Metabolizable Energy Levels Research Articles

Does the metabolizable energy influence the performance, carcass characteristicsand biochemical parameters of European quails from 28 to 42 days of age?

This study was conducted to determinethe metabolizable energy (ME) requirement for quails (Cortunix cortunix cortunix) from 28 to 42 days of age. Four hundred and twenty quails were distributed in a completely randomized design, with 5 treatments (2950, 3000, 3050, 3100 and 3150 kcal of ME/kg of feed), 7 replicates and 12 birds per experimental unit. Performance, relative weights of organs and viscera, carcass characteristics, meat quality, body composition and blood parameters of the birds were evaluated. There was a reduction in feed intake (ADFI) with the use of 3150 kcal ME/kg (p < 0.01), with a quadratic effect on feed efficiency (p < 0.01), estimating the energy requirement in the 3009.4 kcal ME/kg. The breast yield (BY) and the colour b* had an effect (p < 0.01), with better results for 2950 kcal ME/kg, while the meat texture reduced when the birds were fed with 3150 kcal ME/kg. HDL and LDL showed the quadratic effect (p < 0.01) when ME increased to 3111.6 and 3157.4 kcal/kgrespectively. Very lowdensity lipoproteinincreased linearly (p < 0.01) in birds that received diets with 3000 kcal ME/kg. We conclude that the use of 3009.4 kcal of ME/kg for European quail meets the nutritional needsand provides an improvement in feed efficiency, without affecting the carcass parameters of the birds. Information regarding the nutritional requirements for European quails is still recent; therefore, it is essential to know the adequate levels of metabolizable energy, an important nutritional component for the maximum productive performance of birds.

Effects of Dietary Protein and Energy Levels on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Serum Biochemical Parameters of Growing Male Mink (Neovison vison).

The objective of this experiment was to determine the optimum dietary metabolic energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) levels of growing male mink. One hundred forty-four healthy male minks at 75 days were randomly allocated into the six groups with 24 replicates, which was one mink for each replicate. The mink were fed six experimental diets with two CP levels (31.59 and 35.63%) and three ME levels (14.17, 15.96, and 17.73 MJ/kg) for a 7-day preliminary period and then for an 88-day experimental period. The final body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), fat digestibility, energy intake, the concentration of glucose (GLU), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) of the mink were significantly increased by the CP or ME levels (P < 0.05). In addition, CP levels significantly (P < 0.01) increased the N intake and N retention. Dietary ME levels increased the utilization of gross energy. Obviously, there were significant CP × ME interactions for the final BW, ADG, fat digestibility, energy utilization, GLU, LDL (P < 0.01), and triglyceride contents (P < 0.05). Therefore, the optimum CP and ME levels were 35.97% and 18.18 MJ/kg, which can improve growth, enhance nutrient digestion, and promote blood lipid metabolism in growing mink.

Effect of varying dietary crude protein and metabolizable energy levels on leg abnormalities and performance in broiler chickens

Background: Nutrient restriction is a common strategy to prevent metabolic disorders in fast growing broiler chickens, but limited information is available regarding the impact of diets with low protein and energy on leg abnormalities. Objective: Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of varying crude protein (CP) and metabolizable energy (ME) levels on gastrocnemius tendon (GTeBS) and tibia breaking strength (TiBS), gait score (GS) and valgus/varus angulation (VAng). Methods: In Experiment 1, eight-d-old Ross 308 broilers (n=90) were randomly assigned into three treatments: 13/2,900 (13% CP and 2,900 kcal ME kg-1 of diet), 17/3,000 (17% CP and 3,000 kcal ME kg-1 of diet), and 21/3,025 or control (21% CP and 3,025 kcal ME kg-1 of diet). In Experiment 2, six-d-old Ross 308 chickens (n=192) were randomly distributed into two treatments: 16/3,000; 16% CP and 3,000 kcal ME kg-1 of diet and 21/3,000 or control; 21% CP and 3,000 kcal ME kg-1 of diet. In both experiments data were analyzed as one-way ANOVA. Results: In Experiment 1, broilers in the 17/3,000 and control treatments had similar (p&gt;0.05) GTeBS (202 and 224 N, respectively), and TiBS (338 and 332 N, respectively). Birds in the 13/2,900 treatment showed higher GS (lower walking ability; 80% of birds with score &gt;3), and greater VAng (53% of birds with score &gt;2) than broilers in the control treatment (0% of birds with GS score &gt;3 and 0% of birds with VAng score &gt;2). Experiment 2, broilers in the 16/3,000 showed similar VAng, GS and TiBS than birds in the control treatment. However, birds in the 16/3,000 treatment showed lower (-26%) GTeBS than birds in the control treatment (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: Feeding broilers with 16% CP and 3,000 kcal ME kg-1 of diet did not affect tibia breaking strength, gait score and valgus/varus angulation. A diet containing 16% CP or less and 2,900-3,000 kcal ME kg-1 reduces tendon and tibia breaking strength.

Cryo-EM structure of the fatty acid reductase LuxC–LuxE complex provides insights into bacterial bioluminescence

The discovery of reduced flavin mononucleotide and fatty aldehydes as essential factors of light emission facilitated study of bacterial luminescence. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial luminescence have been studied for more than 60 years, the structure of the bacterial fatty acid reductase complex remains unclear. Here, we report the cryo-EM structure of the Photobacterium phosphoreum fatty acid reductase complex LuxC–LuxE to a resolution of 2.79 Å. We show that the active site Lys238/Arg355 pair of LuxE is >30 Å from the active site Cys296 of LuxC, implying that catalysis relies on a large conformational change. Furthermore, mutagenesis and biochemical experiments support that the L-shaped cleft inside LuxC plays an important role in substrate binding and reaction. We obtained a series of mutants with significantly improved activity as measured by in vitro bioluminescence assays and demonstrated that the double mutant W111A/F483K displayed the highest activity (370% of the WT). Our results indicated that the activity of LuxC significantly affects the bacterial bioluminescence reaction. Finally, we expressed this mutated lux operon in Escherichia coli but observed that the in vivo concentrations of ATP and NADPH limited the enzyme activity; thus, we conclude that the luminous intensity mainly depends on the level of metabolic energy.

Effect of β-Mannanase Supplementation on Growth Performance, Ileal Digestibility, Carcass Traits, Intestinal Morphology, and Meat Quality in Broilers Fed Low-ME Diets.

Simple Summaryβ-mannans, an example of non-starch polysaccharides, is one of the important anti-nutritional factors found in many leguminous feedstuffs used as raw material in poultry feed formulation. β-mannans bind to nutrients, reduce their bioavailability, and also increase the viscosity of intestinal digesta, which prevents the proper mixing of enzymes with digesta and affects the digestibility of nutrients. All these conditions ultimately reduce the growth performance of poultry birds. So, the objective of present study was to lower the effect of β-mannans by using β-mannanase in broiler diets. Results suggested that β-mannanase supplementation improved the intestinal morphology, which helped to increase the dry matter and crude fiber digestibility in broilers fed low energy diets. In addition, growth performance of broilers was not affected by reducing dietary energy levels with added β-mannanase than the Control group. Similarly, carcass traits were not affected by decreasing dietary energy levels with supplementation of β-mannanase. In conclusion, it could be stated that a low caloric diet with added β-mannanase had no negative effect on growth performance and carcass characteristics; however, it improved the dry matter and crude fiber digestibility.Experiment was designed to analyze the effect of low caloric diets, supplemented with β-mannanase on growth performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and other parameters in broilers. In this study, 400 broiler chicks were randomly divided into four treatments (Cont: without β-mannanase; LM-30, MM-60, and HM-90: supplemented with 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg β-mannanase, respectively). Dietary metabolizable energy (ME) in Cont was standard (starter diet 3100 kcal/kg; finisher diet 3200 kcal/kg) and reduced by 30, 60, and 90 kcal/kg, correspondingly in β-mannanase-supplemented treatments. The results exhibited that growth performance was not affected by reducing dietary energy levels with supplementation of β-mannanase. Ileal digestibility of DM and CF was improved (p < 0.01) by supplementation of β-mannanase at low dietary ME levels. Concerning carcass traits, the relative weight of breast meat, drumstick, and abdominal fat increased (p < 0.05) with β-mannanase supplementation in low-ME diets. Treatment HM-90 showed significantly (p < 0.05) better results regarding villus height and VH:CD. It could be concluded from the present results that supplementation of β-mannanase could improve the nutrient digestibility so that it is possible to reduce the dietary energy level without compromising production performance, carcass trails, and meat quality in broilers.

Effect of Exogenous Enzymes Cocktail on Performance, Carcass Traits, Biochemical Metabolites, Intestinal Morphology, and Nutrient Digestibility of Broilers Fed Normal and Low-Energy Corn-Soybean Diets.

Simple SummaryCorn and soybean meal (SBM) are the principal sources of energy and protein in poultry feed, respectively. Decreasing feed cost per unit of production and increasing the nutritional value of feed ingredients like corn and SBM are continuous concerns for poultry producers. Corn and SBM-based diets are incompletely digested by poultry due to the presence of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs), which can obstruct the processes of nutrient digestion and absorption. Poultry does not own endogenous enzymes capable of digesting NSPs. The use of enzyme cocktails (EC) and dietary energy sources are essential topics in the poultry industry because they could enhance nutrient utilization by reducing the harmful effects of NSPs. Therefore, evaluating the efficacy of EC that may improve the feeding value of corn–SBM diets warrants attention. The efficacy of two doses of an EC with multiple enzymatic activities at two levels of dietary metabolizable energy (ME) on the performance of broilers fed corn and SBM-based diets up to 35 days was evaluated. Our results indicate that adequately adjusting dietary ME and using the EC with xylanases, β-glucanases, cellulases, proteases, pectinases, and debranching enzymes activities could enhance the nitrogen-corrected apparent ME of corn and SBMbased diets for broiler chickens and potentially offer economic advantages to producers.Ross 308 broilers in a randomized complete block design with a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement (four treatments with 12 replications of six chicks each) were fed corn and SBMbased diets with two concentrations of metabolizable energy (ME) (normal (positive control, PC) and low (negative control, NC)) and two amounts of enzyme cocktail (EC) (0% and 0.005%) for 35 days. Performance, carcass traits, serum metabolites, ileal histology, and apparent nutrient digestibility were evaluated. Compared with the non-supplemented diet, the use of EC improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) over 26–35 and 0–35 days (p < 0.01), European performance efficiency factor (EPEF) over 26–35 days (p < 0.05), dressing yield (p < 0.01), villus height (p < 0.05), nitrogen-corrected apparent ME (AMEn) (p < 0.01), and serum glucose (p < 0.05). Compared with the NC diet, feeding the PC diet improved FCR over all experimental periods (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, and p < 0.01, respectively), EPEF over 0–10 days (p < 0.05), and AMEn retention (p < 0.01). To conclude, the AMEn of broilers fed corn and SBM diets could be improved by adequately adjusting dietary ME and using a cocktail of non-starch polysaccharide-degrading enzymes, improving commercial benefits to producers.

The Effect of Crude Protein and Metabolizable Energy Levels on the Growth Performance of Hungarian Bronze Turkeys Adapted in Tra Vinh Province, Vietnam

A total of 270 Hungarian Bronze turkeys were put in a three x three factorial designs to determine the effect of crude protein (CP) and metabolizable energy (ME) on turkeys raised in Tra Vinh province. The first factor was CP, with three levels of 17, 19 and 21%. The second factor was ME, with three levels of 2600, 2800 and 3000 kcal/kg. The birds were fed and watered ad libitum throughout the experiment. The results showed that CP and ME had a positive effect on growth performance of turkeys, particularly the final live weight, feed intake, daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio (P&lt;0.01). The best growth performance was observed in turkeys from the treatment of 21% CP and 2800 kcal/kg ME. At the age of 8 weeks, the highest final live weight of turkeys was 1570.1 g (21% CP) and 1485.7 g (2800 kcal/kg ME). Meanwhile, the best recorded FCR was 2.42 kg/kg (21% CP) and 2.48 kg/kg (2800 kcal/kg) (P&lt;0.05). There was no significant interaction effect of CP and ME on any examined parameters. It can be concluded that Hungarian bronze turkeys rearing in Tra Vinh province achieved best performance with a diet of 21% CP and 2800 kcal/kg during the period of 4 to 8 weeks of age.

Assessment of Nutritional and Bioactive Components of Garcinia kola Chips

Garcinia kola otherwise known as bitter kola has been used in traditional African medicine for centuries, and is considered to havemany beneficial properties. The study was aimed at assessing the nutritional and bioactive components of bitter kola chips. Freshlyharvested seeds of Garcinia kola were purchased from local markets in Ado Ekiti, Nigeria. The seeds were thoroughly washed with cleanwater, de-husked, sliced and fast-dried at room temperature under high air current, to obtain bitter kola chips. The dried bitter kolachips were ground into fine powder using an electric blender. The fine powder was then analysed for its proximate, minerals, vitamins,phytochemicals and essential oil content. The results showed low moisture content (8.47 %), moderate levels of protein (12.7 %), fat(6.27 %), ash (7.47 %) and crude fibre (6.27 %), as well as very high levels of carbohydrate (58.77 %) and metabolizable energy (3000Kcal/Kg). The micronutrients present in bitter kola consists of Fe2+, Zn2+, Mg2+, Ca2+, K+, PO3-, ascorbic acid, thiamine, niacin, andriboflavin at concentrations of 9.37, 0.23, 23.33, 238.33, 26.67, 323.33, 18.23, 0.27, 0.13 and 0.60 mg/100g respectively. The bitter kolachips contained high levels of alkaloids (628.33±10.41 mg/100g), saponins (161.67±7.64 mg/100g), and tannins (233.33±7.64 mg/100g);moderate levels of flavonoids (58.33±5.41 mg/100g), phytates (63.33±2.89), oxalates (90.00±5.00) and oxygen radical absorption capacity(13.23±0.25); while the anti-protease activity and cyanogenic glycosides levels were very low. GCMS analysis of the oil components of G.kola chips showed the presence of molecules such as Trichloroacetic acid, Ar-tumerone, Tumerone, which are of significant importanceto human health. Sensory evaluation showed high preference for the bitter kola chips than the fresh seeds.

Influence of multienzyme additives and humic substances on the structure of the glandular part of the stomach of broiler chickens

Purpose of research was to study the effect of enzyme supplements and humic substances on the histostructure of the glandular part of the stomach of broiler chickens.Materials and methods. The experiment lasted 49 days. In the first 4 weeks, the level of metabolic energy in the diet was 10 kcal per 100 g of feed below the recommended level, then until the end of the experiment it was 5 kcal lower. Group 1 received the main diet, balanced in all respects. Group 2 received the enzyme preparation «Kemzaym» 1 g/kg feed. It contained beta-gluconase, cellulase, pentosanase, protease, lipase and alpha-amylase. Group 3 received sodium humate 1 g/kg of feed. Group 4 received both «Kemzyme» (1 g/kg) and sodium humate (1 g/kg) at the same time. Slaughter of chickens was at 28 days and 49 days of age. Samples of the glandular part of the stomach were taken from 5 chickens from the group.Results. The study of the histological picture showed that up to 49 days of age, the development and formation of the structures of the wall of the glandular stomach occurs. This is expressed in an increase in the thickness of the organ wall, mainly due to the submucosal layer. The use of «Kemzaym» continuously during the entire cultivation leads to a decrease in the thickness of the entire wall of the organ and inhibition of the development of the submucosa. There is also an irritating effect of the drug on the mucous membrane. In the first period, this is expressed in a decrease in the height of the mucosa, foci of violation of the integrity of the epithelium, atrophy of the glands of the mucosa and lymphocytic infiltration of the lamina propria are observed. In the second period, this is expressed in an increase in the thickness of the mucosa in the absence of destructive changes in its histological picture. Such a reaction of the structures can be considered as an adaptation of the stomach wall. The use of sodium humate in the first period leads to an increase in the thickness of the submucosa. No negative effect on the structures of the mucosa was found during this period. In the second period, this additive causes a decrease in the thickness of the submucosa. During this period, an increase in the layer of the mucous membrane is observed without destructive changes in its structure. The combined use of sodium humate and the enzyme complex does not have a positive effect on the wall of the glandular stomach.Conclusion. Studies have shown that long-term continuous use of enzyme supplements leads to a decrease in the production of the stomach's own enzymes. The use of sodium humate has a positive effect only in the first period, which indicates that the body is getting used to this additive.

Sunflower Meal Inclusion Rate and the Effect of Exogenous Enzymes on Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens.

Simple SummaryOver the years, there has been an increase in the price of traditionally used protein sources such as soybean meal (SBM) in broiler feed. This has necessitated the need for alternative protein sources that can partially substitute the SBM protein and reduce the cost of feeding. Sunflower meal (SFM), a by-product from the oil processing industry, is available in significantly high quantities throughout the year at lower cost. SFM can be produced in drought-stricken places with good harvest and is less prone to fungal infestation. Although SFM has protein levels ranging between 32 and 37 percent, its inclusion levels in broiler diets have been limited to 5% due to high concentration of non-starch polysaccharides, low metabolizable energy and lysine levels. This presents challenges in feed manufacturing, since composition depends on the amount of oil extracted and retained hulls, with effects on the digestive efficiency of broiler chicks, especially in the first 21 d of growth. The use of multi-enzymes that target specific substrates in SFM can potentially allow an increase in its inclusion levels, thereby reducing the deleterious anti-nutritional effects from non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs). Additionally, multienzyme supplementation can result in flock uniformity and environmental pollution reduction due to less nutrient loss in manure.The study examined the effect of de-hulled sunflower meal (SFM) inclusion rate and exogenous enzymes (EE) on broilers production performance. A four-feeding phase of pre-starter (1–9 d), grower (10–20 d), finisher (21–28 d) and post-finisher (29–35 d) was used with SFM included as low (BSL) and high (BSH) in all phases. BLS inclusion was 3% throughout phases and BSH inclusion was 7.5%, 10%, 13% and 13.5% for the 4-phases. Each SFM had a negative control (NC) (BSL− and BSH−) and positive (PC) (BSL+ and BSH+) control with additional 80 kcal Apparent Metabolizable Energy. Enzymes: xylanase (X), xylanase + beta-glucanase (XB), xylanase + beta-glucanase + protease (XBP) and xylanase + amylase + protease (XAP) were added to the NC and PC to give 6 treatments. Pen body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) were determined at 9, 20, 28 and 35 d and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was calculated accordingly. Diets were fed ad libitum to 1920 male Ross 308 broilers. Diet type, enzyme and diet by enzyme interactions were not significantly different amongst treatment diets. During the pre-starter and the grower phase, all studied parameters did not significantly differ from each other. All studied parameters were significantly influenced by enzyme addition and diet-type and enzyme interaction at 35 d except for diet type on FCR. Broilers fed BSH supplemented with XAP recorded the highest BWG (2.69 kg), whereas broiler chickens on BSL and supplemented with XBP recorded the lowest BWG (2.60 kg). SFM can be increased to 13% and 13.5% finisher and post-finisher diets without negatively affecting performance, and X and XAP enzymes can improve BWG of broilers grown to 35 d.

Dietary energy influences ovarian morphology and in vitro maturation of oocytes in goats

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to determine the effects of dietary energy levels on follicular development and in vitro maturation of oocytes in pre-pubertal goats. Thirty-six female six-month-old stall-fed Black Bengal goats were divided into three equal groups that were randomly assigned to receive three iso-nitrogenous diets containing different levels of metabolizable energy (8.67, 10.20, and 11.73 MJ/kg DM). After 150 days of rearing, the weight, length and width of the ovaries increased significantly in medium and high levels of dietary energy groups than in the low-energy group. Medium and high-energy levels in the diet significantly increased the number of visible antral follicles and large antral follicles than the low level of dietary energy. The number of antral follicles per ovary was higher in high-energy fed goats than medium- and low-energy groups. The low-energy group showed more non-growing primordial follicles and degenerated follicles than the other groups. The medium- and high-dietary energy levels significantly increased the maturation rate of oocytes to metaphase II than the low-energy group. These results reveal that the level of dietary energy positively influences follicular development and meiotic competence of goat oocytes.

Productive Performance of Mexican Creole Pullets and Immature Males Fed Different Levels of Metabolizable Energy and Crude Protein

Mexican Creole birds are a poorly researched genetic resource whose nutritional requirements are unknown. The objective was to evaluate the productive performance and nutrient use efficiency of Mexican Creole birds, using four diets with different concentrations of metabolizable energy (EM, MJ/kg) and crude protein (PC, g/kg). The experimental diets with constant ME/CP ratios equal to 0.06, were: 12.55/200, 11.92/190, 11.30/180 and 10.67/170. One hundred and ninety-two 12-week-old creole birds (96 males and 96 females) were randomly distributed amongst the diets (24 males and 24 females each). Due to the diet × sex interaction, males fed the 10.67/170 diet had higher feed intake, and males under 10.67/170, 11.92/190 and 11.30/180 had higher final body weight and weight gain than the other birds. Feed conversion ratio was lower in birds with diets 12.55/200 and 11.92/190. Total body fat retention was higher in females with the diet 12.55/200, 11.92/190 and 11.30/180. In conclusion, males with the 10.67/170 (lowest ME and CP) diet showed a high productive performance, without compromising carcase yield and body composition, while females with all diets did not show differences in productive performance, carcass yield and body composition.

Effect of energy and dose of vitamin E selenium on improving the reproduction performance of Joper brood stock

Production performance in Joper broodstock can be improved through increased feed energy and vitamin E-selenium supplementation. This study used 400 laying hens Isa Brown aged 35 weeks and 15 Sentul rooster aged 68 weeks. This study used a factorial completely randomized design with 2 factors, namely metabolic energy levels (2,700 and 2,800 kcal/kg) and vitamin E-selenium supplementation doses (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 ppm) where each treatment used 10 laying hens and repeated 4 times. The dose of selenium is 0.001 ppm/mg vitamin E. The energy level has a very significant effect (P &lt; 0.01) on (feed, protein and energy) intake and HDP. The dose level of vitamin E- selenium in feed had a very significant effect (P &lt; 0.01) on HDP and significant (P &lt; 0.05) on (feed, protein and energy) intake and FCR. The interaction between the two has a very significant effect (P &lt; 0.01) on HDP. The average feed intake 113-115 g/day, protein intake 21.90-22.20 g/day and energy intake 308-317 kcal/bird. HDP 76.70-83.00%. The conclusion of this study is that feed with metabolic energy of 2800kcal/kg and vitamin E-selenium supplementation at a dose of 100 ppm can improve the productivity of Joper broodstock.

Dietary net energy mainly affects growth performance and pork quality of finishing pigs

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of net energy levels in diets for barrows, from 70 to 100 kg, on performance, plasma parameters and carcass characteristics. Two experiments were carried out: in the first (Experiment I), a metabolism assay was carried out to estimate the net energy (NE) of experimental diets. Twelve crossbred barrows, averaging 85.74 ± 6.80 kg initial body weight, were distributed in a randomized block design with two metabolizable energy (ME) levels (3100 and 3500 kcal kg–1) with six replicates and one animal per experimental unit. In the second (Experiment II), 45 castrated male pigs were used, averaging 70.10 ± 1.26 kg of initial body weight distributed in a randomized block design, with five NE levels (2345, 2425, 2505, 2585, 2665 kcal kg–1), nine replicates and one animal per experimental unit. The increase in diet NE levels provided a linear reduction (p ≤ 0.00039) in average daily feed intake (ADFI). There was a quadratic effect on NE efficiency (p ≤ 0.0027), average daily gain (ADG), (p ≤ 0.0352) and the feed:gain ratio (F:G), (p ≤ 0.0024), the optimal levels being estimated at 2485, 2493 and 2533 kcal kg–1, respectively. Drip loss (DL) decreased (p ≤ 0.0001) as NE levels increased. There was also a linear decrease (p ≤ 0.0462) in the Minolta color parameter (+a*), due to the NE levels. Plasma parameters were not affected (p > 0.05) by NE levels. The dietary net energy levels affected the performance and meat quality of finishing pigs and the level of 2493 kcal kg–1 provided the best ADG.

Multienzyme complex in rations containing whole rice bran for newly weaned piglets

Context The feeding of pigs raised in an intensive system has been made, in general, with rations formulated using corn and soybean meal as the main ingredients. Brown rice bran, a by-product of the processing of rice grains for human consumption, presents itself as an alternative for total or partial replacement. Aims The objective of the present study was to observe the effects of including 10% of whole rice bran (WRB), adding 0.02% exogenous multienzyme complex (MC) and changing the levels of metabolisable energy and available phosphorus (ME.aP) together in rations for newly weaned piglets. Methods Digestibility and metabolisability of the rations, as well as zootechnical performance, were evaluated using 24 and 144 animals respectively, distributed in randomised blocks in time, with eight treatments, in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial scheme. Three repetitions were used in the metabolism essay, with one animal housed per cage, and six repetitions were made in the performance test, with three animals per stall, which was considered the experimental unit. Digestibility and metabolisability coefficients, weight gain and feed intake, as well as feed efficiency, were evaluated. Key results The results showed that the inclusion of WRB reduced the digestibility and metabolisability coefficients of the rations, while the addition of MC provided an improvement in these indexes. The performance test showed that the inclusion of WRB worsened (P &lt; 0.05) the feed efficiency. Conclusions and implications The multienzyme complex improves the digestibility and metabolisability of experimental rations, although it does not influence the performance of piglets in the nursery phase.

Lipid profile of subcutaneous fat, growth performance, and carcass characteristics of gilts fed with diets supplemented with ractopamine, organic chromium or subjected to energetic feed restriction

ABSTRACT: This study identified the effects of dietary supplementation with ractopamine, chromium picolinate, chromium yeast, or an energetic feed restriction on the growth performance and lipid profile of subcutaneous fat, in late finishing gilts. Twenty genetically similar gilts with initial body weight of 105.35 ± 4.77 kg and a final body weight of 131.37 ± 5.58 kg were distributed in a completely randomized block design with five treatments (control; ractopamine: 20 ppm; chromium picolinate: 0.48 ppm; chromium yeast: 0.80 ppm; and energetic feed restriction: -150 kcal kg-1 of metabolizable energy), with four replicates of one animal each. The experimental diets were isonutritives, except for the metabolizable energy level of the diet fed to the group subjected to energy restriction. There were no effects on the growth performance and carcass characteristics. Ractopamine and organic chromium (picolinate and yeast) supplementation increased the concentration of total polyunsaturated fatty acid. The proportion of α-linolenic fatty acids were higher when the diets were supplemented with ractopamine or chromium yeast. The energy restriction increased the n-6:n-3 ratio and reduced α-linolenic acid concentration. Therefore, ractopamine, chromium picolinate, chromium yeast supplementation, and energetic feed restriction did not affect the growth performance or carcass characteristics but altered the lipid profile of subcutaneous fat in finishing gilts. Ractopamine and organic chromium supplementation increased PUFA in the fat of finishing female pigs.

The Impact of Genotype and Age on Energy and Protein Utilization in Individually Housed Brown Laying Hens.

Simple SummaryAn investigation into whether the nutrient requirement of egg-laying hens has changed with genotype improvements was conducted. This study compared the response of individually housed laying hens of two different genotypes and ages. The strains used were a heritage breed in mid-lay and a modern breed at peak production. Energy was utilized with the same efficiency by both strains. All hens were able to adjust their feed intake to ensure that their energy requirements were met. The modern strain utilized protein slightly more efficiently than the heritage strain. It is unlikely that the nutrient requirements of modern layer strains have increased. More likely, requirements have decreased because modern hens are lighter and have a lower daily egg output (lay smaller eggs) despite their higher lifetime egg output. Regardless, feeding programs need to be adjusted for economic reasons and depend on achievable feed intakes under particular circumstances.Responses to dietary energy and protein levels were compared between two egg-laying genotypes. Individually housed hens of a historic strain (HS) and a modern strain (MS) were compared. In Experiment 1 (Exp.1), four levels of true metabolizable energy, corrected for zero nitrogen retention (TMEn) and four levels of total lysine, were offered from 30 to 40 weeks of age. In Experiment 2 (Exp.2), three levels of apparent metabolizable energy, corrected for zero nitrogen retention (AMEn) and four levels of standardized ileal digestible lysine (SID Lys), were fed from 20 to 30 weeks of age. A randomized factorial block design (4 × 4 Exp.1 and 3 × 4 Exp.2) was applied. Energy utilization for egg output (EO) did not differ (NS), and both strains maintained a constant kJ intake (NS). The efficiency of SID Lys utilization for EO differed, with the MS being the more efficient (p < 0.034). A single model could be used to predict feed intake, using BW, EO, AMEn and SID Lys (r = 0.716). In conclusion, it is unlikely that the requirements of modern layer strains have increased. However, feeding programs should be adjusted for economic reasons and are dependent upon achievable feed intake under particular circumstances.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PROTEIN AND/OR METABOLIZABLE ENERGY LEVELS IN DIETS FORMULATED BASED ON IDEAL PROTEIN CONCEPT ON PERFORMANCE, EGG PRODUCTION, AND EGG QUALITY TRAITS OF LAYERS DURING PHASE 1 OF EGG PRODUCTION

A comparative study was conducted to determine the impacts of crude protein (CP) reductions in laying hen diets. During phase one of egg production, 270 laying hens were randomly assigned into six dietary treatments, which were replicated three times using a 2 × 3 factorial experiment. Reduced CP and metabolizable energy (ME) diets were formulated based on the ideal amino acid profile concept and supplemented with crystalline amino acids. The control treatment received standard commercial diets containing 18.8% CP and 2,725 kcal/kg ME. Average weight gain, hen day egg production percentage, egg weight, egg mass, and other selected egg quality parameters were recorded. Data were statistically analyzed. Feed consumption and the feed conversion ratio were improved in birds fed reduced CP diets supplemented with crystalline amino acids. The dietary CP level significantly influenced shell thickness (ST), while the dietary ME level had no effect. A highly significant interaction was observed between CP percent and the Haugh unit (HU). Results indicate that the “ideal protein concept” may be followed as an economically feasible option for laying hens since it optimizes the dietary amino acid profiles and ME levels, and have a positive effect on hen growth, egg quality and environmental pollution.

Feeding practices for wild pigs to develop pork processing as value addition in northern region of Vietnam

It is the time we need to explore livestock value chain in wild pigs and wild pork in the Northern region of Vietnam. Thom, B.T., &Huy, D.T.N (2021) stated At present, most pig breeds are selected and raised in accordance with local conditions, especially wild boar and hybrids are very popular with people, the demand for products is increasing day by day. In this paper, the research team selected a selective sampling survey method with a non-random manner with the determination of the sample size in accordance with the data analysis method. It used qualitative analysis with synthesis, inductive methods, references and experience from experts. The results showed that for commercial wild boar farming, the diet has a protein level of 16-14% and a metabolic energy level of 3000-2900 kcal/kg of feed in the diet for growth and fattening stages respectively is the most reasonable, both capable of growth of hybrid wild boar and economically viable in breeding conditions by semi-wild method in ecological conditions of Thai Nguyen. Beside, in recent years, under covid 19 effects, the concept of cycled economy is important to maintain high rate of employment and help the economic growth. Therefore, every stages in wild pigs and pork cycle from input to production and distribution to market need to be in a cycle and can be supported by big corporations.

Metabolizable energy levels in diets with a fixed nutrient: calorie ratio for free-range broilers

The present study proposes to examine the effect of dietary levels of metabolizable energy, under a fixed nutrient:calorie ratio, on the production performance; body fat and protein deposition; and carcass characteristics of free-range broilers from 1 to 84 days of age. Nine hundred unsexed chicks were allocated to six treatments in a completely randomized design with six replicates of 25 birds each. Treatments consisted of diets with varying levels of metabolizable energy (2700, 2800, 2900, 3000, 3100 and 3200 Kcal ME/kg of diet) and a fixed proportion of nutrients relative to the energy level according to the nutritional requirements for each rearing phase. Body weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, production viability, metabolizable energy intake, protein intake, lysine intake, body fat deposition, body protein deposition and carcass characteristics were evaluated. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and, later, to regression analysis. Increasing levels of metabolizable energy, coupled with a fixed nutrient:calorie ratio, reduced feed intake, increased body weight and weight gain, improved feed conversion and did not affect carcass characteristics. In conclusion, adjusting the nutrient supply according to the dietary energy level improves production performance by improving feed conversion, ensuring adequate nutrient intake and preserving fat and protein deposition in the carcass when the metabolizable energy level is raised up to 3200 Kcal/kg in all rearing stages.