Inclusion Of Barley Research Articles

Dates and Barley Antioxidant Staple Foods In The Makkan Society Diet (609-622 A.D.)

This study delves into the dietary practices of Makkan society between 609 and 622 A.D., focusing on the consumption of dates and barley as antioxidant staple foods. During this period, the Prophet Muhammad PBUH lived in Makkah and interacted with the local community. In recent times, the Makkan and global society underwent a transformation from a traditional wholesome healthy diet into a less healthy impoverished diet. Employing qualitative content analysis, this investigation sheds light on the significance of a balanced diet as an ideal dietary model for diverse cultures worldwide. Thematic analysis of data collected through content and document examination reveals that dates and barley held prominent positions among the staple foods in Makkah, with Quranic verses highlighting their multifaceted importance. The study’s implications confirm the presence of valuable antioxidant compounds in the staple foods of Makkan society. Consequently, the regular inclusion of dates and barley in daily diets is recommended, not only for their exquisite taste but also for the numerous health benefits they offer. By revisiting the dietary choices of historical civilizations, we can glean valuable insights for promoting healthier eating habits in contemporary societies, fostering well-being and vitality for all.

Tanino condensado de acácia-negra (Acacia mearnsii) como aditivo nutricional em dietas de leitões desmamados

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effect of black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) condensed tannin extract in simple and complex diets for weaned piglets on performance, faecal consistency and serum haptoglobin concentrations. Eighty-eight female and castrated male piglets were used, weaned at 28 ± 3 days old, with an initial body weight of 8.02 ± 1.21 kg, housed in same-sex pairs and distributed in four treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial experiment in a randomised complete block design. The experimental treatments were simple diet (SD), simple diet + tannin (SD+T), complex diet (CD) and complex diet + tannin (CD+T). The simple diets contained lower concentrations of dairy ingredients, inclusion of barley and no addition of zinc oxide, palatant, acidifier and yeast. The diets with tannin were supplemented with 1,850 mg kg-1 of black wattle condensed tannin extract. The feed programme consisted of three diets: Pre-starter I (0-7 days), Pre-starter II (8-21 days) and Starter (22-28 days). Feed and water were available ad libitum. Body weight and feed intake were measured weekly to calculate the average daily feed intake, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio. The faecal consistency score was measured daily to calculate the diarrhoea occurrence percentage. Blood samples for serum haptoglobin concentration were collected at 7 and 14 days after weaning. The addition of condensed tannin had no effect (P > 0.05) on evaluated performance variables for weaned piglets. The diet type also did not affect the piglets’ performance (P > 0.05). The inclusion of black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) condensed tannin does not affect piglet performance, reduces the incidence of diarrhoea in the first week after weaning and decreases the haptoglobin inflammatory response.

Durum Wheat Bread with a Potentially High Health Value through the Addition of Durum Wheat Thin Bran or Barley Flour.

The enrichment of semolina bread with prebiotic ingredients such as β-glucans may exert health-promoting effects. This work presents the results of a general recipe development aimed at improving the nutritional value of bakery products. In this study, increasing amounts (0%, 2%, 5%, 7%, and 10%) of thin bran or barley flour were added into re-milled durum wheat semolina to prepare breads. The technological quality of doughs and breads was investigated. In general, the Farinograph water absorption of flour and dough stability increased with increasing inclusion levels of barley flour or thin bran (up to 73.23% and 18.75 min, respectively), contrarily to the increase of dough development time only in barley inclusion (4.55 min). At the same time, the softening index decreased for almost all of these, except for 2% of thin bran or barley flour inclusion. At Mixograph, mixing time increased (up to 5.13 min) whilst the peak height decreased. The specific volume and hardness of loaf differently decreased for almost all thesis (ranges 12.6-24.0% and 39.4-45.5%, respectively). The other quality parameters remained unchanged compared with semolina bread. After baking, β-glucan levels increased differently at all the inclusion levels (2.35-fold, on average). The breadcrumb color was deep brown, while the crust became lighter in color. The breads contain β-glucans even at low percentages of barley/bran inclusions while maintaining their technological performance. In conclusion, the results show an interesting potential of barley flour or thin bran as ingredients in breadmaking to increase the β-glucans daily intake, but further investigations are needed to achieve improved quality features.

Effects of Feeding Different Levels of Sprouted Barley on Fermentation Characteristics, Bacterial Quantification, and Rumen Morphology of Growing Lambs.

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of sprouted barley inclusion level on the growth performance, digestibility, volatile fatty acids, bacterial quantification, and rumen morphology of growing lambs. Five dietary treatments with sprouted barley (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) and nine replicates per dietary treatment were performed on forty-five Awassi lambs (90 days old). The average weight gain, intake, and digestibility of dry and organic matter were recorded. The pH, color, volatile fatty acids, bacterial quantification, and rumen histomorphometry were also determined. The results showed that the average dry and organic matter intake in T2 to T4 and the average weight gain in T4 decreased linearly. In contrast, the digestibility of dry and organic matter by sprouted barley (T2 to T4) was higher. The pH values and rumen color were not affected. Concentrations of formic acid, acetic acid, butyric acid, and the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid were increased, while lactic acid and total volatile fatty acids were lower in all levels of sprouted barley. In addition, lambs fed T4 had a higher quantification of Anaerovibrio Lipolytica, Butyrivibrio Fibrisolvens, and Streptococcus Bovis quantification. Selenomonas Ruminantium was higher in T1, T2, and T4, whereas Megashpaera Elsdenii was lower in T1 to T3. The rumen histomorphometric was improved by sprouted barley (T2 and T3). Sprouted barley improved digestibility and rumen histomorphometry and increased the concentration of some volatile fatty acids and rumen bacteria but resulted in a decrease in average dry and organic matter intake, which negatively affected weight gain in lambs fed 100 % sprouted barley. Further studies are required to determine the potential effects on growing lambs fed sprouted barley.

Barley, an Undervalued Cereal for Poultry Diets: Limitations and Opportunities.

Simple SummaryWith the ever-increasing demand for poultry products, the continuous supply of conventional cereal grains such as maize has become a challenge. Barley has been recognised as a potential alternative feed ingredient that can replace common cereal grains in poultry diets. However, due to several limitations such as the presence of various anti-nutritive factors and the variability in nutrient composition and quality, the use of barley in poultry diets remains comparatively low. The previous findings on the optimum use of barley in poultry diets are also inconsistent primarily due to differences in research methodologies. The importance of using accurate nutrient profiles for specific barley cultivars to formulate barley-based diets is emphasised in this review. Moreover, the need to adapt feed processing conditions suitable to different barley cultivars to increase the inclusion of barley in poultry diets is highlighted in this review.The supply of conventional cereal grains, especially of maize, will be a significant constraint to the future growth of the poultry industry. Various alternative feed ingredients are being tested to replace maize in poultry diets. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is one such feed ingredient, the use of which remains limited in poultry diets due to its low metabolisable energy, presence of anti-nutritive, soluble non-starch polysaccharides and consequent inter-cultivar variability. Differences in research methodologies used in published studies have also contributed to the inconsistent findings, preventing a good understanding of the nutritional value of barley for poultry. The importance of using accurate nutrient profiles, specifically metabolisable energy and digestible amino acids, for specific barley cultivars to formulate barley-based diets is emphasised. Nutritionists should also pay close attention to feed processing conditions tailored to the specific barley cultivars to increase the barley inclusion in poultry diets.

Optimum inclusion rate of barley in diets of meat chickens: an incremental and practical program

Context Barley can be included in poultry diets as a cost-effective energy-contributing ingredient. However, its inclusion in meat chicken diets is limited because it is considered a viscous grain due to high crude fibre and soluble non-starch polysaccharide contents. Aims The study quantified the optimum inclusion rate of barley in meat chicken diets during different growing phases, using an incremental program. Methods Eight dietary treatments followed a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement, with three levels of barley inclusion to a wheat-based diet, and a nil-barley control, with or without β-glucanase supplementation. Barley was initially included at 0% (low), 7.5% (medium) and 15% (high) in starter diets (Days 1–9), scaling up by 7.5% for each level in grower (Days 9–21), finisher (Days 23–35) and withdrawal (Days 35–42) diets. Each diet was fed ad libitum to six replicate pens of 18 chicks. On Day 42, four birds per replicate pen were euthanised to determine carcass yield and collect digesta. Key results During the starter period, a significant (P < 0.05) barley × β-glucanase interaction resulted in lower bodyweight gain (8%) and higher feed conversion ratio (8.5 points) at 15% barley inclusion without β-glucanase, whereas performance was restored with β-glucanase supplementation. No treatment interaction was apparent on growth performance assessed over the entire production period (Days 1–42). Barley inclusion at medium and high levels increased bodyweight gain, and at all levels improved feed efficiency (P < 0.01) compared with the control. β-Glucanase improved (P < 0.05) feed efficiency. Highest (P < 0.01) breast meat yield was measured for diets with medium barley inclusion. There were no interactive or main effects on duodenal digesta viscosity. Barley inclusion increased distal ileal digesta water content by ∼8–10% (P < 0.05). Conclusions Incremental inclusion of barley from 15% in a starter diet, scaling up to 37.5% in a withdrawal diet, does not compromise growth performance or carcass yields in broiler chickens. β-Glucanase supplementation favours both bodyweight gain and feed efficiency. Medium level of barley inclusion favours breast meat yield. Implications Barley can be considered an economical grain to formulate cost-effective diets for broiler chickens. An incremental program is a practical approach to optimise barley inclusion rate.

Influence of barley inclusion method and protease supplementation on growth performance, nutrient utilisation, and gastrointestinal tract development in broiler starters.

The influence of the method of barley inclusion (fine, coarse and whole barley) in a wheat-based diet and protease supplementation (0 and 0.20 g/kg) on growth performance, nutrient utilisation and gastrointestinal tract development of broilers (d 1 to 21) was evaluated in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. Whole barley (WB) grains were ground in a hammer mill to pass through the screen sizes of 2.5 and 8.0 mm to achieve fine (FB) and coarse (CB) barley particle sizes, respectively. A total of 288, one-day-old male broilers were allotted to 36 cages (6 cages/treatment; 8 birds/cage). There was no significant (P > 0.05) interaction between barley inclusion method and protease for any growth performance or nutrient utilisation parameters. Birds fed diets containing CB and WB showed higher (P < 0.05) weight gain, and digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, calcium, gross energy, and ileal digestible energy compared to those fed FB diets. Compared to the birds fed FB diets, feed per gain was lower (P < 0.05) in birds fed diets made of WB. Fat digestibility of the birds fed CB was higher (P < 0.05) than those fed FB and WB birds. Compared to FB and CB diets, inclusion of WB resulted in heavier (P < 0.05) gizzards but reduced (P < 0.05) gizzard pH. Supplemental protease, however, had no effects (P > 0.05) on growth performance and nutrient utilisation, most likely due to the well balanced digestible amino acids and high inherent digestibility of protein in the basal diet, and/or the presence of exogenous carbohydrase and phytase. In conclusion, the present results showed that the inclusion of coarsely ground and whole barley in a wheat-based diet can enhance nutrient and energy utilisation and is beneficial to the growth performance of young broilers.

Effects of dietary barley inclusion and glucanase supplementation on the production performance, egg quality and digestive functions in laying ducks.

This study evaluated the effects of barley inclusion and glucanase supplementation on the productive performance and digestive function in laying ducks. The experiment used a randomized design with a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement of 5 graded levels of barley (0%, 15%, 30%, 45% and 60%) with or without 1.5 g/kg β-1,3-1,4-glucanase (15,000 U/kg). During the experimental period of 120 d, the weight and total number of eggs within each pen were recorded daily, and egg quality was determined every 4 wk. At the end of the experiment, 3 randomly selected ducks within each replicate were sacrificed, then duodenal digesta and jejunal mucosa was collected. Dietary inclusion of barley had no effects on egg production, daily egg mass or FCR, but supplementation with glucanase improved egg production and FCR (P < 0.01). Barley did not affect feed intake of laying ducks, but glucanase tended to increase feed intake (P = 0.09). Neither barley nor β-glucanase had effects on the egg quality variables, except for yolk color score, which was decreased with increasing barley supplementation. Glucanase, but not barley, increased the activity of chymotrypsin and amylase in duodenal digesta. Barley inclusion affected the activity of alkaline phosphatase and maltase in jejunal mucosa (P < 0.05), but β-glucanase had no effects on the activity of these brush border enzymes. Barley inclusion increased the glucan content in duodenal digesta, but supplementation of glucanase to barley-based diet reduced digesta glucan content and reduced total volatile fatty acids and increased the proportion of acetic acid in cecal contents. The results indicate that, without glucanase, the optimal dietary barley level in the diets of laying ducks is about 13% for maximal production performance; glucanase supplementation of the barley diets improved production performance, probably through enhancing digestive function.

The effect of graded inclusions of waxy starch hull-less barley and a multi-component exogenous carbohydrase on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and intestinal morphometry of broiler chickens

ABSTRACT 1. A 21-d experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of graded inclusions of waxy starch hull-less (WSHL) barley and a multi-component exogenous carbohydrase on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and intestinal morphometry of broiler chickens. Five levels of WSHL barley inclusion (0, 65, 130, 195 and 260 g/kg) in a wheat-based diet, and two levels of enzyme supplementation (0 and 150 g/tonne of feed) were evaluated in a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement of 10 dietary treatments. All diets were equivalent in metabolisable energy and digestible amino acid content. A total of 400, one-d-old male broilers (five cages/treatment; eight birds/cage) were used in the experiment. 2. Regardless of enzyme supplementation, feed intake declined (P < 0.001) with increasing inclusion of WSHL barley. Increasing levels of WSHL barley (P < 0.001) and supplemental enzyme (P < 0.01) increased gain to feed ratio. 3. Birds fed diets with 0 g/kg WSHL barley showed the lowest (P < 0.001 to 0.01) digestibility for all nutrients except starch. Only starch digestibility was improved (P < 0.05) by enzyme supplementation. The nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolisable energy improved with increasing inclusion of WSHL barley (P < 0.001) and supplemental enzyme (P < 0.001). Increasing inclusion of WSHL barley increased the relative weight of gizzard (P < 0.001) and reduced jejunal digesta viscosity (P < 0.01). Supplemental enzyme (P < 0.001) reduced digesta viscosity. 4. All levels of WSHL barley inclusion improved digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen and fat, whilst energy utilisation improved at inclusions of 130 g/kg WSHL and above, probably due to lowered digesta viscosity and better development of the gizzard. Gain to feed ratio, starch digestibility, energy utilisation and jejunal digesta viscosity can benefit from carbohydrase supplementation in wheat-based diets, regardless of barley inclusion level.

Influence of inclusion level of barley in wheat-based diets and supplementation of carbohydrase on growth performance, nutrient utilisation and gut morphometry in broiler starters

ABSTRACT 1. The influence of barley inclusion level and supplementation of a multi-component non-starch polysaccharide degrading enzyme on performance and nutrient utilisation in broilers was investigated. Normal-starch hulled barley was evaluated with five levels of inclusion (0, 141, 283, 424 and 565 g/kg) in a wheat-based diet and two levels of enzyme supplementation (0 and 150 g/tonne of feed; a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement of 10 dietary treatments). All diets were equivalent in metabolisable energy and digestible amino acid contents. A total of 400, one-d old male broilers (five cages/treatment; eight birds/cage) were used in the experiment. 2. Regardless of enzyme supplementation, weight gain (WG) increased up to 283 g/kg of barley and was reduced afterwards (P < 0.01). Increasing levels of barley resulted in greater (P < 0.001) gain per feed (G/F). Enzyme addition increased WG (P < 0.05) and G/F (P < 0.001) at each barley inclusion level. 3. Birds fed diets with 0 and 565 g/kg barley showed the lowest and highest (P < 0.001to 0.05) digestibility for all nutrients measured, respectively. Digestibility of all nutrients was improved by enzyme supplementation at each barley inclusion level (P < 0.05). The nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolisable energy improved with increasing inclusion of barley (P < 0.001) and supplemental enzyme (P < 0.01). Increasing inclusion of barley increased the relative weight of gizzard (P < 0.001) and reduced jejunal digesta viscosity (P < 0.001). Supplemental enzyme (P < 0.001) reduced digesta viscosity. 4. The optimum inclusion level of barley, with respect to growth performance, was 283 g/kg of diet. Increasing barley inclusion improved nutrient and energy utilisation, possibly through lowered digesta viscosity and better function of the gizzard. Feed efficiency and nutrient and energy utilisation can benefit from carbohydrase supplementation in barley-based diets, regardless of barley inclusion level.

Effects on Lipid Oxidation and Bioactive Properties of Rainbow Trout Fillets Fed with Barley

ABSTRACTBarley concentrations ranging from 0% to 32% were incorporated into rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) diets. The effect of barley concentration on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activity of fish fillets were analyzed. Results showed that the inclusion of barley in rainbow trout diets had an inhibitory effect on lipid oxidation, probably associated with certain bioactive compounds in barley that could interact with scavenging and reducing metabolites involved in lipid oxidation. Concentrations up to 8% of barley produced fish fillets with high antioxidant activity and higher levels of alpha-tocopherol.

Effects of dietary barley on rainbow trout exposed to an acute stress challenge

The present study evaluates the effect of dietary barley, based on its potential stress-relieving properties, on rainbow trout under acute stress challenge (hypoxia and crowding) and their recovery. Diets were formulated containing increasing barley concentrations (0, 4, 8, 16, 32%). Cortisol on plasma and fin, glucose and lactate plasma levels and malondialdehyde (MDA) in muscle were determined under normoxia before the stress test (basal levels), 30 min after the acute stress challenge and also during normoxia recovery (6 and 12 h after the stress). Results showed that at basal levels the inclusion of barley had no influence on cortisol, glucose nor on lactate values. After 30 min from the stress challenge, there was a significant increase in cortisol, glucose and lactate concentration in fish of all groups. Plasma cortisol showed the lowest levels in fish fed with diets at a medium (8%) of barley concentration and returned to basal levels 6 h after the stress stimulus with no differences between diets. Glucose values showed a less clear tendency 30 min after the stress challenge with lower levels in the control group, fish fed with 8% and 32% of barley in the diets and returned to basal levels in almost all the groups only 12 h after the stress challenge. Lactate showed the same trend as with glucose after the stress challenge but it returned to basal levels in 6 h. Interestingly, there was a significant decrease of lipid oxidation (MDA) in muscle soon after the stress test of fish fed with the highest barley levels. The present results suggest a potential positive effect of dietary barley on trout stress response.

Does it make a difference supplementing pasture silage with starchy concentrates or soyhulls on intake, digestion and rumen environment?

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation with starchy or fibrous concentrates to heifers fed temperate pasture silage on intake, digestibility, ruminal environment, microbial N supply and plasma glucose and insulin concentrations. Twenty-four Hereford heifers (average BW = 224.2) were assigned to 4 dietary treatments in a completely randomized design. Experimental diets consisted in pasture silage alone (S), pasture silage supplemented with soyhulls (S + SH), pasture silage supplemented with barley (S + B) or pasture silage supplemented with corn (S + C). Concentrates were offered prior to forage at 10 g DM/kg BW once daily. The inclusion of supplements depressed daily forage intake (6.60 vs. 5.13 kg/d, P < 0.001), but supplemented animals ate enough forage to reach a forage:concentrate ratio of 70:30.Supplementation tended to increase total DM daily intake (6.60 vs. 7.40 kg/d, P = 0.072) and increased total OM intake (5.73 vs. 6.63 kg/d, P = 0.015). Non-supplemented group spent more time eating (325 vs. 242 min/d, P = 0.009), however ruminating time was similar between treatments. Whole diet digestibility was not affected by the inclusion of corn or barley, but the inclusion of soyhulls increased NDF digestibility from 0.66 to 0.76 (P = 0.005). Ruminal pH was lower for the supplemented groups (6.47 vs. 6.82, supplemented vs. non-supplemented, respectively; P < 0.001). Supplementation with soyhulls led to the highest daily mean total VFAs concentration (P < 0.001) and insulin concentrations were higher in animals supplemented with starchy concentrates (P = 0.011). Supplementation did not affect microbial N supply, nor its efficiency. Overall, our results indicate that the supplementation of temperate pasture silage with energy concentrates at low levels once a day to supplement improved energy related parameters but not microbial N supply. Under these feeding conditions, the effect of using soyhulls, corn or barley was similar, despite their differences in composition and fermentation characteristics.

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.

Carbohydrate and protein fractioning of grass silages added with dehydrated barley residue

This study aimed to measure carbohydrate and protein fractioning of silage of Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu. The experiment was designed in a completely randomized design with five treatments and five repetitions, with the treatments the inclusion of natural dehydrated brewery residue to Marandu grass silage at levels of 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40%. The dehydrated barley inclusion resulted in a linear reduction (P<0.05) of total carbohydrate content, which decreased 0.35% per unit of residue added. The content of fraction B2 decreased linearly as dehydrated barley was added (P<0.05). Nitrogen content increased linearly when residue was added to silage of Marandu grass (P<005). Fraction A, obtained from Marandu grass, presented linear increasing behavior according to the inclusion of dehydrated barley. This inclusion promoted a linear decrease (P<0.05) of fraction B1+B2, which resulted in a 0.37% reduction for each 1% of byproduct added. The inclusion of 20% of dehydrated barley to Marandu grass silage resulted in an improvement of protein and carbohydrate fractions.

Effect of Non-Starch Polysaccharide (NSP) of Wheat and Barley Supplemented with Exogenous Enzyme Blend on Growth Performance, Gut Microbial, Pancreatic Enzyme Activities, Expression of Glucose Transporter (SGLT1) and Mucin Producer (MUC2) Genes of Broiler Chickens

ABSTRACT The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 625 broiler chicks (Ross 308) for 5 repetitions (25 birds per each replicated) on the 5 treatments diet. Treatments included two different types of cereal grains (wheat, and barley) with or without an enzyme supplementation along with a corn-based diet as control group. The experimental diets were formulated to have similar contents of crude protein, metabolizable energy, total non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) and were fed in two periods of starter and grower. Experimental traits were consisted growth performance, ileal flora numeration, villus morphology in 3 parts of the intestine, digesta viscosity and pancreatic enzyme activity, and determining the gene expression level of glucose transporter (SGLT1) and mucin producer (MUC2) in the jejunum. Results indicated that inclusion of wheat and barley to corn-soy based diet with or without exo-enzymes blend on growth performance traits were significant (p<0.01). Feed intake and average daily gain in wheat diet was lower, conversely FCR was higher than other groups (p<0.01). Maximum microbial count were observed in wheat and barley diets and minimum were observed in enzyme supplemented diets respectively (p<0.01). Control group and enzyme supplemented diets had minimum counting of gram negative, coliform and clostridium, but maximum counting of lactobacilli and bifidobacter were observed in enzyme supplemented diets (p<0.01). Viscosity and activities of pancreatic a-amylase and lipase were significantly increased in chicks fed wheat and barley when compared to the control group fed on corn (p<0.01). Feeding wheat and barley diets reduced villus height in different parts of the small intestine when compared to those fed on a corn diet (p<0.01). Gene expression level of glucose transporter (SGLT1) and mucin producer (MUC2) in jejunum was significantly affected by the inclusion of wheat and barley to corn-soy based diet with or without exo-enzymes blend (p<0.01). In conclusion, the inclusion of wheat and barley to corn-soy based diet without enzyme supplementation has an adverse effect on growth, ileal microflora villi morphology, digesta viscosity, pancreatic enzyme activity, and gene expression level of nutrient transporters. However, enzyme supplemented to wheat and barley diets significantly improved those traits, and restored the negative effects.

Effects of level of barley and corn in concentrate-fed Boer kids on growth performance, meat quality and muscle fatty acid composition

This experiment was conducted to compare the impact of corn and barley on growth performance, meat quality, and muscle fatty acid (FA) composition of goat kids. Twenty-four Boer males (25.1 ± 1.5 kg) were blocked by body weight and allotted randomly within block to one of three experimental diets. Treatments consisted in varying ratios of barley to corn in the concentrate: (1) 100:0, (2) 50:50, and (3) 0:100. Fifteen randomly selected kids (n = 5 kids per treatment) were slaughtered and longissimus thoracis et lumborum was collected. Inclusion of barley in the diet linearly increased concentrate intake (P < 0.01) and tended to increase average daily gain (P = 0.08). There were no significant differences on carcass traits and meat quality among treatments. Levels of n-3 and n-6 FA increased linearly (P < 0.01), whereas n-6:n-3 ratio linearly decreased (P < 0.01) as corn inclusion in the diets increased.

Growth performance, feeding behavior, and selected blood metabolites of Holstein dairy calves fed restricted amounts of milk: No interactions between sources of finely ground grain and forage provision

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of grain sources and forage provision on growth performance, blood metabolites, and feeding behaviors of dairy calves. Sixty 3-d-old Holstein dairy calves (42.2 ± 2.5 kg of body weight) were used in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with the factors being grain sources (barley and corn) and forage provision (no forage, alfalfa hay, and corn silage). Individually housed calves were randomly assigned (n = 10 calves per treatment: 5 males and 5 females) to 6 treatments: (1) barley grain (BG) without forage supplement, (2) BG with alfalfa hay (AH) supplementation, (3) BG with corn silage (CS) supplementation, (4) corn grain (CG) without forage supplement, (5) CG with AH supplementation, and (6) CG with CS supplementation. All calves had ad libitum access to water and starter feed throughout the experiment. All calves were weaned on d 49 and remained in the study until d 63. Starter feed intake and average daily gain (ADG) was greater for calves fed barley than those fed corn during the preweaning and overall periods. Calves supplemented with CS had greater final body weight and postweaning as well as overall starter feed intake than AH and non-forage-supplemented calves. During the preweaning and overall periods, feeding of CS was found to increase ADG compared with feeding AH and nonforage diets. However, feed efficiency was not affected by dietary treatments. Calves supplemented with CS spent more time ruminating compared with AH and control groups; nonnutritive oral behaviors were the greatest in non-forage-supplemented calves. Regardless of the grain sources, the rumen pH value was greater for AH calves compared with CS and non-forage-supplemented calves. Blood concentration of BHB was greater for CS-supplemented calves compared with AH and non-forage-supplemented calves. Furthermore, body length and heart girth were greater for calves fed barley compared with those fed corn, and also in forage-supplemented calves compared with non-forage-supplemented calves. These results showed no interactions between grain sources and forage provision on calf performance; however, the inclusion of CS and barley in starter diets could enhance the growth performance of Holstein calves during the transition from liquid to solid feed.

Enhancement of quality of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) flesh incorporating barley on diet without negative effect on rearing parameters

Barley concentrations ranging from 0 to 32% (0B, 40B, 80B, 160B, and 319B) were incorporated into rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) diets. The experiment started with an initial average fish weight of 127.72 ± 5.65 g and finished when they reached commercial weight (final weight between 312 and 330 g) after 84 days. The inclusion of barley in the diets did not show a significant effect on growth and biometric parameters, fat and carbohydrate digestibilities; however, protein digestibility decreased significantly with the incorporation of barley on diets. Glucose levels increased significantly with barley concentration in the diet, and lactate and cortisol levels were also significantly affected after a stress period regardless of the diet. Meat quality was influenced as well by barley concentration. Lower water activity values and an enhancement in textural and color properties were observed in fish fed with the diet containing the highest barley concentration. Trout fed feed with higher concentrations of barley (160B) showed lower lipid oxidation levels than those fed with lower concentrations (control and 40B). The sensory panel found that fish fed with diets higher than 8% in barley content (80B) exhibited a brighter red color in the gills and a better texture; also, meat color became redder with a higher barley inclusion (160B and 319B), being all these sensory parameters correlated with fish freshness. Thus, results indicate that barley can be substituted for wheat fraction without any detrimental effect on production efficiency and enhancing fish quality.

0485 Effect of variety and level of inclusion of barley grown for silage on performance and carcass characteristics of growing and finishing beef steers

0485 Effect of variety and level of inclusion of barley grown for silage on performance and carcass characteristics of growing and finishing beef steers