Improve Nutrient Utilization Research Articles

Nutrient utilization and carcass traits in broiler chickens as affected by nano-chromium supplementation

The present study was carried out to perceive the effects of dietary supplementation of nano-chromium on nutrient utilization and carcass traits in broiler chickens. For this, 120 unsexed day-old broiler chickens were procured and randomly allocated into four different treatment groups with three replicates in each. The control group (T0) was fed with a standard basal diet as per BIS (2007). Treatment groups T1, T2, and T3 were fed the basal diet with 400, 800, and 1600 ppb levels of nano-chromium, respectively for six weeks. Dry matter, crude protein, and total carbohydrate metabolizability were significantly improved in treatment groups T2 and T3; while organic matter and ether extract retention were found significantly higher in treatment groups T1, T2, and T3 when compared with a control group. There was no significant difference in the yield of cut-up parts (% live body weight). The supplementation of nano-chromium did not bring any significant changes in processing loss i.e. blood, feather, head, and shank, but abdominal fat was significantly reduced with increasing levels of nano-chromium. Hence, it can be concluded that dietary supplementation of 1600 ppb nano-chromium in the diet of broiler chicken improved nutrient utilization and lowered abdominal fat in broiler chicken.

Soil oxytetracycline alters the effects of phosphate fertilisation and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens on the bacterial community of Medicago sativa rhizosphere

Introducing specific plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) into the soil ecological system is vital to improve nutrient utilization efficiency. Suitable combinations of inoculant and fertilisation particularly phosphorus (P) play important roles in enhancing the effects of PGPB. The ecotoxic risks of antibiotics in agro-ecosystems are of great concern. A pot experiment was conducted to explore the effects of P fertilisation, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens inoculation, and oxytetracycline (OTC) on the bacterial community and the genes related to soil nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) conversion in the rhizosphere of alfalfa. Soil bacterial biodiversity including the number of species and richness was reduced by P fertilisation and OTC addition, enhanced by the inoculation of B. amyloliquefaciens without OTC addition. OTC increased the correlations among bacterial genera. The abundance of total 16S rRNA genes, N- and P-cycling functional genes was decreased by OTC in most cases, but increased at 0 mg P kg−1 and 160 mg OTC kg−1 (P–OTC+) when the soil was inoculated with B. amyloliquefaciens. The relative abundance of five bacterial genera, including Mesorhizobium and some unitalicise uncultured genera, increased at P–OTC+ when inoculated with B. amyloliquefaciens. These genera might use the necromass of some microbes killed by OTC as a nutrient substrate for enhanced growth, thus enhancing the expression of N- and P-cycling functional genes. Overall, OTC altered the effects of P fertilisation and B. amyloliquefaciens inoculation on the bacterial community, N- and P-cycling functional genes in the rhizosphere of alfalfa.

Effects of lysophospholipids and multi-enzymes on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, intestinal health, and cecal microflora of male cherry valley ducks.

Improvement of nutrient utilization to promote growth performance is always pursued in poultry. In this study, a total of 360 1-d-old male ducklings was randomly assigned to 3 treatments in terms of diet treatment groups. Three treatments were as follows: basal diet (Con group) or basal diet supplemented with 300 mg/kg multi-enzymes (ENZ group) or 500 mg/kg lysophospholipids (LPL group). On day 42, ducks were slaughtered for samplings. The results revealed that supplementary LPL improved the body weight (BW) at day 14 and average daily gain (ADG) during days 1 to 14 and improved the feed conversion rate (FCR) for the overall period (P < 0.05) by improving nutrient utilization of dry matter and ether extract (P < 0.05) compared with the Con group. Dietary ENZ improved the FCR from days 15-42 and 1-42, and nitrogen utilization (P < 0.05) compared with the Con group. Jejunal villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio were higher (P < 0.05) in the LPL group and tended to be higher (P < 0.1) in the ENZ group compared to the Con group. Supplementation with either LPL or ENZ reduced interleukin-1β concentration in jejunal mucus (P < 0.05). Both LPL and ENZ enhanced serum total superoxide dismutase activity (P < 0.05), whereas only supplementation with LPL elevated total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.05). In terms of cecal microbiota, microbial richness tended to be reduced by LPL, with low observed-OTUs and Chao1 (0.05 < P < 0.1). Supplementation with ENZ led to higher abundances of cellulolytic bacteria such as Fibrobacterota, [Eubacterium]_xylanophilum_group, and Bifidobacterium. Overall, both LPL and ENZ improved FCR, which may be relevant to ameliorative intestinal health, overall antioxidant ability, and cecal microbiome.

Technical note: Validation of energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence for determination of indigestible markers in ruminant fecal and rumen fluid samples.

Determination of digestibility and passage rate is important for further understanding of nutrient utilization and thereby aids in improving nutrient utilization efficiency. Titanium dioxide and chromium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid are commonly used as indigestible markers for determining passage rates of diets to aid in determination of digestibility. Analyzing Ti and Cr involves the use of procedures such as acid digestions, inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy, and atomic absorption. These commonly used methodologies involve hazardous chemicals, destruction of samples, and low sample throughput. The objective of this experiment was to develop and validate an accurate and precise method for measuring both Ti and Cr using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF). Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence is an analytical technique used for analyzing elements in various sample types. The samples were added to the ED-XRF machine and irradiated with X-rays. The intensity of the X-rays emitted (termed fluorescent X-rays) was used for calculation of the concentration of the element. The method for Ti was constructed using fecal samples from cattle consuming three different diet types (finishing diet, dairy lactation diet, and grazing native range pasture). The Cr method was developed for rumen fluid analysis. We compared the machine-calculated concentrations of each element to the concentration calculated by a standard curve. For both the Ti and Cr, the standard curve-calculated value had a lower percent difference overall at 4.56% and 12.59%, respectively, compared to the machine percent difference of 8.35% and 16.38% for Ti and Cr, respectively. To determine accuracy and precision of the method, samples were spiked with various amounts of Ti or Cr and measured for their respective compounds with percent recovery and inter- and intra-assay CV-calculated thereafter. The average recovery for Ti across all diet types was 100.3%, and the recovery for Cr in rumen fluid was 95.7%. The average inter- and intra-assay CV for Ti, across all diet types, were 9.70% and 2.16%, respectively. For Cr, the average inter- and intra-assay CV were 5.42% and 8.45%, respectively. The ED-XRF method requires minimal additional chemicals, is cost-effective, and allows for sample preservation as well as a high throughput of samples. Our results indicate utilization of ED-XRF is an accurate and precise method for determination of Ti in feces and Cr in rumen fluid.

Evaluation of a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial probiotic on in vitro rumen gas production and nutrient digestibility of different feedstuffs and total mixed rations.

We evaluated the effects of a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial (DFM) on total in vitro gas production, dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and starch disappearance of different feedstuffs and total mixed rations (TMR) in three different experiments. In experiment 1, six single fiber-based feedstuffs were evaluated: alfalfa hay, buffalo grass, beet pulp, eragrostis hay, oat hay, and smutsvinger grass. Experimental treatments were control (with no probiotic inoculation; CON) or incubation of a probiotic mixture containing Bacillus licheniformis and B. subtilis (3.2 × 109 CFU/g; DFM). The calculation of DFM dose under in vitro conditions was based on the assumption of a rumen capacity of 70 liter and the dose of 3 g of the DFM mixture/head/d (9.6 × 109 CFU). Total in vitro gas production, DM, and NDF disappearance were evaluated at 24- and 48 h posttreatment incubation. Mean treatment effects were observed at 24- and 48 h gas production (P < 0.0001), as DFM incubation increased in vitro gas production by 5.0% and 6.5%, respectively. For nutrient digestibility, mean DM digestibility was increased at 48 h (P = 0.05), whereas mean NDF digestibility increased at both timepoints by incubating DFM in vitro (P ≤ 0.02). In experiment 2, nine commercial dairy TMR were collected and evaluated for the same variables and treatments described in experiment 1, with the additional analysis of starch digestibility at 7 h post in vitro incubation. The only difference was the concentration of the DFM included, being representative for a dosage of 8.8 × 109 CFU/head/d. In vitro gas production was increased only at 48 h due to DFM incubation (P = 0.05), whereas DM and NDF digestibility were improved at 24 and 48 h (P ≤ 0.02). No treatment effects were observed on in vitro starch digestibility (P = 0.31). In experiment 3, a combined analysis of DM and NDF digestibility was performed by using quality values (NDF and crude protein or CP) of 16 substrates. Regardless of CP and NDF levels of the substrates, DFM improved in vitro 24 and 48 h DM and NDF digestibility (P ≤ 0.03). In summary, incubating a Bacillus-based DFM (B. licheniformis and B. subtilis; BOVACILLUS) improved mean in vitro gas production, DM, and NDF digestibility of single feedstuffs and commercial dairy TMR, highlighting the potential of this combination of Bacillus spp. to improve nutrient utilization, mainly fiber.

Synergistic and non-synergistic impact of HAP-based nano fertilizer and PGPR for improved nutrient utilization and metabolite variation in hemp crops

Nanofertilizer prepared with urea-hydroxyapatite amalgamation along with PGPR promotes urea availability over longer period of plant growth and reduces wasteful urea expense in soil, curtailing environmental pollution.

氮磷添加对草甸草原土壤氮磷转化功能基因丰度的影响

PDF HTML阅读 XML下载 导出引用 引用提醒 氮磷添加对草甸草原土壤氮磷转化功能基因丰度的影响 DOI: 10.5846/stxb202112093495 作者: 作者单位: 作者简介: 通讯作者: 中图分类号: 基金项目: 国家自然科学基金项目（31772653，31861143001） Responses of soil nitrogen and phosphorus transformation functional genes abundances to nitrogen and/or phosphorus additions in a meadow steppe Author: Affiliation: Fund Project: 摘要 | 图/表 | 访问统计 | 参考文献 | 相似文献 | 引证文献 | 资源附件 | 文章评论 摘要:氮添加是提高退化草地生产力的主要养分管理措施，而过量的氮输入会导致土壤酸化、增加硝酸盐淋溶损失和温室气体排放。旨在明确草原割草利用下土壤氮、磷转化功能基因丰度对氮磷添加的响应规律，为定向调控打草场土壤氮、磷转化过程，提高养分利用效率，减少温室气体N2O排放提供科学依据。2018-2020年在呼伦贝尔草甸草原打草场设置了5个施氮水平（0、1.55、4.65、13.95、27.9 g N m-2 a-1）和3个磷水平（0、5.24、10.48 g P m-2 a-1），裂区试验设计，在植物不同生长时期测定土壤氨氧化（amoA-AOA和amoA-AOB）、反硝化（narG、nirK、nirS和nosZ）和磷转化（phoD）基因丰度。结果表明，土壤氮转化基因丰度受到氮、磷添加的调控，而氮、磷添加对土壤磷转化功能基因丰度无显著影响（P>0.05）。氮添加可提高amoA-AOB基因丰度，增加氨氧化细菌调控土壤总硝化速率的相对重要性，因此能增加硝酸盐淋溶损失潜势。高氮处理下添加磷可降低amoA-AOB基因丰度，降低硝酸盐淋溶损失潜势。反硝化基因nirK和nosZ的丰度受植物生长季节的影响，氮添加仅对8月份nirK和nosZ基因丰度有显著的促进作用，增加气态氮损失潜势。土壤氮的过量输入可在一定程度促进土壤氨氧化和反硝化进程，增加硝酸盐淋溶和气态氮损失的风险。磷添加可能会在一定程度上降低土壤硝酸盐淋溶损失的风险，对提高氮的利用效率具有重要作用。 Abstract:Nitrogen (N) addition is a primary nutrient management practice to improve the productivity of degraded grasslands. Excessive N input leads to soil acidification, the increase of nitrate leaching loss and greenhouse gas emissions. This study aims to understand the response characteristics of the abundances of soil N and phosphorus (P) transformation functional genes to nitrogen and phosphorus additions, and provide reference for directionally regulating the transformation process of soil nitrogen and phosphorus, improving nutrient utilization efficiency, and reducing greenhouse gas N2O emissions in grassland which is used mostly for haymaking. We conducted a spit-plot experiment of nutrient additions that included five N levels (0, 1.55, 4.65, 13.95, 27.9 g N m-2 a-1) and three P levels (0, 5.24, 10.48 g P m-2 a-1) and their interactions in Hulunber meadow steppe for three years (2018-2020). The abundance of genes involved in soil ammonium oxidation (amoA-AOA and amoA-AOB), denitrification (narG, nirK, nirS and nosZ) and organophosphate transformation (phoD) processes at different growth stages of plants were determined. The abundances of soil N-cycle genes were regulated by N and P additions, while the abundances of soil organophosphate transformation gene maintained constant in response to N and P additions. N addition increased the abundance of amoA-AOB and increased the relative importance of ammonia oxidizing bacteria in regulating soil nitrification rate, resulting in increasing the potential of nitrate leaching loss. P addition reduced the abundance of amoA-AOB under high N treatments, thereby decreased the potential of nitrate leaching loss. The abundance of denitrification genes (nirK and nosZ) in response to N addition varied with plant growth seasons. N addition significantly promoted the abundance of nirK and nosZ in August, thereby increasing gaseous N loss potential. Excessive N input might promote the process of soil ammonia oxidation and denitrification, and increase the potential of nitrate leaching loss and gaseous N loss. P addition may reduce the potential of nitrate leaching loss and play a potential role in improving N utilization efficiency. 参考文献 相似文献 引证文献

Intake, digestibility, growth performance and blood profile of rams fed sugarcane bagasse or rice husk treated with Trichoderma viride and effective microorganisms

Sugarcane bagasse and rice husk are lignocellulose rich agricultural by-products designated as an alternative feed for ruminant. However, their nutritive value is relatively low due to low digestibility, high fiber content, low protein content and low palatability. Therefore, the nutritional value of these by-products can be improved with biological treatments. The objective of this study to evaluate the feed intake, digestibility, growth performance and blood profile of Hararghe highland sheep fed biologically treated rice husk (RH) or sugarcane bagasse (SCB) in concentrate mixtures. Thirty six rams with an average age of 10 months and an average initial weight of 18 ± 1.8kg were assigned in randomized complete block design (RCBD) in 2 × 3 factorial arrangements, with two feeds (SCB and RH) and three treatment groups (Control, Trichoderma viride and effective microorganism (EM)). 5% EM1 was used to prepare the activated EM solution and 5% Trichoderma viride (Tv) solution was used to prepare inaculant. Sheep were fed ad libitum for 90 days at 20% refusal rate followed by10 days of digestibility trial. Nutrient intake and digestibility of sheep were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by the interaction. Sheep fed either treated or untreated rice husk based diets had significantly higher dry matter (DM g/d), organic matter (OM g/d), crude protein (CP g/d) and metabolizable energy (ME MJ/d) intake than a diet based on untreated sugarcane bagasse or treated with Trichoderma viride. Sheep fed diets containing either treated or untreated rice husks had a higher average daily weight gain (ADG) and feed conversion efficiency than sugarcane bagasse containing diets. Sheep fed diets containing biologically treated roughages had significantly higher (p < 0.05) average daily weight gain and feed conversion efficiency. Conversely, no significant differences were observed between rams fed diets containing EM and Trichoderma viride (Tv) treated rice husk or sugarcane bagasse in average daily weight gain (ADG) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE). Values of some blood hematology (red blood cell, haemoglobin and packed cell volume) and total protein, urea, glucose and cholesterol of serum metabolites were significantly (p < 0.05) higher for rams fed diet containing rice husk. In conclusion, the results show that the biological treatment of feed with the effective microorganism or Trichoderma viride improved nutrient utilization and average daily gain in the sheep fattening diet.

Eimeria infection-related intestinal dynamics and microbiome, growth performance, and nutrient utilization in broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with multienzyme

Coccidiosis is an infectious parasitic disease. Increasing drug resistance and variable vaccine effectiveness have stimulated interests in developing alternate control strategies. Our research studied the effects of dietary supplementation of multienzyme (phytase, xylanase, β-glucanase, amylase, hemicellulase, and pectinase) in broiler chickens infected with coccidial pathogens by assessing ( i) nutrient utilization, immunological response, and gut health-related indicators in small intestine; and ( ii) intestinal microbiome modulations. One-day-old male Ross 708 chicks were assigned to 4 treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement comprising of 0 or 50 g·kg−1 multienzyme and oral challenge with phosphate buffer saline or mixed Eimeria spp. oocysts (250 000 E. acervulina, 50 000 E. maxima, and 50 000 E. tenella). Multienzyme reduced ( P &lt; 0.05) Eimeria-induced loss in feed efficiency and nutrient utilization, partially explained by reduced decrease of b0,+ amino acid transporter in jejunum. Multienzyme suppressed ( P &lt; 0.05) the overexpression of interleukin-8 in duodenum and jejunum and ameliorated ( P = 0.05) the decreased expression of antioxidant heme oxygenase 1 in ileum induced by Eimeria infection. Multienzyme facilitated ( P &lt; 0.01) the bloom of short-chain fatty acid-producing and fiber-degrading microbes. Multienzyme supplementation partly mitigated the adverse effects of Eimeria infection through multiple mechanisms: improving nutrient utilization, reducing local inflammation, and restoring microbial homeostasis.

Bioorganic fertilizer promotes pakchoi growth and shapes the soil microbial structure.

As a functional probiotic, Bacillus subtilis can promote crop growth and improve nutrient utilization by various mechanisms, so it has been made into bioorganic fertilizer as a replacement for chemical fertilizer. However, the effects of B. subtilis bioorganic fertilizer application on the yield and quality of commercial crops of Brassica chinensis L., the soil physicochemical properties and the microflora have not been clarified. In this study, pot experiments were conducted using Brassica chinensis L. plants with four fertilization treatments: control without fertilization (CK), chemical fertilizer (CF), organic fertilizer (OF), and bioorganic fertilizer containing B. subtilis (BF). After 30 days of pot experiment, the results showed that BF efficiently improved plant height and biomass (1.20- and 1.93-fold, respectively); as well as significantly increasing soil available potassium and pH value. Using high-throughput sequencing, we examined the bacterial and fungal communities in the soil, and found that their diversity was remarkablely reduced in the BF treatment compared to CK group. A principal coordinate analysis also showed a clear separation of bacterial and fungal communities in the BF and CK groups. After application of B. subtilis bioorganic fertilizer, some beneficial bacteria (such as Bacillus and Ammoniphilus) and fungi (Trichoderma and Mortierella) were enriched. A network analysis indicated that bacteria were the dominant soil microbes and the presence of B. subtilis stimulated the colonization of beneficial microbial communities. In addition, predictive functional profiling demonstrated that the application of bioorganic fertilizer enhanced the function of mineral element metabolism and absorption and increased the relative abundance of saprotrophs. Overall, the application of bioorganic fertilizer effectively changed the soil microflora, improved the soil available potassium and pH value, and boosted the yield of Brassica chinensis L. This work has valuable implications for promoting the safe planting of facility vegetables and the sustainable development of green agriculture.

Maxizyme EX Supplementation for Improving Nutrient Utilization from Broken Rice-Based Diet in Broilers

Maxizyme EX Supplementation for Improving Nutrient Utilization from Broken Rice-Based Diet in Broilers

Impact of fermentable fiber, xylo-oligosaccharides and xylanase on laying hen productive performance and nutrient utilization

This study evaluated the impact of feeding xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS), fermentable fiber in the form of wheat bran (WB), and xylanase (XYL) on laying hen productive performance and nutrient digestibility. The hypothesis was that the WB would provide the microbiota in the hindgut with fermentable dietary xylan, and the XOS and XYL would further upregulate xylan fermentation pathways, resulting in improved nutrient utilization. Isa Brown hens (n=96) were obtained at 39 wk of age. They were fed 12 dietary treatments, 8 hens per treatment, for 56 d. A commercial laying hen ration was fed, and for half of the treatments 10% of this ration was directly replaced with WB. The diets were then supplemented with either 1) no supplements; 2) XOS 50 g/t; 3) XOS 2000 g/t; 4) XYL (16,000 BXU/kg); 5) XYL+XOS 50 g/t, or 6) XYL+XOS 2,000 g/t. Hen performance and egg quality were measured every 14 d. On d56, ileum digesta samples were collected for determination of starch, nonstarch polysaccharide (NSP), XOS, protein, energy, and starch digestibility. Ceca digesta samples were also collected for analysis of XOS, short chain fatty acid (SCFA), xylanase and cellulase activity and microbial counts. Feeding 2,000 g/t XOS increased ileal protein digestibility. Combined 2,000 g/t XOS and XYL increased cecal Bifidobacteria concentration. This combination also increased cecal xylanase activity in birds fed the control diet. Cecal cellulase activity was improved by feeding WB, XYL, and 2,000 g/t XOS. XYL increased cecal lactate production. Feeding 2,000 g/t XOS with WB increased insoluble NSP degradability and shell breaking strength at d56. In summary, supplementing laying hen diets with fermentable fiber, XYL and XOS increases utilization of dietary xylan, improving nutrient utilization, performance, and gastrointestinal health.

PSVIII-10 In Vitro Incubation with a Bacillus-Based Direct-fed Microbial Improves Forage Digestibility Parameters

Abstract Over the years, the use of direct-fed microbials (DFM) has been gaining attention and interest by beef cattle producers and nutritionists, due to health benefits associated with these solutions. Moreover, some bacterial strains currently fed to cattle are also capable of producing and releasing enzymes that might improve nutrient utilization in beef animals. Hence, we hypothesized that the incubation of a Bacillus-based DFM would improve in vitro dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility of ten forage sources (spinifex, buffel grass, Flinders grass, Queensland bluegrass, corn silage, lucerne hay, ryegrass, rhodes grass hay, leucaena, and Mitchell grass hay). Our objective was to evaluate the effects of incubating a Bacillus-based DFM on in vitro forage digestibility. Forage sources were incubated, in triplicate, into the media containing or not Bacillus-based DFM (Bacillus licheniformis and B. subtilis; 3.2 × 109 CFU/g; Bovacillus, Chr. Hansen A/S, Horsholm, Denmark) over a 48-h period. The DAISY-II fermentation technique was used with the buffer and nutrient solution described by Goering and Van Soest (1970). The DFM was added to the rumen fluid of treatment groups to simulate the dose of 3 g/animal per day and filter bags were used to isolate 0.5 g of ground forage samples. All data were analyzed using SAS. Inoculation of a Bacillus-based DFM increased overall mean in vitro DM digestibility in 8 out of 10 forage sources with improvements ranging from 6. 1 to 27.3% (P ≤ 0.01). Similarly, mean in vitro NDF digestibility was improved in 8 out of 10 forage types (P ≤ 0.01). In summary, incubation of a Bacillus-based DFM improved in vitro DM and NDF digestibility in forage sources of varying nutritional profile, demonstrating its feasibility to be used in forage-based beef systems.

99 Why Should the Beef Industry be Concerned About gut Health?

Abstract The gastrointestinal tract (GIT) uses a disproportionate amount of energy relative to its weight to facilitate digestion and movement of dig, nutrient absorption, and barrier function. Through these roles, the GIT acts as the first barrier for the immune system. As such, it is clear that understanding factors that affect these functions, particular absorptive and barrier function, can help improve nutrient utilization and limit immune activation. Cattle fed highly fermentable diets provide a unique opportunity to explore functions of the GIT and improve our understanding of the connection between digestive and metabolic disorders, and infectious disease. Consistent feed intake is a major challenge facing epithelia lining the GIT as feed-deprivation: induces behavioral stress that may alter epithelial cell function increasing risk for inflammation; induces rapid reductions in absorptive surface area; reduces rates of short-chain fatty acid absorption, and results in a transient increase in GIT permeability. Upon re-feeding, cattle previously experiencing off-feed events are at high risk for ruminal acidosis. Reasons for depressed feed intake are numerous and the off-feed event imposed by many diseases may provide a theorized linkage between respiratory disease, ruminal acidosis, and liver abscesses. Recent research has highlighted that increased GIT permeability may decrease gain and alter carcass composition supportive of inflammatory-mediated responses. In addition, there is growing evidence that highly fermentable diets may alter the regional permeability; however, future research is needed to confirm these findings.

The effects of rumen-protected tryptophan (RPT) on production performance and relevant hormones of dairy cows.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that cannot be synthesized in mammals. Therefore, the dietary supply of tryptophan is critical for the health and production performance (e.g., milk) of mammals. In the present study, 36 lactating Holstein cows were used, of which 24 cows were in the rumen-protected tryptophan (RPT) feeding groups with different doses at 14 g/d and 28 g/d, respectively and 12 cows were in the control group. This approach could avoid dietary tryptophan being degraded by the rumen microorganisms and improve its bioavailability for cows. The results showed that RPT increased milk protein percentage, milk protein yield, milk solid non-fat (SNF), and milk yield. In response to RPT treatment, the levels of melatonin (MT), prolactin (PRL), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were significantly increased in the serum of cows compared to the controls. RPT feeding improved nutrient utilization efficiency and lactation performance of dairy cows, which enhanced the quality of milk.

Combined Use of Spent Mushroom Substrate Biochar and PGPR Improves Growth, Yield, and Biochemical Response of Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis): A Preliminary Study on Greenhouse Cultivation

This paper investigated the impact of the combined use of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) biochar and plant-growth-promoting rhizobia (PGPR) on the growth, yield, and biochemical response of cauliflower (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis). A preliminary study was conducted under greenhouse condition using six treatments (sextuplicate) as control (no addition), T1 (PGPR), T2 (5 g/Kg biochar), T3 (5 g/Kg biochar + PGPR), T4 (10 g/Kg biochar), and T5 (10 g/Kg biochar + PGPR) under greenhouse conditions. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-Zeiss), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier’s transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses showed that biochar produced from slow pyrolysis of SMS had advantageous structural, functional, and morphological properties for agricultural use. Results showed that SMS biochar addition aids the acceleration of soil nutrient properties. SMS biochar and PGPR application also significantly (p &lt; 0.05) improved the selected growth, yield, and biochemical parameters of cauliflower. In particular, the highest cauliflower yield (550.11 ± 10.05 g), fresh plant biomass (1.66 ± 0.04 Kg), dry plant biomass (149.40 ± 4.18 g), plant height (22.09 ± 0.14 cm), root length (11.20 ± 0.05 cm), plant spread (28.35 ± 0.18 cm), and the number of leaves (12.50 ± 0.50) were observed in T5 treatment. Similarly, the best values for biochemical parameters and enzyme activities such as total chlorophyll (TC: 3.13 ± 0.07 mg/g), superoxide dismutase (SOD: 79.12 ± 1.29 µg/g), catalase (CAT: 55.70 ± 2.52 µg/g), peroxidase (POD 30.18 ± 0.37 µg/g), total phenolics (TP: 19.50 ± 0.31 mg/g), ascorbic acid (AA: 14.18 ± 0.55 mg/g), and total carotenoids (TCT: 150.17 ± 8.20 µg/100 g) were also recorded in the T5 treatment. The application of SMS biochar and PGPR showed a positive correlation with growth, yield, and biochemical response of cauliflower, as indicated by the Pearson correlation analysis. The findings of this study suggest efficient recycling of mushroom industry waste for biochar production and the use of PGPR to improve nutrient utilization in sustainable agriculture.

Marine by-products and insects as a potential chitosan source for ruminant feed additives

Chitosan is a hydrophilic polysaccharide produced from chitin that has a wide range of applications. Chitosan has several functions as an anti-microbial, methane reducer, and protein protective agent. Based on this function chitosan has been explored for its potential as a feed additive. Moreover, source and extraction technique have potentially affected the yield and degree of deacetylation (DD) of chitosan products. The present review provides information on various chitosan isolation processes in marine by-products and insects and the result of their DD and yield. Chemical isolation processes are still popular in industries compared with biological processes based on their DD and yield. Chitosan properties and yield from insects are comparable with those of commercial chitosan derived from a marine by-product. The application of chitosan as a feed additive is also highlighted in this review. Moreover, chitosan as a feed additive has the capability to decrease CH&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt; production, increase propionate production, reduce the acetate/propionate ratio, and improve nutrient utilization efficiency, and animal performance. Chitosan has the potential to be a beneficial natural and plentiful feed additive, particularly for reducing enteric methane emissions.

Effect of Fiber Fermentation and Protein Digestion Kinetics on Mineral Digestion in Pigs.

Simple SummaryThere is increasing interest in improving nutrient utilization in pigs and poultry and thereby reduce nutrient excretion into the environment. The present review aims to provide an overview on interactions between fermentable substrates (e.g., starch, fiber, and protein) and selected minerals on nutrient digestion and absorption to determine nutritional solutions to maximize animal performance, principally in the grower–finisher phase. Using in vitro models, the site and rate (kinetics) of nutrient digestion or fermentation of a feed ingredient or diet can be estimated. However, for minerals, no standardized methodology to assess in vitro mineral digestion exists. In vivo, the diet total tract digestibility of phosphorus might be underestimated in diets with fermentable ingredients because of increased diet-specific endogenous phosphorus losses and requires further clarification to better calculate the true total tract digestibility of phosphorus in pigs. The quantification of fiber type, composition of fiber fractions within individual raw materials, their influence on digestion kinetics, and effects on digesta pH and nutrient solubility related to fermentation should be considered. In conclusion, applications of nutrient kinetic data should be considered as part of an integrated approach to support nutrient digestion and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract of pigs, thereby helping to reduce nutrient excretion.Nutrient kinetic data and the timing of nutrient release along the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), are not yet widely used in current feed formulations for pigs and poultry. The present review focuses on interactions between fermentable substrates (e.g., starch, fiber, and protein) and selected minerals on nutrient digestion and absorption to determine nutritional solutions to maximize animal performance, principally in the grower–finisher phase, with the aim of minimizing environmental pollution. For phosphorus (P), myo-inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakis (dihydrogen phosphate) (InsP6), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn), no standardized methodologies to assess in vitro mineral digestion exist. The stepwise degradation of InsP6 to lower inositol phosphate (InsP) forms in the GIT is rare, and inositol phosphate4 (InsP4) might be the limiting isomer of InsP degradation in diets with exogenous phytase. Furthermore, dietary coefficients of standardized total tract digestibility (CSTTD) of P might be underestimated in diets with fermentable ingredients because of increased diet-specific endogenous P losses (EPL), and further clarification is required to better calculate the coefficients of true total tract digestibility (CTTTD) of P. The quantification of fiber type, composition of fiber fractions, their influence on digestion kinetics, effects on digesta pH, and nutrient solubility related to fermentation should be considered for formulating diets. In conclusion, applications of nutrient kinetic data should be considered to help enhance nutrient digestion and absorption in the GIT, thereby reducing nutrient excretion.

Biowaste-derived, nanohybrid-reinforced double-function slow-release fertilizer with metal-adsorptive function

Bio-based slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) have drawn significant attention in resolving food scarcity issues, improving nutrient utilization efficiencies, and preventing environmental pollution. However, current SRFs still need to improve their release profile, reduce the bioresource cost, and resolve multiple environmental issues e.g., different types of soil/water contamination. In this study, we propose an original concept to fabricate double-function and environmentally friendly SRFs with a controllable fertilizer release function and strong adsorption capability of trace metals in soils. The hypothesis is that a hydrophobic nanohybrid synthesized from the low-cost lignin biowaste and clay allows the well-dispersion in the bio-based polyurethane matrix derived from readily available agriculture byproducts. The exfoliation of nanohybrid in the biopolymer membrane not only blocks the path of hydrophobic fertilizer release but also possesses cationic ions absorption function. The results show that the nanohybrid has a strong metal adsorption capability and the synthesized nanohybrid-based controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) exhibit excellent N release longevity (more than one month). These multiple-function CRFs promote plant growth in trace-metal contaminant soil in a cherry radish matrix study. This work also provides a detailed examination of the synthesis of lignin clay hybrid biocomposite, the encapsulation of fertilizers by the biocomposite membrane, the study of the nutrient release profile, and the metal adsorption mechanism. For the first time, biobased and low-cost CRFs provide multiple functions including controllable fertilizer release, strong metal adsorption capability for soil remediation, or trace metal re-utilization, which is expected to open a new door for large-scale utilization of CRFs in a nutrient contaminant soil environment.

Growth and Nutrient Utilization in Basil Plant as Affected by Applied Nutrient Quantity in Nutrient Solution and Light Spectrum

Simple SummaryThe growth and nutrient utilization of hydroponic vegetables are largely affected by the nutrient solution management method and light environment. This study was conducted to improve the growth, nutrient absorption efficiency, and nutrient use efficiency of basil plants grown in a plant factory with artificial lighting by controlling the nutrient solution management method and light spectrum. Basil plants were treated with 4 applied nutrient quantities and three red:blue ratios from transplanting to harvest (20 days). Results showed that low applied nutrient quantity significantly improved the nutrient use efficiency and nutrient absorption efficiency. Furthermore, the yield of the basil plant and the absorption of N and K were significantly influenced by different red:blue ratios under low applied nutrient quantity treatments. Therefore, this study has determined the optimal combination of the applied nutrient quantity and red:blue ratio for improving the growth, nutrient use efficiency, and nutrient absorption efficiency of basil plants. The findings of this study can be applied to hydroponic basil production for saving resources and protecting the environment.Quantitative nutrient management has advantages, such as saving resources and improving nutrient utilization, compared with the conventional electrical conductivity management method. The growth and nutrient utilization of vegetables are affected by the integrated environmental conditions such as nutrient supply and light spectrum. This study investigated the effects of applied nutrient quantity (ANQ) (0.5, 1, 2, and 4 times (T) the absorption quantity of nutrients determined in the preliminary experiment, indicated by 0.5T, 1T, 2T, and 4T, respectively) in nutrient solution and red:blue ratio (R:B = 3:7, 7:3, and 9:1, indicated by RB3:7, RB7:3, and RB9:1, respectively) on the growth and nutrient utilization of basil plants in a plant factory with artificial lighting. Results demonstrated that the nutrient use efficiency (NUE) and the nutrient absorption efficiency (NAE) were significantly increased by the ANQ of 0.5T compared with the treatments of 1T, 2T, and 4T, irrespective of R:B ratios. Furthermore, under the ANQ of 0.5T, RB7:3 significantly increased the yield and the absorption of N and K of the basil plant compared with other R:B ratios. Therefore, the ANQ of 0.5T combined with RB7:3 was considered the optimal combination to improve the yield, NUE, and NAE of basil plants in the present study.