Kg Of Basal Diet Research Articles

Effects of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) stem residue supplementation on growth performance, meat quality and health status of broilers

Oyster mushroom stem residue, a by-product with medicinal and nutritive values, might be a prospective feed supplement in poultry nutrition. The study focused on evaluating the impact of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) stem residue (OMSR) powder supplementation on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, blood characteristics, and the cecal bacterial count in Arbor Acres broilers raised 35 d. A total of 144 day-old chicks, with an average weight of 40.27± 2.45 g, were divided into 3 groups: control (received a standard basal diet), antibiotic (basal diet + 75 mg/kg chlortetracycline), and OMSR (fed a basal diet with 300 mg/kg OMSR), where each group comprises 8 replications of 6 chicks. Supplementation of 300 mg/kg of OMSR powder in the broiler diet significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced the average daily gain (ADG) and final body weight as opposed to the control and antibiotic treatments, though the average daily feed intake was not influenced by OMSR supplementation during the whole experimental period. However, in comparison to the control and antibiotic groups, OMSR significantly reduced the postmortem breast meat drip loss percentage (P < 0.05) at 24 hours and on the seventh d. Furthermore, the OMSR group reported significantly elevated levels of Hb and RBC counts (P < 0.05), and decreased levels of serum triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) concentrations (P < 0.05) on d 35 in comparison to broilers in the control and antibiotic groups. Additionally, the OMSR group exhibited an improved Heterophil/Lymphocytes (H/L) ratio (P < 0.05) relative to the broilers of the control and antibiotic groups. In contrast, the inclusion of OMSR in the broiler diet did not significantly (P > 0.05) influence other serum biochemical and hematological values tested. Broilers in OMSR group had reduced number (P < 0.05) of E. coli and Salmonella spp., but higher presence of Lactobacillus spp. (P < 0.05) in contrast to the control broilers. To summarize, the study's findings revealed that 300 mg of OMSR powder supplementation per kg of basal diet could be act as a natural growth promoter, and confer favorable effects on health and meat quality of broilers.

Effects of Allium sativum on Growth Performance, Kidney and Liver Function Markers, Microbial Flora and Feed Digestibility in Broiler Chickens

Introduction: The global ban on antibiotics as a feed additive, prompted by concerns over microbial resistance and the accumulation of antibiotic residues in animal products, has urged researchers to explore natural alternatives. These alternatives modulate the gut microbiota and enhance animal production performance. This study aimed to assess the impact of Allium sativum on the production performance of broiler chickens. Materials and methods: A total of 280 day-old broiler chicks were examined for 42 days. After being sexed, they were randomly allocated into five groups, each consisting of 14 chicks, with four replications. The control group was fed on a ration without additives (R0-). The treatment groups consisted of a control diet supplemented with 1 g of antibiotic Doxycycline® per kg of basal diet and per liter of drinking water (R0+) and 5 g garlic per kg of basal feed and also per liter of drinking water (RAs), respectively. To facilitate the oral administration, the solution was absorbed by charcoal from the fruit stones of Canarium schweinfurthii at a rate of 100 g and 100 ml per kg of diet and per liter of drinking water, respectively. The investigated parameters included growth performance, microbial flora, markers of kidney, and liver function, and feed digestibility. Results: The results revealed Allium sativum significantly decreased feed intake, feed conversion ratio, serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and urea levels regardless of the administration mode in broiler chickens, compared to the negative control. When administered through both feed and drinking water, garlic significantly increased live weight, weight gain, and lactic acid bacteria count, compared to the negative control. Feeding garlic to broilers had insignificantly affected the digestibility of feed components irrespective of the administration mode. Conclusion: In conclusion, Allium sativum can effectively serve as a feed additive in broiler diets or drinking water, promoting growth performance without harming kidney and liver functions. The present findings help address concerns about antibiotic resistance and residues in poultry products.

Eucalyptus globulus as an Alternative to Antibiotics for Isa brown Laying Hens during the Starter Phase

Identification of antibiotic residues in meat and eggs of laying hens in Togo and the ban in 2006 on using antibiotics growth promoter (AGP) in animal production by the World Health Organization induce the use of medicinal plants with antimicrobial effects, such as AGP alternatives in poultry production. For the same purpose, this study was conducted to contribute to studies using phytobiotics as alternatives to AGP in poultry production. Indeed, antibiotics have been substituted by Eucalyptus globulus leaf powder (ELP) during the starter phase. Polyphenolic compounds from ELP were determined, and the effects of different rates of ELP supplementation on growth performance, mortality, and hematological and biochemical parameters were evaluated. A total of 460 one-day-old laying chicks (Isa brown) were randomly allocated to 5 groups, each consisting of 4 replications, with 23 chicks in each replication. Treatments consisted of the basal diet (BD) without ELP and antibiotics, a negative control (group EGO-), BD with antibiotics and no ELP, a positive control (group EGO+), BD + 0.25% of ELP without antibiotic (group EG1), BD with 0.50% of ELP without antibiotic (group EG2), and BD with 1% ELP without antibiotic (group EG3). The rates of 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1% mean 0.25 kg, 0.5 kg, and 1 kg of ELP for 100 kg of BD, respectively. The study revealed that ELP contains flavonoids (4.85 μg QE/mg), tannins (30.34 μg CE/mg), and total phenols (165.2 μg AGE/mg). Supplementation did not affect feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio, and mortality of Isa brown laying hens during the starter phase (8 weeks) in all treatment groups. However, the chicks that received ELP had the best FI and BWG, which was not significantly different from the control groups. The biochemical parameters such as total proteins, albumin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and glycemia were not affected by ELP supplementation. Among the hematology parameters, the leukocyte decreased in the groups fed with ELP, while mortality was unaffected. The results of the present study indicated that ELP inclusion rate of 0.25% could serve as the best antibiotic replacement for Isa brown laying hens during the starter phase.

Carcass and antioxidative status of the brain and meat of two hybrids of broiler chicken fed Ficus carica leaf powder and vitamin C supplemented diets

Abstract The study examined the effect of dietary supplementation of Ficus carica leaf powder and vitamin C on the antioxidative status of the meat and brain of two hybrids of broiler chicken. Two hundred- and forty-day-old chicks, each of Arbor Acres (AA) and Cobb 500 (C5) hybrids of broiler chicken were randomly assigned to diets. Diet 1 and 2 had no supplement; diets 3 and 4 supplemented with vitamin C (200mg/kg of basal), diet 5 and 6 received 1g Ficus carica Leaf Powder (FCLP)/Kg of basal diet while diets 7 and 8 had 1g FCLP/kg of basal diet + 200mg of vitamin C. The interactive effect of hybrid, vitamin C and FCLP significantly influenced the dressing percentage, gizzard, pancreas, heart and proventriculus. Brain catalase and glutathione were significantly influenced by the hybrid, vitamin C and FCLP inclusion. Dietary supplementation of FCLP and vitamin C significantly lower the lipid peroxidation of the meat. There was significant interactive effect of the factors on lipid peroxidation while meat catalase and glutathione were significantly increased by the inclusion of FCLP. This study revealed that the dietary inclusions of broilers’ diets with 1g FCLP and 200mg vitamin C/kg of feed could influence carcass and organs weights as well as improve meat quality and brain antioxidant status of broiler chicken, with the C5 hybrid showing better antioxidative status.

Semen Quality and Reproductive Morphometry of Two Breeds of Cocks Fed Ficus Exasperate Leaf Meal and Vitamin C Supplemented Diets

The assessment of semen quality and reproductive morphometry of two breeds of cocks is based on the evaluation of sperm, the testicular and epididymal morphometry from the breeds of cocks. Two breeds of cocks (Noiler and Rhode Island Red) fed Ficus exasperata leaf meal and vitamin C supplemented diets were evaluated for the semen quality and reproductive morphometry. One hundred and forty-four birds were used for the experiment. The cocks were weighed randomly and assigned to four dietary treatments of six replicates with three cocks per replicate. The birds were fed their respective experimental diet for 12weeks, while feed and water were provided ad-libitum. The experiment was carried out using Factorial Design or a Statistical Experimental Design. The diets were divided into four treatments which the diet 1 was the control (basal diet), the diet 2 consists of 200mg/kg and vitamin C supplement, the diet 3 consists of Ficus exasperata and 1kg of basal diet and the diet 4 consists of 200mg/kg vitamin C with Ficus exasperata and 1kg of basal diet. The result showed that there is no significant (p&gt;0.05) different in the semen characteristics except the total sperm cell. It was thus concluded that Ficus exasperata leaf meal and vitamin C could be used in the diet without adverse effect on the quality of semen and reproductive morphology and function.

Dietary exposure to methyl mercury chloride induces alterations in hematology, biochemical parameters, and mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes and metallothionein in Nile tilapia.

Methyl mercury chloride "MMC" (CH3ClHg) is an ubiquitous environmental toxicant that causes a variety of adverse effects. In the present study, we investigated the effects of sub-chronic toxicity of MMC on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) through the evaluation of growth performance and hematological, biochemical, and oxidative stress biomarkers. From 150 healthy fish, five equally sized treatment groups were created: a control (CT) group fed with a basal diet and four MMC treatment groups exposed to 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 mg of MMC per kg of basal diet for 60 days. MMC exposure significantly reduced the growth performance and survival of O. niloticus and decreased red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentration. Treated fish exhibited normocytic normochromic anemia in addition to leucopenia, lymphopenia, granulocytopenia, and monocytopenia. Moreover, MMC exposure significantly affected liver function, including a reduction in the total protein levels while increasing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It also markedly increased the production of stress biomarkers such as glucose and cortisol levels. Furthermore, MMC significantly elevated the levels of hepatic enzymes, induced tissue damage, and caused inflammation, as indicated by the upregulation of mRNA expression of hepatic metallothionein. Finally, MMC exposure induced oxidative stress by altering the antioxidant status of the liver and downregulating the mRNA expression of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S-reductase. In conclusion, MMC toxicity induced hematological and biochemical alterations, leading to an enhanced state of oxidative stress in O. niloticus.

Effects of feeding with red algae (Laurencia caspica) hydroalcoholic extract on antioxidant defense, immune responses, and immune gene expression of kidney in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) infected with Aeromonas hydrophila

In this study, the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of red algae (Laurencia caspica) at different levels were evaluated on antioxidant defense, innate immune responses, and expression of immune genes in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). A total of 750 rainbow trout (39.43 ± 0.44 g) were randomly assigned to five treatments with three replicates (50 fish per replicate) in 15 ponds and reared for 8 weeks. Fish samples were fed a diet containing different levels of algal extract (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 g extract per kg of basal diet). At the end of feeding period, the fish were challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila and fish mortality was recorded over a 10-day period. To evaluate the antioxidant and immune parameters, fish were sampled at day 0, end of weeks 4 and 8, and after bacterial challenge. Expression of immune genes (IL-1β, lysozyme II, Complement C3, and TNFα) was also examined after bacterial challenge. Results indicated that application of algal powder in fish diet improved lysozyme activity, complement system, and immunoglobulin levels of extract fed-fish compared to control group (p < .05). The activities of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase) were affected by the algal extract, with increasing levels in algal extract treatments compared to control fish (p < .05). According to the results, relative expression of target genes showed significant increases in 1.5% treatment compared to the other and control groups (p < .05). At the end of 10-day fish exposure to A. hydrophila, fish survived significantly higher in treatments received the algal extract than the control group, with the highest survival rate recorded in 1.5% algal extract (p < .05). According to the effective results of L. caspica extract on stimulating the immune system and increasing fish resistance to A. hydrophila, it is recommended to use 1.5% of this algal extract in rainbow trout diets.

Evaluation of seven different functional feed additives in a low fish meal diet for olive flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus

In an eight-week feeding trial, encapsulated sodium butyrate (ESB), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GAB), selenium-yeast (SeY), yeast extract nucleotides (YEN), yucca meal (YUM), song-gang stone (SGS) and protease (PRT) were evaluated as functional feed additives in a low fishmeal (FM) diet for olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. Eight experimental diets were fed to 5.26 ± 0.17 g (mean ± SD) juvenile olive flounder in triplicates. A low-FM basal diet without feed additive was considered as control (CON); seven other diets were prepared by adding 4 g ESB, 158 mg GAB, 2 g SeY, 4 g YEN, 1.5 g YUM, 4 g SGS, and 175 mg PRT per kg of basal diet. Weight gain, specific growth rate, feed efficiency, and protein efficiency ratio of fish fed diets YEN, GAB, and SGS were significantly higher than those of fish fed CON diet (P < .05). Superoxide dismutase activity of fish fed YEN and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) of fish fed YEN, GAB, SGS, ESB, and YUM were significantly higher than those of fish fed CON diet. Whereas, there were no significant differences in non-specific immune responses among fish fed YEN, GAB, SGS, ESB, and YUM and diets (P > .05). Heat shock protein 70 gene expression of fish fed YEN and SeY was significantly higher than those of fish fed the CON diet. Intestinal villi length of fish fed YEN, GAB, SGS, and ESB was significantly higher than those of fish fed CON. Also, intestinal trypsin activity of fish fed YEN, GAB, SGS, ESB, and PRT was significantly higher than those of fish fed CON diet (P < .05). After seven days of challenge test, fish fed diets YEN, GAB, SGS, PRT, and YUM had higher cumulative survival than those of fish fed CON diet. In conclusion, YEN, GAB, and SGS could have beneficial effects on growth and feed utilization performance, MPO and NBT activity, intestinal villi length, intestinal trypsin activity, and cumulative survival of olive flounder fed low-FM diets.

EFFECT OF ANTIOXIDANTS SUPPLEMENTATION ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND MEAT QUALITY OF GROWING RABBITS.

This experiment was conducted in Alkeraam farm (A private rabbit's farm at Sadat area on the Deseret Alex. Road) cooperating with Environmental Studies and Research Institute farm belonging to University of Sadat City, Menufiya Governorate, Egypt. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of adding natural antioxidant (Senecio glaucus) of 5 or 10 g of powder or extract per kg of basal diet and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) as industrial antioxidantat a rate of 150 ppm/kg of basal diet on the performance of growing New Zealand White rabbits. A total of 42 rabbits aged 5 weeks were used in this study, with an average weight of 746.8g. The results indicated that the digestion coefficients were insignificantly differed between the experimental groups and the control positive group (T1), except the control negative group (T2) which significantly lower. Also, the results of TDN and DCP showed insignificantly diffracts among the experimental groups except, group T2. Adverse reactions of lipid oxidation test indicated that the extent of fat oxidation in thigh meat after 7 days of refrigerated storage did not differ between all treatments. While, the concentration of mononaldehyde after 90 days of freezing storage of rabbit meat fed on diet containing 5 g of Senecio glaucus / kg (T5) and 1 ml of Senecio glaucus (T7) extract was significantly lower compared with other groups. Also, the rabbits fed on T6 and T7 groups showed the highest value for meat color, taste, odder, flavor and overall acceptance. Improvements in mean of net revenue, economic efficiency and relative economic efficiency in groups fed on Senecio glaucus either powder or extract supplementation and industrial antioxidant compared to control groups. It could be concluded that, the use of Senecio glaucus plant either powder or extract (5 or 10 g/kg ration) as alternative to industrial antioxidants improves growth performance, quality of meat, duration of its frozen storage and reduces nitrogen feces, which preserves the environment and achieves high returns in the economic efficiency of the production process.

Effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on some antioxidant biomarkers and enzymes of broiler chickens during starter phase

The study investigated the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on some of the antioxidant biomarkers and enzyme serum in broiler chickens during starter stage (1-21d). A total of 240 one-d-old broilers (Ross-308) were randomly divided into four groups, with 60 birds in each group and 4 replicates with 15 birds in each experimental pen. The experimental diets were T1, Control (basal corn-soybean diet supplemented with 36.27 mg Zn/kg from zinc oxide; T2, T3 and T4, basal corn-soybean diets supplemented with 30, 60 and 90 mg ZnO-NPs/kg, respectively. Dietary ZnO-NPs supplementation significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (TAC), super oxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzyme activity in test groups compared to the control. However, the serum enzyme activity of lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in the birds fed ZnO-NPs had not significantly altered in comparison to control group. However, a decreasing trend was observed in the activity of ALT and AST enzymes in the birds fed 60 and/or 90 mg ZnONPs. Also, the MDA concentration was numerically decreased compared to the control group. In conclusion, results of study suggest that dietary zinc oxide nanoparticles @ 90 mg per kg of basal diet improved antioxidative status and activity of some enzymes used as body health indicator in the broilers during starter period (1-21 d).

Effects of dietary onion (Allium cepa) extract supplementation on performance, apparent total tract retention of nutrients, blood profile and meat quality of broiler chicks.

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary onion (Allium cepa) extract (OE) supplementation on growth performance, apparent total tract retention (ATTR), blood profile, carcass characteristics and meat quality in broilers.MethodsFour hundred male broiler chicks (Ross 308, 3-d old) were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments for 28 d feeding trial. Each treatment has five replications with 20 birds each. Four dietary treatments were designated according to the OE supplementation levels (0 as control, 5, 7.5, and 10 g of OE per kg of basal diet respectively). On d 28, a total of 20 birds from each treatment were subjected for ATTR, serum biochemical assay, carcass characteristic and organ weight measurement.ResultsOverall weight gain of OE 7.5 g/kg group was higher (p = 0.04) than control group. The ATTRs of dietary energy (p<0.01) and ether extract (p = 0.04) linearly increased with increasing levels of dietary OE. However, no difference in ATTR of dry matter and crude protein was evident. Furthermore, serum IgG concentration increased linearly (p<0.01) and quadratically (p = 0.03) with increasing OE supplementation. No differences in carcass dressing weight and amount of abdominal fat by treatments were observed. Also, the weight of organ including immune organ was not different among the treatments. The TBARS values of 10 d stored breast meat decreased linearly (p<0.01) and quadratically (p<0.01) with increasing dietary OE levels. The meat color was also affected, with lower (p<0.01) redness score in meats from OE supplemented groups. This study showed that dietary OE improved broiler weight gain presumably by increasing feed intake and ATTR of both energy and ether extract. The dietary OE increased serum IgG level and meat anti-oxidation capacity.ConclusionThis study implies that the recommended level of dietary OE supplementation could be beneficial for improving broiler performance and meat quality.

Probiotic supplementation and fast freezing to improve quality attributes and oxidation stability of frozen chicken breast muscle

The study was conducted to determine the effects of probiotic supplementation and fast freezing on quality attributes and oxidation stability of frozen/thawed chicken breast muscle. Broilers (n = 168) were fed with a basal diet or the basal diet plus 250 mg of Sporulin (three strains of Bacillus subtilis)/kg of basal diet for 45 days. Pairs of breasts were separated from chicken carcasses and randomly assigned to either slow (−30 °C) or fast freezing (−70 °C) and stored at −30 °C. After thawing at 2 °C for 24 h, half of the thawed breasts from each treatment were stored for an additional 48 h. Probiotic supplementation increased phospholipid content in breasts (P < 0.05), but substantially delayed both primary and secondary lipid oxidation products shown by the results from peroxide value and 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (P < 0.05). Further, the breasts from probiotic chicken group had a significantly lower nonheme iron content than those from control chicken group. Fast freezing significantly reduced thaw/purge loss and minimized lipid oxidation (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that oxidative deterioration and increased purge/thaw loss of frozen chicken breasts can be effectively minimized by probiotic supplementation coupled with fast freezing.

Effects of iron–glycine chelate on growth, carcass characteristic, liver mineral concentrations and haematological and biochemical blood parameters in broilers

Studies were carried out to determine the effect of additive iron-glycine chelate on the production performance, slaughter yield, mineral deposition in the liver and the metabolic blood panel in broiler chickens. A total of 250 one-day-old Ross 308 chicks were allotted into five groups with five replicates of 10 birds each. Diets were supplemented with the organic form iron (Fe-Gly at the rate of 25%, 50% or 100% of the total requirements of the elements) and inorganic Fe (FeSO4 at the rate of 50% or 100%). In the experiment, iron was added to the premix (containing no Fe) in an amount of 40 or 20 mg per kg of basal diet, in groups I and II, in the form of FeSO4 , and in an amount of 40, 20 or 10 mg per kg of basal diet, in groups III, IV and V, in the form of Fe-Gly. The study covering the period from the first to the 42nd day of breeding revealed that the production performance and slaughter yield were not dependent on the form and amount of added Fe. In the experimental groups with the addition of Fe-Gly of 20 or 10 mg/kg, there were no deaths of chickens during the whole fattening period. As a result, introducing an organic form of iron covering 50% and 25% of the birds' requirement increased the effectiveness of chicken fattening (European Efficiency Index) (p < 0.01). An organic Fe compound (40, 20 or 10 mg/kg) added to mixtures contributed to significant changes in the level of biochemical and haematological indicators in blood. The study demonstrated that an addition of Fe-Gly to mixtures for broilers can be fully effective in terms of production and health performance even if the suggested requirement for this element is 50% or 25% covered.

Effect of Dietary Chromium Supplementation on Performance and Carcass Traits of Broiler Chicks

This study investigated the effect of dietary supplementation of chromium from chromium picolinate source on the performance, carcass traits of broilers. Three hundred sixty one day old commercial male broilers (Ross 308) were randomly allocated to one of 24 floor pens in a completely randomized design with six treatment and four replicate groups and fifteen chicks per each pen. Dietary treatments consisted of 0 (control), 400, 800, 1200, 1600 and 2000 μg Cr per kg of basal diet. Feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio were measured during 1 to 21, 21 to 42 and 1 to 42 days of age. At 42 days of age two birds from each pen were selected and after weighing slaughtered and dissected manually. Carcass yield, liver, abdominal fat, pancreas, thighs and breast weight declared as percentage of live body weight. The results showed that performance of broilers was not affected by dietary supplemental chromium. Also supplementation of broiler diet didn't influence carcass traits. Nevertheless there is a non significant increase in liver and pancreas weight while increasing the Cr content of the diet. It can be concluded that chromium content of the basal starter and finisher diet and drinking water is adequate to normal requirement of broilers under such experimental conditions and supplementing of Cr may not be essential.

Effect of dietary n-3 fatty acids (fish oils) on boar reproduction and semen quality1

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with different fish oils (rich in PUFA) vs. hydrogenated animal fat (SFA) on semen production and quality, fatty acid composition, and preservation properties in boars under controlled and commercial conditions. In Exp. 1 (in a research station), 44 boars, allocated to 4 dietary treatments, received daily 2.5 kg of basal diet with a supplement of 1) 62 g of hydrogenated animal fat (AF, n = 12); 2) 60 g of menhaden oil containing 18% docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and 15% eicosapentanoic acid (EPA; MO, n = 11); 3) 60 g of tuna oil containing 33% DHA and 6.5% EPA (TO, n = 11); and 4) 60 g of menhaden oil and 2 mg/kg of biotin (MO+B, n = 10). Biotin is a critical factor in the elongation of PUFA. Semen was collected according to 3 successive phases: phase 1 (twice per week for 4 wk); phase 2 (daily collection for 2 wk); and phase 3 (twice per week for 10 wk). Experiment 2 was conducted in commercial conditions; 222 boars were randomly allocated to AF, MO, and TO treatments. Semen was collected twice weekly over a 6-mo period. All diets were balanced to be iso-energetic and provided an equivalent of 989 mg of vitamin E per day. Classical measurements of sperm quantity and quality were done for both experiments. Experiment 1 showed, after 28 wk of supplementation, a massive transfer of n-3 PUFA into sperm from boars fed fish oil diets (MO and TO). No differences were observed among dietary treatments for libido (P > 0.30), sperm production (P > 0.20), or percentage of motile cell (P > 0.20). Unexpectedly, MO+B diet reduced the percentage of normal sperm compared with the other treatments (P < 0.03). In conclusion, although it modified the fatty acid composition of sperm, supplementation of boars with dietary fish oils, rich in long chain n-3 fatty acids, did not influence semen production or quality postejaculation.

Rat Bioassay of Wheat Bran Folate and Effects of Intestinal Bacteria

This study estimates the folate endogenous to a food material (wheat bran) and examines the role of intestinal bacteria in the rat bioassay for folate. After a 4-wk folate depletion period, rats were fed for an additional 4 wk basal diets with or without 0.5% phthalylsulfacetamide and with 100, 200 or 300 g of wheat bran; or 50, 100 or 150 g of xylan; or 0, 0.25, 0.50 or 0.75 mg of folic acid added per kg of basal diet. Xylan increased both liver and fecal folate, and this effect was nearly eliminated by phthalylsulfacetamide. Wheat bran contributed 1.6 micrograms of available folate per g of wheat bran without phthalylsulfacetamide in an apparently valid slope-ratio analysis. With the addition of phthalylsulfacetamide, liver folate increased in rats fed wheat bran diets and decreased in rats fed folic acid diets. The slope-ratio analysis for wheat bran folate with phthalylsulfacetamide became invalid due to a lack of intersection. Phthalylsulfacetamide had no effect on fecal folate excretion from rats fed the wheat bran diets. Further studies are needed on a variety of foods with and without phthalylsulfacetamide to evaluate the effect and importance of intestinal folate synthesis in the rat.

Effect of ambient temperature and addition of straw or alfalfa in the diet on energy metabolism in pregnant sows

Twelve pregnant multiparous Large White sows (Trial 1) were kept individually in respiration chambers for 35 days at ambient temperatures which changed (by 3°C steps) from 23 to 8°C and then from 8 to 23°C (3 days at each temperature). Sows (4 per treatment) were fed a basal diet (Treatment 1) or the basal diet supplemented either with wheat straw (Treatment 2) or alfalfa meal (Treatment 3). In Trial 2, four sows were maintained successively at 20, 14 and 8°C (8 days at each temperature). At each temperature, they were given 2.1 and 2.7 kg of basal diet (Trial 1, 4 days at each feeding level). Energy and nitrogen balances were carried out. Reduction of ambient temperature induced a curvilinear increase of heat production, the rate of change being as high as temperature or feeding level were low. Consequently, additional daily feed requirement for compensating the effect of cold varied between 45 to 85 g °C −1, according to ambient temperature or feeding level. Reduction of ambient temperature was associated with an increase of the efficiency of utilization of additional metabolizable energy (ME). Feedstuffs such as straw which are utilized with a low efficiency at thermoneutrality have, relative to standard feedstuffs, a higher energy value when animals are kept in the cold. Critical temperature was 20–23°C. Maintenance requirements of multiparous sows (425–435 kJ ME kg −0.75), which were comparable to those of primiparous females, are influenced by the activity of the animals. Nitrogen retention was depressed in the cold. Digestible and metabolizable energy values of wheat straw were 4.3 and 4.2 MJ kg −0.75 dry matter, respectively. Corresponding values for alfalfa meal were 8.5 and 7.4 MJ kg −1 dry matter.