared with control. We concluded that 4 g kg−1 dietary inosine supplementation effectively provokes growth and health performance of red sea bream by increasing growth, immune response, oxidative stress resistance and intestinal health condition.

NEPHROPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF SOLANUM NIGRUM LINN LEAVES OR SEEDS AND THEIR MIXTURE AGAINST GENTAMICIN-INDUCED NEPHROTOXICITY IN RATS

Abstract The present study aimed to elucidate the nephroprotective effect of different doses of aqueous extract of Solanum Nigrum Linn (AE-SN)leaves or seeds and their mixture against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Forty eight mature male rats weighted (160±5g) were randomly divided into eight groups 6 rats each. Group (1) rats were fed on basal diet and served as a negative control, while the other 7 groups were intoxicated by a single intraperioneal dose (100 mg/kg) of gentamicin to rats at the 4th week; once daily for end of the experiment (4 weeks) for induction of nephrotoxicity. Group (2) was kept intoxicated ( a positive control group ) while groups 3, 4, 5 and 6 were pre- treated orally with AE-SN extract of leaves and seeds in a dose of 250 and 500mg/kg b.wt., respectively for 4 weeks. Groups 7 and 8 were pre- treated orally with a mixture of aqueous extract of Solanum Nigrum Linn leaves and seeds in a dose of 250 and 500mg/kg b.wt respectively for 4 weeks.Feed intake was calculated daily and body weight gain was recorded weekly. Blood samples were collected and kidneys were weighted, dissected out and taken for biochemical analyses and histopathological study. Pre- treatment with AE-SN extract of leaves or seed and their mixture improved feed intake and increased body weight gain and normalized kidney weight compared to GM intoxicated rats. Also AE-SN significantly improved levels of renalmarkers and maintaining the electrolyte balance by decreasing serum level of some mineral element (Na, K and P), and increase level of calcium and vit. D. in serum compared to negative control group. Improved renal function by AE-SN treatment caused an increase in Renin , Erythropoietin (EPO) and parathyroid hormones. There were also an increase in renal antioxidant enzyme activity and partial amelioration of renal degeneration. In conclusion AE-SN aqueous extract of leave was more effective than aqueous extract of seeds. Pre-treatment with AE-SN mixture at high doses, significantly normalized level of renal markers and antioxidant activities. Ameliorative effects of AE-SN leaves or seeds and their mixture against gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity may be attributed to their antioxidant properties. Key words: nephrotoxicity, SolanumNigrumLinn gentamicin & rat.

The effect of low inclusion levels of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) meal on growth performance, apparent digestibility and slaughter quality of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Two trials with Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were conducted to evaluate the potential of krill meal to improve feed intake. In the first experiment, after transfer to sea water, salmon smolts were fed diets added 75 or 150 g kg−1 Antarctic krill meal in substitution for fish meal for 13 weeks. The apparent digestibility coefficient for crude protein and the majority of the amino acids was significantly lower in the feeds added krill meal (around 83.5%) than in the control diet (84.9%), whereas the digestibility of crude lipids, dry matter and energy was not significantly different among the three diets. Krill meal addition resulted in higher feed intake, which led to higher growth rates and final body weights. In the second experiment, large salmon were fed a diet containing 100 g kg−1 krill meal for 6 weeks before slaughter. Their feed intake and growth performance were assessed, and fillet and visceral fat contents were measured. Salmon fed the 100 g kg−1 krill meal diet tended to eat more, resulting in significantly increased growth rates, when compared to control fish. Fish fed krill meal also had a significantly lower condition factor.

Molecular pathways associated with the nutritional programming of plant-based diet acceptance in rainbow trout following an early feeding exposure.

BackgroundThe achievement of sustainable feeding practices in aquaculture by reducing the reliance on wild-captured fish, via replacement of fish-based feed with plant-based feed, is impeded by the poor growth response seen in fish fed high levels of plant ingredients. Our recent strategy to nutritionally program rainbow trout by early short-term exposure to a plant-based (V) diet versus a control fish-based (M) diet at the first-feeding fry stage when the trout fry start to consume exogenous feed, resulted in remarkable improvements in feed intake, growth and feed utilization when the same fish were challenged with the diet V (V-challenge) at the juvenile stage, several months following initial exposure. We employed microarray expression analysis at the first-feeding and juvenile stages to deduce the mechanisms associated with the nutritional programming of plant-based feed acceptance in trout.ResultsTranscriptomic analysis was performed on rainbow trout whole fry after 3 weeks exposure to either diet V or diet M at the first feeding stage (3-week), and in the whole brain and liver of juvenile trout after a 25 day V-challenge, using a rainbow trout custom oligonucleotide microarray. Overall, 1787 (3-week + Brain) and 924 (3-week + Liver) mRNA probes were affected by the early-feeding exposure. Gene ontology and pathway analysis of the corresponding genes revealed that nutritional programming affects pathways of sensory perception, synaptic transmission, cognitive processes and neuroendocrine peptides in the brain; whereas in the liver, pathways mediating intermediary metabolism, xenobiotic metabolism, proteolysis, and cytoskeletal regulation of cell cycle are affected. These results suggest that the nutritionally programmed enhanced acceptance of a plant-based feed in rainbow trout is driven by probable acquisition of flavour and feed preferences, and reduced sensitivity to changes in hepatic metabolic and stress pathways.ConclusionsThis study outlines the molecular mechanisms in trout brain and liver that accompany the nutritional programming of plant-based diet acceptance in trout, reinforces the notion of the first-feeding stage in oviparous fish as a critical window for nutritional programming, and provides support for utilizing this strategy to achieve improvements in sustainability of feeding practices in aquaculture.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-016-2804-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Feed intake, liveweight gain and carcass traits of lambs offered pelleted annual pasture hay supplemented with flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) flakes or algae (Schizochytrium sp.)

In southern Australia, pastures comprised of annual ryegrass may not meet the nutritional requirements of fast-growing (&gt;250 g/day) lambs in summer–autumn (December–May). An animal house experiment was conducted from March to July 2010 to investigate the use of flaxseed and algae as two potential supplements to improve feed intake, liveweight gain and carcass traits in lambs. One hundred and twenty lambs (in two groups of 60) were fed one of four diets, pelleted annual pasture hay (subterranean clover and annual ryegrass) (T1); pelleted annual pasture hay + flaxseed flakes (T2); pelleted annual pasture hay + algae supplement (T3); pelleted annual pasture hay + flaxseed flakes + algae supplement (T4). All diets were provided on an ad libitum basis with individual feed intake measured daily and liveweight recorded weekly. Lambs offered the flaxseed flakes (T2) treatment grew faster (P &lt; 0.05), had heavier (P &lt; 0.05) carcass weights and greater (P &lt; 0.05) GR fat depth (total tissue depth at 11th/12th rib, 110 mm away from midline) than lambs offered the T1 diet. Lambs offered algae supplement (T3) had lower dry matter intake but growth rate and carcass weight were not affected compared with lambs offered the T1 diet. Lambs offered both flaxseed flakes and algae supplement (T4) had greater (P &lt; 0.05) GR fat than lambs offered the T1 diet. This experiment provides evidence that supplementing growing lambs with flaxseed flakes can increase dry matter intake, growth rate and GR fat depth. In contrast, supplementing with an algae supplement reduced dry matter intake but growth rate and carcass weight were similar to the control treatment.

Effects of dietary protein concentration on performance and nutrient digestibility in Pekin ducks during aflatoxicosis

A 14-d study was conducted to determine the impact of dietary crude protein concentration on performance, serum biochemistry, and nutrient digestive functions in Pekin ducklings during aflatoxicosis. A total of 144 male Pekin ducklings were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments arranged in a 2×2 factorial with 2 crude protein (CP) (20 and 24% on an analyzed basis) with or without 0.2 mg/kg aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) (0.21 mg/kg analyzed). The AFB1 reduced BW gain, feed intake, and breast muscle weight by 33 to 43% (P<0.0001). Serum concentration of protein, glucose, and Ca were also decreased by AFB1 (P≤0.0015), while pancreatic activities of amylase and lipase were increased by AFB1 (P<0.005). Apparent N digestibility was not affected by dietary treatment, whereas apparent ileal digestible energy was reduced 7.6% by AFB1 (P=0.0003). Higher dietary CP improved BW gain, gain:feed ratio, and breast muscle weight (P≤0.021), and tended to improve feed intake (P=0.094), but did not improve serum measures, digestive enzyme activity, or nutrient digestibility. No statistical interaction of AFB1 by CP was observed for any measures. Results from the current study suggest that AFB1 at low concentration can significantly impair performance of Pekin ducklings primarily through inhibited feed intake, as well as influence nutrient digestion processes (jejunum morphology, digestive enzyme activity, and apparent energy digestibility). Higher dietary CP can improve growth performance of ducklings regardless of AF exposure, but did not interact with dietary AFB1 on performance, serum biochemistry, or nutrient digestion in Pekin ducklings from hatch to 14 d.