Ether Extract Levels Research Articles

Sustainable Solution to Antibiotic Resistance: Pavetta indica-Based Nanomedicine

The escalating global health crisis, characterized by the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, necessitates innovative strategies. This study explores the potential of Pavetta indica, a previously underutilized plant, as a multifaceted resource for addressing this critical challenge. A comprehensive phytochemical investigation unveiled a rich repertoire of bioactive compounds within P. indica, including essential metabolites Moisture (9.14%), Crude Protein (10.93%), and Crude Fiber (15.46%). Additionally, significant levels of Calcium, Phosphorus, and Ether Extract were identified, suggesting its potential contribution to a balanced diet and a diverse array of secondary metabolites identified through GC-MS analysis identified diverse bioactive compounds including Dodecanoic acid, Lupeol, and β-D-Glucopyranose among others, highlighting its potential health benefits and paving the way for further research on specific bioactivities. P. indica extract exhibited concentration-dependent ABTS and DPPH scavenging activities, comparable to ascorbic acid. This underscores its potential as a natural antioxidant source to combat oxidative stress-related diseases. Leveraging the bio-reducing capabilities of P. indica extract, we embarked on the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. P. indica extract successfully synthesized silver nanoparticles, confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy (SPR band at 420 nm) and TEM (spherical particles, 25-50 nm). These nanoparticles showed potent antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis, E. coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, comparable to Gentamicin. The synthesized silver nanoparticles demonstrated concentration-dependent antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Sporothrix schenckii, suggesting their potential as effective antifungal agents. Our findings underscore the significance of exploring underutilized plant resources for developing innovative solutions to pressing global health challenges. By integrating phytochemistry, nanotechnology, and microbiology, this research offers a promising approach to combating antimicrobial resistance. The study's outcomes lay the groundwork for future investigations into the underlying mechanisms of antimicrobial action, optimization of nanoparticle properties, and preclinical evaluation of their therapeutic efficacy.

Chemical Composition and Nutritive Value of Sea Buckthorn Leaves.

Sea buckthorn leaves (SBT_LVs) form notable by-product during harvesting and post-harvest management of the berries. It is already known that sea buckthorn berries are important for their chemical composition and based on this, they occupy a wide field in nutrition. SBT_LVs also have a rich chemical composition, like the berries. The aim of this study was to describe these by-products in the context of protein and complex carbohydrates-dietary fiber fractions, including qualitative and quantitative composition of amino acids. Proximate composition, amino acids, nutritional values of the protein, and dietary fiber fractions of SBT_LVs of four cultivars (cvs.) Ascola, Habego, Hergo, and Leikora were assessed. SBT_LVs from different years of the study had statistically different levels of crude protein, ether extract, crude ash, and nitrogen-free extract (NFE), confirming that the quality of the raw material (leaves) can be significantly modified by habitat conditions. The largest fraction of dietary fiber was neutral detergent fiber (NDF), including the sum of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin, followed by the acid detergent fiber fraction (ADF), consisting of lignin and cellulose. The content of essential amino acids in SBT_LV protein was high. Overall, this study confirms that SBT_LVs hold promise as a valuable resource for use as a food ingredient, functional food, and dietary supplement for both humans and animals.

Qualitative Production of Mixture Silage within a Sustainable Concept

Climate change and seasonality in forage production have caused alterations in animal feed. Thus, this study evaluated the composition of silages from soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) mixed with tropical grasses. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications. Treatments were silage from soybeans, silage from soybeans with Aruana Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus cv. Aruana), and silage from soybeans with Congo grass (Urochloa ruziziensis cv. Comum). Silos were stored for 60 days in the laboratory at room temperature. The silage from soybeans with Aruana Guinea grass showed the highest contents of dry matter, crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, insoluble nitrogen in neutral detergent fiber, and insoluble nitrogen in acid detergent fiber but the lowest levels of crude protein and ether extract. The highest content of mineral material and hemicellulose was observed in the silage from soybeans with Congo grass. The silages from soybeans and soybeans with Congo grass showed no significant differences for acid detergent fiber and lignin. In conclusion, the use of tropical grasses as a component to improve the quality of silage from soybeans is an alternative for forage conservation in ruminant production systems, especially at the dry season.

Nutritional Value Evaluation of Corn Silage from Different Mesoregions of Southern Brazil

Corn silage is widely used in livestock farming; however, its quality is easily altered, and one of the factors that has a high influence in this regard is the region of production. The objective was to evaluate the chemical–bromatological composition of 498 samples of corn silage from mesoregions in Southern Brazil during the 2022/2023 summer harvest. The following were studied in relation to our objective: nutritional composition, dry matter, mineral matter, ether extract, starch, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin, total digestible nutrients, total carbohydrates, and fractions of carbohydrates. The silages from Central South-PR had higher levels of starch and ether extract (30.68% ± 6.24% and 3.41% ± 0.92%, respectively), whereas in West-SC, the silages had higher levels in the A + B1 fraction of carbohydrates (49.59% ± 6.34%). Silages in North-PR had higher concentrations of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber (49.86% ± 5.92% and 29.70% ± 4.38%, respectively), while in Northwest-RS and West-PR, silages had higher levels of the B2 carbohydrate fractions (46.25% ± 1.98% and 44.55% ± 3.84%, respectively). The nutritional composition differences presented were due to the variables of each mesoregion, interfering in the scenario of formulating diets and animal nutrition.

The Effect of Absorbent Level and Inoculants on Chemical Composition and Fermentation Characteristics of Fermented Poultry Manure as an Unconventional Feed Ingredient

Abstract The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of absorbent level and microbial inoculant on chemical compositions and fermentation characteristics of fermented poultry manure (FPM). In the first trial, the FPM was fermented using two levels of cassava solid waste as absorbent, consisted of 10% (AL10) and 30% (AL30). The best absorbent level to improve the quality of FPM was continued in the second trial. In the second trial, FPM was fermented using inoculant treatments following without inoculants (CON), Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) and multi-purpose microbes (MP). All fermentation was conducted for 14 d in 4 kg mini-silo with quadruplicate. In the first trial, AL30 had higher levels of dry matter and crude fiber but lower levels of crude protein, ether extract, and butyric acid content compared to AL10 (P<0.05). In the second trial, CON presented higher levels of dry matter, crude protein, and crude fiber, but lower levels of ether extract, nitrogen-free extract, pH, ammonia, and butyric acid compared to LP and MP (P<0.05). In conclusion, the present study found that FPM without inoculant at the 30% absorbent level resulted in higher nutrient composition and better fermentation characteristics compared to other treatments.

Effects of fermented sweet potato residue on nutrient digestibility, meat quality, and intestinal microbes in broilers

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different proportions of dietary fermented sweet potato residue (FSPR) supplementation as a substitute for corn on the nutrient digestibility, meat quality, and intestinal microbes of yellow-feathered broilers. Experiment 1 (force-feeding) evaluated the nutrient composition and digestibility of mixtures with different proportions of sweet potato residue (70%, 80%, 90%, and 100%) before and after fermentation. In Experiment 2 (metabolic growth), a total of 420 one-day-old yellow-feathered broilers were randomly allocated to 4 groups and fed corn-soybean meal-based diets with 0, 5%, 8%, and 10% FSPR as a substitute for corn. The force-feeding and metabolic growth experiments were performed for 9 and 70 d, respectively. The treatment of 70% sweet potato residue (after fermentation) had the highest levels of crude protein, ether extract, and crude fiber and improved the digestibility of crude protein and amino acids (P < 0.05). Although dietary FSPR supplementation at different levels had no significant effect on growth performance and intestinal morphology, it improved slaughter rate, half-chamber rate, full clearance rate, and meat color, as well as reduced cooking loss in the breast and thigh muscles (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with 8% and 10% FSPR increased the serum immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G levels in broilers (P < 0.05). Furthermore, 10% FSPR increased the Shannon index and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, Ruminococcaceae_UCG-010 and Romboutsia abundances and decreased Sutterella and Megamonas abundances (P < 0.05). Spearman's correlation analysis showed that meat color was positively correlated with Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014 (P < 0.05) and negatively correlated with Megamonas (P < 0.05). Collectively, 70% sweet potato residue (after fermentation) had the best nutritional value and nutrient digestibility. Dietary supplementation with 8% to 10% FSPR as a substitute for corn can improve the slaughter performance, meat quality, and intestinal microbe profiles of broilers. Our findings suggest that FSPR has the potential to be used as a substitute for corn-soybean meals to improve the meat quality and intestinal health of broilers.

Dietary Effect of S-Methylmethionine Sulfonium Chloride on Growth, Serum Biochemical Parameters, Body Composition, and Expression of Some Related Genes in Oreochromis niloticus

Abstract The main objective of the current trial was to investigate the impacts of tilapia diets supplemented with S-methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (MMSC) on the growth performance, feed efficiency, body analysis, blood biochemistry and regulation of myostatin (MSTN) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) genes of nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The experimental fish (n=180) weighing 22.4±0.17 g were allocated randomly into three equal groups in triplicate as follows; the control group received an un-supplemented diet; the other two groups received two different levels of MMSC (0.2 and 0.4 g/kg) for eight weeks. The obtained findings demonstrated that tilapia diets enriched with small dosages of MMSC considerably (P&lt;0.05) enhanced all assessed growth performance and feed efficiency indicators when compared with the control group. When compared to the control group, tilapia meals supplemented with 0.2 g MMSC significantly (P&lt;0.05 or 0.01) raised blood protein profile, particularly total protein and globulin levels. Contrarily, blood creatinine levels were significantly (P&lt;0.01) reduced in the group of tilapia fed diets containing MMSC (0.2 or 0.4 g/kg) compared to the group without receiving any supplementation. Whereas, fish body analysis showed higher significant increases in crude protein and ether extract levels (P&lt;0.01) as well as reduced ash content (P&lt;0.05) in the fish group that received lower MMSC doses in comparison to other treated and control groups. In addition, MMSC dietary supplementation significantly downregulated the expression of MSTN and upregulated IGF-1 mRNA expression compared with the control group. Additionally, both dosages of MMSC supplementation modestly enhanced the intestinal villus histomorphometric score indices with observed tall, thick, and various broad tips in comparison to the control group. In conclusion, it could be recommended that fish diets supplemented with 0.2 g MMSC per kg diet may promote the growth and general health status of Nile Tilapia.

Rice gluten meal as a substitute for soybean meal in the diets for growing rabbits

ABSTRACT The impacts of different dietary levels of rice gluten meal (RGM) on growth performance, digestibility, carcass characteristics, and blood traits of growing New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits were studied. One hundred and twenty, 6 weeks old weaned male rabbits (body weight; 682 [g] ± 23) were randomly allotted into four groups. The control diet contained 160 [g/kg] soybean meal (SBM), while the other three diets were obtained by replacing 40, 80, and 120 [g/kg] SBM with RGM (RGM40, RGM80, and RGM120, respectively). The results showed that RGM contained higher levels of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), ash, and gross energy than SBM. RGM contained a high level of arginine followed by leucine and valine as essential amino acids and high levels of glutamic, aspartic acid, and alanine as non-essential amino acids. The obtained results showed that the final body weight of rabbits fed diets containing 40, 80, and 120 [g/kg] RGM was higher than those fed the control diet. The daily weight gain of rabbits fed RGM diets increased (p < 0.05) by 10.50%, 6.50%, and 10.00%, respectively, compared to the control group. Rabbits fed RGM80 showed the highest (p < 0.05) digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM), EE, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), and acid detergent fibre (ADF) compared to the other tested levels. Rabbits fed RGM120 had the highest (p < 0.05) digestible energy (DE) and digestible crude protein (DCP) values. RGM inclusion levels of 40 and 80 [g/kg] increased (p < 0.05) plasma total protein and albumin compared to the control group. Rabbits fed a diet containing RGM40 had the highest (p < 0.05) globulin level. The highest (p < 0.05) plasma urea concentration level was measured in the rabbit group fed the RGM120 diet. Conclusively, RGM could be a valuable ingredient for growing rabbits, as at all the tested levels improved growth performance, digestibility, and nutritional values.

Performance of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens, l.) on different feed substrates

Abstract The study assessed the nutrient composition of Sesbania grandiflora (SG) and Moringa oleifera (MO) leaves, and agro-industrial by-products, including soybean waste (SBW), wheat pollard (WP), rice bran (RB), and milk-extracted coconut meat (MECM) to determine the potential of these resources as feed substrates for rearing black soldier fly larvae (BSFL). Developmental studies of BSFL were conducted for three weeks with four replicates for each substrate. The nutrient composition and growth performance data were collected until half of the larvae had transformed into prepupae. The crude protein (CP) content of BSFL ranged from 26 to 57 g/100 g on a dry matter (DM) basis. The CP levels of larvae declined significantly () as the development time progressed. The ether extract (EE) or crude fat levels of larvae ranged between 6 and 55 g/100 g DM and were significantly () different between substrates. In all samples, larval amino acid profiles were characterised by high levels of glutamic acid (4.08 g/100 g DM) and leucine (2.48 g/100 g DM). The SBW-fed larvae showed a shorter development time (12.75 ± 0.25 days); the longest was MECM-fed larvae (28.5 ± 0.29 days). Larvae on the higher protein feed (SG, MO, and SBW) had the highest feed reduction and larval yield compared to the lower protein group (WP, RB, and MECM). The study demonstrated that BSFL can thrive on a range of substrates where all six feedstuffs (SG, MO, SBW, WP, RB, and MECM) have the potential to be employed in mass production of BSFL with high nutritional values. The selection of a good quality substrate for BSFL production is critical since the substrate’s nutrient composition influences the development and nutrient composition of the larvae.

Chemical composition, mineral profile, carbohydrate fractionation, dry matter digestibility and in vitro gas production of Furcraea foetida (L.) Haw at different phenological stages

ABSTRACT The aim was to evaluate the chemical and mineral composition, carbohydrate fractionation, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and in vitro gas production of Furcraea foetida (L.) Haw at different phenological stages. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomised design, in which 4 plants of the same size were selected at random, and from these plants, leaves were collected at 3 phenological stages: young (leaves at the apex of the plant), intermediate (leaves in the middle parts of the plant) and mature (leaves at the base of the plant). Higher levels of ether extract (P = 0.001) and cellulose (P = 0.010) were obtained at maturity. The concentration of Boron in intermediate (35.58 g/kg DM) and mature (27.79 g/kg DM) leaves, and Zn in young (58.19 g/kg DM) and mature (54.98 g/kg DM) leaves decreased with the phenological stage. High levels of non-fibre carbohydrates influenced the in vitro gas production kinetics, with higher concentrations for young and intermediate stages. Under experimental conditions, Furcraea foetida is inferred to be a plant with a high energy content that preserves its nutrients in the different phenophases evaluated, a positive factor for its use as a forage plant for ruminant production in the semiarid region.

Metabolomic and transcriptomic profiling reveals the effect of dietary protein and lipid levels on growth performance in loach (Paramisgurnus dabryanus).

The subject of this study was to explore the optimum requirements of loach (Paramisgurnus dabryanus) regarding dietary proteins and lipids and discuss the underlying mechanism. We designed nine diets to determine the effects of different levels of dietary crude protein (CP: 30%, 35%, and 40%) and ether extract (EE: 6%, 10%, and 14%) on the growth performance and metabolism of P. dabryanus. In total, 2160 healthy P. dabryanus (5.19 ± 0.01g) were divided into nine groups with four replications at 60 fish per barrel stocking density. The trial lasted for eight weeks. Serum and liver samples were gathered for metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses. The results showed that the specific growth rate of P. dabryanus in the CP40EE10 group was the fastest and notably higher than that in other groups (P< 0.05). Analysis of the metabolome results found that the mTOR signaling pathway, glycerophospholipid metabolism, D-arginine and D-ornithine metabolism were significantly enriched pathways in the CP40EE10 group compared with the other groups (P< 0.05). Moreover, the transcriptomic analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed that the expression of ARG (arginase) involved in protein synthesis was significantly upregulated in the CP40EE10 group compared to the slowest growing group (P< 0.05). Additionally, the expression of SPLA2 (secretory phospholipase A2) involved in lipid metabolism and FBP (fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase) involved in glucose metabolism were all significantly downregulated in the CP30EE6 group compared with the CP40EE10 group (P< 0.05). Furthermore, the analysis of differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) and DEGs co-enriched in the KEGG pathway revealed that the significantly enriched pathways were arginine and proline metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis in CP40EE10 compared with other groups (P< 0.05). We conclude that including 40% CP and 10% EE in the P. dabryanus diet could result in a better growth rate. We hypothesized from metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses that the CP40EE10 diet might promote the growth of P. dabryanus by promoting protein synthesis, lipid metabolism, and energy production.

Effect of substrate nutrient content level on nutritional expression of Hermetia illucens: a meta-analysis

This research aims to examine the effect of substrate nutrient content on nutrient expression of Hermetia illucens by using a meta-analysis method The database was constructed from studies that have reported various substrates with nutrient levels in Hermetia illucens. The nutritional content observed in this study were dry matter (DM), ash, crude protein (CP), true protein (TP) and ether extract (EE). There were 12 articles that met the criteria entered in the database. Mixed model methodology was used for statistical analysis. The difference in study data on Hermetia illucens was used as a random effect, and nutrient substrate level was used as a fixed effect. The statistical model used is the p-value. If the significance of an effect occurs, the p-value <0.05. The results showed that the increase in ash, CP, and TP on the substrate had a significant effect on the increase in nutrient Hermetia illucens (P<0.05) and increasing DM substrate tends to increased DM on Hermetia illucens (P<0.1). Increased EE levels in the substrate did not affect EE levels in Hermetia illucens larvae (P>0.05). The conclusion of this study was that the increase in ash and CP levels on the substrate had an effect on increasing the nutrient content of ash, CP, and TP of Hermetia illucens larvae.

Efectos del suero ácido sobre la calidad química fermentativa y la estabilidad aeróbica del ensilado de grano de maíz rehidratado

The objective was to evaluate the fermentative, chemical characteristics and aerobic stability of corn grain silages rehydrated with whey fluid (WF) or whey powder (WP) and water, with or without the addition of inoculant (I). The corn grain was ground and hydrated adding water without chlorine and/or whey to reach 35 % humidity and stored in silos of 4.36 kg. After 45 d of fermentation, samples of the silages were submitted to chemical-fermentative analyses in opening of silos and 240 h of exposure to air. The aerobic stability of the silages was evaluating during 240 h has considered to the loss when the temperature of the ensiled mass exceeded the ambient temperature by 2 °C. A reduction in the acid detergent fiber (ADF) and lignin content of the silages was observed with the use of WF and WP. The levels of ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) were the lowest for WF and WP (0.7 and 0.9 g/kg TN) and pH was 4.31 for WF after 240 h of aerobic exposure. The use of inoculants provided higher levels of Ash, ether extract (EE), and low buffering capacity (BC), in addition to reductions in ADF levels. The inoculated silages showed higher levels of NH3-N and pH after 240 h. The silage of corn grains rehydrated with WF provided ideal pH values, low NH3-N content, reduced levels of ADF and lignin, and improved aerobic stability. In addition to being a sustainable alternative, the use of fluid whey to rehydrate corn grains adds nutritional value and improves silage fermentation.

Feeds formulated with alternative ingredients for bullfrog tadpoles (Lithobates catesbeianus)

Several foods are available for the formulation of rations in Brazil; however, the effectiveness of a few of these foods has been evaluated in diets for bullfrog tadpoles (Lithobates catesbeianus). This study aimed to evaluate alternative foods (worm meal, peeled banana, peeled pumpkin, and peeled avocado) with different levels of crude protein and ether extract for the nutrition of bullfrog tadpoles to obtain the best animal performance and water quality. In a 60 days long experiment, a total of 480 bullfrog tadpoles (stage 25 of the Gosner table, 1960) with an average weight of 0.107 ± 0.004 g, were used. The experimental design was completely randomized (DIC) in a factorial scheme (2x2) with four treatments [rations with 320 g/kg crude protein (CP) and 90 g/kg ether extract (EE); 380 g/kg CP and 90 g/kg EE; T3:320 g/kg CP and 110 g/kg EE; 380 g/kg CP and 110 g/kg EE] each consisting of four replicates. To verify the normality of the data, the results of zootechnical performance, water quality, and proximate composition were subjected to the Shapiro-Wilk and Bartlett tests. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was then performed, and the means were compared using Duncan's test at 5% of probability. The verified results of animal performance, water quality, and proximate composition were not influenced by the suggested diets. The best diet formulated based on easily acquired alternative ingredients can offer 320 g/kg CP and 90 g/kg EE to the tadpoles of bullfrog.

The effect of conjugated linoleic acids on the growth performance, carcase composition and meat quality of fattening rabbits

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) on the growth performance, fat metabolism, carcase composition and muscle quality of fattening rabbits. A total of 160 Minxinan black rabbits aged 75 days with body weights of 1658.9 ± 188.8 g were randomly divided into 4 groups. They were fed a basic diet supplemented with 0 (control), 0.5%, 1.0%, or 1.5% CLA for 50 days. Dietary CLA reduced the feed intake and serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels. In addition, the crude protein content in rabbit meat was increased, along with the cholesterol and the ether extract levels in the 1.5% depression group. Moreover, the fatty acid composition in rabbit meat was changed, and the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids/monounsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs/MUFAs) increased with the increasing levels of CLA addition. These findings indicate that CLA greatly improved the nutritional value of rabbit meat. From an economic point of view, CLA would normally be included at a concentration of 0.5% in the formulation of feeds for fattening rabbits. HIGHLIGHTS Minxinan black rabbits were fed conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)- supplemented diets for 50 d. CLA decreased the feed intake of experimental rabbits. CLA has significant effects on fat deposition and serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels. CLA greatly improved the nutritional value of rabbit meat. The recommended CLA level is 0.5% for meat rabbits．

Near-infrared spectroscopy to assess mycotoxins contamination and nutritional composition of maize marketed in South America, years 2020-2021

Mycotoxicological and nutritional analyses were conducted in maize from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil (stratified by region), Colombia and Peru through near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in 2020 and 2021. Concentrations of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), fumonisins B1 + B2 (FBs), zearalenone (ZEN) and deoxynivalenol, in addition to water activity, crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), starch and apparent metabolizable energy (AME) in poultry, were determined in 18,363 spectra (totalling 195,486 analyses). FBs were the most prevalent metabolites in South American maize, being detected in 91.6 and 91.9% of the samples; ZEN had the second highest positivity, 15.4 and 26.8%, followed by AFB1, 15.3 and 14.6% (2020 and 2021, respectively). FBs also had the highest incidence in Brazilian maize, 92.6 and 92.1%, followed by AFB1, 15.2 and 13.5%, and ZEN, 14.7 and 27.7% (2020 and 2021, respectively). Contamination with at least one mycotoxin was detected in 93.5% of the samples. The mycotoxins found co-contaminating the maize belong to the generaFusarium andAspergillus; FBs, followed by ZEN and AFB1, were the most prevalent toxins in the associations. Levels of water activity were below 0.70. Regarding chemical composition, CP presented the largest oscillation in relation to the mean in South American maize (both years). As for the Brazilian samples, the Southeast region showed the greatest positive variability in relation to the means for all evaluated parameters, followed by the Northeast region (excepting CP) in 2020; in 2021, the Central-West and Northeast regions had the highest levels of EE and AME. In both years, the South region presented lower levels in relation to the mean for most parameters. Data on prevalence, mycotoxicological contamination, storage conditions and nutritional quality of maize assist the decision-making process of raw material use. In this setting, NIRS suits the needs of the industry for providing information on multiple parameters in real time.

Growth performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics of pigs fed diets containing amarula (Sclerocarya birrea A. Rich) nut cake as replacement to soybean meal

This experiment evaluated varying levels of Amarula (Sclerocarya birrea A. Rich) nut cake (ANC) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics in pigs. Thirty Large White × Landrace (LW × LR) pigs were stratified by weight (average live weight of 20 ± 5kg) and randomly allocated to the five experimental diets that contained 0 (control), 50, 100, 150 and 200g ANC/kg DM. Each pig served as a replicate unit, housed individually. The pigs were fed the experimental diets ad-lib once in the morning, allowing a 10% of feed refusal, and had free access to water. Bodyweight, feed intake, average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were recorded weekly throughout the 56-day trial period. On completion of the growth trial, following a 3-day adaptation, a nutrient digestibility study was conducted over 5days. Thereafter, pigs were fasted for 12h, weighed, slaughtered, and carcass samples were collected for analysis. Data on the effects of treatments on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics were analysed using a two-way ANOVA in randomised blocks and were compared using Student's t-LSD. Feed intake was not affected by dietary treatment, but ADGs were reduced at ANC levels > 150g/kg, resulting in poor FCR. Protein digestibility was reduced at ANC levels > 150g/kg, while ether extract and fibre levels increased. Warm and cold carcass weights were lower at ANC levels > 150g/kg, with improved meat redness and lightness. It was concluded that ANC could replace SBM in the diet of growing pigs at less than 150g/kg inclusion level.

Extruded soybean in pig feeding in the nursery phase:performance

The objective of this study was to evaluate the replacement of soybean meal by extruded whole soybean in the feeding of pigs in the nursery phase. Thirty-six piglets (Landrace x Large White), with 45 days weighing on average 11.36 kg, distributed in arandomized block design, three treatments, six replicates, two animals per repetition were used. The treatments consisted of: control treatment (T1) basal diet, basal diet with 10% replacement of soybean meal by extruded soybean (T2), basal diet with 20% replacement of soybean meal by extruded soybean (T3). The variables analyzed were: average weight, feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion. The levels of ureatic activity, ether extract, crude protein, protein solubility and volatile moisture of extruded soybean were verified. No difference was found (P&gt;0.05) between the inclusion levels of extruded soybean in piglet diets in the nursery phase for the variables studied. The processing of extruded whole soybean did not affect its digestibility. Extrudedsoybeans at a level of up to 20% included in piglet feeding during the nursery phase can be a possible substitute for soybean meal, without compromising the performance of the animals.

Comparison of yield, chemical composition and farinograph properties of common and ancient wheat grains

The chemical composition of 4 spring wheat species was analyzed: einkorn (Triticum monococcum) (local cv.), emmer (Triticum dicoccon) (Lamella cv.), spelt (Triticum spelta) (Wirtas cv.), and common wheat (Triticum aestivum) (Rospuda cv.). Mean emmer and einkorn yield was significantly lower than that of common wheat. The analyses of the wheat grain included the content of total protein, crude ash, crude fat, crude fibre, carbohydrates, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc. The grains of the tested ancient wheats were richer in protein, lipids, crude fibre, and crude ash than the common wheat grains. The significantly highest levels of crude protein, ether extract, and crude ash were found in einkorn. As the protein concentration in the grain increased, the calcium, magnesium, and potassium levels increased, and the zinc and manganese levels decreased. Genotypic differences between the studied wheats were reflected in the concentrations of the minerals and nutrients, an observation which can be useful in further cross-linkage studies. Dough made from common wheat and spelt flour showed better performance quality classifying it to be used for bread production. In turn, flour from emmer and einkorn wheat may be intended for pastry products, due to short dough development time and constancy as well as high softening.

Effect of dietary lipid inclusion from by-product-based pellets on dry matter intake, ruminal fermentation, and nutrient digestion in finishing beef heifers

This study was designed to evaluate dry matter intake (DMI), ruminal fermentation, ruminal digesta outflow, omasal flow of N constituents, and ruminal and total-tract digestibility in response to increasing dietary lipid content derived from high-lipid by-product-based pellets for finishing beef cattle. Five ruminally cannulated heifers were used in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Dietary treatments were iso-nitrogenous with increasing ether extract (EE) concentrations resulting in dietary concentrations of 3.5%, 4.2%, 4.7%, 5.1%, and 5.9% of dry matter. Periods were 28 d in duration with the first 19 d used for dietary adaptation and the last 9 d for sample and data collection. Dry matter intake, ruminal pH, omasal flow of N constituents, and short-chain fatty acid concentrations were not affected by increasing dietary EE content (P ≥ 0.10). Increasing dietary EE content increased outflow of EE from the rumen (P &lt; 0.001). Apparent ruminal and total-tract digestibility of EE increased linearly (P ≤ 0.03) with increasing dietary EE levels. Results indicate that increasing dietary EE content from 3.5% up to 5.9% of DM by including high-lipid by-product-based pellets does not alter site of nutrient digestibility with no negative effects on nutrient intake, ruminal fermentation, or apparent ruminal, and total-tract digestibility.