Livestock Rations Research Articles

Availability, distribution and quality of agro-industrial byproducts and compound feeds in Ethiopia

Livestock production is a major contributor to the national economy in Ethiopia, of which ruminants, particularly cattle, are the dominant and most important livestock species. Limited supply of quality feeds is a major constraint to the improvement of livestock production in Ethiopia. The expansion of agro-industries in Ethiopia, over the last three decades, has created an opportunity for an increased supply of agro-industrial byproducts as a source of feed for livestock. This study was conducted to assess the availability, distribution, and quality of agro-industrial byproducts and compound feeds in Ethiopia. About 310 flour mill factories, 194 oil factories, 13 brewery factories, 7 sugar factories, 4 malt factories, 2 meat and bone meal processing plants, 8 limestone factories, and 112 feed processing plants were surveyed to assess the availability and distributions of agro-industrial byproducts and compound feeds. A total of 757 feed samples were collected for evaluating nutritional values. The annual production of agro-industrial byproducts ranges from 18,065 tons DM/year (abattoir byproducts) to 3,092,035 tons DM/year (malt byproducts) and the total annual production of the different agro-industrial by-products amounts to 5,245,854 tons DM. The annual production of compound feeds was reported to be 5,812,608 tons DM. All agro-industries are processing under their capacity, ranging from 11.7% in sugar factories to 93% in breweries. Shortage and seasonal fluctuation of supply of raw materials (34.8%), high price and price fluctuations of raw materials (17.5%) and electric power interruptions (17.5%) were the major challenges faced by different agro-industries. The crude protein (CP) concentrations of agro-industrial byproducts ranges from 6.2% in maize grain screening to 15.9% in wheat bran for flour mill byproducts; 28% in cotton seed cake to 49.7% in groundnut cake for oilseed cakes and 14.8% in areqe atela to 24.8% in brewery spent grains for brewery and local distillery byproducts. High protein or energy contents of agro-industrial byproducts indicated their potential to be utilized in intensive livestock rations. Thus, it is necessary to create enabling conditions to allow the existing agro-industries to operate at full capacity and to attract new ones into the business to boost the production and availability of agro-industrial byproducts needed as main inputs to manufacture compound feeds.

OPTIMALISASI KOMPOSISI RANSUM UNGGAS BERBASIS LIMBAH SAWIT

Polutry farming in Central Kalimantan has shown a positive trend in the last 3 years. The increase in chicken farming causes the use of livestock rations to increase. Feeding is the largest contributor to production costs in the chicken farming industry, contributing 70-80% of production costs. The current increase in feed prices means that farmers have to look for new innovations to overcome this problem, where the price of animal feed rations is relatively cheaper and the nutrition obtained by livestock is still achieved. The innovation that can be used is using palm oil waste as a substitute for corn and rice bran. Palm kernel meal (BIS) is a by-product of the palm oil industry where the nutritional content obtained by BIS is very suitable as an alternative animal feed in terms of nutritional content and is easy to obtain at a relatively cheaper price. However, there is no model for formulating animal feed rations. So in this research, a model of animal feed ration formulation was created using the linear programming method to determine the optimal composition for preparing this animal feed ration. The objective function of this model is to minimize the price of animal feed rations. Before the model is used, model verification and validation is carried out which is useful for testing logical suitability and compatibility with the real system. The results of the model that has been created can reduce the cost of producing animal feed rations is 11%, which is the actual condition Rp. 6,800 and the model obtained is Rp. 6,114 where the nutrition obtained is relatively the same as actual conditions. Keywords: Palm Kernel Meal, Production Costs, Nutritional Requirements, Minimization.

PSIV-A-12 Ruminal in vitro digestibility of novel pennycress meal using the Daisy II incubator

Abstract Field pennycress seed has a high oil content, making it valuable for biofuel production. The high protein content of the resulting pennycress meal makes it a potentially valuable protein feedstuff for livestock. However, pennycress meal also contains greater content of fiber, erucic acid, and glucosinolates, which limit its use in livestock rations. Golden pennycress, a novel pennycress, was developed to contain greater oil content and decreased content of fiber, increasing the value of pennycress meal as a potential livestock feed. The objective of this research was to characterize a novel pennycress meal using an in vitro rumen fermentation system. Digestion of golden pennycress (GPC), black-seeded pennycress (BPC), and a total mixed ration (TMR, as the control), was evaluated in vitro using the Daisy II incubator. Each incubation vessel contained 12 filter bags (4 containing GPC, 4 containing BPC, and 4 containing the TMR). Rumen fluid was collected from two cannulated steers and processed according to Ankom procedures; samples were incubated in the rumen fluid inoculum for either 24 or 48 h. Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) of GPC averaged 23% (dry matter basis) and was less than the BCP NDF content (30%, dry matter basis). In vitro true dry matter disappearance (IVTDMD) and in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) were calculated and shown in Table 1. Proc Mixed procedures of SAS were used to identify difference in digestibility. Due to the novelty of golden pennycress, this study appears to be the first that compares ruminal digestibility of pennycress meals, thereby establishing initial data relative to the feeding value of GPC. As the novel pennycress was developed to have a reduced fiber level, the reduced NDF content of GPC over BPC was expected. The significant increase of IVTDMD of GPC compared with BPC at either incubation length suggests increased overall digestibility and improved dry matter utilization of the novel pennycress. Additional research investigating the reduced NDFD of GPC is warranted. As the first study evaluating the use of golden pennycress meal in ruminant diets, this study provides baseline values from which to build additional research projects.

Methane production from locally available ruminant feedstuffs in Ethiopia – An in vitro study

Achieving optimal nutrient composition in locally sourced ruminant feeds is important, but can be challenging in resource-limited production systems. For example, improving the composition of available local feed resources is a key obstacle to efficiently mitigating enteric methane (CH4) emissions in ruminants. This study characterized the nutritional content and in vitro methane (CH4) yield of ruminant feedstuffs accessible in Ethiopia. A survey of 60 experienced farmers in two representative districts in Amhara region, Ethiopia, provided 33 feed samples, which were classified into four ruminant feed categories: Grasses (n=10); indigenous plants (trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants) (n=13); crop residues (n=5); and agro-industrial by-products (n=5). Nutritional composition was assessed by proximate and detergent methods. Methane yield (g CH4/kg feed dry matter (DM)) and total gas yield (L/kg DM) were evaluated using a fully automated in vitro gas production system. A colorimetric assay was conducted to measure condensed tannin content (CT, mg/g) in relevant feeds. Lower crude protein (CP) values were observed for the grass (mean 65.2 g/kg DM) and crop residues (mean 54.5 g/kg DM) categories. Agro-industrial by-products had the highest CP (mean 260 g/kg DM), while indigenous plants exhibited intermediate levels (163 g/kg DM). There was significant variation in CH4 yield (P<0.01) between grasses (12.4–24.7 g/kg DM) indigenous plants (1.8–19.3 g/kg DM), and agro-industrial by-products (8.1–26.9 g/kg DM). The indigenous plant Trifolium acaule gave the lowest in vitro CH4 yield (1.8 g/kg DM). A positive relationship was observed between in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), CH4, and total gas yield. Percentage of CH4 in total gas production varied with feed category (grasses 14.5–19.6%; indigenous plants 3.1–16.9%; crop residues 15.8–20.6%; agro-industrial by-products 12.8–18.7%), and within category, e.g., Trifolium acaule (3.1%), Acacia nilotica L. (7.1%), Ziziphus spina-christi (9.9%), brewer’s spent grains (BSG) (12.8%), local liquor (areki) residues (14.1%), and local beer (tella) residues (15.1%). A negative relationship was observed between CT content and in vitro CH4 yield, with a stronger (P<0.05) correlation for soluble CTs (R2 = 0.46) than cell-bound CTs (R2 = 0.25) and total CTs (R2 = 0.29). Based on methanogenic properties and effects of CTs on in vitro CH4 yield, indigenous plants should be prioritized in ruminant rations in Ethiopia. Making nutritional composition and CH4 data publicly available could help develop environmentally sound, cost-effective rations for ruminant livestock, benefiting local farmers and leading to more sustainable and efficient livestock production in Ethiopia.

Seed production technology of sunflower (Helianthus annuus): An update

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) belonging to the family Asteraceae was introduced in India in 1969 and became one of the important oilseed crops. The oil is used for culinary purpose, preparation of cosmetics etc. Seed production can be taken up in all the three seasons like kharif, rabi and summer. For rainfed conditions June – July and October – November and for irrigated conditions April – May and December – January is suitable for seed production. Sunflower oil is light yellow in colour and possesses good odour, which can be used for a variety of cooking purposes like any other edible oil. Sunflower oil is a rich source of linoleic acid (64%), which helps in washing out of cholesterol deposition in the coronary arteries of theheart, and thus it is good for heart patients. The oil is used for manufacturing hydrogenated oil.Its oil is also used in manufacture of soaps and cosmetics. The sunflower cake contains 40-44% high quality protein. It is ideally suited for poultry and livestock rations. The sunflowerkernels can be eaten raw or roasted. It can also be used for manufacturing baby foods.

Performance Of Balitbangtan Native Chicken With Various Level of Leucaena leucocephala Leaf Flour in Feeds

Feed is the largest production input at the farm, include in native chiken farm. Ingredieent of feed devine in two part, there are as resource energy and resoursce protein. Protein source feed are relatively more expensive than energy source. Lamtoro leaves (Leucaena leucocephala) is a legume source of protein that can grow well in tropical and dry climates. The crude protein content of lamtoro leaf flour can reach above 20% so that it has the potential as a protein source feed ingredient for chicken livestock. This research was conducted to determine the level of proportion of lamtoro leaf meal in chicken feed, in this case the Balitbangtan superior native chicken (KUB) without affecting its performance. The combination of 4 treatments with different proportions of lamtoro leaf meal in the feed, namely P0 = 0%, P1 = 5%, P2 = 10% and P4 = 15%, with each treatment consisting of 3 groups containing 5 KUB chickens aged 4 weeks with initial body weight 247 – 255 g. Length of maintenance/research 8 weeks (up to 12 weeks of age). Parameters observed were feed consumption, final body weight, daily body weight growth, and feed conversion. The results showed that there was no significant difference between treatments (P&gt;0.05) both in the level of feed consumption, daily body weight gain, and feed conversion. It can be concluded that lamtoro leaf flour can be used up to a level of 15% in the grower phase of KUB chicken livestock rations.&#x0D;

IPTEKS BAGI MASYARAKAT KELOMPOK PETERNAK AYAM KAMPUNG PADA PETERNAKAN DI NEGERI RUTONG KOTA AMBON

Native chicken farms can support the community's economy, there are many in rural areas and are generally traditional. Human intervention in maintenance is limited to ownership, housing and limited feed. The negative impact of maintenance like this is low production. Objectives: 1. Increase chicken production, utilize fisheries and agricultural waste (sago dregs, cassava leaves, lamtoro leaves). 2. Increase the knowledge and skills of breeders on how to process feed ingredients and prepare rations. 3. Train and motivate farmers to improve maintenance systems and develop their livestock business. The target of this activity is a group of native chicken breeders (Dasawisma group). The success of this activity is measured through better farmer attention (80%) to the livestock being kept and better production. Treatment results on IbM livestock rations resulted in egg production and egg quality which were 25-40% better, and DOC weight was quite high compared to the extensive method (conventional feed). Groups can have increased knowledge about feed and applicable hatchery technology

Incorporation of local novel feed resources in livestock feed for sustainable food security and circular economy in Africa

In livestock production, feed resources are very crucial, particularly in Africa where food security and sustainable development are major considerations. The incorporation of locally available novel feed resource alternatives can promote circular economy concepts, increase food security, and improve sustainable livestock production. This review attempts to compile the most recent information on the use of locally available novel feed sources found in Africa while assessing their potential benefits for circular economy principles and sustainable livestock production. We conducted a thorough literature search to find appropriate publications that were published between 2010 and 2022. The search was done using keywords relating to local novel feed resources, sustainable development, circular economy, livestock feed, and food security across a number of research databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. After the search and screening, relevant publications were chosen for inclusion based on their applicability to this review design, topicality (Africa), and regional focus. This review discovered a wide range of locally available novel feed resources, such as native plants, agricultural byproducts, food processing byproducts, and weeds, all of which have the potential to serve as alternative supplements or substitute feed sources for livestock. These resources frequently have a good nutritional composition and advantageous phytochemicals and can be obtained locally, decreasing reliance on foreign feed components. By exploiting locally accessible resources, the inclusion of these materials in livestock feed has significant potential to enhance livestock performance, lower production costs, and promote circular economy concepts in Africa. African countries' sustainable food security and circular economies stand to gain significantly from the use of locally available novel feed resources in livestock feed. However, further investigation is required to determine their nutritional worth, safety, and the best inclusion rates in livestock rations. For their implementation to be effective, it will also be essential to comprehend the socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental elements impacting their adoption. This review offers a thorough synthesis of the body of research, emphasizing the value of locally available novel feed sources in improving the production of livestock and advancing Africa's sustainable development targets.

Proximate Analysis of Unconventional Feed Available in Boalkhali Upazila, Chattogram

The study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional status of unconventional feed resources (UCFR) available in the Chattogram district. Unconventional feed resources refer to all those feeds that have not been traditionally used in another feeding and or are not normally used in commercially produced rations for livestock and poultry. A total of four tree leaves namely Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), Mango (Mangifera indica), Banyan (Ficus benghalensis), and Mandar (Erythrina fusca) were considered for proximate analysis in the Animal Nutrition Laboratory, Department of Animal Science and Nutrition, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Bangladesh. The laboratory analysis was performed according to the standard analytical procedure of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The results indicated that the highest Dry mater (DM %) was in Jackfruits leaves whereas the lowest Dry matter (DM %) was in Mandar leaves. The highest Moisture % was in Mandar leaves whereas the lowest Moisture % was in Jackfruits leaves. The highest Crude protein (CP %) was in Mandar leaves whereas the lowest Crude protein (CP %) was in Mango leaves. The highest Crude fiber (CF %) was in Mandar leaves whereas the lowest Crude fiber (CF %) was in Banyan leaves. The highest Ether extract (EE%) was in Mango leaves whereas the lowest Ether extract (EE%) was in Jackfruit leaves and the highest Total Ash (TA%) was in Banyan leaves whereas the lowest Total Ash (TA%) was in Mandar leaves. In conclusion, the nutritional status of all tree leaves showed a higher Crude protein, Crude fiber, Ether extract, and Total Ash content. Therefore, these tree leaves can be used as a potential source of nutrients in livestock and poultry feed as well.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Mineral Mixture on Milk Yield in Crossbred Dairy Cows

The present front line demonstration (FLD) was laid to assess the impact of supplementing mineral mixture in livestock ration on milk production and subsequent monetary gains. A sample size of 23 dairy cows with average daily yield of 10.75 litres was selected for laying the demonstration. The mineral mixture supplementation over a period of 120 days increased milk production on an average by 1.45 (13.48%) liters per day, fetching an additional income of 1092 Indian rupees per month per animal to the farmer. The results indicate that dietary supplementation of mineral mixture enhance the milk production of dairy animals and help in improving the socio-economic condition of the farmers to some extent.

The cost of diversity in livestock feed rations.

This study investigates the financial cost of increasing the diversity of cereal grains in livestock feed rations. We first develop a nonlinear mathematical programming model that determines the least-cost composition of livestock feed rations of one metric ton that have at least the same energy and nutrient content as a reference feed ration. We then add into the model a diversity constraint using the Simpson Index of diversity to examine how changes in the diversity of the commodities in the ration affect the cost of the ration while maintaining the ration's energy and nutrient content at a reference ration value. We apply the model to cereal grain feed rations for livestock in 153 countries, using reference rations that depict the historical composition of cereal grain feed rations offered to livestock in each country. Results suggest that a one percent change in ration diversity changed the ration cost (i.e., the cost-diversity elasticity) from -0.67% to 1.41% (average = -0.02%) across all countries. Our results suggest that changes in ration diversity can come at a financial cost, but this financial cost appears negligible in many countries. This negligible cost could provide the feed sector more encouragement to diversify its feed supply and potentially become more resilient to price and production shocks.

Nutritional evaluation of different rice (Oryza sativa) straw of bio-fortified varieties, bio-fortified breeding lines and breeding lines

A total of 13 varieties of rice straw including eight biofortified varieties (BFV), two bio-fortified breeding lines (BBL), two breeding lines (BL) and one check variety of rice straw were subjected to straw quality evaluation. The Straw CP was negatively correlated with CF of straw and positively correlated with Iron and zinc content of brown rice and zinc content of polished rice. CF of rice straw was negatively correlated with important plant breeding parameters such as single plant dry weight, flag leaf length, iron content of brown rice, zinc content of both brown and polished rice. Improved bio-fortified breeding lines had more zinc than bio-fortified varieties indicating further scope of improvement of zinc content in straw. In vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) ranged from 37.9 in DRR Dhan 45 to 49.6 in DRR Dhan49 with an average of 43.0 in different bio-fortified varieties. Thus, the straw obtained from different bio-fortified crops is valuable feed item which needs to be utilized in livestock rations.

Mineral Composition of Local Salt Licks (Toka) in Adamawa State, Nigeria

The objective of the study was to determine some mineral composition of local salt licks (Toka) produced from crop residues in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Five (5) local salt blocks made from Maize cobs, Beni-seed straws, Sorghum stover, Cowpea husk and Maize stover were analyzed. The mineral contents were analyzed using Triple Acid Digestion Methods (TADM). The results showed that, local salt licks produced from crop residues majorly contained seven (7) macro-minerals namely: sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), chlorine (Cl), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) and ten (10) micro minerals or trace elements namely: iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iodine (I), molybdenum (Mo), cobalt (Co), selenium (Se), fluorine (Fl) and chromium (Cr). The results further showed that, the local salt licks produced from crop residues had little or no heavy metals. All livestock require some percentage of mineral elements for cellular respiration, nervous system development, protein synthesis, metabolism and reproductive purposes. Macro and micro elements are important components of livestock ration which aid in the prevention of mineral deficiencies. Therefore, the local salt licks produced from crop residues could be used as mineral supplements to improve palatability and acceptability in animal feeds thereby, increasing sustainable livestock performance and productivity in the region. This could also conveniently substitute the un-sustainable imported, highly expensive mineral licks used for livestock production in the state and Nigeria as a whole.

Selenium Concentrations in Southeastern Missouri Soils and Its Impact on Livestock Nutrition

Selenium is a trace element in animal nutrition provided through forage. Vegetation should accumulate adequate levels to meet this livestock requirement. This study assessed southeastern Missouri soils for their selenium concentrations. Multiple sites across southeastern Missouri were sampled, from which a total of twenty-six soils were collected. Parent materials ranged from coarse to fine-textured alluvium and terrace deposits, colluvium, loess, limestone residuum and rhyolite residuum from poor to well-drained soils. The mean whole soil selenium contents ranged from less than 0.1 mg Se kg-1 for the Kaintuck pedons to 1.0, 2.2, and 2.4 mg Se kg-1 for the Irondale, Killarney, and Frenchmill pedons. For individual soils, Menfro pedons were deep, well-drained soils developed in loess. Paired Menfro pedons having similar soil morphology and having A-E-BE-Bt-C horizon sequences were selected and the greatest selenium concentrations were in the argillic horizons. Soils having fine textures (clayey) had moderate selenium concentrations, whereas soils having coarse textures (sandy) revealed minimal selenium concentrations. A wide soil selenium concentration variation was shown; however, no toxic selenium levels were measured. Therefore, soil selenium toxicity is not a regional issue. Noting that soil selenium concentrations in medium to fine-textured soils are appropriate for providing selenium to livestock, the need to artificially soil incorporate selenium or add selenium into the livestock ration remains critical for coarse-textured soils.

Chemical composition of snail offal waste from Giant African Land Snail as animal protein source in aquaculture nutrition

Snail meat is a relished delicacy for its nutritional and health benefits all over the world while its production and consumption has increased tremendously with the attendant waste generated from snail processing. Information is scanty on Snail Offal Waste (SOW) composition and nutritional value. SOW was analysed for its nutritional contents according to standard methods. The offal waste of African giant land snails (Archachatina marginata; Achatina achatina) proximate composition revealed a crude protein of 43.78±0.07, fat 24.61±0.01, ash 8.48±0.00, moisture content 6.73±0.06, fibre content 1.79±0.02 and NFE 16.49±0.03. The mineral content analysed were for macro mineral P 10.73g/kg, Ca 9.95g/kg, Mg 7.76g/kg, K 5.40g/kg, Na 1.71g/kg while micro mineral were low Mn 0.80g/kg, Fe 0.39g/kg, Zn 0.38g/kg and Cu 0.07g/kg. Amino acid profile analysis revealed samples to contain methionine, 2.19g/100g; Lysine, 4.56g/100g and tryptophan, 1.05g/100g. Glutamic acid was the highest (12.57g/100g) and cysteine the lowest (0.90g/100g). Snail offal waste can be utilised as feedstuff ingredient that furnishes essential nutrients in livestock ration to replace other expensive animal protein sources.

Nutritive Value Variation of Paunch Manure as an Alternative Feed Ingredient.

Simple SummarySustainable livestock production is a benchmark for advancements in animal nutrition. Recovery of nutrients from products currently disposed of provides a potential solution to this mandate. Paunch manure is a potential novel feed ingredient comprised of digested feedstuffs at different stages of degradation, saliva, microorganisms, and products of fermentation. Thus, our objective was to determine the variability in nutritive values of dried paunch manure collected from harvested cattle. Animal-to-animal variation accounted for 30% to 75% of the variance in all measures of nutritive value. We believe that dried paunch manure may be a viable feed ingredient for inclusion in livestock rations, but a centralized composting system may be necessary to increase consistency.Ruminants, which have multi-compartmented stomachs, are adapted to digest cellulosic materials, which constitute the primary expense on ranches and dairies. Industrial byproducts can be repurposed for livestock diets to decrease these costs. Therefore, finding alternative feedstuffs may benefit the economics of livestock production. The goal of this project was to evaluate the variation in nutritive value of ruminal waste as a potential feedstuff. Twelve paunch samples were collected from individual cattle across multiple harvest dates at the Tarleton State University Meat Laboratory, Stephenville, TX. Samples were dried and assayed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), sequential neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL), and physically-effective fiber (peNDF). Samples were subjected to batch-culture in vitro digestibility assays for the determination of digestibility coefficients. Mean NDF, ADF, ADL, CP and peNDF concentrations were 681, 399, 109, 150, and 387 g kg−1 DM, respectively. Contribution to variance from sample for NDF, ADF, ADL, CP, and peNDF were 75.3, 41.9, 33.0, 51.2, and 71.3%, respectively. In vitro true digestibility (IVTD) and in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD) were recorded as 462 and 216 g kg−1 DM, respectively. Contribution to variation of sample for IVTD and IVNDFD were 31.0 and 30.7%, respectively. Results indicate that rumen waste harvested from abattoirs may be useful for sustainable livestock production, while reducing environmental threats posed by disposal, but the viability of the product is highly dependent on the source animal. For full viability of application in a sustainable system, a centralized receiving and compositing system may be useful for developing a consistent product.

Nutritive Value Variation and In Vitro Digestibility of Hempseed Meal.

Simple SummaryWhile there have been international studies on hemp as a livestock feed source, information is limited in the U.S.A. Hempseed meal, the byproduct of oil production, is relatively unexplored. Our research focused on determining variability among hemp seed meal sources and batches within sources, through chemical analysis and in vitro digestibility of samples. Our research found nutritive value variability among batches, but not sources, of hempseed meal. In vitro digestibility only slightly decreased when hempseed meal was included at increasing percentages as a protein replacement in the ration. These data indicate that hempseed meal may be an effective source of crude protein for inclusion in ruminant livestock rations. Hempseed meal (HSM) is left after oil extraction of hemp and may act as a protein source in livestock. The first phase of this research evaluated variation in nutritive value and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of HSM from various sources in North America; the second phase utilized IVDMD to evaluate the efficacy of hempseed meal as an ingredient in ruminant feed. In phase one, the source had no contribution to variance for neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), or crude protein (CP) (p ≥ 0.20). However, batch within source contributed to variation for NDF (50%), ADF (37%), ADL (13%), and CP (31%; p ≤ 0.01). Irrespective of differences in nutritive value, there was no contribution to variation (p = 0.23) of any measured response on in vitro true digestibility (53.0%). In phase two, two experiments evaluated HSM IVDMD as (1) a concentrate replacement or (2) a protein replacement in rations at varying rates. In the first experiment, IVDMD decreased (p < 0.05) with increasing levels of HSM. In the second experiment, IVDMD decreased (p < 0.01) as HSM inclusion increased. Although IVDMD decreased as HSM inclusion increased, values still met the digestibility threshold for ruminant rations, indicating that HSM has potential as an alternative protein ingredient.

Effect of Tenebrio molitor larvae meal on the antioxidant status and stress response pathways in tissues of growing pigs

ABSTRACT Insect meal (IM) produced from edible insects, such as Tenebrio molitor, has been recognised as a potentially suitable protein component in feeding rations for monogastric livestock. While several studies with broilers have shown that animal´s health is not negatively affected by IM, less is known with regard to the influence of IM on metabolism of pigs. The present study investigates whether IM from Tenebrio molitor larvae causes oxidative stress and activates oxidative stress-sensitive signalling pathways in key metabolic tissues of pigs. To address this question, male 5-week-old crossbred pigs were randomly assigned to three groups of 10 pigs each and fed nutrient-adequate, isonitrogenous diets either without (CON) or with 5% IM or 10% IM from Tenebrio molitor larvae for 4 weeks. Concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, tocopherols and glutathione in liver, gastrocnemius muscle and/or plasma did not differ between groups. Activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the liver and of GPX and SOD in gastrocnemius muscle were not different between groups, whereas the activity of CAT in skeletal muscle was increased in the two IM-fed groups compared to group CON (p < 0.05). The mRNA levels of most of the target genes of oxidative stress-sensitive signalling pathways, such as nuclear factor-κB, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced unfolded protein response, in liver and gastrocnemius muscle did not differ between the three groups. The present study shows that feeding a diet containing adequate levels of antioxidants, such as vitamin E and selenium, and Tenebrio molitor larvae meal as a protein component neither causes oxidative stress nor activates oxidative stress-sensitive signalling pathways in key metabolic tissues of growing pigs. Based on these observations, IM from Tenebrio molitor larvae can be regarded as a safe source of protein in growing pigs.

Blood chemistry and carcass characteristics of finisher broiler chickens fed Malted Sorghum sprout (MSP) or Wheat-offal based diets supplemented with yeast culture and enzyme

This experiment was conducted to determine the blood chemistry and carcass characteristics of broilers fed malted sorghum sprouts (MSP) or wheat offal (W/O)-based diets supplemented with yeast culture and enzyme. A total of two hundred and forty 28-day old, Marshal Broiler chickens used for the experiment were randomly allotted to 8 dietary treatment groups of 30 birds each. Each treatment group was replicated thrice with 10 birds per replicate. Data on selected blood indices and carcass traits of the birds were collected during the course of the feeding trial that lasted for 4 weeks. The experiment was a 2X4 factorial consisting of two (2) test ingredients (MSP and wheat offal) at 4 inclusion levels of enzyme or yeast (0g kg-1, +0.01gkg-1 yeast and Roxazyme G2(G) enzyme, +0.01gkg-1 yeast ,+ Roxazyme G2(G) enzyme. At the end of the trial, the effect of MSP and wheat offal inclusion showed a significant effect (P&lt;0.05) for uric acid, WBC, Total protein, albumin and globulin. However, uric acid, total protein, Albumin and Globulin were highest for wheat offal diet. Furthermore, the results show that values obtained for white blood cell, uric acid, total protein, albumin, globulin, creatinine, ALT&amp; AST were significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected by the enzyme, yeast and their combination. The carcass results show that none of the parameters measured differed significantly. In conclusion, supplementation with yeast + enzyme improves total protein, albumin and globulin. Meanwhile, it reduced concentrations of uric acid, ALT and AST by broiler chickens. Therefore MSP diet should be supplemented with yeast+ enzyme or enzyme singly to improve Livestock ration for better utilisation.

EFFECT OF DIETARY HERBAL ESSENTIAL OILS ON THE PERFORMANCE AND MEAT QUALITY OF FEMALE TURKEYS BROILERS

During the last years, the addition of essential oils to livestock rations became increasingly popular. Numerous studies have proved the antibacterial properties of herbal essential oils (ЕО) along with antioxidant, anticarcinogenic and digestive properties. They are also used as growth promoters of livestock. With this regard, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect from addition of 0.01% essential oils (EO) from Matricaria chamomilla; Rosmarinus officinalis; Lavandula angustifolia; Origanum vulgare; Thymus vulgaris; Hypericum perforatum to the feed of turkey broilers on live body weight, feed consumption, slaughter traits, fatty acid content and meat quality. Female turkey broilers, were divided into 7 groups of 15 birds in each after being weighed and labelled (each group comprised 3 subgroups of 5 birds). Groups were one control (С) and six experimental (Т1, Т2, Т3, Т4, Т5, Т6). The control (С) group of turkeys received feed according to the requirements of their age without herbal essential oils. The experimental groups received the same diet supplemented as followed: group Т1- 0.01% EO from Matricaria chamomilla; Т2- 0.01% EO from Rosmarinus officinalis; Т3- 0.01% EO from Lavandula angustifolia; Т4-0.01% EO from Origanum vulgare; Т5- 0.01% EO from Thymus vulgaris; Т6- 0.01% EO from Hypericum perforatum). The addition of 0.01% ЕО of abovementioned herbs influences breast and thigh meat pH measured at 24th post mortem hour (pH24) (Р&lt;0.05). The highest value L* in breast meat was demonstrated in birds supplemented with EO from Lavandula angustifolia (T3) and lowest L* in group T5 at (Р&lt;0.05). The highest value L* in thigh meat was measured in birds from group Т2 (ЕО from Rosmarinus officinalis) and the lowest- in group Т5 (ЕО from Thymus vulgaris). The redness (a*) and yellowness (b*) of breast meat did not differ significantly among the groups (Р&gt;0.05), yet a* and b* values showed considerable differences in thigh meat (Р&lt;0.05). The dietary EO also had an effect on thigh meat L*, a* and b* - parameters of meat colour. Cooking loss % of breast meat was the highest in the control group- 35.12% and the lowest in group Т5 (Thymus vulgaris EO) - 23.69% and group Т6 (Hypericum perforatum EO) - 24.78% (Р&lt;0.001). The addition of herbal ЕО to the ration of turkey broilers did not influence the content of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid, ά-linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid) of breast and thigh meat of birds from experimental groups.