Kcal Metabolizable Energy Research Articles

Effect of energy and protein levels on nutrient utilization and their requirements in growing Murrah buffaloes.

To evaluate different levels of energy and protein for optimum growth of Murrah male buffalo calves, a growth trial (150 days) was conducted on 30 calves (body weight 202.5 ± 6.8 kg). Six diets were formulated to provide 90, 100 and 110% protein level and 90 and 110% energy level requirements for buffalo calves, derived from ICAR 2013 recommendations for buffaloes. The crude protein (CP) intake was increased with higher dietary CP, whereas no effect of energy levels or interaction between protein and energy was observed on CP intake. There were significant effects (P < 0.01) of the interaction between protein and energy (P < 0.05) on metabolizable energy (ME) intake. The digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) was higher (P < 0.0001) in high-energy groups compared to low-energy groups. The CP digestibility increased with the increased CP and ME of the rations. The absorbed N was improved linearly with an increased level of dietary CP, whereas the N retention was similar among all the groups distributed as per different energy or protein levels. The nutrient intake (protein or energy) per kg body weight (BW)(0.75) at various fortnight intervals was regressed linearly from the average daily gain (ADG) per kg BW(0.75). By setting the average daily gain at zero in the developed regression equation, a maintenance requirement was obtained, i.e. 133.1 kcal ME, 6.45 g CP and 3.95 g metabolizable protein (MP) per kg BW(0.75). Requirement for growth was 6.12 kcal ME, 0.46 g CP and 0.32 g MP per kg BW(0.75) per day. Metabolizable amino acid requirement was estimated from partitioning of MP intake and ADG. The ME requirements were lower, whereas the MP requirement of Murrah buffaloes was higher than ICAR (2013) recommendations.

Accuracy of Nonlinear Formulation of Broiler Diets: Maximizing Profits

Nutritionists need to make commercial decisions about the optimal nutrient content broiler feeds. In order to demonstrate that broiler prices may influence dietary nutrient density, this study developed quadratic feed intake and weight gain equations, according to broiler sex and feeding phase, to be applied in a nonlinear feed formulation model. Four hundred and eighty Cobb broilers were allotted to a completely randomized experimental with six treatments, each with four replicates of 10 birds each, from 1 to 56 days old. Treatments consisted of diets containing 2800, 2900, 3000, 3100, 3200, or 3300 kcal metabolizable energy (ME)/kg and constant nutrient to ME ratio. A nonlinear version of the PPFR feed formulation software (http://www.fmva.unesp.br/ppfr) was developed with the objective of optimizing energy density and bird performance. According to the results, when the models are applied in the PPFR nonlinear spreadsheet, the most favorable nutrient density content is defined by mathematical models, as optimized by the Excel Solver tool by means of cost/benefit comparisons and as a function of rearing phase (starter, grower, and finisher) and sex. This contradicts the recommendations of genetic company manuals and published requirement tables, whose goal is to maximize weight gain and do not necessarily guarantee maximum economic efficiency.

Estimation of the optimal standardized ileal digestible lysine requirement for primiparous lactating sows fed diets supplemented with crystalline amino acids.

This experiment was conducted to determine the optimal standardized ileal digestible lysine (SID Lys) level in diets fed to primiparous sows during lactation. A total of 150 (Landrace × Large White) crossbred gilts (weighing 211.1 ± 3.5 kg with a litter size of 11.1 ± 0.2) were fed lactation diets (3325 kcal metabolizable energy (ME)/kg) containing SID Lys levels of 0.76, 0.84, 0.94, 1.04 or 1.14%, through 28 days lactation. Gilts were allocated to treatments based on their body weight and backfat thickness 48 h after farrowing. Gilt body weight loss was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased by increasing dietary SID Lys levels. Fitted broken-line (P < 0.05) and quadratic plot (P < 0.05) analysis of body weight loss indicated that the optimal SID Lys for primiparous sows was 0.85 and 1.01%, respectively. Average daily feed intake (ADFI), weaning-to-estrus interval and subsequent conception rate were not affected by dietary SID Lys levels. Increasing dietary lysine had no effect on litter performances. Protein content in milk was increased by dietary SID Lys (P < 0.05). Dietary SID Lys tended to increase concentrations of serum insulin-like growth factor I (P = 0.066). These results of this experiment indicate that the optimal dietary SID Lys for lactating gilts was at least 0.85%, which approaches the recommendation of 0.84% that is estimated by the National Research Council (2012).

EFFECT OF IODINE SUPPLEMENTATION TO LOW ENERGY DIETS ON PRODUCTIVE AND REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE IN LAYING HENS OF LOCAL SINAI STRAIN

A total number of 297 Sinai hens (270 females and 27 males) 42-wks-old were used, weighed and divided into nine treatment groups, three replicates each, to investigate the effect of Iodine supplementation to low metabolizable energy (ME) layer diets in a factorial design (3x3) on laying performance, egg quality parameters, reproductive performance and nutrients digestibility as well as some blood constituents during the late stage of laying period (42-58 wks of age). The dietary ME of treatments were 2766 (as control); 2655 and 2565 kcal ME/kg, with three iodine levels of 0.3 (as control); 1.2, or 2.4, mg iodine/ kg diet. Results obtained could be summarized as the following: 1- Decreasing ME content in the Sinai layer diet resulted in a significant decrease in body weight and body weight gain (BWG) while diet supplemented with 2.4 mg/ iodinekg diet had the highest BWG compared to other groups. Also, BWG was significantly affected due to the interaction between iodine and ME. 2- Laying rate percentage and egg mass (g/hen) was significantly decreased by dietary contained 2565 Kcal/Kg diet. Conversely, the hens fed diet 1.2 and 2.4 mg I/Kg diet significantly improved the laying performance. Also, the superiority of the diet contained 2655 Kcal/Kg with 2.4 mg iodine /Kg diet where it was significantly greater laying performance than all other treatments. 3- No significant effect was observed on reproductive performance by feeding different levels of ME, while hatchability percentage was significantly improved as dietary supplemented with 1.2 and 2.4 iodine/ kg diet. Also, the best significant value of hatchability was recorded by the interaction between 2655 Kcal ME/ kg and 2.4 mg iodine/ kg diet. 4- Decreasing ME content from 2766 to 2655 and 2565 Kcal/kg diet showed linear significant higher feed consumption. While, only the low level of ME (2565 Kcal/Kg diet) significantly decreased feed conversion ratio compared to the control. 5- Iodine supplementation (1.2 and 2.4 mg/kg diet) resulted in a significant linear feed consumption decreased compared to the control diet. Also, hens fed diet contained 1.2 and 2.4 mg iodine/Kg diet produced significantly better feed conversion than control diet. 6- Feed conversion ratio was significantly improved by the diet containing ME 2655 Kcal/Kg diet + 2.4 mg I /Kg diet as compared to the control diet by about 15.5 %. 7- Digestion coefficient of Ether extract (EE) and ash retention were significantly increased by decreasing the ME to 2565 Kcal/Kg diet compared to the control diet (2766Kcal/Kg diet). All values of nutrients digestibility tend to be significantly linear increase for birds fed diets supplemented with 1.2 and 2.4 mg iodine/Kg layer diet as compared to control diet (0.3 mg I/Kg diet). 8- Dietary energy level has significant effect on blood metabolites, except triglycerides, and improved HDL concentration and thyroxin level, especially the low followed by the median ME level. 9- Dietary iodine supplementation, up to 2.4 mg/ kg diet improved blood parameters, hematological traits, T3 level, and T3/T4 ratio without any negative effects on liver function and immune responses, in terms of ALT, AST activity and WBC′s count. 10- The combined effect between low and median ME and high iodine is the best for different productive and physiological parameters. 11- Decreasing dietary ME content from 2766 to 2655 Kcal/Kg diet resulted in no significant effect in economic efficiency. On the other hand, the high level of iodine (2.4mg/Kg diet) with decreasing ME from 2766 to 2655 Kcal/Kg diet resulted in significantly higher economic efficiency than all other treatments. The results illustrated that the adequate level of ME for Sinai laying hens was 2655 Kcal/Kg diet to maximize the productive performance under the condition of this study, however the combination of same level of ME (2655 Kcal/ Kg diet) and 2.4 mg iodine/ Kg diet is the most successful requirement for improving laying performance and reproductive performance for Sinai laying hens during the late stage of laying period (42- 58 wks of age).

EFFECT OF GREEN TEA AS DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS (Camellia sinensis) ON SEMEN QUALITY AND TESTOSTERONE PROFILE IN RABBITS.

This study aimed to investigate effect of green tea level as a dietary additive on semen quality and testosterone concentration of adult APRI line rabbit bucks. A total of 12 adult bucks were allotted into 4 equal groups fed complete feed diet (17.4% CP and 2257 Kcal metabolizable energy on dry matter basis), without additive (T1) or supplemented with 2, 4 and 6 g green tea/kg diet (T2, T3 and T4 respectively). The experimental period was 13 weeks, 4 weeks as a preliminary period and 9 weeks as main period of semen collection. Semen was evaluated for volume (SV), pH value, and percentages of motility (SMP), livability (SLP) and abnormality (SAP) of spermatozoa as well as sperm cell concentration (SCC). Sperm count as total output (TSO) and total motile (TMO), total live (TLO) and total normal (TNO) was calculated. Testosterone concentration in blood plasma was determined pre-treatment, and mid and end of the collection period. Results showed that bucks in T4 treated with 6 g green tea/kg diet showed the highest (P<0.05) SV, pH value, SMP, SCC, TSO, TMO, TLO, TNO and the lowest (P<0.05) SAP. However, SLP and testosterone concentration were not affected by treatment. In conclusion, green tea demonstrates significant improvement in the antioxidant status, as shown by the increased antioxidant enzyme activity and GSH levels. Green tea could serve as a supportive treatment in the nutritional management to improve semen quality of rabbit bucks, particularly at a level of 6 g/kg diet. Keywords: Rabbit, green tea, semen, sperm output, testosterone. This study aimed to investigate effect of green tea level as a dietary additive on semen quality and testosterone concentration of adult APRI line rabbit bucks. A total of 12 adult bucks were allotted into 4 equal groups fed complete feed diet (17.4% CP and 2257 Kcal metabolizable energy on dry matter basis), without additive (T1) or supplemented with 2, 4 and 6 g green tea/kg diet (T2, T3 and T4 respectively). The experimental period was 13 weeks, 4 weeks as a preliminary period and 9 weeks as main period of semen collection. Semen was evaluated for volume (SV), pH value, and percentages of motility (SMP), livability (SLP) and abnormality (SAP) of spermatozoa as well as sperm cell concentration (SCC). Sperm count as total output (TSO) and total motile (TMO), total live (TLO) and total normal (TNO) was calculated. Testosterone concentration in blood plasma was determined pre-treatment, and mid and end of the collection period. Results showed that bucks in T4 treated with 6 g green tea/kg diet showed the highest (P<0.05) SV, pH value, SMP, SCC, TSO, TMO, TLO, TNO and the lowest (P<0.05) SAP. However, SLP and testosterone concentration were not affected by treatment. In conclusion, green tea demonstrates significant improvement in the antioxidant status, as shown by the increased antioxidant enzyme activity and GSH levels. Green tea could serve as a supportive treatment in the nutritional management to improve semen quality of rabbit bucks, particularly at a level of 6 g/kg diet.

Evaluation of calcium, phosphorus, and selected trace mineral status in commercially available dry foods formulated for dogs

To evaluate concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, and selenium in several commercially available dry dog foods and compare these with current Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommendations for maintenance of healthy dogs. Descriptive study. 45 over-the-counter dry foods formulated for maintenance of healthy dogs (ie, maintenance foods) and 5 therapeutic dry foods formulated for dogs with hepatic or renal disease. Mineral concentrations were measured via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry or inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and compared with AAFCO-recommended minimum and maximum values. Most (39/45) maintenance foods were in compliance with AAFCO recommendations for all mineral concentrations evaluated. Calcium concentration was > 7. 1 g/1,000 kcal of metabolizable energy (ME) in 4 of 45 maintenance foods, and phosphorus concentration was > 4.6 g/1,000 kcal ME in 3 of these; 2 maintenance foods contained < 34 mg of zinc/1,000 kcal ME. These values were not within AAFCO-recommended ranges. Calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in foods formulated for dogs with renal disease was above, and copper concentration in foods formulated for dogs with hepatic disease was below, recommended ranges for healthy dogs. Calcium concentrations exceeded recommended limits in some maintenance foods labeled for all life stages, underscoring the need to feed diets appropriately formulated for specific life stages, particularly for large- and giant-breed puppies. Studies investigating the bioavailability of minerals are necessary before firm recommendations can be made.

Food Intake and Nutrition During Pregnancy, Lactation and Weaning in the Dam and Offspring

ContentsIn mammalian species, the connection between reproduction and nutrition is undeniable and illustrated by numerous publications: its role concerning regulation of hormonal secretions, fertility, pregnancy outcome, lactation and neonatal development indeed retains the attention of the scientific community. The interest on the influence of nutrition in dog and cat reproductive physiology is growing. Awareness on the key aspects of feeding during critical periods like pregnancy, lactation and weaning is essential to optimize the reproductive performances in these species.

Nutritional reduction of protein and usage of enzyme in the diet of light layers

The objective of this study was to evaluate the reduction of protein, the formulation of diets and supplementation of an enzyme complex for laying hens. The layers were distributed in a completely randomized 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with two levels of crude protein reduction (0.0 and 4.0 g/kg), two kinds of diet formulation (without and with reformulation, considering 75 kcal of metabolizable energy) and two enzyme supplementations (without and with enzyme complex supplementation), totalizing 8 treatments of 8 layers each, with 7 replications, in a total of 448 laying hens at 30 weeks of age. After data analysis, it was found that the enzyme complex supplementation in the diet of layers improves performance, promotes a similar egg quality and improves the bone and intestinal health of the layers.

Efeito da interação idade da matriz x peso do ovo sobre o desempenho de codornas de corte

Avaliou-se a interação idade da matriz versus peso do ovo sobre o desempenho produtivo de codornas de corte (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) no 21º e 42º dias de idade. Em cada classe de idade da matriz, iniciada a partir de 70, 205 e 280 dias, foram incubados 600 ovos, separados em três categorias de peso: categoria 1 - ovos com 11,0-12,9g; categoria 2 - ovos com 13,0-14,9g e categoria 3 - ovos com 15,0-16,9g. Após a eclosão, em cada idade da matriz, foram utilizadas 225 codornas de um dia, de ambos os sexos, provenientes das três categorias de peso, sendo 75 codornas por categoria. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, e os tratamentos consistiram das três classes de idades da matriz x três categorias de peso do ovo, com cinco repetições de 15 codornas. A dieta experimental foi única para todos os tratamentos com 28% proteína bruta e 2900kcal de energia metabolizável. A categoria peso do ovo e a classe de idade da matriz influenciaram o peso corporal, o ganho de peso e o consumo da dieta no 21º e 42º dias de idade. Codornas oriundas de ovos mais pesados e de matrizes das classes de 205 e 280 dias de idade apresentaram melhor desempenho (P&lt;0,05). A viabilidade foi influenciada pela categoria peso do ovo, ou seja, codornas provenientes de ovos mais leves apresentaram menor viabilidade aos 21º e 42º dias de idade (P&lt;0,05). Ovos mais pesados originaram codornas mais pesadas ao nascimento (P&lt;0,05).

Response of laying performance of KUB chicken to dietary protein given during growing period

One hundred and sixty KUB pullets of 22 weeks of age (KUB = Kampung chicken selected for egg production) were previously raised on different dietary protein level during starter-grower period. During starting period, chicks (0-12 weeks of age) were given dietary protein of: 16% crude protein, CP (R1); 17.5% CP (R2); 19% CP (R3); 20.5% CP (R4); 22% CP (R5). All dietary treatments were iso-energy of 2800 kcal ME (metabolisable energy)/kg. During growing period (12-22 weeks) each group of treatment chick was divided into two regimes of dietary protein levels. One was subjected to the same as treatments given during starting period, and the other one was given diet with reduced dietary protein content up to 1.5%. The treatments were R1-1, having dietary protein of 16.0%; R1-2, having dietary protein of 14.5%; R2-1, having dietary protein of 17.5%; R2-2, having dietary protein of 16.0%; R3-1, having dietary protein of 19.0%; R3-2, having dietary protein of 17.5%; R4-1, having dietary protein of 20.5%; R4-2, having dietary protein of 19.0%; R5-1, having dietary protein of 22% and R5-2, having dietary protein of 20.5%. The energy content of all dietary treatments was the same for all treatments 2800 kkal ME/kg. The hens were then grouped into the treatment as the treatment groups of growing period of 12-22 weeks. Hens were then raised on laying diet, containing 17.11% CP (crude protein) with 2728 kcal ME/kg. The results showed that the change of dietary treatment, given during growing period, influenced (P < 0,05) first lay weight, first egg weight, weight gain, egg weight, egg width, egg volume of KUB hens age of 22-42 weeks. And the dietary protein treatment, given during starter and growing period, influenced (P < 0.05) first lay body weight, first lay age, feed consumption, egg weight, egg length, egg width of KUB hens age of 22-42 weeks. Key Words : KUB Chicken, Starting and Growing Dietary Protein, Egg Production

Correction of Hyperkalemia in Dogs with Chronic Kidney Disease Consuming Commercial Renal Therapeutic Diets by a Potassium-Reduced Home-Prepared Diet

Hyperkalemia occurs in dogs with chronic kidney disease (CKD). (1) To determine the incidence of hyperkalemia in dogs with CKD, (2) to determine the proportion of hyperkalemic dogs that required modification of dietary potassium intake, (3) to evaluate the response to dietary modification. The hospital database was reviewed retrospectively to identify dogs with CKD and persistent (>5.3 mmol/L on at least 3 occasions) or severe (K > or = 6.5 mmol/L) hyperkalemia while consuming a therapeutic renal diet. Records of dogs with hyperkalemia that were prescribed a home-prepared, potassium-reduced diet were evaluated further. Response was evaluated by changes in body weight, BCS, and serum potassium concentration. One hundred and fifty-two dogs were diagnosed with CKD, of which 47% had > or =1 documented episode of hyperkalemia, 25% had > or = 3 episodes of hyperkalemia, and 16% had > or =1 episodes of severe hyperkalemia (K > 6.5 mmol/L). Twenty-six dogs (17.2%) with CKD and hyperkalemia were prescribed a potassium-reduced, home-prepared diet. The potassium concentration of all hyperkalemic dogs on therapeutic diets (potassium content, 1.6 +/- 0.23 g/1,000 kcal of metabolizable energy [ME]) was 6.5 +/- 0.5 mmol/L but decreased significantly to 5.1 +/- 0.5 mmol/L in 18 dogs available for follow-up in response to the dietary modification (0.91 +/- 0.14 g/1,000 kcal of ME, P < .001). Potassium concentration normalized in all but 1 dog. Hyperkalemia is a potential complication of CKD. In a subset of CKD dogs, hyperkalemia can be associated with commercial renal diets and could restrict use of these diets. Appropriately formulated, potassium-reduced, diets are an effective alternative to correct hyperkalemia.

Levels of true digestible lisiane and metabolizable energy for growing pigs: effect on nitrogen and energy balance

An experiment was conducted at the Department of Animal Husbandry of Universidade Federal de Lavras aiming to study the nitrogen and energy balance in diets with reduced crude protein rates (CP) and different levels of energy and lysine for growing pigs. 52 castrated pigs (initial weight = 36.13 ± 2.8 kg) of high genetic potential were used, housed individually in metabolism cages (experimental unit). The treatments consisted of 12 diets with three levels of metabolizable energy (ME) (3060, 3230 and 3400 kcal / kg) and four of true digestible lysine (TDL) (0.7, 0.9, 1.1 and 1, 3%) with 14% CP plus a control diet with 3230 kcal ME / kg, 1.03% TDL and 18% CP. We used a DBC in time 3x4 +1 factorial design with four replications to verify the absorbed nitrogen (AN), N retained (NR), the NR / NA (%),absorbed energy (AE), retained energy (RE) and the ratio RE /AE (%). In relation retained nitrogen / absorbed nitrogen was declining linear regression (P &lt;0.05) when 3400 kcal / kg was used, where the lowest levels (0.7 and 0.9%) of TDL showed the best results. In the study of energy balance, for the variables retained energy and the relationship between energy there was no difference (P&gt; 0.05) between the control treatment and other experimental diets. It is concluded that the levels 3230 kcal / kg and 1.03% of TDL can be used without affecting the utilization of nitrogen by growing pigs in diets with reduced crude protein content.

Interação genótipo X ambiente em codornas de postura alimentadas com rações com dois níveis de energia metabolizável

Foram coletados dados de peso do ovo, altura de albúmen, espessura da casca, peso corporal e produção total de ovos aos 90 dias de postura de três linhagens de codornas de postura (Coturnix coturnix japonica) alimentadas com rações contendo 2.900 ou 2.500 kcal de energia metabolizável para verificar a existência da interação genótipo X ambiente. Utilizou-se o programa computacional MTGSAM, que permite inferência bayesiana, usando amostragem de Gibbs, aplicado a um modelo animal, para estimar os componentes de covariâncias, herdabilidade e correlações genéticas entre os dois ambientes. Por meio dos resultados de herdabilidade e correlações genéticas, concluiu-se que houve interação genótipo X ambiente somente para as características altura de albúmen e espessura da casca. As características peso do ovo e peso corporal são passíveis de ganhos genéticos, independentemente do nível de energia da ração, enquanto a produção de ovos tem baixo potencial para ganhos genéticos se a seleção for baseada em recordes parciais.

Response of broilers to practical diets with different metabolizable energy and balanced protein concentrations

Experiment was conducted to study the effect of Metabolizable Energy (ME) and Balanced Protein (BP) on the performance of 1- to 35-day-old male and female Hubbard x Hubbard broilers. Set in a factorial arrangement, dietary treatments involved 3 levels of ME (2650, 2750, or 2850 kcal per kg diet) and 4 levels of Balanced Protein (expressed as 8.4, 9.0, 9.6, or 10.2 g Standardized Ileal Digestible lysine per kg). Each diet was fed to 5 replicate pens of 17 chicks. Dietary ME and BP did not interact for any of the parameters studied (p>0.05). The main effect of ME was significant (p<0.05) for feed intake, body weight, and feed conversion ratio at all ages. Highest ME (2850 kcal) resulted in 35 day feed intake and feed conversion ratio that was significantly (p<0.05) low compared with those fed on lower levels of ME; while 35 day body weight was significantly (p<0.05) high at 2850 kcal compared with 2650 kcal ME. Feed intake and body weight improved linearly (p<0.05) with increasing BP from 8.4 to 10.2 g per kg, while the BP did not have any effect on feed conversion ratio. Dietary combinations of ME and BP to optimize body weight and feed conversion ratio are suggested on weekly basis.

Influence of pre‐press solvent‐extracted cottonseed meal supplemented with exogenous enzyme and digestible lysine on performance, digestibility, carcass and immunity responses of broiler chickens

The response of broiler chickens to two levels of endo-1,4-beta xylanase (EC 3.2.1.8) and endo-1,3-beta glucanase (EC 3.2.1.6) combination (with and without), three levels of digestible lysine (0.8%, 0.9% and 1.0% with the applicability of ideal protein concept) and two levels of cottonseed meal (CSM; 20% and 30%) were evaluated in 2 x 3 x 2 factorial arrangement. A total of 2448 male Hubbard broiler chicks were fed on practical vegetable-based mash diets having 2750 kcal metabolizable energy (ME) per kg and 18.5% crude protein (CP) from the age of day 1 to 42. The supplemental enzyme had minimum 1100 units of endo-1,4-beta xylanase and 100 units of endo-1,3-beta glucanase/kg of finished diet. The addition of CSM at 30% resulted in increasing arginine to lysine ratio. A decrease in dressing and breast percentages were observed by the addition of 30% CSM. The digestible lysine at 1.0% decreased the body weight (BW) gain and lowered the mortality during day 1 to 21 whereas the BW gain and feed:gain ratio were unaffected among the three digestible lysine levels during day 1 to 42. The antibody titres against Newcastle and infectious bursal disease viruses were improved with the increasing levels of digestible lysine. The enzyme supplementation improved the apparent ME and digestibility coefficient of nitrogen when it was used with 30% CSM. No effect of enzyme, lysine, CSM or their interactions was observed on serum iron, gizzard and liver weights or abdominal fat percentage. The results showed that increasing digestible lysine improved the antibody titre but did not improve the growth performance and carcass characteristics; supplemental enzyme failed to show any improvement in performance of birds fed on CSM-based diets.

Production Performance of Single Comb White Leghorn Chickens Fed Growing Diets Containing Blood Meal and Supplemental Isoleucine

Laying performance of Single Comb White Leghorn (SCWL) chicks fed diets containing blood meal supplemented with isoleucine from hatch to ten weeks of age (WOA) was evaluated. In 4 replicates, 480 SCWL chicks were fed corn-based diets whose protein sources were 100% soybean meal (control), 100% blood meal (BM), 50% soybean meal+50% blood meal (SMBM), and 50% alfalfa meal+50% blood meal (AMBM). These diets contained 2,900kcal metabolizable energy (ME) per kg and 20% crude protein (CP). Blood meal comprised 16.8, 11.0 and 14.3% of the dietary composition in BM, SMBM, and AMBM diets, respectively. At 11-14, 15-18 and 19-46WOA birds in all treatment groups were fed corn-soy based diets containing 3,000, 3,080 and 2,900kcal ME/kg and 17.5, 16.5, and 17% CP, respectively. The birds were provided a 23, 8, and 16 hr light regimen at 0-10, 11-14, and 15-46WOA, respectively. Feed and water were provided at free choice and mortality was recorded as it occurred. At first egg, birds were observed for age, body weight and egg weight. Thereafter hen-day egg production, egg weight, egg mass, egg grade, internal egg quality and egg shell thickness were measured over five 28-day laying periods. Birds fed BM diets had 6.08, 5.24 and 2.63% higher (P<0.05) hen-day egg production than those fed the control, AMBM, and SMBM diets, respectively. Mean egg mass of BM fed birds was 5.65, 5.49 and 2.34% higher than that of the control, AMBM, and SMBM birds, respectively. Therefore, feeding diets containing blood meal and supplemented with isoleucine to SCWL chicks at 0-10WOA significantly improved their subsequent egg production performance, but depressed their internal egg quality and egg shell thickness.

Influence of Dietary Energy and Poultry Fat on the Response of Broiler Chicks to Heat Therm

Heat stress and the associated production losses and mortality are a challenge to commercial broiler production. A total number of 1000 one day old unsexed Arbor Acres broiler chicks were used in this study. Birds were offered with water and grower diet containing 23% crude protein and 3100 kcal ME/ kg of the diet from 1 to 4 weeks of age. At 29 day of age, 900 birds of nearly similar live body weight (about 850 g) were chosen to study the effect of different levels of metabolizable energy (ME) and poultry fat (PF) on broiler performance, nutrients digestibility and carcass characteristics during the hot summer season (29 - 36 C o and 50 - 60% H). The birds were randomly distributed into 9 treatments, each contained 100 birds in 4 replicates of 25 birds each. Three levels of ME and three levels of PF were tested in 3 X 3 factorial designs to alleviate the side effects of heat stress on broiler chick performance. The tested ME levels (kcal/ kg) were 3100 (low level, ME ), 3200 (recommended level, ME ) and 3300 (high level, ME ). The tested three levels of 1 2 3 PF were 0 % (PF ), 2.5% (PF ) and 5% (PF ) for each level of ME. Chicks were allocated in a littered floor 1 2 3 poultry house in an open system under the same management conditions. Water and feed were offered ad- libitum and artificial lighting was provided 24 hours daily for the either experimental period, which lasted for 7 weeks.The overall results showed that the average body weight, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and performance index were improved significantly with high levels of either metabolizable energy or poultry fat. Data showed that the digestion coefficient of both crude protein and ether extract were improved significantly when broiler chicks were fed diets containing high level of either metabolizable energy or poultry fat. Results indicated that the average values of abdominal fat increased significantly with high levels of either metabolizable energy or poultry fat. While, there were no significant differences for either dressing percentage or giblets due to dietary treatments. Therefore, it is suggested to increase dietary metabolizable energy more than recommended level and adding fat up to 5 % of the diet to alleviate the side effects of heat stress on the performance of broiler chicks.

Dietary Lysine Requirement as Basis to Estimate the Essential Dietary Amino Acid Profile for Jundiá, Rhamdia quelen

Abstract The present study was designed to determine the optimal dietary lysine requirement for jundiá, Rhamdia quelen, fingerlings. Groups of 17 fish (1.4 ± 0.1 g) were stocked in 120‐L tanks and were fed semipurified diets (33% crude protein [CP] and 3500 kcal metabolizable energy) containing increasing concentrations of lysine (3.0, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, and 6.5% CP). After 119 d, fish weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed intake and feed conversion (FC), apparent net protein utilization (ANPU), body composition (CP, fat, and ash), and vertebral collagen were determined. WG and SGR increased as dietary lysine concentration in protein increased up to 4.5%, reducing at 6.0 and 6.5% lysine. Fish that were fed the lowest lysine concentration presented the worst feed conversion (FC), which improved for fish fed with 4.5% or more lysine. Feed consumption followed the same trend as FC. The highest ANPU was observed in fish fed with 4.5% lysine. Fish fed diets containing 4.5, 5.0, and 5.5% lysine accumulated more body protein (P &lt; 0.05). Collagen vertebral concentration was significantly higher in fish fed with the 4.5% lysine diet. Dietary requirement for lysine was 4.5 or 5.1% depending on the statistical model used for estimation: broken line or polynomial regression, respectively. The requirements for the other essential amino acids were estimated on the basis of the ideal protein concept and were similar to the requirements for other fish species, except for isoleucine, leucine, treonine, and valine, which were higher for jundiá.

Effect of Bird Cage Space and Dietary Metabolizable Energy Level on Production Parameters in Laying Hens

A study was conducted to assess the effects of varying cage spaces on a commercial laying hen strain fed differing levels of dietary metabolizable energy (ME) for 15 wk. Four cage space allowances (342, 413, 516, and 690 cm2/hen) were combined with 3 levels of dietary ME (2,800, 2,850, and 2,900 kcal of ME/kg) in a 4 × 3 factorial arrangement. Each treatment was assigned to 6 replicate cages for a total of 72 cages in randomized complete block design. Feed intake and metabolizable energy intake were significantly (P < 0.01) greater for hens housed at 690 cm2/hen compared with those housed at 413 and 342 cm2/hen, but not those housed at 516 cm2/hen, across all dietary ME levels. Egg production and egg mass were significantly (P < 0.001) improved for hens housed at 690 cm2/ hen in contrast to other cage spaces and across all energy levels. There were no interaction effects of ME levels on laying hen performance at varying cage space except for body weight change. Hens housed at 516 cm2/ hen and fed 2,800 kcal of ME/kg exhibited the greatest weight change, which was significantly (P < 0.05) greater than those fed other levels of ME at the same cage space. Hens housed at 690 cm2/hen had significantly (P < 0.05) greater ME efficiency of egg production than hens housed at other cage spaces. Hens fed the diet with 2,900 kcal of ME/kg had significantly (P < 0.001) greater ME digestibility compared with those fed 2,800 or 2,580 kcal of ME/ kg with differences of 107 and 118 kcal of ME/kg, respectively. There were no significant effects of ME levels observed except ME digestibility, and no significant effects of cage space allowance on egg weight, hen weight, bone ash, or maintenance energy intake. It is evident that decreasing the number of birds per cage and increasing cage space allowance per hen had an overall positive effect on performance.

Protein requirement of jundia fingerlings, Rhamdia quelen, at two dietary energy concentrations

A feeding trial was carried out where five protein concentrations [26%, 29%, 33%, 37%, and 41% crude protein (CP)] were fed to jundia fingerlings at two dietary energy concentrations [3200 and 3650 kcal metabolizable energy (ME)/kg diet] to establish the protein requirement for this species. Triplicate groups of 23 fish (average weight 1.52±0.34 g) were each stocked in 120-l aquaria and fed semipurified diets twice a day to apparent satiation. After 90 days, fish weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency (FE), protein efficiency ratio (PER), energy retention (ER), apparent net protein utilization (ANPU), feed consumption (% body weight) and body composition (crude protein, fat, and ash) were affected by diet composition. Weight gain, SGR, FE, ANPU and ER increased ( P<0.05) as the dietary protein concentration increased up to 33% and 37%, for fish fed diets containing 3650 and 3200 kcal, respectively. A significant interaction between dietary protein and energy was observed for WG, SGR, and PER. Feed consumption was not affected by dietary energy concentration, but decreased with increasing dietary protein concentration ( P<0.05). Body fat decreased as dietary protein increased at both energy concentrations, but was higher in fish fed the 3650 kcal diet. The opposite was observed for body protein, ER, and ANPU ( P<0.05). Our findings demonstrate that jundia presents dietary protein sparing effect when the energy concentration increases from 3200 to 3650 kcal/kg. Jundia protein requirement, determined by the broken line method, is between 32.6% and 37.3% CP, depending on dietary energy concentration.