Isonitrogenous Diets Research Articles

Growth performances of Clarias gariepinus juveniles fed with Jatropha curcas seed meal

Jatropha curcas is an oil producing seed with high nutritional qualities for consumption. However, due to inherent anti-nutritional factors, appropriate processing is necessary to improve its nutrients utilization. This study was aimed at processing J. curcas using solvent-extraction method and evaluating its inclusion effects in the diet for Clarias gariepinus on its growth status. J. curcas meal was extracted using 80 % methanol to remove phorbol esters and other anti-nutrients. Thereafter, five iso-nitrogenous diets (40 % crude protein) were formulated containing J. curcas meal replacements of soybeans meal at 0 % (TRT0), 25 % (TRT25), 50 % (TRT50), 75 % (TRT75) and 100 % (TRT100) and fed to C. gariepinus for 70 days. Results showed that TRT25 fish had the highest mean weight gain and specific growth. The serum alkaline phosphate, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase levels began to rise significantly (p ≤ 0.05) at 50 % replacement. Likewise, the assessment of gut ecology and morphology indicated that TRT25 had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) the highest gut bacteria colony forming unit (2.60 ×104±0.02cfu/g) and most favorable area of absorption (0.16±0.01 cm2). The histopathological observation of the fish intestine, liver and gills indicated no visible deformity in TRT0 and TRT25 fish. However, various degrees of degenerations were observed in the fish fed with 50 % and higher inclusion of J. curcas. This study showed that methanol-extracted J. curcas meal can be effectively utilized for C. gariepinus at 25 % of replacement.

Effect of coated calcium feeding on growth performance, carcass traits, immunity, blood biochemistry and tibial bone morphometry in commercial broiler chicken.

The bone abnormalities pose great concern in heavy, rapidly growing broilers, resulting in significant economic loss, and health issues in birds. To address these problems and prevent unnecessary mineral excretion into environment, it is crucial to optimise the inclusion level of dietary calcium in broiler's diet. The calcium utilisation by the bird is also affected by its source, particle size, bioavailability etc. Hence this study aimed to study the effect of partially replacing conventional dietary calcium source with coated calcium on growth performance, immune response, carcass traits, blood calcium and phosphorus, and mineral retention in broilers. About 416 broiler chicks were randomly distributed into four treatments, each with eight replicates of 13 birds and fed with iso-calcium, isocaloric, and isonitrogenous diet for 42 days. The T0 (control) was a basal diet while the T1, T2, and T3, were treatment diets in which conventional calcium source (limestone) was partially replaced with coated calcium by 10, 20, and 30% respectively. The birds of T3 group showed higher (P < 0.05) body weight gain, better feed conversion ratio and higher carcass yields compared to T0, T1, and T2 diet fed birds. Further the treatment groups exhibited higher (P < 0.05) cell-mediated and humoral immune responses and immune organ weights compared to control. The tibial bone weight, length and average diameter was highest (P < 0.05) in T3. Moreover, the T3 diet fed group also showed higher (P < 0.05) calcium and phosphorus content in serum and bone and lowest content of these minerals in the excreta followed by T2, T1 and control. These findings suggest that a 30% conventional calcium source with coated calcium may be used as a high-grade mineral source for broiler chicken feed.

Effects of Taurine and Enzymatic Cottonseed Protein Concentrate Supplementation in Low-Fishmeal Diet on Growth, Liver Antioxidant Capacity, and Intestinal Health of Golden Pompano (Trachinotus ovatus)

This study was conducted to investigate the impacts of the dietary addition of taurine and enzymatic cottonseed protein concentrate (ECPC) in low-fishmeal diet on the growth performance, plasma biochemical indices, hepatic antioxidant capacity, intestinal anti-inflammatory capacity, intestinal microflora, and muscle quality of golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus). A total of three isonitrogenous diets were given to 225 golden pompanos (5.6 ± 0.14 g). They were randomly divided into nine cages (1.0 m × 1.0 m × 1.5 m; three cages per treatment) with equal stocking numbers of twenty-five fish per cage. The results indicated that the CSM-TC group significantly increased the growth performance of juvenile T. ovatus (p &lt; 0.05). The results indicated that compared with other groups, the addition of 1% ECPC and 0.25% taurine has been found to enhance the WGR (weight gain rate), SGR (specific growth rate), and CF (condition factor). Compared with other groups, the relative expressions of GH, GHR1, GHR2, IGF1, IGF2, and MyoG were significantly higher in fish fed with CSM-TC. The results showed that CSM-TC significantly increased the activities of alkaline phosphatase, complement 3, and complement 4 enzymes (p &lt; 0.05). The results showed that dietary CSM-TC increased the activities of hepatic superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant capacity enzymes. Compared with other groups, the hepatic relative expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, and GSH-Px were significantly higher in fish fed with CSM-TC. The results showed that dietary CSM-TC increased the activities of intestinal chymotrypsin, lipase, and α-amylase enzymes. A CSM-TC diet significantly increased the relative expressions of IL-10, ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-3, and Claudin-15 (p &lt; 0.05). The results showed that CSM-C significantly increased the index of Ace and Chao1 (p &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, a high-fermented cottonseed meal diet can have detrimental effects on physiological health in golden pompano, while adding 1% ECPC and 0.25% taurine can improve hepatic and intestinal health via attenuating inflammation and oxidative stress.

Impact of Rumex nepalensis on Performance, Blood Markers, Immunity, Intestinal Microbiology and Histomorphology in Broiler Chicken.

The study investigated the impact of utilizing Rumex nepalensis leaf powder (RNL) as a phytogenic feed additive on performance, blood markers, intestinal microbiology and histomorphology in broiler chicken. One hundred eighty day-old Cobb broiler chicks were randomly divided into four treatment groups having three replicates with fifteen birds each. Four iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets primarily based on maize-soybean were formulated, viz., CN (Control)-fed basal diet only; RNL2.5 (basal diet + 2.5 g/kg RNL); RNL5 (basal diet + 5 g/kg RNL); and RNL10 (basal diet + 10 g/kg RNL). The results revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in body weight gain and feed conversion ratio in dietary treatments compared to CN with best values in RNL10 followed by RNL5. The blood markers like glucose, total protein, creatinine, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) showed no significance (p > 0.05) among all the treatments, however total cholesterol significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in RNL5 and RNL10 as against CN. Regarding immune parameters, immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced in RNL5 and RNL10. Antioxidant enzyme status showed that superoxide dismutase (SOD) increased and malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in RNL10 compared to CN. Gut health in terms of cecal microbiology and histomorphology of duodenum and jejunum were altered by inclusion of RNL in the broiler diet. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in coliform count was recorded by incorporation of dietary treatments with highest reduction in RNL10. Lactobacillus count and total viable count did not vary significantly (p > 0.05) among dietary treatments and CN. Duodenal and jejunal villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in RNL5 and RNL10 compared to RNL2.5 and CN. Thus, it could be concluded that inclusion of Rumex nepalensis leaf powder in the diet resulted in improved performance and better immuno-antioxidant status of broilers. Further, an improvement in the gut health was observed in terms of positive effects on cecal microbiota and intestinal histomorphology of broiler chickens.

Comparing effects of high starch diet or high lipid diet supplemented with different levels of zinc on intestinal barrier and microbe community in largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides

Zinc is essential for normal growth and reproduction in all animals and plays a crucial role in many biological processes. The present study aimed to compare the intervention effects of zinc on intestinal health in a high lipid diet or high starch diet. Seven iso-nitrogenous (∼520 g kg−1) diets were formulated containing a positive control diet (115 g kg−1 lipid + 115 g kg−1 starch + 20 mg kg−1 Zn), three high starch diets (HS, 166 g kg−1 starch) and three high lipid diets (HL, 182 g kg−1 lipid), with 0 (HS-LZn, HL-LZn), 20 (HS-MZn, HL-MZn) and 150 (HS-HZn, HL-HZn) mg kg−1 Zn being supplemented. High starch diet and high lipid diet promoted feed efficiency, as evidenced by the lower feed conversion ratio. Three-way factorial ANOVA analysis showed high starch diet (166 g kg−1) significantly decreased final body weight and weight gain compared to the normal starch level (115 g kg−1). Diamine oxidase in serum significantly increased in diets HS-LZn and HL-LZn. In addition, distal intestinal mucosal fold damage and inflammatory infiltration were observed in the HS-LZn, HS-HZn, HL-LZn and HL-HZn groups. Fish fed HL diets (HL-LZn, HL-MZn, HL-HZn) showed lower expressions of claudin 5 and claudin 34, and higher IgD and IgM. Diets HL-LZn and HL-MZn significantly up-regulated C4 and C7. Proinflammatory cytokines including il8, il1β and tnfα significantly up-regulated in diet HL-LZn, even higher than the HS-LZn. Intestinal microbial composition indicated the abundance of Cetobacterium in HL-LZn was significantly higher than the control and HL-MZn diets. Similarly, LEfSe showed that Cetobacterium (P = 0.039) significantly enriched in the HL-LZn group. This study clarified high energy diet induced intestinal damage, which can be alleviated by zinc.

Zootechnical Performance, Protease Activity and Proximate Composition of Nile Tilapia Fed Diets Containing Fish Silage Produced from Fish Waste

The present study was carried out to evaluate the impact of fish silage (FS) on the growth performances, protease enzyme activity and muscle compositions of Nile tilapia. In this regard, FS was produced from the waste parts of carp, pangus and tilapia and five iso-nitrogenous (containing 35% crude protein) diets were formulated in which fishmeal (FM) was used as the primary protein source in the control diet (0% FS, T1). The remaining four diets were formulated by replacing 25% (T2), 50% (T3), 75% (T4), and 100% (T5) FM protein with the FS. These diets were fed to tilapia at 8-6% of their body weight rearing them in glass tanks at the density of 15 fish/tank in triplicates. After fifty-days feeding trial, survival (%) of fish remained unaffected among the dietary treatments. Tilapia fed with 75% FS based diet showed improved growth and lower FCR, whereas those fed a diet with 100% FS exhibited lower growth rates. Notably, protease enzyme activity (mg/ml/min) increased with higher levels of FS inclusion. Increased crude protein content was observed in the fish fed the 75% FS diet. These findings underscore the potential of including FS up to 75% to enhance the growth performance of Nile tilapia.

Optimizing growth and mitochondrial function in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss through eco-friendly dietary and changes in water temperature regimen strategies

Developing sustainable aquaculture remains a challenge, notably finding suitable alternatives to marine ingredients in carnivorous fish diets such as rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in changing climate. These new diets are especially important because rainbow trout are an ecologically and economically significant aquaculture species. Therefore, we investigated the impact of sustainable ingredients and water temperature manipulations on rainbow trout growth characteristics and mitochondrial function. A total of 432 fish were fed four isocaloric, isolipidic, and isonitrogenous diets comprised 40 % crude protein and 20 % lipid and formulated as diet 1 (animal-based protein +25 % fish oil/ 50 % plant oil/ 25 % terrestrial animal oil), or diet 2 (animal-based protein +100 % plant oil), or diet 3 (plant-based protein +25 % fish oil/ 50 % plant oil/25 % terrestrial animal oil), or diet 4 (plant-based protein +100 % plant oil) at 14 °C or 18 °C or 20 °C water temperature. Results showed percent weigh gain (PWG) and specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency (FE), and feed intake (FI) were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in fish reared at 14 °C and 18 °C compared to 20 °C. The PWG, FE, FI, and SGR levels were significantly (P < 0.05) higher for fish fed diets 1 and 2 than those fed diets 3 and 4. Dietary composition influenced whole-body proximate composition, while temperature affected protein, moisture, and lipid contents. For protein, lipid, and energy contents, temperature-diet interactions were significant (P < 0.05). There were differences in mitochondrial enzymatic activities in muscle, liver and intestine. Diet affected only complex V activity in the liver, whereas temperature significantly (P < 0.05) affected the activities of complexes II, III, and V. A temperature-dietary interaction was observed for complex V. The temperature regimens, but not dietary composition, affected muscle mitochondrial enzymatic activities. There were significant (P < 0.05) effects of temperature on complex III, IV, and citrate synthase activities in the intestine, whereas dietary composition had no significant impact (P > 0.05). Based on diet, temperature, and diet-temperature interactions effects, selected genes were expressed differently in different tissues. The nd1, cox2, cytb, cox1, atp6 and PPAR-α genes were significantly influenced by diet and temperature interactions in muscle, liver and intestine. Overall, our results showed that both temperature and dietary composition had significant effects on growth characteristics, proximate composition, mitochondrial enzymatic activities, and their interactions on gene expression levels in rainbow trout. These findings underscore the importance of considering these factors in the development of plant-based aquafeeds in order to optimize growth and productivity.

Undegradable dietary protein limits growth and carcass yields in crossbred Boer kids fed Desmanthus hay or Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay supplemented with urea and/or cottonseed meal

Context Low-protein tropical forages required protein supplementation, which might affect growth of meat goats. Aims This study was aimed to compare liveweight gain, carcass/non-carcass yields and meat quality in crossbred Boer kids fed isonitrogenous diets varying in undegradable (UDP) and rumen-degradable (RDP) dietary protein sources. Methods Twenty-five female crossbred Boer kids were randomly allocated into the following five dietary treatments: Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay supplemented with urea (U), urea plus cottonseed meal (UCSM), cottonseed meal (CSM), gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) (Gliri) or Desmanthus (Desmanthus leptophyllus) only (Desman). The diets were formulated to supply 135 and 195 g crude protein/kg DM for the two experiments. Experiment 1 lasted 78 days and the dietary UDP:RDP ratio (g/kg DM) was 35:102 (U), 37:100 (UCSM), 40:97 (CSM), 55:82 (Desman) and 46:91 (Gliri). Experiment 2 lasted 138 days and the dietary UDP:RDP ratio (g/kg DM) was 45:150 (U), 52:143 (UCSM), 58:137 (CSM), 83:112 (Desman) and 71:124 (Gliri) respectively. Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA and general linear model. Key results After 138 days of supplementation, the Desman goats had the highest liveweight gain (83 g/day) and heaviest cold carcass weight (12.1 kg) in Experiment 2. This was followed, in descending order, by CSM (58 g/day and 9.6 kg), UCSM (48 g/day and 7.8 kg), Gliri (41 g/day and 7.6 kg) and U (6 g/day and 6.0 kg). Heavier carcass weight was associated with larger eye-muscle area and fat depth at the 12th rib. Aus-meat Beef Colour Standard scores of 3–4 for the eye muscle of the Desman and CSM goats compared with scores of 1C-2 in the other goats meant that the darker meat in Desman and CSM diets was associated with heavier carcass weight and a more rapid rate of decline in carcass pH. Conclusions Crossbred Boer kids fed high dietary UDP had higher intakes of UDP, RDP, metabolisable protein (MP) and metabolisable energy (ME), even though an isonitrogenous diet was offered. The Desman kids had higher liveweight gain, heavier carcass yield, greater eye-muscle area, thicker fat depth and heavier mass of non-carcass components. Implications The higher liveweight gain and carcass/non-carcass yields for Desman goats than for others was associated with increased DM, UDP, RDP, MP and ME intakes.

Effects of Dietary Lipid Levels on the Growth, Muscle Fatty Acid and Amino Acid Composition, Antioxidant Capacity, and Lipid Deposition in Mirror Carp (Cyprinus carpio).

In fish, increasing the crude lipid level of feed can save protein and improve feed utilization. Mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio) is one of the most widely farmed fish species in the world. In this study, mirror carp larvae were fed isonitrogenous diets with different lipid levels (3%, 5%, 7%, 9%, 11%, and 13%). The rearing trial lasted for eight weeks. The results revealed that when the fat content was 9%, the AWGR, WGR, and FCR were highest, whereas FCR was lowest. The AWGR was correlated with the dietary lipid level, and the regression equation was y = -2.312x2 + 45.01x + 214.49. Compared with those in the control group, the T-CHO and TG contents were significantly greater in the 13% lipid content groups and significantly lower in the 9% lipid content groups (p < 0.05). In terms of muscle quality, the contents of MUFAs, PUFAs, and DHA + EPA were significantly greater than those in the other experimental groups (p < 0.05). Oil red O staining revealed a lipid content of 13% with severe fat deposition. In addition, the results of the analysis of antioxidant enzyme activity revealed that the activities of GSH, CAT and T-AOC were significantly greater at the 9% lipid content, and that the MDA content was significantly greater at the 13% lipid content (p < 0.05). Similarly, the mRNA levels of GH, IGF-I, FAS, and LPL were significantly highest at a lipid level of 9% (p < 0.05). The above results revealed that the optimal dietary lipid requirement for the fast growth of mirror carp (6.86 ± 0.95 g) was 9.74% on the basis of nonlinear regression analysis of the AWGR. The dietary lipid level (9%) improved the growth, stress resistance, and lipid utilization of mirror carp to a certain extent.

Modulatory Potential of Selenium Supplementations on the Growth, Nutrients Profile and Regulation of Antioxidant Status of Striped Catfish (Pangasius Hypophthalmus)

This study is designed to evaluate the impact of varying selenium levels on growth potential, nutrient profile and antioxidant enzymes activity in striped catfish. Fish were randomly allocated into 15 circular indoor tanks, each with a capacity of 2000 L, (100 (H) x 200 cm (D)) dimension, and were raised for 12 weeks. Fifteen fish were allocated to each tank across four separate treatment groups, each replicated three times, following an entirely randomized design. Five iso-nitrogenous diets (30% CP) were prepared from basal diet in which one was control and other four were supplemented selenomethionine (Se-met) with levels of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mg/kg. Upon completion of the feeding trial, a diet containing Se at 1.5 mg/kg resulted in a significant increase (P&lt;0.05) in weight gain (229.60±3.00) and SGR (0.92±0.23), along with a lower FCR (2.18±0.32). While, proximate composition remains non-significant (P &gt; 0.05) against dietary Se feed. Antioxidant enzymes activity in liver and muscle found higher in Se1.5 diet and Se2.0 mg/kg diet in comparison to lower dietary Se treatments. Moreover, dietary Se1.5 and Se2.0 treatments values remained non-significant. Overall, the results indicated that the incorporation of Se-met at 1.5 mg/kg in the diet can improve growth performance and antioxidant status in P. hypophthalmus.

Effects of dietary supplementation with Bacillus velezensis on the growth performance, body composition, antioxidant, immune-related gene expression, and histology of Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei

In recent decades, probiotics have become an acceptable aquaculture strategy for shrimp growth promotion and immune modulation. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Bacillus velezensis on Litopenaeus vannamei following a 60-day trial. L. vannamei (3 ± 0.4 g) were distributed into four groups with three replicates per group and fed an isonitrogenous diet supplemented with B. velezensis at 0, 1 × 107, 1 × 108, and 1 × 109 CFU/g, which were defined as the control, G1, G2, and G3 groups, respectively. B. velezensis significantly improved the growth, survival rate, and proximate body composition of L. vannamei (P < 0.05). All groups fed the B. velezensis diet showed significant increases in digestive enzymes (lipase, amylase, and protease), superoxide dismutase (SOD; G3), catalase (CAT; G3, G2, and G1), lysozyme activity (G3 and G2), immunoglobulin M (IgM), bactericidal activity BA%, alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and acid phosphatase (ACP) compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Malondialdehyde (MDA), triglycerides, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were significantly decreased in all groups fed B. velezensis diet compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The expression levels of SOD (G3), LZM, and serine proteinase genes were significantly higher in L. vannamei fed diets containing B. velezensis than in the control group (P < 0.05). This is the first study to address the effects of B. velezensis on the expression of the LZM and serine proteinase genes in L. vannamei. L. vannamei fed diet containing B. velezensis had more B and R cells in its hepatopancreas than did the control group. In conclusion, B. velezensis is a promising probiotic that can be safely added to the diet of L. vannamei with 1 × 109 CFU/g. Its application had a positive influence on the health status, survival rate, nutritional value, and immunity of L. vannamei.

Effects of Substituting Corn Meal for Corn Cob Meal on Diets Acceptability, Growth Response and Cost of Diets Fed to Catfish (Clarias Gariepinus)

A seventy -day feeding trial was conducted to assess the replacement value of corn cob meal as a dietary replacement for corn meal in diets of Clarias gariepinus. The corn cob was treated with 2% NaOH. The treatment reduced the fibre and increased the protein contents of the corn cob. Six isonitrogenous (40% crude protein) diets were formulated and corn cob meal was included in the diets at 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% and 100% inclusion levels designated as diets A, B, C, D, E, F, and G respectively, and diet H (commercial Coppens fish feed). The acceptability of the diets was studied using the time to strike the pellets and the acceptability index. The growth response and cost of diets were estimated. Results indicated that substituting corn meal with corn cob meal in diets fed to C. gariepinus juveniles increased the time taken by fish to strike dietary pellets. The higher the proportion of corn cob meal in the diet, the lower the acceptability of the diet to the fish. The least acceptable diet was diet G. The fish fed diet H recorded better weight gains and specific growth rate followed by the control diet and diet C respectively. There were significant differences between the control diets and the experimental diets (P &lt; 0.05). The cost-benefit analysis showed that catfishes fed the control diets had a comparatively lower cost of diet per unit weight gain than the fish fed the corn cob-based diets. This was closely followed by diet C. This study demonstrated that corn cob meal can be successfully used to replace corn meal in the diets of Clarias gariepinus at inclusion levels of up to 30% but it is efficacious and cost-effective at a 20% inclusion level.

Exploring the suitability of Hermetia illucens meal in Clarias magur catfish: effect on growth, physiology and flesh quality

Abstract The effect of substituting Hermetia illucens (HI) meal for fish meal (FM) on the growth performance, survival rate, feed utilization, digestive enzyme activity, immunological function, and flesh quality of Clarias magur (average weight = 3.3 ± 0.05 g) is investigated in this work. Four iso-nitrogenous diets with 35% crude protein were formulated, each with varying levels of HI substitution: HI25%, HI50%, HI75%, and HI100%, then compared to a control diet (HI0%). Following a 90-day experiment, it was observed that the growth performance and feed efficiency were significantly improved at the 50% level (). However, the control group exhibited greater levels of digestive enzymes, specifically protease and lipase activity. The fish’s health status remained unaffected by the substitution of fishmeal, while the 50% HI group showed significant improvements. The high levels of the antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT, as well as the metabolic product MDA, suggested enhanced antioxidant activity in the groups that received HI inclusion. However, as the substitution level reached 100%, the quality of the flesh decreased, as indicated by increased lipid and adhesiveness, as well as decreased L* and WI (). The findings of the study suggest that HI larvae can replace FM in diet of C. magur. Overall, at 50% level of HI larvae meal inclusion in diet, better growth and immune function was evident, but it does lead to a decrease in flesh quality. This study enhances the existing knowledge on substituting fish meal with insect meal in catfish that are of regional importance. Additionally, it emphasizes the necessity for additional investigation to examine the underlying mechanisms employing biotechnological approaches.

A Diet Containing Animal Source Protein as Fresh, Lean Beef Is More Well Liked and Promotes Healthier Eating Behavior Compared with Plant-Based Alternatives in Women with Overweight

BackgroundDespite limited evidence from intervention trials, replacing animal-source protein-rich foods with plant alternatives continues to be recommended as part of a healthy dietary pattern. ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to examine whether a diet containing fresh, lean beef elicits greater satiety, reduces ad libitum food intake, and is more acceptable compared with a diet containing plant alternatives in women with overweight. MethodsSeventeen women with overweight (mean ± SEM, age: 33 ± 1 y; BMI: 27.8 ± 0.1 kg/m2) completed an acute, tightly controlled, crossover design study. Participants were provided with eucaloric, isonitrogenous diets (15% of daily intake as protein) containing either 2 servings/d of fresh lean beef (BEEF) or plant equivalents (PLANT) for 7 d/pattern. During day 6 of each pattern, the participants completed a 10-h controlled-feeding, clinical testing day, which included repeated appetite and satiety questionnaires and blood sampling to assess pre- and postprandial plasma peptide YY (PYY) and GLP-1 across the day. On day 7, the participants completed a free-living testing day in which they consumed their respective protein foods and were provided with additional carbohydrate- and fat-rich foods to consume, ad libitum, during each eating occasion. Energy and macronutrient composition were assessed. A 2- to 3-wk washout period occurred between patterns. ResultsNo differences in daily satiety were detected between patterns. During the ad libitum testing day, 24-h food intake was not different between patterns (BEEF: 2714 ± 219 compared with PLANT: 2859 ± 147 kcals/d), BEEF led to fewer carbohydrates consumed compared with PLANT (338 ± 34 compared with 370 ± 22 g/d, P < 0.05), especially as sugar (169 ± 73 g compared with 186 ± 57 g, P = 0.05). Furthermore, BEEF was more well liked (i.e., higher flavor, texture, and acceptability) compared with PLANT (all, P < 0.05). ConclusionsAlthough satiety was similar between patterns, the consumption of animal-source protein-rich foods, such as fresh and lean beef, was more well liked and resulted in voluntary reductions in total carbohydrate and sugar intake in middle-aged women with overweight during a single ad libitum testing day.This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02614729.

Complete replacement of soybean meal with black soldier fly larvae meal in feeding program for broiler chickens from placement through to 49 days of age: impact on gastrointestinal, breast, skeletal, plasma, and litter attributes

We previously reported that high levels (≥50%) of black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) reduced growth and altered organs morphology in broiler chickens. We further examined gastrointestinal, breast, bone, plasma, and litter attributes in broiler chickens fed partial to complete replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with BSFLM. A total of 1,152 d-old Ross × Ross 708 male chicks (n=8) were allocated to 48 pens and assigned one of six diets: a basal corn-SBM diet (0BSFLM), four diets in which SBM in 0BSFLM was replaced with BSFLM at 12.5, 25, 50, and 100% (12.5BSFLM, 25BSFLM, 50BSFLM, 100BSFLM) and a final diet (0+AGP) in which 0BSFLM was fed with coccidiostat and antibiotic. Birds were bled for plasma and necropsied for samples. Litter samples were collected on d 45 to 47. Breast weight, woody breast, and hardness scores and tibia morphometry reduced linearly in response to BSFLM inclusion (P&lt;0.001). BSFLM linearly increased plasma Lys, Met, Thr, uric acid, creatine kinase and decreased Arg and potassium (P&lt;0.05). Litter ammonium nitrogen and potassium decreased linearly in response to BSFLM (P&lt;0.001). In conclusion, the data suggested physiological and metabolic inefficiencies in broiler chickens fed isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets with ≥50% BSFLM replacement of SBM.

Dietary supplementation of protease and organic acid in poultry by-product meal-based diet in broilers.

This study investigated the impact of supplementation of protease and organic acid on growth performance and other biological parameters in broilers fed poultry byproduct meal (PBM) based diet. Five hundred 1-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were distributed into five treatments with 5 replicates, each pen having 20 birds, and fed each group one of five isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets in two phases: stater phase (1 to 21 days) metabolizable energy (ME) 3000 kcal/kg; crude protein (CP) 22%, and a finisher phase (22 to 35 days) ME 3,200 kcal/kg; CP 19.5%. The dietary treatments were: i) standard broiler ration (Cont); ii) The control diet with 25% of the soybean meal replaced by PBM on an equivalent protein basis (PBM); iii) PBM diet supplemented with 0.5 g/kg of protease (PBMP); iv) PBM diet supplemented with 1 g/kg organic acid (PBMO); and v) PBM diet addition with 0.5 g/kg protease and 1 g/kg organic acid (PBMPO). The overall data showed that feed conversion ratio was improved (p<0.05) in the PBMP group. Apparent CP digestibility was higher (p<0.05) in both Cont and PBMP groups. Jejunal villus height increased (p<0.05) in PBMP and PBMPO groups, while only the PBMO group exhibited a higher (p<0.05) crypt depth. Lipase activity was increased (p<0.05) in the PBMP, PBMO, and PBMPO dietary treatments. However, trypsin activity showed a significant increase (p<0.05) in the PBMP and PBMO groups. Serum biochemistry increased (p<0.05) globulin and total protein levels in the PBMP group. PBM could partially replace the soybean meal with supplementation of either protease or organic acid in broiler diets without impairing overall growth performance. Furthermore, careful optimization must be considered when combining protease and organic acids.

Replacing soybean meal with lesser mealworm Alphitobius diaperinus improves broiler productive performances, haematology, intestinal morphology and meat quality

Abstract Insects are becoming more popular as a soybean meal substitute because they can be raised sustainably on food and feed residues, which improves farming efficiency, sustainability, and animal welfare. In the current study, we replaced 4, 8 and 12% SBM with lesser mealworm Alphitobius diaperinus (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae and determined its effects on productive performances, blood parameters, gut morphometry and meat quality of the broiler chickens. We also compared commercially available black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larvae. A total of 350 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to seven isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets (5 pens/treatment and 10 birds/pen). The results found that 12% A. diaperinus and H. illucens diets significantly () increased the live weight (LW) and average daily weight gain (ADG) while improving feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the broilers. Daily feed intake (DFI) did not show a significant difference () among all the dietary treatments. Haematology and serum biochemistry traits were significantly () improved except MCHC, monocytes, Eosinophils (EO), albumin and creatinine. The 12% A. diaperinus and H. illucens diets showed the highest villus height (Vh) and the lowest crypt depth than other diets. The meat quality traits were statistically () improved except meat pH, drip loss and shear force (). The results of the study highlight the importance of substituting SBM up to 12% with either A. diaperinus or H. illucens larvae, which improves the productive performances, blood parameters, gut morphometry and meat quality of broilers and thus can be incorporated as an alternative protein source in poultry feed.

Effects of dietary lipid levels on growth, lipid metabolism, fatty acid composition and antioxidant capacity of juvenile greasyback shrimp (Metapenaeus ensis)

The optimal dietary lipid requirement and underlying lipid metabolic mechanisms remain elusive in greasyback shrimp (Metapenaeus ensis), presenting significant obstacles to the advancement of their culture development. Five isonitrogenous diets (38.39% crude protein) containing lipid levels of 2.25%, 4.72%, 7.50%, 10.18%, and 12.71% were formulated to evaluate the effects of dietary lipid levels on growth, lipid metabolism, fatty acid composition and antioxidant capacity of juvenile greasyback shrimp. The results indicated that shrimps fed a diet with 7.50% lipid exhibited significantly higher percent weight gain (161.36%) and specific growth rate (1.72%/d) than those fed other diets (P < 0.05). As the dietary fat content increased, the lipid levels of the whole shrimp, muscle, hepatopancreas, and serum exhibited similar elevations. Concurrently, H&E staining clearly revealed the occurrence of hepatocyte swelling and hepatocyte vacuolization in the 10.18% and 12.71% groups, and hepatic lipid accumulation was further observed in these groups by Oil red O staining. In addition, with the increase in dietary fat levels, saturated fatty acids (SFA) decreased and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) increased in both hepatopancreas and muscle. The expression of genes involved in lipogenesis (fas, acc and dgat) was initially up-regulated and subsequently down-regulated with increasing dietary lipid levels, whereas the expression trends of lipolysis genes (hsl, atgl) remained similar. The mRNA levels of genes associated with long-chain PUFA biosynthesis (elovl5, lxrβ, srebp1) and fatty acid oxidation (cpt1, acox1) in the hepatopancreas of shrimp fed a diet with 7.50% lipid were significantly elevated compared to those in other dietary groups (P < 0.05). With the increase in dietary fat levels, the expression of fatty acid transport genes fatp4 and fabp1 was up-regulated. Antioxidant enzyme activities in the hepatopancreas initially increased with dietary lipid levels, peaking in shrimp fed the 7.50% lipid diet, but subsequently declined. In conclusion, optimal dietary fat levels enhance growth performance, while high lipid levels impede growth, decrease antioxidant enzyme activities, and regulate lipid deposition in greasyback shrimp by modulating lipid metabolic pathways.

Effect of dietary protein source and Saccharina latissima on nutritional and safety characteristics of milk.

Wheat distillers' grains (WDG) and seaweeds are recommended as alternative protein sources and enteric methane mitigators in dairy cow diets, respectively, but little is known about their impact on milk quality and safety. In the present study, 16 cows in four 4 × 4 Latin squares were fed isonitrogenous diets (50:50 forage:concentrate ratio), with rapeseed meal (RSM)-based or WDG-based concentrate (230 and 205 g kg-1 dry matter) and supplemented with or without Saccharina latissima. Replacement of RSM with WDG enhanced milk nutritional profile by decreasing milk atherogenicity (P = 0.002) and thrombogenicity (P = 0.019) indices and the concentrations of the nutritionally undesirable saturated fatty acids - specifically, lauric (P = 0.045), myristic (P = 0.022) and palmitic (P = 0.007) acids. It also increased milk concentrations of the nutritionally beneficial vaccenic (P < 0.001), oleic (P = 0.030), linoleic (P < 0.001), rumenic (P < 0.001) and α-linolenic (P = 0.012) acids, and total monounsaturated (P = 0.044), polyunsaturated (P < 0.001) and n-6 (P < 0.001) fatty acids. Feeding Saccharina latissima at 35.7 g per cow per day did not affect the nutritionally relevant milk fatty acids or pose any risk on milk safety, as bromoform concentrations in milk were negligible and unaffected by the dietary treatments. However, it slightly reduced milk concentrations of pantothenate. Feeding WDG to dairy cows improved milk fatty acid profiles, by increasing the concentrations of nutritionally beneficial fatty acids and reducing the concentration of nutritionally undesirable saturated fatty acids, while feeding seaweed slightly reduced pantothenate concentrations. However, when considering the current average milk intakes in the population, the milk compositional differences between treatments in this study appear relatively small to have an effect on human health. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

PSV-7 greatOPlus (extruded blend of flaxseed and Nannochloropsis oculata biomass) improves finishing cattle performance and carcass characteristics

Abstract Our objective was to investigate impact of feeding greatOPlus (GOP), an extruded mixture of flaxseed and Nannochloropsis microalgae biomass (NBO3 Technologies LLC; Manhattan, KS) on feedlot cattle performance and carcass characteristics. Yearling steers (n = 700; 374 ± 8.2 kg initial body weight) were blocked by initial body weight and assigned randomly, within block, to 28 feedlot pens containing 25 animals/pen. Cattle were vaccinated against viral and clostridial pathogens and treated for internal and external parasites (Bovishield Gold 5, Ultrabac 7 Somubac, and Dectomax injectable; Zoetis Animal Health), and implanted with a combination implant (Component TE-200; Elanco USA). The control diet (CON) consisted of 58.3% steam-flaked corn, 20% wet corn gluten feed, 2.56% soybean meal, and 4.17% vitamin/mineral/feed additive premix. For the GOP diet, a portion of the corn and all of the soybean meal were replaced with 10% GOP (dry basis) to create isonitrogenous diets. Cattle were fed once daily, ad libitum. After 175 d on feed, animals were weighed and transported to a commercial abattoir for harvest. Animal performance measurements included average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), and gain to feed ratio (G:F). Hot carcass weight (HCW) and incidence of abscessed livers were assessed on the day of harvest, and marbling score, 12th rib fat thickness, longissimus muscle area, and USDA yield and quality grades were determined following 48 hours of refrigeration. Cattle fed GOP had greater DMI and ADG (P&amp;lt; 0.05) compared with cattle fed CON, but G:F was not affected by treatment (P &amp;gt; 0.10). Cattle fed GOP had greater HCW compared with those fed CON (422.8 vs 409.5 kg; P &amp;lt; 0.01) and tended to produce more Prime and Choice carcasses (87.4 vs 83.0%; P = 0.11) with greater 12th rib backfat (1.55 vs 1.49 cm; P &amp;lt; 0.02) and greater yield grades (2.91 vs 2.75; P &amp;lt; 0.01). Marbling score (488 vs 491), longissimus muscle area (94.1 vs 93.4 cm2) and liver abscess incidence (12 vs 16% for CON and GOP, respectively) were unaffected by treatment (P &amp;gt; 0.10). Carcass values were calculated using base prices, premiums, and discounts published by USDA, and were greater for cattle fed GOP compared with cattle fed the control diet ($2,122 vs $2,059; P &amp;lt; 0.01). Including greatOPlus at 10% of the diet dry matter improved cattle performance, largely as a result of its impact on DMI and ADG.