Improve Animal Performance Research Articles

Brown-midrib corn silage in finishing steer diet: effects on animal performance, in vivo digestibility and ruminal kinetics disappearance

Lower lignin content in brown-midrib corn silage (BMRCS) than in conventional corn silage results in greater digestibility and dry-matter intake. Despite this advantage, the use of BMRCS has not been widely evaluated in beef cattle. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of BMRCS chopped at 22-mm as the main component (79% DM basis) for finishing steer diet on digestion, animal performance and ruminal kinetics disappearance. In a first trial, 56 Angus and crossbred steers (339 ± 18 kg initial bodyweight) were divided into 14 pens that were randomly assigned to one of the following two treatments: BMR total mixed ration (BMRT) or conventional total mixed ration. Data were analysed under a completely randomised design using pen as the experimental unit (n = 7). In a second trial, BMRCS and conventional corn silage were incubated (0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 72 and 120 h) in the rumen of three ruminally cannulated cows. Data were analysed under a completely randomised block (cow) design. The inclusion of BMRCS in 79% corn silage diet for finishing steers improved total diet neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre digestibility, but did not improve DM digestibility. While there was no significant improvement in animal performance, carcass yield was improved in BMRT. Future studies are needed to evaluate the improvement of carcass weight in steers fed BMRT.

Assessment of microbiome changes after rumen transfaunation: implications on improving feed efficiency in beef cattle

BackgroundUnderstanding the host impact on its symbiotic microbiota is important in redirecting the rumen microbiota and thus improving animal performance. The current study aimed to understand how rumen microbiota were altered and re-established after being emptied and receiving content from donor, thus to understand the impact of such process on rumen microbial fermentation and to explore the microbial phylotypes with higher manipulation potentials.ResultsIndividual animal had strong effect on the re-establishment of the bacterial community according to the observed profiles detected by both fingerprinting and pyrosequencing. Most of the bacterial profile recovery patterns and extents at genus level varied among steers; and each identified bacterial genus responded to transfaunation differently within each host. Coriobacteriaceae, Coprococcus, and Lactobacillus were found to be the most responsive and tunable genera by exchanging rumen content. Besides, the association of 18 bacterial phylotypes with host fermentation parameters suggest that these phylotypes should also be considered as the regulating targets in improving host feed efficiency. In addition, the archaeal community had different re-establishment patterns for each host as determined by fingerprint profiling: it was altered after receiving non-native microbiome in some animals, while it resumed its original status after the adaptation period in the other ones.ConclusionsThe highly individualized microbial re-establishment process suggested the importance of considering host genetics, microbial functional genomics, and host fermentation/performance assessment when developing effective and selective microbial manipulation methods for improving animal feed efficiency.

Forbs differentially affect soil microbial community composition and functions in unfertilized ryegrass-red clover leys

Increasing plant diversity in agroecosystems is proposed to enhance multiple ecosystem services. Adding selected forbs such as caraway (Carum carvi L.) and plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) to productive grass-clover mixtures can further enhance forage yields, root biomass, uptake of mineral nutrients and improve animal performance. Yet, it remains unclear whether and how adding these forbs to grass-clover mixtures can influence soil microbial communities and associated soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling. Based on a three-year grassland experiment varying in species diversity and composition with and without fertilizer application, we determined soil microbial community composition and functions related to C and N cycling under laboratory incubations. Results showed that inclusion of caraway modified soil microbial community composition by enhancing fungal-to-bacterial phospholipid fatty acids of the ryegrass-red clover mixture. Adding plantain to the ryegrass-red clover mixture increased the relative decomposition rate of the labile C pool, but not of the recalcitrant C pool. Yet, β-glucosidase activity and net N mineralization were unchanged due to inclusion of either forb. Moreover, fertilization with cattle slurry generally weakened these forb-induced changes in soil microbial properties. These findings demonstrate that adding selected forbs to unfertilized grass-clover leys can modify soil microbial community composition and associated C and N cycling, implying a potential for promoting long-term soil C sequestration through enhanced fungi-to-bacteria ratio, but a limited role in improving soil N fertility.

Growth performance, and enteric and manure greenhouse gas emissions from Murrah calves fed diets with different forage to concentrate ratios.

The present study investigated the effects of different dietary forage to concentrate ratios on animal performance, and enteric and manure greenhouse gas emissions in growing calves. Fifteen male Murrah calves (153.5 ± 18.17 kg; 6 to 12 months) were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments and fed corn fodder, wheat straw and concentrate in 3 different proportions: 20:60:20 (C20); 20:40:40 (C40) and 10:30:60 (C60), for a period of 120 days. Increasing dietary concentrate proportion had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on dry matter intake (DMI) but increased crude protein (CP) and total digestible nutrient intake (P < 0.05). Average daily gain and feed conversion efficiency were significantly higher (P < 0.05) for C60 compared with C20 and for C40, these did not differ with C20 and C60 (P > 0.05). The apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and CP were higher (P < 0.05), but acid detergent fiber digestibility was lower (P < 0.05) for C60 compared with C20 whereas, ether extract and neutral detergent fiber digestibilities were not affected (P > 0.05). Daily methane (CH4) emission (g/d), CH4 energy loss (MJ/d) and CH4 yield (CH4 g/kg organic matter intake [OMI], CH4 g/kg digestible OMI, and CH4 % of metabolizable energy intake) were significantly higher for C20 compared with C60 (P < 0.05). Methane yield as g/kg DMI although lower for C60 compared with C20 but the difference was not significant (P > 0.05). Manure CH4 (g/kg DMI) and nitrous oxide (N2O mg/kg nitrogen) emissions were not affected (P > 0.05), but N2O emission on mg/kg DM basis was significantly higher (P < 0.05) from the manure of calves fed C60 than that for C20. Thus, increasing dietary concentrate proportion improved animal performance, and reduced enteric CH4 emission (g/day) without any significant effect on manure N2O (mg/kg nitrogen) and CH4 emissions.

Effect of β-glucanase and β-xylanase enzyme supplemented barley diets on nutrient digestibility, growth performance and expression of intestinal nutrient transporter genes in finisher pigs

The study investigated the effect of dietary supplementation of an enzyme mix (β-glucanase and β-xylanase) to barley based diets that had different chemical compositions achieved through different agronomical conditions on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and intestinal nutrient transporters. Ninety-six pigs (44.7 kg (SD 4.88)) were assigned to one of four dietary treatments. The treatments were as follows: (T1) low quality barley diet, (T2) low quality barley diet supplemented with β-glucanase and β-xylanase enzyme supplement, (T3) high quality barley diet and (T4) high quality barley diet supplemented with β-glucanase and β-xylanase enzyme supplement. The inclusion of barley was 500 g/kg. There was an interaction between barley type and enzyme supplementation on average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) (P < 0.05). Pigs offered the low quality barley diet supplemented with enzymes had an increase in both ADG and ADFI compared to the low quality barley diet only. However, there was no response to enzyme inclusion in the high quality barley diet. Pigs offered the low quality barley diet with enzymes had a higher coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility (CATTD) of gross energy (GE) compared to the low quality barley diet only (P < 0.05). However, the increase in the high quality barley diet with enzyme supplementation was not as great as with the low quality barley diet. Pigs offered the low quality barley had an upregulation in the expression of the ghrelin gene (GHRL) in the jejunum compared to pigs offered the high quality barley diet (P < 0.05). There was a barley × enzyme interaction observed for the expression of the cluster of differentiation gene (CD36) in the duodenum and the peptide transporter 1 gene (PEPT1/SLC15A1) and sodium-glucose linked transporter 1 gene (SGLT1/SLC5A1) in the ileum (P < 0.01). Pigs offered the high quality barley diet with enzymes had increased expression of CD36, PEPT1/SLC15A1 and SGLT1/SLC5A1 compared to the high quality barley diet alone. However the low quality barley diet with enzymes down regulated the expression of CD36, PEPT1/SLC15A1 and SGLT1/SLC5A1 compared to the low quality barley diet alone. In conclusion, offering a low quality barley diet supplemented with an enzyme mix improved ADG, ADFI and nutrient digestibility as well as modifying the expression of CD36, PEPT1/SLC15A1 and SGLT1/SLC5A1. The inclusion of an enzyme mix to the high quality barley diet improved nutrient digestibility and caused an upregulation in the expression of CD36, PEPT1/SLC15A1 and SGLT1/SLC5A1 but it did not improve animal performance.

Effect of Feeding Bacillus subtilis Spores to Broilers Challenged with Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg Brazilian Strain UFPR1 on Performance, Immune Response, and Gut Health.

Salmonellosis is a poultry industry and public health concern worldwide. Recently, Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg (SH) has been reported in broilers in Brazil. The effect of feeding a blend of three strains of Bacillus subtilis (PRO) was studied in broilers orally challenged (107 CFU/chick) or not with a SH isolated in south of Brazil (UFPR1 strain). Twelve male Cobb 500 broilers per pen were randomly assigned to six treatments in a 3 × 2 factorial experiment where PRO was added at 0, 250, or 500 g/ton of broiler feed and fed to either SH-challenged (SH Control, SH + PRO 250, and SH + PRO 500) or non-challenged birds (Control, PRO 250, and PRO 500). Broiler performance, histologic alterations in intestinal morphology, Salmonella quantification and immune cells counts in liver (macrophages, T CD4+ and T CD8+) were analyzed. Changes in the intestinal microbiota of broilers were also studied by metagenomics for Control, SH Control, SH + PRO 250, and SH + PRO 500 only. Feeding PRO at 250 or 500 g/ton reduced SH counts and incidence in liver and cecum at 21 days of age. It was observed that PRO groups increased the macrophage mobilization to the liver in SH-challenged birds (P < 0.05) but reduced these cells in the liver of non-challenged birds, showing an interesting immune cell dynamics effect. PRO at 250 g/ton did not affect gut histology, but improved animal performance (P < 0.05) while PRO at 500/ton did not affect animal performance but increased histologic alteration related to activation of the defense response in the ileum in SH challenged birds compared to control birds (P < 0.05). SH + PRO 500 group presented a more diverse cecal microbiota (Shannon–Wiener index; P < 0.05) compared to Control and SH Control groups; while SH + PRO 250 had greater ileal richness (JackkNife index) compared to Control (P < 0.05). PRO was effective in reducing Salmonella colonization in liver and cecum when fed at 250 or 500 g/ton to broilers inoculated with SH strain UFPR1. PRO promotes positive alterations in performance (at 250 g/ton), immune modulatory effect in the gastrointestinal tract, SH reduction, and intestinal microbiota modulation.

Stakeholder-driven modelling the impact of animal profile and market conditions on optimal delivery weight in growing-finishing pig production

Pig delivery weight optimisation (PDWO) has been studied extensively and has resulted in several optimisation models. A previous participatory analysis of the problem has revealed that existing models are too complex and might therefore be under-valorised. Farmers desire a simple but reliable model based on available farm data to learn about the problem. A spreadsheet simulation model was therefore developed based on empirical animal performance models. The present study aims at conceptualising a stakeholder-driven model concerning PDWO that should provide insights into four key questions: I) how do the driving forces behind the optimisation determine the optima, II) what is the dependency of the optimal delivery weight on market conditions, III) how do the opportunity costs due to suboptimal delivery evolve, in addition to the mere optimisation results and IV) what is the effect of differences in animal performance profile, in terms of growth, feed intake and average carcass quality on the optimal delivery results? The results generated by the simulation model generally align with those generated using more sophisticated modelling approaches in previous studies. Our results indicate that the animal's growth and feed intake profile can more importantly affect the location of the optima, the stability of the optima and economic importance of delivery weight optimisation compared to market conditions. Moreover, the effect of market conditions on the optimisation was dependent on the animal profile, which determines the flatness of the payoff curve per pig. The possible flat payoff curves imply that the benefits of accurate PDWO can be limited and that some error margin in decisions on PDWO can be exploited. Moreover, this finding illustrates and corroborates the increased benefit of a shift in technology, i.e. an improved animal performance, compared to striving for the optimum on the production function of an inferior technology. Using this simplified model, farmers can investigate the flatness of their farm-specific payoff curve and the stability of their farm-specific optima. That information may help them to determine the appropriateness of a robust decision-supportive rule about optimal delivery weight on their farm.

The present situation and prospect of the processing technology of forage grass in China

In recent years, with the rapid improvement of Chinese people’s living standards, the demand of animal products is increasing greatly, which leads to significant shortage in supply of forage especially high-quality forage. The insufficient supply of forage especially high-quality feed blocks the further promotion of animal husbandry. In China, the area of grassland accounts for 42% of the total land area, which is critical for animal husbandry. However, a gap exists between grass and livestock. Grass products such as silage and hay, are the bridge connecting grass cultivation and animal husbandry. Besides, processing technology of grass products is able to solve the question that the excess utilization of the winter-spring pasture and the imbalance of forage grass with the livestock. Therefore, we proposed that grass products processing is the key factor of promoting the development of farming and animal husbandry, it can adjust the balance of grass supply of all years, and guarantee the modern development of animal husbandry. Although great improvement has already been obtained in the processing technology of grass products, the level still is quite low compared with developed countries. Firstly, there is a lack of systematic research related to processing technology, which directly causes the low quality of grass products and weak market competition. Secondly, the machinery equipment associated with forage harvesting and processing in our country are heavily dependent on imports, its high price limits the mechanized production of grass. The physical and chemical characteristics of grass can be improved through processing modulation of grasses, contributing to the efficiency of their storage, transportation and feeding. Of the many kinds of grass products, we highlighted the importance of silage and its additives. Additives are natural or industrial products added in rather large quantities to the forage or grain mass. Additives control or prevent certain types of fermentation, thus reducing losses and improving silage stability. In order to assist in the fermentation process, various silage additives have been used to improve the nutrient and energy recovery in silage, often with subsequent improvements in animal performance. The purpose for applying additives to the silage is to ensure that the growth of lactic bacteria predominates during the fermentation process, producing lactic acid in quantities high enough to ensure good silage. Therefore, this review is made to focus on some practical aspects of the fermentation process and the uses of some common silage additives that include microbial inoculants, enzymes, and propionic acid. Overall, we summarized the current research achievements and existing issues in the processing of grass products at home and abroad regarding concepts, significances, current situations, main theories and technologies in this review. By analyzing problems, we propose the concept of grass processing especially the silage processing technique, and provide a theoretical guidance for upgrading grass products in China, which we consider an important guidance significant for forage production with high quality in the future.

Self-feeding improved animal performance of calves grazing native grasslands during winter on extensive livestock production systems

Self-feeding improved animal performance of calves grazing native grasslands during winter on extensive livestock production systems

Environmental source of stress in livestock productivity - a study of Minna climate data

Stress emanating from environment is a factor limiting livestock productivity in the Tropics because of elevated temperature year round; hence this study took a look at Minna climate data for evaluation of Temperature-Humidity- Index (THI) as a way of identifying climate source of stress on livestock production. Climate Normals for Minna between years 1961 and 2018 were obtained, and the data were analyzed using general formulae for calculating Temperature-Humidity-Index for livestock production. Relationships between production parameters on commercial farms and the THI data indicated that heat stress is a potential cause of oxidative stress in the area. The THI showed that the environmental conditions in the study area has potential for heat stress on animals, and that it can aggravate oxidative stress in livestock under production in the study area, hence there is need for further studies to identify the pathophysiological mechanisms of heat stress so as to develop mitigation strategies for improved animal performance and productivity. The study suggested that instead of the penchant for importing exotic breeds of livestock with the aim of upgrading the indigenous breeds, the way forward could be the utilization of genetic expression of heat and oxidative stress genes in animals as candidate markers for improvement of their productive potentials.

Cell Wall Characteristics of a Maize Mutant Selected for Decreased Ferulates

The cross-linked nature of plant cell walls provides structural integrity for continued growth and development, but limits degradation and utilization by ruminants. In grasses a major cross-linking component is ferulic acid that is incorporated into cell walls as an ester linked residue on arabinoxylans. Ferulates can become coupled to each other and to lignin forming a highly cross-linked matrix of carbohydrates and lignin. Seedling ferulate ester mutants (sfe) were produced in maize using the transposon system and evaluated in feeding trials. The work described here was undertaken to characterize changes in the ferulate cross-linked nature as well as other components of the corn cell wall matrix in leaf, sheath and stem tissues. Total ferulates decreased modestly due to the mutation and were more apparent in leaf tissue (16% - 18%) compared to sheath (+5 to -6% change) and stem (8% - 9% decrease). The most significant changes were in the ether linked ferulates to lignin, both monomer and dehydrodiferulates (14% to 38% decrease). Other characteristics of the cell wall (lignin, neutral sugar composition) also showed modest changes. The change in total ferulates was modest, but led to improved animal performance. These findings suggest that relatively small changes can have a significant impact upon how well plant materials can be broken down and utilized by ruminants such as dairy cows.

Immunomodulatory effects of phytogenics in chickens and pigs - A review.

Environmental stressors like pathogens and toxins may depress the animal immune system through invasion of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) tract, where they may impair performance and production, as well as lead to increased mortality rates. Therefore, protection of the GIT tract and improving animal health are top priorities in animal production. Being natural-sourced materials, phytochemicals are potential feed additives possessing multiple functions, including: anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-viral and antioxidative properties. This paper focuses on immunity-related physiological parameters regulated by phytochemicals, such as carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, curcumin, and thymol; many studies have proven that these phytochemicals can improve animal performance and production. On the molecular level, the impact of inflammatory gene expression on underlying mechanisms was also examined, as were the effects of environmental stimuli and phytochemicals in initiating nuclear factor kappa B and mitogen-activated protein kinases signaling pathways and improving health conditions.

Sodium salt medium-chain fatty acids and Bacillus-based probiotic strategies to improve growth and intestinal health of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata).

BackgroundThe increased demand for fish protein has led to the intensification of aquaculture practices which are hampered by nutritional and health factors affecting growth performance. To solve these problems, antibiotics have been used for many years in the prevention, control and treatment against disease as well as growth promoters to improve animal performance. Nowadays, the use of antibiotics in the European Union and other countries has been completely or partially banned as a result of the existence of antibiotic cross-resistance. Therefore, a number of alternatives, including enzymes, prebiotics, probiotics, phytonutrients and organic acids used alone or in combination have been proposed for the improvement of immunological state, growth performance and production in livestock animals. The aim of the present study was to evaluate two commercially available feed additives, one based on medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) from coconut oil and another with a Bacillus-based probiotic, in gilthead sea bream (GSB, Sparus aurata), a marine farmed fish of high value in the Mediterranean aquaculture.MethodsThe potential benefits of adding two commercial feed additives on fish growth performance and intestinal health were assessed in a 100-days feeding trial. The experimental diets (D2 and D3) were prepared by supplementing a basal diet (D1) with MCFAs in the form of a sodium salt of coconut fatty acid distillate (DICOSAN®; Norel, Madrid, Spain), rich on C-12, added at 0.3% (D2) or with the probiotic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940, added at 0.1% (D3). The study integrated data on growth performance, blood biochemistry, histology and intestinal gene expression patterns of selected markers of intestinal function and architecture.ResultsMCFAs in the form of a coconut oil increased feed intake, growth rates and the surface of nutrient absorption, promoting the anabolic action of the somatotropic axis. The probiotic (D3) induced anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects with changes in circulating cortisol, immunoglobulin M, leukocyte respiratory burst, and mucosal expression levels of cytokines, lymphocyte markers and immunoglobulin T.DiscussionMCFA supplementation showed positive effects on GSB growth and intestinal architecture acting mainly in the anterior intestine, where absorption takes place. The probiotic B. amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940 exhibited key effects in the regulation of the immune status inducing anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects which can be potentially advantageous upon infection or exposure to other stressors. The potential effects of these feed additives in GSB are very promising to improve health and disease resistance in aquaculture.

Use of sodium butyrate in performance of pigs

The present study aimed to evaluate the performance of pigs in growing and finishing submitted to supplementation with sodium butyrate, an organic acid coated with plant extracts, which does not suffer gastric digestion and has effective action from the small intestine by maintaining the integrity of the intestinal epithelium and may still have bactericidal action. It will be used 12 pigs, males and females, crossbred breeds Landrace x Large white, divided into two treatments, one treatment (T1) the control and treatment two (T2) with supplementation of organic acid (Sodium Butyrate). The design was completely randomized with three replicates per treatment, with two animals each repetition. The parameters evaluated were weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion (FC), stool consistency (CF) and feed cost per kg of produced pig (CP). Performance data were submitted to analysis of variance (ASSISTAT 7.5, 2008), and the difference between the means verified by the F test. The average between treatments were not significantly different (P> 0.05) and the results obtained of 1.01 and 1.05 for average daily gain (WG), 2.49 and 2.52 for daily feed intake (CR), 2.45 and 2.40 for feed conversion (FC) for T1 and T2 respectively. Stool consistency (CF) was observed and assigned score 2 or predominantly normal during the trial period does not indicate occurrence of diarrhea. The cost of feed per kg of produced pig (CP) was R $ 1.71 for T1 and £ 1.80 for T2. The inclusion of this acid in the diet of pigs in growing and finishing not demonstrated effectiveness in improving animal performance.

Effects of Matricaria chamomille and Cichorium intybus powder on Performance, Rumen Microbial Population and Some Blood Parameters of Dallagh Sheep

BACKGROUND: Manipulation of rumen microbial population for improving animal performance is done by several methods including medicinal plants. Matricaria chamomille (chamomile) and Cichorium intybus (chicory) are two medicinal plant with antibacterial effect that there is little information about the effects of them on rumen microflora. OBJECTIVE: The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of chamomile and chicory powder on performance, ruminal microbial population and some blood parameters of sheep. METHODS: 9 Dallagh sheep were used in a change over design experiment at three 21-d periods (14 days as adaptation and 7 days for sample collection). Treatments were: 1) control )without additive(, 2) chamomile ( contained 10% chamomile powder) and 3) chicory (contained %10 chicory powder). Rumen fluid was collected before, 4 h and 8 h after morning feeding and a blood sample was obtained 3 h after morning feeding at last day of each period. RESULTS: Weight gain, dry matter intake, feed conversion ratio, total count of bacteria, acid lactic bacteria, rumen pH, blood glucose and total protein were not affected by treatments. Diet containing 100g chicory significantly decreased plasma triglyceride versus chamomile but the difference was not significant compared with control. Coliforms in rumen fluid at 4 hours after morning feeding were lower in chamomile treatment than control (P<0.05). Lambs received chamomile and chicory powder had significantly higher Rumen protozoa number before morning feeding. In conclusion, although Matricaria chamomille and Cichorium intybus dry powder had some significant effects on rumen microbial population but had no effect on performance, growth and blood metabolites.

669 Effects of replacing corn with dried distiller's grains plus solubles and poultry fat on performance and meat quality of lambs consuming bermudagrass hay

The Southeastern United States, with warm climate and relatively high humidity, is not suitable for wool production. For these reasons, hair-type sheep are being raised for meat. Grazing is the most economical way of raising livestock. Pasture quality is subjected to seasonal variations leading to nutrient deficiencies that limit animal performance. Supplements are often needed to improve animal performance. Grains are used for energy and soybean meal is used for protein supplementation. Corn and soybean are diverted for biofuel production, reducing their use for animal feed and thus increasing the cost of animal production. Dried distiller's grains plus solubles (DDGS), a byproduct of the grain biofuel industry, that is rich in protein and digestible fiber could be used to replace corn and soybean meal in livestock diets. A study was conducted to determine the effects of replacing corn with DDGS, poultry fat, or in combination on feed intake, growth, carcass characteristics, liver mass, and meat quality of lambs consuming Bermudagrass hay using 40 Katahdin × Dorper intact males (6 mo old). Treatments consisted of a Bermudagrass hay–based diet supplemented with corn (Control), DDGS, poultry fat (OIL), or DDGS plus poultry fat (DDGSOil). Diets were balanced for energy and protein and then fed once daily for 60 d to individually housed lambs. Lambs were processed at the end of the 60-d experiment after a 24-h fast. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design using the mixed model of SAS. Results indicate that total protein intake %BW (0.4834 ± 0.0183), final weight (44.6 ± 1.24 kg), slaughter weight (42.5 ± 1.49 kg), hot (24.4 ± 0.74 kg) and chilled carcass weights (72.5 ± 0.74 kg), initial carcass pH (6.5 ± 0.06), cooking loss (16.6 ± 0.87%), and meat protein (21.2 ± 0.39%) were not affected (P > 0.05) by supplement type. Total DMI (1.66 vs. 2.07, 2.15, and 2.22 ± 0.07 kg for OIL, DDGS, DDGSOil, and Control, respectively) and liver weight (561 vs. 635, 674, and 678 ± 27.9 g) decreased (P < 0.01) with OIL supplement alone. Rumen pH was lowest (P < 0.05) with corn supplementation (7.23 ± 0.06) compared with DDGS (7.4 ± 0.06), OIL (7.5 ± 0.06), and DDGSOil (7.6 ± 0.06). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances for DDGSOil (0.36 ± 0.0351 malondialdehyde [MDA]/kg) were higher (P < 0.001) compared with Control (0.118 ± 0.0351 MDA/kg), OIL (0.1712 ± 0.0351 MDA/kg), and DDGS (0.203 ± 0.0351 MDA/kg). The OIL supplement showed greater myoglobin quantities (31.3 ± 2.3 mg/mL) compared with Control (17.1 ± 2.3 mg/mL), DDGSOil (21.9 ± 2.3 mg/mL), and DDGS (24.3 ± 2.3 mg/mL. These results show that DDGS or OIL alone or in combination can be used in a growing lamb diet without negatively affecting animal performance and meat quality.

Enrichment of Animal Diets with Essential Oils-A Great Perspective on Improving Animal Performance and Quality Characteristics of the Derived Products.

Food industry operates in a competitive market and is continually facing challenges to retain or even increase its market share. Consistent high-quality animal products are required to maintain consumer confidence and consumption. Enrichment of foods with bioactive compounds such as the essential oils appears to improve quality characteristics of the derived products and protects consumers against oxidation and bacterial spoilage effects. Synthetic additives are nowadays questioned due to their suspected carcinogenic potential, and therefore extensive research has been undertaken to identify safe and efficient alternatives. Aromatic plants and their respective essential oils belong to natural products and are generally used in pig, poultry, rabbit and ruminant nutrition. The inclusion of essential oils in livestock diets is nowadays becoming a common practice, since dietary supplementation has been proven a simple and convenient strategy to effectively inhibit the oxidative reactions or microbial spoilage at their localized sites. A wide range of essential oils contain bioactive compounds that have the potential to act as multifunctional feed supplements for animals including effects on growth performance, digestive system, pathogenic bacterial growth and lipid oxidation. However, further studies are needed to clarify their exact action and establish their regular use in animal production.

Performance, carcass parameters, meat quality and lipid profile from feedlot young bulls fed cottonseed

SUMMARY The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance, carcass, meat quality, fatty acid profile and liver alterations of cattle supplemented with cottonseed feedlot. It used 100 Nelore cattle, being divided into two groups of 50 animals, which received a cottonseed (CS) in grain form by the diet in the proportion of 15% and the other group was provided with control diet without CS in the feedlot for 88 days. The diets were isoprotein and isoenergetic and concentrate:roughage ratio of 60:40. The animals were slaughter in the end of experimental time and the collection of liver samples for histological analysis. After cooling 24 hours at ± 1°C were conducted evaluation of carcass and major cuts, final pH and collected muscle samples longissimus to carry out the physicochemical analyzes (Color, Cooking Loss, Pigments and Shear Force), chemical composition, fatty acid profile and oxidation. The inclusion of CS in the diet provided animals with higher slaughter weight, daily weight gain, Hindquarter, however, the animals showed reduced carcass yield, forequarter weight and Thin flank, without changing the parameters as rib-eye area and backfat thickness. There was an increase of the yellow values (b*) and moisture with the final pH reduction. There was no influence of the use of cottonseed in relation to histological parameters evaluated in the liver. The cottonseed in the feeding feedlot cattle promoted improvement in animal performance, despite the reduction of the forequarter weight, with appropriate aspects of meat quality, fatty acid profile and conservation.

Aflatoxins andSaccharomyces cerevisiae: yeast modulates the intestinal effect of aflatoxins, while aflatoxin B1 influences yeast ultrastructure

The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) is the main site where absorption of food components takes place and the first system coming into contact with mycotoxins of dietary origin. The aim of this work was to study the effect of probioticSaccharomyces cerevisiae RC016 on intestinal villi of rats exposed to aflatoxins for 60 days. Moreover, the effect ofin vitro aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) exposure on yeast cell ultrastructure was evaluated. Six treatments were applied (n=6) to inbred male Wistar rats: (1) uncontaminated feed control (F); (2) yeast control; (3) F + 40 μg/kg AFB1 + 20 μg/kg aflatoxin G1 (AFG1); (4) F + 100 μg/kg AFB1 + 50 μg/kg AFG1; (5) F + 40 μg/kg AFB1 + 20 μg/kg AFG1 + daily oral dose 108 viableS. cerevisiae cells; and (6) F + 100 μg/kg AFB1 + 50 μg/kg AFG1 + daily oral dose 108 viableS. cerevisiae cells. Morphometric measurements (villus length and width, crypt depth, quantification of goblet cells) were assessed using image analysis.S. cerevisiae RC016 cells were exposed to 20 μg/ml of AFB1 in intestinal solutions or in phosphate buffered saline and cells processed for transmission electron microscopy and high resolution light microscopy studies. Dietary exposure to the yeast did not induce significant differences in villus width but increased villus length and crypt depth. Aflatoxin-contaminated diets induced an increase in villus length, width and crypt depth and a significant decrease in the number of goblet cells which were improved by the addition ofS. cerevisiae RC016. A significant increase in the yeast cell diameter was observed when RC016 was exposed to aflatoxins, suggesting this as an advantage since a larger cell would be able to adsorb mycotoxins more efficiently. The ability of this strain to act as probiotic and aflatoxin binder makes it a candidate for the formulation of new additives to improve animal performance.

Effect of live yeast on performance of piglets

Antibiotics are traditional growth promoters for pigs, aimed at improving animal performance. However, their widespread use in animal diets has been questioned due to the risk of toxicity and endanger human health, and may also cause problems of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. This resulted in a search for substitutes additives such as probiotics base of live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) that are able to colonize the gut, keeping your balance and creating a barrier against pathogenic microorganisms, and thus improve animal performance. Given the above, the objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of probiotic live yeast on the performance parameters of piglets in the nursery phase. The experiment was conducted in the swine industry, Universidade Tecnologica Federal do Parana, Campus Dois Vizinhos. Crusaders 18 piglets were used 50 days old and weighing 12 kg, distributed in a completely randomized design containing two treatments (T1 - basal diet without inclusion of enhancers efficiency and T2 - basal diet + 0.2% addition of probiotic). The probiotic used in food as a source of T2 has the live yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The animals were subjected to 7 days of adaptation, this time receiving the basal diet. Feed intake, feed conversion, weight gain, economic viability and stool consistency were evaluated. Performance data submitted to analysis of variance, and the difference between the observed average by F test. Just feed intake showed a statistical difference (P <0.05) where the diet containing the probiotic (T2) showed a lower consumption. Thus it can be concluded that the use of live yeast are positively influenced the economic and productive performance of piglets.