Losses Of Crude Protein Research Articles

Prediction models for basal endogenous losses of crude protein and amino acids in pigs.

The objectives were to validate a previously published equation for estimating basal endogenous losses (BEL) of crude protein (CP) in pigs fed nitrogen-free diets and to develop prediction equations for BEL of CP and amino acids (AA). A total of 139 observations from 123 experiments in 117 papers that determined the BEL of CP and AA in pigs were collected. For the validation of the previous equation for the BEL of CP, 94 observations that were not used for developing the previous equation were used. All observations were used to develop novel equations for estimating BEL of CP in pigs based on the initial body weight (IBW). The validation study indicated that the slope for BEL of CP, representing a linear bias, was less than zero (-0.56; standard error [SE] = 0.130; p<0.001). The intercept for BEL of CP, representing a mean bias, was less than zero (-3.21; SE = 0.488; p<0.001). The models for estimating BEL of CP (g/kg dry matter intake) in pigs fed a nitrogen-free diet were developed: 20.36-0.077×IBW with R2 = 0.11 and p<0.001 and 20.80×e(-0.00475×IBW) with R2 = 0.12 and p<0.001. Novel linear models for estimating BEL of AA were developed using BEL of CP as the independent variable. The accuracy of the previous equation for estimating BEL of CP in pigs has been improved by reflecting additional data from recent publications. In the novel linear models for estimating BEL of AA of pigs, BEL of CP was used as an independent variable.

Contrasting Performance of Two Winter Wheat Varieties Susceptible to Leaf Rust under Diverse Pathogen Pressure, Fungicide Application, and Cultivation Practices.

This study investigated the relationship between yield, thousand kernel weight (TKW), and crude protein of soft white winter wheat-club variety (Barbee) and soft white winter wheat common variety (Zvezdana) susceptible to leaf rust and powdery mildew under different cultivation practices. Results revealed divergence in associations between yield, TKW, and crude protein loss of winter wheat varieties susceptible to obligate pathogens. Under the same level of leaf rust infection, N-input limited yield loss of the two varieties but not to the same extent. TKW loss was affected only by variety×cultivation practice and was significantly correlated with yield loss (r = -0.727, p = 0.011) and crude protein loss (r = -0.600, p = 0.05) only in club winter wheat. We suspected that Ninput affects the difference in the relationship between yield and TKW loss among varieties. Crude protein and yield loss had a low association (R2 = 18%, p = 0.05). Finally, this study indicated that more attention should be paid to the determination of pathogen pressure that triggers yield loss. It also pointed out that yield, TKW, and crude protein response to fungicides could differ in susceptible varieties. The contribution of fungicide to yield enhancement was highly associated with the specific reaction of the variety to pathogen infection rather than solely the disease level itself.

Physicochemical stability, microbial growth and sensory quality of refined wheat flour as affected by packaging materials during storage

Wheat flour is a hygroscopic product requiring efficient packaging materials to maintain shelf stability and desired quality during long storage periods. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of four packaging materials (Paper bag, Polypropylene, woven polypropylene bag + Low-density polyethylene, and Purdue Improved Crops Storage) in preserving the physicochemical, microbial, and sensory quality of refined wheat flour over 6 months at room temperature (14.8−26.80 °C). The experiment was conducted under laboratory conditions at the Postharvest Management and Animal Nutrition Laboratory of Jimma University College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine. Results revealed that hermetic packaging materials, specifically Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) and Polypropylene bag + low-density Polyethylene (PP + LDPE), were the most effective in maintaining flour quality compared to non-hermetic options such as woven polypropylene bag (PP) and paper bag. As storage duration increased, there was a gradual decline in physicochemical quality, albeit to varying degrees depending on the packaging material. Nutritional losses were significantly lower in hermetic packaging materials. For instance, crude protein losses were 1.82% in PICS and 2.81% in PP + LDPE, compared to 4.64% in woven PP and 3.81% in paper bags. Moisture content increased by 4.43% with PP bags and 3.92% with paper bags, while the slightest changes, 1.99%, and 2.03%, were observed in PICS and PP + LDPE bags, respectively. Additionally, hermetic packaging materials reduced microbial growth. They maintained bulk density, water, and oil absorption capacity, as well as the odor and color of the stored flour compared to non-hermetic packaging materials evaluated. It is recommended that supply chain actors and consumers utilize PICS or PP + LDPE bags to ensure better physicochemical stability, microbial control, and sensory quality of refined wheat flour.

301 Effects of Different Sources and Particle Sizes of Field Peas on Ileal Digestibility of Amino Acids and Starch by Growing Pigs

Abstract The objective was to test the hypothesis that particle size and origin influence the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of starch and the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in field peas. Three sources of field peas were procured. One source was from the U.S. and 2 sources were from Canada. The U.S. source and 1 of the sources from Canada (i.e., Canada 1) were each divided into 2 batches and ground at 200 or 400 µm, whereas the other source from Canada (i.e., Canada 2) was only ground at 200 µm. Each source of field peas was included in one diet as the only source of AA. An N-free diet was used to determine the basal endogenous losses of crude protein (CP) and AA. Barrows (n = 6; initial body weight: 50.5 kg; SD = 3.7) that had a T-cannula installed in the distal ileum were randomly allotted to a 6 × 6 Latin square design with 6 diets and six 7-d periods. Ileal digesta from pigs were collected for 2 days after 5 days of adaptation. The statistical model included source as the fixed effect and animal and period as the random effects. Contrast statements were used to analyze effects of particle size, origin, and the interaction between particle size and origin. Results indicated that the AID of starch was increased by reducing the particle size of the U.S. source, but that was not the case for the Canada 1 source (interaction; P &amp;lt; 0.001; Table 1). No interactions were observed for the SID of CP or AA. The SID of CP and AA was not affected by particle size of field peas. The SID of CP and Trp was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and the SID of His, Ile, and Thr tended to be greater in the Canada 2 source (P &amp;lt; 0.10) than in the U.S. source. In conclusion, a few differences in the SID of AA in field peas produced in the U.S. or Canada were observed, but there was no effect on SID of AA of reducing the particle size of field peas from 400 to 200 µm. However, the effect of particle size on the AID of starch was greater in field peas from the U.S. compared with field peas from Canada.

Allometric scaling exponents for individual amino acids differ significantly from that of protein in juvenile barramundi (Lates calcarifer).

An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of fish size on losses of crude protein and amino acids during a period of fasting in barramundi (Lates calcarifer). Fifteen fish within six size classes (10.5 ± 0.23 g; 19.2 ± 0.19 g; 28.3 ± 0.08 g; 122.4 ± 0.17 g; 217.6 ± 0.62 g; 443.7 ± 2.56 g) were housed in triplicate 600 L tanks, provided with 30.0 (±0.2) 0C seawater and held under a photoperiod of 12 h light:12 h dark using artificial lighting for a period of 21 days, during which time they remained unfed. Losses in crude protein and individual amino acids over this period, relative to the geometric mean weight of the animals, were used to calculate allometric scaling exponents for each parameter. Contrary to previous assumptions, live weight exponents for the loss of the majority of the proteinogenic amino acids differed significantly from that of crude protein, with most being higher, while that of the branched chain amino acids and cystine were lower. Additionally, that of the sum of all proteinogenic amino acids was significantly higher than of crude protein, suggesting an influence of fish size on utilisation of non-protein nitrogen. The use of these individual amino acid-specific weight exponents may correct for changes in individual amino acid requirements in barramundi more accurately than use of the protein weight exponent commonly used in feed utilisation modelling.

The Potential of Pre-fermented Juice or Lactobacillus Inoculants to Improve the Fermentation Quality of Mixed Silage of Agro-Residue and Lucerne.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of pre-fermented juice, Lactobacillus plantarum, and L. buchneri on chemical composition, fermentation, aerobic stability, dynamics of microbial community, and metabolic pathway of a mixture of lucerne, wheat bran (WB), and rice straw (RS). All mixtures were ensiled for 1, 3, 5, 7, 15, 30, and 45 days after treatment with uninoculated (control, C); L. plantarum [LP, 1 × 106 cfu/g of fresh weight (FW)]; L. buchneri (LB, 1 × 106 cfu/g of FW); LP + LB (LPB, 1 × 106 cfu/g of FW of each inoculant); and pre-fermented juice (J; 2 × 106 cfu/g of FW). Four lactic acid bacteria (LAB) species from three genera were cultured from the pre-fermented juice, with W. cibaria being dominant. The inoculants increased lactic acid (LA), decreased pH and ammonia nitrogen (AN) compared to C silage at earlier stages of ensiling, and high dry matter (DM) and water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content in inoculated silages. Adding LPB increased the abundance of L. plantarum, L. paralimentarius, and L. nodensis, resulting in the lowest pH. Pre-fermented juice enriched W. cibaria, L. sakei, L. parabrevis, Pseudomonas putida, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, mainly enhanced accumulation of acetic acid (AA) and LA, and decreased pH, crude protein losses, AN, and hemicellulose contents. L. buchneri and L. brevis had a high abundance in LB-treated and J silages, respectively, inhibited undesirable bacteria, and improved aerobic stability with more than 16 days. In addition, the metabolic pathways changed with time and L. buchneri inoculants promoted global metabolism. In conclusion, inoculations altered bacterial succession and metabolic pathways in silage; LB and pre-fermented juice enhanced ensiling by promoting pH reductions, enhancing concentrations of LA and AA, and extending aerobic stability more than 16 days.

The effect of infrared radiation on gluten aggregation and pasting properties of wheat flours with different protein content

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of a designed infrared (IR) assisted ribbon mixer system for thermal modification of wheat flours that had different protein content and intended use (bread, cake, and biscuit wheat flours). Additionally, the effect of IR treatment, which was conducted using five different IR power levels for either short or medium wave IR emitters, on gluten content and quality, gluten aggregation and rheological properties of flours were determined. IR treatment resulted in minor crude protein loss (1–2%) in flours. Moreover, the effect of IR treatment on wet gluten and gluten index values was insignificant for bread and cake wheat flours, while it was significant for biscuit wheat flour. Torque maximum values were not significantly affected from IR treatment regardless of the flour type while the treatment caused a significant decrease in peak maximum time values up to 33%. Besides, the effect of IR treatment on maximum viscosity and breakdown viscosity values was insignificant for all flour types (p > 0.05). It was concluded that IR treatment may cause minor changes in gluten functionality and pasting properties of the flours depending on the type of flour and process conditions.

Dried soybean curd residue: A promising absorbent for cleaner production of high-quality silage

In humid and rainy regions, such as tropical and subtropical areas, forage crops have a high moisture content and are difficult to wilt after harvest, which can easily cause poor fermentation and effluent production of silage. In the present study, the best product, with a high moisture-absorbing capacity (MAC) and stable structure, was selected from 12 types of agricultural and sideline products and the effects of its addition to high-moisture Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) silage at 0%, 3%, 6%, or 9% of fresh grass weight were studied. The results showed that dried soybean curd residue (SR) not only had the strongest MAC but also had the most stable structure at different pH levels. Adding SR even at 3% significantly improved fermentation quality and reduced protein degradation and effluent production (38.3 vs. 107.5 ml kg−1 FM) during ensiling compared with those in the control (P < 0.01). The effluent production of control silage significantly increased in the first 30 days of ensiling (P < 0.01) and, thereafter, did not increase (P > 0.05). The dry matter and crude protein losses from the effluent in the control silage significantly increased (P < 0.01) during early ensiling (3–15 d), and there were no significant changes (30–60 d, P > 0.05). The addition of 6% SR completely prevented the production of effluent from the silage. These results demonstrate that SR is a promising and efficient moisture absorbent for cleaner production of high-quality silages without effluent.

Nutrient digestibility and endogenous protein losses in the foregut and small intestine of weaned dairy calves fed calf starters with conventional or enzyme-treated soybean meal

The aims of this experiment were (1) to compare the effects of a soybean meal with an enzymatic treatment (ESBM) to reduce the concentration of antinutritional factors versus a standard soybean meal (SBM) on foregut and small intestine digestion in weaned dairy calves and (2) to estimate the endogenous losses of crude protein (CP) in the small intestine. Our hypothesis was that a diet containing ESBM instead of SBM would improve ruminal and small intestine digestion and absorption of nutrients. A T-cannula was placed in the duodenum, and a second T-cannula was installed in the distal ileum of 12 Holstein calves at approximately 3 wk of age. Calves were weaned on d 42, and on d 50 they were assigned randomly to a quadruplicated 3 × 3 Latin square with 10-d periods. Digesta samples were collected on d 7 and 8 from the ileum and d 9 and 10 from the duodenum. The diets were fed for ad libitum intake and consisted of a calf starter (CS) of 20% CP with SBM as the main source of protein (CTRL), and an isonitrogenous CS with an ESBM instead of SBM (ENZT). A third diet with a low content of CP (10%) and no soy protein was fed to estimate endogenous N losses and digestibilities of test ingredients. Flows and digestibilities of nutrients were compared between CTRL and ENZT and their test ingredients (SBM vs. ESBM, respectively). Duodenal net flows of CP and total AA as well as ruminal microbial protein synthesis per kilogram of digested CP were greater, and flow of nonprotein N and CP true (corrected by endogenous and microbial flows) foregut digestibility were lower with ENZT than CTRL. The apparent small intestine digestibilities of CP and total AA were greater for ESBM than SBM, but there were no differences between the CTRL and ENZT diets. We observed no differences in digestibilities at the duodenum or ileum of starch or NDF, but true small intestine digestibilities of CP and all AA were greater with ENZT than CTRL. Total endogenous protein losses in the small intestine estimated from calves fed the low-CP with no soy protein diet were 37 ± 1.5 g of CP and 29 ± 1.4 g of AA/kg of DMI. These values may be considered the basal endogenous losses as they are similar to values obtained with the regression method, which estimates N losses when dietary N is null. Our results indicated that the inclusion of an ESBM improved the efficiency of ruminal microbial protein synthesis per digested kilogram of organic matter and CP, and increased CP and AA absorption in the small intestine despite a greater proportion of undigested dietary protein entering the duodenum.

Short communication: A pilot study to describe duodenal and ileal flows of nutrients and to estimate small intestine endogenous protein losses in weaned calves

The aims of this pilot study were (1) to evaluate the effect of an ileal and duodenal cannulation surgery on body weight and dry matter intake, (2) to estimate endogenous losses of crude protein (CP) and AA in the small intestine, and (3) to describe duodenal and ileal flows of nutrients in weaned dairy calves. Three Holstein male calves were fitted at 7 wk of life with a T-cannula at the terminal ileum and another cannula at the proximal duodenum. On wk 14 of life, calves were randomly assigned to a single 3 × 3 Latin square with 10-d periods. The 3 diets were fed ad libitum and consisted of a control calf starter (CS) with conventional soybean meal (SBM) as the main source of protein (CTRL), an isonitrogenous (20% CP) CS with an enzyme-treated SBM as the main source of protein (ENZT), and a CS with low content of CP (10%) and no soy protein (LOCP). Flows and digestibilities of nutrients were compared between the soy-based high-protein diets (HICP) and LOCP, and between CTRL and ENZT. Final data were only available from 2 calves per diet (n = 2) because cannulas from 1 calf became inoperative after the first collection period. Duodenal flows of CP, total AA, nonprotein nitrogen, microbial N, and fatty acids, as well as apparent duodenal digestibility of starch, were greater for HICP than for LOCP, indicating a greater foregut microbial activity and digestion. The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of organic matter, CP, and total AA were greater for HICP than for LOCP. Duodenal net flow of CP was greater for ENZT than for CTRL, but flow of AA was not different. On the other hand, duodenal flow of microbial N was greater, and flows of nonprotein N and starch were lower for the ENZT diet, suggesting a more efficient microbial activity in the rumen. Even though CTRL had a greater AID when compared with ENZT, the AID of CP and AA were greater for enzyme-treated SBM than for SBM. Endogenous losses in the small intestine per kilogram of duodenal dry matter flow were 47 ± 15 and 37 ± 12 g/d, and the true ileal digestibilities for the HICP diets were 86 ± 0.1 and 87 ± 0.1% for CP and AA, respectively. An optimal supply of CP and the inclusion of an enzyme-treated SBM improved the efficiency of microbial digestion and increased AA absorption. Although further research with greater biological replication is needed, our results indicate that there is potential to improve digestion and absorption of proteins through dietary strategies in young weaned calves.

Effects of swine manure application and row spacing on growth of pearl millet (&lt;i&gt;Cenchrus americanus&lt;/i&gt;) during the establishment period and quality of silage produced in Southwest Nigeria

The effects of swine manure application and row spacing on dry matter yields of Cenchrus americanus (pearl millet) at 6 weeks after sowing and chemical composition, fermentative characteristics and in vitro gas production of silage produced from the forage were studied. The design was a 2 × 2 factorial with 2 row spacings (0.5 and1.0 m) and 2 levels of manure application [no manure (Control) and swine manure at 5 t/ha (22% DM; 0.34% N on DM basis)] replicated 3 times. Swine manure application had no effect (P&gt;0.05) on dry matter yield but a row spacing of0.5 m produced higher (P&lt;0.05) dry matter yields than 1.0 m spacing (mean 7.05 vs. 5.57 t DM/ha). Fresh forage from manured treatments had significantly higher crude protein concentration (114.9–124.2 g/kg DM) than from unfertilized plots (86.2–95.1 g/kg DM). After being ensiled for 42 days, CP% in the forage had declined by 16–18% but relative differences remained. Quality measurements indicated that silages from the various treatments were all of acceptable standard although CP% of silage from Control plots was barely high enough to provide a maintenance diet. This study suggests that, under the experimental conditions, planting of pearl millet at a spacing of0.5 m rather than 1.0 m would increase DM yields obtained in the first 6 weeks of growth, while application of swine manure would not affect yields but would increase CP% of forage produced. The laboratory study indicates that the forage produced could be ensiled successfully although there was significant loss of crude protein during the process. Since there were no significant increases in DM yields of forage, other benefits, e.g. increase in N concentration, improved soil organic matter, etc., would need to be considered in justifying the additional cost of drying and applying the manure.

Energy-Qualitative and Sustainable Impacts on Differents Soy Grain Drying Technologies

The objective of this current paper is to evaluate, in real production scale, the management of soybean batches in the storage unit of harvested grains that are submitted to drying processes with different technologies, such an evaluation can contribute to minimizing energy and qualitative losses, and to ensuring the grain quality and sustainability of the postharvest system. The experiment was realized in full-scale production and the treatments utilized were lots moist soybean crop (SUL), RR dry soybean (SSLRR), RR2 dry soybean (SSLRR2), dried soybean in continuous dryer (SSS1) (11.0%), dried soybean silo-dryer (SSS2) (12.5%), dried soybean in silo aerator (SSS3) (14.0%). Energy losses and grain quality as a function of drying management ranged from 2.5 to 16.4% in energy, from 0.23 to 3.26% in crude protein and 0.15 to 3.05% in oil&amp;mdash;the maximum yield of wet soybeans harvested from the crop (SUL) at 17% (w.b.). Considering the annual Brazilian soybean production, energy losses reach up to 162,282.50 m&amp;sup3; of firewood, approximately 2,116,963,470 kg of crude protein and 810,616,800 liters of crude oil. This would ensure lower losses and higher grain quality, including better yield of protein and crude oil, specifically reducing energy impacts by increasing the efficiency of the drying system. The current study concluded that the SSS1 drying system reduces energy-environmental impacts by 80.23%, reduces crude protein losses by 94.73%, and crude oil by 95.08%.

PSVI-9 Nutrient and energy digestibility of steam-exploded canola meal in cannulated grower pigs

Abstract Nutrient digestibility is lower in canola meal (CM) than soybean meal due to its fiber matrix. High steam pressure processing may increase nutrient digestibility of CM in pigs. To explore, Brassica napus CM was processed at 700 or 1,100 kPa followed by sudden release of pressure to ambient and yielded steam-exploded CM7 and CM11, respectively. The CM, CM7, and CM11 were included at 40% in 3 test diets. An N-free diet was fed to pigs to measure basal endogenous losses of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) and served as basal to measure energy digestibility of CM. Seven ileal cannulated grower pigs (initial BW, 29 kg) were fed the 4 diets over three 9-d periods in 2 Youden squares. Pigs were fed diets at 3.0 × maintenance (110 kcal of DE per kg of BW0.75). Compared to CM, CM7, and CM11 had reduced chemical availability of lysine (87.6 vs. 83.1 and 85.7%), but lower glucosinolate content (1.14 vs. 0.99 and 0.92 µmol/g). Apparent ileal and total tract digestibility of energy was lower (P &lt; 0.05) for CM7 than CM and intermediate for CM11, resulting in lower (P &lt; 0.05) predicted net energy for CM7 and CM11 than CM (1.88 and 1.91 vs. 1.94 Mcal/kg, respectively). Standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of lysine was lower (P &lt; 0.05) for CM7 and CM11 than CM (67.1 and 70.3% vs. 74.3, respectively). The SID of threonine was lower (P &lt; 0.05) for CM7 than CM and intermediate for CM11. In summary, steam-explosion of CM damaged lysine reducing its digestibility and did not increase energy digestibility. In conclusion, steam-explosion of CM did not increase nutrient digestibility of CM for pigs.

Ileal digestibility of amino acids in corn condensed distiller’s solubles and whole stillage for pigs

The immense growth in global bioethanol production has greatly increased the supply of by-products such as whole stillage and condensed distiller’s solubles, which could be potentially used for animal feeding. The objective of this experiment was to determine apparent ileal digestibility coefficients (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility coefficients (SID) of crude protein and amino acids in corn condensed distiller’s solubles (CCDS) and corn whole stillage (CWS) when fed to pigs. A total of 18 finishing barrows with an average initial body weight 79.4 ± 4.5 kg and a simple T cannula in the distal ileum were used in this experiment. Two test diets were formulated with CCDS or CWS as the sole source of amino acids, and a nitrogen free diet was used for estimation of basal ileal endogenous losses of crude protein and amino acids. The direct procedure was employed for calculation of AID and SID in the two by-products. Compared with CWS, CCDS had higher SID of crude protein (0.864 vs. 0.796; P = 0.03) and lysine (0.821 vs. 0.743, P = 0.10), but lower SID of methionine (0.730 vs. 0.831, P = 0.009), and similar SID of threonine (0.762 vs. 0.710, P = 0.26), tryptophan (0.862 vs. 0.863, P = 0.98), and cysteine (0.675 vs. 0.686, P = 0.74). The information generated from this experiment can be used for formulation of swine diets containing these two ethanol by-products.

Analysis of the potentiality haying of native forage species in semiarid region

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential hay production from Spiny Amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus), Hairy Woodrose (Merremia aegyptia), Malva (Sida galheirensis), Mucuna (Mucuna pruriens) and Ervanço (Froelichia humboldtiana), native forage species of the semiarid region of Brazil by observing morphological components of the plant, such as the dehydration curve, crude protein loss (CPL) curve, chemical composition of plant and hay and hay degradability in situ. There were differences (P &lt; 0.05) among species on leaf, stem and inflorescence quantification with Ervanço, Hairy Woodrose, and Mucuna having a greater number of leaves. There was a linearly increasing response for the dehydration curve of the five forage plants species. Mucuna forage had the greatest hay point at 800 g kg-1 dried matter (DM) after 11.8 hours and Woodrose had a lower dehydration efficiency, which required 25 hours of sun exposure. There was no difference in CPL. Mucuna had the lowest crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) content, 8.4, 67.7 and 73.8 g kg DM-1 in hay in relation to the plant, respectively. Ervanço, Spiny Amaranth, Hairy Woodrose and Malva hay had more of soluble fraction “a” of DM of 31.0, 26.2, 22.1 and 9.7 g kg-1 DM than Mucuna, respectively. Spiny Amaranth and Malva hay had values of 335.4 and 193.2 g kg-1 DM of fraction “b” more than Ervanço hay, respectively. For fraction “a’’ of CP, Spiny Amaranth and Hairy Woodrose hay obtained 312.6 and 227.4 g kg-1 CP more than that observed for Malva, respectively. Mucuna had better hay potential among the forage studied in the semiarid region of Brazil.

Effect of fermentation of soybean meal with varying protein solubility on ileal digestibility of nutrients in growing pigs

Apparent ileal digestibility and standardised ileal digestibility of energy, dry matter, nitrogen and amino acids were evaluated in five cannulated [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc)] barrows with an initial bodyweight of 27.1 ± 0.58 kg in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Pigs were fed unfermented soybean meal (USM) as control and fermented soybean meal A, B and C (FSMA, FSMB and FSMC, respectively), with 52.4%, 62.0% and 71.8% protein solubility, respectively, and a nitrogen-free diet. The nitrogen-free diet was used to determine basal endogenous losses of crude protein and amino acids. The apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter and nitrogen was greater (P &lt; 0.05) in FMSC and tended to improve in FSMA and FSMB compared with the control. The apparent ileal digestibility of isoleucine, phenylalanine and valine was greater in all fermented soybean meal whereas that of lysine was greater (P &lt; 0.05) in FSMC compared with USM. Likewise, the apparent ileal digestibility of aspartic acid and proline was greater (P &lt; 0.05) in FSMA and FSMC. The standardised ileal digestibility of crude protein and lysine was higher (P &lt; 0.05) in FSMC and tended to improve in FSMA and FSMB whereas the standardised ileal digestibility of isoleucine was higher (P &lt; 0.05) in FSMA, FSMB and FSMC compared with USM. In conclusion, fermentation of soybean meal showed better digestibility compared with USM regardless of its protein solubility values.

Características nutricionais e perdas no processo fermentativo de silagens de milho, colhidas em diferentes estádios reprodutivos com diferentes processamentos de grãos

The aim of this study was evaluate the harvest of corn plant in different reproductive stages and different processing grain about losses and nutritive value of silages. Significant differences in the stage of harvest showed up in lower (P &lt;0.05) for dry matter (26.70% against 34.78%) and higher values for contents of mineral matter (4.35 % against 3.87%), acid detergent fiber (32.63% vs. 23.36%) and neutral detergent fiber (52.06% against 42.07%) in the level of harvest dough (R3 ) compared to the level of hard grain (R5), respectively. High dry matter losses were found at stage R3, which are the dimensions of 14.59% and 20.06% respectively to silages with and without grain processor, significantly different (P&gt; 0.05) results found for the R5 stage, which had an average loss of around 5.77%, demonstrating that silage harvested at R5 stage, allow greater dry matter recovery and hence greater savings for the farmer. Regarding the parameter of losses of crude protein, there were no significant differences for the effects of isolated or associated stages of harvesting and processing of grain in corn silage. Large differences can be perceived as the loss of neutral detergent fiber and loss of acid detergent fiber silage, justified by the increase in the levels of acid detergent fiber in the average share of 22.96% in the silage harvested at stage R3 and reduction in their concentration with an average of 4.60% for the R5 stage. No significant differences were observed (P &lt;0.05) for the particle size as the different treatments, only significance being observed as the participation of whole grains in bulk, this ranging on average from 2.59% to 10.27% dry matter, respectively for stage R3 and R4-R5. In general, silage maize plant reproductive stage R5 provided smaller losses nutritious silage storage and greater accumulation of grains in bulk when compared to R3 stage.

Determination and prediction of the amino Acid digestibility of sunflower seed meals in growing pigs.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the chemical composition and amino acid (AA) digestibility of sunflower seed meal (SFSM) and to use this data to develop prediction equations for estimating AA digestibility for growing pigs. Ten SFSM were collected from five provinces in China. Twelve barrows (38.8±4.6 kg), fitted with ileal T-cannula were allotted into two 6×6 Latin square designs. Each of six experimental periods comprised a 5-d adaption period followed by a 2-d collection of ileal digesta. The ten test diets contained 50% SFSM as the sole source of AA. Another nitrogen-free diet was used to measure the basal endogenous losses of crude protein (CP) and AA. Chromic oxide (0.3%) was used as an inert marker in each diet. There was considerable variation (CV>10%) among the ten SFSM in chemical composition (dry matter [DM]). The concentration of CP and ether extract (EE) ranged from 29.33% to 39.09% and 0.88% to 11.33%, respectively. Crude fibre (CF), neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre ranged from 21.46% to 36.42%, 38.15% to 55.40%, and 24.59% to 37.34%, respectively. There was variation among the ten SFSM in apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) for lysine and threonine, which ranged from 63.16 to 79.21 and 55.19% to 72.04% for AID and 67.03% to 82.07% and 61.97% to 77.01% for SID, respectively. The variation in CP and methionine ranged from 60.13% to 74.72% and 74.79% to 88.60% for AID and 66.70% to 79.31% and 77.16% to 90.27% for SID, respectively. Methionine was a good indicator to predict AA digestibility. These results indicate that conventional chemical composition of SFSM was variable (CV>10%) among the ten SFSM (DM). The results of AID, SID and prediction equations could be used to evaluate the digestibility of SFSM in growing pigs.

Protein content of leaf-cutting ant queens before the nuptial flight and during the post-claustral phase

Protein content of leaf-cutting ant queens before the nuptial flight and during the post-claustral phase. This study evaluated the crude protein content of queens of Atta sexdens before the nuptial flight and after the claustral phase in laboratory and field colonies. The hypothesis was that protein is used for survival of the queen and for early colony growth during the claustral phase. Additionally, the nest morphology, live biomass and adult population of field colonies were evaluated. Crude protein was determined by digestion of the organic material with sulfuric acid at high temperatures. The mean crude protein content was 123.23 ± 11.20 mg for females before the nuptial flight and 70.44 ± 12.21 mg for laboratory-reared queens after the claustral phase. The post-claustral crude protein content of field-collected queen was 55.90 ± 9.18 mg. With respect to the loss of crude protein as a function of duration of the claustral phase, laboratory-reared queens lost 52.79 mg and field-collected queens lost 67.33 mg compared to females before the nuptial flight. A positive linear correlation was observed between the weight of field-collected queens (256.4 ± 36.3 mg) and colony biomass (13.02 ± 9.12 g), but there was no correlation between biomass and nest depth (13.11 ± 3.82 cm). As expected, the present results support the hypothesis that protein is used for survival of the queen and for early colony growth, as demonstrated by the reduction in crude protein content as a function of duration of the claustral phase. To our knowledge, this is the first study to provide data of the dynamics of protein reserves in leaf-cutting ant queens during the claustral phase.

Amino acid digestibility in low-fat distillers dried grains with solubles fed to growing pigs.

The objective of this experiment was to determine the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in 3 sources of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) with different concentrations of fat. Twelve growing barrows (initial body weight: 76.1 6.2 kg) were randomly allotted to a replicated 6 × 4 Youden square design with 6 diets and 4 periods. The fat content of the 3 sources of DDGS were 11.5, 7.5, and 6.9% respectively. Diets contained 60% DDGS and fat concentration of the diets were 7.5, 5.2, and 5.2%, respectively. Two additional diets containing the 2 sources of DDGS with 7.5 and 6.9% fat were also formulated, and corn oil was added to these diets to increase the concentration of fat in the diets to levels that were calculated to be similar to the diet containing conventional DDGS with 11.5% fat. A N-free diet was also formulated to calculate endogenous losses of crude protein (CP) and AA from the pigs. Pigs were fed experimental diets during four 7-d periods. The first 5 d of each period were an adaptation period and ileal digesta were collected on d 6 and 7 of each period. The apparent ileal digestibililty (AID) and SID of CP and all indispensable AA, except AID Pro and SID of Trp, were greater (P < 0.01) in conventional DDGS than in the 2 sources of DDGS with reduced fat. Adding oil to the diets containing the 2 sources of DDGS with reduced fat did not consistently increase SID of AA. In conclusion, conventional DDGS has greater SID values for most AA compared with DDGS that contains less fat and inclusion of additional oil to diets containing low-fat DDGS does not increase AID or SID of AA. The lower AA digestibility in low-fat DDGS could not be overcome by the inclusion of additional fat to the diets.