Dietary Inclusion Levels Research Articles

Effects of Dietary Inclusion of Enzymatically Hydrolyzed Compound Soy Protein on the Growth Performance and Intestinal Health of Juvenile American Eels (Anguilla rostrata)

The enzymatic hydrolysis of soybeans could enhance their application as an ingredient and alternative to fishmeal in aquafeeds. Here, a 10-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the impacts of different dietary inclusion levels of enzymatically hydrolyzed compound soy protein (EHCS) on the growth performance and intestinal health of juvenile American eels (Anguilla rostrata). Five experimental diets were formulated with graded EHCS inclusion levels at 0% (EHCS0), 8% (EHCS8), 16% (EHCS16), 24% (EHCS24), and 32% (EHCS32). Each diet was randomly assigned to four replicate tanks. The results showed that eels fed the EHCS8 diet exhibited superior growth performance, decreased serum lipid content, and increased immunity compared to those fed the EHCS0 diet. Eels fed the EHCS8 diet also displayed improved intestinal histology, enhanced antioxidant capacity and balance of intestinal microbiota as well as an enhanced proliferation of probiotics compared to those receiving the EHCS0 diet. Compared with eels fed the EHCS0 diet, those fed the EHCS16 diet exhibited comparable growth performance and values for the aforementioned markers. The quadratic regression analysis of weight gain rate and feed efficiency against the dietary EHCS inclusion levels determined the maximum levels of dietary EHCS inclusion for American eels range from 17.59% to 17.77%.

Implication of dietary barberry (Berberis Vulgaris) leaves inclusion on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and carcass traits in ostriches

This study determined production performance, nutrient intake, digestibility, and carcass traits from ostrich chicks fed with barberry (Berberis Vulgaris) leaves (BVL) as a replacement for alfalfa hay (AH). For 150 days, 30 male ostrich (Struthio camelus) (9.10 ± 0.89 kg live weight, mean ± SD) were randomly grouped into five dietary BVL inclusion levels to replace AH: a control diet based on 100% AH (CTRL), and four groups with BVL as a substitute for AH at varying levels including 25% (BVL25), 50% (BVL50), 75% (BVL75), and 100% (BVL100). The average daily feed intakes (ADFI) were recorded and birds were weighed monthly. The nutrient intake and digestibility were measured for the following final 5 days of the trial. The ADFI was higher (p = 0.025) for BVL100 and BVL75 than for CTRL. Ostriches fed on BVL50 had the highest average daily gain (ADG, p = 0.025) and the lowest feed conversation ratio (FCR, p = 0.0001). Return per kg BW gain was also enhanced (p = 0.018) with BVL50 feeding. Dietary BVL levels did not affect the digestibility of OM (p = 0.257), CP (p = 0.260), EE (p = 0.610), CF (p = 0.427), and Ash (p = 0.461). Also, there were no changes in AME (p = 0.180) or AMEn (p = 0.670). The hot carcass weight (HCW, p = 0.331) and dressing BW (p = 0.237) were not affected. Overall, the results suggest that BVL can replace AH in ostrich diets without deleterious impact on performance, however, its partial substitution (for 50% AH of diet) has been associated with improved ADG, FCR, and reduced feeding costs.

Effect of a Commercial Polyphenol Compound on the Performance and Antioxidant Status of Penaeus vannamei

The study evaluated the effect of a commercial polyphenol (ELIFE®) on the growth performance and antioxidant defense system of Penaeus vannamei juveniles. The study was completely randomized with three experimental groups and eight repetitions, divided into two 28-day phases. The experimental groups consisted of different dietary inclusion levels of ELIFE® (0.0, 0.5, and 1.0 g kg−1). Five shrimps were stocked in each experimental unit. Growth performance, oxidative stress, and enzymatic activity in shrimp hepatopancreas were assessed. In Phase 1, shrimp fed ELIFE®, regardless of inclusion level, displayed higher specific growth rate, final weight, and final length than the control group. In Phase 2, shrimp fed 1.0 g kg−1 ELIFE® showed higher final biomass and SGR than all other experimental groups; they also displayed increased reduced glutathione and glutathione-S-transferase activities. In both test phases, shrimp fed 1.0 g kg−1 ELIFE® presented increased glutathione reductase activity compared to all other experimental groups. In both test phases, shrimp fed ELIFE®, regardless of inclusion level, exhibited increased glutathione peroxidase activity compared to control groups. Thus, ELIFE® enhanced the antioxidant defense system of P. vannamei and led to better shrimp performance and survival. This study recommends dietary supplementation with 1.0 g kg−1 ELIFE® for P. vannamei juveniles.

Stocking density affects growth, feed utilisation, metabolism, welfare and associated mRNA transcripts in liver and muscle of rainbow trout more pronouncedly than dietary fish meal inclusion level

In aquaculture, stocking density and diet composition are critical factors that influence the performance and welfare of the farmed animal. However, there is limited information on their interactive effects. In this context, applying a 2 × 2 factorial design, we conducted a 12-week feeding trial to evaluate the effect of stocking density (low, LSD: 3.3–15 kg m−3 and high, HSD: 5.8–25 kg m−3; initial-final values) and dietary fish meal content (high, HFM: 30 % and low, LFM: 15 %) on growth, feed utilisation, metabolic oxygen consumption, tissue indices, carcass composition, plasma metabolites, and transcriptional regulation of growth, metabolism and welfare-related biomarker mRNAs in liver and muscle of the juvenile rainbow trout. At the whole-animal level, the HSD group showed significantly higher routine metabolic rate and feed intake indicating higher energy demand; but growth and feed efficiency was lower in HSD than the LSD group. Morpho-anatomically, HSD fish had lower relative gut length and higher intra-peritoneal fat index than LSD fish. Lower plasma free amino acids and glucose levels reiterated high energy expenditure in HSD, and elevated albumin levels indicated potential oxidative stress in the HSD group. Correspondingly, at the transcriptional level, hepatic mRNA levels of antioxidative enzymes (sod, cat, gst, g6pd) and stress-related molecular chaperone hsp90 were up-regulated in HSD; while the transcript abundance of growth-axis markers (ghr, igf1 igf2) and nutrient-sensor mtor were decreased. In muscle, proteolytic pathway components fbx32 and murf1 were upregulated in HSD, and concurrently mtor was also upregulated suggesting higher protein turnover in this group. With respect to the effect of dietary fish meal inclusion levels, LFM showed decrease in growth, hepatic igf2 expression, and lower plasma triglycerides and free amino acid levels than HFM group. However, the sensory appearance of flesh was found to be slightly better in LFM. Significant diet-husbandry interactions were not observed phenotypically, but the mRNA abundance of hepatic markers (ampk1, hsp70, mhc1 and tnfa) linked to energy-sensing, stress and immune response were differentially regulated. Overall, the study shows that high stocking density has a greater degree of impact on fish growth and welfare than reduction in dietary fishmeal inclusion, with limited interactional effects.

Performance Evaluation of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Fed Diets with Varying Dietary Inclusion Levels of Christmas Melon (Laganaria breviflorus) as a Partial Replacement for Wheat Offal

This study evaluates the effects of Christmas melon (Laganaria breviflorus)-based diets on the growth and hematology of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) after a 6 (six)-month feeding trial. A total of 240 C. gariepinus juveniles with an average weight of 10.68 g were procured from the Fisheries and Aquaculture Department Hatchery Unit for the feeding trial. After acclimating for a week (7 days) using 2.00 mm Coppens feed (45% CP) twice per day, the fish samples were randomly distributed into 12 tarpaulin tanks of 4 ft × 4 ft × 4 ft with a 200 L water holding capacity (four (4) different treatments presented in triplicate). Twenty (20) fish per tank were fed twice daily with the compounded feed with varying dietary inclusion levels of Christmas melon (0% (control), 5%, 10% and 15%). The weights and lengths of the sampled fish were measured biweekly to determine the growth performance, while hematological parameters, such as the packed cell volume, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and leucocytes were determined midway through and at end of the feeding trial. The data collected were analyzed using ANOVA, and the results revealed the optimum growth and nutrient utilization and hematological and serum biochemical parameters of C. gariepinus in T3. The length–weight relationship results revealed that the fish exhibited an isometric growth pattern with B-values above 3 across the treatments. In conclusion, the results obtained in this study revealed that Christmas melon (L. breviflorus) could replace wheat offal by up to 10% in the diet of C. gariepinus without negative effects on the obtained optimal growth performance, hematological parameters, or serum biochemistry.

Dried distiller’s grains in the diets of feedlot lambs: implications for production, carcass characteristics and rumen morphometrics

Context The demand and production of renewable fuels are boosting the production of biofuels. Agricultural industries have been playing a role in the increase of ethanol production from corn and, consequently, their by-products. Dried distiller’s grain (DDG) is a by-product of corn ethanol and can be used as a source of protein and energy in the diet of feedlot lambs. Aims The objectives of this experiment were to evaluate the effects of including DDG in high-concentrate diets on performance, rumen morpho-histology, and carcass characteristics in feedlot lambs. Methods Forty-five Santa Inês × Dorper male lambs with an initial body weight of 21 ± 3.2 kg (mean ± s.d.) and 82 ± 12 days old (mean ± s.d.) were distributed in a randomised complete-block design (nine blocks and five treatments). The experimental diets contained 900 g/kg of concentrate and 100 g/kg of coastcross hay, and DDG was used in replacement of soybean meal and corn. Lambs were fed one of the following five diets for 112 days: control without DDG (0DDG), or diet with 150 (150DDG), 300 (300DDG), 450 (450DDG) and 600 (600DDG) g/kg DM of DDG. Key results The inclusion of DDG from 150 up to 600 g/kg DM in the diet of the lambs linearly decreased (P < 0.01) dry-matter intake (DMI), net energy of maintenance intake, net energy of gain, average daily gain, final body weight and feed efficiency (P < 0.01). The inclusion of DDG linearly decreased (P ≤ 0.04) hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, hot carcass yield and cold carcass yield. For ruminal morpho-histology, there was a linear decrease in the area of papillae and absorptive surface area (P < 0.01) Conclusions An increase in the DDG level from 150 to 600 g/kg DM in the diet of lambs negatively affected feedlot performance, with detrimental effects on carcass traits and the development of rumen papillae. The lambs showed low acceptance of DDG, even at the lowest level of dietary inclusion (150g/kg DM) as DMI was impaired. Implications DDG should be used with caution in diets for finishing lambs. Dietary inclusion of DDG up to 150 g/kg DM is recommended. Higher inclusions levels may significantly affect performance and carcass weight and yield.

Yogurt acid whey powder dietary inclusion level modulates broiler cecal microbiota composition and metabolic activity

All over the world, the increasing demand for Greek yogurt generates vast quantities of acid whey as a by-product. The large volume and nutrient composition of yogurt acid whey makes it worthwhile to investigate potential uses in animal nutrition. This study aimed to investigate the inclusion of yogurt acid whey powder (YAWP) in four dietary levels on broiler performance, cecal microbiota composition and metabolic activity. A total of 300 male one-day-old male Ross broiler chickens were randomly assigned into 4 treatments of 5 replicates each. Broilers were fed maize-soybean meal basal diets following a 2-phase feeding program. Depending on the YAWP inclusion level (g kg-1 diet), treatments were no YAWP addition (W0), YAWP at 25 g kg-1 (W25), YAWP at 50 g kg-1 (W50) and YAWP at 100 g kg-1 (W100). Overall body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were not affected by YAWP addition. In the ceca, a linear decrease in total bacteria counts and a linear increase in Lactobacillus spp. was noted with increasing YAWP dietary level. A linear reduction of Clostridium cluster I and E. coli species was noted with increasing YAWP dietary level. A linear increase in total volatile fatty acids concentration, acetic acid and butyric acid molar ratios was shown with increasing YAWP level. In conclusion, the addition of YAWP did not affect overall performance but positively modulated the cecal microbiota and metabolic activity of 42-day-old broiler chickens.

Growth performance, fatty acid profile, antioxidant capacity, liver and gut histopathology in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) fed various levels of oxidized fish oil and vitamin E

A 60-day research was carried out to investigate interactive effects of dietary oxidized fish oil (OXFO) and vitamin E (Vit E) interaction effects on the growth, body composition and health indices in Asian seabass juveniles (Lates calcarifer, 21.9 ± 0.1 g). Fresh fish oil (FFO) and two levels of OXFO (50 and 100 % dietary inclusion level) along with three levels of Vit E (125, 250 and 500 mg) were used to design a 3 × 3 factorial research trial. Accordingly, nine experimental diets were formulated, including FFO+125 (FFO + 125 mg Vit E), FFO+250 (FFO + 250 mg Vit E), FFO+500 (FFO + 500 mg Vit E), 50 %OXFO+125 (blends (1:1) of FFO + OXFO +125 mg Vit E), 50 %OXFO+250 (blends (1:1) of FFO + OXFO +250 mg Vit E), 50 %OXFO+500 (blends (1:1) of FFO + OXFO +500 mg Vit E), 100 %OXFO+125 (OXFO +125 mg Vit E), 100 %OXFO+250 (OXFO +250 mg Vit E) and 100 %OXFO+500 (OXFO +500 mg Vit E). Four hundred five L. calcarifer juveniles were stocked into twenty-seven 300-L circular tanks (15 fish/tank), in a flow through system. The greatest and least final weights were recorded in fish fed 50 %OXFO+250 and 100 %OXFO+125 diets (129.4 vs. 114.8 g final weight) diets, respectively. Whole body lipid content in fish fed FFO+125 increased compared to the other treatments. Fish oil oxidation significantly reduced Vit E concentration in the liver, meanwhile supplementing diet with 500 mg Vit E enhanced Vit E contents of the liver and muscle (P < 0.05). Eicosapentaenoic acid and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) contents of fillet increased with increasing dietary OXFO content to 50 %, and supplementing diet with 250 mg Vit E enhanced LC-PUFA content of fillet. Hepatic catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities reduced by supplementing diets with Vit E. Sever pathological alterations occurred in liver and gut of L. calcarifer by dietary inclusion of OXFO or high Vit E concentration (500 mg). In summary, supplementing OXFO containing diets with moderate levels of Vit E (250 mg) could improve growth performance and feed utilization by ameliorating oxidative stress indices, improving antioxidant capacity, and increasing body LC-PUFA content in L. calcarifer.

Impacts of substituting fish meal with full-fat or defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae on growth, quality, and health of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings

This study investigated the use of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL), provided in either full-fat (FBSF) or defatted (DBSF) forms, as an alternative protein source in the diet of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. Specifically, the influence was assessed of BSFL on growth performance, hematological parameters, body composition, and histology. Nine diets (including the control) were formulated to be isonitrogenous (35 % crude protein) and isolipidic (6 % crude lipid), relying on fish meal as the primary protein source and gradually replacing it with BSFL meal at levels of 25 %, 50 %, 75 %, or 100 % on an equivalent protein basis, corresponding to dietary inclusion levels of 5.25 %, 10.25 %, 15.5 %, and 20.0 %, respectively. Fish with an initial mean weight ± standard deviation of 1.3 ± 0.26 g were fed for 12 weeks until the fish final weight was in the range 24.08–34.95 g. Based on the results, there were no significant (p>0.05) differences in the growth performance or feed conversion ratios among the treatments. Additionally, there were no significant differences in the hematological responses or the proximate body composition. Furthermore, 100 % substitution of fish meal with FSFL and DBSF meal caused blood congestion in the hepatopancreas region and several intraepithelial leukocytes in the intestine. There were no detrimental impacts at levels of 25 %, 50 %, and 75 % on growth performance, hematological responses, body composition, or the intestines or liver histological characteristics of the O. niloticus fingerlings. This information should provide useful guidance for the management of Nile tilapia, an economically important species.

359 Optimization of calcium inclusion levels in diets fed to growing and finishing beef cattle

Abstract Calcium (Ca) is a mineral that has an essential role in many biochemical pathways and functions of beef cattle. Limestone is the primary supplemental source of Ca in diets fed to growing and finishing cattle in the United States. Preliminary data indicated that inclusion of dietary Ca above the NASEM (2016) requirements as well as mean and modal concentrations reported by the most recent survey of consulting nutritionists may improve average daily gain (ADG) and feed efficiency (gain to feed ration; G:F) of finishing beef cattle. Thus, the objective of this experiment was to determine the optimal concentration of Ca in growing and finishing diets when limestone was the supplemental source of added Ca. A database was constructed containing 89 treatment means from 23 experiments published from 1963 to 2024 where dietary Ca inclusion via limestone represented treatments. Search parameters to construct the database included a combination of Ca, limestone, performance, efficiency, ADG, G:F, feedlot cattle, finishing cattle, growing cattle, and backgrounding cattle. Data were analyzed in JMP Pro 17 using a mixed model to determine linear and quadratic relationships between dietary Ca and ADG, DMI, or G:F with citation as a random effect. An economic sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine variables most influential to the dietary Ca concentration projected to minimize cost of gain using the above models. Concentration of dietary calcium was selected as the explanatory variable for the models rather than limestone because a greater proportion of variation was accounted for in the response variables prior to the citation adjustment (Ca R2 0.05 to 0.25; limestone R2 0.06 to 0.21). Diet Ca concentration and DMI were unrelated (P ≥ 0.75), but diet Ca was related to both ADG (R2 = 0.84; RMSE = 0.36; P ≤ 0.03) and G:F (R2 = 0.74; RMSE = 0.01; P &amp;lt; 0.01) in a quadratic fashion. Maximum ADG occurred when Ca was included at 1.20% of diet DM; approximately 2.6-fold greater than Ca requirements estimated by NASEM (2016). Cost of gain was minimized when Ca was 1.35% of diet DM. Sensitivity analysis revealed Ca concentration to minimize cost of gain was sensitive to changes in DMI, ADG, days on feed, ration cost and cost of yardage. These results provide further evidence that it may be beneficial to feed a greater amount of Ca than currently recommended by the NASEM (2016) for growing and finishing cattle. Future pen-scale feeding trials are warranted to validate the results of this meta-analysis and to determine the dose response of cattle fed graded levels of Ca. Future research should also be conducted to determine the mechanism of action responsible for the observed improvements in animal performance and efficiency resulting from feeding an increased amount of dietary Ca.

Which Novel Ingredient Should be Considered the “Holy Grail” for Sustainable Production of Finfish Aquafeeds?

ABSTRACTThe immense production of fishmeal and fish oil is dramatically intensifying the severe state of pelagic fisheries overexploitation. The latter in conjunction with the increasing demand for low‐cost protein‐rich food supply prompt aquaculture to employ new practice. Several novel dietary ingredients are currently under evaluation for potential incorporation in aquafeeds in an effort to shift the aquaculture sector toward a more sustainable and economic production. The present review aims to summarize the existing findings regarding the effects of studied alternatives to fishmeal and fish oil on the most valuable and commercially produced marine (Sparus aurata and Dicentrarchus labrax) and freshwater (Salmo salar and Oncorhynchus mykiss) finfish species in European aquaculture. Alternative protein sources, including macroalage (marine plants), krill (marine fishery), insects (terrestrial), terrestrial animal by‐products (processed/rendered), and single cell ingredient (biotechnology), are discussed for their efficiency in promoting the growth and the welfare of both fry and adult cultured finfish species. Applicability of these ingredients is reviewed in terms of nutrient composition, dietary inclusion level, performance output, digestibility, and health benefits. In addition, a meta‐analysis was conducted based on data from peer‐reviewed scientific publications in order to assess whether novel ingredients meet the dietary protein (amino acid) and lipid requirements of finfishes. Aquafeed reformulation strategies should ensure the recommended daily nutritional requirements and additionally indicate the meta‐analysis alternatives, such as microalgae, which are deficient in essential amino acids. The sustainable expansion of aquaculture is on the horizon, but which novel ingredients may be regarded as the key drivers to its establishment?

Effect of whole sesame seeds on the expression of key genes in monocytes of dairy goats

Whole sesame seeds (WSS) are good source of linoleic acid (LA) and lignans the effect of which have not been studied on the expression of key- genes in monocytes of dairy goats. Twenty-four, F2 crossbred [Alpine × Local (Greek) breeds] dairy goats (BW = 44.9 ± 5.4 kg), age (3–4 years old),were divided into three homogenous subgroups; the control group (CON) in which no WSS included and the two treated groups in the concentrates of which WSS were included at 5 % (WSS5) and 10 % (WSS10) respectively, by partially substituting both soybean meal and corn grain. The findings indicated a significant increase in the expression level of the IRF3 gene in the monocytes of goats fed with WSS5 compared to the CON group, throughout the experimental period. Both dietary inclusion levels of WSS caused a numerical downregulation in the expression levels of TNFA, IFNG, CCL5, and IL8. Additionally, the WSS10 group exhibited a numerical decrease in the expression levels of TLR4, IL1A, and IL1B compared to the other groups. Consequently, this study revealed that the inclusion of WSS in the above levels in goats’ diets does not modify pro-inflammatory signaling pathways or the expression patterns of genes. The lignans of WSS ensure the safe administration of their linoleic acid when these included at 5 % (WSS5) and 10 % (WSS10) of the concentrates in goats’ diets.

Evaluation of black soldier fly larvae and protease supplementation of Lohmann Brown-lite laying hens performance and egg quality

Abstract Feed costs represent up to 60-70% of the total cost of poultry production, with protein sources being the most expensive feed component. Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) shows promise as a sustainable protein source for use in animal diets. This research was conducted to determine the effects of including up to 13% defatted BSFLM and a supplementary protease-based enzyme (Concentrase-P; CBS Bio Platforms, Inc., Calgary AB, Canada) on laying hen performance and egg quality. To test this objective, 180 Lohmann Brown-Lite hens (52 weeks of age) were fed experimental diets containing 0%, 6.5%, or 13% BSFLM, with or without Concentrase-P (3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments). The treatments were fed over 20 weeks. Results indicated reduced feed intake and body weight in laying hens fed a 13% dietary inclusion level of BSFLM (), while other performance traits (egg production and FCR) were similar among treatments () and met industry performance standards. Shell weight and egg breaking strength did not significantly change with the dietary inclusion level of BSFLM or enzyme inclusion (), although a significant decrease in egg weight and albumen height was noted (), as well as a significant decrease in albumen height for the Concentrase-P treatments (). Yolk colours were significantly lighter and redder in birds fed diets containing high levels of BSFLM (). Results support the use of BSFLM at dietary inclusion levels up to 13% in laying hen diets. Concentrase-P does not appear to be required in combination with BSFLM in terms of growth and laying performance, although potential benefits to other physiological factors are worth consideration.

A meta‐analysis of the effects of black soldier fly meal on fish immune response and antioxidant capacity

Black soldier fly (BSF) meal possesses a balanced nutritional profile, making it a promising substitute for fishmeal. Several studies have been conducted to investigate the effects of replacing fishmeal with BSF meal on fish immune response and antioxidant capacity. However, considering the varying effects of BSF meal on different fish species demonstrated in earlier studies, a meta-analysis study was imperative to determine the efficacy of BSF meal in aquafeed. This meta-analysis examined 38 studies on finfish. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were conducted to investigate the source of heterogeneity in the immunostimulant and antioxidant efficacy of BSF meal. Categorical variables used in subgroup analysis included the BSF development stage (larvae versus prepupae or pupae), BSF processing method (full-fat versus defatted), and fish dietary habits. Two continuous variables were evaluated for meta-regression analysis: dietary BSF inclusion level and treatment duration. The datasets were assessed for publication bias using funnel plots and Egger's test with the Pustejovsky–Rodgers Approach. The results revealed that BSF meal influences immune performance and antioxidant ability. Subgroup analysis indicated that different BSF development stages significantly influence the immunostimulant and antioxidant efficacy of BSF meals, with BSF prepupae or pupae outperforming BSF larvae. In terms of processing, full-fat BSF was superior to defatted BSF. Furthermore, BSF meal demonstrated the highest efficacy in omnivorous fishes. Meta-regression outcomes revealed that a higher concentration of BSF meal may inhibit immune response and antioxidant ability and that treatment duration exerts little impact. In conclusion, the present meta-analysis demonstrated that BSF is a promising ingredient in aquafeed to improve fish immune response and antioxidant capacity.

Effects of High Dietary Starch Levels on the Growth Performance, Liver Function, and Metabolome of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

In this study, we conducted a 16-week feeding trial to investigate the effects of a high-cassava starch diet on growth performance, liver function, and metabolism in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). We formulated five diets containing varying levels of cassava starch: 12%, 9%, 6%, 3%, and 0% (termed M12, M9, M6, M3, and M0, respectively). We distributed these diets among largemouth bass with the initial body weight of 83.33 ± 0.55 g via an in-pond “raceway” aquaculture system. Our findings suggest that high level (12%) of cassava starch dietary inclusion adversely affected growth performance metrics such as weight gain rate and specific growth rate, along with feed utilization efficiency indicators, including protein efficiency, protein deposition rate, and the apparent digestibility of dry matter and protein. This negative impact was accompanied by a decrease in intestinal amylase activity. Through further transcriptomic analysis, we identified several key genes associated with carbohydrate metabolism, which underwent changes influencing liver function. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed the involvement of these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle). Comparative metabolomics analysis further indicated that the M9 group showed significant enrichment in pathways related to amino acid metabolism and alterations in the levels of metabolites involved in carbohydrate metabolism. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that incorporating up to 9% cassava starch in the diet can enhance growth performance in largemouth bass by stimulating digestive enzyme activities and promoting glucose utilization.

The effects of incorporating dried cashew apple in the diet of broiler chickens on growth performance, total tract digestibility, and gut health

A total of two hundred and ten one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were utilized in this study to investigate the effects of incorporating Dried Cashew Apples (DCA) in the diet of broiler chickens on growth performance, total tract digestibility, and gut health. The birds were weighed and randomly allotted to seven treatment groups with three replicates, each having 10 birds. The experimental design was a (2 X 3) + 1 augmented factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. Diet D1 (control diet) was a maize-soybean meal-based; diets D2, D3, and D4 comprised 10, 20, and 30% DCA without exogenous enzyme supplementation, whereas diets D5, D6, and D7 included 10, 20, and 30% DCA treated with exogenous enzyme. Data were collected on growth performance, total tract digestibility, and gut morphology. Collected data were analyzed using SAS (2002) and separation of means was done using Duncan’s Multiple Range Tests of the same statistical software. The difference was set at p &lt; 0.05. The study found that birds fed diets containing 10% DCA, with or without enzyme supplementation (D2 and D5), had a significantly higher Average Daily Gain (ADG) compared to those fed the control diet (D1). The ADG of birds fed diets D3 and D6 was similar to that of birds fed the control diet (D1). However, a significant decrease in ADG was observed as the dietary inclusion level of DCA increased to 30%, as seen in birds offered diets D4 and D7. In addition, a significant linear rise (p &lt; 0.05) in Average Daily Feed Intake (ADFI) was seen when DCA was included in the diet. In addition, birds that were given diets containing DCA showed significantly higher nutrient digestibility (p &lt; 0.05) compared to birds that were given the control diet (D1), except for birds that were given a diet containing 30% DCA without enzyme supplementation (D4), which showed significantly lower nutrient digestibility (p &lt; 0.05) compared to birds that were given the control diet (D1). Ultimately, birds that were given meals containing DCA exhibited a significant enhancement in GIT development compared to birds on the control diet. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that including DCA in the diet of broiler chickens at a level of up to 20% does not have any detrimental effects on their performance.

The Minimum Dietary Level and Mix Ratio of Krill Meal and Fish Meal to Elicit Feed Intake and Growth Performance in Juvenile Penaeus vannamei

Shrimp feeds depend on high levels of digestible protein and essential amino acids, which can be sourced from various commercially available feed ingredients. Marine proteins can be used to partially fulfill the requirements of these and other important nutrients. Their utilization is further influenced by their palatability and growth-promoting effect. However, marine ingredients can significantly drive costs in feed formulation depending on the type and dietary inclusion level. This study aimed to determine the minimum dietary level of fish meal (FML) and krill meal (KRM) and their mix ratio to elicit feed intake and growth performance in juvenile Penaeus vannamei. Ten diets were formulated with graded FML (90, 60, 30 g kg−1) in combination with 15, 30, and 45 g kg−1 KRM and a control diet with 120 g kg−1 FML. Shrimp (1.28 ± 0.08 g body weight, BW) were stocked in seventy 1-m3 tanks (135 animals m−2), and after 88 days, their growth performance was determined. Feed preference was assessed through two-by-two comparisons in twenty 0.5 m3 tanks over four weeks. No significant differences in survival (93.9 ± 4.5%), gained yield (1235 ± 92 g m−2), and feed conversion ratio (1.47 ± 0.09) were observed. Diets with 60 g kg−1 FML led to faster growth and higher feed intake than 30, 90, and 120 g kg−1 FML. Shrimp on 30 g kg−1 FML diets had the lowest BW, especially with 30–15 (FML-KRM) and 30–30 diets. Diets with 90 g kg−1 FML outperformed 30 g kg−1 FML. The control diet delivered a higher shrimp BW than diets 30–15 and 30–30, showing similar results to other diets except 60–15. Feed preference was influenced by KRM inclusion, with 15 g kg−1 KRM resulting in higher apparent feed intake than 30 and 45 g kg−1. The findings indicate that FML can be effectively reduced by up to 75% when combined with lower levels of KRM. This corresponds with the industry’s ongoing trend to achieve greater sustainability and cost efficiency through the reduced utilization of critical resources.

Dietary High Levels of Coconut Oil Replacing Fish Oil Did Not Affect Growth, but Promoted Liver Lipid Deposition of Orange-Spotted Groupers (Epinephelus coioides).

In this study, we conducted an 8-week feeding trial to investigate the effects of replacing fish oil (FO) with coconut oil (CO) on the growth performance, blood components, tissue fatty acid (FA) profile, and mRNA levels of genes related to lipid metabolism in the liver of the orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides). Five isolipidic and isoproteic diets were formulated through increasing the CO levels (0, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%, respectively). Triplicate groups of twenty-five fish (initial wet weight of about 22.4 g/fish) were fed one of the diets twice daily to apparent satiety. The 25% CO diet had the highest growth rate and feed utilization, and the 100% CO diet exhibited a comparable growth and feed utilization with that of the control diet, indicating a suitable FO substitute. Moreover, the hepatosomatic index, intraperitoneal fat rate, liver lipid content, as well as the serum HDL-C content and ALT activity had positive linear and/or quadratic responses, but the serum TC and LDL-C contents exhibited the opposite trend, with an increasing CO inclusion level. The FA profile in the liver and muscle generally mirrored the FA profile in the feed. Furthermore, the mRNA levels of the fas, acc, g6pd, srebp-1c, and δ6fad genes in the liver had positive linear and/or quadratic responses, but the mRNA levels of elovl 4 and elovl 5 had the opposite trend, with increasing dietary CO inclusion levels. When compared with the control diet, 25% and 50% CO diets up-regulated the mRNA levels of cpt 1, while the 75% and 100% CO diets down-regulated its mRNA levels. The hsl and atgl were down-regulated through the addition of dietary CO. The mRNA level of lpl was not affected by dietary treatments. Results showed that CO could completely replace FO without affecting growth performance, but high CO will lead to the significant liver lipid deposition and lower LC-PUFAs contents of fish flesh.

Use of a mixture design to optimize dietary macronutrients for large turbot (Scophthalmus maximus Linnaeus, 1758)

Aim of study: Studies on the dietary needs of turbot fish (Scophthalmus maximus Linnaeus, 1758) have largely focused on the juvenile stage; however, there are not many on the larger (300–500 g) species. The purpose of this experiment was to determine the ideal dietary levels of protein, fat, and carbohydrate for large turbot. Area of study: Demre, Antalya, Türkiye. Material and methods: A three-component mixture design model was created to adjust the quantities of dietary protein between 45.6% and 63.4%, carbohydrates between 4.9% and 30.5%, and fat between 5.6% and 17.7%. The components of the model were fish meal (FM), fish oil (FO), and wheat flour (W). Fish initially weighing 301.6±0.1 g on average were fed 14 different diets for 10 weeks. The ideal dietary macronutrient levels were estimated by examining the prediction profiler at the highest desirability based on the variables that were selected to maximize final weight, daily growth coefficient, protein efficiency ratio, nitrogen and energy retentions, and minimize feed conversion ratio, nitrogen and carbon losses. Main results: The optimal diet formulation yielded the highest desirability of 0.87 for all selected responses and resulted in dietary inclusion levels of FM, W and FO as 63.6%, 20.8%, and 9.4%, respectively. The proposed optimal nutrient concentrations for large turbot (growing from 300 to 500 g) are 54% protein, approximately 17% lipid, and 15.8% carbohydrate on dry matter basis. Research highlights: The mixture design successfully allowed us to estimate the optimum levels of dietary protein, lipid and carbohydrate for large turbot.

Performance and Cost Benefit of Organic Acid Supplementation in Broiler Diets Containing Graded Levels of Soaked &lt;i&gt;Balanite Aegyptiaca&lt;/i&gt; Fruit Meal

Balanite aegyptiaca fruit meal (BAFM) is an alternative feed source that requires processing and supplementation with additives to enhance its utilization in broiler diets. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) day old broiler chickens were used for the study. They were allotted to four experimental treatments each replicated thrice with ten (10) chickens per replicate in a completely randomized design. Raw BAFM fruit was processed by soaking for 24 hours, dried and incorporated in the diets at 0.00, 2.50, 5.00 and 7.50% in T1, T2, T3 and T4 respectively. Acidifier (Fysal®) was supplemented in the diets of T2-T4 at 0.1%. The study monitored the following parameters; initial weight, final weight, weight gain, feed efficiency, and mortality rate. Cost benefit was also determined at the end of the study. Results obtained indicate that growth performance was poorer in chickens fed the control diet compared to others. Starter-phase chicks fed diets with the highest BAFM dietary inclusion level (7.5%) exhibited enhanced weight gain, improved feed conversion efficiency, and reduced feed cost per unit weight gain, while the pooled performance showed that the parameters declined at 7.5%. Cost benefit showed that feed cost per kilogram gain reduced up to 5% inclusion level of BAFM in the diets while it slightly increased at 7.5%, though better than the control group. At 5% dietary inclusion of BAFM with acidifier supplementation, feed cost per kilogram gain reduced by ₦95.22 (18.49%). Based on the results obtained in this study, it was concluded that soaked BAFM and acidifiers are good supplements that can be utilized in broiler diets at 5.0% and 0.1% respectively.